3 Largest Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in Vermont

2. Sentinel Asset Management, Inc. (SAM) = ~$33.9B+ in AUM

Founded in 2002, Sentinel Asset Management, Inc. is a Montpelier, Vermont-based financial services firm committed to assisting individuals and organizations to ensure long-term financial success. SAM was founded with the goal of assisting its clients in every aspect of their financial lives. The firm specializes in creating custom-tailored portfolios, based on a client’s investment goals, income needs, tax situation, and tolerance for risk. Sentinel Asset Management, Inc. has 127 total employees across all of its locations and generates ~$8.95 million in sales. There are 76 companies in the Sentinel Asset Management, Inc. corporate family.

- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Montpelier, VT
- Discretionary Assets: ~$33.9B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $0
- Total AUM: ~$33.9B+
- Specialties: Financial planning; Retirement income planning; Profit-sharing plans; College plans; Investment planning (i.e. bonds, common stock, mutual funds, ETFs, and more); Life insurance; Investment products and annuities

3. Champlain Investment Partners, LLC = ~$18.8B+ in AUM

Founded in 2004, Champlain Investment Partners, LLC is a Burlington, Vermont-based employee-owned asset management firm with an emerging markets team located in Irvine, California. Champlain was founded with a shared goal, to “Deliver Exceptional Investment Results and Develop Enduring Client Relationships”, and this mission continues to serve as the guiding vision. The firm’s culture is based on four core values: Clients First, Excellence, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Its investment strategies are designed to focus on providing absolute returns while also managing risk. Champlain strives to create wealth through the consistent execution of its investment processes and is equally committed to delivering outstanding client service. Champlain Investment Partners has developed enduring client relationships with a diverse group of investors including corporate and public pension plans, health care and religious organizations, endowments and foundations, Taft-Hartley plans, family offices, and colleges and universities.

- Founded: 2004
- Headquarters: Burlington, VT
- Discretionary Assets: ~$18.8B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $0
- Total AUM: ~$18.8B+
- Specialties: Small-cap core; Mid-cap core; Emerging markets; Investment processes are focused on absolute returns and minimizing potential losses

RIA Review

A registered investment advisor (RIA) is any firm advising or managing the wealth of high-net-worth individuals or institutions. Directly regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), RIAs offer a wide range of financial services — from wealth and investment management to direct lending and personal finance education, etc. An important distinction regarding RIAs is the fiduciary obligation to always act in the best interest of their clients.