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Financial Services Keynote Speaker

Mike Ross  CFP, CFA, ChFC, CTFA

With over 40 years of experience as a financial professional, Mike Ross brings a wealth of real-world insight and expertise to his speaking engagements. His high-impact presentations challenge financial advisors to think differently about how they guide clients and grow their practices. Mike’s sessions explore advanced topics like Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer, Charitable Giving, Tax Strategy, Behavioral Finance, and Client Psychology — offering practical, actionable strategies that help professionals elevate their advisory approach and deliver greater value to every client relationship.

TRUSTED BY TOP ORGANIZATIONS

Real Talk. Real Strategy. Inspiring Financial Pros to Think Bigger & Build Smarter.

Take the risk out of hiring your next financial speaker!

Mike Ross doesn’t do cookie-cutter talks. With over 40 years in the financial game, he delivers keynotes, workshops, and virtual sessions that challenge, provoke, and drive real change. Every presentation is built from the ground up for your audience—designed to spark action, shift mindsets, and elevate results (while having a little fun along the way).

Mike isn’t the guy who lectures from the stage—he’s the one who connects, engages, and pushes people to think differently about wealth, success, and what it takes to win in finance today. Get ready for a session that’s bold, practical, and unforgettable.

See What People Are Saying!

“Mike’s keynote was a game-changer. He doesn’t just talk about finance—he shows you how to think bigger and act smarter. Our team left energized, challenged, and ready to implement strategies that will actually move the needle. Truly unforgettable.”

Sarah L.

Senior Financial Advisor

“Hiring Mike was the best decision we made for our conference. His session was engaging, interactive, and packed with real-world insights. He kept the audience hooked from start to finish—and the feedback was off the charts! I would highly recommend Mike for your next event!”

James T.

Event Director

“Mike has a rare ability to take decades of financial experience and make it relevant, actionable, and even fun. His keynote sparked fresh ideas, inspired action, and gave our leadership team a new perspective on building sustainable wealth.” I Would Highly recommend

Linda R.

CEO

“Mike has a rare ability to take decades of financial experience and make it relevant, actionable, and even fun. His keynote sparked fresh ideas, inspired action, and gave our leadership team a new perspective on building sustainable wealth.” I highly Recommend Mike

Mark S.

Portfolio Manager
“Mike Ross brought the room to life. His insights were sharp, his delivery was real, and his message hit every financial professional in the gut—in the best way. I walked out rethinking everything about how I build portfolios.”I highly Recommend Mike for any event.

Karen D.

CFP®
“Mike doesn’t just speak—he connects, challenges, and transforms. His depth of experience is unmatched, and his ability to make complex financial concepts clear and actionable is pure genius. Our advisors are still talking about his session.”

Robert H.

Managing Partner

“You can feel Mike’s experience the moment he starts talking. He’s walked the walk, and it shows. His workshop was packed with real strategies we could use immediately. Straight talk, zero fluff, total value” I highly recommend Mike Ross for your event,

Jennifer M.

Financial Planner

Hi, I’m Mike!

Michael Ross is a powerhouse in the world of wealth management, a maverick whose career has been defined by results, strategy, and an unflinching approach to risk. As co-founder of the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, he has spent decades shaping the industry and mentoring the next generation of top-tier financial advisors. For nearly 40 years, Mike has navigated the twists and turns of global markets, successfully managing stock and bond portfolios that withstand volatility and deliver real growth.

A true innovator, Ross challenges conventional approaches, insisting that risk management—not speculation—is the cornerstone of long-term wealth. His philosophy isn’t theoretical—it’s battle-tested. Over the course of six bear markets, he has guided over half a billion dollars in portfolio funds with precision and discipline. Individual accounts under his management consistently thrive, with an average balance around $500,000.

But Mike’s impact goes far beyond his own clients. Advisors nationwide turn to him for guidance in managing both taxable and IRA accounts, tapping into his expertise to build stronger, smarter portfolios. With Mike Ross, it’s not just wealth management—it’s wealth mastery.

Mike isn’t the guy who lectures from the stage—he’s the one who connects, engages, and pushes people to think differently about wealth, success, and what it takes to win in finance today. Get ready for a session that’s bold, practical, and unforgettable.

Bring Mike Ross to Your stage—Book Today

Keynote Topics + Outcomes

The False Hope of Global Diversification

In this provocative keynote, veteran financial expert Mike Ross challenges one of investing’s most accepted truths. Mike exposes why global diversification may not be the safety net investors think it is—and what savvy professionals should be doing instead.

Outcome:

Attendees have more confidence in dealing with client objections to investing only in the United States.

Keeping clients invested in bear markets

In this keynote, wealth management expert Mike Ross reveals the psychology behind investor behavior during market downturns.Mike shares practical strategies and communication techniques to help financial professionals keep clients calm, confident, and committed when fear takes over the markets.

