Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Little Rock, Arkansas
Choosing the right financial advisor for your needs is a big decision. To make your search a bit easier, SmartAsset assembled this list of the top financial advisor firms in Little Rock, including essential information on each firm’s services, fees and account minimums. For further guidance, take advantage of the SmartAsset financial advisor matching tool to get paired with an advisor who serves your area.
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---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Legacy Capital Wealth Partners ![]() | $560,078,467 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
2 | Lathrop Investment Management Corp. ![]() | $895,092,530 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
3 | Meridian Investment Advisors ![]() | $810,474,197 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
4 | The Arkansas Financial Group, Inc. ![]() | $743,689,169 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
5 | Applied Capital LLC ![]() | $380,794,018 | $100,000 |
| Minimum Assets$100,000Financial Services
|
6 | Ifrah Financial Services, Inc. ![]() | $428,605,849 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
7 | Horrell Capital Management, Inc. ![]() | $432,088,885 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
8 | ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC ![]() | $229,937,442 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
9 | Barry M. Corkern & Co., Inc. ![]() | $145,200,174 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
10 | Transparent Wealth Partners, LLC ![]() | $214,299,465 | No minimum account set |
| Minimum AssetsNo minimum account setFinancial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Little Rock, we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the city. Next, we filtered out firms that don't offer financial planning services, those that don't serve primarily individual clients and those that have disclosures on their record. The qualifying firms were then ranked according to the following criteria:
- AUMFirms with more total assets under management are ranked higher.
- Individual Client CountFirms who serve more individual clients (as opposed to institutional clients) are ranked higher.
- Clients Per AdvisorFirms with a lower ratio of clients per financial advisor are ranked higher.
- Age of FirmFirms that have been in business longer are ranked higher.
All information is obtained through public records and is updated annually after the firms’ form ADV filing. This list may include firms that have a business relationship with SmartAsset, in which SmartAsset is compensated for lead referrals. Such relationships have no impact on our rankings, and firms are included and ranked based strictly on the above criteria. SmartAsset is not a client of the aforementioned firms, and did not receive compensation for including any of the firms on the aforementioned list.
Legacy Capital Wealth Partners
Legacy Capital Wealth Partners is a fee-based financial advisor firm that requires a household minimum of $500,000 in assets under management.
Most of the firm’s clients are non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans and charities.
The team at Legacy holds multiple certifications including the certified financial planner (CFP), certified public accountant (CPA), chartered life underwriter (CLU) and chartered financial counselor (ChFC) designations.
The majority of the fees the firm charges clients are based on a percentage of AUM. However, some advisors at this fee-based firm are also insurance agents and sell insurance products for commissions. While this could present a conflict of interest, the advisors at the firm are bound by fiduciary duty to act in clients’ best interests.
Legacy Capital Wealth Partners Background
A newer firm, Legacy first registered with the SEC as an investment advisor in 2018. It is owned by parent companies Legacy Capital Wealth Holdings, LLC and Trent Capital, LLC. While Legacy president Matthew Jones and managing partner Jason Prather own Legacy Holdings, the firm's managing principal David Trent controls Trent Capital.
The firm offers a number of services to clients, including asset management, risk management, estate planning and life insurance.
Legacy Capital Wealth Partners Investment Strategy
Like many other firms, Legacy Capital Wealth Partners strives to get to know its clients and identify their financial situations, risk profiles, investment goals, tax situations, liquidity constraints and more. Using this information, Legacy typically implements a long-term investing strategy, holding all or some of a clients' securities for at least a year.
The firm uses a variety of strategies, third-party managers and funds. Assets are typically invested in low-cost ETFs and with more focused separate account managers. However, the firm may also turn to alternative investments that have less downside risk.
Lathrop Investment Management Corp.
Lathrop Investment Management's client base is split between individuals and high-net-worth individuals, it also has pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and corporations as clients.
The firm has a minimum annual fee of $5,000. This, plus a fee-structure based on a percentage of assets under management, means this fee-only firm makes sense for those with at least $500,000 in investable assets. Advisors do not make money from commissions for selling securities or insurance to clients.
The advisory team at Lathrop holds multiple certifications in chartered financial analysts (CFAs).
Lathrop Investment Management Background
Lathrop was founded in 1981 by Gregory C. Lathrop, making it the longest-tenured firm on our list. Lathrop remains the sole owner of the firm and acts as both president of the firm and an advisor.
The firm’s services include:
- Investment advice
- Portfolio management
- Separately managed accounts
- Retirement plan advising
Lathrop Investment Management Investment Strategy
Fundamental analysis drives the firm’s choices of securities. The firm conducts its own research and supplements it with research from a variety of brokerage firms. Diversification is key and clients tend to be invested in 25 to 35 companies. While the firm primarily constructs portfolios using individual stocks, bonds and cash, it relies on mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) when clients lack the funds to invest in enough individual companies.
Meridian Investment Advisors
Meridian Investment Advisors is a fee-only firm that advises both individuals and high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans, charities, local governments and corporations.
Its team holds multiple certifications, including the chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified financial planner (CFP) designations.
