Find Your Trusted Fiduciary Financial Advisor
Quick Tip: Start with filters `Fee-only pricing type` + `Registered Investment Advisor service type` for conflict-free advice, then narrow by location.
242 advisors
242 advisors found - Page 17 - Showing 161 to 170 of 242 advisors
Browse our curated list of vetted financial advisors. Use the filters to narrow down by location, service type, pricing structure, or search for specific names/companies.
Choosing the Right Financial Advisor
Make informed decisions by understanding advisor types, certifications, and what to look for in your financial planning partner.
What is a "Financial Advisor"?
In India, anyone can call themselves a "financial advisor" — from SEBI-registered professionals to mutual fund distributors. Unlike doctors or lawyers, the financial advisory industry has no strict control over who uses this title.
The key question isn't "Are you a financial advisor?" — it's "What licenses do you hold, how are you compensated, and what legal standards do you follow?"
The Chemist vs Doctor Analogy
Mutual Fund Distributor
Like a chemist who sells medicines and earns a margin on each sale. They don't diagnose your financial health; they dispense what you ask for or what earns them the highest commission.
SEBI RIA / CFP/ Other Fiduciaries
Like a doctor who diagnoses your condition, prescribes what's best for your health, and earns fees for their expertise. They don't earn commissions on the "medicines" (investments) they recommend.
When you're sick, do you ask a chemist for a diagnosis, or do you see a doctor? Why should your financial health be any different?
SEBI Regulation 22: Corporate Groups Explained
Many wealth management brands operate as corporate groups with multiple legal entities. SEBI prohibits a single company from being both a fiduciary advisor AND commission-based distributor.
Critical Rule: The same client CANNOT use both advisory from Company A AND distribution from Company B/C within the same group. This prevents conflicts of interest.
What is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary is a financial advisor legally obligated to act in your best interest at all times. Unlike sales-driven advisors who may push products with commissions, fiduciaries provide unbiased, conflict-free advice and must disclose all conflicts of interest.
Why Fee-Only Matters
Fee-only advisors charge a flat fee or hourly rate and earn no commissions—eliminating conflicts of interest. This ensures recommendations are genuinely aligned with your objectives, not sales targets. Look for the green "No commission conflicts" badge.
Smart Filtering
Combine filters to find your ideal advisor: Start with location, then add service type (retirement, tax, NRI), and filter by pricing type (Fee-only recommended). Use search for specific names or companies, and browse alphabetically to explore options.
Understanding Fee Structures
Fee-Only ✓ Recommended
₹5K-50K flat fees or ₹1K-5K/hour. No commissions—fully unbiased advice.
AUM-Based
0.5-2% annually on assets managed. Best for large portfolios.
Fee-Based
Advisory fees + potential commissions. Possible conflicts of interest.
Commission-Based
Earns from product sales. May prioritize commissions over client needs.
Key Certifications & Fiduciary Types
SEBI RIA (Registered Investment Advisor
India's regulatory certification. Mandatory for investment advisory with strict fiduciary standards.
FPSB CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Global certification for comprehensive financial planning expertise.
Other Credentials
NISM X-A/X-B (Investment Adviser), CFA, CA/CS certifications.
FIDUCIARY ADVISORS (Fee-Only, No Commissions):
RIA (SEBI), CFP (FPSB), CFA, CA, Estate Planner, Debt Planner, Retirement Adviser (PFRDA)
NON-FIDUCIARY (Commission-Based):
Mutual Fund Distributor (AMFI), Insurance Agent (IRDAI)
Our 6-Point Vetting Process
Less than 5% acceptance rate ensures only the best advisors
Credentials: Required designations (SEBI RIA, CFP®, CFA®, CA, etc.)
Experience: Verified years of relevant advisory experience
Fiduciary standard: 100% unbiased, transparent, fair pricing
Investment process: Subject expertise and operational efficiency
Planning skills: Technical, communication, and client experience
Client communication: Clear explanations and timely responses
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a financial advisor and planner?
Financial advisors focus on investments and insurance, while planners provide comprehensive planning services including taxes, retirement, wills, and estate planning.
How much does a financial advisor cost in India?
Fee-only advisors charge ₹5,000-50,000 for comprehensive plans or ₹1,000-5,000/hour. AUM-based advisors charge 0.5-2% annually.
Is SEBI RIA registration mandatory?
Yes, SEBI RIA registration is mandatory for investment advisory services in India, ensuring regulatory compliance and investor protection.
Can I work with advisors from different cities?
Absolutely! Many advisors offer virtual consultations nationwide. Prioritize expertise and compatibility over location.
How do I verify an advisor's credentials?
Check SEBI's website for RIA registration, verify certifications with issuing bodies, and request proof of compliance history. You can also visit FPSB, PRFDA, ICAI, etc, websites to verify other licenses.
What questions should I ask during consultation?
Ask about experience with similar clients, fee structure, investment philosophy, conflict disclosure, service frequency, and references.
What is the difference between a financial advisor, SEBI RIA, and mutual fund distributor?
"Financial Advisor" is a generic term anyone can use. SEBI RIA is a regulatory certification requiring fiduciary standards. Mutual Fund Distributors earn commissions and are salespeople, not fiduciary advisors.
What does 'fiduciary' mean, and which advisors are fiduciary?
A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest and cannot earn commissions. Fiduciary advisors include SEBI RIAs, CFPs, CFAs, CAs, Estate Planners, Debt Planners, and PFRDA-registered Retirement Advisers.
Why do some wealth management firms have multiple companies with different licenses?
Due to SEBI regulations, a single company cannot be both fiduciary advisor AND commission-based distributor. Groups create separate entities for each function to comply with regulations.
What is SEBI Regulation 22, and how does it protect me?
SEBI Regulation 22 prohibits the same client from receiving both advisory from a group's SEBI RIA entity AND distribution from the same group's MFD/Insurance entities. This prevents conflicts of interest.
Can the same client use both advisory and distribution services from the same group?
NO. Under SEBI Regulation 22, if you receive advisory from a group's SEBI RIA entity, you CANNOT use distribution from the same group's MFD/Insurance entities. You must use an external distributor.