Ranked #1 in Columbia
Based in Catonsville, 7 mi away
66/100RFA Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews, the most in Columbia.
Stockbrokers in Columbia, MD: 2026 rankings
22 stockbrokers ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest RFA Score in Columbia: Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John Comberiate, CFP®|ChFC®|AAMS®, RFA Score 66/100; 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews.
- 4
Most-reviewed: Puckett Financial Group - LPL Financial Advisors, 24 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 22 ranked after Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John Comberiate, CFP®|ChFC®|AAMS®; ranked #4.
Rankings can't be bought. Financial advisors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
22 Columbia stockbrokers are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 22 rated firms.
Top 10 stockbrokers in Columbia at a glance
Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RFA Score | Google rating | Based in | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John Comberiate, CFP®|ChFC®|AAMS® | 66 | 5.0★ (25) | Catonsville, 7 mi away | Top score |
| 2 | Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: David Erskine, CFP®|ChFC®|CEPA®|CRPC™ | 62 | 5.0★ (16) | Olney, 14 mi away | — |
| 3 | Charles Schwab | 61 | 2.5★ (23) | Columbia | — |
| 4 | Puckett Financial Group - LPL Financial Advisors | 61 | 5.0★ (24) | Westminster, 25 mi away | Most reviews |
| 5 | Merrill Lynch Wealth Management | 58 | 3.7★ (3) | Columbia | — |
| 6 | Charles Schwab | 58 | 3.6★ (13) | Towson, 17 mi away | — |
| 7 | Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: David Slade, CFP®|AAMS® | 58 | 5.0★ (3) | Elkridge, 4 mi away | — |
| 8 | Charles Schwab | 57 | 4.5★ (11) | Bethesda, 22 mi away | — |
| 9 | Charles Schwab | 57 | 3.7★ (14) | Potomac, 21 mi away | — |
| 10 | Charles Schwab | 57 | 3.9★ (15) | Annapolis, 24 mi away | — |
All 22 stockbrokers in Columbia, in rank order
Ordered by RFA Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.
Scores below: based on 6 of 8 factors; registration and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Olney, 14 mi away
62/100RFA ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based in Columbia
61/100RFA ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and review volume: 2.5★ from 23 Google reviews.
Based in Westminster, 25 mi away
61/100RFA ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews.
Based in Columbia
58/100RFA ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.
Based in Towson, 17 mi away
58/100RFA ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and review volume: 3.6★ from 13 Google reviews.
Based in Elkridge, 4 mi away
58/100RFA ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.
Based in Bethesda, 22 mi away
57/100RFA ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.5★ from 11 Google reviews.
Based in Potomac, 21 mi away
57/100RFA ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and review volume: 3.7★ from 14 Google reviews.
#10 Charles Schwab
Based in Annapolis, 24 mi away
57/100RFA ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and review volume: 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews.
#11 Charles Schwab
Based in Gaithersburg, 21 mi away
57/100RFA ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and review volume: 3.6★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based in Eldersburg, 13 mi away
56/100RFA ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.
Based in Hunt Valley, 20 mi away
56/100RFA ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.
#14 Charles Schwab
Based in Bowie, 19 mi away
55/100RFA ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 2.4★ from 20 Google reviews.
#15 Charles Schwab
Based in Washington, D.C., 24 mi away
55/100RFA ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.
Based in Washington, D.C., 21 mi away
55/100RFA ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.
Based in Severna Park, 16 mi away
54/100RFA ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.
Based in Towson, 17 mi away
54/100RFA ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.
Based in North Bethesda, 20 mi away
54/100RFA ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.
Based in Bethesda, 22 mi away
54/100RFA ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.
Based in Arnold, 24 mi away
52/100RFA ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.
Based in Westminster, 25 mi away
52/100RFA ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.
Also serving Columbia
20 more stockbrokers within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 369 Financial | 5.0★ (14) | In Columbia |
| Athlon Wealth Advisors, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | In Columbia |
| Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors | 4.7★ (35) | In Columbia |
| Beacon Pointe Advisors | 4.9★ (31) | In Columbia |
| Carson Wealth | 1.0★ (1) | In Columbia |
| Centennial Wealth Management | 5.0★ (3) | In Columbia |
| Drown Financial Services | 5.0★ (3) | In Columbia |
| Equitable Advisors | 3.7★ (6) | In Columbia |
| Evergreen Advisors | 5.0★ (1) | In Columbia |
| Fidelity Investments | 3.4★ (15) | In Columbia |
| Heritage Financial Advisors, LLC | 5.0★ (4) | In Columbia |
| Ibello Wealth Management | 5.0★ (64) | In Columbia |
| InvestEd Advisory | 4.7★ (9) | In Columbia |
| Margaux Hrab - Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC | 5.0★ (4) | In Columbia |
| Merriweather Money Management | 5.0★ (2) | In Columbia |
| Moriarty Financial Services | 5.0★ (10) | In Columbia |
| Phoenix Private Wealth | 4.0★ (4) | In Columbia |
| Sophos Financial / LPL Financial | 5.0★ (46) | In Columbia |
| Wealth Enhancement Group | 5.0★ (24) | In Columbia |
| Williams Asset Management | 5.0★ (33) | In Columbia |
How we ranked Columbia stockbrokers
We scored 22 Columbia stockbrokers on eight factors, weighted as shown. A firm is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Columbia data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 30% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it (client experience, not investment results) | Measured |
| Registration | 20% | Active SEC, state or Canadian securities registration matched in public records (not yet measured) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Specialty focus | 15% | How clearly the firm offers this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Ranked Financial Advisors profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The firm links to Ranked Financial Advisors from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose a stockbroker
- Confirm the stockbroker and the firm are registered: Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck in the US, the CSA National Registration Search in Canada. Read any disclosure events.
