A significant majority of ultra-wealthy investors polled by the Institute for Private Investors, 63%, said they were fully satisfied with their advisor relationships.
Also, 81% of investors said they trust advisors to act in their best interests, while 95% of advisors believe the clients of their firms are fully satisfied with the relationship. The IPI said the advisors’ outlook suggested a perception gap exists between what they and clients think.
The IPI, a New York-based networking and educational organization for ultra high-net-worth investors, published the study, “Both Sides Now: Perceptions of the Advisor-Investor Relationship,” on Monday.
Sixty-three percent of investors said they agree the advisor produces results that align with their family’s goals and risk parameters. Only 17% disapproved of the advisor’s performance. Also, 65% of clients said their advisors use the full resources of the firm to benefit his or her family, and 59% were satisfied with the access provided by their advisors.
Advisors, however, gave their own firms high marks on similar questions. A vast majority, 95%, agreed that their firm produces results in line with the goals of their clients’ families. Also, 98% said their firms use the fill range of resources to benefit clients and their families, and 92% said their firms provide access to top professionals, firms and opportunities.
At least advisors and their firms made strides in fees and transparency, according to IPI’s findings. In a 2006 survey, investors were less confident that the industry had served them well, specifically expressing doubts about advisors’ ability to explain fees. They were also frustrated about the lack of adequate information to allow them to compare fees. In the study released Monday, 68% of investors agreed that their advisor has open, transparent and fair fees.
