A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is a firm or individual that provides investment advice and is regulated by the SEC or state authorities. Firms managing over $100 million in assets register with the SEC, and Kestrel Wealth Management is registered with the SEC. RIAs are also required to file an annual Form ADV, a publicly available document outlining the firm’s services, business practices, and regulatory history.
A fiduciary financial advisor is legally required to act in their client’s best interests when providing advice. This means putting the client’s interests ahead of their own and disclosing potential conflicts of interest. Fiduciary advice focuses on what is appropriate for the client’s goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation, rather than on selling specific financial products.
Being independent means we aren’t tied to a single financial institution or a limited list of products. Instead of working from a pre-selected menu, we’re able to evaluate options across multiple sources and recommend what we believe is the best fit for your situation.
A fee-only financial advisor is compensated directly by clients and does not receive commissions from investment or insurance products. We are compensated solely through a percentage of assets under management (AUM), meaning our compensation does not depend on product sales. This structure is designed to reduce conflicts of interest and support transparent advice.
A fee-only advisor is paid exclusively by clients and does not earn commissions.
A fee-based advisor may charge client fees but can also receive commissions from certain financial products.
This distinction matters because commission-based compensation can introduce potential conflicts of interest.
Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are held to a fiduciary standard, meaning advice must be given in a client’s best interest. Broker-dealers operate under a suitability standard and may be compensated through commissions or restricted to certain products, which can create conflicts of interest.
It makes sense to hire a financial advisor when your finances become more complex or you want a clear plan and accountability. Common triggers include a growing income, job changes, marriage, children, receiving equity compensation or inheritance, or retirement planning. Many people also work with an advisor to gain confidence, reduce stress, and avoid costly mistakes, even if they could manage finances on their own.
Meeting frequency depends on your needs and stage of life. Most clients meet one to two times per year for structured reviews, with additional conversations as needed. Beyond scheduled meetings, we remain readily accessible by phone, email, or text so you can reach us directly whenever questions or life changes arise.
Yes. Clients maintain full access and visibility to their accounts at all times through secure online portals provided by custodians. Even when an advisor manages investments, the assets remain in accounts owned by the client, not the advisor.
Yes. We work with clients across the United States and regularly meet virtually.