Imagine this: you spend nearly half your workweek buried in paperwork instead of helping clients.
As someone who’s worked alongside financial advisors and consultants, I know how frustrating that reality can be. A recent J.D. Power study found that nearly one-third of advisors say they don’t have enough time for clients because they’re spending 41% more time on paperwork and compliance tasks —leaving less time to build relationships and give advice.
That’s why having the right CRM for financial advisors is so important. A good CRM doesn’t just store data—it acts like your assistant, reminding you of follow-ups, organizing portfolios, and keeping compliance in check, so you can focus on clients.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the 6 best CRMs for financial advisors and provide insights on how they solve real problems, such as client onboarding, compliance headaches, and keeping every interaction organized.
Let’s make this the upgrade that finally lets your expertise shine.
Best CRM for Financial Advisors in 2025
When you’re short on time, this quick comparison chart helps you see which CRM best meets your needs.
You can glance at what each tool does best and where its pricing starts, so you know right away which ones are worth a deeper look.
| Software | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| BIGContacts | Contact Management & Email Marketing for Startups & SMBs | Forever free for small teams. Paid starts at $9.99/month. |
| Act CRM | Marketing Automation | Starts at $30/user/month |
| Money Advice + CRM | Client Data Capture & Financial Tools | Custom pricing |
| Junxure | Performance Reporting & Workflows | Starts at $65/user/month |
| PractiFI | Compliance & Referral Pipeline Management | Starts at $120/user/month |
| eWay-CRM | Outlook-Based CRM Integration | Starts at $18/user/month |
1. BIGContacts – Best for Contact Management & Email Marketing for Startups & SMBs
I’ve used BIGContacts in my own financial advisory setup, and the first thing that stood out was how effortless it was to keep all client records in one place. Instead of flipping between spreadsheets and email, I had a single dashboard that showed me recent interactions, notes, and upcoming tasks.
What really made a difference for me was its email marketing capability. I was able to send targeted updates to client segments — for example, “retirement clients” vs. “high-net-worth families” — without worrying about exceeding daily caps. The web forms also helped me capture new leads directly into the CRM, which saved hours of manual entry.
Integrations with QuickBooks were another helpful feature. I could pull up transaction histories without logging into another platform, which made client meetings smoother and helped me prepare personalized advice faster.
Pros:
- Easily capture, manage, and segment contacts with lists, tags, and grouping options.
- Allows task allocation to team members, schedules reminders, and sets up alerts to keep everyone on track.
- Web form integration helps collect leads and their relevant information effortlessly.
- Easily adjust sales pipeline with a customizable, drag-and-drop interface.
Cons:
- No downloadable or on-premise version.
- Dark user interface option not available.
User Review:
“I love how easy it is to keep track of client interactions and set reminders. The email campaigns are straightforward, and the automation saves me time.” — Jamie C., Financial Advisor (G2)
Pricing:
Forever free for small teams. Paid starts at $9.99/month.
2. Act CRM – Best for Marketing Automation
When I tested Act CRM, I found it particularly strong in automating marketing campaigns. I could segment clients by criteria like portfolio type or investment stage and then send personalized drip campaigns to nurture leads. For a busy advisor, this saved a lot of repetitive work.
The add-on Act4Advisors made the platform even more relevant. It gave me fields tailored for financial data and compliance, which reduced the need for messy customizations. I appreciated how it helped me manage broker interactions alongside direct clients.
That said, the interface felt a little dated, and handling duplicate records was clunky. Still, Act CRM was a reliable choice for advisors focused on marketing efficiency.
Pros:
- Allows real-time team collaboration for teams of up to five members.
- Offers the ease of changing layouts and adding fields to suit specific needs.
- Includes a fax cover feature, which has been highly useful for frequent fax users.
- Provides educational materials like a Training Video Library and Knowledge Base.
Cons:
- Deleting duplicate contacts can be unmanageable, requiring each to be deleted individually.
- Outdated, clunky user interface.
