Mason Investment Advisory Services (MIAS) says on its website that it was founded on the principle that each client deserves independent, straightforward financial advice.
Some of the qualifications among the firm’s staff include the chartered financial analyst (CFA), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), certified financial planner (CFP) and more.
Asset-based fees and fixed fees primarily make up MIAS’s compensation arrangements. However, this financial advisor has a fee-based fee structure, meaning some advisors can earn commissions from securities sales.
MIAS also appears on our top financial advisors list for Reston, Virginia, as well as our statewide Virginia list.
Mason Investment Advisory Services Background
MIAS was established in 1982 as a subsidiary of Mason International, Inc. The firm began with the mission of providing customized financial planning, investment management and charitable services to private individuals and families, according to its website. Over the years, MIAS has expanded to offer investment consulting services for institutions.
William Mason III is the firm’s chief executive officer (CEO).
Mason Investment Advisory Services Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
MIAS serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, charitable institutions, foundations and endowments.
The firm doesn’t have a minimum account size requirement.
Services Offered by Mason Investment Advisory Services
MAIS offers the following advisory services:
- Portfolio management
- Financial planning
- Selection of other advisors (including private fund managers)
Mason Investment Advisory Services Investment Philosophy
MIAS says its investment approach is based on long-term strategic allocation plans combined with rigorous rebalancing policies and a manager selection process. The firm also recommends allocation strategies based on each client’s financial situation and preferences. Each allocation recommendation includes up to sixteen asset classes diversified by objective and investment style, according to the firm’s brochure.
MIAS mainly invests in mutual funds, but the firm also utilizes bonds, cash and cash equivalents.
Mason Investment Advisory Services Fees
For financial planning, fees range from $6,000 to $25,000. The firm offers the following fee schedule for investment management services:
| MIAS Investment Management Service Fee Schedule | |
| Amount of assets | Annual fee |
| Less than $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $1,000,000-$2,999,999 | 0.75% |
| $3,000,000-$4,999,999 | 0.66% |
| $5,000,000-$24,999,999 | 0.50% |
| $25,000,000-$49,999,999 | 0.45% |
| $50,000,000-$99,999,999 | 0.40% |
| $100,000,000 or more | 0.35% |
| *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 Mason Investment Advisory Services* | |
| Your Assets | Mason Investment Advisory Services Fee Amount |
| $500K | $5,000 |
| $1MM | $7,500 |
| $5MM | $25,000 |
| $10MM | $50,000 |
Learn more about advisors' typical costs here.
What to Watch Out For
The firm has one disclosure on its record. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that between 2014 and 2016 the firm purchased, recommended or held certain advisory clients' mutual fund share classes that charged 12b-1 fees when shares of the same funds without fees were available. MIAS paid a $150,000 fine and submitted to a censure, as well as a cease and desist.
Another thing to keep in mind is that MIAS advisors can earn commissions from the sale of investment products. This can create a conflict of interest, but the firm says it abides by a fiduciary duty.
Opening an Account with Mason Investment Advisory Services
You can get in touch with MIAS by visiting the firm’s office, or by calling an advisor at (703) 716-6000.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Retirement Tips for Beginners
- Not sure how much you need to settle comfortably in your retirement years? Our retirement calculator can help you determine whether you’re saving enough to meet your savings goals.
- Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. 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.
