Exclusive: Miami Finance Forum’s New Chairman Has Big Goals for 2019

Miami Finance Forum chairman Raul Garcia said he is passionate about connecting local financial professionals with the resources they need to prosper.

He said it’s because “when local businesses succeed, Miami succeeds.”

Garcia, a principal at the financial services practice of Miami-based Kaufman Rossin, was promoted to chairman of the MFF in early 2019.

The not-for-profit MFF provides a network for South Florida financial professionals to meet, interact, enhance their knowledge base and make connections with individuals who share similar business goals.

The network currently includes about 300 corporations from the worlds of finance, investment management, banking, capital markets, private equity, venture capital, law and accounting.

Garcia spoke to the South Florida Business Journal about his goals as MFF chairman and how the network aims to advance South Florida as a leading global financial marketplace.

What are your goals as the chair of the Miami Finance Forum?

The MFF is about telling the story of Miami as a global financial hub. My goal is to spread the word that doing business in South Florida comes with more benefits than just low taxes. It’s a beautiful place to live, with a robust population; it’s a fantastic place to do business and grow. The region is being recognized as an important business center, with strong connections to not only Latin America, but to Canada and Europe as well.

How is a network like MFF good for South Florida’s financial industry?

The Miami Finance Forum is committed to helping those in the financial community find more contacts and to ensure that Miami continues to attract individuals and firms who share the same business goals. We initiate contact between lawyers, accountants, investors and more, and provide a platform for like-minded individuals who want to grow their businesses can meet. I know that, personally, my own business at Kaufman Rossin has improved as a result of my connections with MFF. I would say it’s brought about $200,000 worth of work to me over the past two years.

What should financial professionals be aware of when they relocate to South Florida?

If you do business here, you have to be all in. I’ve seen companies start satellite offices here with a skeleton crew of employees, but those aren’t as successful as those that set up substantial offices or relocate their operations. Obviously sea level rise and how that could impact their business is another issue outside companies need to be aware of. I would say local businesses need to consider what they need in terms of emerging technology. I’m seeing big interest in anything to do with robotics, financial tech and artificial intelligence. Technology is permeating every aspect of the finance industry and businesses that don’t catch on will eventually be extinct.

How can Miami’s financial services market stay competitive?

In my view that requires cooperation between government, businesses and universities. If we want to continue to be relevant and prosper, those three pillars need to do a better job of working together to solve local problems – like traffic, affordable housing and homelessness – so more people and businesses want to stay. I want to see MFF take a more active role in bringing those pillars together through events and leadership programs.