How to Choose a Financial Advisor in WILMINGTON, NC

A data-driven guide based on 48 registered advisors in WILMINGTON

Local Market Overview

There are 48 registered financial advisors in WILMINGTON, North Carolina. Approximately 88% report fee-based compensation, while 13% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving WILMINGTON manages $311M in assets.

Registered Advisors

In WILMINGTON, NC

Avg Firm AUM

$311M

Assets under management

Top Credential

—

Community Profile

WILMINGTON has a population of 116,933 with a median household income of $58,908. The median age is 37.6.

Advisor density: 4.1 per 10K residents

Median income: $58,908

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

88% of advisors · 42 total

Hourly charges

63% of advisors · 30 total

Subscription fees

58% of advisors · 28 total

Commissions

13% of advisors · 6 total

Other: THIRD PARTY ADVISER FEES

6% of advisors · 3 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 WILMINGTON

48 advisors in WILMINGTON, NC

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

Browse WILMINGTON Advisors All Cities in North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in WILMINGTON, NC?

There are 48 registered financial advisors in WILMINGTON, North Carolina, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in WILMINGTON 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 WILMINGTON 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 WILMINGTON 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

CHARLOTTE Guide (678)RALEIGH Guide (346)GREENSBORO Guide (123)CHAPEL HILL Guide (112)DURHAM Guide (111)ASHEVILLE Guide (94)WINSTON-SALEM Guide (76)CARY Guide (30)CORNELIUS Guide (23)MATTHEWS Guide (19)

Browse WILMINGTON 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 →