How to Choose a Financial Advisor in SANTA MONICA, CA

A data-driven guide based on 478 registered advisors in SANTA MONICA

Local Market Overview

There are 478 registered financial advisors in SANTA MONICA, California. Approximately 71% report fee-based compensation, while 1% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving SANTA MONICA manages $21.3B in assets.

Registered Advisors

478

In SANTA MONICA, CA

Avg Firm AUM

$21.3B

Assets under management

Top Credential

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Community Profile

SANTA MONICA has a population of 92,168 with a median household income of $106,797. The median age is 42.1.

Advisor density: 51.9 per 10K residents

Median income: $106,797

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

71% of advisors · 341 total

Performance-based fees

59% of advisors · 282 total

Subscription fees

29% of advisors · 139 total

Other: FEE BASED ON NUMBER OF PLAN PARTICIPANTS

6% of advisors · 31 total

Hourly charges

3% of advisors · 14 total

Other: FUND ADMINSTRATION

2% of advisors · 11 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 SANTA MONICA

478 advisors in SANTA MONICA, CA

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

Browse SANTA MONICA Advisors All Cities in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in SANTA MONICA, CA?

There are 478 registered financial advisors in SANTA MONICA, California, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in SANTA MONICA 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 MONICA 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 MONICA 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 MONICA 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 →