User Review:
“Act is a robust tool for marketing automation. I’ve used it to create email campaigns that actually bring in results, though the interface could use a facelift.” — Susan M., Wealth Manager (Capterra)
Pricing:
Starts at $30/user/month.
3. Money Advice + CRM – Best for Client Data Capture & Financial Tools
Money Advice CRM was designed with mortgage and financial advisors in mind, and I noticed that immediately. It came with built-in calculators for affordability, protection quotes, and compliance checks, which were a huge time-saver during client onboarding.
What impressed me most was its remote access. I could pull up client files, generate mortgage quotes, and review financial reports on my tablet while visiting clients. This flexibility really fits the hybrid workstyle that most advisors live in today.
On the downside, setup took longer than expected because of the custom configurations required. Still, once it was up and running, it gave me deeper financial insights than most CRMs I’ve tried.
Pros:
- Provides integrated mortgage solutions with direct access and regular updates.
- Provides thorough client data collection and needs analysis with built-in financial calculators.
- Enables advisors to generate detailed protection and mortgage quotes with automated data entry.
- Ensures system and client information access from any device for effective remote work.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve in setup.
- Support can be slow during peak times.
User Review:
“Money Advice CRM helped streamline my mortgage practice. The calculators and integrations are fantastic, though setup was not easy.” — Paul H., Mortgage Broker (G2)
Pricing:
Custom pricing.
4. Junxure – Best for Performance Reporting & Workflows
Using Junxure felt like upgrading from a basic CRM to a full wealth management platform. I could centralize client demographics, investment data, and communication history in one system. That gave me a clearer picture of client performance and helped me tailor strategies more effectively.
Its reporting capabilities stood out. I could generate detailed portfolio reports that impressed clients and made compliance audits much less stressful. The automated workflows also meant that I no longer worried about missing follow-ups or deadlines.
My biggest drawback was its clunky navigation — adding detailed information often required multiple clicks. But for advisors focused on long-term client portfolio tracking, Junxure is a strong contender.
Pros:
- Integrates smoothly with Riskalyze, Orion, Schwab, MGP, and Office 365.
- Enables clients to access their investment statements independently.
- Centralized Action Screen manages tasks in one place, improving workflow management.
- Allows flexible access to hire independent contractors, enhancing sales pipeline management.
Cons:
- Data entry requires too many clicks.
- Non-customizable home screen slows workflow.
User Review:
“Junxure is powerful for wealth management and reporting. It has a learning curve, but once you get it, it’s incredibly valuable.” — Alex P., RIA Owner (Capterra)
Pricing:
Starts at $65/user/month.
5. PractiFI – Best for Compliance & Referral Pipeline Management
I’ve always struggled with compliance requirements, and that’s where PractiFI truly shone. Built on Salesforce, it gave me enterprise-level compliance reporting while still offering user-friendly dashboards.
I liked how it tracked every interaction automatically — emails, meetings, notes — so if I ever needed to present an audit trail, everything was already logged. It also helped me manage my referral networks and Centers of Influence, which is a big part of financial advisory growth.
That said, Salesforce complexity sometimes peeked through, and I found myself needing support for customization. But if compliance is your top concern, PractiFI is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with several third-party applications through the Salesforce ecosystem.
- User-friendly interface simplifies complex Salesforce setup for RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors).
- Automatically tracks events and emails to streamline daily operations.
- Offers a mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go client data management.
Cons:
- Limited availability of internal resources may delay tasks and project completion.
- Technical support might lack in-depth expertise with complex issues.
Pricing:
Starts at $120/user/month.
User Review:
“PractiFI keeps our advisory firm compliant without drowning us in admin work. It’s pricey, but worth it for compliance-heavy practices.” — Laura G., Compliance Officer (G2)
6. eWay-CRM – Best for Outlook-Based CRM Integration
Since most of my advisory communication happens over email, I loved how eWay-CRM turned my Outlook inbox into a CRM. I didn’t need to learn a new interface — everything from logging calls to tracking deals happened inside Outlook.
