City Guide

How to Choose a Financial Advisor in SANTA CLARA, CA

A data-driven guide based on 54 registered advisors in SANTA CLARA
01

Local Market Overview

There are 54 registered financial advisors in SANTA CLARA, California. Approximately 57% report fee-based compensation, while 9% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving SANTA CLARA manages $130.7B in assets.

Registered Advisors
54
In SANTA CLARA, CA
Avg Firm AUM
$130.7B
Assets under management
Top Credential
—
Community Profile

SANTA CLARA has a population of 128,058 with a median household income of $165,352. The median age is 34.5.

Advisor density: 4.2 per 10K residents
Median income: $165,352
Compensation Types Reported
Percentage of AUM
57% of advisors · 31 total
Hourly charges
43% of advisors · 23 total
Subscription fees
41% of advisors · 22 total
Other: SET-UP FEES & RELATED SVCS; REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PRINTED MATERIALS
24% of advisors · 13 total
Fixed fees
24% of advisors · 13 total
Other: THIRD PARTY ASSET MANAGEMENT FEES
9% of advisors · 5 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 SANTA CLARA

54 advisors in SANTA CLARA, CA

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

Browse SANTA CLARA AdvisorsAll Cities in California
04

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in SANTA CLARA, CA?
There are 54 registered financial advisors in SANTA CLARA, California, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.
What credentials should a financial advisor in SANTA CLARA 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 SANTA CLARA 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 SANTA CLARA 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 SANTA CLARA Advisors by Specialty
Investment ManagementRetirement PlanningWealth ManagementFinancial PlanningFee-Only AdvisoryFinancial Education
More Research
What Do Financial Advisors Cost in California? →National Fee Analysis →