Laith Khalaf, CFP®, ChFC®, CPWA®
Managing Director – Investments
The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices, and team structure may also be used to determine recipients.
Laith M. Khalaf (’98)
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
The Diversity Enhancement Award recognizes champions and advocates who have made valuable contributions to the academic success and professional advancement of individuals aligned with the Fisher College of Business.
The 2023 Diversity Enhancement Award by The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business was bestowed by The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business as a result of community efforts, unrelated to the business of the firm.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Cincinnati honors Laith Khalaf
After graduating from the FBI Citizens Academy, Mr. Khalaf developed an engagement program with large corporations and nonprofits in Central Ohio to promote the FBI and flag potential threats.
The effort helped the FBI to create liaisons with a diverse network of community and business leaders. His work directly led to a safer, more connected region.
The Director’s Community Leadership Award was bestowed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a result of community efforts, unrelated to the business of the firm.
2019 Executive Award Recipient – Laith Khalaf
As the college’s top honor, the award recognizes the outstanding achievement, leadership, and service demonstrated by Fisher alumni.
Chosen from over 80,000 alumni, Laith was selected to receive the Pace Setters Executive Award from the Max M. Fisher College of Business in March 2019.
Each year, this award recognizes a professional who has excelled in his or her career and has made a meaningful difference in the world of business and the community.
The Pace Setters Executive Award was bestowed by The Ohio State University as a result of community efforts, unrelated to the business of the firm.
To add value for his clients’ wealth management solutions, Laith Khalaf holds several distinguished professional designations within the financial services industry. Learn more about what each designation entails below:
A Financial Advisor who has earned the CFP® designation has demonstrated skill in analyzing and developing personal, long-term financial strategies. A CFP® professional has completed hundreds of hours of rigorous courses and examinations offered by various colleges and universities across the country, as well as a 10-hour comprehensive examination administered according to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
The ChFC® program covers a lengthy list of requirements for financial advisors, from knowledge on tax and retirement planning to special needs advising, wealth management, insurance, and more. This program is currently issued through the American College of Financial Services. Candidates must have three years of full-time business experience within the five years preceding the awarding of the designation; and a high school diploma or the equivalent. Professionals who hold this designation have completed eight required online training courses and a closed book, proctored final exam.
The CPWA® professional designation is awarded to candidates that meet all of the following – a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or one of the following designations or licenses: CIMA, CIMC, CFA, CFP, ChFC, or CPA license; a satisfactory record of ethical conduct, as determined by IMCA’s Admissions Committee; and five or more years of professional client-centered experience in financial services or a related industry. Candidates must complete six months of a pre-study educational component, and an in-class program at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business or an online program through Yale School of Management. Candidates must complete an online, proctored final exam for the in-class program, as well as complete at least 40 hours of continuing education requirements every two years.