Go forward

Private Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisors. Advocates. Financial quarterbacks. As your team, we provide the individualized attention of a boutique practice backed by the strength and stability of UBS, one of the largest wealth management firms in the world. Our process starts with a deep understanding of you, your family and your values.

We are a highly experienced team of Private Wealth Advisors who have worked closely together for more than 20 years. Louie Sampedro’s background in philanthropy and Chris Barra’s extensive military service provide us with the leadership and global perspective to offer wise advice, guidance, or tactical solutions.

Whether we’re working with entrepreneurs looking for creative solutions for exiting a venture or exceptional, multigenerational families requiring access to the firm’s top financial minds, we are driven to place integrity, transparency and trust at the center of our practice. We strive to consistently put your best interests first and keep you moving forward with comprehensive wealth management that answers your immediate needs and addresses your long-term goals.

Connect with us

“ For many of our clients, managing wealth means managing risk. We look at each client’s situation holistically, providing the industry experience, firm access and global savvy to help provide innovative solutions.”

– Chris Barra, Managing Director–Wealth Management

Chris Barra, CFA

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- IA
- IL
- LA
- MA
- MD
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
- WY
Chris joined UBS in 2007. He launched his financial planning career at Goldman Sachs in 1998. Shortly after starting at UBS, Chris took a leave of absence, from 2008 to 2009, to serve a combat tour in Iraq. Serving clients as a Private Wealth Advisor at UBS, where he is known as the “Army guy,” Chris leverages his unique military experience as an Airborne Ranger. Clients tend to trust him readily because of that experience serving his country.

At UBS, the team focuses on a small number of very wealthy clients, offering custom solutions and high-touch service. Chris favors a clientcentric model. He and the team serve as your “CFO,” trusted Advisors who integrate solid tax and estate planning into the wealth management conversation.

Chris attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he obtained a B.S. degree in general engineering. He earned an M.B.A. from UCLA, where he also won the Weston Award for academic excellence in finance. He earned a master’s degree (with honors) in military studies, with a focus on the Civil War, from American Military University in West Virginia. Chris has Series 3, 7 and 63 securities licenses, is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and a Member of the Western Finance Association.

Chris is involved in several clubs and organizations, and is Adjunct Professor of Military Science at UCLA. In his military career, he is a Brigadier General U.S. Army Reserve . Chris is also a member of the Bel-Air Country Club, The Plantation Golf Club and Army-Navy Country Club. He and his wife, Lory, have three children, Tanner, London, and Hannah. His hobbies are golf and running.

California Insurance License: 0G23864
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Chartered Financial Analyst®
- Senior Portfolio Manager
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

chris.barra@ubs.com

Chris Barra, CFA

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245
Louie Sampedro

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- IA
- ID
- LA
- MA
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
- WY
Louie joined UBS in 2007, and launched his career in the financial services industry in 1998 at Goldman Sachs. At UBS, he serves high net worth individuals and families and tax-exempt entities. Within clients’ overall wealth management, he provides more specialized guidance on asset allocation and alternative investments as well as on concentrated single stock and restricted stock issues.

Louie gives top consideration to understanding clients’ risk tolerance in order to develop long-term relationships with them. Once a relationship is established, he moves forward into other aspects of client service. Louie focuses on preserving capital and managing risk for his highly successful clients. He uses an adaptive model, one that is flexible and serves his clients as needed.

Louie, who is fluent in Spanish, obtained a B.S. in engineering from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He acquired an M.B.A. from Anderson School of Management at UCLA. He has Series 3, 7, and 66 securities licenses. Louie is a member of The Department of Finance Advisory Board at The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

As a volunteer, Louie supports local organizations such as American Youth Soccer Organization, Little League, and City of Torrance. He is also involved with his children’s school, St. Lawrence Martyr School in Redondo Beach, and St. Lawrence Martyr Church.
- Private Wealth Advisor
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

louie.sampedro@ubs.com

Louie Sampedro

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245
Violeta Mollova

Senior Registered Client Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- IA
- ID
- LA
- MA
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WY
Violeta ensures that the daily business operations run smoothly and that the team provides clients with a tailored, comprehensive Private Wealth Management experience. She prides herself on trying her best to be there for clients by understanding their personal needs and assisting with delivering on their goals for the short and long term.

As the logistics lead for the team, Violeta takes accountability regarding compliance and regulatory issues for the team’s business operations. With a role that fits her personality, Violeta brings enthusiasm, care and concern for each client’s well-being.

