An exclusive wealth management boutique delivering bespoke, comprehensive solutions

Molly is responsible for establishing and leading the strategic vision and growth strategy of Connectus globally. As one of the initial architects of the Connectus business model, Molly passionately works alongside Connectus advisers to deliver strategic support and dedicated resources that generate better outcomes and experiences for clients and employees alike.

Before joining Connectus, Molly was a Managing Director at Focus Financial Partners, responsible for leading business development and acquisition activities across both the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. She also oversaw various international initiatives, including the expansion of Focus’ presence in Australia. Molly also worked closely with multiple Focus partner firms in delivering value-added resources to help execute strategic initiatives that accelerate growth.

Prior to Focus, Molly held a leadership position as the Head of the Strategic Initiatives Group at AXA US, where she led corporate strategy and business development initiatives to drive profitable growth and performance across the organization. She also previously worked within Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division, executing M&A, equity and debt transactions within the financial services industry. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, providing financial due diligence and other advisory services to private equity and corporate clients within the U.S. and Latin America.

Molly is a CPA and CFA charterholder. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, Molly enjoys running, scuba diving, international photography and cooking.

mbennard@connectusprivate.com

Chris is responsible for the strategy and governance of the operating models for Connectus adviser firms, and promoting consistency in solutions around technology, process, and investments. Chris works directly with the operations and investment teams at Connectus lines of business, ensuring they are getting the most out of their existing resources and implementing new tools and solutions as necessary. He has oversight and responsibility for the Connectus investment platform and collaborates with each partner’s investment committee.

Prior to his current role, Chris was the COO of NEIRG Wealth Management and oversaw the integration of NEIRG into Connectus Wealth Advisers. Chris joined NEIRG in 2020 to manage all operating functions at the firm, including client service, operations, investment research, trading, and compliance. With close to 20 years of experience in the industry, Chris spent a decade with another Focus Partner Firm, SCS Financial in Boston, MA. During his SCS tenure, he built the firm’s trading and client advisory services teams, managed the private fund administration group, and sat on the firm’s risk and compliance committees. Chris began his career at J.P. Morgan Chase in mutual and hedge fund administration.

Chris is a CFA charterholder and received a BS in Finance from the University of Rhode Island. He is a member of the CFA Society of Boston and chairs the Investment Policy Committee for the Town of West Newbury. He is an avid surfer, skier, and runner when not chasing around his three young children.

cwilde@connectusprivate.com

Frank Mentone, CFA is a Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor with Connectus Private. In this role, he works with clients to simplify their financial complexities, invest in and plan for the future. Frank is passionate about leveraging his education and CFA charter to provide clients holistic financial services, and he enjoys building relationships and helping clients and their families navigate wealth.

Beginning as an analyst at Goldman Sachs in 2012, Frank has worked in wealth management and private banking for a decade. Following Goldman Sachs, he spent seven years as an investment specialist at J.P. Morgan in New York City, where he served as a subject matter expert for SMAs, mutual funds and ETFs that were available on the platform. At J.P. Morgan, he also partnered with advisors across the US to build portfolios and allocate assets for clients.

Frank resides in Miami and is a member of the Miami CFA Institute. Outside of work, he’s a New York Yankees fan who enjoys competing in triathlons, golfing, tennis, cooking and renovating his home. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and traveling to see his family, including his three nephews and Brazilian in-laws.

fmentone@connectusprivate.com

Daniel López is a highly accomplished investment professional with extensive expertise in wealth management, private equity, and corporate finance spanning over two decades. At Connectus Private, he offers investment advisory services to ultra-high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family offices located in Florida, prioritizing a deep understanding of their unique financial needs and goals. Furthermore, he has extensive experience working with offshore clients seeking capital markets and family office solutions.

Daniel is a trusted partner for both institutional and private clients, specializing in managing complex financial situations with a focus on efficiency and risk management. He harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology coupled with his unique experiences to deliver tailored financial planning and portfolio management services.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Daniel holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute. He is an active member of both the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Miami, constantly expanding his knowledge and staying abreast of the latest industry trends.

When not working, Daniel enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Katie, and their two boys. Family is of utmost importance to him, and he cherishes any opportunity to cook, play, and relax with them.

dlopez@connectusprivate.com

Ambar is a highly experienced client service professional with an extensive background in the financial industry. In her current role at Connectus Private, she plays a critical role in spearheading all aspects of client service, working closely with teammates across the firm to ensure seamless onboarding, account maintenance, and capital deployment. Ambar is a skilled project manager who effectively coordinates the team's resources and ensures that all subject matter experts are kept in the loop to deliver exceptional service to clients.

Prior to joining Connectus Private, Ambar served as the lead account manager for a boutique financial planning firm with over $50 million in assets under management. In this capacity, she managed client relationships and ensured the successful day-to-day operations of all clients. Additionally, she gained a comprehensive skillset in the insurance industry.

Ambar holds an MBA in Finance from Florida International University and earned a double Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Political Science from the same institution. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new cultures and cuisines through travel and spending quality time with friends and family.

aramos@connectusprivate.com