For ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families—typically with $30M to $100M+ of investable assets—financial complexity becomes its own full-time job. Even with a world-class advisory team, you may find yourself juggling roles you never intended to take on: decision-maker, coordinator, follow-up person, calendar tracker, operations lead, and family CEO.
It starts as a quiet doubt. A recurring frustration. A sinking feeling that the people managing your money may not fully understand you—or worse, aren’t really listening anymore. Maybe they were a great fit when things were simpler. Maybe you’ve outgrown them. Maybe you’re not even sure what they do anymore. Whatever the reason, here’s the truth: if you’re questioning your financial advisor, you probably have good reason to. But that doesn’t mean you should fire them today. It means you need a better process for deciding what to do next.
Every year, new lists of “Top Financial Advisors” flood the internet. The firms are big. The numbers are impressive. And the growth? Often driven by headlines and acquisitions. But behind the polish is a quieter truth: the way you choose a financial advisor matters just as much as who you choose. For families with real complexity—multiple accounts, business interests, generational wealth—it’s not enough to look at rankings. You need to understand how to evaluate what’s behind them.
Selecting a financial advisor is a critical decision that should be based on more than just surface-level rankings and accolades. By considering factors such as technology investments, client engagement capabilities, modernization efforts, and the authenticity of awards, you can make a more informed choice that aligns with your financial goals and values. Remember, the best financial advisor is one who not only manages your wealth effectively but also prioritizes transparency, communication, and a client-centric approach.