The right financial adviser can help you navigate a shaky economy. Investments always come with risk, but between tariffs, recession worries, and overall economic uncertainty, markets have been especially volatile. Historically, markets have responded in unprecedented ways to various economic decisions and events.
Stocks have seen significant fluctuations due to tariffs, the pandemic, inflation, and Federal Reserve interest rate changes. Despite these ups and downs, the importance of sound financial advice remains constant. For the average investor seeking stability and growth, many experts suggest finding a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) that aligns with your financial profile.
RIAs are required to act in their clients’ best interests, charge fees instead of commissions, and take a holistic approach to financial planning. This contrasts with broker-dealers who may earn commissions from selling financial products and provide “suitable” but not necessarily optimal advice.
Advisers for volatile markets
To assist with your search, a ranking of the top 500 RIAs has been compiled, based on the firms’ assets under management (AUM) growth and recommendations from clients and peers. The rankings are divided according to the size of the firms’ assets, making it easier to compare similar companies. Smaller firms might offer more personalized service, while larger firms could have lower fees and specialized services due to their scale.
The top-ranked firm this year is Baltimore-based Facet, which saw an impressive 86% growth in assets over a year and 91% over five years. Santa Monica-based Align Impact also stands out, ranking fifth this year and making the top five for the second consecutive year. To choose the right adviser, consider the specialties and backgrounds of firms, which can often be found on their websites and documented in their Form ADV filed with the SEC.
Additionally, verifying a firm’s registration with the SEC and checking for any disciplinary actions through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is advisable. Investors looking for comprehensive details on the ranking methodology or specific firm information can visit the Statista website.
Image Credits: Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