Outcome:

Attendees have talking points for clients when markets torn down to keep the clients in their investments.

Familiarity Bias is your Friend

Mike flips conventional wisdom on its head, showing how one of investing’s most common behavioral biases can actually work to your advantage. Demonstrating how embracing familiarity—rather than fighting it—can build trust, improve decision-making, and strengthen long-term client relationships.

Outcome:

Attendees can keep their clients in their investments when markets are turning down by building portfolio leveraging familiarity bias.

Fighting Fee minimization pressures using the tax code

Mike arms financial professionals with a fresh approach to one of today’s toughest challenges: fee compression. He reveals how leveraging the tax code can not only defend your value proposition but also deliver measurable, after-tax results that clients truly appreciate. 

Outcome:

Attendees walk away with the tools to describe to clients why their help on taxes justifies the fees.

Minimizing complexity to maximize client happiness

Mike makes a compelling case for simplicity in a world obsessed with sophisticated financial strategies. He shows how cutting through complexity not only enhances clarity and confidence but also deepens trust and satisfaction among clients.

Outcome:

The more complex your process is, the less you will get clients to do it. Make it simpler without losing the relationship.

Mike’s Book

The False Hope of Global Diversification

In The False Hope of Global Diversification, Wall Street veteran and portfolio management expert Mike Ross pulls back the curtain on why the conventional wisdom of global diversification often fails to deliver. With decades of experience in the trenches, he breaks down, step by step, the strategies financial advisors should be using to safeguard their clients’ assets, manage risk effectively, and achieve real, measurable results. This isn’t theory—it’s actionable insight for advisors who refuse to settle for mediocrity in their portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Mike

What experience does Mike have in the Financial Services Industry?

Mike Ross brings over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a seasoned wealth management professional and co-founder of the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, he has guided clients through decades of market cycles, managing stock and bond portfolios while helping other advisors refine their strategies. His extensive hands-on experience combines deep market knowledge with practical, real-world solutions for both clients and financial professionals.

What drives Mike to do this work (on top of running his agency)?

Mike Ross is driven by a genuine passion for helping both clients and financial professionals achieve long-term success. Beyond running his agency, he’s committed to educating advisors, challenging conventional thinking, and providing strategies that make a real difference in people’s financial lives. For him, it’s about creating clarity, building trust, and empowering others to navigate markets confidently—turning complex financial concepts into actionable results.

About Mike’s Keynotes

Does Mike customize his keynotes?

Yes, Mike Ross customizes his keynotes to fit the audience, industry, and event goals. Whether speaking to financial professionals, client groups, or industry conferences, he tailors content, examples, and strategies to ensure relevance, engagement, and actionable takeaways for every audience.

Are Mike's keynotes available in live and virtual formats?

Yes, Mike Ross’s keynotes are available in both live and virtual formats. He adapts his presentations to deliver the same engaging, insightful, and actionable content whether speaking in person or online, ensuring every audience gains maximum value regardless of the format.

Booking Mike

Does Mike do discovery calls?

Mike is always happy to schedule discovery calls to discuss your event and explore customized programming options. Ensuring the perfect fit for your audience is his top priority—even if that means recommending another speaker who better meets your needs.

My event is only a couple of weeks out. Is it too late to contact Mike?

Mike lives and embodies his message of “finding a way.” No matter the timeline, please complete the Book Mike form—he’ll do everything possible to make it work or guide you to another speaker who’s an ideal fit for your event.

Need a Keynote Customized to Fit the Needs of Your Event?

No Problem, lets jump on a call and talk about the details!

5 Reasons To Book Mike

  • Sparks a Mindset & Movement.

    His authentic, relatable, research-backed content with real-world case studies and high energy delivery will inspire your audience to uncover and activate new opportunities every day.

  • Entertaining and Enlightening

    Mike is not only a leading voice in the financial world, but also a powerful storyteller who understands that audiences need to be emotionally engaged and inspired.

  • Hand Crafted, Not Canned

    Mike takes  the time to listen deeply before custom-building a keynote experience just for your event. This ensures that every minute is on-point, relevant, and targeted to your unique challenges and opportunities.

  • Frictionless and (even) Fun

    Mike knows how hard it is to run a successful event. That’s why he works to make every interaction as frictionless and fun as possible, from contracts to billing to preparation and follow-up. It’s Mike’s job not to add to your job.

  • Impact = 10, Drama = 0.

    Coming from a place of humility and service, Mike believes a great keynote is about the audience, not the speaker! Event professionals often call Mike one of the best speakers to work with.

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike

Find Out if Mike is a Good Fit for Your Event or Company Meeting by Scheduling a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call