Harmonizing Finances: Managing Wealth for Latin Music Artists

Latin music was the soundtrack of Kathy Izaguirre's childhood. A first-generation American raised by Ecuadorian parents, she grew up in Los Angeles in a home with parents who constantly listened to Latin records, spurring her early love for the sound. But what she didn’t realize was that her passion for these melodies would result in a two-decade career in the Latin music industry.

 

Professional Playlist

Izaguirre began her career as a production accountant at MTV. But she quickly transitioned to entertainment business management and got her first opportunity to work with Latin artists.

“I found the music industry so exciting due to all its moving parts and all the different people and things that go into supporting an artist and making a record," Izaguirre said. “I found collaborating with Latin artists particularly fascinating due to my background and heritage."

This past January, she founded her own business management company, Èlite Collective. She currently manages 15 clients, including Grammy and Latin Grammy winners Marco Borrero, known as MAG, and Edgar Barrera, known as Edge.​

 

The Beats of Business Management​​

Izaguirre’s company is full-service and she describes her role as "CFO of the back office," overseeing clients' finances. Her tasks range from bookkeeping to estate planning, as well as the purchase of homes and vehicles. She is even involved with tasks such as setting up the infrastructure for a new record or management company.

“Every day is different. One day I'm working with a catalog sale, then evaluating potential investments for a different client and then dealing with a call from another client about a water leak in their home and opening an insurance claim for them," Izaguirre said.

 

Toughest Notes to Hit

Izaguirre’s biggest challenge is managing a client's growth. As their careers accelerate, she guides their decisions about their finances and opportunities, ensuring they are sustainable and scalable.

“It all trickles down from success because when a client is generating more income, they have to put that money to work," Izaguirre said. “Then we strategize and help them plan ahead and ask, 'Now that you've earned this money, what do you want to do with it?’”

Izaguirre pointed out that the most successful clients also get approached for collaborations as well as investment and branding opportunities. “I do my due diligence to analyze and research each one and ask, 'Is this a good opportunity to consider? Is this a good area to invest in?'"

 

Turning Up the Volume

Latin music's popularity continues to increase in the U.S., recording $490.3 million in revenue in the first half of 2025, up 6% from the same period last year and outpacing overall U.S. market growth, according to recent data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

“Although it feels like the popularity of Latin music happened overnight, it didn't," Izaguirre said. “There are many artists that have been around, such as Luis Miguel and Julio Iglesias, but they just weren't that big in the U.S. and now is its time, and it is here to stay."

 

Working in Harmony​

Knowing City National is “the entertainment bank" from her decades in the industry, Izaguirre called a contact at the bank when she launched her business.

“They have gone above and beyond to provide me and our mutual clients incredible service," Izaguirre said.