First Foundation Advisors

RIASEC RegisteredEst. 1990

Total AUM

$5.1B

Discretionary

$5B

98% of AUM

Avg account

$1.5M

Accounts

3,373

Employees

Advisory reps

Firm details

Headquarters: Irvine, California
CRD number: 106075
Registered since: February 28, 1990
Website: www.firstfoundationinc.com
Custodians: CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC.
Fee structure: Percentage of AUM, Hourly Charges, Fixed Fees, Performance Based Fees
Client types: HNWI69.02%
Banking / Thrift Institutions9.54%
Corporations / Businesses6.81%
Charitable Organizations6.22%
Individuals4.63%
Services: Financial PlanningPortfolio Management for IndividualsPortfolio Management for Investment CompaniesSelection of Other Advisers

Firm profile

FINTRX

Overview

First Foundation Advisors is an independent registered investment adviser that serves both high‑net‑worth individuals/families and institutional clients. The firm acts as a capital allocator and offers a blend of financial planning and portfolio management across individual, small‑business, and investment company mandates. Advisory services include manager selection and use of third‑party strategies; the firm also engages in insurance brokerage and other financial product distribution. Fee arrangements are flexible and include percentage‑of‑AUM, hourly, fixed‑fee and performance‑based structures. First Foundation Advisors reports incorporating ESG considerations into its investment approach and maintains business relationships with banking/thrift and insurance company affiliates. The firm has been recognized in industry lists: it appeared on Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms (2021–2024) and on CNBC’s Top 100 Financial Advisory Firms (2021–2022).