The firm’s approach centers on creating coordinated financial strategies that combine portfolio management, retirement planning, estate and trust guidance, and, for higher-net-worth clients, family office support.
Unlike automated investment platforms, EP Wealth provides direct access to human advisors who help clients integrate investment, tax, and estate considerations into a long-term plan.
The service is primarily aimed at clients with at least $500,000 in investable assets, reflecting its focus on customized advice and ongoing portfolio oversight rather than a basic self-directed investing experience.
What are the pros and cons of EP Wealth Advisors?
EP Wealth Advisors offers a highly personalized advisory experience with broad financial expertise, but its higher entry requirements and limited fee transparency may make it less suitable for smaller investors.
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons associated with EP Wealth Advisors to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of EP Wealth Advisors:
Fiduciary and fee-only model: EP Wealth operates as a fee-only fiduciary, meaning advisors are legally required to act in clients’ best interests and do not earn commissions from product sales.
Broad, integrated planning capabilities: It combines investment management, retirement and tax planning, estate and trust coordination, and family-office support for complex portfolios.
Direct access to human advisors: Each client works with a dedicated advisor team rather than an algorithm or robo-advisor, allowing more tailored, relationship-based advice.
Nationwide scale and professional depth: EP Wealth manages over $36 billion in assets (as of 2025) across more than 50 offices across the country, giving clients localized service supported by institutional resources.
Cons of EP Wealth Advisors:
High minimum investment: A typical minimum of about $500,000 in investable assets makes the service less accessible to smaller or beginner investors.
No digital or self-directed platform: EP Wealth does not offer a robo-advisor platform or app-based portfolio management, making it less convenient for investors seeking low-touch or mobile-first options.
Higher costs for non-discretionary accounts: Clients who choose to retain trade approval (non-discretionary accounts) pay 25% higher annual fees than those granting discretionary management authority.
Fees apply regardless of performance: Advisory fees (up to 1 % annually for the first $1 million in assets) are charged even during periods of negative portfolio performance, and clients remain responsible for fund expenses and custodial charges.
EP Wealth Advisors offers a comprehensive, advisor-led experience designed for established investors seeking customized wealth management.
Its fiduciary commitment and broad planning expertise are major advantages. Still, the $500,000 minimum and lack of digital tools make it less suitable for entry-level investors or those who prefer automated platforms.
EP Wealth Advisors fees: How much does EP Wealth Advisors cost?
EP Wealth Advisors charges clients a percentage of assets under management (AUM).
Fees decline as portfolio size increases and are billed quarterly based on the account’s market value.
The firm also offers wrap-fee and flat-fee options for certain clients, but most portfolios follow the standard AUM schedule below:
Discretionary accounts
Tiered annual advisory fee based on assets under management:
Fees are billed quarterly, typically in advance.
Non-discretionary accounts
Uses the same tiered fee schedule as discretionary accounts.
Fees are generally 25% higher than discretionary accounts.
Clients retain decision-making control and must approve trades.
Wrap-fee programs
Fees vary based on the specific program.
Total cost is typically higher due to bundled services.
May include:
Financial planning
Separate fees may apply for advanced or specialized planning.
Charged as:
Applies when planning needs exceed standard advisory services.
What is EP Wealth Advisors’ minimum account size?
EP Wealth Advisors sets a relatively high asset threshold compared with entry-level investment platforms.
Most clients are required to meet the firm’s minimum before opening an account, and higher tiers apply to its specialized and family-office services.
| Account type | Minimum investment | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard advisory accounts | $500,000 | This is the typical minimum for new clients and applies to most discretionary portfolios. |
| Non-discretionary or specialized accounts | $500,000(minimum) | The same general threshold applies. Higher balances may be required for complex arrangements. |
| Family office services | $10 millionor more | Aimed at ultra-high-net-worth families seeking integrated planning, governance, and intergenerational wealth oversight. |
The firm may waive or reduce minimums at its discretion for clients with growth potential or multiple accounts; this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Who should choose EP Wealth Advisors?