It also gave me peace of mind with its cloud storage and GDPR-ready features. I could attach compliance docs, track interactions, and manage reminders directly in the system without switching tools.
The mobile app wasn’t perfect, and occasional Outlook bugs were frustrating. But if your firm already lives in Outlook/Microsoft 365, this CRM fits like a glove.
Pros:
- Integrates with Outlook for easy client management directly from your inbox.
- Offers a mobile app that syncs contacts and provides access to essential data on your phone.
- Allows customization of fields and steps to align with your company’s processes.
- Includes comprehensive GDPR features for stringent data privacy compliance.
Cons:
- Custom filters are restricted to certain predefined fields, limiting detailed data sorting.
- Occasional bugs due to integration with MS Outlook are affecting overall system stability.
User Review:
“eWay-CRM is seamless with Outlook. It’s the easiest CRM adoption we’ve had, though it still has the occasional glitch.” — David L., Financial Planner (Capterra)
Pricing:
Starts at $18/user/month.
My Top 3 Picks for CRM for Financial Advisors
With so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out which CRM will actually fit your practice. To make things easier, I’ve narrowed it down to my top three picks:
Option 1 – BIGContacts
BIGContacts is ideal for financial advisors, offering essential features like reporting, client management, automated follow-ups, and in-built invoicing and quotes. It’s simple, affordable, and easy to set up, making it a strong choice for small and mid-sized firms that don’t want extra complexity.
Option 2 – Act CRM
Perfect for contact and sales management, Act CRM enhances lead nurturing and client management with automated engagement. It’s powerful for marketing automation, though the interface can feel a bit dated at times, which might slow you down if you prefer a modern, intuitive design.
Option 3 – Junxure
Junxure is ideal for finance professionals looking for performance reporting and operational efficiency. It centralizes client data, automates workflows, and helps with compliance tracking. The only drawback is that adding detailed client information takes multiple clicks, which can feel time-consuming during busy days.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation of products or tools chosen for this article follows an unbiased, systematic approach that ensures a fair, insightful, and well-rounded review. This method employs six key factors:
1. User Reviews / Ratings: Direct experiences from users, including ratings and feedback from reputable sites like G2 and Capterra, provide a ground-level perspective. This feedback is critical in understanding overall satisfaction and potential problems.
2. Essential Features & Functionality: A product’s value is ascertained by its core features and overall functionality. By in-depth exploring these aspects, the practical usefulness and effectiveness of the tools are carefully evaluated.
3. Ease of Use: The user-friendliness of a product or service is assessed, focusing on the design, interface, and navigation. This ensures a positive experience for users of all levels of expertise.
4. Customer Support: The quality of customer support is examined, taking into account its efficiency and how well it supports users in different phases – setting up, addressing concerns, and resolving operational issues.
5. Value for Money: Value for money is evaluated by comparing quality, performance, and features. The goal is to help the reader understand whether they are getting their money’s worth.
6. Personal Experience / Experts’ Opinions: This part of the evaluation criteria draws insightful observations from the writer’s personal experience and the opinions of industry experts.
How to Choose the Right CRM for Financial Advisors
Picking the right CRM for financial advisors isn’t just about ticking off a feature checklist — it’s about finding a tool that actually fits the way you work.
Before you commit, here are a few key questions you should be asking yourself (and the vendor):
1. Will this keep me compliant?
As an advisor, compliance is non-negotiable. Your CRM should automatically log emails, calls, and meetings so you have a complete audit trail ready if regulators ever ask. Look for built-in reporting that makes compliance reviews quick instead of stressful.
2. How easy will it be to bring my data over?
If you’ve been living in Excel or Outlook, the last thing you want is a messy migration. Ask whether the CRM offers clean import tools, field mapping, and duplicate checks. A good system should make the switch painless, not a nightmare.
3. Does it handle real advisor relationships?
You don’t just manage individual clients — you deal with households, brokers, and centers of influence (COIs). Make sure your CRM can link related contacts together so you see the whole picture of a client’s financial network in one view.
