Ayal Shmilovich, CPWA®

Ayal Shmilovich is a Managing Partner and Founding Member of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management. He specializes in advising technology and AI executives, startup founders, engineers, and investors in Los Angeles and across the country, with a focus on equity-based compensation planning and high-net-worth family strategies.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ayal earned his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his master’s degree from the University of Florida. With an academic background in psychology, he brings a practical understanding of how emotions and behavioral biases can influence financial decisions. He helps clients stay disciplined and data-driven, especially during periods of market volatility, rapid wealth creation, or major liquidity events.

Ayal works closely with clients who have complex planning needs, including stock options, RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs, IPO planning, concentrated stock positions, advanced tax strategies, philanthropy, and estate planning. He is known for building highly customized financial plans that reflect the unique income structures and equity packages common in the technology and AI industry. Whether a client is preparing for an IPO, navigating post-IPO liquidity, or diversifying a concentrated position, his approach prioritizes long-term wealth preservation, tax efficiency, and thoughtful investment management.

As a founding member of Gerber Kawasaki, Ayal serves on the firm’s Management Team and Investment Advisory Committee, helping guide portfolio construction and investment selection. He also co-founded the GK Technology Group and the GK Sports & Entertainment Group, expanding the firm’s expertise in high-growth and specialized industries. In addition, Ayal is a co-host of the Future Money Podcast, where he breaks down major technology and AI headlines and discusses how innovation may shape markets.

Ayal believes technology and AI should enhance the client experience, but strong relationships remain at the center of great advice. He takes pride in building long-term partnerships with clients and supporting them through major career and life transitions.

Outside of work, Ayal enjoys spending time with his son and is an avid Lakers and Rams fan. He is also active in community involvement and advocacy, including support for Israel and the Jewish community.

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CA Insurance Lic:#0G76537

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Designation Disclaimers

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Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification is an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth clients. It's designed for seasoned professionals who seek the latest, most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of clients with a minimum net worth of $5 million. Unlike credentials that focus specifically on investing or financial planning, the CPWA® certification program takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.

Minimum qualifications to obtain and maintain the CPWA® certification include: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or one of the following designations or licenses: CIMA, CIMC, CFA, CFP, ChFC or CPA license; A satisfactory record of ethical conduct, as determined by IMCA's Admissions Committee; Five years of professional client-centered experience in financial services or a related industry; Six-month pre-study educational component; In-class program at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, or online program through Yale School of Management; Final exam for in-class portion (online, proctored); and continued education training of 40 hours every two years.

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https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cpwa