Scott Stackman and Lyle Casriel lead the Stackman | Casriel Group at UBS Private Wealth Management, managing an impressive portfolio of $9.5 billion. Based in New York City, their team of 18 has developed a reputation for its personalized service, carefully catering to the financial needs of approximately 80 families. Both Stackman and Casriel hail from neighboring regions—Stackman from Long Island and Casriel from Manhattan—and have been collaborating closely for nearly two decades. Their professional connection first formed at Lehman Brothers, where they laid the groundwork for their future partnership, with Stackman transitioning to UBS in 2008 followed almost immediately by Casriel. Their commitment to knowing each client personally and fostering a dedicated experience sets them apart in a highly competitive landscape.
In the current investment climate, where many aspects of investing are commoditized, the group focuses on differentiation through their innovative approach to portfolio management. Stackman emphasizes the importance of creating alpha—increasing investment returns above the benchmark—by providing valuable guidance that goes beyond mere investment choices. This holistic service model includes estate planning elements, tailored investment strategies, and exposure to alternative assets. Their methodology illustrates a deep understanding of client needs, paving the way for bespoke solutions that prioritize both financial growth and client satisfaction.
The team’s investment philosophy embraces a customized endowment model, aiming for resilient and versatile portfolio designs. On the equities front, they employ a balanced approach, featuring tax loss harvesting as a key strategy within primarily passive portfolios. They also integrate a measured allocation to active managers and traditional equity investments. The Stackman | Casriel group has shifted its bond strategy, acknowledging the limited returns from fixed income assets over the past decade. In response to this, they have added duration to their portfolios as interest rates surged, and have a keen focus on alternative investments that typically offer enhanced returns with lower volatility.
Looking towards the future, Stackman notes that many clients currently enjoy substantial gains but also hold significant cash reserves due to market uncertainty. The group’s strategy involves a cautious yet tactical entry into the market, capitalizing on structured products that offer downside protection or selling puts secured by treasury bills. Their outlook is characterized as cautiously optimistic, with expectations of improved private equity opportunities as interest rates decline. While Stackman recognizes that equity valuations are relatively high, he believes that the earnings landscape and interest rate trends appear supportive, setting an expectation for single-digit returns in the coming year rather than the double-digit gains clients have become accustomed to.
The nuances of managing client expectations also play a vital role in the Stackman | Casriel approach. They prioritize understanding each client’s goals and aligning their strategies accordingly, ensuring that emotional biases do not cloud decision-making and that the clients can trust their expertise completely. Stackman asserts that the cornerstone of their working relationship with clients is built on trust, ensuring that clients feel confident that their advisors will navigate complex financial situations effectively. This level of understanding enables clients to engage in a collaborative decision-making process that puts their best interests first.
Ultimately, the Stackman | Casriel Group distinguishes themselves through a unique combination of personalized service, a comprehensive investment strategy, and a commitment to building enduring client relationships. By navigating an intricate financial landscape with tailored solutions, the team consistently aims to provide clients with both peace of mind and paths to robust financial growth. As they continue to adapt their strategies to the evolving market conditions, their focus remains firmly on delivering value through trust, expertise, and a deep-rooted understanding of each client’s distinct financial objectives.