Shawn Patt

In the dynamic world of wealth management and the esteemed corridors of academia, Shawn Patt stands as a beacon of innovation and expertise. As the founder of Atala Financial, Shawn has pioneered an SEC-Registered, independent wealth management firm that has become synonymous with trust, excellence, and unparalleled service. With a storied career that spans nearly two decades, including distinguished tenures at RBC Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley, and UBS Financial Services, Shawn's professional journey is both inspiring and impressive. His academic credentials, featuring a BS and an MBA from UCLA with an emphasis on Finance, underscore his deep-rooted knowledge and commitment to his field. Shawn Patt is not just a certified authority in Private Wealth Advisory but a luminary whose influence shapes the future of wealth management and education. His unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of wealth management is exemplified by his influential role on the Certification Commission for the Investments and Wealth Institute’s Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification. Here, he plays a pivotal role in sculpting the standards and competencies that define the elite advisors serving the complex needs of high-net-worth clients. Within the hallowed halls of The Anderson School of Management at UCLA, he dons the hat of a Professor, wielding his vast industry insights to not only shepherd the elite minds managing a slice of the UCLA foundation through the Student Investment Fund but also to deeply enrich their academic journey. His seminal works, "The Wealth Compass: Your Guide to Financial Prosperity," and "The Building Blocks of Business," stand as testaments to his pedagogical prowess, equipping students with the acumen to navigate the financial and entrepreneurial landscapes. His literary contributions, including "Mind Your Own Money: A Young Adult’s Guide to Financial Freedom" and "The Wealth Compass," reflect a fervent dedication to unraveling the complexities of financial planning and investment, with a mission to empower individuals towards a path of financial sovereignty and well-being. Beyond the professional sphere, Shawn cherishes life as a devoted husband and father of two, finding joy in the simple pleasures of family life. In the moments stolen away from his bustling career and academic responsibilities, he revels in traversing the globe, indulging in the serene challenge of golf, and rallying behind UCLA at sporting events of every stripe, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and lifelong learning.