Zachary Smith is a seasoned financial services executive, investor, and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience in banking, investment management, and private markets. As the Founder of 555, he is dedicated to empowering minority- and women-led businesses, fostering economic growth in underserved markets, and building innovative platforms that enhance access to capital.

Throughout his career, Zachary has held leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, Crescent Capital, and Wells Fargo Asset Management, where he specialized in institutional fundraising, scaling private market investments, and developing strategic partnerships. He has worked extensively with public pensions, insurance companies, and family offices, helping to deploy capital across private equity, credit, and alternative investments.

Zachary founded 555 as an investment advisory firm that takes equity stakes in minority-led lower-middle-market companies and diverse private market funds, raising strategic capital and forming key partnerships to help these businesses scale. Under his leadership, 555 has launched initiatives in financial services, agriculture, technology, and real estate collaborating with institutions like Redemption Holding Company, Arkansas River Rice, TMLI Corp, Hardcore Peanut Butter, Ends Meat, and the Haltere Group.

Beyond his professional experience, Zachary is a passionate advocate for economic equity and financial inclusion. He serves as a Board Member for the National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF), a Trustee at Rowland Hall, and a Founding Board Member of the University of Utah’s HBCU Partnership Program, which creates post-graduate and employment pathways for HBCU students.

A Utah native, Zachary earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. He also played collegiate baseball at Dixie College (now Utah Tech University) and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration. His leadership philosophy is rooted in discipline, ambition, and transformation, with a relentless focus on execution and impact.