With Houston being one of the major financial hubs in the US, there is no shortage of houston investment firms to choose from for investors. However, it can be challenging to identify the top firms that have a solid reputation, proven track record, and offer comprehensive investment services. This article provides a rundown of the 5 most reputable houston investment firms based on assets under management, years in business, range of investment offerings, client reviews and industry recognitions. Whether you are looking for an investment advisor for portfolio management, brokerage services, retirement planning or alternative investments, this list of the best houston investment firms will help you find a firm that aligns with your investment objectives and risk appetite.
Brigadier Capital Management – Leading full-service investment firm in Houston
Founded in 2006, Brigadier Capital Management is one of the leading full-service houston investment firms with over $3 billion in assets under management. The firm provides portfolio management, financial planning and alternative investments to high net worth individuals and institutions.
Brigadier Capital sets itself apart by taking a goals-based approach to investment management, creating customized portfolios and financial plans tailored to each client’s objectives. The firm’s investment team brings together decades of experience across various asset classes including stocks, bonds, real estate and private equity.
Brigadier’s wealth management services encompass retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, insurance reviews among others to provide comprehensive advice to clients. The firm is a registered investment advisor regulated by the SEC and has consistently been recognized as a top wealth management firm by Barron’s, Forbes, Financial Times among others.
Hoisington Investment Management – Top performing bond-focused firm
When it comes to fixed income investing, few firms match the pedigree and performance of Hoisington Investment Management. Run by husband-wife duo Drs. Lacy and Van Hoisington, the firm manages over $5 billion focused exclusively on the fixed income and bond markets.
Hoisington’s flagship bond portfolio has delivered an annualized return of 7.8% over the past two decades, significantly outpacing most fixed income benchmarks. The firm follows a value-based fixed income philosophy, investing in undervalued, higher quality bonds with a priority on preserving capital.
In addition to their Fixed Income strategy, Hoisington also offers municipal bond and treasury inflation protected securities (TIPS) portfolios. Their expertise in macroeconomic analysis informs their interest rate forecasts and bond selection process. Hoisington caters to high net worth, pension funds, endowments and other institutional clients.
Sanders Morris Harris – Leading energy and natural resources specialist
When it comes to investing in the energy sector and natural resources, Sanders Morris Harris (SMH) is one of the leading specialists based in Houston. The firm has over $1 billion in assets under management solely focused on energy stocks and commodities.
SMH Capital Advisors provides portfolio management catered to individual investors looking for exposure to the energy and materials sectors. Meanwhile, SMH Capital Markets offers investment banking, institutional brokerage and capital raising services in the energy industry.
With an experienced team of geologists, engineers and industry veterans, SMH produces insightful research on Exploration & Production firms, Oilfield Services companies among others. The firm is a top-ranked energy analyst by StarMine and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work.
Radnor Capital Management – Boutique investment advisor
Founded in 2013, Radnor Capital Management is a relative newcomer compared to other houston investment firms but has quickly made a name as a fast-growing RIA. The firm has close to $300 million under management providing customized portfolio management primarily to high net worth individuals.
Radnor follows an evidence-based investment philosophy grounded in academic research to construct diversified portfolios optimized for risk-adjusted returns. The firm is fee-only and takes a conflict-free approach focused on clients’ best interests.
Radnor Capital founder David Chao previously managed over $1 billion as an advisor at Merrill Lynch before starting his own RIA. With its boutique, independent model, Radnor aims to combine institutional-quality portfolio management with a personalized client approach.
Kirr Marbach – Value-oriented equity advisor
Founded in 1975, Kirr Marbach & Co is one of the oldest investment advisory firms in Houston. The firm manages over $1 billion for clients across 19 states with a focus on equity portfolio management.
Kirr Marbach runs value-driven, concentrated portfolios typically holding 20-25 stocks selected through rigorous fundamental analysis. The firm’s long-term track record speaks for itself with their flagship Value portfolio returning 12.8% annualized since inception in 1980.
Kirr Marbach caters to high net worth, trusts, pensions among other institutional clients. The firm takes a partnership approach to client relationships and provides tailored advice based on each investor’s objectives and risk tolerance.
With its concentration of energy companies and growing presence of financial services firms, Houston is home to a range of reputable investment firms managing billions in assets. Investors can choose from full-service wealth managers like Brigadier Capital to fixed income specialists like Hoisington and energy experts like SMH Capital. Other notable houston investment firms include boutique RIAs like Radnor Capital and long-standing advisors like Kirr Marbach known for their equity portfolio management. This list of the top 5 firms provides a starting point for investors to evaluate quality investment managers aligned with their needs.