About Michael

Michael Zhuang is founder and principal of MZ Capital Management, LLC (“MZ Capital”), a fee-only registered investment advisor firm located in Washington.

Education

Michael is educated beyond his intelligence (;-) . He earned dual master degrees in mathematics and finance from Carnegie Mellon University. I was subsequently accepted into the PhD program in the field of financial economics. After completing the courseworks and all qualification exams, he decided being a professor was not his life calling. Michael’s PhD training left lasting brain damage though; he keeps writing articles to educate investors about wealth management so they don’t need him, (while other advisors are getting more clients playing golf.)

Work experience

From 2000 to 2003, Michael was a senior trader with PG&E National Energy Group where he was responsible for launching the weather derivatives trading desk. He developed risk management guidelines and a suite of weather derivatives valuation software. Prior to that, Michael was a financial engineer with FIMAT of the Societe Generale Group.

Michael did not cause the collapse of the financial industry in 2008. His classmates who went to Wall Street did.

Civic involvements

Michael is active in the community. He twice sponsored Melodic Impact, a musical fundraiser for kids with cancer. He is an active member of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary Club. He volunteers as an instructor for Toastmasters International’s Youth Leadership Program. He sits on the board of Special Love, Inc., often mistaken as a match-making business. It is in fact a non-profit devoted to caring for kids with cancer.

Investment philosophy

Michael’s investment philosophy is deeply influenced by three people: Warren Buffet on value-orientation and patience, David Swensen on multi-asset-class investing and decision framework, and John Bogle on minimization of costs for clients and stewardship of clients’ money.

Writings

Michael is a regular contributor to Morningstar and Physicians Practice. He also blogs at The Investment Fiduciary. You may also follow his Facebook page for physicians and twitter.

Personal life

Michael is married with one young child. His favorite past time is travelling with family. Not yet three year old, his son Darren has already traveled with him to six foreign countries: Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, China, Japan and Texas.