Founder & CIO, Chairman, Award-Winning Author & Speaker
Four decades
in the markets.
Author. Educator. Philanthropist.
James E. Demmert is an American investment manager, author, educator, and philanthropist with over 40 years of experience in financial markets. He is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Main Street Research, a Manhattan-based $3.03* billion investment advisory firm recognized among the nation’s top RIAs for its innovative Active Risk Management® investment methodology.
Driven by a passion for financial education, James is also the Chairman and Co-Founder of The Academy of Finance®, a nonprofit institution dedicated to modernizing investment education through immersive, real-world learning experiences for students and adults. He also serves on the Academy’s Endowment Committee, helping guide its long-term growth and sustainability.
A four-time Barron’s Top 1200 Financial Advisor, James is a frequent commentator on CNBC, Bloomberg, CBS News, and Reuters, with insights featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Forbes, and other leading publications. He is the award-winning author of The Journey to Wealth, The Sustainable Endowment, and Wall Street Lessons, and regularly speaks on investing, behavioral finance, risk management, and the future of financial literacy.
*As of August 17, 2026
Founder & CIO of Main Street Research.
James is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Main Street Research, a privately held firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission since 1993. He is responsible for creating the firm’s Active Risk Management® processes, aimed to protect clients from catastrophic losses.
For four consecutive years, James has been named among Barron’s Top 1200 Advisors, and Main Street Research is recognized as one of Forbes’ Top 100 RIAs. He is also a member of the Forbes Finance Council, where he contributes insights on investment strategy, market trends, and risk management.
Main Street Research serves as a fiduciary for private and institutional investors. The firm services include bespoke financial planning strategies directed towards generating wealth that lasts generations. The firm’s modern investment style incorporates individual securities which provide transparency, low cost and an ability to engage our distinct Active Risk Management process aimed to protect clients from significant loss. This combination of growth and risk management paired with a fee structure aligned with client results have been essential to the firm’s client’s success for three decades. For more information, please visit www.ms-research.com.
Chairman of The Academy of Finance®.
Believing that financial education should be accessible to everyone, James co-founded and serves as Chairman of The Academy of Finance®, a prestigious 501(c)(3) educational institution based in Midtown Manhattan.
The Academy prepares high school and college students, as well as adults, to become more confident investors through immersive, real-world learning experiences. James also serves on the Academy’s Endowment Committee, helping guide its long-term financial sustainability and growth.
Led by President Pauline C. Argenson, the Academy is dedicated to modernizing investment education while expanding access to high-quality financial literacy programs for women and other underserved communities.
Author of three award-winning books.
James is an accomplished writer who has authored three investment books: The Journey to Wealth, The Sustainable Endowment, and his latest book, Wall Street Lessons, which was released in the fall of 2023.
His books have won several awards, owing to the wealth of knowledge on finance and investing that they offer. In Wall Street Lessons, James shares insights from his three-decade-long experience on Wall Street, including intriguing lessons on behavioral finance. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, you’ll find valuable information and fresh perspectives in his work.
In addition to his books, James has written numerous articles on finance and investment management, which have been featured in various financial publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Financial Times, Rolling Stone, Investors Business Daily, and Fortune Magazine, among others.
In conversation
with the markets.
James Demmert on AI: The appetite for use cases and profits is incredible
interviews.
The DOW
100K Theory
A richer way to think about what comes next.
The Journey to Wealth.
The Sustainable Endowment.
Wall Street Lessons.
Financial education shouldn't be a privilege.
Where the market meets the mind.
Behavioral finance.
Risk management.
Market trends.
Asset allocation.
Financial education.
Expanding access to financial education for the next generation.
Classic Porsche Collector.
Fashion.
Arts.
Father-Son Porsche Road Trips That Make Headlines
Questions,answered plainly.
The essentials about James, Main Street Research and The Academy of Finance®.
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Let’s talkWho is James E. Demmert?
James E. Demmert is an American investment manager, author, educator and philanthropist with more than 40 years of experience in financial markets. He is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Main Street Research, and the Chairman and Co-Founder of The Academy of Finance®.
What is Main Street Research?
Main Street Research (MSR) is a privately held, Manhattan-based investment advisory firm that has been registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since 1993. James founded the firm and serves as its Chief Investment Officer. Learn more at ms-research.com.
Is the information on this website investment advice?
No. This website is for general information and education only. It is not personalized investment advice, and it is not a solicitation or an offer to sell securities or investment advisory services. Please read the important disclosures.
Can James speak at my event?
James has spoken at events hosted by organizations such as the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII), Charles Schwab, Private Markets Group, Portfolio Summits and LinkBridge Investors. His topics include investing, behavioral finance, risk management and the future of financial literacy.
To invite him, use the contact form and tell us about your audience, date and location.
Can I request an interview or a media appearance?
Yes. James is a frequent commentator on outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, CBS News and Reuters. You can watch recent interviews in the In the media section or on his YouTube channel. For press requests, use the contact form.
Where can I find James’s books?
James is the author of three books: The Journey to Wealth, The Sustainable Endowment and Wall Street Lessons. They are available on Amazon. Book reviews relate only to the books and their author, and are not associated with Main Street Research’s advisory services.
What is The Academy of Finance®?
The Academy of Finance® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Midtown Manhattan dedicated to modernizing investment education through immersive, real-world learning experiences for students and adults. James is its Chairman and Co-Founder. Learn more at theacademyoffinance.org.
How can I get in touch?
Use the contact form or write to 587 Fifth Ave #9, New York, NY 10017. You can also follow James on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Please do not send confidential or account information through the form.
For general information and education only. See the important disclosures.