In marketing materials, the term holistic services typically implies that a wealth advisory firm’s offerings account for the client’s goals, aspirations, needs, and values, beyond just considering their net worth and other financial considerations. The term grows out of the life planning and holistic financial planning movements where planners take into consideration the client’s full range of needs and goals, in contrast to the more technical approach of focusing primarily on assets, liabilities, risks, and financial goals.

However, similar to claims of having “client-centered” or “comprehensive services,” “holistic services” is a well-intentioned term with no clear standards or guidelines that prove whether a firm truly utilizes a comprehensive approach in working with the client. It is not a guarantee that a firm will be delivering truly integrated services across multiple domains.