In an insightful addition to AMP Business Valuations’ latest series, we delve into the intricate world of business transition, shining a light on the pivotal role of business intermediaries. This month’s feature brings us the expertise of Shanda McFadden, a distinguished financial advisor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) at Merrill Lynch, whose journey in finance transitioned from her initial role as a commercial banker at BMO Harris Bank to her current position, which she embraced in 2019. Amidst the challenges of COVID, Shanda expanded her skillset by acquiring her CEPA certification through the Exit Planning Institute’s (EPI) online courses, underscoring her commitment to aiding business owners in navigating the complexities of retirement preparation.
At Merrill Lynch, Shanda’s passion for forging meaningful connections stands at the forefront of her approach, enabling her to tailor her advisory services to the unique paths of business owners. Her philosophy centers on understanding her client’s personal and financial aspirations, thereby facilitating a more nuanced planning for their retirement needs. Shanda emphasizes the importance of early engagement, ideally five years prior to any significant liquidation event, allowing ample time to strategically decouple business wealth from personal finances and mitigate potential tax implications from business sales.
Her value proposition extends beyond mere financial transactions; Shanda prides herself on offering personalized planning services, leveraging her and her team’s wealth of knowledge to bridge any wealth gaps that may jeopardize clients’ retirement plans. This comprehensive approach proved invaluable during the tumultuous times of COVID, as clients sought her expertise to reassess their financial strategies in light of rising inflation.
A testament to her dedication is the formation of the EPI Chicago Chapter during the pandemic, of which she is now President. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering a community of professionals dedicated to holistic exit planning.
One of Shanda’s most notable success stories illustrates her ability to blend financial acumen with sensitivity to familial dynamics. In this case, she adeptly navigated a business owner’s dilemma on asset distribution among his children, helping ensure a fair resolution that employed tax minimization strategies and not only satisfied the client but also brought the entire family into her client fold.
Shanda’s journey and her impactful client engagements underscore the critical role of personalized financial advisory in helping successful business transitions, highlighting her as a beacon of expertise in the complex landscape of exit planning.
