NEPC’s Karen Harding was quoted in a recent U.S. News & World Report article to provide insight into factors high-net-worth investors should consider when seeking services beyond asset management. View the article on U.S. News’ site here.
When it comes to selecting a financial advisor, wealthier investors often need a different level of service, when compared to what’s called the “mass affluent.”
An investor with assets between $100,000 and $1 million is generally considered mass affluent, but the definition of high net worth varies. Some advisors consider a high-net-worth client to have over $1 million in assets; others use a $10 million threshold.
Choosing a financial advisor can be challenging for high-net-worth investors for a few reasons. Because they have more complex financial needs, high-net-worth clients need an advisor, or team of advisors, with specialized skills. Keep the following tips in mind as you select the best advisor for your needs:
. . .
Karen Harding, a partner in the private wealth practice group at NEPC in Boston, MA, says services high-net-worth clients should consider, in addition to asset management, include financial and estate planning, tax strategy, financial reporting, philanthropic advisory services, property management, household management, aviation management, and financial education and assistance for family members.
“While most firms do not offer all of these services, they are able to outsource to other firms to ensure that the client has their needs met,” she says.
. . .
Harding adds that high-net-worth clients should consider whether or not an advisory firm has adequate resources and a team of professionals with the technical skills and qualifications required to do the job well.
“Make sure that an advisor has plenty of experience working with clients in similar situations and is trustworthy and personable,” she says. “Do not underestimate the importance of a good working relationship.”
Click here to continue reading the full U.S. News & World Report article.