Top 10 Financial Advisor Firms in the U.S.
We break down the 10 leading financial advisor firms in the nation and how you can choose the right one for your needs.
Brandon Canonica
Senior Finance Writer
Brandon is a finance writer and content strategist for ComparisonAdviser. For the past three years, he's written about a variety of topics in the industry, such as insurance, financial advisors, and investing. He specializes in creating detailed, helpful content to assist and inform readers. Brandon is also a co-founder and the COO of RateSonic, a website educating consumers about insurance.
View ProfileFinding the right financial advisor can feel overwhelming. There’s a mixed bag of household names and lesser-known options to compare against each other, all offering different fees, minimums, and services. So, how do you narrow it down to the ones that will fit your needs and put your interests first?
The leading firms clearly explain what they offer and how they help, minimizing question marks. They usually share key characteristics, including accessible minimum requirements, comprehensive service options, transparent fees and compensation, and a strong reputation. They’re also widely available, whether it’s in-person or remote.
While the best option for your goals and circumstances may vary, we’ve analyzed the industry to identify the top 10 financial advisor firms that serve clients in the United States. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of each firm’s characteristics and business practices.
Our Top Advisory Firm Rankings
- Wealth Enhancement Group
- CAPTRUST
- Hightower
- Carson Wealth Management
- Edelman Financial Engines
- Creative Planning
- Fisher Investments
- Mariner Wealth Advisors
- UBS Advisors
- Edward Jones
1. Wealth Enhancement Group
Plymouth, MN
Founded: 2001
Assets Under Management
$72 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$25,000 to $1 million
Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services (WEAS) takes the leading spot on our list of the top registered investment advisor (RIA) firms. A subsidiary of the larger financial services company, Wealth Enhancement Group, it serves both standard and high-net-worth clients in 34 states from coast to coast. Account minimums fall between $25,000 and $1 million, depending on the complexity and type of services you receive. The company also has very reasonable and negotiable fees, ranging from 1.0% to 1.5% AUM annually for portfolio management.
WEAS provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and private client wealth services. Operating on a fee-only model and bound by its RIA status, WEAS is a fiduciary and must avoid conflicts of interest. The firm’s financial advisors hold titles such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), further signaling the firm’s commitment to quality.
Why did Wealth Enhancement end up at the top? We believe it’s perhaps the most well-rounded option with the most accessible minimums and costs. Though other firms have brick-and-mortar locations in more states, WEAS is highly available in person and remotely. It’s also managed to receive no disciplinary actions from regulatory authorities, which is something some of the biggest firms can’t escape and a mark of its standards.
2. CAPTRUST
Raleigh, NC
Founded: 1997
Assets Under Management
$852 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$50,000 to $100,000
CAPTRUST is a leading RIA firm with substantial assets under management. Founded in Raleigh, North Carolina over two decades ago, it now serves clients in 90+ offices across 36 states. It works with individuals and families of standard and high net worth, with investment management minimums of $50,000 and $100,000 for separately managed accounts (SMAs), making it accessible to up-and-coming professionals and investors.
As a client of CAPTRUST, you’ll find services that fit various needs or goals. This includes discretionary or non-discretionary portfolio management and financial planning for several key areas, including taxes, estates, business ownership, philanthropy, and more. Fees are negotiable and follow a tiered AUM fee structure, starting at 2.25% for portfolios under $500,000 and dropping as low as 1.0% for more than $5 million.
With its broad collection of services and accessible minimums, CAPTRUST is a sound choice if you’re looking for a well-established fiduciary company with high-quality advisors. However, its fees can be high for smaller portfolios.
3. Hightower
Chicago, IL
Founded: 2008
Assets Under Management
$130 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-based
Minimum Investment
None
Hightower Advisors is a well-recognized RIA with locations in 35 states. It provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, SMAs, and extensive financial planning services.
Unlike many competitors, Hightower doesn’t have a minimum investment requirement before opening an account. This makes the firm much more open to a wide array of clientele. It serves standard- and high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plan participants, and institutions such as trusts, estates, and businesses.
Fees vary by the service and could take the form of a fixed rate, a percentage of AUM, hourly, or one-time cost arrangement. Though it has a separate broker-dealer subsidiary, Hightower Securities, LLC, Hightower’s registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires it to uphold a fiduciary standard. The firm primarily makes money through advisory fees but be aware that some of its professionals may earn commissions, as noted in its Form CRS.
4. Carson Wealth Management
Omaha, NE
Founded: 1983
Assets Under Management
$27 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$5,000 to $250,000
Carson Wealth Management, an RIA subsidiary of Carson Group, ranks fourth on our list. Founded in 1983 by Barron’s Hall of Fame Advisor Omani (Ron) Carson, it has 1,000+ employees and offices in 42 states, serving standard and high-net-worth individuals and families.
