Fisher Investments vs. BlackRock: what’s the difference?
Fisher Investments is a fee-only investment advisor founded by Ken Fisher in 1979 and headquartered in Plano, Texas. It focuses on discretionary portfolio management for high-net-worth investors, typically targeting clients with $1 million or more.
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BlackRock, founded in 1988 and headquartered in New York City, is one of the world’s largest asset managers. It is best known for iShares ETFs, mutual funds and institutional investment management rather than traditional personal financial advice.
The key difference is Fisher manages portfolios directly for individual clients, while BlackRock primarily creates and manages investment products and institutional assets.
What are Fisher Investments and BlackRock’s specific investment strategies?
Fisher Investments uses active portfolio management, drawing on Ken Fisher's financial methods and market research to adjust portfolios around long-term goals.
BlackRock offers a broader range of strategies across funds and ETFs, supported by its Aladdin risk-management technology.
The key difference is Fisher manages client portfolios, while BlackRock primarily provides investment products and asset management.
Fisher Investments vs. BlackRock: Fees
BlackRock and Fisher Investments charge for different things. BlackRock is primarily an asset manager, so its fees generally come from expense ratios on funds and ETFs, which are deducted from fund returns.
Fisher Investments charges for portfolio management and ongoing advice, at 1.25% on the first $1 million, 1.125% on the next $4 million and 1% above $5 million. Relationships below $1 million are charged 1.50%.
For investors, BlackRock fees are mainly the cost of owning its funds, while Fisher’s fee is the cost of having your portfolio professionally managed. You could potentially pay both.
Is BlackRock or Fisher Investments better?
BlackRock offers greater investment choice and lower-cost fund options, while Fisher provides more personalized, fully managed portfolios at a higher cost. Here are the key pros and cons.
Pros of BlackRock
- Wide investment range: Extensive ETFs, funds and other strategies.
- Advanced technology: Uses Aladdin for portfolio and risk analysis.
Cons of BlackRock
- Less personalized: Primarily an asset manager rather than a personal advisory firm.
- Variable costs: Fees differ considerably across products.
Pros of Fisher Investments
- Personalized management: Discretionary portfolios for high-net-worth investors.
- Dedicated support: Ongoing portfolio management and client service.
Cons of Fisher Investments
- Higher costs: Fees range from 1% to 1.50%.
- Higher entry point: Typically targets investors with $1 million or more.
Fisher Investments vs. BlackRock: Customer service
Fisher Investments offers more personalized support, with a dedicated contact providing ongoing portfolio guidance. BlackRock is primarily an asset manager, so individual investors generally access support and resources around its investment products rather than receiving the same advisor-led relationship.
For investors seeking ongoing personal support, Fisher has the stronger service model.
Fisher Investments vs. BlackRock: Online access
Both firms provide digital access, but for different purposes. Fisher’s platform focuses on portfolio monitoring and client communication, while BlackRock provides digital tools, investment research and access to information on its funds and ETFs.
Fisher’s tools support a managed relationship, while BlackRock’s are more investment-product focused.
Fisher Investments or BlackRock: which should I choose?
Choose Fisher Investments if you have around $1 million or more and want personalized, discretionary portfolio management with ongoing support.
Choose BlackRock if you primarily want access to a wide range of ETFs, mutual funds and investment strategies rather than a traditional advisor relationship.
Overall, Fisher suits investors seeking hands-off wealth management, while BlackRock is better suited to those looking for investment products and greater choice.
If you want personalized advice, Unbiased can match you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor.