Our Team

As CEO and Co-Founder of Arch Global Advisors (AGA), Sheraz Iftikhar is responsible for driving the firm’s vision, mission, and long-term financial success. Through more than 23 years of experience, he has cultivated a firm culture rooted in cooperation and collaboration, focusing on the shared growth of his team and the families they serve. Under his leadership, the firm developed its proprietary Asset Track Program, an innovative management strategy designed to provide consistent, growth-oriented performance and cost-effective solutions for clients. A recognized authority in the industry, Sheraz has shared his insights in major publications such as Reuters, Yahoo, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal. His influence extends to his work as a featured speaker on professional panels and public engagements, where he advocates for institutional growth and the support of endowments.

Background and Education

Sheraz’s professional foundation was built on the values of discipline and integrity, principles that have guided his career since earning a dual degree in Economics and Media Studies from Hunter College. He began his career at a boutique wealth management firm in New York City, where he developed a deep understanding of market complexities and the critical importance of transparent client communication. He further expanded this expertise in a subsequent role within the Voya Retirement Readiness program, providing strategic advice to Fortune 500 companies. In 2007, Sheraz leveraged this unique blend of Wall Street experience and boutique client service to co-found Arch Global Advisors.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional commitments, Sheraz is a dedicated marathon runner. He views the endurance and discipline required for long-distance running as a direct parallel to the firm’s mission: a commitment to long-term persistence and the drive to help clients reach their own ultimate financial finish lines. Sheraz also serves on the board of South Bronx United, supporting inner city kids through after-school programs.

Akhil Kumar is the Co-Founder, Partner, and Chief Compliance Officer of Arch Global Advisors. With more than 22 years of experience in the financial services industry, he is recognized for his leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to delivering thoughtful financial guidance and long-term value to clients.

Akhil pursued a career in financial services with a focus on building meaningful client relationships and helping families navigate complex financial decisions with confidence. His experiences have shaped the discipline, adaptability, and client-focused perspective that continue to define his professional approach today.

Background and Education

Akhil earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Finance, and Management from Manhattanville University, along with a minor in Psychology. This combination of financial expertise and behavioral insight has enabled him to develop a well-rounded approach to wealth management, balancing analytical decision-making with a strong understanding of client needs and long-term financial goals.

He began his career at a boutique investment firm in New York City, where he met his future business partner, Sheraz Iftikhar. Together, they founded Arch Global Advisors with a shared vision of creating a firm grounded in trust, personalized service, and long-term relationships.

Under their leadership, the firm has grown primarily through referrals and community involvement, earning a strong reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and proactive financial guidance. Akhil remains focused on helping clients navigate an evolving financial landscape while prioritizing their long-term well-being and financial security.

Personal Interests

Akhil resides in Rye with his wife, Kristin, and their two children. His experiences as a husband and father continue to influence his perspective as an advisor and business leader, reinforcing his commitment to helping families pursue lasting financial success.

Outside of work, Akhil is an accomplished golfer who remains active in the sport and frequently participates in and helps organize charitable golf events benefiting local and national organizations. For Akhil, the game of golf mirrors the advisory process: it requires patience, strategic foresight, and a focus on incremental progress to achieve long-term success.

Paris Johnson provides comprehensive wealth management services, with a special focus on bespoke financial planning and the development of strategies for generational wealth. At Arch Global Advisors, she prioritizes a high-touch, "white glove" service model, ensuring that each client’s unique perspective on retirement and long-term goals is reflected in their asset management path. In addition to her advisory role, Paris serves as the firm’s marketing manager, where she oversees brand engagement and the firm’s digital presence.

Background and Education

Paris brings seven years of experience and a unique analytical perspective to finance, having graduated from Duke University with honors in neuroscience before attending medical school in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her transition into wealth management was driven by a realization that her aptitude for data and complex systems could be utilized to help individuals navigate their financial futures. Before joining AGA, she served as a junior financial advisor at AXA Financial and furthered her education with economics coursework at Harvard Business School. This diverse academic background informs her view of the collaborative environment at AGA as a vital ecosystem, where every team member functions in unison to maintain the firm's operational health and client success.

Personal Interests

Paris is bilingual in Spanish and maintains a deep connection to Argentina, where she lived for five years. An active member of the Duke Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee, she is committed to community involvement and professional mentorship. Her personal interests include traveling, golf, tennis, and supporting the New York Rangers.

Cary Cowan brings over 50 years of experience to his role as Senior Vice President of the Southern Region. Prior to joining Arch Global Advisors, he served as the head of his own firm, Cowan Financial Group, in St. Augustine, Florida, for 44 years. His transition to AGA followed a 2023 acquisition, a move driven by a shared commitment to a client-first philosophy and high-standard financial values. Cary specializes in long-term financial planning, guiding clients through every life stage - from early career growth to complex retirement transitions and 401(k) rollovers.

Background and Education

A graduate of the American College of Financial Services, Cary holds numerous professional designations, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF®), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). His deep industry knowledge is further evidenced by his 2001 book, Lifetime Financial Strategies: A 21st Century Financial Planning Process, which outlines the insights and methodologies he has refined over half a century in the business. Originally from Sanford, Florida, Cary has witnessed the state's significant growth firsthand, a perspective that informs his approach to local market dynamics.

