Comprehensive services is a wealth management term that is frequently used but rarely defined in an objective manner. There are currently no accepted standards for what constitutes services that are “comprehensive.”

The term is typically used to denote the ability to deliver multiple services either in a few core domains within the expertise of a firm or, used more accurately, services in multiple domains that serve most of the financial and nonfinancial needs of the family. A common listing of comprehensive services may include investment management, advanced financial or estate planning, tax planning and compliance, family governance, risk management, and household financial management, among other services. Comprehensive services may refer to the breadth or number of services available but nothing about whether those services are delivered in any skillful or integrated manner.