Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Financial Planning & Investment Management in Annapolis
Shaker Financial Service is a fiduciary investment advisory firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through proprietary quantitative strategies. Founded in 1997, we specialize in closed-end fund management and tactical swapping, with a focus on enhancing returns while maintaining strict compliance with SEC and GIPS standards. Our team of experienced professionals actively manages portfolios using a disciplined approach that emphasizes diversification, risk management, and tax-efficient investing. We operate as a fee-only advisor, ensuring all recommendations align solely with client interests without conflicts from commissions or third-party incentives. Our services include personalized portfolio management, performance analytics, and comprehensive client support tailored to individual financial objectives.With independent verification of our performance history since 2004, we provide transparent reporting through quarterly performance reviews and monthly statements. Our technology-driven approach combines custom software solutions with bulk trading optimization to minimize costs and maximize investment efficiency. We serve clients through both Maryland and Virginia offices, offering access to a wide range of account types and automated contribution options. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our 5-star Morningstar rating and a proven track record of delivering value to investors since our inception.
Services
Investment Management
Portfolio Strategy
Retirement Planning
Tax-Efficient Investing
Risk Management
Performance Analytics
Wealth Planning
Asset Allocation
Client Reporting
Financial Advisory
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We operate as a fiduciary, legally obligated to act in your best interest
- Our proprietary quantitative strategies have delivered consistent performance since 1997
- Fee-only structure eliminates conflicts of interest from commissions or product incentives
- 35+ years of combined software engineering experience enhances investment efficiency
- Custom portfolio solutions tailored to individual financial objectives and risk tolerances
Associations and certifications
- GIPS
- Ashland Partners & Company LLP
- ACA Compliance
What people say
Proven track record
Personalized investment solutions
Transparent fee structure
Expert portfolio management
Consistent performance
Services
Investment Management
Our investment management service employs proprietary quantitative strategies to optimize portfolio performance. We specialize in closed-end fund management and tactical swapping techniques to capture market discounts. The service includes ongoing portfolio monitoring, rebalancing, and performance reporting with a focus on tax efficiency and risk-adjusted returns.
Wealth Planning
We offer comprehensive wealth planning solutions tailored to individual financial goals. This service includes retirement planning, tax-efficient investing strategies, and asset allocation frameworks. Our approach integrates market analysis with personal financial objectives to create customized investment roadmaps for long-term wealth growth.
Performance Analytics
Our performance analytics service provides detailed investment tracking and reporting. Clients receive quarterly performance reports, monthly statements, and customized analysis including tax planning support and compliance documentation. The service utilizes proprietary software for accurate performance measurement and transparent client communication.
Risk Management
We implement systematic risk management strategies across all portfolios. This includes diversification techniques, leverage management (typically around 20%), and volatility monitoring. Our approach balances potential returns with risk mitigation through continuous portfolio adjustments and market position optimization.
Client Reporting
Our client reporting service offers real-time account access and regular performance updates. Features include online portfolio monitoring, automated contribution options, and detailed performance analytics. Clients receive customized reports covering investment behavior, tax implications, and compliance documentation to support informed financial decisions.
People
Robert Shaker
Chief Investment Strategist, Partner
Robert Shaker oversees investment strategy and portfolio allocations at Shaker Financial Service. With experience as a former Economic Advisor to the US Embassy in Costa Rica, he brings extensive financial expertise to the firm. He graduated from Haverford College and Emory University School of Law.
Kathy Shaker Baummer
Managing Partner
Kathy Shaker Baummer manages financial operations and performance analytics at Shaker Financial Service. She previously worked in engineering software development and direct marketing. She holds multiple engineering degrees from the University of Delaware and George Washington University.
Daniel Gordon
Portfolio Manager
Daniel Gordon specializes in closed-end fund management and trading strategies at Shaker Financial Service. With prior experience as an options market maker, he brings 13 years of trading expertise to the firm. He graduated from Haverford College with a degree in Economics.
Dan Baummer
Director of Software Engineering
Dan Baummer leads software development for Shaker Financial Service' trading algorithms. With over 35 years of software development experience across multiple industries, he holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from Towson State University.
Kelly Fournier
Client Relations Manager
Kelly Fournier serves as client liaison at Shaker Financial Service. With 25+ years in financial services and project management, she previously earned 'Best-in-Class' recognition from American Express for credit protection programs. She holds a Business Administration degree from Fleet Business School.
Questions
What investment strategies do you use?
We employ proprietary quantitative strategies focused on closed-end funds and tactical swapping to capture market discounts while maintaining diversification.
Are you a fiduciary financial advisor?
Yes, we are legally obligated to act in your best interest as a fiduciary investment advisor with no sales commissions or product incentives.
What account types do you offer?
We provide a wide variety of account types including retirement accounts, taxable accounts, and institutional accounts tailored to individual needs.
How are your fees structured?
Our fees range from 1.8% to 1.0% annually based on assets under management, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs.
Do you offer automated investment services?
Yes, we provide automated contribution options and online portfolio monitoring through our dedicated client portal for convenient account management.
How often do you review portfolios?
We actively monitor investments daily and provide quarterly performance reports with monthly statements for ongoing portfolio evaluation and adjustments.
Reviews (1)
Carol Kerr
Oct 19, 2018
Report
SFS has handled my portfolio for 14 years. I am impressed with their returns and their excellent customer service.
