Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Delaware
Learning everything you can about a financial advisor and his or her firm prior to beginning your working relationship is important. To assist you in this quest for information, SmartAsset has determined the top financial advisor firms in the state of Delaware. Each selection has its own potential benefits and shortcomings, so be sure to choose the right one for your needs.
Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Find a Fiduciary Financial Advisor
We match nearly 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 | Diversified, LLC Find an Advisor | $2,791,127,378 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
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| 2 | Affinity Wealth Management, LLC Find an Advisor | $872,523,855 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
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| 3 | BDFS Capital LLC Find an Advisor | $411,329,570 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
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| 4 | Big Investment Services Find an Advisor | $369,314,218 | $250,000 |
| Minimum Assets$250,000Financial Services
|
| 5 | RiversEdge Advisors Find an Advisor | $928,361,820 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 6 | Investment Management & Planning, LLC Find an Advisor | $238,848,448 | Varies based on account type |
| Minimum AssetsVaries based on account typeFinancial Services
|
| 7 | Clariti Wealth Advisors Find an Advisor | $797,577,542 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
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| 8 | Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $698,757,861 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 9 | Westover Capital Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $652,907,439 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
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| 10 | Blue Rock Financial Group Find an Advisor | $381,821,487 | None |
| Minimum AssetsNoneFinancial Services
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What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Delaware, we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the state. 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:
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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.
Diversified
Diversified is a fee-based financial advisory firm. The firm caters to a diverse clientele including individuals, high-net-worth individuals, corporations, pension and profit-sharing plans, as well as trusts, estates, charitable organizations and pooled investment vehicles. Notably, Diversified does not require a minimum account size, though they do have an initial financial planning fee of $500, which may be waived or reduced at their discretion.
As a fee-based firm, there is the potential for a conflict of interest as the firm and its advisors may earn commissions on the sale of certain securities. However, the firm is bound by a fiduciary duty to put the needs of the client first.
The firm employs a comprehensive investment approach that includes global asset allocation, diversification, long-term investment strategies and adherence to Modern Portfolio Theory. The firm tailors investment portfolios to each client's unique financial situation, predefined objectives and risk tolerance. Other critical factors considered include the client's time horizon, financial information, liquidity needs, suitability factors, and any restrictions and guidelines set by the client.
Affinity Wealth Management
Affinity Wealth Management is a large fee-based firm that works mainly with non-high-net-worth individuals. It also works with high-net-worth individuals, pensions, profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and government entities. There is no set account minimum.
Some advisors at Affinity may receive commissions from the sale of insurance or securities to clients. This is what makes the firm fee-based. As a result, it is subject to a potential conflict of interest. The firm, however, is bound by fiduciary duty and is obligated to always act in the best interests of clients.
Affinity provides investment management services, financial planning services and retirement plan advisory services. It provides a wrap fee program and the vast majority of its assets are managed on a discretionary basis.
Investment strategies at Affinity Wealth Management are tailored to the needs of clients. This process includes creating an investment program or placing clients into a model portfolio. When it comes to creating an investment plan, advisors take into account investment goals, desired investment strategies, risk tolerance and more.
Investment portfolios typically consist of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds, stocks, options contracts, certificates of deposit (CDs), foreign securities, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other alternative investments. Advisors use fundamental, technical, cyclical and charting analysis methods to evaluate potential investments, and typically take a long-term approach to investing.
BDFS Capital
BDFS Capital LLC, which markets itself as Black Diamond Financial Services, is a fee-based firm that does not impose a minimum account size requirement. The vast majority of BDFS Capital's client base comprises individuals without a high net worth. However, the firm also works with some high-net-worth clients, as well as a handful of charitable organizations.
Located in Rehoboth Beach, BDFS Capital charges asset-based fees for portfolio management, and either fixed or hourly fees for standalone financial planning. Fixed fees can range from $500 to $5,000 while hourly rates are typically between $100 and $250.
The BDFS Capital team includes advisors with a range of financial credentials, including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), enrolled agent (EA), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) and accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) designations.
BDFS Capital typically limits its investment advice to mutual funds, fixed-income securities, real estate funds (including REITs), equities, private equity funds, ETFs (including those that invest in gold and precious metal sectors), treasury inflation-protected/inflation-linked bonds, commodities, non-U.S. securities, venture capital funds and private placements. The firm may incorporate other securities into your portfolio to increase diversification.
B.I.G. Investment Services
Boothe Investment Group (B.I.G.) is a fee-only advisory firm headquartered in Dover, Delaware.
The firm primarily serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans and business entities. Its client base includes small business owners, corporate professionals and retirees looking for tailored financial planning and investment management solutions.
Boothe Investment Group requires a $250,000 minimum account size for new clients, though this minimum may be waived at the firm’s discretion.
The firm’s professionals include licensed insurance agents, though B.I.G. does not sell insurance products to clients or receive outside commissions. As a fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA), the firm is compensated solely by its clients and operates under a fiduciary duty, meaning it must always act in the best interests of those it serves.
B.I.G. Investment Services creates individualized investment portfolios based on each client’s goals, time horizon, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. The firm primarily uses tactical asset allocation strategies, incorporating index mutual funds, ETFs and individual securities. Its investment approach blends fundamental, technical and cyclical analysis in an effort to minimize risk and capitalize on market opportunities while maintaining broad diversification.
