Our History
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Our Story
Founded in 1987 by financial industry veterans Margaret Whitley and Thomas Bell, Whitley Bell began as a boutique investment advisory firm with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide sophisticated wealth management services with the personal attention and integrity that only an independent firm can deliver.
What started as a two-person operation in downtown Seattle has grown into a respected registered investment advisor managing over $2.9 billion in client assets. Despite our growth, we've never lost sight of our founding principles or the close relationships that define our approach to wealth management.
Our Mission
At Whitley Bell, we believe that true wealth extends beyond financial assets. Our mission is to help clients achieve their most important life goals through thoughtful financial planning, disciplined investment management, and unwavering fiduciary commitment. We serve as trusted advisors, providing clarity in complex financial decisions and peace of mind in uncertain times.
Our Philosophy
Client-First Approach
As a fee-only registered investment advisor, we operate under a fiduciary standard, meaning we are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interests at all times. We have no commissions, no product sales quotas, and no conflicts of interest that compromise our advice.
Long-Term Partnership
We view our client relationships as partnerships that span generations. Many of our clients have been with us for decades, and we've had the privilege of working with multiple generations of the same families.
Holistic Wealth Management
We understand that investment management is just one piece of your financial picture. Our comprehensive approach encompasses retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategy, risk management, and philanthropic giving.
Our Team
Our team of 24 professionals brings together diverse expertise in investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, and estate planning. Led by Managing Partners Sarah Chen, CFA, and David Martinez, CFP®, our senior team averages over 15 years of experience in wealth management.
Leadership Team
Our Services
We employ a disciplined, research-driven approach to portfolio construction, utilizing both active and passive strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances and objectives.
Our comprehensive planning process addresses retirement readiness, education funding, insurance needs, and legacy planning through detailed analysis and ongoing monitoring.
For our ultra-high-net-worth clients, we provide family office services including philanthropic planning, next-generation education, and coordination with external professionals.
We also serve corporate retirement plans, endowments, and foundations, bringing the same rigorous investment process and fiduciary commitment to institutional clients.
Our Commitment
Since our founding, Whitley Bell has been built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and exceptional service. We are committed to:
- Maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity
- Providing clear, ongoing communication about your financial progress
- Continuously educating ourselves to better serve your evolving needs
- Supporting our community through volunteer service and charitable giving
Recognition & Affiliations
Whitley Bell is proud to be recognized as one of the top independent advisory firms in the Pacific Northwest. We maintain memberships in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the CFA Institute, and the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition from industry publications, including being named to InvestmentNews' "Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors" for three consecutive years.
Global Portfolio Strategy
Our proprietary Global Portfolio Strategy framework combines international diversification with tactical asset allocation to help clients navigate global markets while managing risk across multiple economic cycles.
Learn More About Our Global StrategyWhitley Bell is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.
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