CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: what’s the difference?

1 min read by Unbiased team Last updated August 30, 2024

Discover CAPTRUST and Fisher Investments' key offerings, including their financial advisory services, fee structures, support, technology, and core investment strategies.

Summary 

  • Fisher Investments and CAPTRUST offer financial advisory services to clients in the US. 

  • Fisher Investments’ private client services cater primarily to high-net-worth clients, while CAPTRUST financial advisors serve clients of all net worths, including institutions and businesses. 

  • Fisher charges its services using an AUM percentage fee structure, while CAPTRUST offers two optional fee structures for clients. 

  • Unbiased can connect you with a financial advisor best suited to your needs and goals. 

CAPTRUST vs. Fisher Investments: what are the differences? 

CAPTRUST is an SEC-regulated financial advisory firm. CAPTRUST's financial services include investment and tax, estate, and retirement planning. 

Fisher Investments offers investment advice and portfolio planning for wealthy clients. The firm provides financial and investment planning services and personalized portfolios and currently has over $265 billion in assets under management (AUM).  

What fees can I expect from Fisher Investments & CAPTRUST? 

Financial advisory firms may charge various fees for their services, including advisor fees, trading commissions, and account management fees.  

Fisher Investments' fees are based on an AUM fee for portfolio management, which constitutes a percentage of a client’s invested assets. 

CAPTRUST fees are a little different. They operate as a fee-based firm and offer a choice between wrap-fee and non-wrap-fee structures.  

Fisher Investments fees 

Fisher Investments fees reduce as clients invest more in their portfolios. The firm requires an account minimum of $500,000 and investments up to $1 million, and it charges fees of 1.25% AUM per annum.  

Investments of up to $4 million are charged at 1.125% per annum, and Fisher Investments financial advisor clients with over $5 million in their portfolios will pay 1% AUM per year. 

CAPTRUST fees 

CAPTRUST fees come in both wrap and non-wrap options.  

Wrap fees will cover all expenses, including those related to brokerage and execution services. Non-wrap fees will only cover financial advisory services, and additional services levied must be paid separately. 

The firm’s non-wrap fee schedule charges 2.25% AUM on investments up to $500,000, 2.00% on investments up to $1 million, and 1.75% up to $2 million. Portfolios worth up to $5 million will attract 1.25% AUM fees per annum, and fees for portfolios worth more than $5 million stand at 1.00% AUM. 

Wrap fees work on a minimum/maximum scale. Portfolios worth up to $1 million will be charged 0.35%/0.65% in manager and platform fees and a maximum total fee of 2.25% AUM. Investments of up to $5 million will levy 0.25%/0.55% for management and up to 1.75% total fees.  

Is Fisher Investments or CAPTRUST better? 

When comparing CAPTRUST and Fisher Investments, both firms offer reputable financial advisory services but differ in their offerings and fee structures.  

Here are their potential pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your needs. 

Pros of Fisher Investments 

  • Ongoing advisory support delivered by skilled Fisher Investments financial advisors. 

  • Customized investment portfolios are available based on unique client needs. 

  • Renowned customer service delivered through dedicated financial advisors and support staff. 

  • Both online and in-person financial advisory services are available. 

Cons of Fisher Investments 

  • Brokerage services are not yet available. 

  • A high account minimum of $500,000 is imposed. 

  • The website offers limited functionality and research tools. 

Pros of CAPTRUST 

  • Distinct fee structures allow clients to choose the best structure for their goals. 

  • Brokerage services offered. 

  • SEC-regulated financial advisory firm. 

  • An extensive range of financial advisory and financial planning services is on offer. 

Cons of CAPTRUST 

  • CAPTRUST allows advisors to sell securities, creating the potential for conflicts of interest. 

  • Fees may be higher than those of other leading competitors. 

  • Customer support is limited to online support forms. 

CAPTRUST or Fisher Investments: which should I choose? 

Fisher Investments and CAPTRUST financial advisors each offer their own strengths, but one option may be better suited to your specific needs and goals as an investor.  

Along with fees, core offerings, and pros and cons, here are some questions to consider when making your choice. 

How do Fisher Investments and CAPTRUST remain competitive and adapt to changing market conditions? 

Fisher maintains its competitive nature with personalized wealth management services. It tailors each portfolio to its client’s needs and unique financial goals through its portfolio design and financial planning strategies.  

CAPTRUST stays competitive by working with both high- and low-net-worth investors, banks, investment firms, government entities, businesses, and charities. It offers an extensive range of financial advisory services to meet a spectrum of client needs. 

Which platform provides better customer service and support? 

Fisher Investments customer service assigns each client their own Fisher Investments financial advisor who provides ongoing support in reaching their financial goals.  

Customer service is available via email, phone call, and by scheduling a meeting with your assigned advisor. 

CAPTRUST customer service is only available through the firm’s Contact Us webpage.  

You can reach the support team by filling out a form describing your identity and needs, and a representative will contact you as soon as possible. 

Can I access my Fisher Investments or CAPTRUST accounts through their websites and mobile apps? 

Fisher Investments offers a simple online platform for checking portfolio performance, balances, and asset location. However, all management services require the assistance of a financial advisor. 

CAPTRUST also offers access to client accounts online and via mobile, allowing clients to check their account balances, transaction histories, investment performances, and other essential data. 

What are Fisher Investments & CAPTRUST’s specific investment strategies? 

Fisher Investments strategies differ from CAPTRUST’s investment strategies in a few key ways: 

Fisher Investments strategies 

Fisher Investments prioritizes stocks in 2024 due to political uncertainty and economic strength in the US. The firm generally takes a disciplined investment approach and encourages long-term investing to meet clients’ goals.  

Fisher Investments financial advisors create personalized investment strategies that account for client risk tolerance and time horizons to protect clients against volatility. 

CAPTRUST investment strategies 

CAPTRUST financial services adopts a client-centered approach and uses personal information and advisors’ skills to identify the best securities and strategies for individual needs.  

The firm uses a range of short-term and long-term securities in its portfolios and uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods to recommend optimal investment vehicles. 

Find the right financial advisor 

Both CAPTRUST and Fisher Investments are reputable choices when it comes to financial advisory services.  

Let Unbiased connect you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor who can offer expert advice to help you reach your financial goals. 

Writers

Unbiased team

Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing and retirement, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.