The firm has a minimum account size of $500,000.
Meridian's fees are all based on a percentage of assets under management, and its advisors do not earn commissions for selling securities or insurance products.
Meridian Investment Advisors Background
Founded in 1983, Meridian is principally owned by Pat D. Moon and Lewis W. Van Ness, both of whom are advisors and managing principals at the firm.
Services offered at Meridian include:
- Investment management
- Automated investment program
- Retirement services for defined contribution plans
- Life strategy
- Retirement income planning
Meridian Investment Advisors Investment Strategy
Risk tolerance is the most important variable for Meridian’s advisors when forming a client’s investment strategy. Common stocks and bonds — including U.S. Treasury securities and high quality U.S. corporate bonds — are the most common investments used. Mutual funds and ETFs are also used.
In making investment choices, the firm primarily uses fundamental analysis, which involves using metrics to determine whether a particular asset is undervalued.
The Arkansas Financial Group, Inc.
The Arkansas Financial Group is a fee-only financial advisory firm focused on helping its clients achieve long-term financial growth.
The firm says it typically works with young professionals, divorcees, people approaching retirement and retirees. It lists physicians as its most common client occupation. There is no minimum amount of assets required to open an account.
The firm has a varied set of advisor certifications, including certified financial planner (CFP), certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial consultant (ChFC) and accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) designations.
The Arkansas Financial Group Background
President and CEO Frederick Adkins owns the firm with vice presidents Kristina Bolhouse and Ralph Broadwater. The firm has been in business since 1985.
If you choose to enter into a relationship with The Arkansas Financial Group, you will have a range of advisory services available to you. Included on this list are investment management, pre- and post-retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning and insurance analysis.
The Arkansas Financial Group Investment Strategy
Because The Arkansas Financial Group believes that an individualized approach is necessary to successfully manage client portfolios, the firm pays particular attention to your needs from the outset. During introductory conversations, you and your advisor will discuss your risk tolerance, financial objectives, time horizon and any specific investment needs you might have.
Then, your assets will be allocated, likely among ETFs, mutual funds and bonds. Your portfolio will be re-evaluated at the beginning of each quarter to ensure that everything is going according to plan. If it’s not, the firm may adjust its strategy.
Applied Capital LLC
Applied Capital is a fee-based firm that has no set account minimum and works with high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals.
The firm's advisory team holds multiple certifications, including certified financial planner (CFP), certified public accountant (CPA) and personal financial specialist (PFS) at different branches.
Several Applied Capital advisors are also licensed insurance agents who earn commissions on the sale of certain products, making the firm fee-based. Despite the potential conflict of interest that commissions can create, Applied Capital is a fiduciary and must always act in its clients best interests.
Applied Capital Background
Founded in 2010, Applied Capital is principally owned by Brad Raines, who began his investment career in 2007. Raines opened a second Applied Capital office in Nashville, Tennessee in 2015 and added the North Little Rock office three years later.
Applied Capital offers investment management and financial planning services that touch on a variety of topics, including budgeting, retirement planning, insurance needs, education planning, as well as tax and estate planning.
Applied Capital Investment Strategy
Applied Capital builds and manages client portfolios according to individual clients' goals, objectives, time horizons and risk profiles.
The firm may invest in a variety of assets, including mutual funds, equities, bonds, fixed income, debt securities, ETFs, real estate investment trusts (REITs), insurance products and government securities. Its investment strategies include long-term purchases, short-term trading and margin transactions.
"Guided by a strong belief in efficient markets and academic research, we help clients build and manage well-diversified portfolios in a cost effective manner," the firm states on its website.
Ifrah Financial Services, Inc.
Ifrah Financial Services is a fee-only firm, which means that its advisors do not work for commissions. Instead, clients pay advisory fees that are based on a percentage of their assets under management.
Ifrah has no set minimum account size. Not surprisingly, most of the firm’s individual clients are non-high-net-worth individuals. The practice also serves high-net-worth individuals, pensions and profit-sharing plans, local governments and corporations.
Ifrah Financial Services Background
Ifrah Financial Services was established in 2006. President and CEO Patrick Ifrah owns the firm with Stephen DeSalvo, chairman of the board and financial planner, and Micah Brown, director and financial planner.
Ifrah Financial Services offers a plethora of personal financial planning services, such as budgeting, estate planning, cash management, tax planning, insurance and retirement planning.
Ifrah Financial Services Investment Strategy
When a client opens an account, Ifrah Financial Services delves into your current financial situation and goals. The firm then builds a plan outlining how you can achieve your financial goals while adhering to your stated risk tolerance and time horizon.
The investment types this firm says it typically uses include ETFs, exchange-listed securities, corporate debt securities, mutual funds, U.S. government securities, variable annuities and other similar investments.
Clients may also use model asset allocations offered through FOLIOfn or Charles Schwab.
Horrell Capital Management, Inc.
Horrell Capital Management is a fee-only firm that works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations and state or municipal governments.
The firm does not require a minimum account size, but charges a minimum annual fee of $1,500.
