New York City offers everything from independent RIAs to global wealth managers. We evaluated firms based on local presence, breadth of services, fee structures, accessibility, and suitability for different client types.
1. Cerity Partners
Cerity Partners is a New York-headquartered registered investment advisor offering comprehensive wealth management for up to 1.50% of assets annually. The firm typically works with clients who have at least $2 million, although it may accept smaller portfolios depending on the relationship and services required.
Its services include investment management, financial planning, tax planning and preparation, estate and gift planning, insurance, and trust services.
- Founded: 2009
- Office: 99 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
- Financial advisor service: Cerity Partners wealth management
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: ≤1.50%
- Minimum: $2 million
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: High-net-worth individuals and families who want investment, tax and estate planning coordinated by one firm.
✅ Pros: Offers an unusually broad range of in-house planning, tax, trust and investment services.
❌ Cons: Its typical $2 million minimum makes the service inaccessible to many investors.
2. Rockefeller Capital Management
Rockefeller Capital Management offers financial advice through private advisors and family-office teams. Investment management fees range from 0.10% to 1.50%. Although the firm does not impose a formal account minimum, it usually targets relationships above $5 million.
Rockefeller Global Family Office provides portfolio management, financial and estate planning, tax coordination, trust services, philanthropy and support for complex family wealth.
- Founded: 2018
- New York City office: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
- Financial advisor service: Rockefeller Global Family Office
- Fee structure: Fee-based
- Fees: 0.10%–1.50%
- Minimum: Typically $5 million
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Wealthy families who need private-advisor and family-office services for complex financial affairs.
✅ Pros: Combines investment management with extensive estate, tax, trust and philanthropic planning.
❌ Cons: Its usual target relationship of more than $5 million puts the service beyond the reach of many investors.
3. Ritholtz Wealth Management
Founded in New York City in 2013, Ritholtz Wealth Management offers financial advice through its "Flagship" service. Clients receive a dedicated financial advisor, comprehensive planning and portfolio management for an annual fee of 0.35% to 1.25%, with a $1 million minimum.
Its services include investment management, retirement planning, tax consulting, estate planning and insurance guidance.
Investors below the "Flagship" minimum can consider "Good Advice," which combines technology-supported portfolio management with ongoing reviews from an advisor team. "Liftoff" provides automated portfolio management for investors who do not need ongoing financial advice.
- Founded: 2013
- Office: 24 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018
- Financial advisor service: Ritholtz Flagship
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: 0.35%–1.25%
- Minimum: $1 million
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Investors with at least $1 million who want comprehensive planning and portfolio management from a dedicated advisor.
✅ Pros: Provides broad planning through a dedicated advisor, with additional services available for smaller portfolios.
❌ Cons: The $1 million minimum for its Flagship service is relatively high.
4. Wealthspire Advisors
Wealthspire Advisors offers financial advice through a dedicated wealth advisor. Its asset-based fees range from 0.40% to 2.00%, and the firm generally recommends at least $2 million for wealth management.
Its services cover investment management, retirement, tax and estate planning, charitable giving, risk management and other complex financial needs.
- Founded: 1995
- Office: 521 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10175
- Financial advisor service: Wealthspire wealth management
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: 0.40%–2.00%
- Minimum: $2 million
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: High-net-worth individuals and families seeking comprehensive advice from a fee-only firm.
✅ Pros: Provides customized investment management and broad planning through a dedicated advisor.
❌ Cons: The recommended $2 million minimum limits accessibility, and additional investment expenses may apply.
5. Summit Trail Advisors
Summit Trail Advisors is a New York-headquartered independent advisor specializing in complex and multigenerational wealth. Investment management fees can reach 1.50% annually. Although its disclosures do not specify a standard account minimum, the firm seeks clients with at least $25 million in assets.
The firm offers investment management, financial planning, estate and trust coordination, lending guidance, philanthropy and family-office services.
- Founded: 2015
- New York City office: 140 East 45th Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10017
- Financial advisor service: Summit Trail wealth management
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: ≤1.50%
- Minimum: Typically $25 million
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Affluent families who need personalized advice for complex or multigenerational wealth.
