Experience. Advice. Collaboration.

Planning for your family’s entire financial needs

The Halbfinger Group provides the individualized attention of a boutique team backed by the strength and stability of UBS, one of the largest wealth management firms around the globe. We provide seamless integration across all aspects of your financial world.

We combine financial planning with investment management and deliver it with the highest standard of personalized service. We are committed to engaging each generation of your family, offering thoughtful advice and education to help meet your goals.

Our clients and commitment

Working with a range of clients and their complex financial lives enables us to anticipate and address whatever challenges you may be facing. We help provide you and your family with what is most relevant to your wealth and goals based on our experience and insights. 

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Comprehensive planning for significant wealth

Helping women take charge

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Estate planning strategies

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Dividing wealth across generations

Delivering opportunity through collaboration

UBS Private Wealth Management
Specialized centers of excellence provide you and your family with the expertise that is most relevant to your wealth and goals. Their insights focus on broad themes and trends as well as successful tactical ideas and strategies.

Delivering opportunity through collaboration

Portfolio Advisory Group

Portfolio Advisory Group

Advanced Planning

Advanced Planning

Family Advisory & Philanthropy Services

Family Advisory & Philanthropy Services

Specialists intensely focused on constructing customized investment portfolios to help address your specific needs. The team’s hallmarks include sophisticated quantitative analysis, research-driven asset allocation and tailored portfolio construction advice.

The Advanced Planning Group consists of former practicing estate planning and tax attorneys who provide comprehensive planning and sophisticated advice and education to UHNW UBS clients. The team also serves as a think tank for the firm, providing thought leadership insight and creating robust intellectual capital on estate planning, tax, and related topics of interest to UHNW families.

Advice and solutions to help families flourish for generations, including intentional communication and decision-making, intergenerational wealth transitions, family governance, philanthropic legacies and more. The independent UBS Optimus Foundation funds high-impact programs in health, education, child protection and the environment.

Learn more

Trends and perspectives

Your primary source for financial advice

We are here to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. We concentrate on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service. You can rely on our personalized advice, first-class solutions, and extensive wealth management experience.

  • Douglas Summer Profile Photo

    Douglas Summer

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Private Wealth Advisor

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    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • DE
    • FL
    • GA
    • HI
    • IL
    • IN
    • MA
    • MD
    • ME
    • MI
    • MO
    • MS
    • NC
    • NE
    • NH
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NY
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • RI
    • SC
    • TN
    • TX
    • UT
    • VA
    • VT
    • WA

    What he does
    When evaluating the various investment and wealth management options The Halbfinger Group proposes, Doug usually asks, “What is the strategy? How will these actions add value to the client?” This focus on strategy represents a major part of the detailed planning and analysis Doug does for high net worth clients. He takes apart portfolios to see what’s working, what’s not, and what is the risk versus the client’s goals and expectations.

    Who he serves
    High-net-worth, highly compensated professionals and business owners who seek integrated wealth management. He also works with multiple generations of affluent client families interested in preserving and passing on their wealth. In addition, Doug offers investment guidance to prominent foundations and charitable institutions.

    How he works
    Doug focuses on developing client relationships and works with individuals, families and business owners in offering clients a highly consultative approach with tailored solutions bridging investments, liability management, insurance reviews, long-term care and financial planning capabilities. This consultative approach has helped when working with multiple generations of affluent families interested in preserving and passing on their wealth to the next generation and to charitable institutions. He also takes a long view in building relationships, knowing the value of consistent, disciplined stewardship over time.

    Outside the office
    Doug works closely with American Corporate Partners (ACP) which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans in their transition from the armed forces to the civilian workforce. Doug is a former executive committee board member and Treasurer of the JCC of Harrison where he played an active role in fundraising and continues to serve on the finance committee.