Personal Interests

Cary is an avid golfer, dedicating much of his time outside of the office to the sport. His long-standing presence in the Florida community and his decades-long relationships with clients reflect a career dedicated to consistency and professional integrity. He continues to fulfill his commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape, ensuring their goals remain the firm's primary focus.

Frank Davidson brings 35 years of experience developing comprehensive financial strategies that balance clients’ long-term wealth aspirations with immediate family security. Serving as a steward for his clients’ assets through every life stage, Frank prioritizes a communication-first approach. He views his role as a sounding board, utilizing regular meetings to listen to his clients’ visions for the future before building a plan tailored to their specific objectives.

Background and Education

Frank brings a wealth of institutional experience to the firm, with a career that includes tenures at several of the financial industry's most recognized names. He began his career at Alliance Capital and subsequently served as a registered representative at Bear Stearns, MetLife, JP Morgan Chase, and Prudential before joining AGA in 2023. This extensive background provides him with a deep understanding of market cycles and the evolving needs of investors as they transition from early career growth toward retirement.

Personal Interests

A native of Rockland County, Frank lives in Nanuet with his wife and two children. He maintains a strong connection to his community, coaching a youth baseball team for athletes with disabilities. In his free time, Frank is an avid traveler and a dedicated supporter of St. John’s basketball. He views his involvement in community coaching as a natural extension of the firm’s mission, finding that the persistence and teamwork fostered on the field directly mirror the commitment required to achieve long-term financial milestones.

Mark Alcorn supports Cowan Financial Group in St. Augustine as a Wealth Management Assistant, ensuring seamless operations and delivering thoughtful, high-quality client support.
He brings a growing foundation in financial planning, strong attention to detail, and a genuine client-first mindset to every interaction.

Background and Education

A lifelong Floridian, Mark graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree, where he discovered a deep interest in personal finance and comprehensive financial planning. 

Today, Mark proudly contributes to the high level of service that clients have come to expect from Cowan Financial Group.

Personal Interests

Mark is also an ACSM-certified Exercise Physiologist who enjoys soccer, weightlifting, and golf. He keeps a balanced lifestyle with an active routine and plenty of time outdoors, especially at the beach.

Thomas “TJ” Arch is a Wealth Manager Assistant in the New York City office, where he focuses on delivering comprehensive support in financial analysis and relationship management. He is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of wealth management with a focus on clear communication and proactive problem-solving. Inspired by a family legacy that emphasized the long-term value of investing, TJ is committed to helping the firm’s clients build a secure foundation for their future financial goals.

Background and Education

TJ studied Finance at the University of South Carolina, where he was heavily involved in campus leadership and community organizations. During his academic career, he also competed on the university’s club basketball team, developing the teamwork and discipline he now applies to his professional role. Before joining Arch Global Advisors, he gained valuable experience in financial services and sales in Hoboken, New Jersey. This background in client-facing roles allows him to effectively bridge the gap between technical financial planning and personalized client service.

Personal Interests

A resident of Hoboken, TJ is a dedicated supporter of South Carolina athletics and the New York Knicks. He maintains an active lifestyle through strength training and enjoys traveling to gain new perspectives. He believes that the consistency required in athletics and personal fitness mirrors the persistence needed to achieve long-term financial success, and he prioritizes spending quality time with his family and friends within his local community.

A member of the New York City office, Mia Pekez supports the firm’s mission of helping clients pursue long-term financial goals. She brings a strong academic foundation in finance, along with a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and thoughtful collaboration. Known for her professionalism, clear communication, and team-oriented approach, Mia is committed to continuous learning and contributing to the success of the firm and its clients.

Background and Education
Mia grew up in Croatia and relocated to Seattle, Washington at the age of 12. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Washington in June 2025 and joined Arch Global Advisors later that year, aligning with her long-standing goal of building her career in New York City. Her international upbringing and cross-country experiences provide a well-rounded perspective, cultural awareness, and adaptability that support her work within a diverse team environment.

Personal Interests
Outside of the office, Mia enjoys staying active, reading, exploring the city on long walks, and spending time with friends.

As the Operations Manager at Arch Global Advisors (AGA) New York office, Brian Bejarano handles various tasks. His responsibilities include account processing, compiling quarterly reports, tracking expenses of the firm, service requests, and managing its customer relationship management (CRM) software. 

But it is not just his organizational skills that make him such a valuable member of the firm. Brian also helps set AGA’s hospitable, welcoming atmosphere, greeting every visitor to the New York office with a smile. “I think it’s important that clients know they’re always welcome here,” he says. 

Indeed, Brian—who joined AGA in June 2022 not only runs the back-office operations of the firm, but in many ways is the connector who links everyone in the front office together—as well as the staff with the clients, the partners with the staff, and the three offices of AGA with each other. Which is why, if you are a client, you can expect to hear from Brian about an imminent tax deadline, about forms that need to be Docu-signed or when it is time to schedule a meeting. 

