Summary
- Cerity Partners offers services for high-net-worth individuals related to wealth management, financial planning, retirement, estate and gift planning, tax planning, trusts, business services, accounting, and more.
- Cerity Partners manages over $100 billion in client assets and offers products for individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
- Cerity Partners is recognized as one of the top RIAs in the US by Financial Advisor Magazine, Barron’s, and others.
- Unbiased can match you with an SEC-registered financial advisor for expert financial advice.
Cerity Partners financial advisors: Who are they?
Cerity Partners is one of the largest independent wealth management firms in the US.
It has assets under management (AUM) over $130 billion.
Based out of New York, they are a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm primarily serves high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, corporations, and nonprofit organizations with 59 locations in 19 states.
The firm offers various financial wealth management services and prides itself on objectivity.
Cerity Partners provides access to advisors who adhere to global fiduciary standards.
Assets under management:
Over $130 billion
Number of advisors:
860–910
Time in business:
Founded in 2009
Fee structure:
Fee‑based/advisory (plus hourly, fixed & performance fees)
Fees:
Up to approx. 1.50% (may include minimum annual fee)
Minimum account sizes:
Typically $2,000,000 minimum investable assets
What does Cerity Partners do?
Cerity's wide range of financial services is designed to help you achieve your financial goals at every step of your life.
To meet these needs, Cerity has an impressive breadth and depth of services for clients that are especially important for high-net-worth individuals and successful business owners.
These services include:
| Individuals and families | Corporations | Nonprofits |
|---|---|---|
| Wealth management and protection | Executive financial counseling | Investment advisory |
| Investment solutions | Beneficiary financial counseling | Financial administration |
| Insurance planning and risk management | Financial wellness coaching | Investment consulting services |
| Financial planning | Retirement plan consulting | Outsourced chief investment office |
| Retirement planning | Employee stock ownership plans | |
| Tax strategies | Defined contributions and benefit plans | |
| Estate and gift planning | Corporate venture capital | |
| Cross-border financial planning | Nonqualified plan management | |
| Marital and women’s financial planning | Pooled employer plan | |
| Business owner financial planning and advisory | ||
| Professional service owner financial planning |
What are the pros and cons of Cerity Partners?
Carefully considering and selecting a financial advisor is essential. Weighing the pros and cons can help you make the right decisions for your needs.
Pros of Cerity:
- RIA Firm: As a registered investment advisor, Cerity has fiduciary duties to act in your best interest.
- Wide range of services: The firm offers a generous range of services, from wealth management to tax planning for individuals, families, corporations, and nonprofits.
- Personal relationship with financial advisor: You’ll receive personal and custom financial services from experienced financial advisors.
- Corporate and nonprofit services: Cerity has the ability to manage pensions, retirement plans, and employee stock ownership plans for corporations.
Cons of Cerity:
- Higher cost: Cerity Partners fees may be higher when compared to competitors.
- Geared for high-net-worth finances: The firm's approach may not be ideal for those with simpler financial needs.
- High minimums: Cerity’s $2,000,000 minimum excludes many prospective customers; however, Cerity can waive this requirement.
- Conflicts of interest: The way Cerity is paid can create conflicts of interest. These are listed in the disclosures.
What are the alternatives to Cerity Partners?
Investors seeking similar comprehensive, advisor‑led wealth management might also compare firms such as
Those interested in lower‑cost or hybrid advisory models could explore options such as
What financial services does Cerity Partners offer?
Cerity Partners' broad range of financial services can help you manage and grow wealth.
These services customize plans based on risk tolerance, time horizon, specific goals, investment restrictions, and other client needs.
The main services offered by Cerity Partners include:
- Wealth management
- Investment management
- Financial planning
- Retirement
- Tax planning
- Estate planning
- Alternative investments
What fees does Cerity Partners charge?
Cerity Partners charges both fixed and asset-based fees (or a combination), depending on the service. They are negotiable and vary according to the service. The investment advisory and wealth management fees max out at 1.50% of assets under management (AUM).
It’s wise to discuss the fees and commissions you’ll pay during a consultation to have a clear understanding of the costs, services, and packages.
What is the minimum investment for Cerity Partners?
As a general rule, clients need to have at least $2,000,000 in investable assets for an advisory relationship with Cerity Partners.
However, Cerity Partners reserves the right to waive this requirement.
According to an SEC filing, the median account size for a client of Cerity Partners was $1.6 million dollars.
What is Cerity Partners’ investment philosophy?
Cerity designs investment programs based on the client’s needs, goals, and risk profile.
These investment programs are designed with asset allocation strategies. This is a way of putting a certain percentage of your money in different types of investments to balance your investment goals with risk tolerance.
The firm adjusts asset allocation to align the performance of the investment program with the economic conditions and client needs through time. It also rebalances investment as needed.
What technology does Cerity Partners use?
Cerity Partners leverages technology to streamline its financial services.
Client portals allow you to view your portfolio and track its performance.
The firm also uses financial planning software to model scenarios and help you visualize your financial prospects.
Cerity Partners ensures the tech they use supports their mission of providing tailored, client-focused advice.
Cerity Partners security: Is it secure?
Cerity is a registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). It is also a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Advisory (FINRA). It adheres to the financial regulations and security standards set forth in law.
The firm uses industry-standard encryption to ensure your data is safe when you access your accounts online.
Additionally, they implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra security layer when you log in.
Does Cerity Partners have good customer service?
When choosing a financial advisor, reviews can be a helpful way to gauge a company's reputation.
Cerity Partners reviews often highlight their helpful customer service, client-centered approach, and team expertise.
Clients also appreciate the personalized attention they get from their advisors, who are usually praised for being attentive and responsive.
Get expert financial advice
Cerity Partners LLC offers a mix of personalized service, comprehensive offerings, and experienced advisors.
For expert financial advice, let Unbiased match you with a financial advisor or fiduciary who can guide you through your financial journey.