September 16, 2009 -- Goldline Research has recently completed an in-depth evaluation of wealth managers in the Southwestern United States. The survey revealed that the wealth management providers in the region are doing better than expected in the current economic downturn. This research was compiled from data collected between July 2009 and mid-August 2009.

“The Southwestern U.S. has been especially hard hit by the current economic downturn. Phoenix and Las Vegas are considered by many to be at or near the center of the real estate bust,” said Ryan Kluft, President, Goldline Research. “Despite the economic challenges, wealth managers in the region have successfully maintained their assets under management and their client base, which is remarkable given the circumstances.”

Goldline Research’s report reveals the following about the typical wealth management firm in Northern California:
• Median Years of Experience: 20.0 years
• Median AUM: $76.0 million
• Median Number of Investment Advisors/Firm: 2
• Median Number of Support Staff: 4
• Median Number of Clients: 200
• Median Client: Advisor Ratio: 88:1
• Median Assets Managed/Client: $0.3 million

“There are currently more than 1,500 Certified Financial Planners™ and 450 registered investment advisors (RIA) in the region,” added Mr. Kluft. “As the region returns to normalcy, wealth managers are well positioned to capitalize upon the expected population growth in the area. We believe that this bodes well for the economics of the local wealth management firms, as their assets under management, and, therefore, their fee base will grow in tandem with the population growth.”

Additional information is available in the Goldline Research report entitled “2009 Research Findings Report – Wealth Managers – Southwest United States”. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the wealth management market in the Southwestern United States and is designed to provide both consumers and wealth management professionals and firms with key industry benchmarks and market trends.

About Goldline Research
Goldline Research is a leading marketing and information services company. Goldline Research’s mission is to empower consumer choice by identifying leading professional services providers. Goldline Research has evaluated professional services firms and providers throughout the United States using a rigorous, proprietary research methodology. The company has helped thousands of consumers find high quality service providers. Goldline Research was recently named to the 2009 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing privately-held companies. Founded in 2004, Goldline Research is headquartered in Novato, California. For more information, please visit www.goldlineresearch.com.

Contact:
Ryan Kluft
Goldline Research
415-892-9400
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www.goldlineresearch.com