Charles Zhang
Charles Zhang, CFP®, MBA, MSFS, ChFC®, CLU, CFS, CMFC
Founder and President
- Education:
- MBA - Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
- Executive Education - Harvard Business School
- MA in Economics - Western Michigan University
- Executive Education - Columbia University
- MS in Financial Services - The Institute of Business and Finance
- Professional Designations:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Professional Achievements:
- Barron’s Rankings:
1) Ranked #1 on Barron’s list of 2025 Top 100 Independent Advisors. Charles also achieved this ranking from Barron's in 2024, 2023, and 2021.
Barron's 2025 list was released September 15, 2025, covering the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included on Barron’s rankings. We pay a license fee to use the ranking in marketing materials.
2) Ranked #1 In Michigan on Barron’s list of 2026 Top 1,500 Financial Advisors (State-by-State). Charles also achieved this ranking from Barron’s for 14 consecutive years (2013-2026).
Barron’s 2026 list was Released March 20, 2026, covering the 12-month period ending December 31, 2025. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included on Barron’s rankings. We pay a license fee to use the ranking in marketing materials.
Click here for full ranking criteria and methodology.
- Barron’s Rankings:
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- Forbes Rankings:
1) Ranked #4 on Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisor List(2025). Among the advisors on the list not affiliated with a wirehouse firm, Charles is the highest ranked. Charles also achieved this ranking for 4 consecutive years (2023 – 2025).
Forbes 2025 list was released April 8, 2025, data as of June 30, 2024. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included on Forbes rankings. We pay a license fee to use the ranking in marketing materials.
2) Ranked #1 in Michigan on Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2025. Charles also achieved this ranking for 8 consecutive years (2018-2025).
2025 ranking was released April 8, 2025, data as of June 30, 2024. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included on Forbes rankings. We pay a license fee to use the ranking in marketing materials.
Click here for full ranking criteria and methodology.
- Forbes Rankings:
- Leadership and Service:
- Economics Advisory Council – Department of Economics, Columbia University
- COUR Member (Committee on University Resources) – Harvard University (2016-2024)
- Steering Committee Member – Columbia College, Columbia University (2016–2022)
- Former adjunct professor of Finance at Western Michigan University and advisory board member for the Haworth College of Business.
- Honors and Recognition:
- 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient
- Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious national honors in the United States. Past recipients include eight U.S. Presidents, multiple Nobel Prize laureates, and distinguished individuals who have made exceptional contributions across business, public service, culture, and philanthropy.
- Recipients are entered into the Congressional Record.
- 2023 Keynote Speaker – Executive MBA Convocation, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® – 2024 Michigan & Northwest Ohio Award Winner
- The Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the worlds most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs.
- WMU Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for 2021, which is the highest alumni honor that Western Michigan University bestows on its graduates.
- 2025 Blue Cloud Award - China Institute of America
- One of the nation's most prestigious honors recognizing leaders who have made outstanding contributions to U.S. - China cultural and philanthropic exchange.
- Media and Press:
- Frequently interviewed and quoted by national media sources including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Forbes, and others. See Media and Press
- 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient
- Philanthropy:
- Benefactor of Columbia University
- Supporter of arts, education, and healthcare initiatives in Michigan and beyond. See Giving Back
Zhang Financial
5931 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024
List of office locations
Email: clientservice@zhangfinancial.com | Toll-Free: 888-777-0126
Minimum investment requirement: $1,000,000 in Michigan, $2,000,000 outside of Michigan.
Investment Advice offered through Zhang Financial, a Fee-Only Wealth Management Group.
