Freestone Capital Management is an independent, fee-only wealth advisory and asset management firm founded in 1999. The firm has grown from managing $250 million to over $11 billion in assets under management (AUM). As a 100% employee-owned fiduciary, Freestone is committed solely to client success, free from the influences of a corporate parent company. The firm's mission is to provide personalized wealth management services, combining rational, intelligent advice with sophisticated investment strategies. Freestone serves clients throughout the West Coast, with offices in Seattle, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Santa Barbara, and Anchorage.
Freestone's strategic focus centers on delivering client-centric wealth management solutions that encompass a broad range of investment strategies. The firm specializes in both traditional and alternative investments, aiming to provide diversified portfolios tailored to individual client needs. Key technologies utilized include advanced financial planning tools and data analytics to optimize investment decisions. Freestone primarily targets high-net-worth individuals and families, offering services such as financial planning, investment management, estate planning, tax planning, insurance and asset protection, and philanthropic advising.
As of April 2025, Freestone Capital Management reported assets under management totaling approximately $11.5 billion. The firm operates on a fee-based structure, charging annual management fees that vary depending on the client, with a maximum of 1.50% of the client's AUM. The minimum annual fee is $4,000 for clients referred through the Schwab Advisor Network and $6,000 for others. Additionally, Freestone manages private funds that typically have a 1% annual management fee plus a performance-based fee.
Freestone offers a range of private funds focusing on alternative investments, including strategies centered around Kentucky bourbon, litigation finance, affordable housing, and manufactured housing communities. These funds are designed to provide clients with access to asset classes uncorrelated to public markets, aiming to enhance portfolio diversification and mitigate risk.
Freestone distinguishes itself through its proprietary private funds that invest directly in underlying assets, rather than using a fund-of-funds format or investing in other firms' funds. This approach allows for lower costs and greater operational control over investment outcomes. The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes broad diversification, including alternative asset classes such as real estate, private equity, and real assets like oil and gas interests. Freestone also employs advanced financial planning tools and data analytics to inform investment decisions and optimize client portfolios.
The leadership team at Freestone Capital Management comprises experienced professionals dedicated to client success. Key executives include:
- Gary Furukawa, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, with a background as a broker at E.F. Hutton and Smith Barney, and experience as a CPA at Deloitte & Touche.
- Larry Miles, President and Chief Executive Officer, appointed in January 2021, bringing extensive leadership experience in the financial services industry.
- Jim Hughes, Head of Client Advisory and Business Development, appointed in July 2023, responsible for overseeing client advisory services and business development initiatives.
- Jonathan Wittlin, Head of Client Advisory, joined in October 2023, focusing on enhancing client advisory services.
- Lizzie Hollis, Director of Wealth Strategy and Estate Planning, appointed in November 2023, specializing in wealth strategy and estate planning.
- Beth Wraga, Advisor, joined in April 2024, contributing to the firm's advisory services.
These appointments reflect Freestone's commitment to strengthening its leadership team to better serve clients.
Freestone Capital Management operates in a competitive landscape alongside firms such as Allworth Financial, Brighton Jones, and TC Wealth Partners. Allworth Financial, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Folsom, California, offers asset and investment management services similar to Freestone. Brighton Jones, established in 1999 and based in Seattle, Washington, also provides comprehensive wealth management services. TC Wealth Partners, founded in 1993 and located in Downers Grove, Illinois, offers comparable services in the asset and investment management sector.
The wealth management industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for personalized financial services and alternative investment opportunities. Freestone's emphasis on alternative investments and direct asset ownership positions it uniquely within this expanding market. The firm's focus on client-centric services and broad diversification strategies aligns with current industry trends favoring personalized and diversified investment approaches.
Freestone has established strategic collaborations to enhance its service offerings and market position. Notably, the firm participates in the Schwab Advisor Network, a client referral program that connects high-net-worth individuals with independent investment advisors. This partnership allows Freestone to expand its client base and provide comprehensive wealth management services to a broader audience.
Freestone's operational strategy focuses on delivering personalized wealth management services through a combination of traditional and alternative investments. The firm's direct investment approach in alternative assets provides clients with lower costs and greater control over investment outcomes. Freestone's commitment to client success, combined with its innovative investment strategies, positions it as a competitive player in the wealth management industry.
Looking ahead, Freestone Capital Management aims to continue expanding its alternative investment offerings and enhancing its technological capabilities to better serve clients. The firm's focus on direct asset ownership and broad diversification strategies positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the wealth management industry. By leveraging its current strengths and maintaining a client-centric approach, Freestone is poised to achieve its future objectives and sustain its growth trajectory.
For more information, visit Freestone Capital Management's official website.
