Stephen Ponder

CIO/COO
  • Strategic investment and product leader focused on efficient, advisor-first solutions
  • Deep expertise in fund formation, administration, and fiduciary oversight
  • Innovative, well-rounded problem solver known for translating complexity into execution
  • Governance-focused leader with investment and trust committee experience
  • Experienced builder of short-term and alternative income investment solutions

EXPERTISE
Alternatives, Private Investments, Retirement, Wealth Management, Investment Vehicles, Fund Administration, Compliance, Personal Trusts, Institutional Trusts, Collective Investment Trusts (CITs), Custody, Unitization

EXPERIENCE
Stephen Ponder is the CIO/COO at Alta Trust, where he provides strategic leadership and hands-on expertise across the firm’s investment solutions.

Since joining Alta Trust in 2011, Stephen has played a key role in shaping the organization’s capabilities in fund formation, administration, compliance, and technology strategy, helping the firm deliver streamlined, efficient solutions to advisors and investors.

Stephen has worked across every area of the business, from operations to product development, and is known for his ability to distill complex information into practical, actionable solutions. He currently serves on Alta Trust’s Investment Committee and Trust Committee, serves on the firm’s Board of Directors, and chairs the Alternatives Subcommittee, supporting disciplined oversight and ongoing innovation across the firm’s investment and fiduciary responsibilities.

During his tenure at Alta Trust, Stephen built the firm’s Short-Term Investment Fund (STIF) and contributed significantly to the development of the firm’s alternative income offerings. He is a CFA Level II candidate and is recognized internally as a highly innovative, well-rounded problem solver with a strong execution mindset.

OTHER CURRENT ROLES
Partner, Structure Private Investments

EDUCATION
Brigham Young University, BS in Economics
Brigham Young University, MBA
CFA Level II

RESIDES IN
Parker, Colorado

“Great investment solutions are the result of disciplined oversight and practical execution. My focus is helping Alta build structures that are efficient, compliant, and aligned with what advisors and investors actually need.”

– Stephen Ponder, CIO/COO, Alta Trust

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