Mal founded Professional Planning Group (PPG), an independent wealth management advisory firm, in 1975. He affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) in 1989. Through his affiliation with RJFS, he and his team of professionals at PPG provide a diverse range of comprehensive wealth management services. Mal is a Registered Principal, a member of the Executive, Investment and Compliance Committees.
Experience
Mal has served on both state and national boards related to the financial planning industry, including the Board of Directors of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners, the Board of Governors of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. and the Financial Planning Association of Rhode Island. From 1987 to 1993, he served on the National Board of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Certified Financial Planners of which he was Chairman for three years.
Mal authored and was a former instructor for a CFP Board approved continuing education program titled “CFP Board Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.” For many years, he presented this program at the Raymond James National Conference. He is a nationally recognized author, teacher and public speaker. He has appeared on numerous television programs and has been frequently quoted in a variety of nationally known publications.
Education
Regarded as one of the early leaders in the financial planning movement, Mal earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in 1981 and remains committed to the CFP® certification as the designation of choice for financial advisors. Mal earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Nyack College in 1968. He did a year of post-graduate study at The New School for Social Research in New York City. He holds the Series 7, 63, and 24 licenses as well as the Rhode Island Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Producer’s license.
Community
Mal is a major supporter of many charitable organizations and is committed to giving back to the community. He served on the executive committee and is a past president of the Ocean Community YMCA, during which time the YMCA completed a major renovation of its facility in Westerly, RI. He also served as Investment Advisor for Community 2000, a foundation that provides scholarships to worthy local students. He created and annually funds the Professional Planning Group scholarship that is given each year to a deserving student. Mal has been honored for having made significant contributions to the community through donations, volunteerism, active community engagement and leadership focusing on positive change for Westerly and the surrounding community.
Family
Mal resides in Charlestown, RI with his wife. He is the proud father of four grown sons, three that work with him at PPG, two of them as Financial Advisors, helping to create a family team of wealth advisors well-positioned to take PPG and its clients confidently into the future. He is grandfather to six talented and loving grandchildren.
Hobbies
Mal is an avid golfer and fly fisherman. He is past president of the American Seniors Golf Association and has competed in several national events. He was a member of the ASGA team that competed against the Japanese Seniors International team at Pinehurst, North Carolina in 2012. The Americans were victorious on the golf course, and both teams were victorious in furthering camaraderie and cultural understanding.
Raymond James is not affiliated with the above independent or charitable organizations.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
