Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc.
Crawford Investment Counsel is an investment management firm with billions in assets under management (AUM). This Atlanta-based financial advisory practice works with both individual clients and institutional investors.
As a fee-only firm, Crawford's revenue comes solely from the advisory fees that clients pay, not commissions for recommending third-party products and services. In addition to its headquarters in Atlanta, Crawford maintains an office in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
Crawford Investment Counsel Background
Crawford Investment Counsel first opened its doors in 1980. It currently is owned by founder John H. Crawford III, John H. Crawford IV, and David B. Crawford. Crawford III serves as chairman and chief investment officer (CIO). His sons, who own the rest of the firm and joined in the 1990s, serve in leadership positions.
The Crawford staff features advisors and employees with a variety of professional designations, including 12 chartered financial analysts (CFAs), a certified investment management analyst (CIMA), a certified financial planner (CFP) and a certified public accountant (CPA).
Crawford Investment Counsel Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
In addition to individuals and high-net-worth individuals, Crawford Investment Counsel works with investment companies, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, municipalities, insurance companies, corporations and unions.
Crawford imposes different account minimums based on the asset class. They are listed in the chart below:
| Investment Strategy | Account Minimum |
| Equity only and balanced | $2 million |
| Small cap equity | $5 million |
| Fixed income | $3 million |
Services Offered by Crawford Investment Counsel
Crawford specializes in portfolio management services. The firm may allow clients to impose light restrictions on certain securities or industry sectors.
Generally, the firm can advise on the following types of securities:
- Exchange-listed securities
- Securities traded over the counter
- Foreign issues
- Corporate debt securities
- Commercial paper
- Certificates of deposit
- Municipal securities
- Mutual fund shares
- U.S. government securities
Crawford Investment Counsel Investment Philosophy
Crawford Investment Counsel’s conservative philosophy emphasizes income and growth. The firm aims to generate both by investing in high-quality stocks with a strong history of consistent increases in dividends.
The firm also engages in fixed-income and balanced strategies that invest across the universe of stocks and bonds. Its strategies are driven by in-depth research into the markets.
Fees Under Crawford Investment Counsel
Crawford Investment Counsel charges fees as a percentage of client assets under management (AUM). The current fee schedules are below:
Balanced and equity only accounts
| Market Value of Portfolio | Annual Fee |
| First $3MM | 1.00% |
| More than $3MM | 0.50% |
Small Cap Equity
| Market Value Portfolio | Annual Fee |
| First $25MM | 0.85% |
| Next $25MM | 0.80% |
| Balance of more than $50MM | 0.75% |
Fixed Income Only
| Market Value of Portfolio | Annual Fee |
| First $5MM | 0.40% |
| Next $5MM | 0.35% |
| Balance of More than $10MM | 0.30% |
The firm bills these fees quarterly in advance, based on the market value of your account at the beginning of the quarter.
However, you should be aware that these advisory fees are separate from external expenses your account may face. These include transaction costs paid to the custodian, brokers and third-party consultants.
For clients who want just one bundled fee, the firm also offers a wrap-fee program. Generally, clients pay 1.00% to 2.50% of their AUM and that fee covers management fees, custodian fees and transaction costs.
What to Watch Out For
According to Crawford Investment Counsel’s Form ADV, a regulatory authority has found that an individual advisory affiliate was involved in a violation of investment-related regulations or statutes. However, details of this disclosure are not listed on the firm's Form ADV.
It should also be noted that Crawford Investment Counsel does not offer financial planning services. If you are in search of an advisor to help you with estate planning, retirement income, education planning and other long-term financial needs, try using SmartAsset's free matching tool to be paired with up to three financial advisors in your area.
Lastly, Crawford Investment Counsel manages pooled funds that it may recommend to clients. This arrangement can pose a conflict of interest for advisors. But as fiduciaries, they must make their recommendations in the best interests of clients.
Opening an Account With Crawford Investment Counsel
Interested in opening an account with Crawford Investment Counsel? Visit the firm's website and click on the "Contact" tab to reach out to an advisor. Otherwise, you can call the firm's headquarters at (770) 859-0045.
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor
- SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Don’t forget to ask a potential advisor questions about certifications, industry credentials and their fiduciary status. Advisors working as fiduciaries are legally obligated to provide advice only in the best interests of their clients.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
