Charles Zhang

charles zhang color

Charles Zhang, CFP®, MBA, MSFS, ChFC®, CLU, CFS, CMFC

Founder and President

  (269) 385-5888
  (888) 777-0126

  • 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:
    • Ranked #1 in Barron’s list of 2025 Top 100 Independent Advisors, a position also held in 2024, 2023, and 2021.

      The 2025 list was released on September 15, 2025, based on data for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025. Prior rankings were released annually in September of their respective years, based on data for the 12-month period ending June 30 of the award year. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included in Barron’s rankings. The firm pays a licensing fee to Barron’s for the right to use the rankings and logo in marketing materials.

    • Ranked #1 in Barron’s list of 2026 Top Advisors in Michigan, which marks the 14th consecutive year that Charles has held the top ranking in Michigan (2013-2026).
      The 2026 list was released on March 20, 2026, based on data for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2025. Prior rankings were released annually in March of their respective years, based on data for the 12-month period ending September 30 of the award year. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included in Barron’s rankings. The firm pays a licensing fee to Barron’s for the right to use the rankings and logo in marketing materials.
    • Ranked #5 in Forbes list of 2026 America’s Top Wealth Advisors, the highest ranked advisor on the list not affiliated with a wirehouse.
      The 2026 list was released on April 7, 2026, based on data for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included in Forbes rankings, which are developed by Shook Research. The firm pays a licensing fee to Forbes for the right to use the rankings and logo in marketing materials. The reference to “non-wirehouse” is based on a review of the firms listed in the 2026 Forbes ranking.
    • Ranked #1 in Michigan in Forbes list of 2026 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, which marks the ninth consecutive year that Charles has held the top ranking in Michigan (2018-2026).
      The 2026 list was released on April 7, 2026, based on data for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025. Previous consecutive rankings (2018-2025) were released annually between January and April, based on data for the 12-month period ending June 30 of the preceding year. Zhang Financial does not pay a fee to be considered for or included in Forbes rankings, which are developed by Shook Research. The firm pays a licensing fee to Forbes for the right to use the rankings and logo in marketing materials.

      Click here for full ranking criteria and methodology.

  • 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: (achievements are not indicitative of wealth management services or client investment perfomance)
    • 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient:
      • Recognized by the Ellis Island Honors Society for his contributions to business, public service, and philanthropy. Past recipients include eight U.S. Presidents, multiple Nobel Prize laureates, and other notable individuals.
      • Recipients are entered into the Congressional Record.
    • 2023 Keynote Speaker for the Executive MBA Convocation:
      • Honored as the keynote speaker for his alma mater, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
    • 2024 Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award Michigan & Northwest Ohio:
      • Named regional award recipient by EY for his corporate leadership, innovation, and business growth.
    • 2021 WMU Distinguished Alumni Award - Western Michigan University:
      • Recognized by his alma mater for his professional career achievements and commitment to the community.
    • 2025 Blue Cloud Award:
      • Recognized by the China Institute of America for his contributions to U.S.-China cultural and philanthropic exchange.
    • Click here for award criteria.
  • 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
  • Philanthropy:
    • Benefactor of Columbia University
    • Supporter of arts, education, and healthcare initiatives in Michigan and beyond. See Giving Back
Zhang Financial Team
Zhang Financial

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.