How to Choose a Financial Advisor in LOS ANGELES, CA

A data-driven guide based on 679 registered advisors in LOS ANGELES

Local Market Overview

There are 679 registered financial advisors in LOS ANGELES, California. Approximately 90% report fee-based compensation, while 10% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving LOS ANGELES manages $42.3B in assets.

Registered Advisors

679

In LOS ANGELES, CA

Avg Firm AUM

$42.3B

Assets under management

Top Credential

CFP

40 advisors

Community Profile

LOS ANGELES has a population of 3,881,041 with a median household income of $76,244. The median age is 36.5.

Advisor density: 1.7 per 10K residents

Median income: $76,244

Most Common Credentials in LOS ANGELES

40 advisors

22 advisors

1 advisors

1 advisors

1 advisors

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

90% of advisors · 614 total

Subscription fees

46% of advisors · 313 total

Performance-based fees

28% of advisors · 187 total

Hourly charges

23% of advisors · 157 total

Commissions

10% of advisors · 71 total

Other: AS AGREED UPON IN A MANNER THAT COVERS REGISTRANT'S COSTS

3% of advisors · 17 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 California 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 LOS ANGELES

679 advisors in LOS ANGELES, CA

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

Browse LOS ANGELES Advisors All Cities in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in LOS ANGELES, CA?

There are 679 registered financial advisors in LOS ANGELES, California, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in LOS ANGELES have?

Look for CFP (Certified Financial Planner) for comprehensive planning, CFA for investment management, or ChFC for insurance and estate planning. The most common credential among LOS ANGELES advisors is CFP.

Are financial advisors in LOS ANGELES 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 LOS ANGELES 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.

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Browse LOS ANGELES Advisors by Specialty

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

More Research

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