By: Natalie Johnson

In an industry often defined by portfolios and profit margins, Ken Lako has cultivated something different. As President and CEO of Members Trust Company (MTC), Lako brings a leadership philosophy that places people at the heart of business success, a perspective shaped by his diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, law, and wealth management.

“The financial world can sometimes feel cold,” Lako reflects. “What makes us different at MTC is our genuine focus on people while still delivering strong results. This isn’t just marketing talk. It’s how we operate every day.”

Lako’s path to wealth management leadership began with entrepreneurial ventures, including founding an eCommerce business during the internet’s early days and establishing a law practice. These experiences taught him that lasting success requires both strategic vision and authentic human connection.

During his two-decade tenure at Wells Fargo, however, Lako truly refined his people-first approach. As he relocated between Seattle, Phoenix, San Diego, and Atlanta, each move presented the challenge of rebuilding teams and client relationships from the ground up.

“Moving across four major markets taught me something invaluable,” Lako explains. “You can have ideal systems and strategies, but exceptional performance remains out of reach without the right people feeling valued and supported.”

This philosophy faced continuous testing. With each new city came professional challenges that required adaptability and focus. “Learning to stay focused on priorities taught me valuable lessons,” he notes. “That same discipline now shapes how we approach client relationships at MTC.”

The results speak volumes. At Wells Fargo, Lako received several Concorde Elite recognitions for superior performance within The Private Bank. Now at MTC, his leadership has positioned the company as recognized by industry groups for advisor support and diversity initiatives in 2025.

As the nation’s first chartered trust and investment management company wholly owned by credit unions, MTC offers institutional capabilities alongside personalized service. Under Lako’s guidance, the company manages $4 billion in assets with an average account size of $750,000, impressive figures that Lako attributes directly to the company’s people-centric culture.

“What truly sets us apart is our accessibility to clients, often overlooked by larger trust companies,” Lako says. “We make complex trust and estate issues understandable for our clients, which requires both technical expertise and genuine empathy.”

This commitment to balancing human connection with technical excellence shows in MTC’s team composition. The company employs professionals with advanced credentials: JDs, LLMs, CFAs, CFPs, and CTFAs who bring sophisticated expertise to client service while remaining approachable and attentive.

“I work hard to help my teams thrive professionally and personally,” Lako emphasizes. “This has allowed me to build strong followership as a leader. Several people have told me I’m the ideal leader they’ve ever worked for, comments I find deeply humbling.”

After leaving Wells Fargo, Ken Lako faced a significant professional challenge. “After 20-plus years, I was displaced and started over at Comerica,” he shares. “But my experience, focus on people, drive for results, and willingness to speak the truth enabled transformational work during my time there.”

This resilience now fuels his growth strategy at MTC. “We’re currently in a growth phase and want to at least double our assets under management through both organic growth and acquisitions,” Lako explains. “I see the company thriving and continuing to earn brand recognition for expertise, excellence, and having a heart.”

For Lako, success in wealth management isn’t just about executing transactions, it’s about transforming lives. “We empower our partners to grow their trust and wealth management business through innovative solutions, unwavering service commitment, and unparalleled industry expertise, all focused on helping every client realize their financial aspirations.”

This balanced approach extends to his personal philosophy: “When problems arise, pause and think. There is always a solution or way to improve a situation. Give grace always. You never know what other people are going through in their lives. Study, know the details, but don’t forget to trust your instincts.”

Looking forward, Lako remains committed to both professional excellence and personal values. His leadership vision for MTC reflects this dual commitment to performance and humanity. “The true strength of MTC lies in our people,” Lako affirms. “Their commitment and professionalism have driven us to develop strategic initiatives and products that meet the dynamic needs of our clients. As we look to 2025, I am more confident than ever in our ability to create meaningful impact.”

For the wealth management industry, Ken Lako represents a refreshing alternative to traditional leadership models, proving that prioritizing people doesn’t come at the expense of performance but rather serves as its foundation. His story demonstrates that in an increasingly digital financial world, human connection remains the most valuable currency of all.

“Through all challenges, I focus on execution,” Lako concludes. “Execution is often an overused word in business, but in my case, it is a disciplined process that consistently yields positive returns for our clients, our team members, and ultimately, our company.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment or trust-related decisions.