Investment philosophy & strategy
- What is your investment philosophy, and how do you approach building multigenerational portfolios?
- What factors guide asset allocation decisions, and how frequently do you rebalance portfolios?
- How do you approach risk management, and how is portfolio risk measured?
- Do you use active or passive strategies—or a combination? Why?
- Do you incorporate alternative investments? If so, what portion of a typical portfolio is allocated to this asset class?
- Are your relationships typically discretionary, non-discretionary, or a mix of both?
Credentials & experience
- What professional credentials do you hold, and how long have you been managing wealth?
- Can you describe your typical client profile and provide examples of similar situations you’ve handled?
- What is the average account size you manage, and what is your client turnover rate?
- What is your team structure, and who will be directly involved in managing my account?
- Do you have a team succession plan in place? What has recent team turnover looked like?
- Do you offer education or onboarding for next-generation family members?
- What percentage of your clients are family offices?
- Can you provide references?
Fee structure & transparency
- How are you compensated – through fees, commissions, or both?
- What is your total fee structure, including fund expenses or third-party costs? Please provide a sample breakdown based on a comparable client.
- Are there any potential conflicts of interest I should be aware of?
Communication & service
- How frequently will we meet, and what kind of reporting should I expect (monthly, quarterly, annually)?
- How accessible are you for ad hoc questions? What is your typical response time?
- How do you communicate with clients during periods of market volatility or uncertainty?
Planning & customization
- How do you coordinate with my other advisors (e.g., accountant, attorney, insurance professionals)?
- What is your process for understanding my financial goals, values, and risk tolerance?
- How is tax planning integrated into your investment strategy?
- Do you provide guidance for life transitions such as caregiving, widowhood, or the sale of a business?
- What additional services do you offer beyond portfolio management?
Performance & process
- How do you define success, and what benchmarks do you use to evaluate performance?
- Can you walk me through your onboarding process for new clients?
- If I become dissatisfied with the relationship or performance, what is the process for making a change?
- How do you stay informed about market developments, regulatory changes, and professional best practices?
