| AUM | Launched | Human advice | Cost | Minimum | Interesting feature | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /assets/graphics src="/wp-content/uploads2017/06/CI110548531.JPG" | Vanguard Personal Advisor Services | $65 billion (as of May 15, 2017) | 2015 | Clients can call into a center for live financial advice, and those with at least $500,000 work with a dedicated adviser. | 0.3% of AUM management fee | $50,000 | Two-decade history of providing advice to individuals. |
| /assets/graphics src="/wp-content/uploads2017/06/CI110549531.JPG" | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | $15.9 billion(as of March 31, 2017) | 2015 | Customer support 24/7 via phone, email and chat. | None. | $5,000 | Schwab introduced a hybrid service Schwab Intelligent Advisory with a $25,000 minimum that charges a .28% annual advisory fee and includes ongoing access to a planning consultant. |
| /assets/graphics src="/wp-content/uploads2017/06/CI110550531.JPG" | Betterment | $9 billion(as of March 30, 2017) | 2010 | Clients with at least $100,000 in assets can pay a .4% annual fee for an annual call with our team of CFP professionals and licensed experts; those with $250,000 can pay a .5% fee for unlimited email and telephone advice from CFP professionals and licensed experts. | 0.25% of AUM management fee | None | The largest independent digital platform is seeking wealthier clients and may introduce alternative investments to its platform. |
| /assets/graphics src="/wp-content/uploads2017/06/CI110552531.JPG" | Wealthfront | $6.5 billion(as of May 30, 2017) | 2011 | None. | Free for first $10,000, beyond that .25% of AUM annual management fee | $500 ($100,000 for tax optimized direct indexing) | Its has a program to help clients who hold shares in their public company employers to sell that stock tax-efficiently and commission free. |
| /assets/graphics src="/wp-content/uploads2017/06/CI110553531.JPG" | Personal Capital | $4.3 billion(as of May 2017) | 2011 | Since 2011 its digital offering has included human adviser help by phone, web conference, chat or email. | 0.89% annual advisory fee for first $1 million in assets (fee decreases as assets increase) | $100,000 | Firm's retirement planner shows users if they are in good shape for retirement based on data from their linked accounts and considerations such as if they are having a baby or putting kids through college. |
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
