OUR TEAM

We aim to empower clients with the vision and tools to achieve financial freedom while building lasting relationships.

Chris Sutherland

Founder and CEO

Chris began his financial services career in 2004. He joined Merrill in 2013 and founded Oxbow Financial, LLC in 2021 to further empower his clients to envision and realize their path to financial freedom.

Chris received his bachelor’s degree in finance and investments from Illinois State University in 2004 and holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification.

He and his wife reside in Lake Forest, IL, with their three children. Chris is also an active member of Gratitude Generation, Inc (G2), a local 501(c)3 charitable organization helping to instill gratitude into future generations through education and service.

Brian Sutherland

Chief Financial Officer

Brian entered the wealth management domain with over 17 years of management experience in back office functions in the higher education sector. Brian emphasizes communicating effectively, leveraging data/technology, and adapting quickly to ever-changing regulatory environments in his client relationships.

Brian lives in Elgin, where he is an active member of a vibrant arts community and coach of his three kids’ multiple sports teams. Despite being a suburbanite, he feels most at home in the city, often attending concerts and sporting events.

Brian is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago’s Honors Program with a bachelor’s degree in communication and minors in English and journalism.

Mike Schremser
Chief Compliance Officer

Mike has been in the financial services industry since 2007 and assists in all compliance matters for Oxbow Financial, LLC as well as being the Chief Compliance Officer for TSFG, LLC. He is also licensed in insurance and is a LPL Registered Principal.

Mike is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in finance.