Investment Management:
Cypress Investment Management Services
We’re big believers in transparency for our clients and keeping it real. To achieve this, our Cypress portfolio managers speak fluent “real-life,” meaning, we can translate your financial objectives and vision for your future into sound investment strategies, and an actionable plan.
It may be one-size-fits-all financial planning elsewhere, but here, it’s all about you and your preference for top-of-mind topics like risk tolerance, income, cash flow requirements, and more. For over two decades, we’ve provided individualized plans and delivered results for our clients. Through market ebbs and finance flows, Cypress Bank & Trust, is a trusted partner, committed to your success.
OUR ASSET ALLOCATION PHILOSOPHY
We believe asset allocation is the main determinant of portfolio returns. The centrality of asset allocation stems from its role in determining the optimal portfolio allocations to distinct asset classes based on investors’ time horizon. We periodically re-balance the portfolio to the pre-determined long-term asset allocation target and review the asset policy mix in conjunction with investor’s changing needs, expected returns and type and availability of investment instruments.
Our flexible approach allows us to dynamically manage the asset allocation mix within pre-determined bands to position portfolios in relation to changing market conditions.
OUR EQUITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Cypress Bank & Trust employs a team-driven approach to its equity investment selection, using a front-end screening process to focus the research efforts of the investment team on a manageable list of attractive stocks. This approach provides a diverse list of equities with strong quality, value and income characteristics as defined by our proprietary process. This quantitative approach is designed to capture the interaction of fundamental investment concepts in a disciplined, consistent manner. The portfolio managers then research these companies to develop a deep understanding of the company’s long-term dynamics and valuation. In addition to in-house research, third-party research is leveraged in this process. The collective research and views of the portfolio management team are discussed and vetted in Stock Selection Committees. Consensus decisions are reached at these meetings with the output being a Focus List from which portfolio managers construct and manage client-customized portfolios. The approach aims to manage portfolio risk through consistently investing in equities with strong profitability, cash flows, and attractive valuations. Additional risk management rules are in place for diversification purposes such as maximum position size and sensible limits to sub-industry concentration. Portfolio managers determine whether investment in a Focus List security is appropriate for each individual client.
Account Options
CUSTOMIZED PORTFOLIOS
For clients who have specific investment circumstances such as low cost-basis stocks, income needs, restrictions on particular types of investments, directed investments, legacy stock holdings, or investment preferences such as socially responsible investing, Cypress offers customized portfolios of stocks and bonds.
- Cypress Bank & Trust Customized Portfolios:
- Are tailored to each individual client based on his/her goal and preferences
- Are actively managed with a focus on risk management and diversification
- Seek to enhance after-tax returns through tax-sensitive management
SEPARATELY MANAGED ACCOUNT STRATEGIES
For clients with limited or no constraints who are interested in investing in disciplined, focused strategies, Cypress offers a suite of Separately Managed Accounts. These provide an institutional quality investment management solution, along with the ownership and transparency you deserve. The investment professionals of Cypress adhere to the fiduciary standard, working in your best interest before their own.
FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT
Our philosophy is based on pursuing goal-oriented strategies driven by each individual client’s income requirements, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Income generation and capital preservation are paramount in this approach. We are largely a buy and hold investor and have a low turnover within our bond holdings. When purchasing individual bonds, we emphasize high credit quality, liquidity, and diversification across the government, municipal, and corporate sectors.
In our opinion, fixed income investing represents a trade-off between interest rate risk and credit risk. More often we choose to take credit risk over interest rate risk. We do not believe in the ability to consistently predict interest rates, therefore, we seek to add value by taking credit risk. For corporate bonds, our approach to security selection is based on finding value through credit research and comparable bond analysis. When purchasing municipal bonds we build portfolios with an emphasis on diversifying across maturities, states, and repayment sources.
We also offer ETF-based fixed income solutions which offer exposure to a broader selection of fixed income sectors with the goal of smoothing volatility and enhancing income and liquidity. These portfolios can supplement core individual bond holdings or serve as a complete fixed income solution.
Characteristics of Fixed Income Portfolios
- Diversified, opportunistic strategies. Yield curve optimization.
- Emphasis on quality – Investment-grade securities
- Low volatility
- Liquidity/Marketability
- Undervaluation – Credit analysis and credit spread evaluation attempts to identify attractive sectors/issues
- Taxable or Tax Free
Investment Products are:
- Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
- Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
- Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested
Portfolio Manager Contacts
SASCHA RIZZO, CFA, CFP | Senior Portfolio Manager/Market Executive | Senior Vice President
Sascha Rizzo, CFA, CFP, Senior Portfolio Manager/Market Executive and Senior Vice President, works with clients to create asset allocation strategies and construct portfolios to help meet clients’ investment objectives while managing portfolio risk. Sascha’s career in financial services spans 30+ years. Prior to joining Cypress, he worked in the Private Bank offices at Wells Fargo, bank of America, and SunTrust. He graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University with a degree in Economics and earned a Master of Business Administration from the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. He holds both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. Sascha has served his community through roles on the Maitland City Council, including former Mayor of the City of Maitland, Board member of the South Seminole North Orange County Waste Water Authority, Board member and former Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Authority, Board Trustee for local public radio station 90.7 WMFE, and Board member of Orlando Shakes, an acclaimed professional theater.
