Meet our Founder & CEO
David Nanigian, Ph.D., MBA, CFP®, commonly known as “Dr. N,” founded Mount Ararat Financial Services in March of 2024 and personally delivers all the firm’s financial planning services.
Professional Background
Director of Education at CFP Board of Standards
Directed San Diego State University’s MSBA with a Concentration in Financial and Tax Planning program
Established and directed Cal State Fullerton’s Professional Certificate in Personal Financial Planning program
Held academic appointments at The American College and Penn State University
Dr. Nanigian managed CFP Board’s relationships with 337 academic programs across 224 colleges and universities. He also led the organization’s Education Team, which administers and enforces the education requirement for the CFP® certification.
Academic Experience
Education
Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University
MBA from UC Irvine
BBA from San Diego State University
Achievements
Internationally known for practically relevant research on investment products that are frequently used by individuals
Published 14 peer-reviewed research papers
Developed video-aided case study on how investors can stand against genocide denial and race extermination through their investment decisions
Certified for financial planning services in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”)
Learn about the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification requirements at https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process
Recent Research Publications
"The Historical Record on Active versus Passive Mutual Fund Performance,” The Journal of Investing, 31(3) (April 2022), 10 – 22.
“Rating a robo-rater,” Financial Planning Review, 3:e1090 (September 2020).
“What Matters in Exchange-Traded Fund Selection?” Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 73(4) (July 2019), 64 – 68.
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Dr. Nanigian engages in pro-Armenia political advocacy activities, participates in charitable events to support Armenia, and occasionally travels to Armenia.
Picture of Dr. Nanigian at the Children of Armenia Fund’s Concept Hotel in the Lori province in ArmeniaOur Mission
We provide fee-only financial planning and investment advisory services designed for Armenian-Americans.