Commons Capital, LLC

Overview

Commons Capital, LLC is an independent, fee-based registered investment adviser and boutique private wealth management firm founded in 2009 by Jonathan Straus. The firm builds personalized strategies around each client’s needs by integrating wealth planning, investment management, specialized client services, and banking and lending solutions.

History

Jonathan D. Straus founded Commons Capital in 2009. The firm serves individuals, multigenerational families, executives, business owners, sports and entertainment professionals, and institutions globally.

Leadership

- Jonathan D. Straus, Founding Principal and Portfolio Manager - Rose M. Thompson, CRPC®, Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor - Michael Manschot, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager - Malik A. Smith, CLTC, CSNA, Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor. The firm says he specializes in planning for entrepreneurs, athletes, executives, and families. - Nicholas Dutter, Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor and member of the firm’s Investment Committee

Services

Commons Capital describes its offering as a multi-family office experience combining investment management, financial planning, trust and estate planning, aggregated reporting, giving and social impact, institutional solutions, sports and entertainment services, family office services, private banking, securities-based lending, and cash management.

The firm integrates wealth planning, investment management, specialized client services, and banking and lending solutions. Its custodial relationship with Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services provides FDIC and SIPC coverage, along with supplemental Lloyd’s of London coverage for applicable accounts.

What the firm offers

• Investment management
• Financial planning
• Estate planning
• Trust and fiduciary

Client Focus

Commons Capital serves individuals, multigenerational families, executives, business owners, sports and entertainment professionals, and institutions globally.

The firm’s stated client focus includes complex financial situations, concentrated stock positions, equity compensation, business liquidity events, succession planning, post-sale wealth structuring, episodic income, and multigenerational wealth transfer.

Approach

Commons Capital says its private wealth advisors are fiduciaries and that the firm is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Its IAPD record is associated with CRD 165738.

The firm’s investment approach emphasizes fiduciary advice, transparent pricing, independence from product-sales conflicts, and individualized service.

Assets and Fees

Commons Capital says it has no stated minimum relationship size. Clients with at least $500,000 of investable assets are generally able to use most of its holistic services.

The firm reports that it does not use a stated fee schedule with minimums, maximums, or breakpoints, evaluating fees case by case.

Recognition

Commons Capital lists recognition from Newsweek’s America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms in 2026 and the Boston Magazine FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award from 2011 to 2026.

FAQs

Related resources

• LocationMultifamily offices in New York

  This directory page helps a family or business owner compare multifamily office options in New York. Reviewing regional firms alongside Commons Capital's investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and trust services can clarify which service mix fits your needs and where ongoing advice may be delivered.

• Network siteEstatePlanner.com

  EstatePlanner.com offers plain-language guides on wills, trusts, and related estate planning decisions. A reader considering Commons Capital can use these materials to prepare questions about transferring wealth, coordinating fiduciary arrangements, and aligning an estate plan with family or business ownership concerns.

• Network siteFamilyOffices.com

  FamilyOffices.com provides resources and a community focused on single family offices and wealthy families. Its discussions can help an owner understand how a multifamily office experience compares with other advisory structures, especially when evaluating investment oversight, family governance, planning, and fiduciary support.

• GuideMultifamily office fees

  This page explains common multifamily office fee models and the factors that can affect total costs. Use it to organize questions for Commons Capital about charges for investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and trust or fiduciary work before comparing proposals.

• Similar firmsSeneca Financial Advisors
  Summit Trail Advisors, LLC
  The Abernathy Group II Family Office

  Profiles for Seneca Financial Advisors, Summit Trail Advisors, LLC, and The Abernathy Group II Family Office offer additional points of comparison on this site. Reading them can help a prospective client compare stated services, client focus, and planning approaches with the multifamily office experience described for Commons Capital.

Sources

Claim or correct this profile

This profile is a factual summary written in our own words from public sources. It is for information only. It is not an endorsement, rating, ranking or recommendation, and it is not investment advice. MultiFamilyOffices.com is not affiliated with the SEC or with this firm unless stated. Form ADV figures are self-reported by the firm.