How to Choose a Financial Advisor in WASHINGTON, DC

A data-driven guide based on 638 registered advisors in WASHINGTON

Local Market Overview

There are 638 registered financial advisors in WASHINGTON, District of Columbia. Approximately 76% report fee-based compensation, while 1% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving WASHINGTON manages $13.3B in assets.

Registered Advisors

638

In WASHINGTON, DC

Avg Firm AUM

$13.3B

Assets under management

Top Credential

—

Community Profile

WASHINGTON has a population of 670,587 with a median household income of $101,722. The median age is 34.8.

Advisor density: 9.5 per 10K residents

Median income: $101,722

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

76% of advisors · 483 total

Performance-based fees

52% of advisors · 329 total

Subscription fees

16% of advisors · 101 total

Hourly charges

5% of advisors · 34 total

Other: ADVISORY, MONITORING AND OTHER SIMILAR FEES

2% of advisors · 12 total

Other: MONITORING, ADVISORY, AND OTHER FEES

1% of advisors · 8 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 District of Columbia 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 WASHINGTON

638 advisors in WASHINGTON, DC

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

Browse WASHINGTON Advisors All Cities in District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in WASHINGTON, DC?

There are 638 registered financial advisors in WASHINGTON, District of Columbia, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in WASHINGTON 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 WASHINGTON 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 WASHINGTON 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

WASHINGTON, D.C. Guide (11)WASHINGTON DC Guide (4)WASHING DC Guide (2)

Browse WASHINGTON Advisors by Specialty

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

More Research

What Do Financial Advisors Cost in District of Columbia? →National Fee Analysis →