Jonathan Blake Lewis
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Dynamic investment and advisory leader with over 13 years of experience in advisory services, alternative investments, compliance, and trading. Currently spearheading the investment advisory and alternative investment divisions at Synovus Securities, focusing on driving asset growth, fostering platform innovation, and implementing rigorous due diligence processes. Expertise includes portfolio design tailored for high-net-worth individuals and institutions, advisor education initiatives, and seamless onboarding of new products. Proven ability to enhance KPI reporting and facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic business objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager - Vice President
Synovus Securities Inc.
Birmingham, AL
03.2023 - Current
- Manage the investment advisory and alternative investment lines of business for Synovus Securities Inc. (SSI), focusing on revenue growth, advisory asset expansion, product due diligence, and regulatory compliance to drive overall business performance.
- Collaborated with senior leadership across wealth verticals, including private wealth and trust, on strategic initiatives such as joint market strategies and Business Owner Wealth Strategies (BOWS) to enhance cross-functional synergies.
- Traveled to various markets and facilitated firm-wide calls to educate banking and wealth partners on the comprehensive scope of investment advisory offerings, fostering greater adoption and integration.
- Designed and implemented portfolio solutions for large cases ($10M+), partnering directly with financial advisors and banking teams to deliver tailored strategies for high-net-worth individuals.
- Produced and distributed regular market analyses and product write-ups to generate innovative ideas and client-facing solutions, disseminated across the bank’s network to support advisor-client communications.
- Oversaw due diligence processes for traditional investment advisory products and alternative offerings, including private equity, real estate, and private credit, ensuring rigorous evaluation and compliance standards.
- Delivered periodic Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports to executive management, accompanied by detailed narratives outlining internal and external business drivers to inform high-level decision-making.
- Sourced and introduced new investment products to the platform, enabling financial advisors to offer competitive, market-leading solutions to clients
Vice President
Synovus Securities Inc.
Birmingham, AL
05.2021 - 03.2023
- Oversaw the growth and strategic development of the investment advisory and alternative investment lines of business for Synovus Securities, driving expansion and market competitiveness.
- Established comprehensive monthly and on-demand reporting systems for key performance indicators (KPIs), including in-depth analyses of internal and external drivers to inform decision-making.
- Collaborated directly with regional managers to spearhead key initiatives, including financial planning, partnerships with banking entities, and equipping advisors with essential tools and portfolios to maintain market edge.
- Led weekly Thursday Advisor Calls, coordinating cross-functional participation from Securities, Trust, Private Wealth Banking, and other divisions; featured guest speakers delivering market updates, practice management insights, and product developments.
- Identified and evaluated new investment strategies, presented recommendations to the due diligence committee, and managed onboarding processes to ensure financial advisors had access to cutting-edge solutions for client needs.
Senior Investment Associate
Synovus Securities Inc.
Birmingham, AL
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Led the development and launch of Synovus Guided Solutions Advisor, Portfolio Manager, and Unified Managed Account programs on the Envestnet platform; collaborated with senior analysts to curate optimized investment managers and strategies, enhancing options for financial advisors.
- Partnered with compliance teams to implement investment policy rules and ongoing monitoring protocols, ensuring full portfolio compliance; created comprehensive program manuals to market and promote initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
- Supported recruiting efforts and spearheaded seamless asset transitions during large-scale lift-outs of financial advisor teams from competitors, aligning models with Synovus offerings to minimize taxable events and maintain client continuity.
- Facilitated strategic partnership with iCapital to introduce alternative investment options; developed processes, procedures, and training programs for SSI’s alternative investments to streamline operations and client access.
Investment Associate
Synovus Securities Inc.
Birmingham, AL
04.2016 - 01.2019
- Spearheaded the launch of the Envestnet platform following Synovus’s new direct relationship, including building out the system and delivering comprehensive training to financial advisors on portfolio construction, trading, and investment selection.
