“Build trust, deliver value, lead with purpose.”

Mark Charles is a veteran capital markets strategist, advisor, and board contributor with over 25 years of experience shaping investment strategies, leading equity capital markets initiatives, and building long-term value for stakeholders. A recognized expert in structured finance and fund origination, Mark has raised over $12 billion in capital and played a pivotal role in making Wells Fargo a market leader in closed-end fund syndication. His executive career has been defined by innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to integrity.

Mark’s journey into finance began at Salomon Smith Barney, where he served in global prime brokerage, rising to Assistant Vice President. There, he honed his analytical and operational skills while managing critical relationships across international securities brokers and clearinghouses. His early exposure to global finance laid the foundation for his nuanced understanding of complex financial systems and capital flows.

At Bourgeon Capital Management, Mark expanded his expertise by overseeing equity trading operations and operational strategy. His keen ability to align portfolio strategies with market realities, paired with strong broker relationships, helped drive trading efficiency and enhanced portfolio performance. These formative experiences instilled in him the discipline of precise execution and client-centric innovation.

For nearly two decades, Mark held multiple leadership roles at Wells Fargo Securities, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in Equity Capital Markets. In this role, he spearheaded capital market syndications, led the new issue closed-end fund business, and managed strategic partnerships across more than 150 street firms. His ability to integrate the wealth management, asset management, and investment banking ecosystems positioned Wells Fargo as a dominant player in the permanent capital space.

Under Mark’s leadership, Wells Fargo captured 25% of the market share for closed-end fund issuance and distributed investment offerings to over 13,000 financial advisors. He also launched the firm’s Direct Private Investment Program, expanding access to private market strategies for wealth clients and aligning strategic capital with emerging opportunities. His holistic understanding of capital markets—both public and private—makes him a valuable asset to any board or advisory role.

Beyond transactional success, Mark is passionate about governance, leadership development, and diversity. He completed the prestigious BOLD (Building Organizational Leadership Diversity) program at Wells Fargo, where he refined his ability to lead with empathy, inspire inclusion, and drive performance. His board governance training includes active involvement with The Veblen Director Program and Connectd, where he advises early-stage and growth companies on fundraising and oversight practices.

Mark is also a dedicated community mentor and currently volunteers with iMentor, guiding high school students in Brooklyn as they navigate higher education and career planning. This commitment to mentorship mirrors his approach to leadership—empowering others, amplifying potential, and making a difference beyond the boardroom.

As a member of the Advisory Council for the Active Investment Company Alliance (AICA), Mark contributes to advancing best practices in fund governance, transparency, and advocacy across the asset management industry. His thought leadership helps influence the evolution of the investment landscape and ensures alignment between investor outcomes and fiduciary accountability.

Educationally, Mark holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from Brooklyn College. He is certified in Private Markets and Alternative Investments by the CFA Institute and holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. This blend of academic insight, technical certification, and lived experience equips him with a unique perspective that bridges strategy and execution.

Mark Charles is now actively seeking board and advisory roles where he can bring his deep capital markets expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style to bear. He is particularly drawn to mission-driven organizations in infrastructure, finance, healthcare, real estate, private equity, and business development—especially those positioned for growth or transformation.

Character:

Mark leads with integrity and empathy, championing inclusion, mentorship, and values-driven leadership across all of his professional and personal endeavors. He consistently prioritizes purpose over transaction, creating environments where trust, clarity, and growth flourish.

Knowledge:

With over 25 years of deep experience in capital markets, structured finance, and wealth strategy, Mark offers expert insights into fund structuring, regulatory compliance, and alternative investments. His cross-functional expertise helps organizations navigate complexity with confidence.

Strategic:

Mark excels at connecting long-term vision to real-world execution, having led syndication strategies that generated over $12 billion in capital. His ability to align stakeholders and design scalable investment solutions makes him a powerful catalyst for board-level strategy.

Communication:

Whether advising C-level executives, mentoring students, or presenting at industry forums, Mark is a skilled communicator who translates complexity into clarity. He builds bridges across functions and fosters transparent dialogue that inspires trust and action.