John Brand — Bitcoin & Digital Asset Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
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About John Brand
John Brand is a financial advisor based in Elmira, NY with credentials including CFA®, CFP®, CBDA℠ with The Brand Schweizer Group / Raymond James. Their work focuses on Bitcoin and digital asset related planning within a broader approach to wealth management and financial planning.
John Brand is a trusted Bitcoin and digital asset financial advisor serving clients in Elmira, NY. With expertise in cryptocurrency wealth management, Bitcoin portfolio allocation, and crypto tax planning, John helps high-net-worth individuals and families navigate the complexities of digital asset investing while integrating Bitcoin into comprehensive financial and retirement planning strategies.
John Brand is a dedicated Financial Advisor at The Brand Schweizer Group / Raymond James, bringing over two decades of experience in the financial industry to his clients. A graduate of Hamilton College with a degree in economics, John began his career in New York City, where he honed his expertise as an investment advisor at Credit Suisse First Boston Direct and later as an equity syndication analyst at Dealogic, Inc. His strong foundation in finance led him back to Elmira, where he spent nine years as a portfolio manager in the Investment Department at Chemung Canal Trust Company.
In January 2016, John co-founded The Brand Schweizer Group, where he applies his extensive knowledge and rigorous skillset to help clients navigate their financial journeys. He has achieved the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, underscoring his commitment to excellence in financial advisory services. John also holds several securities licenses, including Series 7 and Series 63, as well as Life Insurance and Variable Annuity licenses. His commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by his graduation from the NYS Banker Trust Investment School and his active membership in the New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSSA).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John is deeply engaged in his community. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Arnot Realty Corporation and holds a position on the Board of Trustees at Elmira College, where he chairs the Investment Committee. His previous roles include serving as a Board Trustee at the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, where he also chaired their Investment Committee. John’s commitment to leadership extends to his past directorships at the Clemens Center, Elmira City Club, and Elmira Country Club.
In his free time, John enjoys spending quality moments with his family, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and community involvement.
Areas of Focus
Advisors listed on Bitcoin Wealth Platform commonly work at the intersection of traditional financial planning and Bitcoin or other digital assets. While each advisor has their own practice, typical areas of focus include:
- Helping clients understand how Bitcoin fits within a broader financial or retirement plan
- Coordinating with tax and legal professionals around digital asset implications
- Assessing appropriate Bitcoin position sizes relative to risk tolerance and time horizon
- Long-term wealth preservation and estate considerations
- Education around Bitcoin custody, security, and portfolio impact
- Applying CFP® training to planning conversations that may include digital assets
- Using CBDA℠ knowledge to understand digital asset risks and opportunities
How a Bitcoin Aware Advisor Can Help
A Bitcoin aware financial advisor can help you think through how digital assets interact with the rest of your financial life. This can include conversations about volatility, long-term conviction, tax treatment, retirement implications, and how Bitcoin relates to more traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. While services vary by advisor and firm, the goal is usually to bring clarity, reduce blind spots, and align any Bitcoin exposure with your overall goals and risk tolerance.
Credentials & Licenses
Why You Can Trust John
Verified credentials and professional qualifications
Licensed and certified to provide financial advisory services
11+ Years Experience in financial advisory and wealth management
Acts as a fiduciary, legally obligated to put your interests first
Serving clients in Elmira, NY and surrounding areas
The Brand Schweizer Group / Raymond James
Important: Always verify advisor credentials and registrations through official sources such as FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database.
Verify John's Credentials
Independently verify registration and licensing through official regulatory databases
Questions to Ask This Advisor
When you speak with John Brand, you may want to ask questions like:
- How do you view the role of Bitcoin within a diversified financial plan?
- How do you coordinate with my tax or legal professionals if I hold Bitcoin or other digital assets?
- What types of risks should I understand before changing my Bitcoin exposure?
- How are you compensated, and how do you charge for your services?
- Do you work with clients who already hold Bitcoin in self-custody or on exchanges?
- What is your approach to position sizing for Bitcoin within a portfolio?
- How do you stay current with Bitcoin and digital asset developments?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bitcoin Wealth Platform
Does Bitcoin Wealth Platform provide investment advice?
No. Bitcoin Wealth Platform is an independent directory that helps you find advisors who may be familiar with Bitcoin and digital assets. All advice is provided by the individual advisors or firms, not by BWP.
How should I evaluate an advisor listed here?
Always review an advisor's regulatory records, background, experience, and compensation model. Use official sources such as SEC IAPD and FINRA BrokerCheck, and ask direct questions about how they work and whom they serve.
Are all advisors on this site Bitcoin experts?
Advisors listed here have indicated some level of familiarity or interest in Bitcoin and digital assets, but their experience and services vary. It is important to confirm their specific experience and capabilities directly with them.
Is working with a Bitcoin aware advisor right for me?
That depends on your situation, goals, and risk tolerance. A conversation with an advisor can help you decide whether and how Bitcoin should be included in your planning, or whether other strategies might be more appropriate.
Important Disclaimer: John Brand is solely responsible for any advice they provide. Bitcoin Wealth Platform (BWP) is an independent directory and does not provide individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Digital assets, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, involve risk of loss. Always confirm licensing and registrations (FINRA/SEC/state) before engaging any advisor. For more information, please review our full disclaimer.