Bankoh Investment Services, Inc. is a Honolulu-based financial advisor specializing in financial planning and wealth management services. What’s unique about Bankoh is that the firm offers both investment advisory and brokerage services.
Bankoh oversees millions in assets under management (AUM). For advisory services, Bankoh earns its compensation from asset-based fees and commissions.
The firm also has a fee-based fee structure, so advisors can earn investment product commissions in addition to the fees they already receive for advisory services.
Bankoh holds a spot on our ranking of the top financial advisors in Hawaii.
Bankoh Investment Services Background
Bankoh was formed as a corporation in 1991, but the firm became a registered investment advisor (RIA) in 2005. Bankoh is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of Hawaii Corporation.
The firm’s principal officer, president and chief executive officer (CEO) is Christopher Otto.
Bankoh Investment Services Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Bankoh manages non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as retirement plans, charities and businesses.
The firm has a $100,000 minimum account size requirement.
Services Offered by Bankoh Investment Services
Bankoh offers the following advisory services:
- Financial planning
- Selection of other advisors
Bankoh Investment Services Investment Philosophy
Bankoh says on its brochure that it primarily uses fundamental analysis to develop investment recommendations for its clients. The firm also prefers a long-term approach to investing, but it may occasionally advise clients to buy and sell positions that are more short-term in nature, according to its brochure.
Bankoh advisors typically invest in individual equity securities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and money market funds.
Bankoh Investment Services Fees
Bankoh provides the following fee schedule for its investment advisory services:
| Total AUM | Annual Fee |
| Up to $500,000 | 1.00% |
| Next $500,000 (Up to $1,000,000) | 0.85% |
| Next $1,000,000 (Up to $2,000,000) | 0.70% |
| Next $3,000,000 (Up to $5,000,000) | 0.60% |
| Over $5,000,000 | 0.50% |
Accounts smaller than $2 million are charged the same or less than the industry average, which is 0.95%, according to a 2018 study of 1,500 firms by RIA in a Box. Here is the estimated dollar amount you'd pay in advisory fees based on the size of your account:
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at Bankoh Investment Services* | |
| Your Assets | Bankoh Investment Services Maximum Fee Amount |
| $500K | $5,000 |
| $1MM | $9,250 |
| $2MM | $16,250 |
| $5MM | $34,250 |
| $10MM | $59,250 |
Learn more about advisors' typical costs here.
What to Watch Out For
Though Bakoh doesn’t have any disclosures, or disciplinary actions, on its brochure, it’s important to remember that some of the firm’s advisors can earn commissions from securities sales. This can create a conflict of interest if advisors neglect a client’s preferences to sell a commissioned product charging higher fees.
Bankoh has a fiduciary obligation to act in each client’s best interests, but this is important to keep in mind.
Opening an Account with Bankoh Investment Services
You can set up an account with Bankoh by visiting the firm’s Honolulu office, or you can contact an advisor at (808) 694-8500.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Investing Tips for Beginners
- If you’ve made an initial investment but you aren’t sure about its potential returns, our investment calculator can help. You’ll simply need to enter in some details about your initial investment amount, expected time of growth and expected rate of return, and the tool will do the rest.
- Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
