Private Wealth Management in Austin for High-Net-Worth Success
Do you have questions about how to manage your wealth effectively as a resident of Austin? You’re not alone.
If you’re a high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth individual, particularly with an investment portfolio of $10 million or more, you may be considering how best to diversify your assets or safeguard your portfolio during periods of market volatility.
How can you achieve effective wealth management in Austin, especially while protecting and growing your assets? That’s where a wealth manager can make all the difference.
If you’re unfamiliar with the role of a wealth manager, this article will walk you through what they do, why partnering with a financial advisor in Austin can benefit high-net-worth individuals, and how to find one that aligns with your financial goals.
Finding a Financial Advisor in Austin, Texas
According to data from SmartAsset, the following firms are among the most prominent financial advisors in Austin, Texas. These selections are based on several factors, including assets under management, a strong focus on individual clients, advisor-to-client ratios, firm longevity, and the availability of financial planning services. Firms that operate on a fee-only basis are given higher consideration in the rankings.
The Top Financial Advisors in Austin
1. TCG Advisory Services
Founded in 2002 and registered with the SEC in 2020, TCG Advisory Services offers investment and financial planning services to individuals, institutions, and school districts. Now a part of HUB International (as of 2021), TCG manages approximately $5.8 billion in assets.
For individual clients, TCG builds portfolios that include allocations to cash, equities, and fixed income instruments—such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds—tailored to each client’s goals and risk tolerance. Institutional clients, including pension and profit-sharing plans, receive advisory services focused on investment policy and governance.
TCG may also partner with third-party asset managers and offer access to Schwab’s robo-advisory platform, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.
Asset management fees for individuals start at 1.50% for portfolios under $100,000 and drop to 0.50% for portfolios exceeding $10 million. Municipal entities can access reduced fees through the MAPP program, ranging from 0.1% to 0.05% depending on assets under management. Financial planning services may be charged hourly, as a flat fee, or as a percentage of assets managed.
MAPP accounts are reviewed quarterly and rebalanced when asset weights deviate by more than 5%. TCG applies both technical and fundamental analysis in its strategy.
2. Venturi Private Wealth
Venturi Private Wealth, founded in 2015 by Russell Norwood and George Clark, is a privately held firm managing approximately $1.9 billion in regulatory assets. In addition to the founders, two clients and several employees hold minority stakes.
Venturi offers comprehensive advisory services to individuals, families, charitable organizations, pension plans, and pooled investment vehicles. Investment portfolios may include mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities, and—where appropriate—private placements in the form of debt, equity, or limited partnerships.
Additional planning services include life insurance, annuities, retirement planning, and education funding strategies.
Venturi charges an annual fee for investment and wealth management services, starting at 1.00% for portfolios up to $2.5 million and scaling down to 0.35% for portfolios over $200 million. Standalone planning services are offered at fixed or hourly rates, generally starting at $1,000. The minimum account size is $2.5 million.
Venturi relies on fundamental analysis when evaluating investments, focusing on financial health, competitive positioning, management quality, and historical performance.
3. Durbin Bennett Private Wealth Management
Operating in Texas since 2001, Durbin Bennett (DB) is a privately held firm with six equity shareholders, including Richard Bennett. The firm manages approximately $1.38 billion in client assets.
DB serves a diverse clientele that includes high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, foundations, and endowments. Its portfolio management includes equities, fixed income, mutual funds, ETFs, separate accounts, and alternative investments such as hedge funds, private equity, and limited partnerships.
Each client receives a tailored investment strategy that starts with an investment policy statement, followed by the selection and ongoing monitoring of investments. DB’s investment philosophy balances long-term passive investing with selectively active elements and regular portfolio rebalancing. The approach is overseen by the firm’s internal investment committee.
The minimum investment for individual portfolio management is $1 million. Fees start at 1.00% for the first $1 million in assets and decrease incrementally to 0.20% for portfolios over $25 million. An additional fee may apply for performance reporting and access to advisory staff.
