How to Choose a Financial Advisor in CHARLOTTE, NC

A data-driven guide based on 332 registered advisors in CHARLOTTE

Local Market Overview

There are 332 registered financial advisors in CHARLOTTE, North Carolina. Approximately 98% report fee-based compensation, while 5% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving CHARLOTTE manages $13.1B in assets.

Registered Advisors

332

In CHARLOTTE, NC

Avg Firm AUM

$13.1B

Assets under management

Top Credential

CFP

31 advisors

Community Profile

CHARLOTTE has a population of 875,045 with a median household income of $74,070. The median age is 34.5.

Advisor density: 3.8 per 10K residents

Median income: $74,070

Most Common Credentials in CHARLOTTE

CFP

31 advisors

CFA

14 advisors

ChFC

4 advisors

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

98% of advisors · 324 total

Subscription fees

58% of advisors · 192 total

Hourly charges

33% of advisors · 111 total

Performance-based fees

12% of advisors · 39 total

Commissions

5% of advisors · 15 total

Other: RECURRING FEE

3% of advisors · 10 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 North Carolina 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 CHARLOTTE

332 advisors in CHARLOTTE, NC

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

Browse CHARLOTTE Advisors All Cities in North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in CHARLOTTE, NC?

There are 332 registered financial advisors in CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in CHARLOTTE 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 CHARLOTTE advisors is CFP.

Are financial advisors in CHARLOTTE 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 CHARLOTTE 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

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Browse CHARLOTTE Advisors by Specialty

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

More Research

What Do Financial Advisors Cost in North Carolina? →National Fee Analysis →