✅ Pros: Offers independent advice and family-office capabilities for complex and multigenerational wealth.
❌ Cons: Its $25 million target relationship makes it unsuitable for most investors.
6. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Headquartered in New York City, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offers financial advice through managed-account programs. Clients work with a financial advisor, where fees can reach 2.00% annually/ Some programs start at $5,000, although the requirement depends on the account and advisor.
Its services include portfolio management, financial planning, retirement and trust services, lending, annuities and insurance. Ultra-high-net-worth clients can also consider Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management for more complex planning.
- Founded: 1935
- Office: 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
- Financial advisor service: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management managed accounts
- Fee structure: Fee-based
- Fees: ≤2.00%
- Minimum: $5,000
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Investors who want financial advice and access to the research and resources of a global wealth management firm.
✅ Pros: Offers extensive investment, lending and planning services for a wide range of wealthy clients.
❌ Cons: Fees can be high, and minimums vary by account and advisor.
7. Snowden Lane Partners
Snowden Lane Partners is an independent wealth advisory firm founded and headquartered in New York City. Its wrap-account fees range from 0.20% to 2.50% annually, and clients generally need at least $100,000, although the firm may accept smaller accounts at its discretion.
The firm offers investment management, financial planning, retirement and estate guidance, lending strategies and family-office support.
- Founded: 2011
- Office: 540 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
- Financial advisor service: Snowden Lane wealth advisory
- Fee structure: Fee-based
- Fees: 0.20%–2.50%
- Minimum: $100,000
- Fiduciary: Yes, when providing investment advisory services
- Suited to: Investors who want an independent advisor with access to broader wealth management resources.
✅ Pros: Combines an independent advisory model with financial planning and family-office support.
❌ Cons: Its pricing is negotiated and can be more complex than a single published fee schedule.
8. Kelleher Financial Advisors
Kelleher Financial Advisors is a family-run New York City advisory firm offering investment management and financial planning. Its standard asset-based fee is 0.75% on the first $2 million and 0.50% above that level, with a $25,000 minimum for its core service.
The firm works with individuals, families, trusts and businesses, providing portfolio management, retirement and estate planning, insurance analysis and family-office consulting.
- Founded: 2003
- Office: 100 Wall Street, Suite 804, New York, NY 10005
- Financial advisor service: Kelleher investment management
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: 0.50%–0.75%
- Minimum: $25,000
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Investors who prefer a smaller New York firm with a relatively accessible minimum.
✅ Pros: Offers personalized advice with a lower entry point than most independent firms in this ranking.
❌ Cons: Its smaller scale may offer fewer specialist resources than a large national wealth manager.
9. Betterment Premium
Founded in New York City in 2008, Betterment offers financial advice through Betterment Premium. The service combines automated portfolio management with unlimited access to a team of CFP® professionals for a 0.65% annual fee on the first $1 million, with discounted pricing above that level. The minimum is $100,000.
Betterment Premium includes personalized guidance on investing, retirement and tax strategies alongside automated portfolio management.
Investors who do not meet this minimum can use Betterment Digital, which manages and rebalances portfolios without ongoing access to an advisor team. It has no minimum, although pricing depends on the client's balance and deposit activity.
- Founded: 2008
- Office: 450 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001
- Financial advisor service: Betterment Premium
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: 0.65%
- Minimum: $100,000
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Investors with at least $100,000 who want automated portfolio management and ongoing access to CFP® professionals.
✅ Pros: Charges less than many traditional firms while providing unlimited access to an advisor team.
❌ Cons: Clients work with a team rather than a dedicated personal advisor.
10. BBR Partners
BBR Partners is a New York-based, fee-only firm serving ultra-high-net-worth families. Its standard fee is 0.65% on the first $50 million and 0.50% on the next $50 million, with pricing negotiated above $100 million. The firm generally requires $50 million and applies a $325,000 minimum annual fee, although it may adjust the requirement at its discretion.
Its services include investment management, wealth planning, consolidated reporting, tax and estate coordination, philanthropy and portfolio administration.