In addition to individuals, DB also provides advisory services to pension plans, charities, corporations, pooled investment vehicles, and other institutional clients.
4. Austin Asset
Founded in 1986, Austin Asset is led by principal shareholders William Hehman (CEO) and Gregory Van Wyk (Vice President). The firm offers wealth management, financial planning, and consulting services, with total assets under management at approximately $1.26 billion.
Investment portfolios are customized based on a client’s specific goals, such as capital appreciation, income generation, or tax efficiency. Investment recommendations may include publicly listed securities, corporate bonds, variable life insurance and annuities, mutual funds, government securities, and options.
Beyond investment management, Austin Asset provides holistic wealth planning services covering cash flow, tax planning, insurance, estate strategies, retirement planning, and disability income needs.
Their fee structure includes a $5,000 flat fee plus 0.65% of assets up to $7.5 million, with rates decreasing to 0.25% for portfolios exceeding $25 million.
Austin Asset emphasizes diversification and asset allocation as foundational to managing risk and return. The firm believes that while equities may involve greater volatility, they offer higher long-term return potential compared to fixed income.
5. 49 Wealth Management
49 Wealth Management (49 WM) has been registered with the SEC since October 2022. The firm is owned by Hunter Lloyd, Kyle Sims, and 49 Holdings, LLC, and currently manages approximately $230 million in assets.
49 WM provides a broad range of services, including financial planning, investment and wealth management, and retirement plan consulting. Their clientele includes individuals, trusts, estates, corporations, and other business entities.
Investment strategies involve allocating assets across mutual funds, ETFs, structured notes, annuities, currencies, alternative investments, and portfolios managed by independent investment managers. The firm actively supervises and monitors the performance of third-party managed accounts.
Fees for financial planning and consulting are negotiable and range from $500 to $75,000, depending on the scope and complexity of services. Investment management fees are based on the portfolio’s value and range between 0.50% and 1.50% annually.
49 WM uses a combination of fundamental, cyclical, and behavioral analysis, underpinned by modern portfolio theory,y to guide its asset allocation and investment strategy.
6. Austin Private Wealth
Austin Private Wealth is a Texas-based limited liability company operating since 2010 and registered as an investment adviser since 2019. The firm is owned by Dan Kraus, Raoul Celerier, Alex Wagner Kieu Le, Kevin Weaver, and Joshua Dvorak, with over $800 million in assets under management.
The firm offers investment management, financial planning, consulting, and retirement plan services to individuals, trusts, estates, and businesses. Investment portfolios may include stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and other public or private investment vehicles. Austin Private Wealth also uses sub-advisory services when suitable and may recommend annuities or insurance through DPL Financial Partners.
Asset management fees are capped at 1.30% annually, while sub-advisory fees will not exceed 1.20%. Financial planning and consulting services are offered for a flat fee that does not exceed $100,000.
Austin Private Wealth uses cyclical, fundamental, and qualitative analysis in its investment approach. Portfolios are periodically rebalanced using duration constraints aligned with client benchmarks.
7. FMP Wealth Advisers
Founded in 1987, FMP Wealth Advisers is a fee-only financial advisor with over $800 million in assets under management. The firm is principally owned by members of the Hixxon family.
FMP offers personalized financial planning and investment management services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. Clients receive complimentary initial meetings, during which FMP outlines advisory options including investments, tax strategy, estate planning, and trusts.
The firm manages both model portfolios and separately managed accounts. Its dynamic asset allocation strategy aims to capitalize on growth during market upswings and preserve capital during downturns. Alternatively, its fully invested portfolios blend equity and fixed income but may involve taxable transactions due to securities sales.
Fees consist of a flat planning charge—up to $2,500—and a tiered asset-based management fee ranging from 1.0% to 0.15%, depending on account type, asset composition, and service complexity.
FMP employs a range of investment analysis techniques, including charting, fundamental analysis, technical evaluation, and cyclical assessment. It supplements research with resources like SEC filings, company reports, Ned Davis Research, Morningstar, and SchwabLink.
