Bio

Christopher Darst joined MarshBerry in 1998 as a Financial Analyst responsible for the preparation of business valuation reports, perpetuation plans, and general consulting projects. In 2001, he moved to California to help launch the firm’s Dana Point office. With increased experience and responsibility, Chris expanded his responsibilities to include merger and acquisition (M&A) work for various MarshBerry clients. As a Managing Director, Chris is actively involved in M&A services, strategic business planning, financial management consulting, valuation services, compensation consulting, and ownership perpetuation. Chris has served as the intermediary and advisor on insurance related M&A transactions totaling over $1 billion in deal value. Chris currently maintains the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE®) Exam, in addition to the Series 62, 79 and 63 FINRA Registrations through MarshBerry Capital, LLC, the affiliated FINRA-registered Broker/Dealer of Marsh, Berry & Co., LLC. Chris is a public speaker about the insurance industry and has been published and quoted in trade publications such as Insurance Journal, Bank Director, Credit Union Times, Rough Notes, and American Banker. He has also been featured in MarshBerry’s Today’s ViewPoint blog. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Akron.