“People are what makes everything worth it to me. I am passionate about working with a team that is committed to helping with the success of our clients and doing this with integrity, intensity and commitment."

Past experience
- Background in banking and finance operations
Education and credentials
- International Baccalaureate program
- Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses
- Notary Public
- CA Life Insurance License
Life
- Violeta enjoys spending time with family in La Quinta, CA.
- Outside of work, she likes to play tennis, hike, travel, and practice photography
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

violeta.mollova@ubs.com

Violeta Mollova

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245
Marcus Braun

Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- ID
- LA
- MA
- MN
- MO
- NJ
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WY
Marcus joined the Barra Sampedro Group in March of 2024 as a Wealth Strategy Associate. He aids the team with his analytical skills by conducting research, compiling meaningful reports, and finding actionable steps towards clients’ financial goals.

He also directly serves clients by executing trades, facilitating cash and security transfers.

Marcus graduated with a B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and minored in Musical Theatre. He holds a Series 66 and 7 licenses as well as a California Life and Health Insurance License.

Through formative experiences in his youth, Marcus knows what it is like to experience uncertainly and anxiety around finances. He has made it his mission to leverage his knowledge and the resources of UBS to alleviate those feelings in his community.

Marcus volunteers through the Notre Dame Club of Los Angeles, Credit Abuse Resistance Education Los Angeles (CARE LA), and Junior Achievement Southern California. He is also a Dodgers season ticket holder and enjoys live music and performance.
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

marcus.braun@ubs.com

Marcus Braun

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245

Chris Barra, CFA

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- IA
- IL
- LA
- MA
- MD
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
- WY
Chris joined UBS in 2007. He launched his financial planning career at Goldman Sachs in 1998. Shortly after starting at UBS, Chris took a leave of absence, from 2008 to 2009, to serve a combat tour in Iraq. Serving clients as a Private Wealth Advisor at UBS, where he is known as the “Army guy,” Chris leverages his unique military experience as an Airborne Ranger. Clients tend to trust him readily because of that experience serving his country.

At UBS, the team focuses on a small number of very wealthy clients, offering custom solutions and high-touch service. Chris favors a clientcentric model. He and the team serve as your “CFO,” trusted Advisors who integrate solid tax and estate planning into the wealth management conversation.

Chris attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he obtained a B.S. degree in general engineering. He earned an M.B.A. from UCLA, where he also won the Weston Award for academic excellence in finance. He earned a master’s degree (with honors) in military studies, with a focus on the Civil War, from American Military University in West Virginia. Chris has Series 3, 7 and 63 securities licenses, is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and a Member of the Western Finance Association.

Chris is involved in several clubs and organizations, and is Adjunct Professor of Military Science at UCLA. In his military career, he is a Brigadier General U.S. Army Reserve . Chris is also a member of the Bel-Air Country Club, The Plantation Golf Club and Army-Navy Country Club. He and his wife, Lory, have three children, Tanner, London, and Hannah. His hobbies are golf and running.

California Insurance License: 0G23864
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Chartered Financial Analyst®
- Senior Portfolio Manager
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

chris.barra@ubs.com

Chris Barra, CFA

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245
Louie Sampedro

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- IA
- ID
- LA
- MA
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
- WY
Louie joined UBS in 2007, and launched his career in the financial services industry in 1998 at Goldman Sachs. At UBS, he serves high net worth individuals and families and tax-exempt entities. Within clients’ overall wealth management, he provides more specialized guidance on asset allocation and alternative investments as well as on concentrated single stock and restricted stock issues.

Louie gives top consideration to understanding clients’ risk tolerance in order to develop long-term relationships with them. Once a relationship is established, he moves forward into other aspects of client service. Louie focuses on preserving capital and managing risk for his highly successful clients. He uses an adaptive model, one that is flexible and serves his clients as needed.

Louie, who is fluent in Spanish, obtained a B.S. in engineering from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He acquired an M.B.A. from Anderson School of Management at UCLA. He has Series 3, 7, and 66 securities licenses. Louie is a member of The Department of Finance Advisory Board at The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

As a volunteer, Louie supports local organizations such as American Youth Soccer Organization, Little League, and City of Torrance. He is also involved with his children’s school, St. Lawrence Martyr School in Redondo Beach, and St. Lawrence Martyr Church.
- Private Wealth Advisor
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

louie.sampedro@ubs.com

Louie Sampedro

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245
Violeta Mollova

Senior Registered Client Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- IA
- ID
- LA
- MA
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WY
Violeta ensures that the daily business operations run smoothly and that the team provides clients with a tailored, comprehensive Private Wealth Management experience. She prides herself on trying her best to be there for clients by understanding their personal needs and assisting with delivering on their goals for the short and long term.