    • Barron’s Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams, 2021The Barron's rating is awarded annually in April based on information from the prior year Q4.
    • Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Barron's rating is awarded annually in May based on information from the prior year Q4.
    • Barron’s Top 50 Private Wealth Management Teams, 2020The Barron's rating is awarded annually in April based on information from the prior year Q4.
    • Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024, 2025The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

    • Syracuse University, B.S. Consumer Studies
    • Private Wealth Advisor
    • New York State Life Insurance and Health Insurance licenses
    • FINRA Series 3, 7, 9, 10, 24, 63, 66 licenses
    299 Park Avenue
    New York, NY 10017
    douglas.summer@ubs.com
    Douglas Summer
    299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
  • Adam Lafer

    Adam Lafer, CFA

    Authorized Officer

    Financial Advisor

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    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • DE
    • FL
    • GA
    • HI
    • IL
    • IN
    • LA
    • MA
    • MD
    • ME
    • MI
    • MO
    • MS
    • NC
    • NE
    • NH
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NY
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • PR
    • TN
    • TX
    • UT
    • VA
    • VT
    • WA

    Adam is a Financial Advisor and Partner and has earned the prestigious UBS Institutional Consultant designation.   His passion for the wealth management industry runs deep with his 20+ years of experience.  He joined UBS in 2009 and has been committed ever since to serving high net worth and ultra -high net worth families, along with foundations and endowments, with a tireless work ethic and an unmatched level of service.  Adam takes a holistic approach in advising clients and provides guidance that goes well beyond traditional portfolio management to include balance sheet optimization, financial planning, liability management and estate planning. 

    As a CFA charter holder, Adam leads the research and due diligence efforts in developing customized investment solutions across all asset classes as well as other capital market solutions that meet our client's specific financial goals and objectives.  He has extensive relationships with the top institutional money managers, hedge funds and private equity firms across the country. 

    Prior to joining UBS, Adam worked as a Relationship Manager Associate at Fred Alger Management, a boutique growth equity manager.  He started his career as an Advisor Associate at Sontag Advisory, a Registered Investment Advisory firm.  Adam graduated with a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Finance and International Business.  Additionally, he earned an M.B.A. from New York University Stern School of Business with a focus in Finance and Economics.  Adam is an active member of the CFA Institute and maintains his Series 7 and 63 securities licenses and NY Life and Health Insurance licenses. 

    Adam resides in Brooklyn with his wife, Maya, and is a proud father to his son, Arlo and his daughter, Esme.  In his spare time, Adam is an avid marathon runner and tennis player.  Adam has run 10 New York City marathons (11 overall) and enjoys training in Prospect Park with his dog, Stella.  

      • Pennsylvania State University, B.S. Finance and International Business
      • New York University, Stern School of Business, M.B.A. Finance and Economics
      • Chartered Financial Analyst®
      • FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities licenses
      299 Park Avenue
      New York, NY 10017
      adam.lafer@ubs.com
      Adam Lafer, CFA
      299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
    • Natalya

      Natalya Glushakova, CFA, CDFA®

      Authorized Officer

      Financial Advisor

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      • AZ
      • CA
      • CO
      • CT
      • DC
      • DE
      • FL
      • GA
      • HI
      • IL
      • IN
      • LA
      • MA
      • MD
      • ME
      • MI
      • MO
      • MS
      • NC
      • NE
      • NH
      • NJ
      • NM
      • NY
      • OH
      • OR
      • PA
      • PR
      • TN
      • TX
      • UT
      • VA
      • VT
      • WA

      Natalya joined the Halbfinger Group in 2010 and brings over 13 years of experience to her role on the team. She works with multi-generational families and individuals to create customized investment plans to grow and protect their wealth. As part of portfolio construction, Natalya analyzes all aspects of the portfolio and prepares tailored advice based on personal objectives. These plans focus on ensuring clients will be able to meet their financial goals for themselves and future generations.

      As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CFDA™), Natalya has the expertise to help clients make well-informed financial decisions pre and post-divorce.

      Natalya was born in Ukraine and grew up in New York. She is an active member of the CFA Society of New York. Natalya lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son, and enjoys traveling and hiking in her free time.