EP Wealth Advisors is best suited for investors who want a personalized, advisor-led approach rather than an automated investing platform.
It appeals to clients who value comprehensive financial oversight, including retirement, tax, and estate planning, delivered by a fiduciary team instead of algorithms.
EP Wealth works well for:
High-net-worth individuals: The firm’s $500,000 minimum and tiered pricing are structured for investors with significant portfolios seeking dedicated management.
Families with complex finances: Integrated planning across investment, tax, and estate matters supports long-term wealth transfer and intergenerational strategies.
Clients seeking fiduciary guidance: As a fee-only fiduciary, EP Wealth provides advice free from commission-based incentives, aligning recommendations with clients’ interests.
Those preferring human interaction: Every client works directly with an advisor team, receiving personalized guidance and regular communication instead of relying on digital automation.
Ultra-high-net-worth households: Family Office Services, starting at $10 million, offer governance, succession, and multi-entity coordination for complex estates.
EP Wealth may not work for:
New or smaller investors: The $500,000 minimum creates a high entry point that excludes most first-time investors.
Cost-sensitive users: Annual advisory fees up to 1% are higher than those of robo-advisors or discount platforms.
DIY or tech-driven investors: The lack of a digital self-service platform makes this option less suitable for those who prefer to manage their portfolios independently.
Short-term or passive savers: The service focuses on strategic, long-term wealth planning rather than short-term trading or goal-based automation.
EP Wealth Advisors: Is it secure?
EP Wealth Advisors is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The firm is subject to SEC oversight and compliance examinations covering its advisory practices, recordkeeping, and client-asset handling.
EP Wealth Advisors does not directly hold client funds or securities.
Assets are maintained with qualified third-party custodians such as Charles Schwab & Co., Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, and TD Ameritrade Institutional.
Both are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which provides coverage to protect against broker failure or insolvency, but not against market fluctuations or investment losses.
These custodians provide clients with account statements and transaction records at least quarterly and are responsible for the safekeeping of all invested assets.
EP Wealth Advisors also outlines privacy and data protection practices in its disclosures, stating that client information is safeguarded in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
No advisory firm or custodian can eliminate all cybersecurity risks, but EP Wealth’s use of independent custodians and regulatory supervision aligns with standard protections across the US wealth management industry.
EP Wealth Advisors: Customer service
EP Wealth Advisors’ customer service is relationship-based rather than centralized, with most support provided directly through its advisor teams.
Clients generally interact with their assigned financial advisor or support staff for portfolio questions, account updates, and planning discussions.
The firm emphasizes accessibility through local offices and scheduled meetings, aiming for ongoing communication instead of impersonal service channels.
Support options depend on client type and location.
Most clients contact their advisory team by phone, email, or in person during business hours. The firm operates over 50 offices nationwide, which provide advisory and client service across multiple regions.
EP Wealth does not offer a 24/7 help line or live chat, meaning responses are typically coordinated through individual advisor teams.
While this approach delivers personalized communication for existing clients, it may feel less immediate than platforms with around-the-clock or app-based customer support.
EP Wealth Advisors review: What real customers are saying?
Client feedback on EP Wealth Advisors highlights steady long-term relationships and a structured planning process, with some investors noting satisfaction after working with the firm for several years. Many describe it as a good option for those who want professional guidance rather than managing investments themselves.
At the same time, some users raise concerns around communication and transparency. A few prefer more control over investment decisions and feel the advisor-led model offers limited visibility into portfolio changes or strategy updates.
Is EP Wealth Advisors worth it?
EP Wealth Advisors may be a good fit for investors who want a traditional, advisor-led relationship with coordinated planning across investments, tax, and estate needs. Its model emphasizes personal guidance over automation, but the 1% starting fee and $500,000 minimum make it less appealing to cost-conscious or entry-level investors.
Those comparing options might also look at firms like Creative Planning or Mariner Wealth Advisors for similar full-service planning, or Vanguard Personal Advisor Services for a lower-cost hybrid alternative.