The joint leadership concept holds significant value in business. Within a collaborative leadership framework, two knowledgeable individuals drive strategy, growth, and product development. Here is a glaring example to it. Meet David Peeler and Andrew DiPaola, Senior Vice Presidents in Wealth Management at UBS and founding members of the MPD Park Avenue Group (a specialized team within UBS Wealth Management). They base their approach on trust, strategic insight, and dedication to comprehensive financial solutions. Their practice has flourished, guiding high-net-worth clients through the complexities of investing. By leveraging their unique strengths and diverse professional paths, they have built a dynamic team serving private and institutional clients.
So, how did this journey lead them to UBS? Andrew, inspired by his upbringing in a family of healthcare professionals, embraced the principle of ‘caring for the whole person’ in wealth management. He conceptualized ‘wealthcare’ at UBS, blending his passion for numbers and analytics with a deep commitment to service. It’s a holistic approach mirroring patient-centered healthcare. In his words: “As a Financial Advisor and Consultant, I spend my days caring for the whole person, diagnosing financial circumstances, and making suggestions on the best ways to achieve goals.”
David, on the other hand, transitioned into wealth management after a distinguished 30-year career in private equity, where he worked as a portfolio executive in the media and information industries. Leveraging his experience and connections, he moved to Merrill Lynch, establishing a private wealth practice initially focused on PE executives. Over time, the practice expanded. “As we grew our team and our network,” David notes, “it led to the development of an institutional relationship providing complete retirement plan business as well as banking services for these companies.” The team is recognized by NAPA as one of the Top Retirement Teams in the US.
Dual Leadership at MPD Park Avenue Group Upgrading Wealth Management
This dynamic duo credits their success to complementary skill sets and shared experiences. David leads the team’s strategic direction, client and company selection, and business development. Andrew, known for his analytical mindset, oversees operations. Their multigenerational team, spanning professionals in their 20s to 70s, brings diverse perspectives and a collective 70 years of investment experience. They compare their structure to a family office, where each member takes ownership of specific services and contributes to committees for collaborative decision-making. Teamwork is essential across all areas, including investment thesis development, portfolio construction, financial planning, cash management, and liability management.
Strategic Wealth Planning Services, Built on Trust
Trust is built over time. David and Andrew know it well. Their goal is to prepare clients for market fluctuations and business cycles, providing confidence in a wealth management team that evolves with their needs. They emphasize continuous learning and adapting to legislative changes, policy shifts, and market volatility. For private clients, they offer customized financial plans tailored to each family’s unique needs.
They share, “This foundational “game plan” guides our next steps, including developing personalized investment strategies.” Institutional clients turn to them to spot and fix inefficiencies in benefits plans. With a flexible approach, they craft tailored solutions that build confidence.
David and Andrew emphasize that leadership in wealth management is built on trust, integrity, and the ability to guide clients through all market conditions. They highlight composure and integrity as essential, noting that clients entrust them with their hard-earned savings. During market volatility, maintaining a steady and thoughtful presence is crucial. “By leading with composure and integrity, we ensure that our clients feel supported, informed, and secure in their financial decisions.” These qualities, they affirm, form the foundation of their advisory approach and lasting client relationships.
Industry Challenges and The Wayouts
According to David and Andrew, a major challenge today is the rise of online investment services, which create the illusion that investing is simple. While executing trades may be easy, the true value of an advisor lies in research, asset allocation, risk analysis, and guiding investors through market volatility.
Financial advisors now do far more than make investment recommendations. The industry is shifting from traditional stock brokerage to a service-based model where advisors act as holistic financial consultants. Successfully, tackling this shift requires a deep understanding of clients’ broader financial needs. They note that their responsibilities extend beyond buying and selling assets to include financial planning, cash flow management, insurance review, liability management, and education planning.
Tech Impact on Wealth Management: Duo’s Game-Changing Practice
Technology is reshaping wealth management, making financial planning more precise and accessible while streamlining complex tasks. They embrace these advancements as tools to enhance—not replace—the human element of financial advising. “Our primary objective is to provide the best financial strategies for our clients and leverage technological advancements to streamline operational and compliance tasks, freeing up more time to focus on personalized client service.”
One of the most impactful advancements they use is the Unified Managed Account (UMA) structure, which consolidates multiple securities and portfolios within a single account while tracking individual strategy performance. UBS’s technology platform enables real-time capital gains tax management.
Beyond account management, David and Andrew rely on advanced financial modeling to give clients a clearer picture of their financial future. Running thousands of Monte Carlo simulations, they stress-test investment plans against real-world uncertainties, incorporating tax liabilities, cash flow needs, and healthcare costs.
Investing with Purpose
Their investment philosophy centers on consistency, risk management, and tax efficiency. Prioritizing downside protection, they believe managing losses greatly impacts long-term wealth. While many advisors falter here, David and Andrew stress both asset allocation and, as they say, “asset location” to help clients handle downturns while maximizing tax-efficient returns.
They take a patient approach, letting compounding do the heavy lifting over time. For them, risk management is about smart positioning, not just measuring. Diversification helps smooth out the bumps, but knowing exactly where risk lurks is just as important. As clients transition into the withdrawal phase, tax efficiency becomes key. Proper asset location minimizes tax liabilities, ultimately allowing clients to retain more wealth.
Wayfinding Regulatory Changes with UBS Advantage
Positioned among the “Top 10 Most Influential Wealth Management Leaders, 2025,” David and Andrew emphasize that staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial to their advisory practice. They credit their partnership with UBS for a significant advantage, as the company provides ongoing education and resources, equipping them to understand policy shifts and engage in informed client discussions.
