CAPTRUST: An overview
CAPTRUST is a prominent fee-based financial advisory firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1986 by Fielding Miller, CAPTRUST has evolved into one of the largest advisory firms in the United States. In 2024, CAPTRUST surpassed the $1 trillion mark in total assets under management and administration.
The firm is known for its comprehensive approach to financial planning and its commitment to fiduciary duty, ensuring that all client advice is objective and in the client’s best interest.
CAPTRUST’s advisors serve both emerging and affluent investors, emphasizing a strong connection to community-based initiatives across the US.
What does CAPTRUST do?
CAPTRUST offers a wide range of financial services, including wrap fee programs, which bundle asset management and execution costs into a single fee. This simplifies the investment process by eliminating separate transaction fees and offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management options.
For portfolio management, CAPTRUST financial advisors provide tailored investment strategies and ongoing management through wrap and non-wrap fee programs. Its financial planning services go beyond investment management, offering comprehensive solutions in business, estate, and retirement planning.
Additionally, CAPTRUST offers services to institutional clients, including advisory services for corporate and retirement plans, ensuring these plans are optimized for both performance and compliance.
It also offers participant advisory services to help individuals make informed decisions about their retirement savings and investments.
What are the pros and cons of CAPTRUST?
When evaluating CAPTRUST’s offerings, consider the benefits and potential drawbacks to determine whether its services align with your financial goals.
Pros of CAPTRUST
Here are some pros of CAPTRUST financial services:
The wrap-fee program is available for high-net-worth investors.
A comprehensive range of in-house services, including financial and estate planning.
Strong fiduciary commitment, ensuring advisors act in clients' best interests.
Cons of CAPTRUST
Here are some of the drawbacks of working with CAPTRUST:
AUM fees are higher than the industry average.
Investment minimum of $50,000 to open an account
Investment minimums may be prohibitive for newer investors.
Vague details on specific investment strategies may require additional inquiry.
What financial services do CAPTRUST offer?
The comprehensive array of CAPTRUST financial services addresses a wide range of client needs.
Its investment management services include both wrap-fee and non-wrap-fee programs. In these programs, they develop personalized investment strategies and manage portfolios that align with clients' financial goals.
In addition to investment management, CAPTRUST offers detailed financial planning services, covering aspects such as business, estate, and retirement planning.
They also provide advisory services for institutional clients, including corporate and retirement plans, ensuring these plans are optimized for performance and regulatory compliance.
CAPTRUST provides participant advisory services to individual investors, supporting effective retirement savings and investment decisions.
What fees does CAPTRUST charge?
CAPTRUST fees are structured to reflect the level of service and portfolio complexity. The firm uses a tiered wrap-fee model, meaning one comprehensive fee covers advisory, brokerage, and custodial services.
At the entry level, fees can be as high as 2.25% annually for the first $1 million in assets, then step down for larger account balances. Clients with assets above $5 million benefit from a reduced rate of 1.25%, while balances between $1 million and $5 million are charged at 1.75%. For separately managed accounts (SMAs), the same tiered schedule applies, though minimums and details vary by manager. CAPTRUST also notes that some fees may be negotiable.
This tiered structure ensures that clients with larger portfolios pay proportionally less, while all clients receive the comprehensive planning and advisory services covered by the wrap fee.
CAPTRUST fee schedule:
| Feature | Basic (Automated Investing) | Plus (Automated Investing) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual wrap fee | 0.30% | 0.60% |
| Minimum annual fee | $15 (for balances under $5,001) | $250 |
| Minimum account size | $1,000 | $25,000 |
| Access to human advisors? | No | Yes |
| Portfolio management | Automated only | Automated and advisor support |
Our take: CAPTRUST’s fees, starting at 2.25%, are on the high end compared with many wealth managers. Firms like LPL Financial and Ameriprise generally fall in the 1%–1.5% range, while robo-advisors such as Betterment and Wealthfront charge well under 1%. CAPTRUST’s pricing underscores its positioning as a premium, advisor-driven service rather than a low-cost investing platform.
What is the minimum account size for CAPTRUST Financial Advisors?
CAPTRUST sets relatively high account minimums, which vary depending on the specific wrap-fee program.
Most accounts require at least $50,000 to open, with some strategies requiring closer to $100,000.
PMA programs require a $50,000 initial minimum investment to open an account.
SMA wrap accounts typically require $100,000 or higher, depending on the strategy and manager (CAPTRUST wrap-fee brochure).
There are no minimum amounts published for other advisory or consulting services, so these may be determined individually.
Our take: CAPTRUST’s $50,000–$100,000 thresholds put it in line with wealth managers like Mercer Advisors and Fisher Investments. By contrast, hybrid robo-advisors such as Vanguard Personal Advisor Services ($50,000) or Schwab Wealth Advisory ($25,000) set lower entry points, making CAPTRUST better suited for higher-net-worth investors.
What technology does CAPTRUST use?
CAPTRUST utilizes a varied technology stack to support its financial advisory services and ensure efficient operations.
From systems to complete sophisticated data analysis and reporting needs to software used to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces, the array of technologies enables CAPTRUST advisors to offer a streamlined and effective advisory experience.
Is CAPTRUST secure?
CAPTRUST prioritizes the security of client information through a multi-layered approach.
The firm adheres to stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements to ensure data privacy and protection.
Regular security reviews and updates are conducted to address emerging vulnerabilities and maintain robust protection against security risks, ensuring clients' sensitive information remains secure.
Does CAPTRUST have good customer service?
CAPTRUST is recognized for its strong customer service, characterized by personalized and attentive support.
Clients benefit from dedicated CAPTRUST advisors and customer service teams who provide tailored assistance and respond promptly to inquiries and concerns.
Its commitment to maintaining high-quality service and building strong client relationships underscores its dedication to client satisfaction and effective support.
Get expert financial advice
CAPTRUST stands out as a leading financial advisory firm with a substantial presence in the industry.
It offers a range of services designed to cater to emerging and high-net-worth investors.
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