How I Got Here: Wealth Adviser to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families

Private Banker Rose Cohen, MBA ’03, recalls her personal passion for finance began as a child, when she and her mother would track the stock market, world news, and the local economics of Southern California. From those early beginnings, she aimed to turn that childhood bonding experience into a career in finance; ultimately advising families on how best manage their personal wealth. Today, Cohen works as a wealth advisor for J.P. Morgan in Washington, D.C. She paused on the eve of a summer vacation cycling tour through France with her husband to speak about her career.

WHAT I DO: Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “As a senior banker, I serve as an advisor to ultra-high-net-worth families, endowments and foundations to address their investment, banking, trust, and wealth planning needs.” 

EDUCATION: Majored in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon graduation, moved across the country to Washington for work, and ultimately decided to pursue a Smith MBA over a decade later. 

1987: “Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I received a scholarship from Apple to work at the Securities and Exchange Commission which took me from California to Washington, D.C.  I originally planned to stay for 1 year and 27 years later I have a terrific business and personal network and very much enjoy the area as my home.” 

1988-2000: Following time at the SEC, transitioned to a successful career in private banking and as regional sales coordinator with Sovran Bank (now Bank of America) and BB&T. 

2001: Enrolled at the Smith School considering a change in career; “however, as I progressed through the MBA program, I continued to be drawn toward courses relating to the financial markets. Returning to school later in my career gave me a different perspective, a different appreciation for the opportunity, and a different determination in my studies. Realizing what I was sacrificing to be in school full time, I treated the MBA program with the same attention and determination I have always applied to my career.” 

2003: Upon completion of my Smith MBA, began working with GenSpring, a multi-family office advising wealthy families. 

BIG BREAK: “A founding partner of a private equity firm who has served a mentor to my career recommended I meet with J.P. Morgan Private Bank. While I was not looking to change jobs, he insisted that the firm was the best model for advising families, endowments and foundations and he believed I could make a positive impact there given my background in finance and banking. That meeting has ultimately provided the most rewarding and impactful opportunity of my career.”  

2005: Joined J.P. Morgan Private Bank as a Senior Banker. As such, Rose provides institutional access to ultra-high-net-worth families and Endowments & Foundations delivered through boutique regional dedicated teams.  Each banker is carefully selected as education, work experience, passion, teamwork, and innovative thinking are all important factors. In 2005, Rose also met Smith School namesake Robert H. Smith who became a professional mentor to her. 

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Serving as trusted advisor to a wonderful and select group of clients.  Additionally, Rose is proud to have the opportunity to give back to the local community. Rose serves as Board President for the D.C. Jewish Community Center, and is a member of the Foundation Board and Board of Advisors at the Smith School. 

BIG CHALLENGE: Helping clients navigate through turbulent markets, particularly during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. 

BIG TIP: “Be present. Be prepared. Be open to opportunities and unique points of view.” 

BIG PASSION: “Cycling with my husband in exciting locations such as Spain, Italy, France, and Morocco. I like to experience new things and take in new cultures. Cycling allows you to experience your world, whether at home or abroad, in a different way.”