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Benari Capital:Where Faith and Finance Meet, Honored as "Best Emerging Financial Planning Firm in the United States 2024

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USANews January 26, 2025
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Benari Capital:Where Faith and Finance Meet, Honored as "Best Emerging Financial Planning Firm in the United States 2024
Nationwide-January 26,2025 (USANews.com) Benari Capital, founded by former Cantor and communal leader Ben Tisser, is redefining wealth management by merging values-driven financial planning with deep expertise tailored to faith leaders. In its inaugural year, the firm has already achieved a remarkable milestone: managing $2 million in assets under management (AUM) within its first quarter. Its efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last month, Benari Capital was honored as the “Best Emerging Financial Planning Firm in the United States 2024” by Best of Best Review, a prestigious accolade that underscores the firm’s innovative approach and commitment to purpose-driven service. Faith as a Foundation for Financial Planning Ben Tisser’s nearly 20 years as a Cantor, international performer, and communal leader laid the groundwork for the creation of Benari Capital, a wealth management firm uniquely dedicated to serving Jewish clergy and communal leaders. While other religious denominations, such as Catholic and Lutheran communities, have advisory firms specifically focused on their clergy and parishioners, the Jewish community has lacked a comparable dedicated resource—despite the presence of many Jewish advisors in the financial industry. Tisser’s experiences on the pulpit revealed a critical gap in financial planning for Jewish clergy. Many leaders rely on members of their congregations who are wealth managers for investment advice or even portfolio management, but this arrangement often stops short of full financial planning. Additionally, many clergy participate in denominational retirement plans, which have great benefits but lack the breadth of focus provided by working with a financial planner. "The kinds of issues clergy need help with are not things they may feel comfortable discussing with a congregant or a board member," Tisser explains. "From very difficult subjects such as illness and addiction to life transitions like divorce, career changes, or significant inheritances, these matters go beyond investments. They require a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clergy and leaders can seek advice without concern about how it might alter their relationships within their community." Motivated by his dedication to service and a profound understanding of the unique pressures faced by clergy, Tisser pivoted into wealth management. With his deep knowledge of the "life" clergy lead, Benari Capital was founded to provide a space where leaders can openly discuss their personal and professional challenges, as well as their aspirations and dreams. "Serving others has always been my life’s work," Tisser shares. "At Benari Capital, we help leaders secure their financial futures while honoring their principles. More importantly, we create a safe and supportive environment where they can address the intimate details of their lives and receive guidance they can trust. More than that, these leaders spend decades supporting the dreams and aspirations of their communities, so much so that their own dreams often get put aside. We offer them the space and encouragement to dream big for themselves, and then we do our part to help them move in that direction." Benari Capital not only helps clergy navigate complex tax regulations and retirement strategies but also offers a level of personalized care that addresses the multifaceted nature of their lives. The firm recognizes that financial decisions are often intertwined with personal challenges, ethical considerations, and communal expectations. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive guidance tailored not only to their financial goals but also to their values and circumstances. By creating a space where Jewish clergy and leaders can find objective, professional support, Benari Capital has become a vital resource in a community that previously lacked such dedicated services. The firm’s mission goes beyond managing wealth—it empowers clergy and leaders to navigate life’s transitions and challenges with dignity, security, and confidence. Standing Apart in the Financial Industry Benari Capital is recognized as the first wealth management firm in the United States explicitly focused on serving Jewish clergy. While its primary mission is to address the unique financial challenges faced by Jewish leaders and communal figures, the firm’s innovative and values-based approach has also drawn interest from leaders and even houses of worship of other faiths. This reflects Tisser’s commitment to fostering interfaith collaboration while maintaining a core focus on serving the Jewish community. What sets Benari Capital apart is its dedication to aligning financial strategies with ethical and spiritual principles. The firm provides tailored financial planning, offering options such as Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) that filter funds and indexes to ensure investments align with the client’s deeply held values. This personalized approach enables leaders to build wealth while staying true to their beliefs and responsibilities. Benari Capital also offers expertise in navigating clergy-specific tax laws, a cornerstone of its services. By leveraging these laws, the firm helps clients maximize tax benefits, enabling them to make the most of their earnings now and prepare for a secure retirement. As Tisser noted, "Jewish life is expensive. Private Jewish day school and sleep-away camp for one child alone can cost upwards of $25,000 per child, even with significant scholarships. Many clergy and leaders do not earn at the same level as the professionals who attend their synagogues and support their organizations, yet as leaders they are expected, and desire, to live and raise their families in a way that sets an example of active Jewish life for their community." Beyond tax planning, Benari Capital takes a collaborative approach to wealth management, working closely with clients’ CPAs, estate planning specialists, retirement plan sponsors, and other trusted advisors. This team-based strategy ensures that each client benefits from a comprehensive financial plan tailored to their individual circumstances. While designed to serve Jewish clergy and communal leaders, Benari Capital’s model has resonated with leaders from other faith traditions and even institutions seeking thoughtful financial guidance. This inclusivity underscores the firm’s ability to adapt its expertise to diverse needs, while its commitment to ethical alignment and comprehensive planning remains central to its identity. Award-Winning Recognition In December 2024, Benari Capital was named “Best Emerging Financial Planning Firm in the United States 2024” by Best of Best Review. This accolade highlights the firm’s groundbreaking work in the financial services industry and its dedication to providing exceptional service to faith leaders. "This award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our commitment to serving those who dedicate their lives to service," Tisser notes. "It validates our vision and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in our work, delivering financial solutions that honor our clients’ values and goals." Empowering Leaders Through Expertise Benari Capital’s services focus on retirement readiness, tax-efficient strategies, and personalized investment solutions. By addressing the specific needs of clergy—such as housing allowances, transitions in and out of synagogue-provided housing, and complex tax structures—the firm helps its clients approach future planning with confidence. Beyond technical expertise, Benari Capital’s client-centered approach sets it apart. The firm builds meaningful relationships with its clients, helping them navigate both financial complexities and personal aspirations. "Our work is about more than financial planning," Tisser explains. "It’s about understanding our clients’ lives, their values, and their goals. We’re here to help them thrive, both personally and professionally. We are here to be by their side in times of joy as well as in life’s difficult moments, just as they are there in the same way for their communities." A Vision for Growth and Impact With its recognition as the “Best Emerging Financial Planning Firm in the United States 2024”, Benari Capital is poised for continued success. The firm remains dedicated to its mission of serving faith leaders and their families, offering innovative solutions that reflect its core values of integrity, service, and collaboration. Learn More To explore Benari Capital’s values-driven approach to financial planning, visit Benari Capital. Connect with the firm on Facebook at Benari Capital LLC or LinkedIn at Benari Capital. As Benari Capital continues to grow, its award-winning efforts are setting new standards for how financial planning can empower faith leaders and honor their principles. With its innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to service, the firm is reshaping the future of wealth management for purpose-driven professionals.
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