Finance Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Wealth Advisors in Charlotte

Ryan Stevens
October 22, 2025
All Insights
Finance Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Wealth Advisors in Charlotte

Charlotte Wealth Managers

When it comes to navigating financial growth, retirement planning, and legacy building, Charlotte’s wealth advisors and wealth managers have set a high standard. This region is home to professionals who combine technical expertise with personal insight, guiding individuals, families, and businesses toward long-term financial security. Some work independently, while others lead their own firms or serve in senior roles at respected institutions. Each brings a unique perspective, proven results, and a deep commitment to helping clients thrive.

At Digital Reference, we understand that finding the right advisor is as important as the strategies they provide. That’s why we spotlight Charlotte’s top wealth advisors and wealth managers, professionals whose careers are marked by trusted results and genuine community impact.

Methodology: How We Chose These Charlotte-based Wealth Advisors

To ensure this list represents only the most credible professionals in Charlotte’s wealth management space, we carefully considered several key factors:

📊 Research-driven: Verified public results, client case studies, and consistent financial planning frameworks.

💬 Client-reviewed: Real client feedback, highlighting trust, transparency, and measurable ROI.

🏆 Industry recognition: Awards, speaking engagements, and thought leadership in wealth management.

📍 Location-based: Advisors and founders with strong roots in the Charlotte area.

These standards guarantee that every advisor featured here has a proven track record and strong presence in the region.

🌟 Meet the Wealth Advisors Making Things Happen in Charlotte

♦️ Ryan Kaysen

Wealth Manager, Founder, and Financial Planner at Integritas Financial, LLC

🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Ryan Kaysen is the founder of IF Money, where he brings together years of financial planning expertise with a modern, client-focused philosophy. His career reflects a dedication to simplifying decision-making while helping individuals and families design strategies tailored to their goals. With his CFP® designation, Ryan has built a reputation for practical yet forward-thinking wealth management.

Known for his ability to connect financial theory with real-life outcomes, Ryan specializes in empowering clients to view money as a tool for opportunity rather than a limitation. His practice emphasizes transparency and personalized strategies, ensuring clients feel confident about their next steps.

💡Why Ryan Kaysen stands out as a Wealth Advisor

🌟 Focuses on building long-term client relationships rooted in trust

📈 Helps clients transition wealth strategies across life stages with clarity

🎯 Known for blending modern financial tools with tested principles

🤝 Recognized for his approachable style and commitment to education


♦️ Michael Ortiz 

Wealth Manager at United Capital Financial Advisors

🔗 LinkedIn

Michael Ortiz is a Wealth Manager with United Capital Financial Advisors, based in Charlotte, where he supports clients in building and managing personalized financial strategies. Before joining United Capital in 2023, he served as a financial coach at Ayco (a Goldman Sachs affiliate), offering guidance in retirement, investments, tax, estate, and income planning. 

Why Michael stands out as a Wealth Advisor

🎯 Brings experience from both coaching and wealth management roles

🧩 Combines strong technical know-how with client-centric communication

🔍 Deep understanding of planning, tax, and estate matters

🏆 Trusted for thoughtful, values-aligned financial guidance

♦️ Murray C. Kinlaw

Managing Director, Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor at Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC

🔗 LinkedIn

Murray C. Kinlaw, AIF®, is widely respected for his fiduciary focus and commitment to ethical standards in wealth advising. His career illustrates a strong dedication to helping clients manage investments with both discipline and foresight.

Murray is particularly known for his ability to design strategies that not only build wealth but also safeguard it for future generations. His expertise provides clients with both confidence and peace of mind.

💡Why Murray Kinlaw stands out as a Wealth Advisor

📘 Brings fiduciary-level accountability to all strategies

🌟 Focuses on long-term value preservation and growth

🔍 Offers detailed and transparent investment guidance

🤝 Builds trusted partnerships with families and professionals

♦️ Andrea Smith

Senior Wealth Advisor, Shareholder at HB Wealth

🔗 LinkedIn

Andrea Smith has forged a career defined by adaptability and client dedication. Her background demonstrates a wide range of experience in financial services, giving her the versatility to craft strategies across diverse wealth management needs.

She is recognized for guiding clients with a practical, forward-looking mindset. Andrea ensures that every client interaction is built on understanding, accessibility, and strategic thinking.

💡Why Andrea Smith stands out as a Wealth Advisor

🌟 Brings diverse experience to every planning conversation

📊 Known for balancing immediate financial needs with long-term goals

💡 Provides clear insights into wealth structures and opportunities

🤝 Builds client trust through open and consistent communication

♦️ Terry Colen 

Wealth Manager at Blackbridge Financial

🔗 LinkedIn 

Terry Colen is a Wealth Advisor specializing in retirement and investment planning, holding the CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) designation. He works with individuals and families to craft strategies that balance income generation, risk management, and long-term financial security.

