Independent, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Chicago, IL
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you're considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Without the right expertise, you might face risks like illiquidity or complex fee structures that can erode returns.
- Independent perspective. These advisors operate without ties to big firms, which can mean more flexible investment options tailored to your goals.
- Alternative asset knowledge. Confirm they understand the unique risks and benefits of assets like real estate, private equity, or hedge funds.
- Fee transparency. Ask how they charge for alternative investments, since fees can vary widely and impact your net gains.
- Liquidity planning. Private investments often have limited access to cash; ensure they help you balance your portfolio's liquidity needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Joseph K
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Kruse Asset Management, LLC
Joseph Kruse offers expertise in private and alternative investments with 24 years of experience and CFA® credentials, operating independently in Chicago. His firm employs Modern Portfolio Theory alongside proprietary quantitative equity models and third-party tools like YCharts, providing diversified portfolio management and financial planning for individuals, trusts, and family offices, distinguishing him through a data-driven approach and a broad client base.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $765,775
-
Joel S
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Rothschild Investment LLC
Joel Solomon offers expertise in private and alternative investments with 35 years of experience in Chicago, focusing on high-net-worth clients and business owners. His firm uses a long-term, individualized investment approach and provides transparent fee structures, including a 1.25% AUM fee and hourly rates for planning services, distinguishing him from other independent advisors in the area.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $2,215,334
-
Edmond D
Series 66
Chicago, IL
Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC
Edmond Ducett specializes in private and alternative investments with 16 years of experience in Chicago, offering independent advice through Arete Wealth Advisors. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, providing active portfolio management and options strategies, which distinguishes him from others by combining alternative asset expertise with tailored retirement and wealth management services.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $484,172
-
Travis B
CFP®, Series 65
Chicago, IL
BMO Family Office, LLC
Travis Borton offers expertise in private and alternative investments with 13 years of experience, serving high-net-worth clients in Chicago through BMO Family Office, LLC. His firm employs a disciplined investment approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, providing discretionary management and family wealth strategies, with flexible fee options including flat fees and hourly consulting, distinguishing him from other independent advisors.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $140,320,127
-
Justin T
Series 66
Chicago, IL
Lake Street
Justin Terzo's 16 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to guide high-net-worth clients in Chicago through private and alternative investments, including real estate and options strategies. Operating independently at Lake Street, he offers flat-fee consulting starting at $2,500 and emphasizes institutional cost structures, global diversification, and tax minimization, distinguishing him from advisors with traditional fee models or less specialized approaches.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $1,693,909
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Chicago, IL
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)