GW & Wade currently has billions in assets under management (AUM). The firm has a fee-based fee structure, so it earns compensation both from the advisory services it provides and from the commissions and mutual funds it sells.
The financial advisor’s staff of advisors includes professionals with the certified public accountant (CPA), certified financial planner (CFP) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) designations.
The firm's website says it offers a unique approach to tax planning and that its advisors counsel clients on tax topics and prepare their yearend tax returns.
GW & Wade Background
GW & Wade has been in business as an independent registered investment advisor (RIA) since 1986. In 2007, the firm became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Focus Financial Partners, LLC.
While based in Wellseley, Massachusetts, GW & Wade also has offices in Palo Alto, California; Reston, Virginia; and Neeham, Massachusetts. The firm manages clients in both the U.S. and several other countries.
GW & Wade Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
This firm serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, charitable organizations, foundations, municipalities, corporations and other business entities.
GW & Wade doesn’t have a minimum account size requirement.
Services Offered by GW & Wade
GW & Wade specializes in the following advisory services:
- Portfolio management
- Financial planning
- Selection of other advisors
- Publication of periodicals or newsletters
- Educational seminars/workshops
- Income tax preparation
- Estate administration and consulting services
- Facilitating credit and cash management solutions
GW & Wade Investment Philosophy
GW & Wade says it assesses each clients’ long-term goals, risk tolerance and financial resources before creating a customized portfolio allocation plan. The firm also aims to construct long-term-focused diversified portfolios. In determining the effectiveness of investment strategies, the firm measures performance and risk-based expenses and statistics.
GW & Wade primarily invests client assets in mutual funds but the firm may also invest in exchange-traded funds that track actively or passively-managed indices of securities as well as individual equities and fixed income securities. From time to time, advisors may rely on options or third?party separate account managers
GW & Wade Fees
GW & Wade offers the following fee schedule for its standard asset management services:
| GW & Wade Standard Asset Management Fee Schedule | |
| Amount of assets | Annual fee |
| First $750,000 | 1.70% |
| Next $250,000 | 1.45% |
| Next $1.5 million | 1.20% |
| Next $2.5 million | 1.00% |
| Above $5 million | 0.70% |
Here's a look at how much you can expect to pay in fees based on how much money you have under the firm's management:
| *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 GW & Wade* | |
| Your Assets | GW & Wade Fee Amount |
| $500K | $8,500 |
| $1MM | $16,375 |
| $5MM | $59,375 |
| $10MM | $94,375 |
What to Watch Out For
This firm has two regulatory action disclosures on its Form ADV. Most recently, in 2018, the firm paid a $50,000 fine for allegedly failing to make sure its advisors complied with Massachusetts registration requirements. The matter was also resolved through a cease and desist order.
Another thing worth noting about GW & Wade is that certain advisors can earn additional compensation from commissions and 12b-1 fees. This can create a conflict of interest if advisors push such products for personal gain even when they are not in the best interest of their clients. GW & Wade says it honors a fiduciary duty, but clients should keep these compensation arrangements in mind.
Opening an Account with GW & Wade
You can set up an account with GW & Wade by visiting any of the firm’s offices. You can also contact an advisor at (781) 239-1188.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Investing Tips for Beginners
- Before you begin investing, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the different types of investments and investment platforms. Consider reading our guide on investing for beginners.
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