Charles Zhang

CZ_Staff_Background-1

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 the Nation on Barron’s 2025 Top 100 Independent Advisors, a position also held in 2024, 2023, and 2021, and the highest-ranked Fee-Only advisor on the lists.

      Released 9/15/25 based on a 12-month period ending 6/30/25. Prior rankings released annually in September based on 12-month period ending June 30 of that year. Zhang Financial paid no fee to be considered for or included in the rankings. The firm pays Barron’s a licensing fee to use the rankings and logos.

    • Ranked #1 on Barron’s 2026 Top Advisors in Michigan, marking the 14th consecutive year holding the top ranking in Michigan (2013-2026).
      Released 3/20/26 based on a 12-month period ending 9/30/25. Prior rankings released annually in March based on 12-month period ending September 30 of the prior year. Zhang Financial paid no fee to be considered for or included in the rankings. The firm pays Barron’s a licensing fee to use the rankings and logos.
    • Ranked #5 on Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Wealth Advisors, the highest-ranked Fee-Only advisor on the list.
      Released 4/7/26 based on a 12-month period ending 6/30/25. Rankings developed by SHOOK Research. Zhang Financial paid no fee to be considered for or included in the ranking. The firm pays Forbes a licensing fee to use the ranking and logo.
    • Ranked #1 in Michigan on Forbes’ 2026 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, marking the ninth consecutive year holding the top ranking in Michigan (2018-2026).
      Released 4/7/26 based on a 12-month period ending 6/30/25. Previous Best-In-State rankings from 2018 through 2025 were released annually between January and April and were based on a 12-month period ending June 30 of the preceding year. Rankings developed by SHOOK Research. Zhang Financial paid no fee to be considered for or included in the rankings. The firm pays Forbes a licensing fee to use the rankings and logos.

      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:
    • 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.
    • 2026 Rotary Club of Kalamazoo Red Rose Citation Recipient:
      • Recognized for outstanding volunteer contributions and dedication to the quality of life in Kalamazoo outside of their primary profession.
    • 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:
    • 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.