The Tax-Smart Transition: How Section 351 Exchanges Are Reshaping Portfolio Management – Polen Capital – 4.9.26

Summary:

From legacy SMAs to concentrated equity positions, more advisors are turning to Section 351 exchanges as a tax-efficient path forward. In this CE-eligible webinar, a panel of legal, technology, and investment experts breaks down the mechanics, the process, and the practical considerations advisors need to know before recommending this strategy. Whether you’re new to 351s or looking to sharpen your approach, this session delivers actionable insights.

Accepted for 1 CFP / IWI / CFA CE Credit

Speakers:

Laura is the Head of Product Strategy at Polen Capital, where she oversees the firm’s broad range of investment products and spearheads new product development and strategic product initiatives. Before joining Polen Capital, Laura was a Senior Vice President at PIMCO, serving most recently as Head of Product Strategy for its portable alpha strategies. Previously, she was a product manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where she focused on fundamental U.S. equity. Additionally, Laura has held product specialist and institutional sales roles at Blackstone and DFA. She holds a B.S. in Finance from American University and an M.B.A from the NYU Stern School of Business. Laura is also a CFA^® charterholder.

Simon is a Senior Investment Specialist responsible for communicating our philosophy, process, portfolio positioning, and investment views. Prior to joining Polen Capital in 2024, Simon spent 17 years at BlackRock in Australia and the United States in a variety of business development and product strategist roles. Most recently, Simon served as a Lead Product Strategist within BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions division and prior to that, Simon’s roles included Southern Regional Manager for Intermediary Sales in BlackRock’s Australian business and Account Manager in the Melbourne office. Simon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from University of Canberra and is a CFA^® charterholder.

Ray Holst is a trusted senior U.S. federal income tax lawyer with a proven history and broad knowledge base, having practiced in large and small firms, and in-house environments. He prides himself on being able to explain complex tax issues without resorting to jargon.

Ray has extensive experience advising financial institutions, asset managers, and investment-related businesses on complex tax and transactional matters. His practice focuses on the taxation of financial products and entities, including exchange-traded funds, structured securities, and digital asset–related investments, as well as cross-border transactions and regulated financial services activities. He regularly advises issuers, underwriters, and sponsors on tax considerations affecting product structuring, offerings, and ongoing operations. In addition, Ray has authored numerous client alerts and presented at multiple conferences. He is admitted to practice law in New York and to the U.S. Tax Court. Ray is a member of the Wall Street Tax Association, where he previously served as chair of the Information Reporting/FATCA Committee.

Matt Bucklin is a finance professional and entrepreneur focused on solving complex problems at the intersection of wealth management and technology.

He is the Founder of ExchangiFi, a platform designed to simplify Section 351 tax-deferred exchanges. Through ExchangiFi, Matt helps ETF issuers efficiently raise seed capital while enabling investors—including family offices and wealth advisors—to implement tax-efficient diversification strategies for concentrated stock positions.

Matt’s experience spans multiple ventures across finance and digital health, including founding Valley Cove Capital, a search fund, and The Quit Company. He began his career in asset management with MDRxFinancial and W.P. Stewart.

He holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA in Economics and Mathematics from Colby College. Based in West Palm Beach, Matt is actively involved in mentoring entrepreneurs and serves as President of the Yale Club of the Palm Beaches.