UBS Welcomes Veteran Financial Advisor Shahan Avakian to Its Walnut Creek Office as Part of Strategic Wealth Management Expansion
UBS Wealth Management US has announced the latest addition to its advisor ranks with the hiring of veteran Financial Advisor Shahan Avakian. Bringing more than two decades of industry experience, Avakian joins UBS’s Walnut Creek, California, office, accompanied by Client Service Associate Jennifer Argento-Khashabi. The move is a part of UBS’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in key regional markets and deepen its offerings to a diverse client base, including non-profit organizations, homeowners’ associations, and individual investors.
Shahan Avakian’s team specializes in delivering personalized investment management solutions tailored for organizations and individuals alike. With a focus on long-term wealth planning and an emphasis on risk-managed strategies, the team is especially experienced in handling the unique needs of non-profits and community-based associations. In addition, they offer comprehensive financial planning services for families, business owners, and individuals approaching or already in retirement.
Strategic Growth in the Walnut Creek Market
UBS has steadily invested in talent and infrastructure across high-potential markets in the U.S., and the Walnut Creek office is no exception. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek represents a region marked by economic diversity, strong philanthropic engagement, and a growing demand for sophisticated wealth management services. The addition of Avakian and Argento-Khashabi is a strategic move by UBS to align with the needs of local communities and institutional clients in this thriving financial landscape.
Joshua Breeden, Market Director for UBS in Walnut Creek, expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions. “On behalf of UBS, we’re thrilled to welcome Shahan and Jennifer to our firm,” said Breeden. “Their extensive industry experience and unwavering dedication to their clients will be invaluable assets to our team. We are confident that Shahan and Jennifer will help us continue to enhance our client offerings and build lasting relationships in this key market.”
A Deep-Rooted Commitment to Client Success
Shahan Avakian’s approach to wealth management is grounded in both experience and client-centric values. Over the course of his 25-year career, he has developed a reputation for guiding clients through both bullish and bearish markets. His expertise has proven particularly vital during periods of economic uncertainty, including three major U.S. recessions. Rather than reacting emotionally to market downturns, Avakian emphasizes disciplined investing, a focus on fundamentals, and strategies tailored to each client’s long-term goals.
“At the heart of my practice is a commitment to helping people navigate complex financial decisions with confidence,” said Avakian. “Whether I’m working with a non-profit looking to preserve capital while funding community programs, or with a couple planning for retirement, my goal is to provide clear, data-driven strategies that support long-term stability and growth.”
Avakian’s clients span a wide spectrum—from homeowners’ associations managing reserves and community funds, to business owners transitioning into retirement or planning generational wealth transfers. With an eye on preserving capital and maximizing returns, he draws from a broad toolkit that includes equities, fixed income, alternative investments, insurance, and structured products, all tailored to each client’s unique risk tolerance and time horizon.
Transition from Morgan Stanley
Avakian joins UBS from Morgan Stanley, where he established a successful practice based on integrity, consistency, and service. During his tenure at Morgan Stanley, he developed an expansive client roster and deep community ties, particularly within the Bay Area’s network of nonprofit leaders and association managers.
His decision to move to UBS was driven in part by the firm’s global resources, research depth, and advanced technology platforms that enhance the client experience. UBS’s commitment to independence, objectivity, and long-term planning resonated strongly with Avakian’s personal advisory philosophy.
“UBS stood out to me for its advisor-driven culture, its strength in client service, and its commitment to innovation,” Avakian noted. “The tools and support offered here allow me to spend more time with my clients, doing what matters most—helping them build financial futures with confidence.”
A Strong Partnership: Jennifer Argento-Khashabi
Joining Avakian in this transition is Client Service Associate Jennifer Argento-Khashabi, who brings administrative expertise, operational knowledge, and a dedication to client service. Known for her attention to detail and proactive communication, Argento-Khashabi plays a critical role in ensuring that each client’s experience is seamless, responsive, and personalized.
Together, Avakian and Argento-Khashabi offer a comprehensive approach to client care—from portfolio construction and performance analysis to account management and ongoing service. Their combined skills create a holistic, client-centered team that aligns perfectly with UBS’s mission to deliver high-touch, goal-based wealth planning.
Educational and Professional Foundation
A graduate of California State University, Hayward (now California State University, East Bay), Avakian holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His academic training laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of investment analysis, portfolio construction, and economic risk management.
In addition to his formal education, Avakian has continued his professional development through ongoing certifications and training in financial planning, asset allocation, and retirement income strategies. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, adapting, and staying ahead of an ever-evolving financial landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Avakian plans to expand his practice by continuing to focus on relationship-driven growth. He sees opportunity in deepening partnerships with local non-profits, expanding retirement planning offerings, and helping small businesses build continuity plans that ensure financial resilience.
“The financial world is becoming more complex, not less,” Avakian said. “That’s why our job as advisors is more important than ever. We need to provide clarity, be proactive about planning, and help people make confident decisions amid uncertainty. UBS offers the platform and resources to do that at the highest level.”
About UBS
UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. UBS manages 6.1 trillion dollars of invested assets as per fourth quarter 2024. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm is operating in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
For more information about UBS and its offerings, visit ubs.com.
