Schwab sharpens focus on distinct needs of wealthiest client groups

Schwab sharpens focus on distinct needs of wealthiest client groups
The firm has launched two brands to differentiate between high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients
JUL 11, 2023

The wealth management and investment needs of a millionaire client and those of a multimillionaire are not the same ,and Charles Schwab wants to make the distinction.

With a fast-growing cohort of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients among the $7.6 trillion in client assets it manages, the company is sharpening its focus on these two groups.

From now, Schwab has two brands to manage its wealthiest clients, with their level of investible assets determining which they will be automatically enrolled into:

  • Schwab Private Client Services for HNW ($1 million-plus of investible assets)
  • Schwab Private Wealth Services for UHNW ($10 million-plus of investible assets)

Both sets of clients will have access to one of the firm’s dedicated consultants, who will help them manage every aspect of their finances, including creating a financial plan and directing them to other specialists within the firm on topics including tax, trust and estate planning, equity compensation, retirement planning, trading, and education and family support.

Several other benefits are common to both client streams but UNHW clients will also have an integrated banking and wealth management experience including access to a senior banker from Charles Schwab Premier Bank.

“These new experiences reflect our commitment to deliver meaningful differentiation for the growing number of wealthy clients we serve, who are increasingly attracted to our breadth of services and outstanding value,” said Jonathan Craig, managing director and head of investor services at Charles Schwab. “While we have been providing some of these benefits to clients for some time, we’re excited to introduce new benefits and package them all together into a premier experience, and we will continue to build on it with additional benefits and capabilities in the future.”

GROWTH AREA

The wealthier segment of Schwab’s client base has seen significant growth in recent years and now represents more than two-thirds of its total retail client assets.

In the last five years, the HNW group has grown 10% annually, while the UHNW group has grown by almost 20% over the same period.

“These branded experiences underscore Schwab’s ability to meet the specific needs of our wealthier clients, but we are equally committed to ensuring that every client at Schwab receives a great experience, from those just getting started to those building wealth,” Craig said. “We are proud to offer a range of services and capabilities for investors at every stage of their investing journey with a focus on delivering low costs and great value, products and experiences that make investing easy and accessible, and exceptional client service.”

Latest News

Dimon and Trump talk economy and Fed rates as meetings resume
Dimon and Trump talk economy and Fed rates as meetings resume

President meets with ‘highly overrated globalist’ at the White House.

NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule
NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule

A new proposal could end the ban on promoting client reviews in states like California and Connecticut, giving state-registered advisors a level playing field with their SEC-registered peers.

Could 401(k) plan participants gain from guided personalization?
Could 401(k) plan participants gain from guided personalization?

Morningstar research data show improved retirement trajectories for self-directors and allocators placed in managed accounts.

UBS sees a net loss of 111 financial advisors in the Americas during the second quarter
UBS sees a net loss of 111 financial advisors in the Americas during the second quarter

Some in the industry say that more UBS financial advisors this year will be heading for the exits.

JPMorgan reopens fight with fintechs, crypto over fees for customer data
JPMorgan reopens fight with fintechs, crypto over fees for customer data

The Wall Street giant has blasted data middlemen as digital freeloaders, but tech firms and consumer advocates are pushing back.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.