Invested in your independence since the beginning.
Who we are
Western International Securities, Inc. (WIS) was founded in 1995 to combine the same full service of the nation’s largest financial institutions with the personal touch that is missing in so many firms today.
Our clearing relationships with National Financial Services Inc, and Pershing, LLC assure access to some of the most highly regarded research and market analysis. In addition, through extensive electronic news sources and databases, we can quickly provide market analysis and background information on literally thousands of investment possibilities throughout the world.
NFS and Pershing offers state-of-the-art account access and online client reporting capabilities and is well regarded on the street for it’s superior technology, service and support.Through these relationships, our Representatives have access to a full array of products and services as well as advanced trading capabilities, block trading, fixed income desks and managed account programs.Meet Our Team
Donald Bizub
President
Donald Bizub is the President of Western International Securities, a high-end, financial solutions platform provider and advisory firm. Western International Securities was established over 20 years ago to provide an exclusive experience for those in the wealth management industry seeking highly customized and personal services to their clients.It is now among the fastest growing independent broker firms and is rapidly expanding across the country with over 400 brokers.
Western offers a unique approach to its independent contractor representatives and advisors, supporting clearing relationships with Fidelity Custody Clearing Solutions® and Pershing LLC, a BNY Mellon Company.
Known for his dynamic style and personal communication, Don draws upon his own experiences as a wealth advisor as well as an executive in the industry, and contributes input often to Securities Industry organizations, serving in the past as President of the Securities Industry Management Association (SIFMA) of Southern California, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Independent Brokers (NAIBD). He is also actively involved in Vistage, a network of fellow executives who challenge assumptions and provide feedback to advance decision-making.
Don holds a BA in Finance, Real Estate and Law from California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly).
Meet Our Team
Brad Kaiser
Senior Managing Director / Chief Compliance Officer
Brad joined Western as the Chief Compliance Officer in February of 2009. Over the last 21 years, Brad has worked in various capacities in the securities industry including: Investment Adviser, Managing Director and Supervisor with the NASD (FINRA), and as a Regulatory Consultant. Prior to joining Western, Brad operated a brokerage consulting company assisting broker-dealers and Registered Investment Advisors with compliance and business matters pertaining to FINRA and SEC Rules and Regulations.
In addition, he maintained an investment advisory business managing client assets. Brad holds a degree in Finance and the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) Designation, along with Series 4, 7, 24, 53, 66 and Life Agent licenses.
Brad is married with two children and enjoys playing golf.
Meet Our Team
Wendy Rea
Senior Managing Director Operations
Wendy came to Western with a broad range of in-depth experience and knowledge gained from over 30 years in the securities business. During her 25 plus year career at Wedbush Securities, she was the Senior Vice President responsible for the development and management of the clearing division.
In that role, she gained experience in business development, retail and institutional brokerage, high frequency trading, proprietary trading and operations. Wendy then expanded her industry experience while working with the Institutional Sales division of William O’Neil + Co. and later by joining GBS Financial as COO.
Meet Our Team
Andrew Kuo
Managing Director Operations, / Information Technology, Transitions
Andrew’s first exposure to the investment industry came when he was working as a bank teller in college. A financial planner would come to the branch a couple of times a week and Andrew would always ask him about his opinions on the markets and what he thought was a good investment.
It was during this time that he realized that this was the industry he really wanted to be in. Over the years, Andrew feels that he has been fortunate to work in several roles and learned from many great mentors about the different aspects of our business.
Having been both an advisor as well as having worked in the back office has provided him with invaluable lessons on how to serve our customers.In 2007 Andrew joined Western and knew from the first day that he had found a place where he would be happy and would be able to grow and knew that his experience would help with the growth of a progressive firm like Western.
Andrew originally came on board as the Senior Compliance Officer and was then named the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. At the beginning of 2009, he transitioned to Managing Director of Operations to oversee the teams including broker relations, insurance and information technology. Andrew’s Bachelor of Arts degree is in business with an emphasis on International Business. He holds FINRA licenses 7, 24, 63 and 66. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and being out on the golf course.
Meet Our Team
Ellen Shearin
Managing Director / Broker Relations
Ellen launched into the Financial Services industry 24 years ago as a part-time receptionist at Baraban Securities, thinking it was only temporary. Within a few weeks, she was Assistant to the Branch Manager and the rest is history.
Working over the years in the back office of various brokerage firms, Ellen found her strengths to be in Team Leadership, Process Management and Operational Efficiency.
Ellen has held positions over the years as Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Vice President, President and COO, so has a clear understanding of what it takes to provide superior service to advisors and their customers. She holds FINRA licenses 7, 66, 24, 79 and 99.
Meet Our Team
Tom O’Connell
Associate Director / New Business Development
Tom has over 25 years of experience in the securities industry, having worked as a registered representative, assistant trader, operations manager and marketing representative. Prior to coming to Western, he spent 14 years at Froley Revy Investment Co., a Los Angeles-based institutional convertible money management company. Tom currently holds FINRA licenses 7, 63 and 66. In Tom’s words “Moving to Western’s independent model has been a great learning experience.
The ideal of complementing the success of independent advisors with non-correlated practices presents an exciting work environment. There is opportunity to create and collaborate every workday. I value the culture at Western where there is no pretense among the home office team members, it’s just about the work.”Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, painting, playing hockey, coaching youth soccer, skiing, and hiking the High Sierra.
Meet Our Team
Dave Bibo
Director / Business Development
Dave has been a top producer with WIS for the past 20 years, as well as one of the founders of the company. Dave is passionate about the success and continued growth of Western, and has a long term understanding of our culture.
At Western, one of our principles is to support our representative and advisor base in every way we can.
Dave’s main objective will be to assist our reps in taking their practice to the next level, utilizing his credo of “educate and motivate”.
