Americana reveals managing partner for LatAm family office division

Americana Partners, the Texas-based independent RIA with $7.5 billion in AUA, has taken another major step in its push to appeal to affluent members of the international Latin American community.

The Dynasty Network partner firm announced Monday that it has appointed Javier Altimari as founder and managing partner of its new international division, Americana Partners International.

The division, which was launched late in June, looks to provide family office services to ultra-high-net-worth international clients. Altimari will be based in Houston and serve on the division’s board alongside Jorge Suárez-Vélez, who is the founder and CEO.

Altimari joins Americana Partners from Oppenheimer & Co., where he was a senior director and portfolio manager.

In his new role, Altimari will focus on advising families and institutions on long-term investment strategies that align with their risk profiles and objectives. Additionally, he will be responsible for managing the division’s daily operations while exploring opportunities to broaden its international presence.

“As more than US$30 trillion change hands between generations across the globe, we are going to capitalize on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help the next generation of international ultra-high-net-worth clients,” Altimari said in a statement. “This partnership enables us to develop a solid infrastructure for international investors and assemble an elite team to extend our expertise and service to the market.”

Suárez-Vélez – who brings over 20 years of industry experience, including time as managing director at Allen Investment Management – said Altimari will be “instrumental” in API’s effort “to become the go-to platform for international financial advisors.”

“He brings a wealth of experience having worked with domestic and international investors, giving them access to high value-added financial services, and a broad offering of investment vehicles,” he said.

Suárez-Vélez also emphasized the importance cross-border, multi-generational, and multi-jurisdictional planning for the international UHNW crowd.

Jason Fertitta, CEO and Partner of Americana Partners, lauded Altimari’s hiring as “a testament to Americana’s strength and place in the independent registered advisor space” as looks to “extend [its] value proposition to the international market.”

Shirl Penney, founder and CEO of Dynasty Financial, offered his own strong endorsement of Americana’s effort to create a platform of choice for elite international financial advisors.

“API is pioneering the approach to serving an increasingly international high-net-worth client base and their trusted advisors,” Penney said. “I cannot think of a more qualified person to help lead this charge than Javier.”