Christopher Cannon, CFA

Education:

— Centre College, Danville KY; Bachelor’s Degree in Government & Economics

— Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Industry Experience:

— Institutional equity-trading

— Arbitrage strategies and structuring derivatives contracts

— Private client and pension consulting

— Portfolio design and management

Continuing Education:

— CFA Institute/Harvard Business School: Investment Management Workshop

Licenses and Affiliations:

— Investment Advisor Representative: U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)

— Registered Financial Advisor: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

— Member: The CFA Institute

— Board Member: The CFA Society of Orlando

— Registered Financial Advisor: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

— Member of Business Leadership Council for Embry-Riddle’s College of Business

You’re a sixth-generation Floridian. How has that shaped your outlook?
"Growing up with public school teacher parents, I learned early the value of education, hard work, and staying true to your compass. Those lessons still guide me in life and in investing."

How did you get your start in finance?
"I graduated in government and economics and was heading to grad school, but a Wall Street firm recruited me. That first role opened the door, and soon I was back in Florida trading on an institutional equity desk."

What drew you from trading to wealth management?
"Trading was exciting, but I realized I wanted to help individual investors directly. That’s when I pursued my CFA and moved into private wealth management—designing portfolios that fit real people’s lives."

How would you describe your investment philosophy?
"I step into my clients’ shoes and make decisions like it’s my own money—prudent, cost-conscious, and tax-smart. Often the best move is actually doing nothing when the crowd is acting, and I help clients navigate that counterintuitive side of investing."

What do you enjoy most about working with clients?
"Every client is a puzzle. Different accounts, cost bases, and tax considerations mean I get to assemble a strategy that fits their big picture. It’s incredibly satisfying to see it all come together."

What frustrates you most about the financial services industry?
"The biggest frustration is the tarnish that hangs over our industry and the lack of real investor protections. Without strong fiduciary standards, consumers are left at a serious disadvantage navigating confusing and sometimes deceptive practices."

You’ve advocated on Capitol Hill for investor protections. What was that like?
"It’s eye-opening. Meeting with members of Congress and the SEC, I make the case for stricter fiduciary rules and transparency. It’s about trying to level the playing field for investors and push real reforms."

How do you stand out from other advisors?
"I focus on eliminating conflicts of interest, not just disclosing them. At FirsTrust, we’re Fee-Only, meaning our advice is never influenced by commissions or product incentives. Doing the right thing for clients always comes first."

You’re very active in the community. Can you tell us about that?
"I’ve been on the CFA Society of Orlando board for a long time and currently chair the Advocacy Committee. I also created an ethics competition for students across Florida, mentor business students, and serve on boards focused on fiduciary best practices and supporting children in need."

Outside of work, what’s something people might not know about you?
"I love mentoring young people—it keeps me connected and inspired. And honestly, I also enjoy the challenge of teaching ethics; seeing students think critically about real-world financial dilemmas is incredibly rewarding."