Everyone has a “big picture.”
My job is to help you
invest in yours.

Find an independent financial advisor near you.

What is an independent financial advisor?

Independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are professional independent advisory firms that provide personalized financial advice to their clients, many of whom have complex financial needs. They are registered with either the Securities and Exchange Commission or state securities regulators.

Truly independent

Independent advisors are not tied to any particular family of funds or products.

Ethically motivated

Independent advisors are held to the fiduciary standard. They’re required to act in their clients’ best interest at all times.

Deeply trusted

Independent advisors are trusted with over $5 trillion of their clients’ wealth.

Why does Charles Schwab proudly support more independent financial advisors and their clients than anyone else?

We believe in the independent financial advisor model and how it serves each and every client. That’s why, as the leading RIA custodian, we have made it our mission to help educate investors on the benefits of working with independent advisors.

Our goal is to bring awareness to one of the fastest-growing segments in financial services.

Why does it matter if your advisor is independent?

Many independent advisory firms are owned by the individual advisors who run them, so they forge deep, personal relationships and have a strong sense of accountability to their clients.

Key benefits:

  1. Customized financial guidance
  2. A personal, responsive relationship
  3. A simple, transparent fee structure
  4. Expertise to support complex financial needs
  5. Assets held by an independent custodian

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Hear what independent advisors promise you and your family.

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Listen to the promises independent advisors can make to you.

Every investor should ask questions.

Whether triggered by a life event or evolving goals, many people reach a point where they need more from their financial advisor. You may be asking yourself one of these questions:

  • Is my money in the right place?
  • Am I getting the attention I deserve?
  • Is my advisor always objective when making recommendations?
  • What am I really being charged, and is it eating into my returns?

It can be a challenge to find an advisor that’s right for you. But there are tangible clues that can help you evaluate how responsive and accountable an advisor may be.

For more questions to ask yourself and your advisor, visit:
Choosing the right advisor >

Additional resources for investors.

Explore the benefits of working with the independent registered investment advisors through videos, white papers, content from leading financial publications, and step-by-step guides.

Find a local independent financial advisor.

Once you have finished identifying your investment goals and preferences, and are ready to interview advisors, search for independent advisors in your area by using our directory and entering a five-digit ZIP code.