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Wealth Planning
Working the Wait: Making the Most of a Delayed IPO
Aspiriant, a top-ranked independent RIA firm, has again been recognized by Barron’s and Forbes on their 2025 lists of the best registered investment advisory (RIA) firms in the U.S. These annual rankings highlight the leading fiduciary financial advisors based on client service, firm growth and professional credentials.
As a 100% employee-owned firm, Aspiriant provides client-focused financial advice designed to put your best interests first. We serve high net worth and ultra-high net worth families with tailored wealth management services, including tax, estate and investment planning.
Whether you’re looking for a trusted, independent RIA for tech professionals or evaluating the difference between RIA vs. broker-dealer financial advice, Aspiriant’s team is ready to help you for what’s next.
Aspiriant named to Barron’s and Forbes top RIA lists for 2025
It’s humbling to be acknowledged for such important awards. But mostly, it reaffirms our belief that staying true to our clients and values is the right path forward. We’re honored to once again be ranked among the top RIA firms by Barron’s and Forbes.
These recognitions reflect the industry’s acknowledgment of Aspiriant’s leadership and commitment to long-term client stewardship.
But more than anything, they remind us why we do what we do: that true wealth management is about trust, not transactions.
What sets Aspiriant apart from other wealth management firms
We act in your best interest — always
Aspiriant advisors operate with a client-first mindset. Every recommendation is made with your goals, values and long-term success at the center. Acting with integrity and independence isn’t just how we work, it’s who we are as a firm.
We’re an independent RIA — and proud of it
Our 100% employee-owned model ensures long-term independence and alignment between clients and employees. We don’t answer to external shareholders. We answer to you.
We have a multi-family office with multidisciplinary capabilities
Our integrated approach brings together investment strategy, financial planning, tax analysis and estate planning in one seamless team. And for those ultra-high net worth families who need multi-family office services to help with a high degree of financial complexity, we bring family governance and education, accounting and banking services, tax compliance, strategic philanthropy and enhanced reporting in addition.
We’re built to last
We’ve designed Aspiriant to thrive across generations. That gives you and your family confidence to plan far into the future.
How to choose a wealth management firm: 5 key criteria
Your advisor’s responsibility to you
A strong relationship starts with clarity. Make sure your advisor is accountable to your goals and not products, commissions or outside shareholders. Look for a firm that acts in your best interest at every step, not just when making recommendations.
Independent ownership
Independence helps minimize potential conflicts of interest. It allows your advisor to stay focused on your goals, not a parent company’s.
Team-based advice
Seek out firms with deep in-house teams spanning financial planning, investing, estate strategy and taxes.
Multi-generational sustainability
Ask how the firm plans to serve your children and grandchildren. Ownership structure matters.
Fee transparency
Fee-only firms are typically more transparent. You should always know what you’re paying for.
A legacy of recognition
We don’t build for awards. We build for generations.
Still, being honored again by institutions like Barron’s and Forbes reminds us that putting the families who we serve first, thinking long term and staying true to our values, can help us stand out in a crowded space.
This year’s honors continue a strong pattern of industry recognition for Aspiriant:
- 2024: Top Wealth Management Firms – Barron’s & Forbes
- 2023: Top-Rated Wealth Management Firm
- 2022: Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms
Past awards referenced above link to prior Aspiriant fathom articles with disclosures and methodology sources.
FAQ: What to know before choosing a wealth management firm
What is a registered investment advisor (RIA) and how is it different from a broker-dealer?
An RIA is a firm registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to provide investment advice. RIAs are required to act in a client’s best interest. Brokers follow a different standard that applies when making specific product recommendations.
How is Aspiriant different from other RIA firms?
We’re independent and 100% employee-owned. Our multidisciplinary team brings investment, tax and estate expertise together for truly integrated planning. And we’re all aligned to serve your best interests at every step.
Does Aspiriant specialize in any client types?
Yes. We work with high and ultra-high net worth families, including tech executives, entrepreneurs and multi-generational wealth holders.
We also guide clients navigating executive compensation, major liquidity events, business transitions and life milestones like retirement, divorce or loss. Many of the people we serve are women taking a more active role in their financial lives and looking for a trusted partner.
Talk with us
If you’re searching for a top-rated independent RIA firm that aligns with your goals, values and complexity — let’s talk. We’d be honored to be part of your financial journey.