Direct 407-961-6046
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
Ted A. Libby | Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President
Theodore A. Libby, Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President, has over 40 years of investment experience, having held senior level positions with Casco Bank & Trust Company, Bank of New Hampshire, NBD Bancorp (now part of JP Morgan Chase), and the Vero Beach office of U.S. Trust Company, where he spent 7 years as Senior Investment Officer. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and the Williams College School of Banking.
Direct 772-532-3897
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
JUNE LUNDY | Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President
June L. Lundy, Senior Portfolio Manager and Vice President, has more than 30 years of experience building customized, diversified portfolios for clients, including 12 years at Wells Fargo Private Bank. June earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the Florida Trust School at the University of Florida. She is also a member of the Investment and Wealth Institute, the CFA Society of Jacksonville, the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida, Planned Giving Council of Northeast Florida, University of Florida Alumnae Association, and additional philanthropic organizations in Northeast Florida.
Direct 904-310-1728
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
Raphael Lima, CFA | Junior Investment Officer
Raphael Lima, CFA is a Junior Portfolio Manager in the Winter Park office. His responsibilities include supporting the Portfolio Managers in creating asset allocation strategies and constructing portfolios.
Raphael graduated from the Youngstown State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and with a Master’s of Arts degree in Financial Economics. Raphael has also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Raphael started in the investment analysis field at FactSet Research Systems, where for eight years he held roles in portfolio analytics for equity and fixed income and had a key role in the development of RBICS, FactSet’s proprietary industry taxonomy. Raphael also held the role of Portfolio Implementation Specialist in Victory Capital Holdings, assisting in the management of equity and alternatives ETF and Mutual Fund strategies.
Raphael moved to Florida recently and is residing in Lake Mary with his family. He is an active member of the CFA Society Orlando.
Direct 407-794-1813
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
BRIAN SKARBEK | Senior Investment Officer | Senior Vice President
Brian Skarbek, Senior Investment Officer and Senior Vice President has been an invaluable Cypress Bank & Trust team member since 2004. With a wealth of experience in the financial industry, Mr. Skarbek oversees the Cypress investment process and leads the investment team.
Starting his career with Barnett Securities in 1995, Brian quickly established himself as a talented professional. He later joined Harris Bank in Sarasota as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Officer, further honing his skills and expertise. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, focusing on Finance, from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida.
Beyond his impressive professional achievements, Brian is equally dedicated to positively impacting his community. For over a decade, he has volunteered for local baseball organizations, contributing his time and efforts to support the sport. Additionally, Brian has been a part of the Foundation Board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for nearly 25 years, offering his expertise and unwavering support to this worthy cause.
Direct 941-373-1551
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
Theo Perry, NMLS 1605469 | Portfolio Manager | Vice President
Throughout his career, Theo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his clients’ financial success. His acute understanding of the market and investment landscape makes him a valuable asset for our clientele. With a focus on personalized financial planning and strategic wealth management, Theo is dedicated to guiding you towards your long-term financial goals.
Beyond that, Theo Perry is passionate about giving back to the community. He actively serves on the executive board of several charity organizations including Substance Awareness of the Treasure Coast and St. Francis Manor. Additionally, Theo volunteers in local government committees, most recently The City of Vero Beach Planning and Zoning Board, where he strives to create a stronger and more vibrant community for all.
Theo values his role as a husband to his loving wife, Helena, and as a dedicated father to their two wonderful children, Hunter and Teddy.
While Theo is committed to achieving financial excellence for his clients, he also understands the importance of work-life balance. During his leisure time, you can often find him on the golf course, honing his skills and enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, family and friends hold a special place in Theo‘s heart, and he relishes every moment spent with them, creating cherished memories.
Direct: 772-643-2598
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
THERESA STRICKLAND | Senior Portfolio Manager | Senior Vice President
Theresa Strickland, Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President, joined Cypress Bank & Trust in 2004. Prior to joining Cypress, Theresa was a Portfolio Manager for the Harris Private Bank and began her financial services career with Bank of Boston. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida State University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Direct 561-820-2011
Do not include your account number, password, credit card information, Social Security number, or PIN when you contact us through email.
Easy Management
Providing for the financial future of family, non-profit organizations, or foundations is an intrinsic value. It is one that creates a sense of accomplishment. We’ll work with you to protect and manage your assets by creating customized investment strategies, serving you during estate settlement, and as an administrative trustee for clients already committed to an investment plan.