Finding a Top Financial Advisor in Dallas, Texas
Selecting the right financial advisor in Dallas, Texas, means combing through many advisory firms with impressive credentials. After dozens of hours of research, SmartAsset has narrowed down the list to help you find the Dallas firm that best meets your needs, whether that's getting ready for retirement or getting investment advice. We've determined exactly what sets these standout firms apart from the thousands of options out there and from one another in the chart and reviews below.
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We match more than 50,000 people with financial advisors per month. Get connected to an advisor that serves your area today.Rank | Financial Advisor | Assets Managed | Minimum Assets | Financial Services | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Level Four Advisory Services Find an Advisor | $4,329,749,207 | Varies based on account type |
| Minimum AssetsVaries based on account typeFinancial Services
|
2 | Tolleson Private Wealth Management Find an Advisor | $8,223,468,897 | $20,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$20,000,000Financial Services
|
3 | CH Investment Partners, LLC Find an Advisor | $5,096,846,148 | $50,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$50,000,000Financial Services
|
4 | Brownlie & Braden Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $329,198,635 | $1 million for some funds |
| Minimum Assets$1 million for some fundsFinancial Services
|
5 | Texas Capital Bank Private Wealth Advisors Find an Advisor | $3,378,463,908 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
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6 | True North Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $3,341,152,592 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
7 | Three Bell Capital, LLC Find an Advisor | $3,248,428,457 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
|
8 | Smith Anglin Financial, LLC Find an Advisor | $1,571,428,888 | None |
| Minimum AssetsNoneFinancial Services
|
9 | Guidestone Advisors Find an Advisor | $1,292,773,676 | None |
| Minimum AssetsNoneFinancial Services
|
10 | Beaird Harris Find an Advisor | $1,669,836,738 | $1 million |
| Minimum Assets$1 millionFinancial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Dallas, we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the city. Next, we filtered out firms that don't offer financial planning services, those that don't serve primarily individual clients and those that have disclosures on their record. The qualifying firms were then ranked according to the following criteria:
- AUMFirms with more total assets under management are ranked higher.
- Individual Client CountFirms who serve more individual clients (as opposed to institutional clients) are ranked higher.
- Clients Per AdvisorFirms with a lower ratio of clients per financial advisor are ranked higher.
- Age of FirmFirms that have been in business longer are ranked higher.
All information is obtained through public records and is updated annually after the firms’ form ADV filing. This list may include firms that have a business relationship with SmartAsset, in which SmartAsset is compensated for lead referrals. Such relationships have no impact on our rankings, and firms are included and ranked based strictly on the above criteria. SmartAsset is not a client of the aforementioned firms, and did not receive compensation for including any of the firms on the aforementioned list.
Level Four Advisory Services
Fee-based firm Level Four Advisory Services, serves a wide range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates and pension and profit sharing plans. Level Four also has an exceptionally large staff of advisors, with qualifications including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered life underwriter (CLU), accredited domestic partnership advisor (ADPA), retirement income certified professional (RICP), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) designations.
The firm’s minimum account size requirement varies based on account type. A majority of its advisors are also licensed insurance agents and representatives of a broker/dealer, and may earn commissions on some transactions. This makes Level Four a fee-based firm, but it remains obligated to act in your best interests as a fiduciary.
Level Four Advisory Services Background
Level Four Advisory Services began its operations in 2005, providing portfolio management, financial planning, pension consulting, advisory selection and educational seminars. The firm is owned by Level Four Group, a financial services holding company.
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC owns Level Four Group.
Level Four Advisory Services Investment Strategy
Level Four says on its website that its investment strategy employs a blend of internal, proprietary investment portfolios and externally sourced investment solutions that cater to a client’s asset allocations.
The firm designs portfolios based on the following objectives: income with capital preservation, income with moderate growth, growth with income, growth and aggressive growth.
Tolleson Private Wealth Management
Tolleson Private Wealth Management is a fee-only firm that has many advisory certifications on its large staff of financial advisors. Certifications earned at the firm include Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), certified public accountant (CPA), certified private wealth advisor (CPWA), chartered financial analyst (CFA), personal financial specialist (PFS) and certified investment management analyst (CIMA).
While the firm has by far the most assets under management on our list, it requires clients to have $20 million in investable assets to open an account. Such a requirement has likely led the firm's client base to heavily consist of high-net-worth individuals. Beyond this client type, Tolleson commonly works with estates, trusts, foundations, funds, banks and philanthropic trusts. Tolleson also has the lowest client-to-advisor ratio on our list, helping propel the firm into the No. 1 spot.
As a fee-only firm, Tolleson only makes money from the fees it charges clients, not commissions on the sale of financial products and insurance.
Tolleson Private Wealth Management Background
John C. Tolleson, a 50-plus year veteran of the financial services industry, formed Tolleson Private Wealth Management in 2000. Prior to his time as the executive chairman of Tolleson, John Tolleson founded First USA, a retail banking and financial services company that he grew into a multi-billion-dollar public corporation.
Investment management is the key offering of Tolleson Private Wealth Management. The firm divvies this service into subsections like investment strategy development, asset allocation determination, consulting, performance monitoring and third-party investment manager analysis.