Using a fee-only model, it offers portfolio management, wealth advisory, and one-on-one planning centered around various elements of your finances. Its investment advisory services are only available on a discretionary basis, where you hand control of your portfolio over to a professional to manage on your behalf. So, you’ll need to consider whether you feel comfortable allowing the firm to have this authority.
Costs can vary based on services and client circumstances and include a flat or hourly rate or an AUM percentage. Notably, asset management can reach up to 2.50% AUM. This is on the higher end compared to industry averages of about 1.0% to 2.0%.
Due to its nationwide presence and sweeping services, Carson Wealth could be a strong option if you’re looking for a hands-off investment manager or a detailed financial plan.
5. Edelman Financial Engines
Santa Clara, CA
Founded: 1986
Assets Under Management
$270 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$50,000
The fifth company on our list, Edelman Financial Engines, is one of the biggest, managing over $270 billion and serving 1.3 million clients. It provides discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and online advisory for average and high-net-worth clients, employer-sponsored retirement plan participants, and institutions.
Minimums at Edelman can be somewhat accessible and rely on how you work with the firm. For wealth planning, clients need at least $50,000 in investable assets. Fees for wealth planning are also competitive and tiered, anywhere from 1.75% to 0.50% depending on your portfolio size.
Despite its scale, the firm has no disciplinary actions or disclosures on its record with the SEC and was ranked #1 on Barron’s list of the Top 100 RIA Firms in 2024. With its range of services, resources, and prominence, Edelman Financial Engines stands out as a reputable name in the industry.
6. Creative Planning
Overland Park, KS
Founded: 1983
Assets Under Management
$175 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$100,000 to $500,000
Creative Planning is a sizable and respected advisory firm based in Overland Park, Kansas. Its president and CEO, Peter Mallouk, is a well-known professional in the industry and is in the Barron’s Hall of Fame. Available in all 50 states, the firm serves many client types, including standard, high, and ultra-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions.
Account minimums vary by service, with a $100,000 threshold for portfolio management and $500,000 for financial planning. The company provides a broad assortment of services within these two categories, including but not limited to retirement and tax planning, estate and trust strategies, and both discretionary and non-discretionary investment management. For ultra-wealthy clients, the firm also offers a family office, covering areas such as asset protection, legacy plans, and family governance.
Fees are also a prominent advantage, given Creative Planning’s size and breadth of services. For example, portfolio management follows a tiered structure and ranges from 1.20% to as low as 0.25% for substantially affluent clients.
7. Fisher Investments
Plano, TX
Founded: 1979
Assets Under Management
$276 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$200,000 to $500,000 (varies by product)
Fisher Investments is a large, well-known fiduciary advisory firm with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. It mainly serves high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, and institutions.
Within its central personal wealth management services, it offers discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, annuity evaluation, and retirement planning. Minimum investment requirements depend on the offering and are either $200,000 or $500,000. Fees are based on a percentage of AUM and are up for negotiation in some cases. The structure may differ by account style and asset allocation (i.e., fixed-income vs. equity accounts).
Fisher Investments’ advisors don’t earn a commission and operate on a fee-only basis. This strengthens its commitment to client-centric and transparent business practices, making it a credible option if you fit its typical clientele and can connect with an advisor in one of the eight states it’s located in.
8. Mariner Wealth Advisors
Overland Park, KS
Founded: 2006
Assets Under Management
$81 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-only
Minimum Investment
$100,000
Mariner Wealth Advisors is an RIA with offices in 44 states. It works with a diverse clientele, including individuals (both standard and high-net-worth), charitable organizations, trusts and estates, and pension and profit-sharing plans—and specifies a minimum requirement of $100,000 in investable assets for managed accounts.
The firm provides an extensive list of services, including comprehensive financial planning, estate and trust solutions, investment management, and an automated investing service via third-party providers. Like other firms, the service you need will dictate the fee arrangement you see.
Mariner’s advisors hold certifications and professional designations, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA). Aside from its registration with the SEC, this exemplifies the company’s commitment to a fiduciary standard.
9. UBS Advisors
Weehawken, NJ
Founded: 1862
Assets Under Management
$702 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-based
Minimum Investment
$5,000 to $10 million (varies by product)
At number nine, UBS is one of the largest and oldest companies on our list. Part of a global financial services company based in Zürich, Switzerland, its U.S. private wealth management division is headquartered in Weehawken, New Jersey, and has offices all around the country.
The firm’s services are generally accessible to many different types of clients, ranging from $5,000 to $10 million depending on the program. Broadly, UBS offers discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory—which breaks down into several sub-programs—and financial planning tailored to several goals, such as managing wealth, investing, education savings, and retirement planning.