Communication with AGA’s two other offices in St. Augustine, Florida and White Plains, New York, is another part of Brian’s responsibility: He coordinates with St. Augustine and White Plains to ensure that both offices are coordinated with the New York City headquarters.

Background and Education

Prior to AGA, Brian worked as a client finance associate at Recruitics, a data-powered marketing platform that helps global brands identify talent. But he developed his people skills early on. A graduate of Montclair State University in New Jersey, Brian majored in Speech Communications and Public Relations. With his outgoing personality, he knew he was in the right discipline.

Personal Interests:

Brian was raised in Jersey City, moved to North Bergen and lives in Weehawken, directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan. But he also has a global perspective that is a hallmark of AGA. In his mid-20s, he spent three years teaching English in Istanbul. Living in Türkiye's largest city he learned about its social norms, its geopolitics, its people, and its culture. “It broadens your perspective to see how people live in different parts of the world and what makes them tick,” he says.

Patrick Stewart manages operations for Arch Global Advisors, where he focuses on building strategic financial plans designed to meet the long-term objectives of a diverse client base. His approach is rooted in the fiduciary standard, ensuring that every portfolio and income strategy is built around the client's specific risk tolerance and evolving needs. He views financial planning as a dynamic process, maintaining flexible strategies that can be adjusted as clients transition through different stages of their lives.

Background and Education

Patrick graduated from Iona University with a degree in finance and accounting. He began his career as a registered representative at Prudential, where he developed a foundation in portfolio diversification and client service. Raised in a professional environment that emphasized both analytical accuracy and quality care, he brings a disciplined perspective to the Florida office. He has experience working with a wide range of professionals, from educators and public service workers to retirees and corporate executives.

Personal Interests

An avid baseball fan, Patrick follows the New York Yankees and appreciates the history and organizational discipline of the sport. Outside of the office, he spends his time fishing, a pursuit that reflects the patience and consistency he applies to his professional work. He remains committed to the firm’s core values, focusing on delivering reliable support and clear communication to every family the firm serves.

Research Analyst

Muhammad Ahmed supports the firm’s investment research and portfolio management efforts. He monitors global markets and economic developments to ensure the investment team remains informed and responsive to shifting financial landscapes. His work provides the analytical foundation necessary for maintaining disciplined, research-driven portfolios.

Background and Education

Muhammad is a CFA Charterholder and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. His professional background includes experience in capital markets and financial analysis, previously serving as an Equity Research Analyst at a sell-side brokerage firm. Before joining Arch Global Advisors, he worked at a financial advisory firm where he provided research across various asset classes. His technical expertise in equity research and his commitment to data-driven decision-making are central to his role at the firm.

Personal Interests

Beyond his analytical work, Muhammad is a dedicated traveler and culinary enthusiast who enjoys exploring diverse cuisines. He brings an engaging and lighthearted energy to the firm, balancing a meticulous professional focus with a sharp perspective on global culture. He is committed to the firm’s mission of utilizing deep market insight to help clients achieve their long-term financial objectives.

Muhammad Ahmed is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

Umar Paracha contributes to portfolio management and investment research across global asset classes. He applies a data-driven approach to monitoring markets and evaluating investment opportunities, ensuring that portfolios remain aligned with client objectives. His focus on disciplined analysis supports strategic decision-making in a shifting economic environment.

Background and Education

Umar is a CFA charterholder and an ACCA affiliate with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Arch Global Advisors, he served as a Portfolio Manager at an asset management firm and as Manager of Investments at a REIT management company. In these roles, he led investment strategy and analysis for income-generating real estate assets. His extensive background in both public markets and real estate investment provides the firm with a broad perspective on diversified portfolio solutions.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional role, Umar is a dedicated reader and fitness enthusiast. He is known for a calm and detailed approach to his work, often spending his time staying current on global affairs and financial developments. This commitment to deep research and personal discipline mirrors the firm's values of thoroughness and long-term stability.

Bilal Iftikhar manages all insurance-related strategies for Arch Global Advisors, specializing in life, disability, and long-term care insurance. He works in close coordination with the firm’s advisory team to ensure that risk management is fully integrated into each client's broader financial plan. By conducting comprehensive market analyses across multiple carriers, Bilal identifies cost-effective policies that provide essential protection for families while optimizing budget efficiency.

Background and Education

Bilal brings a strong academic and technical background to the firm, holding a degree in Business Administration and Management from the City College of New York and a second degree in Computer Science from Lehman College. He remains at the forefront of the insurance industry by monitoring shifting government regulations and attending advanced seminars on risk management. This dedication ensures that AGA’s insurance recommendations reflect the most current industry standards and product innovations.

Personal Interests

Having immigrated to New York City at age 17, Bilal maintains a deep connection to the local community. He values the discipline and persistence of distance running, having successfully completed the New York City Marathon. Today, he applies that same focus to his professional role, ensuring that every client’s family and future are secured against unforeseen circumstances. Outside of the office, he is a dedicated father who enjoys supporting his son in his soccer games.