Tolleson Private Wealth Management Investment Strategy
Tolleson works with clients to meet the needs specified within their investment policy statements, but the firm also creates additional asset allocations that strictly focus on fixed income securities. The firm mainly invests in stocks, mutual funds, options and alternative investments.
For individual and family clients of Tolleson Private Wealth Management, the firm has a whole team specifically devoted to holistically managing your financial life. The firm states that this consists of multiple parts financial planning, investment management and wealth management, as well as tax efficient investing strategies and large purchase planning.
CH Investment Partners, LLC
CH Investment Partners, a private investment advisory firm with billions in assets under management (AUM), is next on our list. The fee-only firm generally requires a minimum account size requirement of $50 million for its client base of high-net-worth individuals, affiliated private pooled investment vehicles, foundations, endowments, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and families.
CH Investment Partners has several certified public accountants and chartered financial analysts on staff. As for advisory fees, the firm generates compensation exclusively through asset-based fees, fixed fees and performance-based fees, making CH Investment Partners a fee-only firm.
CH Investment Partners Background
Principally owned by Michael Silverman and Kirk Rimer, CH Investment Partners was established in 2019. The firm offers investment management, financial planning, advisor selection and business consulting services to a range of individual and institutional clients.
CH Investment Partners mainly serves separately managed accounts and affiliated pooled investment vehicles.
CH Investment Partners, LLC Investment Strategy
CH Investment Partners offers a range of investment strategies, including global equities, hedge funds, private equity and direct investments, master limited partnerships, real estate and fixed income. The firm may also invest directly in financial instruments, securities, private investments and other assets.
When making investment decisions, the firm considers factors such as diversification and correlation among current and prospective investments, suitable liquidity terms for the investment strategy, appropriate fee structures and appropriate alignment of interests between the client and CH Investment Partners, according to the firm’s brochure.
Brownlie & Braden Advisors
Brownlie & Braden Advisors, LLC operates on a fee-based structure. The firm caters to a diverse clientele including individuals, associated trusts, estates, charitable organizations, investment vehicles, business entities and more. While there is no set minimum account size for most services, investing in any fund or pooled investment vehicle managed or sponsored by the firm typically requires a minimum initial capital commitment of $1 million, although this amount can be adjusted at the discretion of the Fund’s general partner.
The firm does require a $1 million minimum account size to get started and there is a concern about a conflict of interest since the firm is fee-based. However, the firm and its advisors are bound by a fiduciary duty that requires them to but the needs of their clients first.
Brownlie & Braden Background
Brownlie & Braden Advisors, LLC was founded in 2017 with Smith A. Brownlie III (CPA) and James E. Braden (CPA) serving as the executive officers of the firm. Today, the firm has 13 advisors who manage more than $300,000,000 in assets under management (AUM).
Three Bell Capital Investment Strategy
Brownlie & Braden Advisors, LLC adopts a focused investment approach that emphasizes limited diversification and includes non-U.S. investments. The firm tailors its investment strategies based on several key client-specific factors including client preferences, the nature of the client relationship, and the types of assets managed. This personalized strategy ensures that each client's unique financial needs and goals are addressed effectively.
Texas Capital Bank Private Wealth Advisors
Texas Capital Bank Private Wealth Advisors, a fee-based advisory firm, primarily works with high-net-worth individuals but also has charities and corporations as clients. The firm does not mandate a minimum account size.
TCBPWA's team of advisors has earned certifications including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered life underwriter (CLU) and chartered financial analyst (CFA). Because some advisors are registered to sell insurance and/or financial products -- and earn commissions on those transactions -- TCBPWA is considered a fee-based firm. However, the firm is bound by its fiduciary duty to act in its client's best interests despite this potential conflict of interest.
Texas Capital Bank Private Wealth Advisors Background
TCBPWA, which was formed in 2002, is a division of Texas Capital Bank. It offers clients wealth strategy and financial planning, investment management, trust and estate administration, and other services. Alan Miller heads the firm's executive team as president. In addition to Dallas, TCBPWA also has offices in San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and Houston.
Texas Capital Bank Private Wealth Advisors Investment Strategy
At the start of every client relationship, an advisor from the firm spends time with you, asking questions and discussing your investment experience and financial goals. The advisor will then prepare an investment plan that will guide the strategy of individual portfolios.
Advisors primarily invest client assets in common stock, fixed-income securities, mutual funds, ETFs and convertible securities. Portfolios may also include options, real estate investment trusts, structured notes and other assets. Portfolio construction and asset allocation are determined by the firm's investment committee, which meets regularly and is led by the firm's chief investment officer.
True North Advisors
While True North Advisors’ client base is mostly high-net-worth individuals, it also serves a number of individuals without a high net worth, retirement plans and charitable organizations. That being said, for True North Advisors to take you on as a client, you’ll need a minimum of $5 million in investable assets.
True North Advisors is a fee-only firm, meaning it's compensated solely through client fees, not sales comissions. It has nine Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) on staff, as well as four certified private wealth advisors (CPWAs), three chartered financial analysts (CFAs), one certified public accountant (CPA) and two chartered alternative investment analysts (CAIAs).
