Amar Shah founded Client First Capital to create a platform that reflects his values and provides impartial, evidence-based advice to his clients around maximizing their financial well-being. Amar strongly believes that integrity, transparency, knowledge, and insight are core values for a successful, long-term client relationship. Amar has more than 20+ years of experience in the financial industry, helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals. He is experienced in estate planning advice, retirement planning, and risk management. He and his team help clients protect, distribute, and grow their wealth, and they are committed to cultivating long-lasting client relationships based on trust and mutual respect.  

Some people know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. They get the right qualifications and then enjoy a career in their field of choice. That’s not Amar’s story. In fact, he stumbled into a career as a wealth manager and business owner. An opportunity arose, his interest was piqued, and dipping his toes into something new suddenly turned into a long and fulfilling career.  

Here is Amar’s journey described in his own words: 

“Growing up, my family frequently called emergency services due to my father’s ongoing health challenges. I remember feeling safe and secure when the first responders arrived at my home. Having been helped, I knew that I wanted to help others. After high school, I worked as a firefighter for the City of Poway in San Diego. I was set on becoming a firefighter for the rest of my life, but my Fire Chief urged me to go to college before I made that commitment. I accepted his advice, and while attending the University of California, Riverside, I started working as an engineer at Qualcomm. Then, the irony of all ironies (because I’m Indian), my job was outsourced to India.  

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering (with honors), I knew that I wanted a career that helped people and their families feel secure. I got a job at American Express Financial Advisors, and a couple of years in, I realized that this career was an ideal fit for me as I helped my clients establish and build a secure financial future.  After a handful of years, I moved on to work as a vice president within J.P. Morgan’s wealth management division in New York City and then spent 8 years as a senior wealth manager at USAA. I also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), practitioner. 

So, now I have the opportunity to help my clients and their families and to make decisions that align with their values and family dynamics. As a person who loves to solve problems, I love being part of that process for families to get to a place where they can take action on what’s important to them.”      

A native of San Diego, Amar grew up in Rancho Penasquitos, California and now lives next to Balboa Park. Amar has a deep commitment to services. He was a board member of CFA Society’s San Diego Chapter, holding the position of Advocacy Chair, and is an advisor to the finance committee for Wildcoast. Amar is an avid outdoor sportsman who enjoys ultra-endurance events and has completed multiple Ironman 70.3 races and marathons. He has climbed Mount Whitney, Mount Kilimanjaro, and hiked the West Highland Highway. Most recently, he has completed the iconic swim, Escape from Alcatraz. He is a board member of the San Diego Velodrome and volunteers as the Director of the Youth Program. When he is not training, Amar enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and two young daughters. 

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