Louis Abel, CFA, CAIA

Lou helps clients define their personal vision and achieve their life goals through a combination of wealth planning and strategic investing, including asset allocation, portfolio design and ongoing investment management.  His expertise encompasses alternative investments and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing.

A 30-year veteran of the investment industry, Lou joined Covington in 2020. Previously, he served as Chief Investment Officer at First Foundation Advisors. He has also held positions as senior portfolio manager at U.S. Trust, Wells Fargo Private Bank, and Engemann Asset Management. Lou began his career as an analyst at the investment consulting firm Wilshire Associates. He is currently a member of the BlackRock RIA Advisory Council.

Education and accreditations

• BA in Economics, Provost Honors, University of California, San Diego
• MBA in International Finance, with Honors, The Anderson School, University of California, Los Angeles
• Executive Program in Investment Management, Stanford University
• Executive Leadership Program, with Distinction, University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)
• CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing Program Participant

Professional associations

• CFA Society of Los Angeles, Member
• CFA Institute, Member
• CAIA Association, Member

Community service

• Professional Child Development Associates, Ambassador
• Pacific Asia Museum, former Finance Chair
• Southwest Chamber Music, former Board Member

Passions

Cycling, martial arts, travel, food and wine, spending time with family