- Founded: 2000
- Office: 55 East 52nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10055
- Financial advisor service: BBR investment and wealth management
- Fee structure: Fee-only
- Fees: 0.50%–0.65%
- Minimum: $50 million
- Fiduciary: Yes
- Suited to: Families with at least $50 million who need highly customized investment and wealth-management services.
✅ Pros: Provides highly customized, fee-only advice for complex family wealth.
❌ Cons: Its $50 million minimum makes it one of the least accessible firms in this ranking.
New York City financial advisor comparison: Fees and minimums
Among the New York City financial advisors compared, annual fees can range from 0.10% to 2.50%, while minimums range from $5,000 to $50 million.
Here’s a breakdown of each firm’s fee structure, fees and minimum investment:
Firm | Fee structure | Fees | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
Cerity Partners | Fee-only | Up to 1.50% | $2 million |
Rockefeller Capital Management | Fee-based | 0.10%–1.50% | Typically $5 million |
Ritholtz Wealth Management | Fee-only | 0.35%–1.25% | $1 million |
Wealthspire Advisors | Fee-only | 0.40%–2.00% | $2 million |
Summit Trail Advisors | Fee-only | Up to 1.50% | Typically $25 million |
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management | Fee-based | Up to 2.00% | $5,000 |
Snowden Lane Partners | Fee-based | 0.20%–2.50% | $100,000 |
Kelleher Financial Advisors | Fee-only | 0.50%–0.75% | $25,000 |
Betterment Premium | Fee-only | 0.65% | $100,000 |
BBR Partners | Fee-only | 0.50%–0.65% | $50 million |
How to choose a financial advisor in New York City
Choosing a financial advisor in New York City depends on the size and complexity of your wealth and the level of support you need.
Here's how each firm lines up with specific needs.
- For comprehensive tax, estate and investment planning: Cerity Partners or Wealthspire Advisors
- For complex family wealth: Rockefeller Capital Management or BBR Partners
- For independent wealth management: Ritholtz, Summit Trail or Snowden Lane
- For a lower entry point: Kelleher Financial Advisors or Betterment
This is just a guide. Remember, when choosing a financial advisory firm, it's wise to do your own research and choose a firm based on your unique needs.
Methodology: How we selected the top financial advisors in New York City
We considered firms with a confirmed New York City office and meaningful services for individual investors. Rankings reflect local presence, breadth of planning, fee transparency, accessibility, fiduciary status, and client fit. We reviewed official disclosures and current city rankings, but did not rank firms by assets alone.
Why trust Unbiased?
We independently compare each firm using public disclosures, SEC filings and Form ADV data. Firms cannot pay to be included or influence their ranking, and we assess them using consistent criteria, including fees, minimums, services, fiduciary status and suitability.
What to know before choosing a financial advisor in New York City
New York City has options ranging from technology-supported advice to private wealth firms for multimillion-dollar households. Before choosing one, consider your investment amount, preferred level of support and whether you need help with tax, estate or retirement planning.
These guides can help:
- What is a fiduciary financial advisor?
- How much does a financial advisor cost?
- What to expect at your first advisor meeting
- How to choose the right financial advisor
- Questions to ask a financial advisor
- When do you need a financial advisor?
- What is a registered investment advisor?
- Find a financial advisor near you
How can you find a financial advisor in New York City?
If none of these firms feels right, Unbiased can match you with an SEC-registered fiduciary financial advisor serving New York City. Answer a few questions to get matched in minutes, at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a financial advisor typically cost in New York City?
The firms in this ranking charge up to 2.50% of assets annually for their main advisory services, although the rate usually falls as a portfolio grows. Some firms also use fixed, hourly, or minimum annual fees, so compare the full cost before choosing an advisor.
Is $200,000 enough to work with a financial advisor in New York City?
Yes. A $200,000 portfolio meets the stated minimum for Betterment Premium, Snowden Lane, Kelleher and some Morgan Stanley programs. Summit Trail has no firmwide minimum, although individual advisors may set their own requirements.
Is a CPA better than a financial advisor?
Neither is universally better because they provide different services. A CPA focuses primarily on taxes and accounting, while a financial advisor can help with investing, retirement, estate planning and broader financial goals. Some people benefit from working with both.
Fact-checked September 4, 2026