4. Can it handle my email outreach without limits?
Whether you’re sending newsletters to hundreds of clients or quick check-ins to segmented groups, your CRM should support the volume you need. Watch out for daily send caps that can disrupt your communication flow.
5. What’s the learning curve for my team?
A CRM is only valuable if you and your team actually use it. Ask about setup time, training resources, and how intuitive the interface is. If it takes months to get going, it’s probably not the right fit for a busy advisory practice.
In short: choose a CRM that saves you time, keeps you compliant, and fits naturally into the way you already work with clients.
CRM Setup & Migration Process
Switching to a new CRM can feel overwhelming, but if you break it into steps, the process becomes a lot smoother. Here’s a simple checklist you can follow to make sure your migration is clean and stress-free:
1. Export Data from Excel/Outlook & Clean Duplicates
Most advisors start with spreadsheets or email systems. Before you import anything into your new CRM, take the time to clean it up. Delete duplicates, fix formatting, and make sure email addresses and phone numbers are correct. A clean import saves headaches later.
2. Map Financial-Specific Fields (Accounts, Portfolios & Brokers)
Advisors don’t just track names and numbers. You’ll need fields for portfolios, household relationships, brokers, and even COIs. Make sure you map these correctly during setup so all the important details land in the right place in your CRM.
3. Set Up Email Templates for Compliance-Approved Messaging
If you send client updates, newsletters, or reminders, create email templates right away. Have them reviewed for compliance and store them in your CRM so you can send with confidence, knowing every message meets the rules.
4. Train Staff on Workflows (Calls, Notes, Tasks & Onboarding)
Your CRM is only as good as the people using it. Walk your team through everyday workflows like logging calls, adding notes, setting tasks, and onboarding new clients. Simple training upfront will save hours of confusion later.
5. Test With a Small Client Segment Before Full Rollout
Don’t move everyone into the new system on day one. Start with a small group of clients, test how emails go out, how tasks are assigned, and how data looks. Once you’re confident everything runs smoothly, then scale it up to your full client base.
Following this checklist ensures your CRM rollout is clean, compliant, and stress-free — so you can focus on serving clients instead of fixing tech problems.
Choose the Right CRM for All Your Financial Advisory Needs
Selecting the right CRM for financial advisors is more than a tech decision — it’s about giving yourself the tools to build stronger client relationships and scale without friction. The best CRM isn’t always the most expensive one; it’s the one that matches your workflow, fits your compliance needs, and grows with your firm.
By starting with a cost-effective, scalable solution, you avoid the frustration of switching systems later as your client base expands. This means you can stay focused on growth instead of wrestling with migrations.
Take advantage of a forever-free plan like that offered by BIGContacts to test how well a CRM works in real life. Look at ease of setup, email capacity, reporting, and how comfortably your team can use it day-to-day.
With the right CRM in place, you’ll streamline operations, reduce compliance risks, and free up more time to do what you do best — delivering exceptional advice and service to your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CRM for financial advisors typically include?
A CRM for financial advisors includes tools to manage client data, track interactions, and organize portfolios. It streamlines scheduling, reminders, and automated communication so advisors can deliver timely, personalized advice.
Many systems also integrate with financial planning and reporting tools, giving advisors deeper insights into client finances and enabling more informed, strategic decision-making.
What are the financial advisor CRM best practices?
Best practices for financial advisors using CRM include keeping client records accurate, segmenting contacts for personalized communication, and automating routine tasks for efficiency.
Integrating the CRM with other tools ensures a complete view of client interactions. Regularly updating client data, using analytics for insights, and ongoing training on CRM features help advisors maximize value and deliver better service.
What are the expected costs of a CRM for financial advisors?
The cost of a CRM for financial advisors varies by features and firm size. Basic plans often start around $10–$30 per user per month, while advanced systems with compliance, reporting, and portfolio tools can exceed $100 per user.
Many platforms like BIGContacts offer a forever-free plan, helping advisors test value before committing to long-term pricing.
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