CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: which is right for you?

Both CAPTRUST and Fisher Investments offer advisor-led financial advisory services, but they are built differently. 

CAPTRUST’s model includes portfolio management plus planning and ancillary services, while Fisher Investments is focused on managing portfolios through a centralized investment process.

CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: Key services

Here is a breakdown of the firm’s key services.

CAPTRUST:

• Advisor-led portfolio management, available on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis
• Wrap fee programs (portfolio management accounts [PMA] and wrap advisory services) and separately managed account programs
• Financial planning, including goal setting, estate planning, tax planning, and charitable planning
• Tax-related services, including tax consulting, tax return preparation, and bill pay and bookkeeping
• Access to alternative investments, including private placements and private equity funds
• Institutional advisory and retirement plan consulting

Fisher Investments focuses on portfolio management. Below is a breakdown of the services the firm offers. 

Fisher Investments: 

• Discretionary investment management for equity, fixed income, and blended accounts. 
• Portfolio construction based on discussions about the client’s financial goals. 
• Global equity, fixed income, and defensive strategies where appropriate. 
• Tax management for taxable portfolios, including tax-loss harvesting when used. 
• Dedicated client contact or service team for private clients. 
• A no-cost, separate financial plan is offered to some clients.

CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: Fees

CAPTRUST clients may use non-wrap advisory accounts, wrap-fee programs, SMA arrangements, fixed-fee services, or ancillary services. 

Fisher Investments has a clear standard private client fee schedule for equity and blended accounts, with a separate schedule for income-only accounts above $5 million.

Comparison of standard annual fees

CAPTRUST annual advisory fee:

Fisher Investments, standard annual fee schedule for equity and blended accounts:

Here is a look at some of the other key fee differences between CAPTRUST and Fisher Investments:

For both firms, other costs, such as custodian charges and investment-related costs, may apply. 

CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: Minimum account sizes

CAPTRUST：

• CAPTRUST does not disclose a minimum account size for its standard PMA or wrap advisory services programs. 
• The SMA wrap program generally requires at least $100,000, but the exact minimum varies by SMA manager. 
• Advisory fees, minimum account sizes, and services are negotiable

Fisher Investments:

• Fisher Investments’ Private Client Group typically targets clients with at least $1,000,000 in investable assets. 
• Smaller relationships may be accepted at the firm’s discretion. 
• Smaller accepted accounts are billed at the higher annual rate of 1.50%. 
• Clients whose managed assets fall below $900,000 as a result of withdrawals are also billed at 1.50%.

CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: Pros and cons

The main trade-off is service breadth versus portfolio-management simplicity. CAPTRUST includes planning, account-structure flexibility, and ancillary services, while Fisher Investments uses a focused discretionary management model with a clearer standard fee schedule.

Pros of CAPTRUST:

• Broader planning scope: CAPTRUST supports investment management, wealth planning, tax planning, estate planning needs, charitable planning, and certain family office services. 
• Flexible account structure: Clients can use discretionary or non-discretionary management, wrap or non-wrap accounts, and some SMA arrangements. 
• Lower disclosed non-wrap rates at higher balances: The standard non-wrap schedule drops to 0.70% for assets over $5 million under the disclosed schedule.

Cons of CAPTRUST:

• Fee structure can be harder to compare: The firm’s fee structure may be difficult to compare, making it harder to find the right option for your needs. 
• Wrap fees may be high: CAPTRUST's wrap fees may be higher than those of some competitors. 

Pros of Fisher Investments:

• Clear portfolio management model: Fisher focuses on discretionary management across equity, fixed income, and blended accounts. 
• Straightforward standard fee schedule: The core private client equity/blended pricing is easier to understand than a multi-program wrap structure.
• Tax management included: Active tax-loss harvesting and tax management in taxable accounts are part of the service model.

Cons of Fisher Investments:

• Higher practical entry point: The service typically targets clients with at least $1 million in investable assets. 
• Smaller accepted accounts may pay more: Accounts below the target level may be billed at 1.50%. 
• The discretionary model may not suit hands-on investors: Clients who wish to be actively involved in their investment choices may not find the service suitable. 

CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: Technology and security

CAPTRUST’s digital experience centers on its client portal, where wealth clients can access quarterly performance reports, alongside statements from their third-party custodian. 

Clients generally work with a financial advisor or client management consultant. Fisher Investments provides client login access through Fisher Client Center, quarterly account reports, and Investment Policy Committee reviews. Its client experience also includes a dedicated point of contact or service team, plus market commentary, webinars, video conferences, and client seminars.

On custody and security, both firms separate advisory management from asset custody. CAPTRUST uses third-party custodians, while Fisher Investments states that client assets are held at brokerage firms or banks. 

CAPTRUST discloses physical, technical, and procedural safeguards, including encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection, access controls, and limits on third-party service providers. Fisher Investments discloses physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard client information. Neither custody structure protects investors from market losses.

Final verdict: CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments

CAPTRUST is built around a comprehensive advisor-led service model that includes financial planning, tax services, estate planning, and investment management. 

Fisher Investments is built around centralized, disciplined portfolio management for high-net-worth clients who want a consistent investment strategy and structured communication from a dedicated team.

Choose CAPTRUST if you want:

• Wealth planning alongside portfolio management. 
• Flexibility between wrap, non-wrap, discretionary, and non-discretionary advisory arrangements. 
• A service model that can include tax, estate, charitable, and family office-related support.

Choose Fisher Investments if you want:

• Discretionary portfolio management focused on equity, fixed income, or blended accounts.
• A clearer standard private client fee schedule.
• Active tax management in taxable accounts is part of the standard service.

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