As the logistics lead for the team, Violeta takes accountability regarding compliance and regulatory issues for the team’s business operations. With a role that fits her personality, Violeta brings enthusiasm, care and concern for each client’s well-being.

“People are what makes everything worth it to me. I am passionate about working with a team that is committed to helping with the success of our clients and doing this with integrity, intensity and commitment."

Past experience
- Background in banking and finance operations
Education and credentials
- International Baccalaureate program
- Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses
- Notary Public
- CA Life Insurance License
Life
- Violeta enjoys spending time with family in La Quinta, CA.
- Outside of work, she likes to play tennis, hike, travel, and practice photography
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

violeta.mollova@ubs.com

Violeta Mollova

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245
Marcus Braun

Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- ID
- LA
- MA
- MN
- MO
- NJ
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SD
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WY
Marcus joined the Barra Sampedro Group in March of 2024 as a Wealth Strategy Associate. He aids the team with his analytical skills by conducting research, compiling meaningful reports, and finding actionable steps towards clients’ financial goals.

He also directly serves clients by executing trades, facilitating cash and security transfers.

Marcus graduated with a B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and minored in Musical Theatre. He holds a Series 66 and 7 licenses as well as a California Life and Health Insurance License.

Through formative experiences in his youth, Marcus knows what it is like to experience uncertainly and anxiety around finances. He has made it his mission to leverage his knowledge and the resources of UBS to alleviate those feelings in his community.

Marcus volunteers through the Notre Dame Club of Los Angeles, Credit Abuse Resistance Education Los Angeles (CARE LA), and Junior Achievement Southern California. He is also a Dodgers season ticket holder and enjoys live music and performance.
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 1300
El Segundo, CA 90245

marcus.braun@ubs.com

Marcus Braun

2121 Rosecrans Avenue,El Segundo,CA,90245

Tariffs, volatility and your portfolio

Are you ready?

In the first 100 days of a second Trump administration, policy uncertainty continues to dominate. Do you have questions about the impact of tariffs, inflation and geopolitical developments on your investment strategy?

We’re here to help you make sense of it all and move forward with confidence. Make sure your portfolio is prepared for ongoing market volatility.

“ We’ve built long-lasting relationships by being resourceful, flexible and consistently reliable. We engage with each generation to help educate and support the values and vision of your whole family.”

– Louie Sampedro, Managing Director–Wealth Management

Your business: Growing. Transitioning. Liquidity planning.

We help you address the full cycle of business needs. Whether you’re building capital, preparing an IPO, selling your company, looking to manage existing liquid assets or transferring wealth, we have a honed process for helping you make smart, informed financial decisions.

Post-liquidity planning. The right wealth management processes and strategies can help you make a successful transition to the next phase of your life. We’ll conduct a thorough analysis of your situation and coordinate with our network of external and internal UBS specialists to deliver the technical and planning expertise you need.

IPO wealth planning. Working with a range of clients who are navigating an IPO, our process begins with critical pre-liquidity planning and progresses through execution and closing. We help with deal valuation opportunities, tax considerations and post-liquidity planning by coordinating with our network of boutique banks as well as UBS and third-party specialists.

Solutions for consolidated positions. We have considerable experience with solutions for immediate monetization and hedging for holdings. We educate clients on the risks of holding a highly concentrated equity position, options for liquidating and/or helping to preserve the value of this position and the tax consequences of various strategies.

Your estate: Planning focused on the needs of each generation

We invest the time to understand your family wealth dynamics and the important decisions you face. Whether providing services directly or coordinating with your family office, we can help bridge the generations within your family, serving your current needs and helping you meet the goals of future generations.

Trust and legacy planning strategies. Your family’s financial security may depend not only on how you manage your wealth today, but also how you preserve it for the future. Estate planning and personal trusts can help ensure ongoing management of your assets, help minimize or eliminate estate and transfer taxes, and protect your assets across generations.

Liquidity. Longevity. Legacy. Our approach can help you organize your financial life into three key dimensions: Liquidity—to help provide cash flow for short-term expenses, Longevity—for longer-term needs and Legacy—for needs that go beyond your own. Through the plan we create together, we can help you pursue what matters most today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

_{Time frames may vary. Strategies are subject to individual client goals, objectives and suitability. This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any financial results, can or will be achieved.}

_{All investments involve the risk of loss, including the risk of loss of the entire investment.}

Your legacy: Helping you sustain family wealth

We help exceptional families take a strategic and sustainable approach to managing their wealth for continuity. We have access to a global team of specialists and takes a systematic approach that extends beyond the purely financial to help you create a legacy with a lasting impact.

