Edelman Financial Engines Marks Seventh Year as Top Independent RIA Firm by Barron’s

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the seventh consecutive year, Edelman Financial Engines (EFE) has been ranked the nation’s top independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm by Barron’s.¹ This year, the list has also been adjusted to designate a group of the largest “mega” firms, where EFE claims the #1 position overall.

“We are thrilled to once again be named the top RIA in the country by Barron’s. This recognition is special not only because it considers the size and strength of the firm and the number of people we help, but it also looks at ‘how’ we do it, with our exceptional financial planning professionals who exercise unwavering client care and who I believe represent the best in the business,” said Jay Shah, CEO of Edelman Financial Engines. “It’s an incredible honor to be at the top of the list seven years in row. We also know that it’s our clients who give us our greatest purpose, and who drive our team to new levels of service and innovation every day.”

For more than three decades, EFE has been providing Americans with access to high-quality, financial planning advice in the best interest of clients. The firm serves 1.3 million clients across the country, managing $288 billion in assets. EFE’s nationwide workforce of nearly 1,600 employees includes more than 730 planners, advisors, client service associates and analysts.² In addition to a network of local financial planners, the firm works with many of the nation’s largest employers and top retirement plan recordkeepers. Through the unique combination of these two channels, EFE provides both employees and retail clients with institutional quality asset management, proprietary technology, and access to best-in-class personal financial planning.

EFE has been committed to adding more financial services and capabilities as well as expanding its investment options to bring more choices and value to clients. Since 2022, EFE has also strengthened its planner network and locations through the acquisition of seven outstanding firms. Looking ahead, EFE will continue to pursue more RIA partners to grow the team nationwide while helping more people move their financial lives forward.

Methodology

The Barron’s rankings are based on data compiled from a 160-question survey applied to their formula. The 9th annual ranking of independent advisory companies is based on assets managed by the firms, technology spending, staff diversity, succession planning and other metrics.

About Edelman Financial Engines
Since 1986, Edelman Financial Engines has been committed to always acting in the best interests of our clients. We were founded on the belief that all investors – not just the wealthy – deserve access to personal, comprehensive financial planning and investment advice. Today, we are America’s top independent financial planning and investment advisory firm, recognized by Barron's¹ with 145+ offices across the country and entrusted by more than 1.3 million clients to manage more than $288 billion in assets.² Our unique approach to serving clients combines our advanced methodology and proprietary technology with the attention of a dedicated personal financial planner. Every client’s situation and goals are unique, and the powerful fusion of high-tech and high-touch allows Edelman Financial Engines to deliver the personal plan and financial confidence that everyone deserves.

1. The Barron’s 2024 Top 100 RIA Firms list, a ninth-year ranking of independent advisory firms, is qualitative and quantitative, including assets managed by the firms, technology spending, staff diversity, succession planning and other metrics. Firms elect to participate but do not pay to be included in the ranking. Ranking awarded each September based on data within a 12-month period. Investor experience and returns are not considered. The 2024 ranking considers EFE the top firm within the mega RIA category, comprised of firms that manage 2% or more of the total assets of all ranking applicants. The 2018 ranking refers to Edelman Financial Services, LLC, which combined its advisory business in its entirety with Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. (FEA) in November 2018. For the same survey, FEA received a precombination ranking of 12th.

2. All data within is from Edelman Financial Engines’ Data Warehouse as of June 30, 2024.

© 2024 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Results are not guaranteed. AM3859703