First Foundation Advisors Review

Find an Advisor

First Foundation Advisors is a large, fee-only financial advisor firm with its headquarters in Irvine, California. The firm has billions of dollars in client assets under management (AUM) and employs a large team of advisors to help manage that money. It works with both individual and institutional clients and provides them with comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management services.

First Foundation Advisors holds the top spot on our list of the top financial advisors in the city of Irvine. First Foundation also operates as a retail bank, providing things like checking, savings and business products.

First Foundation Advisors Background

First Foundation Advisors was founded in 1985, though it wasn't until 1990 that it became registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment advisor. The firm was originally called Keller Group and prided itself on the fact that it was one of just a handful of firms to provide truly fee-only investment management.

First Foundation Inc., a publically traded company, owns the firm in its entirety, though the ownership of First Foundation Inc. may change regularly. John A. Hakopian is the president of First Foundation Advisors, and Rick Keller, who is a certified financial planner (CFP), is its chairman.

First Foundation Advisors Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes

First Foundation Advisors works with a wide range of both individual and institutional clients, though the majority of its client base comprises individuals both with and without a high net worth. Institutional clients include one other bank, one other investment company, charitable organizations and businesses.

The firm generally requires a minumum asset base of $500,000 for advisory services. This minimum may be waived or negotiated at the firm's discretion.

Services Offered by First Foundation Advisors

First Foundation Advisors works with clients to provide both investment management services, retirement plan sponsor services and financial planning services. Investment management may be carried out in a number of different ways, such as through wrap fee programs, unified managed accounts (UMAs) or other tailored discretionary and non-discretionary accounts. The firm may use unaffiliated private investment funds, as well as other funds for which the firm serves as a sub-advisor. The firm also has multiple programs that guide its investment strategies.

The firm also offers stand-alone financial planning and consulting services. Advisors may provide advice on matters such as estate planning, investing, retirement planning and more. Advice does not have to be strictly investment-related.

First Foundation Advisors Investment Philosophy

At First Foundation Advisors, advisors tend to work with clients to provide tailored investment services and strategies based on their financial needs and objectives. Advisors meet with clients to determine important information about their financial situation before making decisions about how to properly allocate the assets in their portfolios. Advisors may also provide financial planning services in conjunction with your investment portfolio.

When it comes to selecting investments for client portfolios, advisors at the firm use fundamental, technical, charting and cyclical methods of analysis. Overall, the firm's investment strategies are focused on the long term.

Fees Under First Foundation Advisors

First Foundation Advisors charges fees for investment management services based on a series of fee schedules. Fees are based on a percentage of each client's total assets under management and the program they are invested in.

Certain accounts may have performance-based fee arrangements based on a share of your portfolio's capital gains. However, this may only come into play if the client has at least $1 million under the firm's management, or they and their spouse have a combined net worth of at least $2.1 million.

When it comes to stand-alone financial planning services, clients are typically charged on an hourly basis. This fee ranges up to $350 per hour.

What to Watch Out For

First Foundation does not have any disclosures listed on its Form ADV.

Certain accounts may have performance-based fee arrangements with clients, which is a potential conflict of interest. That's because advisors may be inclined to take additional risks in pursuit of higher returns. However, the firm is still a fiduciary, legally obligating it to act in the best interests of clients at all times.

Opening an Account With First Foundation Advisors

There are plenty of options for opening an account with First Foundation Advisors. You can go online to see if there's an advisor or a bank branch near you. You can also call (949) 476-0300 and ask to be connected. If all else fails, you can always send an email or visit the firm's support page.

All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.

Tips for Finding a Financial Advisor

• If you're getting started with investing, planning for retirement, buying a house or any other important financial milestone, it can be a good idea to speak with a financial advisor. 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.
• Talk with a few advisors before choosing to hire one. It’s important to make sure you find someone you trust to manage your money. As you consider your options, these are the questions you should ask an advisor to ensure you make the right choice.