How to Choose a Financial Advisor in COLUMBUS, OH

A data-driven guide based on 392 registered advisors in COLUMBUS

Local Market Overview

There are 392 registered financial advisors in COLUMBUS, Ohio. Approximately 83% report fee-based compensation, while 1% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving COLUMBUS manages $6.0B in assets.

Registered Advisors

392

In COLUMBUS, OH

Avg Firm AUM

$6.0B

Assets under management

Top Credential

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Community Profile

COLUMBUS has a population of 902,449 with a median household income of $62,994. The median age is 32.7.

Advisor density: 4.3 per 10K residents

Median income: $62,994

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

83% of advisors · 325 total

Subscription fees

38% of advisors · 147 total

Hourly charges

16% of advisors · 61 total

Performance-based fees

14% of advisors · 56 total

Other: PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT

3% of advisors · 13 total

Other: COST SHARING AGREEMENT FOR CERTAIN AFFILIATED CLIENTS

3% of advisors · 12 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 Ohio 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 COLUMBUS

392 advisors in COLUMBUS, OH

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

Browse COLUMBUS Advisors All Cities in Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in COLUMBUS, OH?

There are 392 registered financial advisors in COLUMBUS, Ohio, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in COLUMBUS 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 COLUMBUS 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 COLUMBUS 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 COLUMBUS Advisors by Specialty

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

More Research

What Do Financial Advisors Cost in Ohio? →National Fee Analysis →