Michael Cannivet
Michael Cannivet
President & Chief Investment Officer
Michael Cannivet is the founder, President and Chief Investment Officer of Silverlight Asset Management. He is also a Forbes contributor and author of The Four Minute Retirement Plan.
Michael manages our firm’s investment process and portfolio strategies. He also provides strategic counsel related to financial planning and asset allocation.
Outside of work, Michael is a member of the Advisory Board for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. He is also an active supporter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation and serves as a Wish Granter.
Education
B.A. Georgetown University
Chartered Financial Analyst®
My Story
I was born on New Year’s Day, which has always made me appreciate the value of time and new beginnings.
Growing up, several people played a pivotal role in my life. My father taught me to be results-driven, my mother taught me creativity, and my grandparents taught me a lot of simple financial lessons that I’ve never forgotten.
When I was 8 years old, I became obsessed with baseball cards. I studied player stats, monthly price guides, and made lists of the cards I thought would do best. My dog ate most of the cards, and the baseball card industry turned out to be my first exposure to an asset bubble.
In 1995, my grandmother bought me my first stock. A coffee company called Starbucks. That investment worked much better.
I moved to Washington D.C. to study Government at Georgetown University. The summer before my senior year, an internship at a venture capital firm changed my life. That’s when I fell in love with investing and decided to pursue a career in finance.
After college, I spent the majority of my 20s working in the Bay Area at Fisher Investments. I was an Equity Analyst and worked under the tutelage of acclaimed investor, Ken Fisher.
In my 30s, I became a partner and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Palo Capital. During my tenure, I helped grow the firm's assets under management five-fold.
I founded Silverlight to help private clients actively manage their money, lifestyle, and legacy.
Testimonials Content Block
More Than an Investment Manager—A Trusted Guide to Financial Growth
"I’ve had the great pleasure of having Michael as my investment manager for the past several years. In fact, he is way more than that. He is a trusted guide who coaches his clients to look first at life’s bigger picture and then align their financial decisions to support where they want to go. Michael and his firm take a unique and personal coaching approach that has really resonated for me and helped me to reflect upon my core values and aspirations throughout my investment journey.
Michael’s focus on guiding the "why" behind my financial decisions has been invaluable to me in helping to create a meaningful strategy that has supported both my short-term goals and my long-term dreams. He listens deeply, responds thoughtfully, and engages in a way that has made my investment decisions intentional and personally empowering. With Michael, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about crafting a story of financial growth that has truly supports the life I want to live."
-Karen W.
Beyond financial guidance!
"As a long-term client of Silverlight, I’ve experienced not only market-beating returns but also invaluable coaching and support. Their guidance goes beyond finances—helping me grow, make smarter decisions, and build a life I truly love. Silverlight isn’t just about wealth management; they’re invested in helping me secure my success & future legacy!"
-Chris B.
All You Need Know to Win
“You likely can’t run a four-minute mile but Michael’s new book parses all you need know to win the workaday retirement race. Readable, authoritative, and thorough, you’ll want to spend a lot more than four minutes with it.”
-Ken Fisher
Founder, Executive Chairman and Co-CIO, Fisher Investments
New York Times Bestselling Author and Global Columnist.
Packed with Investment Wisdom
“The sooner you embark on The Four-Minute Retirement Plan, the sooner you’ll start heading in the right direction. This fun, practical, and thoughtful book is packed with investment wisdom; investors of all ages should read it now.”
-Joel Greenblatt
Managing Principal, Gotham Asset Management;
New York Times bestselling author, The Little Book That Beats the Market
Great Full Cycle Investing
“In order to preserve and protect your pile of hard-earned capital, you need to be coached by pros like Michael. He has both the experience and performance in The Game to prove it. This is a great Full Cycle Investing #process book!”
-Keith McCullough
Chief Executive Officer, Hedgeye Risk Management
Author, Diary of a Hedge Fund Manager
Clear Guidance...Essential Reading
“The Four-Minute Retirement Plan masterfully distills the wisdom and experience Michael acquired through years of highly successful wealth management into a concise and actionable plan that can be implemented by everyone. With its clear guidance, hands-on approach, and empowering message, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to take control of their finances and secure a prosperous future.”
-Vincent Deluard
Director of Global Macro Strategy, StoneX