As a fee-only firm, Horrell Capital does not earn commissions for the sale of insurance or financial products. Instead, its revenue comes from client fees that are charged as a percentage of assets under management. The firm may also charge hourly or fixed fees.
Horrell Capital Management Background
Horrell Capital has been in business since 2010, but does not appear to mantain a website. Its founder and owner, Scott Horrell, also serves as the firm's sole advisor. Portfolio management and financial planning are the firm's core services.
Horrell Capital Management Investment Strategy
Horrell Capital relies on investment approaches that utilize both equity and fixed income strategies. The firm offers investment advice on a range of securities, including ETFs, securities traded over the counter, warrants, corporate debt, municipal securities, options contracts and others.
The firm uses charting, fundamental, technical and cyclical methods of analysis to evaluate investments. It employs multiple investment strategies, including long-term purchases, short-term purchases, trading, short sales, margin transactions and option writing.
"Our objective is to utilize strategies that are most appropriate and suitable for each Client," the firm's brochure states. "Each strategy and each type of security has associated risks. Bringing together multiple strategies and asset classes into one portfolio is a generally accepted method to mitigate those risks."
ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC
ClientFirst Wealth Management is a fee-only practice anchored by Edward Mahaffy, the firm’s president and senior portfolio manager. Mahaffy is both a chartered financial consultant (ChFC) and a certified financial planner (CFP).
ClientFirst says it only serves the financial needs of individuals, both those with and without high net worths. The minimum account size is $500,000.
ClientFirst Wealth Management Background
Mahaffy founded ClientFirst Wealth Management in 2002 after spending more than two decades in financial services, which included a stint at Merrill Lynch.
As stated earlier, the firm is singly focused on working with individuals. Its services include cash and risk management, insurance analysis, education planning, retirement planning, charitable giving, estate creation, tax mitigation and capital needs planning.
ClientFirst Wealth Management Investment Strategy
ClientFirst Wealth Management takes what it learns about its clients from a questionnaire to develop an investment strategy. Like most firms, ClientFirst takes a long-term approach, but the firm says that short-term purchases are also made to fulfill any needs for liquidity and quick cash that clients may have.
The firm relies on fundamental, technical, charting and cyclical methods of analysis to assess investments.
Barry M. Corkern & Co., Inc.
Barry M. Corkern & Co. has a client base made up entirely of high-net-worth individuals. It does not impose a minimum account requirement.
As a fee-only firm, Barry M. Corkern & Co. does not collect commissions for selling insurance or financial products. Its revenue comes solely from the advisory fees that clients pay.
President Barry Corkern has two certifications: the certified financial planner (CFP) and accredited investment fiduciary auditor (AIFA) designations. He also has knowledge on the financial situations of widows and widowers, having co-authored a book in 1999 titled, “Widowed: Beginning Again Personally and Financially.” Corkern is also the founding president of the Arkansas Chapter of the Financial Planning Association.
Barry M. Corkern & Co. Background
Corkern opened the firm in 1982 and he still principally owns the business. Corkern has accrued nearly 40 years of experience in the financial industry.
This firm says that it wants to provide all of its clients with a holistic approach to their financial lives, even going as far as taking into account multi-generational wealth legacy. When it comes to specific services, the firm offers the following:
- Asset management
- Disability and risk management
- Debt management
- Tax planning
- Estate planning
- Charitable giving
- Financial goal evaluation
Barry M. Corkern & Co. Investment Strategy
Like many of its competitors, Barry M. Corkern & Co. has prospective clients answer a series of questions, which allows the firm to gain a deep understanding of the kind of investor that a client is. This is not only meant to establish your risk tolerance for the firm. It’s also used by your advisor as a tool to teach you about how risk could affect your portfolio’s performance.
Based on your responses, your advisor will build a diversified asset allocation illustrated in the form of a pie chart to make everything as simple as possible.
The majority of client portfolios consist of no-load mutual funds that invest in both domestic and foreign stocks and bonds. The firm recommends both index and actively managed funds. As for strategy, Barry M. Corkern & Co. employs asset allocation based on Modern Portfolio Theory, which seeks to maximize returns and minimize risk.
Transparent Wealth Partners, LLC
Transparent Wealth Partners, LLC (TWP) is a fee-only firm that serves both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as corporations.
The firm does not have a minimum account size or initial investment. For clients engaging in wealth management services, TWP imposes a fee based on a percentage of assets under management that ranges from 0.50% to 1.50% annually.
Transparent Wealth Partners Background
Founded in 2020, TWP is a registered investment advisor that is owned by its president and chief compliance officer David K. Meador.
TWP offers client services in:
- Portfolio management
- Tax planning
- Family planning
- Risk management
Transparent Wealth Partners Investment Strategy
TWP works closely with clients to create an investment portfolio tailored to their goals, objectives, risk tolerances and financial situations. Portfolios will comprise low-cost, diversified mutual funds and/or ETFs, as well as individual stocks, bonds and other financial investments.
The firm's investing strategies are typically geared for the long-term, but advisors may sell securities that have been held for under a year to rebalance a portfolio. TWP generally uses fundamental and technical methods of analysis to evaluate and select investments.