Christopher Epakis is a distinguished financial strategist that works with some of Australia’s best athletes and entertainers. Christopher comes from a professional sports background himself, having worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Sydney Swans in the AFL before transitioning into a career into the finance and business industry having held previous roles at Credit Suisse and UBS Global Wealth Management as a Business Development Manager.
Christopher is renowned for his expertise in guiding professional athletes, entertainers and high-profile clients through complex financial landscapes. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by athletes and entertainers, he specializes in crafting tailored strategies that enhance financial performance, optimize investments, and ensure long-term stability.
Chris’ innovative approach and strategic insight have made him a trusted advisor and leader in his field. We extend our sincere thanks to Chris for sharing his valuable insights and expertise with our readers.
IMAGE: CHRIS EPAKIS
What key financial management strategies do you develop for professional athletes and entertainers to navigate their often short and fluctuating income streams?
The biggest mistake I see athletes and entertainers make is that they think that a big contract or a successful film secures them financial security for life. But careers in these industries can be short, and income isn’t always consistent. Furthermore, the next big pay day is never guaranteed. That’s why my top priority is effective cash flow management.
I help my clients set up a structured plan where they’re essentially paying themselves a salary—something stable they can rely on, regardless of contract changes or unexpected breaks in their careers. Then we look at investments that create passive income, so they’re not solely dependent on playing, performing, or signing the next deal. It’s about shifting the mindset from “earning big” to “building wealth.”
How do you assist your clients in identifying and managing business ventures that align with their brand and long-term financial goals?
This is where having the right team is critical. A lot of my clients get bombarded with business pitches—restaurants, startups, NFT projects, you name it. Not all of them are good ideas.
Because I know my clients personally—not just their finances but the core values of the individual and their long-term vision—I help filter through these opportunities. Once I know what makes an individual tick, we then assess whether a venture aligns with their personal brand, whether it’s financially viable, and whether they have the bandwidth to be involved.
I also make sure they’re surrounded by the right experts and advisors in their field —lawyers, tax experts, and business strategists—so we work collaboratively in making informed decisions, not emotional ones.
What approaches do you take to help high-profile clients grow and protect their wealth despite the volatility in their industries?
My approach is simple: protect first, grow second. That means ensuring they have the right structures in place—trusts and estates, tax planning, and asset protection—before we even talk about investments. Once that’s locked in and the appropriate foundations are in place, we focus on building wealth through diversified portfolios, real estate, and alternative investment opportunities.
One thing I emphasize is risk management. These industries are unpredictable—injuries, team changes, or industry shifts can happen overnight. So, I build financial plans that provide stability even in uncertain times. We make sure they’re not over-leveraged, and we always have liquidity set aside for unexpected situations.
How do you guide professional athletes and entertainers in making sound investment decisions while balancing risk and return?
It starts with education. A lot of athletes and entertainers get pitched high-risk investments—tech startups, cryptocurrency, real estate developments—but they don’t always understand the risks involved. My job is to help them make informed decisions.
I make sure my clients have a well-balanced portfolio that includes both high-growth opportunities and stable, long-term investments. We also focus on liquidity—ensuring they have enough accessible capital without being locked into risky or illiquid assets. The key is discipline and long-term thinking, which, funny enough, is the same approach they take in their careers.
How do you help entertainers and athletes maximize their financial potential through diversified income sources like endorsements or licensing agreements?
Diversifying income is crucial for long-term financial success, and we all know that endorsements and licensing can be powerful wealth-building tools—if they’re done right. I always tell my clients that short-term money is great, but long-term equity is even better. So instead of just taking a sponsorship deal, we explore opportunities for ownership or revenue-sharing agreements. This separates the good deals from the great deals.
We also ensure that every deal aligns with their personal brand. The last thing a high-profile client needs is to attach their name to something that doesn’t resonate with their own personal beliefs and values and their audience. Every partnership should contribute to their legacy, not just their bank account.
What challenges do you face when creating customized wealth management solutions for clients with varying career lengths and financial responsibilities?
Every client is different. Some might have a fifteen-year career; others might have only five. Some have family obligations, while others are still figuring out life outside their sport or craft. The challenge is creating financial plans that are adaptable and sustainable.
I focus on structuring their wealth in phases:
- Short-term: Ensuring they have enough cash flow for the present.
- Mid-term: Investments that grow over time but are accessible if needed.
- Long-term: Retirement planning, generational wealth, and business ventures for life after their careers.
That way, no matter how long they stay in the spotlight, they have a financial foundation that lasts.
How do you support athletes and entertainers in planning financially for life after their professional careers, including entrepreneurial ventures?
This is a conversation I start early. I’ve seen too many athletes and entertainers struggle after retirement because they didn’t prepare for what’s next.
We map out post-career opportunities while they’re still active. That could mean getting involved in business, media, coaching, or philanthropy. We look at their interests and start laying the groundwork at a very early stage so that when the time comes, they have a smooth transition.
I always remind my clients: Your career is what you do, not who you are! Financial security gives them the freedom to choose their next chapter on their own terms. I don’t just want my clients to be financially successful today—I want them to have financial independence for life. My goal is to help them make smart decisions now so that they and their families are secure for generations.
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