Bank expands wealth management program

OAK RIDGE — Lakeland Bank has recently enhanced and expanded its wealth management program to include managed money advisory services, bond portfolio analysis and separately managed accounts for individuals, trusts and endowments, providing more alternatives for our client base. “In this economy, individuals need a comprehensive wealth management program in the same way that people need to consider other longer term initiatives such as health care,” said Thomas J. Shara, president and CEO of Lakeland Bank. “It’s a protective measure.” “We’ve always offered financial investment services to our clients,” he said. “Now we’re taking it to the next level, utilizing our relationships with the same fund managers that are sought by the large brokerage houses, but with a difference. We don’t bring any of the bias that might come with trying to sell a certain fund or program for the company that employs you, and we know our clients through our long-standing personal relationships.” Lakeland Bank offers a broad view of financial assets. Advisors provide independent financial counsel using nonproprietary products tailored to a client’s financial profile. They have full access to more than 80 leading institutional asset managers and, in many cases, can reduce the minimum investments required. A four-step process identifies a client’s goals, constructs an appropriate strategy, implements the investment plan and monitors its effectiveness through market cycles. Bank advisors work with customers to define an investment plan that is tailored to each specific situation. They begin with a client interview to review financial assets and client expectations. Then they run a diagnostic model to determine how the assets can be best allocated in light of changing market conditions and to ensure consistency with investment objectives. “It’s a relationship-based process, not simply a transactional one,” said Jeff Buonforte, executive vice president and head of the bank’s wealth management division. An advisor will meet with a client at any of the Lakeland Bank locations or at the client’s home or place of business. For more information or to set up an appointment, visit lakelandbank.com or call 866-224-1379 or visit any of the branch locations.