W Michael Smiley

W. Michael Smiley is Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Coastal Bridge Advisors, located in Charlotte, NC. In this role, he leads client advisory initiatives and oversees bespoke financial planning and investment management for high-net-worth individuals, families, small businesses, non-profits, and family foundations. His approach emphasizes customized wealth management strategies tailored to each client's unique objectives, with a particular focus on legacy building, estate planning, and charitable giving.

With more than three decades of experience in wealth management, Smiley previously served as President and Founder of Penland Legacy Advisors, where he specialized in fee-only investment management and comprehensive financial advisory services. His expertise spans traditional asset classes such as equities, fixed income, and alternatives, as well as impactful philanthropic solutions for non-profit and foundation clients. Smiley also holds the Certified Divorce Planner designation, further demonstrating his commitment to specialized client needs.

Smiley earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management from Winthrop University and pursued advanced studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Duke University's Non-profit Management program. In addition to his professional achievements, he has been recognized for substantial community engagement, including board service at the Winthrop University Foundation and the creation of philanthropic scholarship endowments.