Gary Korolev, CFA

Tax & Retirement Planning | High Net Worth Individuals & Business Owners

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Sovereign Wealth Management Gary Korolev, CFA
Vienna, VA

Serving Clients Nationwide

Tax & Retirement Planning | High Net Worth Individuals & Business Owners

12 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

Areas of Focus

  • Cryptocurrency
  • Estate Planning
  • High Net Worth
  • Insurance
  • International and Cross-border Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Income Planning
  • Tax-Efficient Planning

About Gary Korolev, CFA

Hi, I'm Gary Korolev. I'm Principal and Wealth Manager at Sovereign Wealth Management.

I have used my 22 years of experience as a Wealth Manager with firms such as Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab to build a comprehensive Wealth Advisory practice centered around meeting clients' Investment Management, Risk Management, Estate Planning and Retirement Planning needs.

My practice focuses on High Net Worth individuals, families and business owners with financial needs far beyond investment management. My clients are provided with a truly comprehensive Wealth Strategy that benefits from combining my extensive expertise in portfolio management, financial planning and insurance with that of CPAs and Estate Planning Attorneys.

We take such a comprehensive and involved approach in serving our clients' wealth growth, preservation and transfer needs effectively and tax efficiently that they come to see us as their primary source of financial expertise. We work closely with our clients' attorneys and accountants to address their financial, tax, estate and philanthropic needs.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Florida, am a Chartered Financial Analyst, and hold the General Securities (Series 7), Securities Licensing (Series 66), as well as the Life, Health and Variable Annuity licenses. I believe my multicultural background, having been born in the Soviet Union and immigrating to the United States with my family as a political refugee, helps provide me with a valuable perspective when it comes to investing in different financial, geographic and political environments.

I reside in Northern Virginia with my wife, son and daughter. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as reading and travel.

Professional Designations

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Primary Location

2740 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA 22181

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Percentage of Assets Managed

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to get in touch and schedule an introductory conversation. We'll get to know each other and I'll listen to understand your unique circumstances so we can determine the best way to proceed. I look forward to speaking with you.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Sovereign Wealth Management

Sovereign Wealth Management is a provider of comprehensive financial planning and investment management services, headquartered in the DC metro area. Our company has roots dating all the way back to the 1980s when one of the first Certified Financial Planner Practitioners in the area opened her doors for business.

We founded Sovereign with the goal of taking the best of what our founder and CEO Gary Korolev learned while working for some of America's biggest and most respected financial firms, while eliminating the bureaucracy present at large companies with thousands of employees.

Who We Serve

Whether they are High Net Worth Individuals, Families, or Business Owners, our clients feel truly valued, as well as confident that their financial future is secure as can be. We also work with Americans living abroad and international families, supporting their investment strategy, tax planning, and cross-border financial planning needs.

Our Services

We take a comprehensive approach to wealth management, specializing in all areas needed to meet the financial needs of a High Net Worth individual, their family, and their business. While many clients use Sovereign primarily for our investment management expertise, others prefer to start with a financial plan, which includes retirement planning, business succession planning, education planning, and insurance planning.

Once a plan is in place, we execute the strategy and manage the family's investments on an ongoing basis while updating the plan continuously to stay in tune with the family's goals and needs. We also offer digital asset (crypto) portfolio management for clients interested in that asset class.

Why Work With Us

The result of our approach is a client experience of professionalism, respect, and responsiveness with a personal touch, free from the red tape that can come with larger institutions. We work closely with our clients' attorneys and accountants to address their financial, tax, estate and philanthropic needs.

Sovereign Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser located in Vienna, VA.

Education

University of Florida, Bachelor's Degree, Finance

Hobbies and Interests

  • Family
  • Reading
  • Traveling

Who We Serve

  • Americans Living Abroad
  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Dual Income Family
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Expats
  • Families
  • Gen X
  • High Net Worth
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Living in Retirement

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


By clicking submit, you acknowledge this review is based on your own experience and reflects your genuine opinion. You also agree to our review policy, privacy policy, and terms and conditions, and give this financial advisor permission to publicly display your review on their website.