8. Meridian Wealth Advisors
Meridian Wealth Advisors (MWA) has operated in Texas since 2016. The firm is owned by Joshua Galatzan, Kerwin Price, Meagan Moll, and Brian Noonan, and currently manages $1 billion in assets.
MWA provides wealth management and investment advisory services tailored to the needs of high-net-worth clients. Services include portfolio management, asset allocation, financial planning, pension consulting, and customized investment advice.
Fees range from 0.55% to 1.00% annually, based on portfolio complexity and the range of services provided. The firm requires a minimum account size of $2.5 million and a minimum annual fee of $12,500.
MWA’s investment strategy is rooted in both qualitative and quantitative analysis. It integrates research from diverse sources while emphasizing risk management, cost control, and evaluating net returns.
9. Richard P. Slaughter Associates, Inc.
Operating in Texas since 1991, Richard P. Slaughter Associates is a fee-only registered investment adviser led by principal owner Brooks Slaughter. The firm specializes in active asset management and comprehensive financial planning and manages over $700 million in client assets.
Slaughter Associates serves a wide range of clients, including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations. Its advisory scope covers real estate, insurance, tax, and estate planning, and referrals to external advisors.
Fees are billed quarterly based on assets under management. The firm charges 1.25% on the first $1 million, with the fee gradually decreasing to 0.35% for portfolios exceeding $40 million. A minimum household account size of $1 million is required.
The firm encourages long-term investment commitments of at least three to five years. Its investment strategy blends fundamental and technical analysis, and may include long- and short-term purchases, margin strategies, options, and short sales.
10. Waterloo Capital
Waterloo Capital, acquired by Waterloo Capital Management LLC in 2012 and owned by John Chatmas, manages approximately $730 million in assets. Its services are delivered through a network of investment advisor representatives (IARs), including AMG Wealth Advisors, Strategic Capital, and Eberly Wealth Management.
The firm offers a range of services, including direct investment management, access to third-party money managers, personalized financial planning, and consulting. Clients span individuals, retirement accounts, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities.
Waterloo Capital’s investment management fees are asset-based, capped at 2.0%, with discounted rates for portfolios over $2 million. Flat and hourly consulting fees are also available, not exceeding $250,000 and $500 per hour, respectively.
A portfolio minimum of $1 million is generally required. Investment selections are made using fundamental analysis, focusing on issuer strength, financial health, and management quality. The firm may also leverage independent third-party insights and apply both qualitative and quantitative research criteria.
Understanding Wealth Management
What is wealth management, and what does it really involve?
In essence, wealth management is a comprehensive service designed to help individuals manage and grow their financial resources effectively. It’s most often used by high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, typically those with $5 million to $500 million in liquid assets, who require expert planning to meet complex financial needs.
Wealth management incorporates a broad range of services—investment planning, tax optimization, estate planning, insurance strategies, and more. These services are usually delivered through a team of experienced financial professionals who align your wealth strategy with your long-term goals.
Let’s explore the various ways you can manage your wealth.
Managing your Wealth Personally
Handling your investments and finances on your own may seem appealing—it’s the most cost-effective route, with no advisor fees. However, self-management can be overwhelming for individuals with large portfolios. Overseeing $10 million or more demands in-depth knowledge across several domains, such as tax laws, estate structures, asset allocation, and insurance solutions.
Without proper expertise, you risk costly mistakes, missed opportunities, or ineffective strategies that can undermine your long-term objectives. If your goal is generational wealth, you’ll likely need experienced support along the way.
This is where working with a qualified wealth manager becomes invaluable. These professionals bring a broad skill set and experience across all the key areas of financial planning, helping you make informed decisions that align with your unique goals.
Financial Planners – Wealth Management Austin
For those who prefer a more guided approach, financial planners are a common starting point. A financial planner works with you to develop a comprehensive roadmap—taking into account your lifestyle goals, investment preferences, tax planning, and risk tolerance.
In Austin, many planners offer tailored plans to help you organize and prioritize your finances. While this is a great foundational step, there are limitations. Financial planners often provide generalized advice and typically don’t implement investment strategies directly. You may need a second professional, such as an investment broker, to carry out transactions and manage assets.
