BBR Partners is a huge New York-based firm and also makes it onto our list of New York's top financial advisor firms and the top financial advisors in New York State. The firm is well known and has many accolades, as it's been named a top financial advisor firm by a multitude of different publications.
This fee-only financial advisor firm also has offices in Chicago and San Francisco. High-net-worth individuals make up the largest portion of the firm’s client base, which is likely due to its steep $30 million minimum. The firm primarily provides wealth advisory services, investment management and portfolio consolidation.
BBR Partners Background
BBR Partners was founded in 1999 by managing partner and director of portfolio and wealth advisory, Evan Roth, and managing partner and director of investment research, Brett Barth. Roth and Barth are still the principal owners of the firm, although they own it indirectly through ownership of BBR Partners’ parent company, BBR Partners Holdings, LP. The firm has several other individual minority owners.
BBR Partners’ team boasts a few advisory certifications, including such certifications as certified public accountant (CPA), certified financial planner (CFP), certified investment management analyst (CIMA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA).
BBR Partners Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
BBR Partners has a steep, but waivable $30 million account minimum, making it accessible to mostly wealthy investors. Aside from this group, which makes up most of BBR Partners’ overall client base, the firm also works with non-high-net-worth individuals, families, estates, trusts, family partnerships, foundations, charitable organizations, businesses and pooled investment vehicles.
Services Offered by BBR Partners
BBR Partners is a full-service financial advisory firm, meaning it provides a range of investment management and wealth advisory services. Here is a full list of BBR Partners’ offerings:
- Investment Management
- Proprietary investment research
- Customized asset allocations
- Tax minimization
- Negotiation of manager fees
- Socially responsible and value-based investing principles
- Active, passive, illiquid and other investment strategies
- Rebalances
- Wealth Advisory
- Multigenerational financial planning
- Family office
- Trust planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
- Incorporation of your personal accountant and lawyer
- Philanthropic gift planning
- Investment and wealth management education
- Analysis and reviews of:
- Insurance needs
- Real estate
- Financing
- Special interests
- Portfolio Reporting
- All publicly and privately held assets in one place
- Monthly portfolio statements
- Personalized portfolio reviews
BBR Partners Investment Philosophy
BBR Partners prioritizes long-term investment growth and wealth preservation. Should opportunities arise, though, the firm will engage in short-term purchases, short sales and trading. This is done to not only take advantage of immediate gains, but also to help meet clients’ liquidity needs.
BBR Partners may use any combination of individual equities, fixed-income securities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs), mutual funds and private investment funds in client portfolios. The firm bases its final investment decisions on each client’s personal risk tolerance and ultimate financial goals, which the advisor will determine at the outset of his or her relationship with the client.
Fees Under BBR Partners
BBR Partners uses a straightforward fee schedule, with fees based on a percentage of assets under management. Like many firms, BBR Partners’ rates drop the more you invest with the firm. The rate for portfolios that exceed $150 million in value is negotiable. BBR Partners gives no indication as to what the rate may be, but it’s likely lower than the 0.50% rate for portfolios between $30 million and $150 million. The firm technically does not have a minimum annual fee. However, it does have a $30 million account minimum, which effectively results in a minimum fee of $150,000.
| Investment Advisory and Wealth Management Fees | |
| Your Portfolio’s Value | Annual Fee |
| First $50MM | 0.65% |
| $50MM+ - $100MM | 0.50% |
| Over $100MM | Customized |
BBR Partners calculates fees based on the market value of your portfolio. The firm divides its above annual fee rates into four fees, and it charges clients at the conclusion of every quarter. To pay these fees, you can either have a statement sent to you directly or have it debited from your portfolio. Below is a breakdown of what you could expect to pay for services at BBR Partners:
| *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 BBR Partners* | |
| Your Assets | BBR Partners Fee Amounts |
| $30MM | $195,000 |
| $50MM | $325,000 |
| $75MM | $375,000 |
| $100MM | $500,000 |
What to Watch Out For
According to BBR Partners’ SEC-filed Form ADV, the firm has a clean legal and regulatory record.
Opening an Account With BBR Partners
The best way to get in touch with BBR Partners if you’re interested in becoming a client is to call whichever one of its three offices is most convenient for you. If you’d prefer that an advisor reach out to you, BBR provides an email form on the contact page of its website. All you need to provide is your name, email address, phone number and a short description of the services you’re looking for.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Tips to Become a Better Investor
- 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.
- The more well-thought-out your portfolio is, the better it will likely perform, provided you use the right investing principles. Developing an asset allocation is a great place to start. Our asset allocation calculator can give you some insight into what your portfolio should look like based on your risk tolerance.
