Get to know us
With a focus on business consulting and investment advisory, Highmark Solutions Inc. is a leading California-based firm that specializes in financial and related data analytics. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions and expert advice tailored to meet our clients' unique needs, including financial services firms, high-tech startups, and international companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the USA.
We take pride in our ability to combine powerful analytical tools with extensive industry knowledge to develop customized strategies that drive growth and improve financial performance. Whether helping startups leverage technology for scalable growth or assisting established firms in navigating complex financial landscapes, our team of experts is dedicated to assisting clients to achieve their business objectives.
International companies seeking to enter or expand their operations in the U.S. market can benefit from our comprehensive support in understanding regulatory environments, managing cross-border financial issues, and gaining strategic insights aligned with global business strategies. By choosing Highmark Solutions Inc., clients gain a reliable partner committed to their success in the highly competitive American marketplace.
Our Mission
To revolutionize business by leveraging advanced data tools and science to streamline decision-making, liberating human intelligence from repetitive tasks, and redirecting it toward creativity, innovation, and impactful pursuits.
Our Vision
To empower enterprises with data-driven insights for every decision, freeing the human mind to explore bold possibilities that can transform industries and elevate the quality of life across the globe.
Our Service Model
Learn and Grow
We foster a culture of continuous learning, where passionate individuals grow professionally and personally, always striving to reach their full potential.
Think Big, Act Fast
We challenge norms, act quickly, and own our outcomes. We leverage AI to transform our clients' businesses and create innovative, human-first solutions.
Client First
Our clients’ success is our top priority. We bring their bold ideas to life and sacrifice short-term gains for long-term value, always putting the client before ourselves.
We believe trust is the foundation of great relationships. By assuming positive intent and holding ourselves accountable, we create a culture where clients and employees feel secure, valued, and empowered to thrive. We build enduring relationships based on collaboration and mutual trust.
Extreme Trust & Accountability
Our Team
Peter Lou
CEO and Founder
Michael Mao
Senior Advisor
Guangyu Wang
Chief Data Officer
Jo Heacock
President and Chief Operations Officer
Peter Lou is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience at Wells Fargo, Ernst & Young, and Union Bank. A CFA charterholder with an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois, he has also pursued advanced studies at the University of Iowa. Recognized with UCLA and GGU Distinguished Adjunct Professor Awards (2023/2024), Peter now teaches Data Sciences and Investment Analytics at Stanford University.
Jo Heacock is a seasoned banking and FinTech professional with over 20 years of experience at Wells Fargo, Chase (formerly First Republic Bank), and Social Finance Technologies. She holds an M.B.A. and M.S. from Golden Gate University, with advanced studies in compliance (Emory University) and AI (Stanford University). Jo is a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.
Michael Mao is a seasoned risk professional with 25 years of banking experience, including senior roles at Wells Fargo (SVP/Quantitative Analytics Manager) and Union Bank (VP/ACL Analytics & Data Manager). He also spent four years at Texas Education Agency as an educational program director, leading research and evaluation initiatives. Michael holds a Master’s degree from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.
Guangyu Wang is a big data expert with over 10 patents in machine learning algorithms and data products. A FinTech professional with 20+ years of experience at Capital One, Etrade (now Morgan Stanley), Wells Fargo, and Visa, he has been a CFA charterholder since 2004. Guangyu also serves as an adjunct faculty member at St. Mary’s College of Business.