Christopher Lai

Christopher Lai, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer and Partner at Ascent Wealth Partners, LLC in New York Mills, NY. In this role, he leads the firm's investment philosophy and strategy, overseeing portfolio management, asset allocation, and risk control processes. His responsibilities include directing research and investment decisions across client portfolios while ensuring alignment with the firm's long-term objectives.

Mr. Lai specializes in managing portfolios with a focus on equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, tailoring strategies for high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutional clients. He is recognized for integrating rigorous fundamental analysis and disciplined risk management across sectors including U.S. and international equities, municipal bonds, and alternative assets.

Prior to his current roles, Lai served as Portfolio Manager at Ascent Wealth Partners from 2011 to 2025 and at Strategic Financial Services in 2011. He holds degrees from Nanyang Technological University Singapore and the University at Buffalo, and is a CFA Charterholder. His expertise in multi-asset portfolio construction and investment research has contributed significantly to the firm's growth and reputation in wealth management.