Brinker Capital: what do you need to know?

Summary 

Introduction to Brinker Capital 

Founded in 1987 by Charles Widger and headquartered in Berwyn, PA, Brinker Capital’s history is long and illustrious. Over the past three decades, it has evolved into a prominent provider of investment management services. The firm has cemented its position as a significant player in the financial services sector, with assets under management totaling an impressive $53 billion and a dedicated team of 72 advisors located throughout the United States.  

Orion Advisor Solutions acquired Brinker Capital in September 2020 and now trades as Brinker Capital Investments. 

Find out more about the firm in our Brinker Capital Inc. review. 

What services does Brinker Capital offer? 

Brinker Capital offers a dynamic range of multi-asset class solutions through a combination of wealth accumulation, risk-based, and income-oriented strategies. The firm serves a diverse clientele, from individuals to institutional entities such as pooled investment vehicles, pension plans, municipal governments, charitable institutions, and educational savings plans.  

Brinker Capital provides a comprehensive suite of fully connected, disruptive technology and open architecture investment solutions and investment management services through its model portfolios, each carefully curated to address specific client objectives. These offerings encompass portfolio management, retirement planning, risk mitigation strategies, and more.  

Minimum investments in these programs range from $10,000 for the Destinations Fund Program to $500,000 for the Core Asset Management Program and $1,000,000 for the Wealth Advisory Program. 

What is Brinker Capital’s investment philosophy? 

The firm offers a range of model portfolios, each reflecting a distinct investment objective and strategy.  

The Core Asset Manager Program leverages various pooled investment vehicles, including mutual funds, ETFs, REITs, hedge funds, and master limited partnerships, to achieve targeted asset allocation. Clients can opt for discretionary or non-discretionary management based on their preferences, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in portfolio construction.  

The Destinations Program focuses on mutual funds and ETFs, while the Personal Benchmark Program emphasizes goal-based investing and behavioral finance principles to counter emotional responses to market volatility.  

The Wealth Advisory Program caters to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, institutions, and endowments, offering separately managed accounts with tailored investment management solutions. 

Through its investment philosophy, Brinker Capital acts as a trusted investment advisor, helping clients navigate market dynamics and confidently pursue their financial goals. 

What is Brinker Capital's pricing and fee structure? 

Brinker Capital operates on an all-inclusive wrap fee structure, covering expenses for asset management services and most brokerage commissions associated with client accounts. The Brinker Capital fees schedule is tiered based on assets under management (AUM), with percentages varying accordingly.  

Clients receiving wealth advisory services may encounter varying asset-based fees, while separate account management programs entail fees ranging from 0.20% to 0.50%, depending on the selected portfolio.  

Despite Brinker Capital's all-inclusive wrap structure, clients may encounter additional expenses not covered by the firm, such as custodial fees, underlying fund expenses, and SEC charges. Investors must carefully review and understand the fee schedule, considering its potential impact on overall investment returns and portfolio performance over time. 

Is Brinker Capital trustworthy? 

Brinker Capital has not reported any disclosures of disciplinary or legal action in its recent filings with the SEC. The firm's long-standing presence in the financial services industry and its acquisition by Orion Advisor Solutions further reinforce its reputation as a reputable and trustworthy partner for investors.  

Certain Brinker Capital advisors may receive compensation from third-party firms, potentially creating conflicts of interest despite the firm's fiduciary duty to prioritize clients' best interests. 

While due diligence is always prudent, investors can confidently rely on the many positive Brinker Capital reviews, the firm’s clean regulatory record and its commitment to client satisfaction. 

What are the pros and cons of Brinker Capital? 

When considering partnering with Brinker Capital for your investment needs, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully.  

Pros 

Cons 

How do you open an account with Brinker Capital? 

To reach a Brinker Capital sales professional, call 800-333-4573 to speak with a representative for your geographical area.  

On the firm’s website, you can also schedule a demo to learn how Brinker Capital’s integrated suite of fully connected, disruptive technology and open architecture investment solutions can help you achieve your investment goals. 

Get expert financial advice 

Brinker Capital offers a diverse range of investment solutions, personalized portfolio construction, and a commitment to client satisfaction. While potential conflicts of interest and additional expenses should be considered, Brinker Capital's fees are transparent, and it has a trusted reputation, making it a compelling option for investors seeking comprehensive wealth management solutions. 

Let Unbiased connect you with a trusted financial advisor for expert financial advice tailored to your investment goals.