Tony Batman, CPA, CFA®, CFP®

Stephen A. "Tony" Batman is a visionary entrepreneur whose accomplishments have profoundly impacted the accounting and financial services professions. The AICPA has identified Tony as a "trail blazer" for his vision and entrepreneurial spirit concerning the future of the accounting profession. For 13 years in a row¬ - 1996 through 2008 - he was voted as one of the most influential accountants in America by Accounting Today magazine. In 2005 and 2006, he was also named by Investment Advisor magazine as one of the most influential people in the financial services industry. A true leader in the industry, Tony has established a successful financial services business development and resource partner to leading wealth management firms and is a frequent speaker to professional groups on a variety of financial services topics.Tony is chairman, chief executive officer and co-founder of 1st Global, a diversified financial services firm that is the business development and resource partner to leading tax, accounting and law firms. 1st Global works with these firms to provide comprehensive wealth management services to emerging affluent and affluent families, businesses, foundations, and other institutions. Through 1st Global, he has created innovative educational programs, advanced support services and cutting-edge technology tools that cater to the wealth management advisor.Tony is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. His professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of CPAs, the Institute of Certified Financial Planners, the Financial Planning Association, the Investment Management Consultants Associations, the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts, the International Society of Financial Analysts, and the Association of Investment Management and Research. For 2004 and 2005, Tony served as Chairman of the Financial Services Institute. The Financial Services Institute is a membership association of broker/dealers and Registered Investment Adviser firms that serve registered representatives who are independent contractors. The FSI works for the success of its members through regulatory advocacy, conferences and education, peer networking and research. For 2006, Tony served on the board of directors of the FSI and served as chairman of its political action committee.Tony is a graduate of the University of Kansas and serves on the board of advisors to both its School of Business and its Accounting and Information Systems program. He is also an instrument-rated private pilot. Tony resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife of 26 years, Vicki.