AUM per client for Independent firms serving clients in New York

Assets under management (AUM) per client is a key metric that divides a firm’s total managed assets by its client count. This figure helps indicate the type of clients a firm serves: higher AUM per client often points to firms with higher minimum investment requirements and more personalized, complex financial planning, while lower AUM per client suggests broader accessibility and more standardized services.

In New York, independent advisory firms show a median AUM per client of about $540,000, slightly above the broader national median of $511,000 for similar firms. With 899 independent firms and 752 advisors reporting data, the distribution here reflects a wide range of practices. Some may be early-stage firms targeting a broad client base with lower minimums, while others focus on high-net-worth individuals or families, resulting in much higher AUM per client. This spread indicates that New York’s independent advisors serve diverse client needs, from emerging investors to affluent households, with varying levels of service complexity.

For you, this means that AUM per client is a useful indicator of the kind of advisory experience you might expect. A higher number generally signals a boutique, tailored approach with potentially higher minimum investments, whereas a lower number suggests more accessible services with standardized offerings. There’s no single “right” figure—your choice depends on your investment size, financial complexity, and desired level of personalized attention. Use this metric alongside others to find the advisor that best fits your unique situation.

Or, if you'd rather skip the guesswork, Warmer can help you find a financial advisor who fits your needs.