Rick Smyth, CFA

Founder & Managing Director

With over 30 years experience, Rick's expertise has developed through diverse financial markets, economic cycles, and geopolitical environments. 

Throughout his career he has mastered the knowledge across fields of finance, investments, and capital markets, combined with leadership, management, and corporate governance.  All aspects of the organization are guided by stewardship to manage clients successfully to navigate the perpetually changing landscape of financial advisory, wealth management, and family office services. 

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Rick earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California and graduate degree at the University of Chicago.  He attended an executive program at the Stanford Law School, earned his Chartered Financial Analyst, and completed his studies at the University of California at Los Angeles for the Certified Financial Planner program.

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Prior to launching Aionios, Rick was at Franklin Templeton Investments, an adjunct professor, and visiting lecturer at five universities in California.  Rick is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Finance and Economics at Anderson University teaching investments, investment analysis, portfolio management, derivatives, and corporate governance. During his career he has consulted and collaborated with large institutions, corporations, family offices, and leaders in academia. 

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Rick currently serves on the Board of Visitors at Anderson University, Board of the Anderson Sertoma Club which sends underprivileged and hearing impaired kids from throughout the State of South Carolina to Camp Sertoma located at the Clemson University Outdoor Lab, Board of the Anderson County Museum as treasurer, a board member of the Rotary Club of Anderson as President-Elect, and the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce.  He supports the community in numerous activities including volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and local schools with the Rotary Club.  Rick attends and is very involved with serving at his church, NewSpring, in Anderson, South Carolina.