- Ask whether they act as a fiduciary on your account at all times, and get the answer in writing.
- Ask how they are paid: a percentage of assets, flat or hourly fees, a retainer, commissions, or a mix. Each creates different conflicts of interest.
- Read the firm’s Form CRS and Form ADV Part 2A brochure (fees, services, conflicts, disciplinary history) before you sign.
- Check designations with the body that grants them, such as the CFP Board for CFP® professionals.
- Ask about account minimums and who holds your money: your assets should sit with an independent custodian in your name.
- Compare at least two or three firms, and be wary of anyone who promises returns or pushes you to decide quickly.
Questions to ask a stockbroker
- Are you a fiduciary for all of the advice you give me, and will you put that in writing?
- How are you paid, in total dollars per year for an account like mine? Do you earn commissions or other payments from product providers?
- Which registrations and designations do you hold, and where can I verify them?
- Who will hold my assets, and how will I see statements directly from that custodian?
- What services are included in your fee, and what would cost extra with you as my stockbroker?
- Do you have a minimum account size or minimum fee?
- Have you or your firm had any complaints or disciplinary actions? Where would I see them?
- How often will we meet, and who will I work with day to day?
- What happens to my plan or accounts if you retire or leave the firm?
Terms explained
- Fiduciary
- Someone legally required to act in a client’s interest. In the US, registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
- Registered investment adviser (RIA)
- A firm registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator to give investment advice for pay. Most firms managing $100 million or more register with the SEC; smaller firms usually register with their state.
- Investment adviser representative (IAR)
- A person who gives advice on behalf of a registered investment adviser, usually registered with the states where they work.
- Broker-dealer
- A firm that buys and sells securities for customers. US broker-dealers are members of FINRA; their registered representatives typically earn commissions.
- Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
- The SEC rule, in force since June 30, 2020, requiring broker-dealers to act in a retail customer’s best interest when recommending a security or account type.
- Form ADV
- The registration form every investment adviser files. Part 1 holds facts about the firm; Part 2A, the brochure, describes services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history in plain English.
- Form CRS
- A short relationship summary that advisers and broker-dealers give retail investors, covering services, fees, conflicts, standard of conduct and disciplinary history.
- CRD number
- The Central Registration Depository number FINRA and the SEC assign to each firm and registered person; use it to look them up on Investor.gov or BrokerCheck.
- Assets under management (AUM) fee
- A yearly fee set as a percentage of the money an advisor manages for you. Advisor surveys have put the median around 1% on accounts up to $1 million, lower on larger accounts.
- Fee-only
- An advisor paid only by clients, with no commissions or other payments from product providers.
- Fee-based
- An advisor who charges client fees and may also earn commissions on some products. It is not the same as fee-only.
- CFP® professional
- A person certified by the CFP Board after meeting education, exam, experience and ethics requirements. The CFP Board requires them to act as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.
Stockbrokers in Columbia: frequently asked questions
Which stockbroker has the highest RFA Score in Columbia?
By RFA Score, the highest-ranked stockbroker in Columbia, MD is Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John Comberiate, CFP®|ChFC®|AAMS® with an RFA Score of 66/100. It has 5.0★ from 25 Google reviews. Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: David Erskine, CFP®|ChFC®|CEPA®|CRPC™ (#2) and Charles Schwab (#3) follow. We ranked 22 stockbrokers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many stockbrokers are there in Columbia?
RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 22 stockbrokers serving Columbia, MD. 2 of them are based in Columbia; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What Google rating do Columbia stockbrokers have?
The median Google rating among 22 rated stockbrokers in Columbia is 4.8★, with a median of 8 reviews. Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John Comberiate, CFP®|ChFC®|AAMS® has the most, 25 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank stockbrokers?
Each stockbroker gets a 0–100 RFA Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (30%), specialty focus (15%), review volume (10%) and claimed profile (10%). A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only firms with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do stockbrokers outside Columbia count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Columbia city center, our service radius for stockbrokers. Each listing shows where the firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the RFA Score, so a nearby firm gets a small edge.
Can stockbrokers pay to rank higher on RankedFinancialAdvisors?
No. The RFA Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured firms may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
What does a stockbroker do?
Stockbrokers buy and sell stocks, bonds, funds and other securities for clients and may recommend them. In the US they are registered representatives of a FINRA member broker-dealer; in Canada they work for a CIRO-regulated investment dealer.
How are stockbrokers in Columbia ranked?
By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers brokerage services and how close it is. Paid placements never change the order, and the score does not measure investment performance.
How do I check a stockbroker’s registration and record?
Search the person and the firm on Investor.gov (the SEC’s adviser search) and on FINRA BrokerCheck. A firm’s Form ADV and any disciplinary history are public there.
Is every stockbroker in Columbia a fiduciary?
Not necessarily. Investment adviser representatives owe a fiduciary duty on advisory accounts; broker-dealer representatives follow Regulation Best Interest when they recommend a security. Ask which applies to your account and read the firm’s Form CRS.
How much do stockbrokers charge?
Fees depend on the firm and the service: a percentage of assets managed each year, a flat or hourly planning fee, a retainer, or commissions. Ask for the fee schedule in writing and read the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure or, in Canada, its relationship disclosure.
Update log for Columbia
- November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 22 stockbrokers serving Columbia.
More stockbrokers and Columbia pages
Stockbrokers near Columbia
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