Raymond James hosts 1st Micronesia investment, retirement plans conference on Guam

Raymond James & Associates Inc. successfully hosted its Inaugural Micronesia Investment and Retirement Plans Conference for its clients in the region, bringing together a distinguished lineup of finance professionals, industry experts, and business leaders to discuss evolving trends in capital markets, wealth management, and retirement planning across the region.

The April 24 conference at Hyatt Regency Guam welcomed over 150 attendees.

It featured an engaging agenda of expert-led sessions, panels, and networking opportunities, spotlighting topics such as estate planning, alternative investments, and retirement plan solutions tailored for the broader Micronesian market.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Jason Miyashita, CIMA, CPWA, CPFA, CRPS, AIFA, managing director of Asia Pacific Group of Raymond James, and Bert White, Western Divisional director of Raymond James & Associates.

Virtual insights from Lawrence V. Adam III, CFA, CIMA, CFP, Raymond James’ chief investment officer, Private Client Group, kicked off the conference with a comprehensive capital markets outlook, highlighting key economic indicators, market trends, and strategic opportunities for long-term investors in today’s evolving financial landscape.

“We are honored to welcome our colleagues from the mainland and grateful for their partnership in making this inaugural conference a success,” Miyashita said in a statement. “Their presence underscores Raymond James’ deep commitment to serving the Micronesia region with the same level of excellence, insight, and innovation that defines our global network.”

Raymond James said the initiative demonstrates its long-term commitment to Guam and the broader Micronesian region, focused on bringing world-class financial expertise, personalized advisory services, and strategic retirement planning solutions to local markets.

It said this also represents a major step toward building lasting economic partnerships and fostering financial empowerment throughout the Pacific.

“We’re proud to bring this level of expertise and engagement to Guam and the broader Micronesia region,” Miyashita added. “It is our goal to continue building trusted relationships that support long-term financial well-being for our clients and communities.”

Additional conference highlights included:

• Estate and private wealth planning by Andy Waldbaum, complex manager, Raymond James & Associates
• Banking and lending services by Cinnamon Chaney, vice president, senior banking consultant, Raymond James Bank
• Asset management insights by Johnny Suarez, vice president, AMS Research, Raymond James & Associates
• Retirement plan trends and solutions by Renee Degner, Raymond James’ Institutional Fiduciary Solutions Retirement Endowment specialist and Dave Kaspersen, regional sales director, Difiniti
• Alternative investments panel moderated by Jason Miyashita, featuring representatives from Blackstone, Catalyst Funds, and Van Eck
• Capital markets panel, moderated by Raymond James’ financial advisor Amanda Gima, with speakers from Pacific Income Advisors, Atalanta Sosnoff Capital, and Lazard Asset Management