About CNRST
Our Purpose
Create lasting positive impact by laying a solid foundation
Our purpose stems from putting you at the heart of everything we do, as the choice independent financial advisory. We are driven by the responsibility to help you lay a solid and stable foundation from which the future flourishes.
To continue growing as a company and as people, we need to inspire and be inspired, by listening to, thinking and planning for you. To keep discovering new trends and solutions that will make a difference to your changing areas of focus, regardless of the life stage you are in.
Our Mission
To deliver authentic and seamless financial solutions for your now, and forevermore.
We have been built from the ground up ourselves, and rely on nearly three decades of being independent, to say we have a deeply-rooted understanding and appreciation of your areas of concern. This experience enables us to meticulously curate personal and corporate solutions from diverse portfolios.
This truly tailor-made approach can only be achieved by putting you at the heart of everything we do.
Our Story
CNRST’s story pretty much began with one man’s vision to truly champion client’s interests, and not let them become just a number.
And the trigger for that, was when Mr Michael Lee, cnrst’s founder, got called up by the management of the insurance firm he was then working for, for not being sales-driven enough. To him, not all products can be sold by pushing sales; not, especially insurance products. This strengthened his belief that only by being independent, can the needs of his clients truly be served.
Today, nearly 30 years later, the boutique-sized firm has grown from strength to strength, and the number of solutions has also increased. However, his ethos that “we are eccentric about being client-centric” has been instilled as a corporate culture and a core value that all other elements of the business aligns to.
Key Personnel
CEO & Principal Advisor
Mr Michael Lee
Mr Lee is Chief Executive Officer and Principal Advisor of cnrst (formerly known as Cornerstone Planners Pte Ltd). His current priority is to groom the next generation of leaders, while remaining active in the business, being the pillar of strength and wisdom to his staff and team of Financial Architects. He also welcomes opportunities to educate the public and corporate clients on the nuances of general insurance, investments and corporate risks, for better decision-making.
Prior to establishing Cornerstone Planners nearly three decades ago, he had spent 10 years with a multinational insurance company, both in sales and management, where he became President of the Million Dollar Producers’ Club and was its top Corporate Insurance Producer.
Prior to establishing Cornerstone Planners nearly three decades ago, he had spent 10 years with a multinational insurance company, both in sales and management, where he became President of the Million Dollar Producers’ Club and was its top Corporate Insurance Producer.
To remain true to his original intent of creating an independent firm that puts clients needs at the heart of all matters, Mr Lee still actively engages in the corporate and strategic development of the company. His vast experience in network meeting and human resource management has helped to build Cornerstone Planners into a multi-disciplined independent financial advisory firm, and is still relevant to imparting his knowledge with his teams. His work with clients involves insurance and investment needs analysis, corporate business insurance, estate planning and retirement planning. His clients include multinational companies, small and medium enterprises, public listed companies and professional groups.
He had also generously shared his expertise with employees of multinational companies and government bodies on retirement planning, and used to guest-lecture at a tertiary institution, even as an external supervisor of the students’ final year diploma programme.
Mr Lee, who received training in Human Resource Management and attained the Certified Financial PlannerCM certification in 2002, had been involved in the Certification Committee of the Financial Planning Association of Singapore and had served in the Executive Council of the Association of Financial Advisers, Singapore. He had also been a regular contributor and resource person to Business Times on insurance and financial planning matters.
Managing Director
Mr Leonard Tan
Leonard has been in the wealth management business for the past 10 years. During his course of work, he has worked in a big global bank as well as a boutique fund management company.
During his stint at OCBC, Leonard was registered as a representative to advise and deal in various capital market products with retail and HNW clients. He managed a $150m AUM consisting of 200 HNW individuals and developed proficiency in premier financial products such as corporate bonds, unit trusts, leveraged products, various exchange traded and OTC derivatives (including, but not limited to options, forwards, futures, swaps, FX and structured products) and mortgage loans. At Aurous Capital, he was involved in the fund structuring and asset management process.
During his stint at OCBC, Leonard was registered as a representative to advise and deal in various capital market products with retail and HNW clients. He managed a $150m AUM consisting of 200 HNW individuals and developed proficiency in premier financial products such as corporate bonds, unit trusts, leveraged products, various exchange traded and OTC derivatives (including, but not limited to options, forwards, futures, swaps, FX and structured products) and mortgage loans. At Aurous Capital, he was involved in the fund structuring and asset management process.
As part of Aurous’ corporate license, he advised High Net Worth Investors and Accredited Investors on various investment products including exchange-traded derivatives contracts as well as alternative investment funds. As sales director, he worked closely with the portfolio management team to offer insightful investment solutions to retail clients and also train/guide team members to effectively market the funds.
In his current role as Managing Director for cnrst, he oversees the overall management and development of the firm. He leads and supports a team of financial advisors in their work in wealth and risk management. Together with CEO Michael Lee, he advises both HNWs on wealth enhancement strategies as well as helping corporates identify areas of risk and liability.