Chris Chakford
Founder & CEO
Divergent Capital Asset Management
Parkland, Florida, United States
About Chris Chakford
Chris Chakford is an American financial executive and the Founder and CEO of Divergent Capital Asset Management, a boutique investment advisory firm based in Parkland, Florida. With nearly three decades of experience in financial markets, he specializes in alternative investments, private placements, and wealth management.
Chakford began his career in trading at the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) as an Independent Market Maker, where he developed expertise in options and market dynamics. He later held leadership roles at several prominent firms, including Direct Access Partners, SecondMarket, and NewOak Capital. At NewOak Capital, he led the launch of the asset management division and managed hybrid investment vehicles with over $400 million in assets.
In 2017, Chakford joined Kawa Capital Management, a Florida-based asset manager, where he served as Managing Director and led private placement origination. He also became CEO of Kawa Securities LLC, the firm’s broker-dealer arm, overseeing operations and alternative investment strategies.
In 2023, Chakford founded Divergent Capital Asset Management, providing customized wealth management solutions, including private equity, private credit, and structured products, primarily for high-net-worth clients, family offices, and independent financial advisors. His firm is known for its Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services, which support RIAs and family offices seeking institutional-grade investment access without internal infrastructure.
Chakford holds multiple FINRA licenses, including Series 7, 24, 55, 63, 65, 79, and 99. He graduated magna cum laude from Miami University (Ohio) and lives in Parkland, Florida, with his wife and daughter.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Direct Access Partners
Rosenthal Collins Group
May Financial (Division of Southwest Securities)
Olde Discount (Now Ameriprise Advisors)
Education
Media
Press
Divergent Capital Asset Management: CEO Chris Chakford Discusses Pioneering Education Planning for Future Generations
Read the full article ›Chris Chakford On Private Equity Private Credit And Real Estate As Keys To Portfolio Diversification
Read the full article ›Chris Chakford and Divergent Capital Asset Management Shift Focus to Institutional Alternative OCIO Services - IssueWire
Read the full article ›Beyond Traditional Portfolios: How Chris Chakford is Helping Advisors Stand Out with Exclusive Alt Funds
Read the full article ›Chris Chakford on the Future of Institutional Investing: Integrating Private Equity, Private Credit, and Real Estate through OCIO Services
Read the full article ›Chris Chakford Highlights Divergent Capital Asset Management's Strategic Growth and Approach to Alternative Investments - IssueWire
Read the full article ›Licenses & Certifications
- FINRA Series 7 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- FINRA Series 24 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- FINRA Series 55 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- FINRA Series 63 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- FINRA Series 65 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- FINRA Series 79 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- FINRA Series 99 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Charities & Volunteering
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Supporter
- Goodwill – Supporter
- Veterans in Need Foundation – Supporter
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Chris Chakford do?
Chris Chakford is the Founder and CEO of Divergent Capital Asset Management, a boutique investment advisory firm based in Parkland, Florida. He specializes in alternative investments, private placements, and wealth management for high-net-worth clients, family offices, and independent financial advisors.
What is Chris Chakford known for?
Chakford is known for leading Divergent Capital Asset Management's Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services, which support RIAs and family offices seeking institutional-grade investment access, and for his commentary on private equity, private credit, and real estate as tools for portfolio diversification.
Where is Chris Chakford based?
Chris Chakford is based in Parkland, Florida, United States.
Where did Chris Chakford study?
Chris Chakford graduated magna cum laude from Miami University (Ohio) with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
Who does Chris Chakford work for?
Chris Chakford works for Divergent Capital Asset Management, the firm he founded in 2023.
Last updated February 20, 2026