Interview

Barry Meyer is actively shaping the future of wealth management for high-net-worth individuals. As the founder of Oceans Financial Services and a key figure in business development for Kennedy Wilson, a publicly traded real estate company, Barry draws on his deep experience as a former CPA and entrepreneur to provide sophisticated financial solutions. His expertise covers premium-financed life insurance and raising capital for Kennedy Wilson real estate funds.

Born in South Africa and now a longtime Los Angeles resident, Barry’s entrepreneurial journey began with ventures like a candy factory and a liveaboard diving company before evolving into sophisticated financial and real estate strategies. His firm, Oceans Financial Services, specializes in using life insurance as an investment vehicle, serving clients who seek tax-advantaged wealth-building options. Meanwhile, his work with Kennedy Wilson connects institutional investors and family offices to value-add real estate opportunities. Barry’s global perspective, honed through decades of international business and travel, continues to redefine wealth management with a focus on trust, innovation, and long-term growth.

Q: What sparked your interest in life insurance and real estate, and how did you get started?

My journey started in South Africa, where I trained as a CPA with Arthur Andersen. Early on, I was drawn to entrepreneurship—my last salaried paycheck was at 24. In my 20s and 30s, I ran eclectic businesses: a candy factory, a drip irrigation company, and even a liveaboard diving boat operation in the Red Sea called Fantasea Cruises. Those experiences taught me how to raise capital and manage risk.

“I started by framing it as an alternative asset class, like real estate or private equity”

When I moved to the U.S. in the late 1980s, I shifted into real estate, raising funds for developments in Israel and the USA. I joined Kennedy Wilson, a public real estate company, to focus on capital markets for their value-add funds. The life insurance business was formed about 15 years ago, when I saw the market evolving. Life insurance became more than just protection; it became a tax-advantaged investment vehicle. I started Oceans Financial Services to help clients, especially business owners, use premium-financed policies and infinite banking strategies to build wealth. It was a natural fit with my finance background and entrepreneurial drive.

Q: What inspired your entrepreneurial journey, and why did you choose these fields?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial itch. Growing up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, I saw my uncle, a successful accountant, living a lifestyle that stood out from the rest. He drove a Jaguar and exuded financial security, which inspired me at age 12 to pursue accounting. But by 24, I knew I wanted to work for myself. The freedom to build something from scratch was exhilarating.

Life insurance and real estate appealed to me because they’re tangible ways to create and protect wealth. Real estate offers stability and growth, while life insurance, particularly with strategies such as infinite banking, provides tax-free options for long-term planning. Both fields allow me to help clients achieve financial security while solving complex problems. The variety keeps me engaged—I’m not just crunching numbers; I’m building relationships and strategies that last.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge in growing Oceans Financial Services?

The biggest challenge is education. There’s a lot of noise on social media about infinite banking, with influencers citing names like the Rockefellers or Disney to make it sound like a quick fix. That creates a perception that it’s either a gimmick or instantly accessible, which isn’t true. Life insurance as an investment vehicle requires a long-term commitment—10, 15, or 20 years—and you need the financial capacity to fund it properly.

When I talk to clients, I compare it to a 401k or IRA. It’s not for everyone; you have to qualify, just like you would for a mortgage. For example, with premium-financed policies, you might borrow to overfund a multimillion policy, paying $75,000 a year in premiums plus interest. If you can’t afford to pay the interest, it’s not the right fit. My job is to walk clients through the realities, dispel myths, and ensure they understand the roadmap. Building that trust is critical.

Q: How do you explain the value of life insurance as an investment to skeptical clients?

I start by framing it as an alternative asset class, like real estate or private equity. For high-net-worth clients, it’s about tax advantages and flexibility. Take a $5 million policy: you can overfund it, build cash value, and borrow against it tax-free, much like a home equity loan. It’s not about quick riches—it’s a disciplined, long-term strategy, similar to a 401k but with a life insurance wrapper that offers unique tax benefits.

I also use analogies. If you buy a house, you put down 20% and borrow the rest, paying interest over time. Premium-financed life insurance works the same way—you need to qualify and manage the interest payments. When clients see it’s a structured and logical approach, they start to see the value. Historical examples, like how the Rockefellers used it, help, but I emphasize that it’s about fitting their financial profile.

Q: How has Los Angeles influenced the way you’ve built your businesses?

Los Angeles is a dynamic hub for business and innovation. After living here for 37 years, I’ve tapped into its diverse network of entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices. The city’s global outlook aligns with my own—I’m constantly traveling, whether to Israel for real estate meetings or throughout the USA for client meetings. L.A.’s culture of ambition and connectivity has shaped how I approach relationships.

There’s also a practical side. Being in L.A. gives me access to high-net-worth individuals and large corporations, which is important for Oceans Financial Services. The city’s fast-paced, deal-driven environment pushes me to stay sharp and deliver value. I focus on building trust and long-term partnerships, which reflects L.A.’s blend of hustle and personal connection.

Q: What keeps you motivated to stay active in business at this stage of your career?

At 67, I feel young and energized. I’m surrounded by my wife and three daughters, who keep me on my toes with their ambitions and tastes. I love traveling for work and pleasure. I play golf and pickleball several times a week, which keeps me active, but I thrive on the intellectual challenge of solving financial problems for clients.

“Retirement isn’t in my vocabulary. I love what I do—helping clients secure their futures and raising capital for our real estate projects.”

Retirement isn’t in my vocabulary. I love what I do—helping clients secure their futures and raising capital for our real estate projects. Every deal, every client relationship, feels like a new adventure. That’s what gets me out of bed each morning.

Q: What role has the Board of Advisors (BA) played in your growth?

I’ve been with BA for nearly seven years, one of the longer-standing members. I joined through a close friend and associate, Lee Krajian, initially thinking I’d give it a year. But the community hooked me. BA is about sharing real, actionable insights. I’ve built relationships with incredible people in BA, and I’m fortunate to have many BA members as clients for Oceans Financial Services.

The value lies in the people. Unlike other masterminds where outside experts speak, BA’s members are the thought leaders, sharing real-time strategies on everything from finance to marketing. It’s accelerated my growth by connecting me with like-minded entrepreneurs. I’m also excited to bring my real estate expertise to BA in 2026, introducing projects that don’t require massive investments, making them accessible to more members.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of your businesses and the wealth management industry?

For Oceans Financial Services, I see us expanding our reach, helping more high-net-worth clients use life insurance as a strategic tool. On the real estate side, I’m focused on Kennedy Wilson’s next multi-family fund, aiming to raise $1 to $1.5 billion. I want to bring smaller-scale real estate opportunities to BA members, democratizing access to high-value projects.

In the broader industry, investments like life insurance and real estate will become more mainstream. Clients are demanding lower fees, higher returns, and flexibility. As technology evolves, think AI for portfolio analysis or blockchain for transparency, wealth management will become faster and more accessible. My goal is to stay ahead of that curve, delivering solutions that blend innovation with trust.