Private wealth, demystified
Private banking, wealth management, family offices, private credit and private equity were once whispered about behind closed doors. Here's what they actually do, what they cost and how to tell whether you need them.
Private Wealth Management: Services, Fees and How to Choose
What private wealth management covers, who it suits, how firms charge, and how a small difference in annual fees can compound into a large sum over 25 years.
BankingPrivate Banking Explained: Perks, Costs and Trade-offs
How private banking works, what the minimums are, which perks are worth having, where conflicts of interest arise, and the questions to ask before you sign up.
InvestingPrivate Credit for Individual Investors: Yield, Risk, Access
A balanced guide to private credit: how direct lending works, why it grew, what drives its yields, its liquidity and fee trade-offs, and how to access it.
InvestingPrivate Equity for Individuals: How It Works and What to Weigh
How private equity works for individual investors: capital calls, the J-curve, 2-and-20 fees, semi-liquid funds, key risks and allocation factors.
RetirementHow to Choose a Fee-Only Financial Advisor
Fee-only vs fee-based vs commission advisors explained, the credentials to look for by country, how to verify registration, interview questions and red flags.
The wealth-service ladder
A rough guide to which services typically make sense at different levels of investable assets. Thresholds vary by firm and country.
| Investable assets | Typical providers | What you're usually paying for |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100k | Robo-advisor or DIY index funds; hourly or flat-fee planner for a one-off plan | Low-cost core portfolio, emergency fund, debt payoff |
| 100k – 1M | Fee-only planner (flat or AUM), premium bank tier | Tax-efficient accounts, insurance review, retirement projection |
| 1M – 5M | Private wealth manager, private-banking entry tier | Tax and estate coordination, lending against assets, alternatives access |
| 5M – 25M | Private bank, multi-family office | Trusts, philanthropy, private equity/credit allocations, family governance |
| 25M+ | Single- or multi-family office | Full-service family CFO: investments, legal, tax, concierge |
Questions to ask any wealth firm
- Are you a fiduciary at all times, in writing?
- How exactly are you paid — and by whom?
- What is my all-in annual cost, including fund fees?
- Who holds my assets (the custodian)?
- Do you sell proprietary products?
- How will you measure success for me?
Get introduced to the right firm
Share your goals and asset range. We'll introduce you to independent, fee-only professionals suited to your level — from flat-fee planners to private wealth teams.
Get matched free →FAQ
Do I need to be rich to use a wealth manager?
No. Minimums vary widely. Many fee-only planners work on flat or hourly fees with no minimum, while traditional private wealth firms often start somewhere around the high six or low seven figures.
What's the difference between a private bank and a wealth manager?
A private bank combines banking and lending with investment services under one relationship manager. A wealth manager focuses on investment and planning advice and may hold your assets at an independent custodian.
Are private equity and private credit suitable for individuals?
They can play a small role for investors who understand the illiquidity, fees and complexity, and who meet any eligibility rules. Most individuals are well served by low-cost public-market portfolios.