Fiduciary RIAs Serving High-Net-Worth Clients
As of 2024, over 15,000 SEC-registered investment advisers collectively manage approximately $128 trillion in assets. Among them, roughly 3,000 firms operate under a strict fee-only model—meaning they accept no commissions and are legally obligated to place client interests first. For high-net-worth individuals and family offices, this distinction matters: a fiduciary RIA eliminates the conflicts of interest inherent in commission-based advisory models.
What Defines a Fiduciary RIA
A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) registered with the SEC is bound by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which imposes a fiduciary duty encompassing both a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. Fee-only fiduciary RIAs go further by declining all forms of third-party compensation—no commissions, no revenue sharing, no 12b-1 fees.
The High-Net-Worth Landscape
| Category | Typical AUM Range | Common Services |
|---|---|---|
| High-Net-Worth | $1M – $10M | Portfolio management, tax planning, estate planning |
| Ultra-High-Net-Worth | $10M – $100M | Multi-generational planning, alternative investments, philanthropy |
| Family Office | $100M+ | Full-service wealth management, direct investments, concierge services |
Fee Structures to Expect
Most fee-only RIAs charge a percentage of assets under management, typically between 0.50% and 1.00% annually for portfolios above $1 million. Some firms offer flat-fee or retainer models. The key distinction is the absence of commissions—ensuring recommendations are driven by client needs, not product payouts.
Key Due Diligence Steps
- SEC IAPD Database
- Verify registration, review Form ADV Part 2 for fee disclosures and conflict-of-interest statements
- NAPFA Membership
- The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors requires members to be fee-only fiduciaries
- CFP Board Verification
- Confirm individual advisor credentials and disciplinary history
Industry Scale
The 150 largest fee-only RIAs manage a combined $1.09 trillion across more than 949,000 client accounts, employing 4,422 financial advisors. The top three firms by AUM in 2025—Moneta Group, Chevy Chase Trust, and EP Wealth Advisors—each manage over $35 billion in client assets.