Compare top financial advisors

Most financial advisors serve between 50 and 90 clients, but the number varies widely by firm size, client type, and service model. The median firm serves around 40 clients per advisor, though larger firms—where most clients end up—tend toward 70 or more. Independent advisors often serve fewer clients, whether by design or because they're still building their practice. As firms grow, shared staff and standardized processes allow advisors to take on more relationships. A small number of highly scaled firms serve 150+ clients per advisor, but these remain the exception. Lower client loads generally signal more personalized service, while higher loads suggest a more efficient, scalable model. The right fit depends on the level of attention you're looking for—and what you're willing to pay for it.

AUM per client—the total assets a firm manages divided by the number of clients it reports—is one of the clearest signals of who a firm is built to serve. Most firms fall somewhere in the high six figures to low seven figures per client, but the spread is wide. Boutique firms focused on high-net-worth families can report $3 million or more per client, while firms serving mass-affluent households often sit well below $500,000. Smaller, independent firms span both extremes depending on their niche, while larger firms tend toward the middle as different client segments blend together. A higher number generally signals higher minimums, more complex planning, and more bespoke service. A lower number signals broader access and often more standardized service. Neither is better—the right fit depends on your situation.

HNW client percentage is the share of a firm's clients who meet the SEC's high-net-worth threshold—roughly $1.1 million managed by the firm or $2.2 million in net worth. Firms report this on Form ADV, and the same threshold applies industry-wide, which makes it one of the cleanest comparisons you can make across firms. Specialty practices focused on private wealth often report 80–100% HNW clients. Many established RIAs sit somewhere in the 30–60% range. Mass-affluent firms typically report 5–20%. Smaller, independent firms span the full spectrum depending on niche, while larger firms tend toward a more diverse mix as multiple service tiers blend together. A higher number signals higher minimums and more complex planning. A lower number signals broader access and more standardized service. Neither is better—the right fit depends on your situation.