Michael Checkan is President of Asset Strategies International, Inc. (ASI) located in the suburbs of Washington, DC. In 1982, Michael and Glen O. Kirsch founded International Financial Consultants, Inc.-now known as ASI-a Rockville, Maryland corporation specializing in precious metals, foreign currencies and offshore asset protection.

ASI buys and sells precious metal (goldⁱ, silver, platinum and palladium) in coins, bars and certificates; plus, numismatics for deliveryⁱ in various parts of the world. It also buys and sells foreign currencies from more than 100 different countries. What makes ASI different from other companies is that it helps North Americans to diversify assets internationally using the precious metals and foreign currencyⁱ markets.

Michael began his business career in 1965 working in the international department of Washington, DC's largest bank. He became one of the banks first foreign exchange traders. Afterwards, Michael joined Deak-Perera (1967-1982) at the time the nation's largest foreign currency and precious metals firm. Michael as Senior Vice-President and SE Regional Manager was instrumental in the creation, development and refinement of one of the first precious metal certificate programs in the United States.

In 1997, Michael, Glen O. Kirsch and Rich Checkan created for the Australian Mintⁱ the Perth Mint Certificate Program. The program allows for the purchase and sale of gold, silver and platinum with storage in Perth, Australia. It is the only government guaranteed certificate program in the world.

Michael and Rich Checkan are the Editors of ASI's newsletter, Information Line. They also publish an Alert service, Always Something Interesting. These publications are sent to readers throughout the world. The goal is to better inform our readers about the precious metals and foreign currency markets in order for them to make better investment decisions.

Michael's views about his areas of expertise are often times quoted by the financial press. In particular, his opinions on how best to diversify assets globally are widely sought after. He travels extensively, speaking at domestic and international investment conferences.

Michael lives in Virginia with his wife of more than 40 years, Jane and their two Bichon Frises- a constant source of amusement to them both. Michael enjoys traveling for profit and pleasure and has traveled to more than 50 countries. When not traveling he enjoys attending basketball games at George Washington University. He supports both the men's and women's teams at GW, where he too played basketball in the early 1960's.