- Collaborated on the rollout of the Investment Advisory Group’s proprietary models, encompassing both mutual fund and ETF versions, to enhance investment offerings.
- Managed wholesaling efforts for proprietary strategies to Synovus financial advisors while overseeing daily trading operations on the platform to ensure seamless execution and compliance.
Wealth Management Associate
Merrill Lynch
Birmingham, AL
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Supported three wealth management teams managing a combined $1B in assets under management (AUM) and generating over $3M in annual revenue, ensuring seamless operational efficiency and client satisfaction through proactive administrative and analytical assistance.
- Managed daily client inquiries and collaborated on portfolio construction aligned with individual risk tolerances and financial objectives, contributing to optimized investment strategies and enhanced client retention.
- Attended client meetings to address portfolio-related questions, captured detailed notes, and transcribed them into Salesforce for accurate record-keeping and follow-up actions, streamlining team communication and compliance.
Senior Compliance Analyst
Sterne Agee
Birmingham, AL
10.2014 - 08.2015
- Led the development and implementation of comprehensive compliance programs for investment advisory operations, ensuring alignment with SEC, FINRA, and internal policies while overseeing audits, investigations, and regulatory responses.
- Managed risk assessment, conflict mitigation, and monitoring of trading activities, marketing materials, and client communications to prevent violations and maintain ethical standards.
- Sterne Agee Asset Management
Institutional Trade Specialist
Sterne Agee
Birmingham, AL
01.2013 - 10.2014
- Executed and managed institutional trades for equity and fixed income securities at Sterne Agee, handling an estimated daily volume exceeding $50 million, while ensuring best execution, timely settlements, and compliance with SEC and FINRA regulations.
- Collaborated directly with internal traders, salespeople, and contra firms to facilitate order routing, negotiate terms, resolve trade discrepancies, and oversee post-trade operational processes in fast-paced market environments.
- Analyzed real-time market conditions, analyzed risk factors, reconciled accounts, and prepared reports on trade activities, providing strategic insights to enhance portfolio performance and strengthen client relationships.
- Sterne Agee Equity and Fixed Income Trading and Sales
Bank Examiner
Alabama State Banking Department
Montgomery, AL
08.2012 - 12.2012
- Conducted on-site and off-site examinations of state-chartered banks, reviewing financial statements, loan portfolios, internal controls, and compliance with Alabama and federal banking laws to ensure operational integrity and regulatory adherence.
- Evaluated bank management practices, risk management systems, and capital adequacy, identifying irregularities or potential risks while recommending remedial measures to mitigate threats and promote financial stability.
- Prepared comprehensive examination reports detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations, collaborating with bank officials and regulatory agencies to resolve compliance issues and maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Commerce and Business Administration, Finance with a minor in Economics
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL01-2012
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite, Bloomberg, Envestnet, iCapital, Wealthscape, Morningstar, BlackRock Advisor Workstation, and Fidelity Institutional
Certification
Series 7, Series 66, Yale School of Management CIMA prerequisite
Community Involvement
Glenwood (past junior board member), Freshwater Land Trust (past junior board member), Current Member of Cathedral Church of The Advent
Current Committees
Investment Policy Committee, Due Diligence Committee, Investment Policy Subcommittee, & Securities Backed Lending Committee
Timeline
Manager - Vice President
Synovus Securities Inc.
03.2023 - Current
Vice President
Synovus Securities Inc.
05.2021 - 03.2023
Senior Investment Associate
Synovus Securities Inc.
01.2019 - 05.2021
Investment Associate
Synovus Securities Inc.
04.2016 - 01.2019
Wealth Management Associate
Merrill Lynch
08.2015 - 04.2016
Senior Compliance Analyst
Sterne Agee
10.2014 - 08.2015
Institutional Trade Specialist
Sterne Agee
01.2013 - 10.2014
Bank Examiner
Alabama State Banking Department
08.2012 - 12.2012
Bachelors of Science - Commerce and Business Administration, Finance with a minor in Economics
University of Alabama