Value Investing Across Borders: How Gilad Slonim Helps Israeli Families Build U.S. Wealth

Gilad Slonim has spent over two decades mastering one thing: helping families grow wealth that lasts. From expanding his father's Jerusalem insurance agency to advising on $200 million in assets today, he's built his career on patience, principle, and a deep belief in value investing. Now, with the launch of Balance Wealth Management in 2025, he's bringing that philosophy to Israeli families looking to invest confidently in the U.S. market.

We sat down with Gilad to discuss his journey, the principles behind value investing, and what it takes to develop financial strategies that span generations and borders.

Q: Gilad, you've been in the financial world for more than 20 years. How did you get started?

A: In the family business, actually. My father founded an insurance agency in Jerusalem in 1976, and I joined as a pension insurance agent. Much of my early work involved sitting with families at their kitchen tables, discussing retirement. Those conversations taught me something important: people don't just want financial products, they want someone who understands what they're trying to build for their lives. That stuck with me.

Q: You eventually doubled the size of that business. What came next?

A: I realized insurance was only solving part of the puzzle. People needed help with investments, tax planning, and legacy strategies: things that all had to work together. So in 2019, I started Balance – Planning a Better Financial Future. Today, we oversee around $200 million in assets. Every plan we build is different because every family is different. That's the only way it works.

Q: Value investing is at the core of what you do. Why that approach?

A: Because it's about fundamentals, not hype. We look for strong companies trading below their actual value, and we hold them long enough to see that value realized. It's not exciting, but it's effective. And when people trust you with their wealth, your job isn't to chase trends, it's to protect what they've built and grow it responsibly.

Q: You also co-host a podcast about value investing, right?

A: Yeah, since 2023. It's called Investing with Value, and I do it with my colleague Yoav Zelikovich. It's in Hebrew, and we keep it practical. It’s about the stories of the great value investors in history and we can learn from them. We have tens of thousands of people tuning in regularly every month, which tells me there's a real hunger for this kind of education.

Q: In 2025, you launched Balance Wealth Management, focused on U.S. investing. What drove that decision?

A: A lot of our clients had U.S. ties, family, business, investments, but felt stuck navigating the system. The U.S. has its own tax rules, regulations, and planning nuances. Make the wrong move, and it can cost you. We built Balance Wealth Management to be that bridge, providing Israeli families with the same value-focused guidance in the U.S. market that we've always offered at home.

Q: What are the biggest hurdles for Israelis investing in the U.S.?

A: Taxes, mainly. Without proper planning, you can lose a huge chunk of your returns. Then there's currency risk, compliance, and even cultural differences in how people think about money. A lot of clients come to us feeling overwhelmed. Our job is to simplify it and help them move forward with confidence.

Q: You also had a stint in media. How did that shape your thinking?

A: From 2010 to 2014, I co-founded and ran Epoch Magazine in Israel. It was tough. Print media was getting disrupted by digital, and we had to figure out how to survive. We did, though. We built a strong subscriber base by focusing on quality and delivering exceptional content. That experience taught me resilience and the importance of sticking to your principles, even when the landscape shifts. Those lessons translate directly to investing.

Q: Do you see parallels between running a magazine and managing wealth?

A: Definitely. Both come down to trust. People can tell when you're just selling versus when you're actually adding value. It takes time, consistency, and a long-term view to build real relationships, whether you're publishing content or managing someone's financial future.

Q: What credentials and experience support your work today?

A: I have a bachelor's degree in Insurance from Netanya Academic College, and I'm a Certified Financial Planner through the FPSB. I also served in the Israel Defense Forces, where I was recognized as an outstanding soldier: that discipline and commitment to mission still influences how I approach leadership today. But honestly, the most valuable education has been working with clients for two decades and seeing how their decisions play out. Every person's situation is unique. You have to really listen before you can give good advice.

Q: As CEO of Balance Group, what's your vision going forward?

A: I want us to be the partner families think of when they're planning not just for themselves, but for their kids and grandkids. Whether it's cross-border investing, retirement, or legacy planning, we're here to provide advice that's rooted in their values. Wealth isn't just numbers on a screen, it's about security, values, and peace of mind. That's what we're working to protect.

Q: Any final advice for people thinking about long-term investing?

A: Don't chase quick wins. Markets go up and down, but building something meaningful takes time. Find advisors who understand your goals and share your values. That's how you create wealth that lasts.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell is a financial journalist specializing in international investment trends and wealth management strategies. With over a decade of experience covering global markets, she contributes to leading business publications across North America and Europe. Sarah holds an MBA in Finance and is passionate about making complex financial topics accessible to everyday readers.