6 Prominent Wealth Management Firms in the U.S. | 2025

In life, few decisions carry the weight of choosing the right investment manager or financial planner. This is a decision that demands your full attention because the adviser you select today will play a pivotal role in shaping your financial future.  

After years of disciplined saving, no one wants to arrive at retirement only to realize that their dreams don’t align with their financial reality. Choosing the wrong financial adviser can be costly, potentially jeopardizing not just your retirement but the legacy you want to leave behind.  

At GDS Wealth Management, we understand these stakes deeply. That’s why we’ve compiled insights on what defines a well-established Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). Our goal is to help you identify characteristics of trustworthy financial partners who can help design adaptable, goals-based financial plans.  

In this blog, you’ll:  

• Learn what to look for when hiring a financial adviser or wealth manager by understanding the qualities, credentials, and values that define a trustworthy partner. 

• Discover common mistakes to avoid so you can spot red flags early and steer clear of costly missteps.  

• Gain perspective on several established wealth management firms across the country, noted for publicly emphasizing transparency, fiduciary commitment, and client focus. 

What to Consider When Choosing Your Wealth Adviser  

Experience and Specialization  
Your adviser should understand the unique aspects of your financial goals and personal circumstances. You don’t want a templated financial plan that doesn’t meet your specific needs. 

Fee Transparency  
Look for advisers who are upfront and clear about their fee structures, no surprises. Even a small-sounding annual fee can add up over time, so it’s worth knowing exactly how your adviser charges.  

Client Testimonials and Reviews  
Publicly available third-party reviews (such as the Better Business Bureau® (BBB) and Google Reviews) can offer general insight into client experiences. These reviews are unverified, may not reflect all clients’ experiences, and are not indicative of future results. 

Licensing and Accreditation  
Confirm your adviser is properly registered and accredited with recognized industry sources. The first stop is FINRA BrokerCheck, which lets you look up brokers and brokerage firms. You’ll see exam results, employment history, and whether there have been any disputes or regulatory actions.  

The second stop is the SEC’s IAPD site, short for Investment Adviser Public Disclosure. This is where you’ll find an adviser’s Form ADV, the plain-English brochure that spells out their services, fees, and conflicts, and their Form CRS, which summarizes the relationship you can expect.  

Do your due diligence before trusting someone with your financial future. Use reputable sources like the ones listed above. For more information, read our blog Why You Need to do a Background Check on Every Adviser.  

Personalized Attention  
The right adviser invests time and resources into understanding your individual needs and priorities. You want an adviser who makes you feel valued and heard. 

How to Evaluate Your Potential RIA  

Selecting a Registered Investment Adviser is about much more than just verifying credentials; it’s about forming a partnership that supports your long-term financial success.  

Focus on these key factors:  

• Prioritize a transparent fee structure that avoids hidden costs or commission-based conflicts of interest. When it comes to fees, clarity matters. A fee-only adviser earns one straightforward fee for managing assets and providing advice, without receiving commissions on products they recommend. A fee-based adviser, on the other hand, may charge that same management fee and also receive commissions on certain products. Understanding this difference can help you avoid costs that reduce long-term growth. To dive deeper listen to our episode: The Truth About Adviser Fees.
   
• Seek an adviser with a strong history of long-term client relationships. Look for advisers who demonstrate consistently positive engagement with their clients. High retention rates and favorable feedback may reflect trust and consistent service.
   
• Choose a firm with the experience and stability to navigate market cycles. Experience matters. Firms with years of experience have navigated multiple market cycles and refined their approach along the way, though longevity alone does not guarantee future results. 
   
• Verify the firm’s regulatory compliance and professional accreditation. Before you trust anyone with your finances, do a little digging. Start with Better Business Bureau® ratings and Google Reviews; these can provide general impressions of client service. Then, take a closer look at the adviser’s Form ADV and Form CRS filings. These official documents outline what the firm does, what it charges, and whether it has any disciplinary history or potential conflicts of interest. It’s one of the easiest ways to verify that your adviser operates transparently and is accountable to regulatory standards. 
   
• Confirm that the firm’s minimum investment requirements align with your goals. Finally, make sure the firm’s minimum investment aligns with your financial situation and goals. The right fit helps ensure you receive the level of attention and service your portfolio deserves, without surprises down the road. 

Our Process for Identifying Prominent RIAs 

We reviewed SEC Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) across the country using publicly available information to highlight qualities such as transparency, stability, and client focus. 

First, we looked at fee structure and transparency, whether a firm clearly discloses its costs and avoids hidden or layered charges that can reduce returns. We also examined the fee model itself, noting whether firms charge flat fees, tiered percentages, or hourly rates, and if those details are easily accessible on their websites. 

Next, we reviewed third-party information sources such as Better Business Bureau® (BBB) ratings and Google reviews, which can offer general insight into how firms handle client service, communication, and dispute resolution. Consistent, authentic feedback can be one of the strongest signals of trust and satisfaction. 

We also considered years of experience and client retention rates as general indicators of long-term reliability. Additionally, we assessed minimum investment requirements to determine how each firm’s offerings align with a range of client profiles and financial goals, and we noted instances of industry recognition or awards, which may serve as external validation of excellence and ethical standards. 

Finally, we reviewed Assets Under Management (AUM) to gauge each firm’s scale and financial capability. Every RIA included manages at least one billion dollars in assets. However, AUM alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Larger firms may naturally accumulate higher AUM through multiple offices and teams, while smaller or organically grown firms may focus on niche client segments. It’s important to look deeper into how that growth occurred, as AUM is not a measure of investment performance or client experience. Was it organic, built steadily through client referrals and reputation? Or acquisition-driven, resulting from mergers or private equity ownership focused on short-term financial returns? 

Firms that grow primarily through acquisitions may face shifting ownership structures and less reinvestment in client experience. In contrast, firms with organic growth often reflect a strong internal culture, a consistent service model, and a clearly defined focus on the clients they know best. 

U.S. Wealth Management Firms – 2025 Informational Overview 

Includes privately owned and private-equity–affiliated RIAs. For informational use only; order does not imply ranking or endorsement. 

GDS Wealth Management: Committed to Transparency   

At GDS, we provide public access to our regulatory disclosures, to help investors understand how we operate. Forms ADV and CRS are SEC-required disclosures that investment advisers file to describe their business, services, fees, any conflicts of interest, and legal obligations to clients. It helps investors understand an adviser’s background and assess potential risks before choosing to work with them. In the links below, you will find GDS Wealth Management’s most recent disclosures.   

Your Money, Your Future    

Choosing a financial adviser is ultimately a decision built on trust, transparency, and partnership. Your adviser should not only understand your financial goals but also maintain a transparent fee structure and a client-first approach.  

If you’re seeking a wealth management firm that values transparency, and personalized service, consider learning more about GDS Wealth Management. Our team is committed to helping you pursue your goals with clarity and confidence. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?  

Contact GDS Wealth Management today for a complimentary consultation.  Let’s talk about a financial plan designed around your goals, one that helps you prepare for life’s uncertainties with confidence. 

GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply any level of skill or training. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a ranking, endorsement, or performance comparison among firms. It is not a recommendation or offer to buy or sell any security or advisory service. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Information was obtained from publicly available sources as of October 22, 2025, and may change without notice. Third-party ratings and reviews are unverified, may not reflect all client experiences, and are not indicative of future performance. GDS did not compensate or receive compensation for inclusion in this article.