They highlight UBS’s vast network of regulatory experts who monitor and summarize key developments. Given the rapid pace of policy changes, they receive regular updates from their Home Office, often monthly, allowing them to remain proactive. They inform that tax reform directly influences portfolio construction and financial planning strategies. To stay ahead, they meet regularly with internal committees to refine their approach and maximize tax efficiency.
Beyond UBS, David and Andrew leverage a network of external specialists, including ERISA attorneys, CPAs, and trust and estate attorneys. They attend third-party conferences and integrate these insights into their strategies. During quarterly client reviews, they consistently discuss relevant changes, ensuring clients understand both immediate and long-term implications.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Financial Advisors
David and Andrew believe in paying it forward. Mentoring junior advisors is something they genuinely enjoy. Their team thrives on a mix of experience and fresh perspectives, giving young advisors the chance to learn by doing, not just watching.
Andrew, who has worked through nearly every role on their team, makes it a point to share real stories—what works, what flops, and the hard lessons in between. New advisors don’t just sit through training sessions; they start with an internship and gradually take on more responsibility through a multi-year development program. Andrew also mentors advisor trainees across the firm, using actual market scenarios to sharpen their instincts.
For both David and Andrew, there’s no substitute for learning from experienced professionals. They encourage junior advisors to ask questions and soak up knowledge from those who’ve been in the trenches. “Our team remains available to guide and support them as they grow into confident, capable advisors.” After all, no one masters wealth management overnight—but with the right guidance, they can take on the market with confidence.
Anticipating the Future of Wealth Management with a Personalized Framework
This financial leader duo observes two big shifts reshaping wealth management. With fewer public companies available for investment, they believe advisors must understand alternative investments—essential for both their clients and their success.
They also see the industry shifting from the old-school “stock broker” role to a broader, service-driven approach. Wealth management is no longer just about picking investments but offering full-spectrum financial guidance tailored to each client’s needs.
To stay ahead, they take a hands-on approach, starting with a complete understanding of each client’s financial picture. From there, they build personalized strategies that evolve with market trends and life changes, ensuring their advice stays relevant in any economic climate.
Making Finance Understandable: Methods To Empower Their Clients
“We prioritize education from the start of our client relationships by creating a comprehensive financial plan that helps them understand their finances and feel confident in the strategy we’ve developed,” demonstrate David and Andrew.
Financial planning is about understanding, not just numbers. They break down complex concepts into plain language, using real-world examples and “what if” scenarios to illustrate different outcomes. Instead of overwhelming clients with jargon, they focus on clear, straightforward guidance that makes investing less intimidating.
What sets them apart is their commitment to transparency. David and Andrew don’t just recommend investments—they explain why they make sense. Clients appreciate this open, educational approach, which keeps them informed and involved. Over time, this trust-based relationship turns financial planning into an empowering experience rather than a daunting task.
The duo contends that ethical standards are the foundation of their work, ensuring client needs always come first. This deeply held value guides their team, shaping daily decisions and responses to challenges. Integrity isn’t an abstract concept for them—it’s a lived practice influencing every choice they make. They promote an accountability culture where clients and colleagues trust that actions align with values. Regular team meetings help keep all initiatives synchronized with client priorities and ethical standards. For them, commitment to ethics is the key to lasting success.
Lifelong Learning: A Commitment to Excellence
“Continuing education is just that, continuous,” David and Andrew express. Their team holds top financial credentials like MBA, CFA, CFP, CRPS, CPFA, and C(k)P, ensuring they stay well-versed across financial areas. To keep up with industry shifts, they engage in courses, webinars, and discussions, staying sharp and informed.
They champion team growth, encouraging junior colleagues to seize learning opportunities. By tapping into UBS’s vast network, they collaborate with specialists across securities, liability, insurance, banking, and law. As avid learners, they constantly evolve to offer clients the best insights and guidance.
Balancing Work, Family, and Client Trust
These seasoned professionals recognize that their roles require constant availability. Instead of letting this strain their personal lives, they’ve blended both worlds—bringing their families into client events. This not only helps them manage responsibilities but also deepens client relationships through genuine trust.
Their multigenerational team ensures continuous support, with professionals at different life stages always available. David, whose children are in the workforce, and Andrew, who is raising a young family, exemplify this balance. They coordinate seamlessly—when one has a family commitment, the other steps in. This collaborative approach reinforces their dedication to accessibility and work-life balance.
Building a Legacy in Wealth Management
David and Andrew are laying the foundation for a wealth management team that will stand the test of time. Their vision is to cultivate a multigenerational practice, eventually passing the reins to junior partners.
“We aim for a 30% annual growth in account acquisition, with plans to grow our assets under management by 20-30% each year.” They focus on partnering with individuals and institutions that align with their core values. By 2030, they aim to be among the nation’s top wealth management firms, managing $3 billion in AUM.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Wealth Managers
David, a mentor in Northeastern University’s RISE program, encourages young professionals to start their careers outside wealth management. He believes exploring different areas of finance first builds a well-rounded skill set and deeper industry knowledge—giving them a competitive edge when they transition to working with clients.
On the other hand, Andrew often talks about his ‘3 Ps’ for career success. First up—‘ Paper.’ Even in an age of endless digital updates, he still swears by old-school newspapers. To him, they are a rich source of insights into financial, political, and social trends. He skims three to five weekly to stay sharp. Next—‘Peers.’ He believes in learning from colleagues and friends. Some of his best insights come from candid discussions with fellow wealth managers, where spontaneous exchanges spark fresh ideas. He values the wisdom around him, knowing real learning happens through dialogue, not just textbooks.
The final —‘P’ is for “Passion.” Andrew encourages people to let their enthusiasm through in everything they do. He feels that, in the end, energy and authenticity leave a mark that no resume ever could. Andrew concludes, “Passionate people will always be noticed and will always be remembered.”
