About Osterweis
Our Client-First Focus
“We are singularly focused on helping our clients realize the full potential of their assets and simplify their financial lives.”
- Chris Zand
We understand every individual has distinct financial goals and objectives when it comes to leaving a lasting legacy. This is why we proactively work with our clients as their lives evolve, from building careers to retirement and beyond. We see ourselves as an extension of your team, providing a trusted resource available to address financial matters throughout your lifetime.
Our Investment Approach
“We put our faith not in the efficiency of markets, but in our ability to find good companies with hidden upside and solid business fundamentals.”
- John Osterweis
We believe picking the right companies matters. Our experienced in-house portfolio management team builds client portfolios to meet long-term wealth management goals with a focus on protecting on the downside as well as capturing upside. They rely on their experience, carefully building portfolios of 30-40 high conviction stocks, complemented by carefully selected bonds. They are not afraid to hold cash when there are too few compelling investment opportunities.
As fiduciaries, we hold a position of trust and always put your interests first. The advisory fee we collect from clients is our sole source of revenue, so our loyalty remains undivided.
Partnering with Osterweis
Getting Started
Unlike many investment companies that offer a one-size-fits-all management approach, we work with you to build a personalized strategy for investing, real estate, philanthropy, and other plans and assets. We specialize in a high touch, holistic approach that considers your needs, your goals, and the life you have worked to build.
After we develop a plan, we work carefully to implement it, taking into account potential tax implications or other factors (e.g., concentrated stock positions). Over time, based on regular discussions, we adjust your plan and manage your portfolio in light of market conditions and your evolving life, taking into account non-liquid assets, philanthropic endeavors, etc.
By looking at every asset you have as pieces of a puzzle, we ensure the pieces fit and complete the picture of your long-term plan.
Our Ongoing Commitment
As your goals and objectives change over time, we are committed to delivering personalized service through:
- Regular meetings focused on asking the right questions to ensure we are managing your investments to meet your goals
- One-on-one access to your portfolio managers
- On-demand access to our dedicated team for any service-related requests
Our Team
Our Investment & Planning Leadership Team
Christopher Zand, J.D., CFP®
Vice President & Managing Director of Private Client
Chris Zand joined Osterweis in 2018 to lead the firm’s wealth management and investment management services for high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and families. As the head of Private Client, Chris applies his passion for deeply engaging with clients to help them meet their long-term goals through their investments and strategic planning. He brings invaluable perspectives to wealth management discussions based on his experience with capital markets, asset allocation, financial planning, law, and taxes. Recognizing how complex life can be, he has a reputation with clients for having direct, open conversations to overcome that complexity and creating prudent investment plans that focus on financial independence, maximizing tax benefits, and creating legacies.
Prior to joining Osterweis, Chris was Vice President and Principal at Brouwer & Janachowski, LLC, where he led several investment teams specializing in providing investment planning and management services to individuals, families, foundations, and endowments. He also helped formulate the firm’s investment strategy as a member of the Investment Committee. Before that, he was a Vice President with Bernstein Global Wealth Management and led a private client investment management team, providing financial and strategic planning advice to high net worth families and foundations.
Chris is a partner at the firm and is responsible for overseeing Osterweis Capital Management’s Private Client business. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.
He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and is a member of the California State Bar. Mr. Zand is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of Legal Services for Children, where he serves on the Finance Committee. He previously served as a member of the International House at U.C. Berkeley Board of Directors.
Chris graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science and from Santa Clara University School of Law with a J.D. While in law school, he studied at the esteemed Magdalen College at Oxford University. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and two young daughters.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
John Osterweis
Founder, Chairman & Co-Chief Investment Officer – Core Equity
John Osterweis founded Osterweis Capital Management to serve the portfolio needs of high-net-worth investors, foundations, and endowments. He is currently Chairman of the firm as well as a member of the firm’s Management Committee and a co-lead Portfolio Manager for the core equity, growth & income, and flexible balanced strategies.
After graduating from business school, John served as a Senior Analyst concentrating on the forest products and paper industry for several regional brokerage firms and later for E.F. Hutton & Company, Inc. In addition to his activities as an analyst, John served as Director of Research for two firms and managed equity portfolios for over ten years. In late 1982, John decided to devote himself full time to his portfolio management activities, and in April of 1983 launched Osterweis Capital Management.
John graduated from Bowdoin College (B.A. in Philosophy, cum laude), and Stanford Graduate School of Business (M.B.A. with top honors in Finance).
Outside of his work, John is an active supporter of our community. He has served as Director of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Director on the Stanford Alumni Association Executive Board, Trustee of Bowdoin College, Director and Vice Chairman of Mt. Zion Hospital and Medical Center, and President of the Board of Directors for Summer Search Foundation. He currently serves as a Trustee of the San Francisco Ballet Association, Director of the San Francisco Free Clinic, and President Emeritus of the San Francisco Ballet Endowment Foundation, as well as Trustee Emeritus of Summer Search Foundation and of Bowdoin College. He also enjoys horseback riding and other outdoor activities.
Private Client Service Team
Our Private Client Team provides a seamless experience. They measure their success based on our clients' long-term success and are here to help with day-to-day transactions as well as comprehensive financial planning.