Your values, your vision. From implementation to governance to ongoing oversight, we offer comprehensive advice to help you define and truly realize your unique charitable vision.

A strategy for your legacy. You’ve taken risks to get where you are and now, when it comes to the legacy you leave, you want that risk managed. We help provide clarity on how your wealth can be utilized for good. With, of course, the goal of superior after-tax performance.

Sustainable investing. Investing sustainably can be a powerful and effective way to drive positive change in society potentially without having to compromise your financial return. Each asset class—including equities, fixed income and alternative investments—has sustainable options that have achieved risk and return outcomes as good or better than conventional investments.

The entire firm for your entire family. We facilitate cross-generational conversations that can help you determine how best to articulate your values and put them into action. In addition, we offer access to a host of UBS events and opportunities, including the Young Successor Program, designed to help your children (and grandchildren) expand their financial literacy under the guidance of professionals in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and philanthropy.

_{Sustainable investing strategies aim to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment process and portfolio construction. Strategies across geographies and styles approach ESG analysis and incorporate the findings in a variety of ways. The returns on portfolios consisting primarily of sustainable investments may be lower or higher than portfolios where ESG factors, exclusions or other sustainability issues are not considered, and the investment opportunities available to such portfolios may also differ.}

Access: The resources and network of UBS

UBS Private Wealth Advisors, we provide access to UBS global platforms, the highest levels of senior leadership at the firm, and a vast network of financial and intellectual experts in Wealth Management, Asset Management and our Private and Investment Banks.

Private Wealth Management. As a team within the exclusive Private Wealth Management division at UBS, we have the training, access and understanding of complex wealth and the individuals and families who create it, inherit it and pass it on.

Advanced Planning Group. Planning analysts regularly evaluate how changes in the legislative and tax landscape might affect your wealth.

Banking and lending services. Access funds through our extensive UBS Banking resources.

Portfolio Advisory Group. We draw on the expertise of strategists who are exclusively dedicated to portfolio structuring.

CIO Wealth Management Research. Our global research organization comprises more than 900 professionals across UBS.

Family Advisory Group. This group offers solutions that extend beyond your portfolio.

UBS Global Family Office. We offer a highly specialized team dedicated to seamless integration for family office services.

Investment management: Solutions based on careful analysis

As active investors, our clients encounter substantial liquidity and tax challenges. Whether you face a post-IPO concentrated equity position, are looking to monetize your holdings or want to preserve value and ease tax considerations, we offer deep technical experience and access to global specialists.

Cash flow and risk management. Whether you’re looking to access liquidity, reassess short-term cash flow, execute a particular investment strategy or build a tax-efficient wealth transfer plan, our team can provide highly tailored solutions for your most complex needs.

Asset allocation and risk. Through our comprehensive due diligence and planning process, we gain a deep understanding of your entire financial picture. This allows us to craft an asset allocation that seeks to balance your tolerance for risk with your family’s growth and income goals.

Corporate insider considerations. With complicated equity award packages, corporate insiders need specific guidance. Faced with regulatory challenges buying and selling restricted stock, we can help formulate a written, predetermined and systematic 10b5-1 trading plan that satisfies liquidity needs in an efficient and compliant manner.

UBS: A global wealth manager

UBS is the largest wealth manager in the world.1 Our team has built strong relationships with an extensive network of specialists across the firm. We leverage these relationships, as well as professionals across the industry, to connect you to an array of resources across the globe.

A heritage of leadership. UBS has been successfully managing its clients’ wealth for more than 150 years, with deep resources in investment, banking and asset management businesses.

Stability. UBS’s solid long-term credit ratings and economic stability ranks within the highest levels among large global banks.

An independent platform. One of the great advantages our team has is our truly independent approach. We offer flexible solutions and are not constrained to internal investment products.

_{¹ Scorpio Partnership’s Global Private Banking Benchmark 2018 rank of global wealth managers by assets under management.}

A leader in wealth management

Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

Global leader

UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager

More than 160 years

offering financial advice

^$6 trn

UBS Group invested assets
As of 12/31/2024

Go forward

Private Wealth Management

“ For many of our clients, managing wealth means managing risk. We look at each client’s situation holistically, providing the industry experience, firm access and global savvy to help provide innovative solutions.”

Chris Barra, CFA

Louie Sampedro

Violeta Mollova

Marcus Braun