Investopedia/Will Kenton: What is Wealth Management?

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Managing Wealth

Wealth Management
Reviewed by Will Kenton
Updated Jul 26, 2018
What is Wealth Management

Wealth management is a high-level professional service that combines financial and investment advice, accounting and tax services, retirement planning, and legal or estate planning for one set fee. Clients work with a single wealth manager who coordinates input from financial experts and can include coordinating advice from the client's own attorney, accountants and insurance agent. Some wealth managers also provide banking services or advice on philanthropic activities.
Wealth Management
BREAKING DOWN Wealth Management

Wealth management is more than just investment advice, as it can encompass all parts of a person's financial life. The idea is that rather than trying to integrate pieces of advice and various products from a series of professionals, high net worth individuals benefit from a holistic approach in which a single manager coordinates all the services needed to manage their money and plan for their own or their family's current and future needs.

While the use of a wealth manager is based on the theory that he or she can provide services in any aspect of the financial field, some choose to specialize in particular areas. This may be based on the expertise of the wealth manager in question, or the primary focus of the business within which the wealth manager operates.
Wealth Management Example

For example, those in the direct employ of a firm known for investments may have more knowledge in the area of market strategy, while those working in the employ of a large bank may focus on areas such as the management of trusts and available credit options, overall estate planning or insurance options. The position is considered consultative in nature, as the primary focus is providing needed guidance to those using the wealth management service.
Wealth Management Business Structures

Wealth managers may work as part of a small-scale business or as part of a larger firm, one generally associated with the finance industry. Depending on the business, wealth managers may function under different titles, including financial consultant or financial adviser. A client may receive services from a single designated wealth manager or may have access to members of a specified wealth management team.
Strategies of a Wealth Manager

The wealth manager starts by developing a plan that will maintain and increase a client's wealth based on that individual's financial situation, goals and comfort level with risk. After the original plan is developed, the manager meets regularly with clients to update goals, review and rebalance the financial portfolio, and investigate whether additional services are needed, with the ultimate goal being to remain in the client’s service throughout their lifetime.
Related Terms
Unified Managed Household Account - UMHA
A unified managed household account (UMHA) is privately managed and grants immediate family access to combined unaffiliated products.
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Discretionary Investment Management
Discretionary investment management is a form of investing in which a client's buy and sell decisions are made by a portfolio manager.
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Factor
A factor is a financial intermediary that purchases receivables from a company.
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Trust Property
Trust property includes assets such as securities, cash and property that are managed by a trustee for the benefit of designated individuals.
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Chartered Wealth Manager - CWM
Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM) is a professional designation issued by the Global Academy of Finance and Investment (GAFM).
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Beneficiary Of Trust
A beneficiary of trust is the individual or group of people who benefit from trust assets and the income they generate as outlined in a trust agreement.
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