Investment Brokers
Investment brokers serve a more specific function—they help you execute investment decisions by buying and selling securities on your behalf. They often provide investment recommendations and help balance your portfolio to align with your objectives.
To be effective, most high-net-worth individuals find that using both a planner and a broker is necessary. However, coordinating between multiple professionals can add complexity and risk if they aren’t aligned in their strategy or communication.
Wealth Managers
A wealth manager serves as that single, integrated solution. Wealth advisors provide the combined benefits of financial planning, investment strategy, and portfolio management. But they go further, offering holistic support for estate strategies, tax planning, risk mitigation, and philanthropic planning.
Wealth managers are uniquely suited to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want a streamlined experience and expert handling of all aspects of their financial lives.
Trusted Wealth Management Services
When selecting a financial service provider, understanding how they are compensated is essential. Some advisors charge an hourly or flat fee to offer financial advice and develop strategies that align with your investment goals. Others, such as investment brokers, may work on a commission basis, earning a fee each time they buy or sell assets on your behalf.
While this model can work, it may introduce a conflict of interest. For example, a broker might recommend a particular investment not because it’s the most suitable option for your portfolio, but because it yields a higher commission for them.
In such cases, even if the recommendation technically aligns with your goals, you could end up with a suboptimal portfolio simply because the advisor is not obligated to act solely in your best interest.
That’s why it’s important to work with a financial advisor who operates under a fiduciary duty. Fiduciary advisors are legally bound to prioritize your interests above their own. This accountability ensures that any recommendation is made with your financial well-being as the top priority.
Firms that offer wealth management services under a fiduciary standard must register as Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs). To qualify, the firm’s principals must pass industry exams and register with either the appropriate state authority or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), depending on the size of assets they manage.
For individuals managing $10 million or more in investable assets, it’s especially important to work with a provider that is both qualified and fully transparent. If you’re exploring fiduciary-based wealth advisory services, now is the time to [Browse Financial Advisors] who meet these high standards.
Austin Wealth and Estate Planning
Now that you understand the options for managing your wealth, what are the benefits of working with a wealth manager in Austin?
It Simplifies the Process
Partnering with a wealth manager can significantly ease the burden of overseeing and growing your financial portfolio. High-net-worth wealth management involves navigating complex areas such as tax planning, estate planning, insurance, investment strategy, and more. Rather than managing it all on your own, it’s far more efficient to engage an expert who can oversee these areas with a coordinated strategy tailored to your financial objectives.
It Enhances Financial Security
For individuals with $5 million to $500 million in liquid assets, wealth management isn’t just about growing assets—it’s also about protecting them. Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape as a high-net-worth individual can be challenging. Without expert guidance, there’s a risk of unintentionally violating rules that could lead to financial or legal repercussions.
A wealth manager in Austin can help ensure your portfolio remains compliant, optimized, and aligned with both federal and state-specific requirements. For example, someone unfamiliar with estate or tax planning could unknowingly make errors in their filings, exposing themselves to penalties. By contrast, a qualified advisor can guide you through these complexities, reducing risk and enhancing peace of mind.
Austin Independent Wealth Management Firm
At this point, it’s clear that working with a professional financial service provider in Austin is essential, especially for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Your financial needs are far more complex than those of the average investor. From generational wealth planning to navigating tax strategies and estate structuring, affluent individuals face unique challenges that require customized solutions.
Many financial planners and investment brokers primarily serve middle-income clients and may not have the depth of experience required to manage portfolios exceeding $5 million. The strategies that work for mass-market investors often don’t scale effectively for high-net-worth wealth management. To build, preserve, and transition wealth across generations, you need a planning approach that is comprehensive, proactive, and highly tailored.
Whether you’re seeking a better investment strategy, more control over your estate, or simply want clarity on your next steps, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s close with a simple way to take action:
Use these resources to begin your journey toward clearer, more effective wealth planning on your terms.
