CAPTRUST is one of the largest registered investment advisor (RIA) firms in the U.S., as it currently manages hundreds of billions of dollars in client assets. The fee-based firm, which is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, works with both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as institutional clients.
CAPTRUST offers both wrap-fee and non-wrap-fee services, meaning the client can choose whether to pay one price for both investment advice and the cost of execution or to pay a fee for investment advice and pay all of the execution costs, such as brokerage fees, separately.
CAPTRUST ranks on three different SmartAsset "Top Financial Advisor" lists. It is featured in our top financial advisors in Raleigh and top financial advisors in North Carolina lists, and sits atop our top financial advisors in the U.S. rankings.
CAPTRUST Background
CAPTRUST was founded in 2003. The CapFinancial Group, LLC, a company registered in North Carolina, owns just under 100% of the firm. CapFinancial Holdings, Inc. and Halftime Holdings LLC own The CapFinancial Group. And, according to the firm's brochure, GTCR Fund XII B owns more than 25% of CAPTRUST indirectly through its ownership of Halftime Holdings, LLC.
CAPTRUST Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
CAPTRUST works with both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as banking institutions, investment companies, retirement plans, charities, government entities, insurance companies and businesses.
The minimum account size to open an account at CAPTRUST is $50,000. This is not the minimum to maintain an account, though, so it's fine if the value of your account dips below that amount due to market fluctuations. Minimum account sizes are negotiable and may be waived under certain circumstances.
Services Offered by CAPTRUST
CAPTRUST offers a number of services to clients, including:
- Investment advisory services
- Establishment of investment objectives
- Asset allocation analysis
- Investment manager selection
- Mutual fund evaluation
- Ongoing investment manager/mutual fund due diligence
- Ongoing quarterly performance measurement
- Financial planning
- Estate planning and legacy planning
- Tax review
- Insurance review
- Charitable giving strategies
- Cash flow planning
- Family governance planning
CAPTRUST Investment Philosophy
CAPTRUST uses both a risk-based approach and an outcome-based approach to asset allocation. There are a number of model portfolios available, using asset classes including U.S. and global equities, fixed-income securities, strategic opportunities, commodities and real estate.
The outcomes-based models are as follows:
- Capital preservation
- Fixed income
- Income
- Core opportunities
- Conservative growth
- Moderate growth
- Aggressive growth
- All equity
The following managed account portfolios are risk-based models:
- Income
- Conservative
- Moderate
- Growth
- Aggressive
CAPTRUST Fees
CAPTRUST offers its services both with and without a wrap fee. If you opt to use a wrap fee, one fee covers all costs, including execution costs, such as brokerage fees. If you don’t, you’ll also be responsible for those fees in addition to advisory fees.
The fee schedule without a wrap fee is as follows:
| CAPTRUST Non-Wrap Fee Schedule | |
| AUM | Max Annual Fee |
| $0 - $500,000 | 2.25% |
| $500,001 - $1,000,000 | 2.00% |
| $1,000,001 - $2,000,000 | 1.75% |
| $2,000,001 - $5,000,000 | 1.25% |
| Over $5,000,000 | 1.00% |
The following are the fee schedules for CAPTRUST’s various wrap fee programs:
| CAPTRUST SMA Fixed-Income Fee Schedule | ||
| AUM | Manager and Platform Fee Minimum/Maximum | CAPTRUST Maximum Fee |
| First $1,000,000 | 0.35% / 0.65% | Up to 2.25% |
| Next $4,000,000 | 0.25% / 0.55% | Up to 1.75% |
| Over $5,000,000 | 0.20% / 0.50% | Up to 1.25% |
| CAPTRUST SMA Equity Fee Schedule | ||
| AUM | Manager and Platform Fee Minimum/Maximum | CAPTRUST Maximum Fee |
| First $1,000,000 | 0.60% / 1.00% | Up to 2.25% |
| Next $4,000,000 | 0.45% / 0.85% | Up to 1.75% |
| Over $5,000,000 | 0.40% / 0.80% | Up to 1.25% |
Below is an overview of roughly what you can expect to pay for non-wrap fee advisory services at CAPTRUST:
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount. Fee amounts above represent accounts without a wrap fee. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at CAPTRUST* | |
| Your Assets | Max Fee Amount Without Wrap Fee |
| $500K | $11,250 |
| $1MM | $20,000 |
| $5MM | $62,500 |
| $10MM | $100,000 |
What to Watch Out For
There are no disclosures on CAPTRUST’s SEC-file Form ADV.
CAPTRUST is sister companies with a broker-dealer, and many of its advisors also serve as broker-dealer representatives. This means they can earn commissions for selling securities. Some advisors are also insurance agents and can earn commissions. This presents a potential conflict of interest, though the firm's fiduciary duty requires it to act in clients' best interests at all times.
Opening an Account With CAPTRUST
To find a CAPTRUST advisor, use the advisor directory on its website. You can also call the firm's headquarters at (919) 870-6822.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
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