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 10, 2026
I’ve been with Gary and Alaina for about three years, and I’m very satisfied with their work. Gary takes a highly professional approach, combining both technical and fundamental analysis across different market sectors. The portfolio he has built for me is well-balanced and designed to manage market volatility effectively—while some sectors move in different directions, the overall account continues to grow steadily.Beyond investment management, Gary has also been extremely helpful with related areas, such as providing guidance on insurance and other practical matters. He is responsive, thoughtful, and great to work with. Overall, I’m very happy with both the results and the experience, and I highly recommend Gary.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 10, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Michael Moore
Michael Moore

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 26, 2024
So helpful at worst time, great advice, great office politics, cannot have had a better experience, outcome
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Financial Planning Client (hourly)
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Cristina Monroe
Cristina Monroe

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 30, 2023
I met with David and Alex this week and was absolutely impressed with the plan they put together for me. They came up with a plan that very specifically meets MY needs and keeps me in y comfort zone. There was no pressure. I walked in wondering whether I would get a "sales pitch" but my concern was unfounded. They had listened to my needs, reviewed my assets, and totally kept me in my comfort zone with recommendations that address my specific needs. I look forward to working with them long term
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 30, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Carol Kerr
Carol Kerr

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 3, 2019
I have been working with Gary and Sovereign for several years now, and have nothing but great things to say about the qualify of their work. The review meetings are comprehensive, covering all aspects of my financial life. The meetings flow naturally from one to the other. I really feel like Gary knows me very well and truly cares about my financial well being. What else can you ask for from a Financial Planner. I would recommend Gary and his team to anyone!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 3, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Claire Virga
Claire Virga

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 9, 2019
Gary is very knowledgeable; at once professional and personable. Every meeting is well prepared and documented to help me understand complexities and choices. He is able to simplify and/or go into details--he listens carefully and responsively to my ideas and goals, and makes good and nuanced suggestions. He has a high EQ (emotional intelligence quotient) I highly recommend Sovereign!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 9, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Alexandra MacCracken
Alexandra MacCracken

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 2, 2019
My husband and I are very happy with Gary. My husband and I have separate accts and very different goals. Gary does a great job of keeping us in the loop, yearly reviews or more,returns all calls or emails promptly. We have moved my elderly Mom's acct to him (with sibs approval) and our 4 grandkids 529s.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 2, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for sandye needle
sandye needle

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 1, 2019
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 1, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Nick Lombardo
Nick Lombardo

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 11, 2019
Gary Korolev became my financial advisor at the recommendation of two friends. Working with him on getting my financial house in order has been very productive and helpful. He provided me with my complete financial overview including a financial plan to ensure a future comfortable retirement. He has also given me several Long Term Care insurance options to consider and continues to take my current and future needs into account. He listens, and makes recommendations, and allows me to have a say - so it really feels like team work. He also provides investment advice based on the market trends for my portfolios, and his advice is paying off! I like that he goes the extra mile to take care of his clients. And because of all the aforementioned I would recommend Gary wholeheartedly.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Julia Koppius
Julia Koppius

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 29, 2019
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Sheila Mogetz
Sheila Mogetz

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 5, 2018
Sovereign staff put my mind at ease by pulling all the aspects of our finances together in one place. I no longer have the concern of keeping track of our small investment portfolio and rebalancing. I trust the investment advisors at Sovereign and strongly encourage anyone with any size portfolio to do the same.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jan Buckner
Jan Buckner

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 1, 2017
My wife and I have used several financial services over the years, and as modest investors never really felt comfortable in our position with these firms. That has changed since we moved to Sovereign Investing. They do not appear to have a company bias towards any particular market sector or fund type. We feel very satisfied with our market conversations, and the technical details provided to us by our financial planner.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 1, 2017
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Michael Aulicino
Michael Aulicino

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 4, 2017
Recently I found I had to consolidate and simplify my financial investments into a coherent and understandable portfolio. This Sovereign has tackled and achieved with great success. Sovereign went to great length to explain every detail and showed impressive patience in answering all my questions and concerns. I highly recommend Sovereign to anyone looking for professionalism and integrity.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 4, 2017
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Marina Hambric
Marina Hambric