CAPTRUST a large registered investment advisor (RIA) firm, managing more than $1 trillion in client assets. The fee-based firm, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, works with both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals and 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 holds the No. 1 spot on both our top financial advisors in Raleigh and top financial advisors in North Carolina lists, and also appears on 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. According to the firm's brochure, GTCR Fund XII B indirectly owns more than 25% of CAPTRUST 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.
CAPTRUST does not impose a minimum initial account size for its core wrap (PMA/WAS) programs, and there is no stated minimum to participate in those services. However, for separately managed accounts (SMAs), minimum investments are set by the underlying third-party managers and typically start around $100,000 or higher, varying by manager.
Services Offered by CAPTRUST
CAPTRUST offers several services to clients, including:
- Investment advisory services
- Establishment of investment goals and objectives
- Asset allocation analysis
- Investment manager selection and mutual fund evaluation
- Ongoing investment manager and mutual fund due diligence
- Ongoing portfolio performance measurement and periodic reviews
- Wealth planning services, including financial planning
- Estate planning evaluation
- Tax planning and consulting
- Charitable planning
- Coordination with other professional advisors
CAPTRUST Investment Philosophy
CAPTRUST uses both a risk-based and outcome-based approach to asset allocation, constructing portfolios based on each client’s goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. The firm utilizes model portfolios and customized allocations across asset classes including U.S. and international equities, fixed income, alternative investments, commodities and real estate.
Portfolio strategies vary by risk level and desired investment outcomes, but specific model categories are not predefined in the disclosure documents.
CAPTRUST Fees
CAPTRUST offers services on both a wrap fee and non-wrap fee basis. In a wrap fee program, a single fee generally includes portfolio management and transaction execution costs. In non-wrap arrangements, advisory fees are charged separately from brokerage and other transaction-related costs.
The fee schedule without a wrap fee is as follows:
| CAPTRUST Non-Wrap Fee Schedule | |
| AUM | Max Annual Fee |
| $0 - $1,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $2,000,000 - $5,000,000 | 0.85% |
| $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 | 0.70% |
| Over $10,000,000 | Negotiable |
The following are the fee schedules for CAPTRUST’s various wrap fee programs:
| CAPTRUST PMA / WAS Wrap Fee Schedule | |
| AUM | Max Annual Fee |
| First $1,000,000 | Up to 2.25% |
| Next $4,000,000 | Up to 1.75% |
| Over $5,000,000 | Up to 1.25% |
| CAPTRUST SMA Equity Wrap Fee Schedule | ||
| AUM | Manager & Platform Fee | Max Annual 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% |
| CAPTRUST SMA Fixed Income Wrap Fee Schedule | ||
| AUM | Manager & Platform Fee | Max Annual 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% |
What to Watch Out For
There are no disclosures on CAPTRUST’s SEC-file Form ADV. However, CAPTRUST is a sister company 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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