RiversEdge Advisors
This Wilmington-based firm works with a few hundred individual clients with and without a high net worth, as well as a handful of pension plans, insurance companies and businesses. The firm doesn't have a minimum investment requirement.
The advisory staff here also holds a wide range of certifications. These include Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA), accredited portfolio management advisor (APMA) and more.
Generally speaking, investment management and financial planning are the two main offerings at RiversEdge. According to the firm's website, it typically services individuals like entrepreneurs, executives, retirees, pre-retirees and young professionals.
RiversEdge Advisors works with its clients to develop an investor profile before allocating any of their funds to various assets. This involves discussing clients' risk tolerance, time horizon, income and liquidity needs and overall financial goals. From this, a portfolio plan is built according to your needs.
Investment Management & Planning
Investment Management & Planning is a fee-based financial advisory firm headquartered in Greenville, Delaware. The firm primarily works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals, though it may also serve IRAs, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pension and profit-sharing plans, banks, government entities and businesses.
Some advisors at Investment Management & Planning may receive commissions through separate roles as registered representatives of LPL Financial or as insurance agents. This is what makes the firm fee-based. As a result, it is subject to a potential conflict of interest. The firm, however, is bound by fiduciary duty and is obligated to always act in the best interests of clients.
Professional certifications among the team include Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). All three advisors at the firm hold the CFP® designation.
Investment Management & Planning provides financial planning and consulting, asset management, hourly consulting and retirement plan consulting. Planning areas may include retirement, education funding, major purchases, divorce, insurance needs, estate planning, cash flow and budgeting, wealth accumulation, business succession, tax planning and investment planning.
The firm primarily uses long-term investment strategies, though short-term and hedging strategies may be used occasionally. It uses fundamental analysis, asset allocation, periodic rebalancing and research on individual securities, mutual funds, ETFs, annuities, municipal securities and corporate debt.
Clariti Wealth Advisors
A Wilmington-based financial advisor firm, Clariti Wealth Advisors does not technically have a minimum investment requirement, as its clients generally have at least $1 million in assets or will be reaching that level soon. Clariti advises mostly high-net-worth individuals, though it does also work with individual investors who don't have a high net worth. The firm also serves charities and businesses.
The advisor has a small team of advisors on staff. The advisors at the firm have amassed a number of certifications, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), certified public accountant (CPA), certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) and more. Clariti Wealth Advisors is a fee-only firm, with fees based on a client's amount of assets under management.
Diversification is the most important part of Clariti Wealth Advisors' investment strategy. The firm invests in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, alternatives and other appropriate investments. It looks to establish cash flow for clients in retirement.
With regards to mutual funds and ETFs, both passively and actively managed funds are considered. Within actively managed funds, the firm uses a number of styles, market caps and investing methodologies.
Grey Fox Wealth Advisors
Grey Fox Wealth Advisors is a fee-based firm based in Delaware that provides wealth management, investment management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, small businesses and retirement plans.
There is no minimum asset requirement to work with Grey Fox Wealth Advisors. Investment management fees are charged based on a tiered percentage of assets under management, ranging from 1.00% for portfolios under $1 million to 0.30% for portfolios above $20 million. Financial planning services may also be offered on an hourly basis, typically between $450 and $550 per hour, depending on the scope and complexity of the engagement.
Professional certifications among the team include certified public accountant (CPA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA). Grey Fox Wealth customizes its investment strategies based on clients’ goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity needs. Portfolios may include mutual funds, ETFs, individual stocks and bonds and alternative investments.
The firm takes a long-term approach to asset management and uses both fundamental and technical analysis to evaluate potential investments. In addition to managing portfolios, advisors provide holistic financial planning and may coordinate with outside professionals, such as attorneys or accountants, when appropriate.
Westover Capital Advisors
Westover Capital Advisors recommends that you have at least $1 million ready to invest prior to opening a relationship with one of its advisors. This firm’s headquarters is in Wilmington, and it is fee-only, meaning all of its compensation comes from client-paid fees.
The firm works both with high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individual clients. Charitable organizations, pensions and profit-sharing plans are also among the clients of this firm. The advisory services available through this firm include financial planning, retirement planning, trust planning and more.
Many firms avoid using short-term investment strategies, as they’re generally riskier. But Westover Capital Advisors combines the principles of long-term and short-term investing to attempt to match the risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity needs of clients.
Westover will use as many investment types as necessary to flesh out its client portfolios, provided that they fit what’s needed to meet client's needs and objectives.
Blue Rock Financial Group
Dravo Bay LLC, which does business as Blue Rock Financial Group, is a fee-based financial advisory firm based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The firm works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals, families, trusts, businesses, business owners, pre-retirees, retirees, executives, professionals and ERISA retirement plans. There is no set account minimum, though certain investments or strategies may require minimums for effective implementation.
One firm principal may receive commissions from the sale of insurance products to clients. This is what makes the firm fee-based. As a result, it is subject to a potential conflict of interest. The firm, however, is bound by fiduciary duty and is obligated to always act in the best interests of clients.
The advisory staff includes professionals with credentials such as Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial consultant (ChFC®), chartered retirement plans specialist (CRPS®) and certified student loan professional (CSLP®). Several advisors hold the CFP® designation.
Blue Rock Financial Group provides discretionary investment management, financial planning and retirement plan advisory services. Its financial planning services may cover retirement planning, investment advice, savings strategies, education planning, insurance needs, estate planning, charitable strategies, tax planning and business retirement plans.