UBS’ fees vary by program and are structured as a percentage of AUM. They stretch between 1.25% and 2.50%. Though the company generally only collects fees for advisory services, advisors may also earn commissions in certain cases.
10. Edward Jones
St. Louis, MO
Founded: 1922
Assets Under Management
$692 billion
Fee Structure
Fee-based
Minimum Investment
$0 to $300,000 (varies by product)
Perhaps one of the most widely recognizable companies on the list, Edward Jones is a financial advisor firm in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It serves clients of various asset levels and offers multiple services geared toward a mass audience. Minimums range from nothing to $300,000, depending on the program you enroll in.
Offerings are divided across three primary programs: Select Account, Guided Solutions, and Advisory Solutions. Each program determines the fee structure, investment options, management approach, and advisor involvement available to clients.
It’s important to note that Edward Jones is a fee-based company. In its Select Account program, professionals may earn a commission from products they recommend. This can present a conflict of interest, which the firm must fully disclose. In contrast, the Guided Solutions and Advisory Solutions are fee-only, with annual fees beginning at a percentage of 1.35% AUM.
Methodology
The companies above represent ComparisonAdviser’s ranking of the top RIA firms operating in the U.S. in 2025. Each company shares the common quality of serving individual clients and offering services such as financial planning and discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management options. We narrowed the listing of firms by using an aggregate of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of each company and assigning a weighted score based on the following:
- Assets under management (AUM). Firms with a more significant volume of accounts managed rank higher.
- Reach. Companies operating in more states with a high number of offices and advisors hold higher scores.
- Reputation and recognition. Firms with longstanding registrations, accolades from reputable sources, and several years in business were rewarded.
- Number of disclosures. Companies with more disclosures and regulatory actions were penalized in our ranking.
- Diversity of services. Firms with a wider array of services available to many clients saw increased ranking.
- Minimum account size. Those with more accessible minimum account sizes or investments are placed higher.
- Fee structure. Companies with transparent and dominantly fee-only compensation hold higher rankings.
To collect the above information, we accessed each firm’s publicly available Form ADV (Parts 1 and 2A) using the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database. For a clearer picture of reputation, we also performed qualitative research using known sources such as J.D. Power’s 2024 Investor Satisfaction Study and Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms list.
How to Pick a Financial Advisor
Selecting the right financial advisor for your needs and goals—whether it’s a firm or individual expert—is a crucial process that requires careful thought. They might be with you for years and will be directly involved in helping you reach your goals, so it’s vital you feel confident in their services, abilities, and business practices.
Choosing a financial advisor is about trust, alignment, and long-term fit. Potential clients should ask themselves if the advisor understands their specific financial goals. Transparency is also key in making sure you understand how they are compensated and whether they have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. Since this is a long-term partnership, also feel out if you are comfortable with their communication style.
Start by assessing if the advisor offers the services you need—whether it’s comprehensive planning, investment management, wealth advisory, or more—at a reasonable cost. Can you see yourself getting value out of working with this firm or professional, either on a short- or long-term basis?
Also, consider whether the advisor will put your needs first. The surest way to know is if they uphold a strict fiduciary duty, which legally binds them to adhere to high ethical standards and practice with integrity and care. A common way to identify a firm as a fiduciary is if it’s registered with the SEC or a state agency. Similarly, you can find out if a professional is one if they hold credentials from reputable organizations, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Next, does the firm or expert have conflicts of interest that could interrupt the advice you receive? One way to find out is by examining “how advisors get compensated,” explains Ben Loughery, CFP®, CRPC™, founder of Lock Wealth Management. “There are fee-only advisors who do not earn commissions from selling products and then there are commission-based advisors as well.” Often, the latter will present a potential conflict, whereas the former will not. If in doubt, ask in your first consultation or phone call.
Look for advisors with the following qualities:
- Fiduciary duty. These professionals and firms practice with a strict duty of care and ethics while avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Credentials from reputable organizations. Top advisors usually hold professional designations or have degrees from organizations that require them to uphold a strict code of conduct and ethics. It’s a good sign if a firm employs these professionals, as well.
- Transparent and professional business practices. Look for professionals or companies that are upfront about their fees, services, and investing or planning processes.
- Satisfactory fees. Top financial advisors know their clientele and offer fees and payment schedules coinciding with their services.
- Services you need. An advisor or firm should have expertise in the services you require, whether it’s portfolio management, financial planning, or wealth management.
Unsure how to start your search? We recommend using a free matching tool to find a financial advisor who suits your needs. Just answer a short list of questions about your circumstances and goals and you’ll connect with a fiduciary professional in minutes.