        • Fordham University, B.A. Finance
        • Chartered Financial Analyst®
        • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
        • Finra Series 7 and 66 securities licenses
        299 Park Avenue
        New York, NY 10017
        natalya.glushakova@ubs.com
        Natalya Glushakova, CFA, CDFA®
        299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
      • Matt Hull

        Matthew Hull

        Financial Advisor

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        • AZ
        • CA
        • CO
        • CT
        • DC
        • DE
        • FL
        • GA
        • HI
        • IL
        • IN
        • MA
        • MD
        • ME
        • MI
        • MO
        • MS
        • NC
        • NE
        • NH
        • NJ
        • NM
        • NY
        • OH
        • OR
        • PA
        • RI
        • SC
        • TN
        • TX
        • UT
        • VA
        • VT
        • WA

        Matthew joined the Halbfinger Group in January of 2023. He helps to maintain and grow relationships and is committed to providing an excellent client experience.

        Prior to joining UBS, Matt spent 10 years at BlackRock helping advisors build portfolios to help solve client challenges and educating on Mutual Funds, ETFs, models and technology 

        Matthew resides in Port Washington on Long Island.  In his spare time, Matt is an avid skier and traveler.

          • Fairfield University, B.A. Communication and Marketing.
          • FINRA Series 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses
          299 Park Avenue
          New York, NY 10017
          matthew.hull@ubs.com
          Matthew Hull
          299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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          Alexandra Swerz, CFP®, CDFA®

          Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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          • NJ
          • NY

          Alexandra joined the Halbfinger Group in 2013 and spearheads financial planning for the team. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner, Alexandra specializes in financial planning that drives personalized asset allocations and investment portfolios to meet clients' long-term objectives. Her financial planning process includes financial goal-based analysis, liability management, life insurance needs analysis, wealth transfer planning and charitable gifting strategies. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CFDA™), Alexandra is skilled at analyzing data and providing expertise on the financial issues of divorce throughout the entire process. 

          Alexandra grew up and currently resides on Long Island, NY.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends

            • Vanderbilt University, B.S.
            • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
            • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
            • Life, accident and health insurance licenses
            • Finra Series 7 and 66 securities licenses
            299 Park Avenue
            New York, NY 10017
            alexandra.swerz@ubs.com
            Alexandra Swerz, CFP®, CDFA®
            299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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            Joshua Ruiz

            Authorized Officer

            Wealth Strategy Associate

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            • AZ
            • CA
            • CO
            • CT
            • DC
            • DE
            • FL
            • GA
            • HI
            • IL
            • IN
            • LA
            • MA
            • MD
            • ME
            • MI
            • MO
            • MS
            • NC
            • NE
            • NH
            • NJ
            • NM
            • NY
            • OH
            • OR
            • PA
            • TN
            • TX
            • UT
            • VA
            • VT
            • WA

            Joshua joined our team in 2024 as a Wealth Strategy Associate. In this role, he is responsible for trading, portfolio analytics, relationship management, and investment due diligence. He works closely with clients to execute investment strategies, monitor portfolio performance, and ensure alignment with their long-term financial objectives. Joshua collaborates with the team on research and due diligence efforts to identify and evaluate investment opportunities across various asset classes. His analytical approach and client-focused mindset help deliver tailored wealth management solutions.

            Before joining the Halbfinger Group, Joshua held various roles at UBS. He was a Financial Advisor at the UBS Wealth Advice Center, where he provided investment guidance and asset allocation strategies. As an Analyst on the UBS International Sales and Business Development team, he supported advisors in driving business growth and enhancing client relationships. Most recently as a Wealth Planning Associate, he specialized in financial plan development to help clients navigate complex planning decisions. His diverse experience provides him with a well-rounded perspective in advising clients on their financial needs.

            Joshua resides in Manhattan and enjoys travelling and playing sports in his free time.

              • University of Texas at Austin, Finance
                299 Park Avenue
                New York, NY 10017
                joshua.ruiz@ubs.com
                Joshua Ruiz
                299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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                Connie Colacino

                Team Administrator

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                • CO
                • CT
                • FL
                • NJ
                • NY
                • PA

                Connie joined our team in 2013 and oversees all aspects of operations and administration for the team. With a focus on operational excellence and the client experience, she delivers prompt communication and superior client service. She works with key contacts across the firm to optimize processes and maintain the highest level of client satisfaction. Connie assists in all phases of the client relationship including account opening, cash movements, online navigation and a variety of other support functions. 

