The CNBC Elite Advisors list, launched in 2026, identifies leading investment advisors who cater to ultra-high net worth individuals and family offices, defined as those with investable assets of $25 million or more. These advisors provide a range of services beyond traditional investment management, focusing on complex financial and relationship dynamics that often span multiple generations.
According to Vlad Golyk from McKinsey & Co., the role of these advisors is distinct from that of typical financial advisors, as they manage intricate issues such as tax, estate, and trust planning, as well as family governance and philanthropy. The list was compiled through data analysis and editorial review, with no payment accepted for placement, ensuring an unbiased selection process.
The advisors on this list collectively manage $2.1 trillion in assets and have an average of 31 years in business. The ultra-high net worth segment is growing, with approximately 442,000 households in the U.S. holding around $22.5 trillion in investable assets, representing nearly 25% of the total U.S. wealth.
This demographic increasingly demands specialized services, and advisors often charge fees based on assets under management, averaging 0.54% for ultra-high net worth clients. The methodology for the list involved a thorough assessment of participating firms, focusing on their scalability, service breadth, and industry reputation, with input from research firms like Cerulli Associates