CNBC's Financial Advisor 100 is an annual ranking that evaluates the best financial advisors and firms in the U.S. The process does not involve applications or fees from firms, ensuring that rankings are based solely on a defined methodology. For the 2026 list, 41,578 registered investment advisor firms were considered, with no nomination process available.
Firms must maintain current information on their Form ADV to remain eligible. The selection process is thorough, involving multiple checks and data points, including regulatory records, years in business, and total assets under management. Notably, firms that have regulatory violations are automatically disqualified.
The final rankings are determined in the fall and published in early October, with firms notified a few weeks prior. This ranking serves as a valuable resource for investors looking to identify reputable financial advisors, as it reflects a comprehensive assessment of firms' performance and compliance