Ryan Nichols is an Investment Analyst at Acumen Wealth Advisors. He supports both Acumen’s investment portfolio efforts, as well as strategic initiatives across multiple disciplines. For investments, Ryan is responsible for performing and assisting in portfolio analysis and conducting due diligence of external managers across multiple asset classes, with a focus on Alternative and Fixed Income. He assists in the formulation and implementation of both discretionary portfolio changes and portfolio advice for clients and prospects. Additionally, he participates in Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management Committee meetings and other investment-related strategy meetings. Regarding Acumen’s strategic growth, Ryan assists senior leadership with projects and initiatives related to Marketing, Business Development, Strategic Planning, and Client Experience. This includes project planning, monitoring and communication of project progress, and coordination of key strategic initiatives across the firm.
“There isn’t a way things should be.
Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky
There’s just what happens, and what we do.”
Ryan earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Finance and Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Gary Rollin’s College of Business. He studied finance and investments with a strong focus on financial, fundamental, and investment analysis. Ryan was heavily involved in UTC’s Student Managed Investment Learning Experience (SMILE) all-cap equity fund and served as the President and Chief Investment Strategist in 2023. During his work in the SMILE Fund, Ryan researched equity markets and the macro-economic environment as the Vice President of Market Analysis. He has also gained strong research skills as well as experience in analyzing company financials, operations, and portfolio management. In the spring of 2022, Ryan earned the “Top Analyst Award” for the SMILE Fund which is chosen by the academic director of the SMILE Fund based on research quality and level of involvement in the fund. Ryan was chosen as one of UTC Rollins College of Business John C. Stophel Distinguished Students for the 2023-2024 academic year. This award is presented annually to recognize high potential business students who have made significant and meaningful contributions to UTC, the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and their communities while maintaining a strong academic record. Ryan was also awarded the Outstanding Senior Award in the Business Finance Department which is chosen by the department head and professors.
Ryan interned with Acumen Wealth Advisor for two and a half years and is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing chess, watching movies, and reading.