Engraved illustration of the Cassia offices, a columned house at 1144 West Fourth Street

A firm built for the relationship, not the ranking.

Cassia is intentionally independent, intentionally boutique, and intentionally relationship‑driven. We believe wealth should be stewarded by people who know the client, understand the responsibility, and are accountable for the work.

1144 West Fourth Street · Winston‑Salem, North Carolina

Built from institutional discipline. Rooted in personal responsibility.

Cassia was founded in Winston‑Salem in 2012 by Jay Helvey after a global career with J.P. Morgan and CMT Asset Management. Soon thereafter he was joined by Charlie Barham following two decades with Wachovia Bank and Wachovia Securities. Their objective from the beginning was to serve others and shepherd financial assets thoughtfully.

The firm was built around a conviction: families, executives, business owners, foundations, and advisors do not need louder promises. They need clear judgment, fiduciary independence, long‑term discipline, and a relationship that can last.

Careful appointment. Careful allocation.

Our name comes from cassia, one of the appointed ingredients in the anointing oil described in Exodus. The meaning is not decorative. It is about care, measure, and purpose.

We apply that principle to capital entrusted to us: every allocation should be intentional, every decision should be explainable, and every portfolio should serve a defined responsibility.

Nobroker‑dealer
Noinstitutional parent
Noproprietary products
Nocommissions

Cassia is privately owned and independent. That structure matters because incentives matter.

The people accountable for the work.

Jay Helvey

Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer

Jay founded Cassia after 30 years at J.P. Morgan and CMT Asset Management, where he developed the institutional risk discipline that still shapes the firm’s investment philosophy today.

Charlie Barham, CFP®

Managing Partner & Chief Compliance Officer

Charlie brings long‑tenured client continuity, planning discipline, and operational leadership to the firm, following a 20‑year career at Wachovia and Wachovia Securities.