The service is designed for high-net-worth individuals who want a personalized advisory relationship rather than an automated platform. Clients work directly with a financial advisor to conduct a detailed review of their financial situation, including their goals, risk tolerance, and income needs. This information is used to create a customized investment strategy.
The firm's core services fall into two main categories. Its investment supervisory services include discretionary portfolio management, meaning the firm handles investment decisions on the client's behalf. It develops a long-term asset allocation strategy using third-party managers, mutual funds, and ETFs, but does not use proprietary products. Its professional advisory services include financial planning, expense management, and coordination for estate, trust, and insurance needs.
Baker Street Advisors’ investment philosophy emphasizes disciplined, long-term decision-making and risk awareness. It focuses on strategic asset allocation and diversification rather than concentrated stock picking, with the goal of building portfolios that are resilient across market cycles.
What are the pros and cons of Baker Street Advisors?
Baker Street Advisors offers a highly personalized service for high-net-worth clients who value customized portfolio management. Its strengths are rooted in deep client engagement, while its limitations primarily relate to accessibility and cost.
Here are some key pros and cons to get you started.
Pros of Baker Street Advisors:
Highly personalized, advisor-led service: Clients work directly with an advisor who develops and maintains a customized investment strategy based on their individual goals and financial situation.
Discretionary portfolio management: Portfolios are managed on a discretionary basis and monitored continuously, allowing strategies to evolve as circumstances change.
Broad investment flexibility without proprietary products: The firm uses third-party investment managers and funds that undergo internal due diligence, avoiding potential conflicts of interest from selling its own products.
Integrated financial planning: In addition to portfolio management, clients can engage the firm for financial planning, consulting, and coordination for estate, trust, and insurance needs.
Fee-only advisory structure: The firm is compensated through client fees rather than commissions tied to specific products, which aligns its interests with those of its clients.
Cons of Baker Street Advisors:
High minimum asset requirement: The firm generally requires a minimum of $5 million in investable assets, making the service inaccessible to many investors.
Minimum annual advisory fee: The firm applies a minimum annual advisory fee of $25,000, which can represent a high effective cost for clients near the lower end of eligibility.
Not suited for self-directed investors: The firm does not offer robo-advisory tools, automated portfolios, or self-service platforms for investors seeking digital-first solutions.
Layered investment costs: In addition to advisory fees, clients indirectly bear the management fees of the mutual funds, ETFs, or external managers used in their portfolios.
Limited emphasis on individual security selection: Investors who prefer direct trading in individual stocks may find the firm’s focus on pooled investment vehicles less aligned with their style.
Baker Street Advisors fees: How much does Baker Street Advisors cost?
Baker Street Advisors charges clients through a combination of asset-based advisory fees for investment management and separate fees for financial planning and consulting.
For investment management, fees are assessed on a tiered basis, with rates that decline as assets increase. These rates range from 0.50% for smaller managed portfolios down to 0.04% at higher asset levels. Accounts under $4 million are subject to a higher 0.75% rate and a $25,000 minimum annual fee. Fees are negotiable and billed quarterly.
Investment supervisory services fees (asset-based):
| Assets under management | Marginal annual fee |
|---|---|
| Under $4 million | 0.75%, with a $25,000 minimum annual fee |
| $0 – $25M | 0.50% |
| $25M – $50M | 0.35% |
| $50M – $75M | 0.20% |
| $75M – $100M | 0.15% |
| $100M – $200M | 0.08% |
| $200M – $300M | 0.06% |
| $300M – $400M | 0.06% |
| $400M – $500M | 0.05% |
| $500M – $1B | 0.04% |
Professional advisory services, such as financial planning, are priced separately.
These fees may be charged on a retainer basis, as a fixed annual fee, or at an hourly rate ranging from $250 to $750. In addition to these fees, clients should expect to incur other expenses, such as the internal management fees of funds and custodial or brokerage fees.
What is Baker Street Advisors’ minimum account size?
Baker Street Advisors states a minimum account size of $5 million for clients seeking its investment supervisory services. The firm retains the discretion to waive this minimum based on factors such as the client relationship or specific service needs, but it positions the firm toward high-net-worth advisory relationships.
Who should choose Baker Street Advisors?
Baker Street Advisors is best suited for high-net-worth investors who want a highly personalized, advisor-led relationship and are comfortable meeting high asset minimums for customized portfolio management.
Baker Street Advisors works well for:
High-net-worth individuals seeking customized advice: With a stated minimum of $5 million, it is designed for clients with substantial assets who want tailored oversight.
Clients who value an ongoing advisor relationship: Investors who prefer working directly with a dedicated financial advisor will find the high-touch service structure appealing.
Investors focused on long-term, diversified strategies: The firm emphasizes asset allocation and long-term planning over frequent trading or individual stock picking.
Clients with complex financial situations: Individuals with multifaceted needs may benefit from the firm’s discretionary oversight and advisory structure.
Who might not benefit as much:
Investors with smaller portfolios: The firm’s high account minimum and annual fee make it inaccessible to most investors.
Those seeking low-cost or automated solutions: The firm does not offer robo-advisory services or self-directed digital platforms.
Active traders or hands-on investors: Investors who prefer frequent trading or direct stock selection may find the firm’s approach less aligned with their preferences.
Baker Street Advisors: Is it secure?
Baker Street Advisors is generally considered secure.
It is an SEC-registered investment adviser, and client assets are held with qualified independent custodians rather than by the firm itself.
This separation allows clients to receive account statements directly from the custodian and independently verify activity. The firm also maintains written privacy policies aligned with federal regulations to protect client data.
Baker Street Advisors: Customer service
Baker Street Advisors’ customer service is centered on a high-touch, relationship-driven model.
The firm emphasizes direct access to its advisory team, and each client is served by at least two professionals.
Inquiries are handled by professionals familiar with the client’s full financial picture, rather than an impersonal call center.
Baker Street Advisors: Mobile app
Baker Street Advisors does not provide a dedicated mobile app. Client account access is handled through third-party custodial platforms, where users can view balances, holdings, and account activity. Any mobile or online features available depend on the custodian, not Baker Street Advisors.
Is Baker Street Advisors worth it?
Whether Baker Street Advisors is worth it depends on an investor’s needs and asset level. Its strengths lie in its highly personalized, advisor-led approach and discretionary portfolio management.
However, its high account minimums and lack of digital tools mean the service is not designed for cost-sensitive investors or those seeking automated solutions.
For high-net-worth clients who value customized advice and direct access to experienced professionals, the firm may be a suitable fit.
Get expert financial advice
If you're seeking professional financial advice, Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor who will help you manage your money and maximize your investments.