Sharon Sintchak
Vice President & Director of Private Client Service
As the Director of Private Client Service, Sharon Sintchak applies her over 25 years of experience working with clients to seamlessly facilitate the management of their accounts, whether that means coordinating gifting to charities and loved ones, collaborating with CPAs and tax advisors, or working through account changes to facilitate estate planning. Sharon is known by our clients for her deep understanding of their situations and proactive approach to making their financial lives easier. She is an integral member of the Private Client team and is dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations through a personalized client service experience.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2000, Sharon worked as a Portfolio Accountant for Standard Pacific, a San Francisco-based hedge fund and as a portfolio operations manager for Hahn Capital. Prior to that, she was an Associate Portfolio Accounting Manager at Certus Asset Advisors.
She is a partner at the firm and oversees all aspects of Private Client service.
Sharon graduated from California State University, Hayward with a B.S. in Business Administration. Outside of work, Sharon enjoys playing tennis and spending time with family.
Natalie Belyea
Private Client Advisor
As a Private Client Advisor at Osterweis, Natalie Belyea leverages her experience helping high net worth individuals and families align their investment strategies with their goals and objectives. She recognizes the uniqueness of each individual relationship and enjoys the partnership developed with clients. She uses her deep financial planning background to frame strategic conversations and financial analyses around subjects including retirement planning and cash flow management. As part of this process, Natalie enjoys synthesizing information to simplify our clients’ evolving financial lives.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2024, she was an Advisor at Parkside Advisors, an RIA based in Berkeley, where she provided investment and financial planning advice to clients. Before that she was a Wealth Planning Associate at Tarbox Family Office, a multifamily office based in Newport Beach. In these roles, she learned to anticipate the needs of others and visually adapt storylines to best explain topics for clients.
Natalie graduated cum laude from Tulane University with a B.S.M. in Finance and Marketing. She currently serves as the President of the Tulane Alumni Association’s San Francisco chapter, where she enjoys connecting over a shared love of New Orleans food, music, and culture. In Natalie’s free time, she enjoys hiking with her golden retriever, traveling, live music, and hosting dinner parties.
Brant Martin
Senior Private Client Service Associate
As a Senior Private Client Service Associate, Brant Martin applies his banking background to help facilitate financial transactions for our clients and provide the highest level of client service. He enjoys building relationships with our clients and ensuring high quality reporting.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2019, Brant worked as a Senior Client Service Associate and then a Preferred Banker at First Republic Bank. Before that, he worked as an Assistant Site Director at Boys and Girls Club and a Program Manager at Best Buddies International.
Brant graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Philosophy, Ethics, and Public Policy. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his dog, golfing with friends, and riding his bicycle.
Caroline Allen
Private Client Coordinator
Caroline Allen serves as the Private Client Coordinator. In her role she oversees a range of administrative responsibilities while cultivating strong client relationships. Her dedication to client satisfaction ensures that each client has an exceptional experience, tailored to their needs.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2023, Caroline worked as a Client Service Coordinator at a local financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, where she supported client relationships and honed her skills in client service. Caroline is passionate about her work because she thrives on interacting with people, resolving issues, and being an integral part of a collaborative team.
Caroline graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.S. in Business Management. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys exploring San Francisco, trying new restaurants, visiting museums, and playing video games.
Leadership Team
Carl Kaufman
Co-President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer – Strategic Income & Managing Director – Fixed Income
Carl Kaufman
Co-President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer – Strategic Income & Managing Director – Fixed Income
Carl Kaufman serves in several key roles for the firm. He has managed the Osterweis Strategic Income Fund since its inception and serves as the Managing Director of Fixed Income, as well as a co-lead Portfolio Manager for the Osterweis Growth & Income Fund. Additionally, in his role as Co-President & Co-CEO he oversees key investment matters and is an integral part of the firm’s Management Committee.
He joined Osterweis Capital Management in 2002, after nearly 24 years at Robertson Stephens and Merrill Lynch.
Carl graduated from Harvard University and attended New York University Graduate School of Business Administration.
Outside his professional endeavors, he enjoys playing classical piano and actively contributes to the community as a member of the Board of Trustees for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, supporting the arts and enhancing the cultural fabric of the SF Bay Area. Additionally, he enjoys playing golf, an activity that continually challenges his patience and precision.
Catherine Halberstadt
Co-President & Co-Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Halberstadt serves as the firm’s Co-President & Co-CEO. In that role she is responsible for overseeing functions related to the firm’s non-investment matters including Operations, Compliance, Finance, Technology, Client Relations, Business Development, Marketing, and Human Resources. Catherine is also an integral part of the firm’s Management Committee. She focuses on strategic planning and operational excellence to ensure our clients experience the highest level of service.
She joined Osterweis in 1994 as part of the Operations team. Since then, she has progressively assumed more responsibility at the firm, including in the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Osterweis, Catherine worked in the Treasury Department at Westamerica Bank.
Catherine graduated from the University of San Francisco (B.S. in Business Administration). She has served on the Board of Governors for the Investment Adviser Association (IAA) since 2020. Outside of work, she enjoys water and snow sports such as sailing, surfing, and snowboarding. She also loves to cook, spend time with family, travel, read, and listen to podcasts.