Over the past few months, we have been investigating different options for finding a qualified wealth manager. For many people, the referral from a trusted friend will be yield a qualified candidate. But for those who need management of assets of over $10 million, a friend’s referral might not be sufficient.

For $25,000, membership in Tiger 21 might be worth every penny. The group, originally founded in New York, is now opening a San Francisco chapter and provides access to some of the best minds in the investment management business.

For others, however, the search may start with the web (google) and branch out from there. Online research will become a frustrating experience, with over 650,000 financial “advisors” out there – many of whom are selling different financial products.

We searched for a way to locate and screen fee-based financial advisor – pros that charge for their time or their advice, based on a percentage of assets under management. We found an interesting company called Paladin Registry who built a screened directory of over 800 asset managers chosen from a pool of about 40,000 qualified fee-based managers. According to Jack Waymire, author and founder of Paladin, the advisors in his directory have the following profile:

• Fee-based, with acknowledged fidiuciary responsibility
• 100% clean compliance records
• 16 years of experience
• $10 million to $2 billion under management by the firm, with an average of about $30 million.

We think that Jack and his small team at Paladin Registry share our goals for Helium Report: build a comprehensive, independent resource for consumers to help them navigate an important decision – one that can have long-term ramifications. As always, we suggest you perform your own due diligence and feel comfortable with the advisor you choose. Paladin can help you by narrowing the field of options in terms of qualified wealth managers. If you are interested in their services, you can try it out here.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Helium Report has partnered with Paladin Registry and we are compensated if you use their service. Paladin will not sell your contact information to any other third-party, but will provide it to financial managers, if you decide that’s what you want. Send us any feedback about Paladin to tips@heliumreport.com.