First Foundation Advisors

RIASEC Registered

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 CompaniesPension ConsultingSelection of Other Advisers

Firm profile

FINTRX

Overview

First Foundation Advisors is a corporate, institutional registered investment adviser that provides fee-based wealth management and advisory services to both individual/family and institutional clients. The firm is SEC-registered (since 1990) and operates as a capital allocator that selects and allocates to third‑party managers in addition to managing portfolios directly. Its advisory scope includes financial planning, portfolio management for individuals and small businesses, portfolio management for investment companies, pension consulting, and the selection of other advisers. Commercial activities include insurance brokerage and other financial product distribution. The firm charges a mix of fee structures — percentage of AUM, hourly and fixed fees, and performance-based fees — allowing flexibility across client relationships. First Foundation Advisors reports active ESG investing and lists banking and insurance industry affiliations. The firm has been recognized on industry lists such as Barron’s and CNBC top‑100 advisories across multiple years (2021–2024).