1919 Investment Counsel has been an investment advisor for more than 100 years, making it one of the oldest firms in Baltimore and the oldest firm on our list of the top financial advisors in Maryland. The firm provides wealth management, family office and financial planning services to a diverse range of clients. These include high-net-worth individuals, institutions and foundations. The firm is currently headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.
1919 Investment Counsel Background
As its name suggests, the firm traces its roots back to 1919 and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Today, it’s a wholly owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. Its team has earned certifications including chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified financial planner (CFP), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and chartered advisor in philanthropy (CAP).
1919 Investment Counsel Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
1919 Investment serves a variety of different client types. It currently works with:
- High-net-worth individuals and families
- Endowments, foundations and other charitable organizations
- Public/government-related clients
- Pension and profit-sharing plans
- Investment companies
- Corporations
- Individual retirement plans
- Partnerships
- Trusts
- Estates
Minimums account size varies, typically ranging from $10,000 to $500,000.
Services Offered by 1919 Investment Counsel
1919 Investment specializes in investment management services, but it also designs comprehensive financial plans on behalf of its clients. These can address concerns about retirement savings, estate planning, trust funds and more.
The firm’s advisors manage equity, fixed income and balanced portfolios primarily for high-net-worth individuals, families and trusts. 1919 Investment works directly with these clients to build and monitor portfolios that adhere to the client’s investment objectives.
For institutional clients, the firm devotes the expertise of an entire department. Also, its socially responsive investing (SRI) department employs intensive research and analytical strategies to help clients invest in companies and other entities that have strong returns while aligning with client social values.
1919 Investment Counsel Philosophy
The investment strategies utilized by 1919 Investment vary, based on the needs and objectives of the client. For example, with its balanced portfolio program, the firm aims to capture risk-adjusted returns by investing across the equity and fixed-income sectors in a way that reflects the risk tolerance and financial goals of the client.
For clients in the SRI program, the firm employs different research strategies to screen for growth-oriented investment opportunities that won’t interfere with the client’s social or ethical values. As an example, a client may want to invest in top firms with clean environmental-responsibility records.
1919 Investment Counsel Fees
1919 Investment generally charges investment advisory fees as a percentage of assets managed. These vary, depending on factors like client type, account size and investment strategy employed.
We provide the firm’s current fee schedules below.
Equity/Balanced Accounts
| Fees | Account SIze |
| 1.00% | $3 million under management |
| 0.70% | Next $7 million under management |
| 0.50% | On the next $30 million under management |
| 0.40% | On the entire balance |
Fixed Income
| Fee | Accont Size |
| 0.50% | On the first $3 million under management |
| 0.35% | On the next $7 million under management |
| 0.25% | On the next $30 million under management |
| 0.20% | On the entire balance |
| *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 1919 Investment Counsel* | |
| Your Assets | 1919 Investment Counsel Equity/Balanced Account Fee Amount |
| $500K | $5,000 |
| $1MM | $10,000 |
| $5MM | $44,000 |
| $10MM | $79,000 |
Additionally, the firm advises wrap-fee programs sponsored by other entities. It receives fees for its services from the sponsors.
What to Watch Out For
1919 Investment had no disclosures to report in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commision, as of the time of this writing. For its latest Form ADV, look up the firm on the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure database.
In order to establish a relationship with 1919 Investment, clients generally need a minimum investment of $2 million. So individuals with smaller asset levels who are seeking financial advice should look elsewhere. To help narrow your search, use SmartAsset’s financial advisor matching tool.
Opening an Account With 1919 Investment Counsel
To contact 1919 Investment, call its Baltimore headquarters at (844) 200-1919. Alternatively, you can call the office closest to you:
Birmingham, Alabama - (205) 414-3350
Cincinnati, Ohio - (800) 654-5777
Dallas, Texas - (800) 675-0063
Houston, Texas - (800) 675-0063
New York, New York - (866) 566-0425
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - (800) 806-2732
San Francisco, California - (800) 675-0063
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor
- Don’t have $2 million to invest? There are plenty of other advisors who work with clients with less assets. 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.
- When researching advisors, keep an eye out for certifications. They aren’t required, so advisors who earned them have specialized training. They may also be held to higher fiduciary standards. To learn more about accreditations, read our article on the top 10 certifications.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