                She resides in New Jersey with her husband, Paul, and their two sons, Luca and Leo. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

                  • New Jersey City University, B.S. Business Administration - Management
                  • New York State health & life insurance licenses
                  • Finra Series 7 and 66 securities licenses
                  299 Park Avenue
                  New York, NY 10017
                  connie.colacino@ubs.com
                  Connie Colacino
                  299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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                  Betsy Rivera

                  Senior Client Associate

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                    Betsy joined our team in 2024 and has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, the last 25 years at UBS. She prides herself on service excellence and attention to detail. Betsy assists with client communication, account opening and maintenance as well as other day-to-day operational services.

                    Betsy is a highly respected and valued Senior Client Service Associate at UBS and is part of the CSA Coaches Committee, which trains new Client Service Associates on internal systems and functions.

                    Betsy has also been involved in various initiatives designed to increase efficiencies for clients and support staff. She is a member of the All Bar None, which promotes the professional advancement of women at the firm. Betsy also takes time to volunteer with the Coalition for the homeless in their Grand Central Food Program, a mobile soup kitchen in NYC.

                    Betsy lives in Monroe NY, with her husband Nevelle, and two daughters Gavriella and Gianna.

                      • SUNY Purchase, BS
                        299 Park Avenue
                        New York, NY 10017
                        betsy.rivera@ubs.com
                        Betsy Rivera
                        299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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                        Leo Asada-Johnson

                        Authorized Officer

                        Registered Client Associate

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                        • AZ
                        • CA
                        • CO
                        • CT
                        • DC
                        • DE
                        • FL
                        • GA
                        • HI
                        • IL
                        • IN
                        • LA
                        • MA
                        • MD
                        • ME
                        • MI
                        • MO
                        • MS
                        • NC
                        • NE
                        • NH
                        • NJ
                        • NM
                        • NY
                        • OH
                        • OR
                        • PA
                        • TN
                        • TX
                        • UT
                        • VA
                        • VT
                        • WA

                        Leo joined UBS in 2019 and became a member of our team in 2023, bringing over 11 years of experience in financial services.With a strong passion for wealth management, Leo is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service. Leo oversees the administration of our alternative investment platform.

                        Prior to joining the Halbfinger Group, he spent three years at UBS’s Wealth Advice Center as a Financial Advisor and Client Service Associate, where he built and strengthened client relationships through tailored wealth management solutions and goal-based investment recommendations. Before joining UBS, Leo spent seven years at Citigroup in various banking roles, specializing in client relationship management, lending solutions, and tailored financial strategies.

                        A Brooklyn native, Leo is fluent in Japanese and frequently visits family in Japan. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, playing soccer, cycling, and running.

                          • The George Washington University School of Business, Business Administration and Management
                            299 Park Avenue
                            New York, NY 10017
                            leo.asada-johnson@ubs.com
                            Leo Asada-Johnson
                            299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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                            Lourdes Martino

                            Senior Client Associate

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                              Lourdes provides administrative support for our team. With over 20 years of administrative background, client service and experience is the highest priority for Lourdes. She serves as the first point of contact to clients and their families. Lourdes manages communication related to meetings, conference calls, and general team administration.

                              Prior to joining the team , Lourdes served as the Branch Office Administrator at UBS Madison and Park Avenue offices. A She is a member of UBS All Bar None Americas and a longtime supporter of Komen Greater NYC.

                              Lourdes is a native New Yorker. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, exploring the local dining scene with friends and spending time with family.

                                • Pace University, B.S.
                                  299 Park Avenue
                                  New York, NY 10017
                                  lourdes.martino@ubs.com
                                  Lourdes Martino
                                  299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017
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                                  Paula Christiansen

                                  Investment Associate

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                                  • CA
                                  • FL
                                  • NJ
                                  • NY

                                  Paula joined the Halbfinger team in 1996 and provides administrative support for the team and clients. Paula is dedicated to strengthening client relationship and providing an excellent client experience. She assists with client inquiries and communications as well as other day-to-day operations.

                                    • SUNY Farmingdale, AAS.
                                    • FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities licenses
                                    299 Park Avenue
                                    New York, NY 10017
                                    paula.christiansen@ubs.com
                                    Paula Christiansen
                                    299 Park Avenue,New York,NY,10017

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