Brinker Capital
Brinker Capital was founded in 1987 by Charles Widger and was headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, until it merged with Orion Portfolio Solutions in 2020.
Over the course of roughly three decades, it had evolved into a prominent provider of investment management services.
At one time, the firm solidified its position as a significant player in the financial services sector, with assets under management totaling $53 billion and a team of 72 advisors located throughout the United States.
What services does Brinker Capital offer?
Brinker Capital offered a dynamic range of multi-asset class solutions through a combination of wealth accumulation, risk-based, and income-oriented strategies.
The firm also served a diverse clientele, ranging from individuals to institutional entities, including pooled investment vehicles, pension plans, municipal governments, charitable institutions, and educational savings plans.
Brinker Capital provided 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 encompassed portfolio management, retirement planning, risk mitigation strategies, and more.
Minimum investments in these programs ranged from $10,000 for the Destinations Fund Program to $500,000 for the Core Asset Management Program, and even up to $1,000,000 for the Wealth Advisory Program.
What is Brinker Capital’s investment philosophy?
The firm offered a range of model portfolios, each reflecting a distinct investment objective and strategy.
The Core Asset Manager Program leveraged various pooled investment vehicles, including mutual funds, ETFs, REITs, hedge funds, and master limited partnerships, to achieve targeted asset allocation. Clients could opt for discretionary or non-discretionary management based on their preferences, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in portfolio construction.
The Destinations Program focused on mutual funds and ETFs, while the Personal Benchmark Program emphasized goal-based investing and behavioral finance principles to counter emotional responses to market volatility.
The Wealth Advisory Program catered to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, institutions, and endowments, offering separately managed accounts with tailored investment management solutions.
What is Brinker Capital's pricing and fee structure?
Brinker Capital operated 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 have encountered 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 have also encountered 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 had 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, combined with its acquisition by Orion Advisor Solutions, further reinforced its reputation as a reputable and trustworthy partner for investors.
Certain Brinker Capital advisors may have received compensation from third-party firms, which could potentially create conflicts of interest despite the firm's fiduciary duty to prioritize its clients' best interests.
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
Some advantages of Brinker Capital were:
- A diverse range of investment solutions
- Customized portfolio construction
- Trusted reputation
- Transparent fee structure
Cons
Some drawbacks included:
- Potential advisor conflict of interest
- Potential for overly complex investment strategies
- Additional expenses not covered by the wrap fee
- Limited flexibility in investment options
How do you open an account with Brinker Capital?
You can no longer open an account with Brinker Capital, as it’s been acquired.
Get expert financial advice
Brinker Capital offered 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 were transparent, and it had a trusted reputation, making it a compelling option for investors seeking comprehensive wealth management solutions.
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