DRYDEN PENCE
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
How I Can Help You
Dryden Pence serves as the Chief Investment Officer for Pence Financial Group, where he leads the strategic direction and oversight of more than $2 billion in assets under advisement through Pence Wealth Management. With decades of experience and a rare ability to blend economic theory with behavioral insight, Dryden helps clients and investors understand not just what’s happening in the markets—but why it’s happening. His approach is rooted in the belief that human behavior drives economic outcomes, and by understanding those behaviors, investors can make smarter, more confident decisions.
Dryden’s leadership is central to the firm’s investment philosophy. He guides portfolio construction, risk management, and market analysis, while also serving as a thought leader for both advisors and clients. His insights are regularly shared through market commentary, educational events, and media appearances, helping translate complex financial trends into clear, actionable strategies. Whether advising high-net-worth individuals, institutions, or fellow professionals, Dryden is committed to delivering clarity, consistency, and long-term value.
What Makes Me Knowledgeable
Dryden’s career is distinguished by a powerful combination of academic achievement, military leadership, and financial expertise. He earned his degree in economics from Harvard University in 1982, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of understanding how markets and people interact. He later received his Certified Portfolio Manager® designation from Columbia University, and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation—credentials that reflect his commitment to ethical, informed investment management.
A retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Dryden brings discipline, strategic thinking, and a global perspective to his work. His military service has shaped his leadership style and his ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure environments—qualities that serve him well in the ever-changing world of finance.
Dryden is also a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences, and a regular contributor to major media outlets including Reuters, CNBC, and FOX Business Network. His commentary is valued for its clarity, depth, and ability to connect economic trends with real-world implications. He is widely respected as a thought leader who can distill complex ideas into meaningful insights for investors at every level.
Getting to Know Me
Dryden lives in Newport Beach, California with his wife, Laila, and their daughter, Sarah. Outside of his professional life, he is an avid traveler and sailor who enjoys exploring new cultures and coastlines. He finds balance through time spent with family, outdoor adventures, and personal reflection. Whether he’s navigating the open waters or analyzing global markets, Dryden brings curiosity, precision, and a deep appreciation for the journey.
Known for his calm demeanor, intellectual rigor, and unwavering integrity, Dryden is not only a respected leader in the financial industry but also a mentor, a family man, and a lifelong learner. His ability to connect economic theory with human behavior continues to inspire those around him and drive meaningful outcomes for the clients he serves.
1The Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®) designation is a collaboration of the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers and Columbia University. The academic component is designed to provide a deeper understanding of fundamental security analysis, asset allocation, and portfolio management concepts for financial services industry professionals managing discretionary portfolios. The CPM® program is designed to enhance the participant’s knowledge in the areas of valuation analysis, portfolio construction, and risk management. The current criteria for applicant eligibility are any of the following: 1). A certificate, diploma or academic degree providing evidence of a four-year undergraduate degree; 2). 3 years of employment in the financial services industry; or 3). letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant who is employed in the financial services industry, written by a supervisor, where the credential requirements are desired for the training and development of the applicant. Generally, each candidate will spend 150 – 200 hours on the online pre-work and, after successfully completing the course modules and passing the exams, candidates are eligible to attend the onsite learning at Columbia University.
2The Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation certifies that the recipient has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. To receive the AIF® designation, the individual must meet prerequisite criteria based on a combination of education, relevant industry experience, and/or ongoing professional development, complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. In order to maintain the AIF® designation, the individual must annually attest to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards, and accrue and report a minimum of six hours of continuing education. The AIF® designation is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body of fi360.
3Pence Wealth Management, Inc. (“PWM”) is a financial services practice within LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”) comprised of multiple financial professionals that provide a series of services including personal investment advisory, third party managed advisory and brokerage services. PWM is an investment adviser registered with the State of California to provide financial planning services. The financial professionals affiliated with PWM are registered with and offer securities and investment advisory services through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment adviser. As of 12/31/2021, the total assets serviced by PWM through LPL Financial consist of over $1.95 billion in advisory and $383 million in brokerage assets.
The financial professionals associated with Pence Financial Group are registered with LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment adviser.
