City Guide

How to Choose a Financial Advisor in SAN MATEO, CA

A data-driven guide based on 70 registered advisors in SAN MATEO
01

Local Market Overview

There are 70 registered financial advisors in SAN MATEO, California. Approximately 91% report fee-based compensation, while 4% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving SAN MATEO manages $9.4B in assets.

Registered Advisors
70
In SAN MATEO, CA
Avg Firm AUM
$9.4B
Assets under management
Top Credential
CFP
12 advisors
Community Profile

SAN MATEO has a population of 104,165 with a median household income of $149,152. The median age is 38.1.

Advisor density: 6.7 per 10K residents
Median income: $149,152
Most Common Credentials in SAN MATEO
CFP
12 advisors
CFA
7 advisors
ChFC
3 advisors
Compensation Types Reported
Percentage of AUM
91% of advisors · 64 total
Subscription fees
50% of advisors · 35 total
Hourly charges
41% of advisors · 29 total
Performance-based fees
13% of advisors · 9 total
Commissions
4% of advisors · 3 total
Fixed fees
4% of advisors · 3 total
02

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.
03

Browse Advisors in SAN MATEO

70 advisors in SAN MATEO, CA

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

Browse SAN MATEO AdvisorsAll Cities in California
04

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in SAN MATEO, CA?
There are 70 registered financial advisors in SAN MATEO, California, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.
What credentials should a financial advisor in SAN MATEO 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 SAN MATEO advisors is CFP.
Are financial advisors in SAN MATEO 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 SAN MATEO 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
SAN FRANCISCO Guide (951)LOS ANGELES Guide (679)SAN DIEGO Guide (421)NEWPORT BEACH Guide (277)IRVINE Guide (191)PASADENA Guide (130)WALNUT CREEK Guide (121)SANTA MONICA Guide (118)SANTA BARBARA Guide (103)LA JOLLA Guide (100)
Browse SAN MATEO Advisors by Specialty
Investment ManagementRetirement PlanningWealth ManagementFinancial PlanningFee-Only AdvisoryFinancial Education
More Research
What Do Financial Advisors Cost in California? →National Fee Analysis →