 💡 Why Terry stands out as a Wealth Advisor
🌳 CRPC® credential focused on retirement income expertise
📌 Practical experience in designing portfolios tailored to retiree needs
✨ Emphasizes clarity, stability, and client understanding
🏆 Respected for guiding clients through retirement transitions with confidence

♦️ Aaron Combs

Wealth Manager, Principal at Modera Wealth

🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Aaron Combs, CFP®, has built his career around comprehensive financial planning and client education. His expertise spans multiple aspects of wealth management, making him a valuable resource for clients seeking clarity and structure.

Aaron is especially known for ensuring that every client understands the strategies in place, empowering them to make confident financial decisions. His work reflects a balance of technical precision and approachable communication.

💡Why Aaron Combs stands out as a Wealth Advisor

📘 Provides CFP®-backed financial planning expertise

🌟 Empowers clients through education and guidance

📊 Balances technical precision with real-world clarity

🤝 Builds confidence through transparent planning

♦️ Rebecca Hoover

Wealth Advisor, Partner, Director of Financial Planning at Waverly Advisors, LLC

🔗 LinkedIn

Rebecca Hoover has developed a career centered on helping clients pursue financial confidence through structured planning. Her approach emphasizes personalized strategies and consistent support.

Rebecca is especially known for fostering strong client relationships that are rooted in trust, understanding, and accessibility. Her work reflects both expertise and care.

💡Why Rebecca Hoover stands out as a Wealth Advisor

🌟 Creates strategies tailored to each client’s goals

📊 Recognized for steady, client-centered guidance

💼 Brings practical insights into wealth management planning

🤝 Builds lasting relationships through trust and clarity

♦️ Ryan Saunders 

Private Wealth Advisor & Founder at Plancentric Financial Group

🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Ryan Saunders is the founder of Plancentric Financial, where he focuses on helping clients simplify their financial futures with structured, personalized plans. His leadership reflects both innovation and a dedication to clarity in financial planning.

He is particularly known for blending modern planning tools with personalized guidance, ensuring that clients can visualize and track their goals. Ryan’s approachable leadership style makes him highly regarded in the Charlotte community.

💡Why Ryan Saunders stands out as a Wealth Advisor

📘 Founder with a focus on clarity and structure

🌟 Guides clients with modern planning strategies

📊 Known for simplifying financial futures with precision

🤝 Recognized for his approachable and transparent style


♦️ Steven Denton 

Wealth Manager & Partner at Merit Financial Advisors

🔗 LinkedIn

Steven Denton is a Wealth Manager and Partner at Merit Financial Advisors, where he leads the development of comprehensive wealth planning strategies for individuals and families. He blends his MBA with his CFP® training to guide clients through investment management, retirement planning, and life transitions.

 💡 Why Steven stands out as a Wealth Advisor
🌳 Combines academic rigor (MBA) with professional planning expertise (CFP®)
📌 Strong track record with decades of experience in financial services
✨ Known for partnering closely with clients to align strategy with life goals
🏆 Recognized for leadership role and trusted reputation in his firm and community

Why Wealth Advisors Remain Essential for Lasting Financial Confidence in Charlotte

Wealth advisors play a vital role in guiding individuals and businesses through every stage of financial growth with strategies rooted in expertise and foresight. Their achievements highlight the ability to merge technical knowledge with approachable, client-centered planning. By tailoring solutions to each unique situation, they provide clarity and confidence in decision-making, ensuring long-term stability. Their emphasis on transparency, trust, and education builds enduring client relationships that withstand life’s transitions and market shifts. Collectively, they stand as trusted consultants who empower clients to see wealth as an opportunity for growth and legacy.

At Digital Reference, radical authenticity is more than a principle—it is the foundation of meaningful strategies that inspire trust and clarity. Its importance lies in shaping genuine connections that foster stronger decision-making and long-term growth.

Explore more from Digital Reference and gain deeper insights designed to shape strategies with clarity and relevance.

Advisory excellence thrives on clarity, trust, and relevance—qualities that define strong financial and strategic guidance. Exploring insights that bridge experience with forward-looking perspectives allows professionals and businesses to thrive with confidence. When guided by a trusted source, the path toward building sustainable growth becomes clearer and more effective. For strategies and insights that serve as your guide, you’ll always find direction at Digital Reference.

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