AUM VS AUA: Which Model Is Right for Your Wealth Management Firm in 2026

AUM vs.AUM vs. AUA Explained: Choosing the Right Wealth Management Fee Model (and Why CPA Firms Matter)On this episode of The Nexus Point Podcast, host Rich Romero and Geoff Bruskin, Managing Partner and CEO of White Tiger Connections, compare assets under management (AUM) and assets under advisory (AUA), explaining how each fee model works and when it makes sense based on client net worth, liquidity, firm monetization, and brand narrative. They discuss typical basis-point fee schedules under AUM, how AUA can support more holistic financial advice and reduce incentives tied to where assets are held, and why AUA is more common among ultra-high net worth families with significant illiquid holdings. Geoff suggests wealth management firms should evolve rather than switch models outright, potentially serving multiple market segments with different fee structures. The episode closes with a case for integrating tax and accounting capabilities into RIAs and broker-dealers, enabled by fully remote CPA talent, to improve client outcomes and drive growth.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:18 AUM Explained: Basis Points and Fee Schedules02:15 AUA Explained: Net Worth and Flat Fee Structures03:49 Choosing Between AUM and AUA Based on Client Profile05:55 Fiduciary Narrative, Fee Conflicts, and Incentive Structures08:25 Fee Model Advice for CPA Firms Starting an RIA09:46 Should Wealth Management Firms Switch Fee Models12:08 Remote CPA Talent and the Integrated Wealth Management Thesis15:10 Wrap Up and Where to Find White Tiger ConnectionsHow this was made