Private wealth management is it right for you?

Private wealth management is it right for you?

Private Wealth Management: Protecting and Growing High-Net-Worth Investments

Our experts answer readers’ investing questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess investing products). Paid non-client promotion: In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners. Our opinions are always our own.

Private wealth management is not just for the super-rich. It is a type of financial planning and asset management that caters to individuals with significant wealth. These high-net-worth individuals face unique challenges and need specialized guidance to protect and grow their investments. Private wealth managers offer personalized advice, customized financial planning, and a wide range of services to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What is private wealth management?

Private wealth management is the business of managing assets and providing financial planning services to clients. However, private wealth managers primarily work with high-net-worth individuals, who typically have at least $2 million in investable assets. The reason for this specialization is that these individuals often have more complex finances, invest in more lucrative asset classes, and require a hands-on management approach.

Private wealth managers are employed by independent firms or banks, offering expertise in financial planning, asset and cash management, investment tools, estate planning, and tax advice. Depending on a client’s risk tolerance and time horizon, private wealth managers offer personalized advice and guidance, selling both proprietary and nonproprietary investment products and services. Some private wealth management companies even provide clients with professional accountants, bankers, and planners for additional financial needs.

How private wealth management works

The core objective of private wealth management is to provide specialized planning and investment management through a customized wealth plan. Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or high-income family, your wealth manager works with you and an investment team to design an investment strategy based on your preferences and financial goals.

• 800,000+ student-loan borrowers to have debt eliminated due to inco...
• A DeSantis supporter had to let go of long-time undocumented staff ...
• Ford CEO’s electric F-150 Lightning trip had a charging ̵...

Private wealth managers offer guidance for various asset classes, including cash, equities, fixed-income, trusts and estates, and alternative investments such as real estate, hedge funds, collectibles, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, they provide ongoing financial services like private banking and tax advice to adapt to your changing financial situation.

The frequency of meetings with a private wealth manager is usually guided by the client’s needs, with options ranging from monthly communications to annual touches. These regular interactions ensure continuous monitoring and adjustments to the investment strategy as required.

Benefits of private wealth management

Private wealth management offers several significant benefits to high-net-worth individuals seeking to protect and grow their investments:

• Personalized financial advice: Private wealth managers provide tailored advice for wealth building and protection based on your unique circumstances and goals.
• Expert asset management: They specialize in managing various assets, such as cash, private equity, real estate, and more.
• Long-term guidance and customized financial planning: Private wealth managers offer ongoing support and create personalized financial plans to ensure the achievement of long-term objectives.
• Access to a team of investment professionals: High-net-worth individuals often have complex financial needs. Private wealth management provides access to experienced professionals who can handle large accounts and offer specialized services.
• Additional financial services: Private wealth management firms often offer services like estate planning, loan services, and tax advice to provide comprehensive financial support.

Types of private wealth managers

Private wealth managers can be categorized into two main types: bank-affiliated and independent managers.

1. Bank-affiliated private wealth managers: These financial experts are employed by large banks, brokerages, or financial institutions. While they may have limitations in terms of offering only institution-specific investment products and services, bank-affiliated managers have advantages like faster access to lending facilities and better adaptation to technological advances, including online services. Online private wealth management platforms are gaining popularity due to their accessibility and lower fees.

2. Independent private wealth managers: Employed by small firms not affiliated with banks, independent managers can provide more personalized services and recommend a wider variety of products and services. However, they may lack the same degree of lending access and additional services available to bank-affiliated managers.

How much does private wealth management cost?

Compared to regular certified financial planners (CFPs) and asset managers, private wealth managers tend to be more expensive. They usually charge fees based on a percentage of the assets under management (AUM). For example, Fidelity Private Wealth Management charges a gross advisory fee ranging from 0.50% to 1.04%, requiring a minimum of $2 million in managed assets.

It’s essential to understand the fee structure when selecting a private wealth manager. Most private wealth managers charge around 1% of AUM. While commission-based fees are also prevalent, they are losing popularity due to the potential conflicts of interest they may create.

Private wealth managers vs. asset managers

Private wealth managers offer more comprehensive services compared to traditional asset managers. While asset managers focus primarily on investments, private wealth managers take a holistic approach, considering your entire financial picture. They offer services beyond portfolio management, such as estate and tax planning, business management, and specialized team support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is private wealth management right for you? If you have at least $2 million worth of investable assets and need help managing your investments, a private wealth manager may be the ideal solution. Private wealth management takes a holistic approach to your finances, with a focus on long-term wealth building. These managers specialize in additional financial services like tax planning, insurance protection, and estate and trust planning. However, if you don’t meet the asset threshold or prefer lower fees, a regular financial advisor or planner might be a better option.

Private wealth management is an excellent choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking expert guidance and personalized support to protect and grow their wealth. With a comprehensive wealth plan, access to experienced professionals, and tailored financial advice, private wealth management can pave the way to a secure and prosperous financial future.

• Personal Finance Insider
• PFI Storytelling
• wealth management