How to Choose a Financial Advisor in SCOTTSDALE, AZ

A data-driven guide based on 467 registered advisors in SCOTTSDALE

Local Market Overview

There are 467 registered financial advisors in SCOTTSDALE, Arizona. Approximately 94% report fee-based compensation, while 10% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving SCOTTSDALE manages $4.1B in assets.

Registered Advisors

467

In SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Avg Firm AUM

$4.1B

Assets under management

Top Credential

—

Community Profile

SCOTTSDALE has a population of 240,537 with a median household income of $104,197. The median age is 48.4.

Advisor density: 19.4 per 10K residents

Median income: $104,197

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

94% of advisors · 440 total

Subscription fees

46% of advisors · 213 total

Hourly charges

45% of advisors · 209 total

Performance-based fees

20% of advisors · 95 total

Commissions

10% of advisors · 45 total

Other: ASSET MANAGEMENT FEES

2% of advisors · 9 total

What to Look For

Check their credentials

The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard for comprehensive financial planning. A CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) signals deep investment expertise, while a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) covers insurance and estate planning.

Understand fee structures

Fee-only advisors charge only for their advice (hourly, flat fee, or % of AUM). Fee-based advisors may also earn commissions on products they sell. Commission-only advisors earn money from product sales. Fee-only is generally considered the least conflicted model. See Arizona fee analysis →

Verify their registration

Every legitimate advisor should be registered with the SEC or their state. Check FINRA BrokerCheck for disciplinary history, disclosures, and registration status. All advisors on AdvisorOS are sourced from official SEC/FINRA registration data.

Ask about account minimums

Some advisors require $250,000 or more to open an account. Others work with any portfolio size. Ask upfront to avoid wasting time on advisors who aren't a fit.

Review their Form CRS

The Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) is a 2-page document every advisor must provide. It explains services, fees, conflicts of interest, and disciplinary history in plain language. Ask for it before your first meeting.

Browse Advisors in SCOTTSDALE

467 advisors in SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Search the full directory of registered financial advisors in SCOTTSDALE. Compare credentials, specialties, and firm details — all based on SEC and FINRA public data.

Browse SCOTTSDALE Advisors All Cities in Arizona

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in SCOTTSDALE, AZ?

There are 467 registered financial advisors in SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in SCOTTSDALE have?

Look for CFP (Certified Financial Planner) for comprehensive planning, CFA for investment management, or ChFC for insurance and estate planning.

Are financial advisors in SCOTTSDALE required to be fiduciaries?

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. Broker-dealers follow a suitability standard. Always ask your advisor about their fiduciary status and get it in writing.

What do financial advisors in SCOTTSDALE charge?

Fees vary widely. Fee-only advisors typically charge 0.5%–1.5% of assets under management, $150–$400/hour, or flat fees of $1,000–$7,500+ per plan. Commission-based advisors may not charge fees directly but earn commissions on products.

Guides for Nearby Cities

PHOENIX Guide (224)TUCSON Guide (124)MESA Guide (41)CHANDLER Guide (24)TEMPE Guide (24)PEORIA Guide (20)PRESCOTT Guide (12)GILBERT Guide (10)YUMA Guide (9)FLAGSTAFF Guide (7)

Browse SCOTTSDALE Advisors by Specialty

Investment Management Retirement Planning Wealth Management Financial Planning Fee-Only Advisory Financial Education

More Research

What Do Financial Advisors Cost in Arizona? →National Fee Analysis →