True North Advisors, which has no set account minimum, has been rated among the top independent wealth firms by authorities like Financial Times, AdvisoryHQ and D Magazine.
True North Advisors Background
True North Advisors, an employee-owned firm, was founded in 2000. The firm's co-founder and CEO, Scott Wood, formed the firm on the belief that fee-only fee structures produce more impartial advice than commission-based fee structures.
The firm’s portfolios tend to adhere to the philosophy of value investing. According to the company information, it considers niche opportunistic strategies within traditional and non-traditional asset classes.
True North Advisors Investment Strategy
True North says on its firm brochure that it believes in active management but will allocate portions of the portfolio to passive investments such as indexed ETFs or indexed mutual funds where necessary. The firm also says it values alternative investment and private investment strategies.
Three Bell Capital
Three Bell Capital is a fee-based advisory firm offering services such as investment strategies, asset allocation and selection, risk tolerance, corporate retirement plan services and regular portfolio monitoring. These services are primarily offered to high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as to corporate retirement plans.
The firm does require a $1 million minimum account size to get started and there is a concern about a conflict of interest since the firm is fee-based. However, the firm and its advisors are bound by a fiduciary duty that requires them to but the needs of their clients first.
Three Bell Capital Background
Three Bell Capital was founded in 2011 by principal owners Jonathan H. Porter, Eric C. Patterson and Andre E. Huaman. The firm focuses primarily on private wealth management and corporate retirement plans and today they manage more than $3 billion in assets under management (AUM) across 12 advisors.
Three Bell Capital Investment Strategy
Investment Strategies utilized by TBC include long-term trading, short-term trading, private investments, short sales, margin transactions, and options writing (including covered options, uncovered options, or spreading strategies). Long-term trading is designed to capture market rates of both return and risk. Frequent trading, when utilized, can affect investment performance, particularly through increased brokerage and other transaction costs and taxes.
Short-term trading, short sales, margin transactions, private investments and options writing generally hold greater risk and clients should be aware that there is a material risk of loss using any of those strategies.
Smith Anglin Financial, LLC
Smith Anglin Financial, LLC is a fee-based firm that works with individuals, focused on aviation professionals. The firm also works with corporate executives, business owners, and other retirees. They've partnered with aviation professionals for major airlines like Delta, American, United, Southwest and more.
There is no minimum account size to work with the firm. As a fee-based advisor, it's important to understand that the firm could earn a fee for investing your assets into specific funds or other securities. However, the firm must abide by its fiduciary duty to put the interests of its clients first.
Smith Anglin Financial, LLC Background
Smith Anglin Financial, LLC was founded in 1967, focusing on pilots, families, individuals and business owners in 46 states. Services offered at the firm include investment advisory, retirement planning, financial planning, business health plans, personal advisory, and more. The firm has 16 advisors. The team has earned a number of certifications including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and more.
Smith Anglin Financial, LLC Investment Strategy
Smith Anglin's investment strategy involves securing long-term financial freedom for all of its clients. Based on each individual client's risk tolerance, the firm's advisors implement either defensive or aggressive strategies to best suit their individual needs.
Guidestone Advisors
Guidestone Advisors is a fee-based firm that works with individuals and businesses. The firm works with individuals who are high-net-worth as well as those who are considered to be a "qualified client" under Rule 205-3. They also work with institutional clients for employer-sponsored plans as well as company health plans.
There is no minimum account size to work with the firm. As a fee-based advisor, it's important to understand that the firm could earn a fee for investing your assets into specific funds or other securities. However, the firm must abide by its fiduciary duty to put the interests of its clients first.
Guidestone Advisors Background
Guidestone Advisors was founded in 2019. Services offered at the firm include investment advisory, retirement planning, financial planning, business health plans, personal advisory, and more. The firm has 17 advisors, 11 of which have earned their Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification.
Guidestone Advisors Investment Strategy
Guidestone's investment process starts with a needs analysis for the individual investor. Based on that, a financial plan for each individual investor. The firm also manages funds that are used in its investment approach, as well as a diversified set of mutual funds and other investments.
Beaird Harris
Beaird Harris is a fee-only firm that works mostly with individuals, a bit over half of whom have a high net worth. The only institutional clients at the firm are pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and corporations.
The firm is fee-only, meaning advisors only earn fees, not commissions. There is a minimum account size of $1 million and a minimum annual fee of $10,000.
The Beaird Harris staff includes more than 30 certified public accountants. Other certifications earned include Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial advisor (CFA) and accredited estate planner (AEP).
Beaird Harris Background
Beaird Harris was founded in 1996 and is principally owned by Patrick C. Beaird. Services offered at the firm include investment advisory, financial planning, tax planning, college planning, retirement planning and investment management.
Beaird Harris Investment Strategy
Beaird Harris' investment strategy is a disciplined scientific approach born from Nobel-prize-winning academic research that focuses on broad global diversification. The majority of assets at the firm are invested in mutual funds. Individual stocks and bonds are also used, and some are held as cash.