New York, September 6 — The top-rated registered investment adviser firms have been ranked by Buy Side, The Wall Street Journal’s research and commerce team, with Betterment Premium, Facet Wealth, and Retirable leading the list with a 5.0 rating. By the numbers, the fees for these top-rated firms vary, with Betterment Premium charging tiered fees ranging from 0.10% to 0.65% of assets under management, and Facet Wealth charging a flat fee ranging from $2,400 to $7,900 per year.
Firms like Retirable, with a 1% assets under management fee and a cap of $10,000, offer a straightforward pricing structure. A short review of the list reveals that the top-rated firms have low fees, accessible account minimums, and a high percentage of advisors who are Certified Financial Planners.
For example, Modera Wealth Management has a 5.0 rating and no account minimum, with tiered fees ranging from 0.20% to 1.00% of assets under management. Empower Personal Strategy, another 5.0-rated firm, has an account minimum of $100,000 and tiered fees ranging from 0.49% to 0.89% of assets under management.
Key Details of Top-Rated Firms
The bottom line for investors is that they need to evaluate each individual advisor thoroughly, regardless of the firm’s rating. The analysis covered larger and more well-known registered investment adviser firms, which employ financial advisors who must act as fiduciaries, meaning they are legally required to act in their clients’ best interests. Creative Planning, with a 4.5 rating, has an account minimum of $200,000 and tiered fees ranging from 0.25% to 1.20% of assets under management.
Investors will note that some firms, like Range Advisory, offer flat fees ranging from $3,950 to $12,500 per year, while others, like Mariner Wealth Advisors, have tiered fees ranging from 0.60% to 1.25% of assets under management. Pure Financial Advisors, with a 4.5 rating, has no account minimum and tiered fees ranging from 0.50% to 1.60% of assets under management.
Methodology and Rankings
The firms were ranked based on criteria including advisor credentials and accessibility, fees, available services, and asset and portfolio options. NerdWallet Wealth Partners, with a 5.0 rating, has no account minimum and tiered fees ranging from 0.40% to 0.90% of assets under management. The rankings provide a useful guide for investors looking for a registered investment adviser firm that meets their needs.
