Close Close
Popular Financial Topics Discover relevant content from across the suite of ALM legal publications From the Industry More content from ThinkAdvisor and select sponsors Investment Advisor Issue Gallery Read digital editions of Investment Advisor Magazine Tax Facts Get clear, current, and reliable answers to pressing tax questions
Luminaries Awards
ThinkAdvisor
Advisor with a happy couple

Practice Management > Building Your Business > Prospect Clients

Most Wealthy Investors Choose the First Advisor They Meet: Survey

X
Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Fifty-seven percent of wealthy respondents in a recent survey from Dynasty Financial Partners said they had not shopped around for a financial advisor but had spoken only to the one they chose to work with.

“It’s an extraordinary finding that high-net-worth families are selecting the first and only advisor they speak with,” Dynasty Financial Partners’ chief executive, Shirl Penney, said in a statement. “It’s like buying the very first house you look at.”

The survey, conducted between April 20 and May 1 by Dynasty Connect in partnership with Absolute Engagement, comprised 1,000 respondents with a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets, all of whom work with an advisor and have a say in household financial decision-making.

Due Diligence Gap

The survey found that 35% of respondents were prompted to seek professional advice because of a life event, including 54% of those between 35 and 44 years old. Life events included receiving an inheritance and a change in employment situation.

Forty-six percent of respondents said that when they were looking for a new advisor, they were referred to one by a family member, a friend or a colleague; these included 70% of those 45 to 54. Twenty-three percent said they were referred by a professional advisor, such as an accountant or lawyer.

“Sadly, data show that relying on your friends and family for referrals may not be the wisest strategy for these wealthy investors, as everyone’s circumstances and needs are unique,” Penney said.

Respondents younger than 45 are less likely to rely on referrals and use multiple sources to identify potential advisors. According to the survey, younger respondents were about three times likelier to find a new advisor using online searches, social media, blogs or other online sources.

The lack of due diligence in choosing an advisor had consequences for many respondents. According to the survey, 61% of participants under the age of 45 who had changed advisors in the past said they did so because of a mismatch in the relationship.

Twenty-four percent changed because of investment performance, and 18% did not feel like a valued client. At the same time, 30% had to find a new advisor because theirs had retired.

Penney said the survey results indicate that many high-net-worth individuals are not fully aware of the availability or value of a highly customized relationship with their advisor.

“By performing appropriate due diligence, wealthy families could select an advisor that is a better fit from the beginning, instead of expending a lot of time and energy with the wrong advisor,” Penney said.

Photo: Adobe Stock


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.