Howland Capital Management Has Earned Top Financial Ranking
The Boston-based firm secured the No. 1 position on the 2026 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 list.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Howland Capital Management has ascended to the top spot on the 2026 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 list. The firm previously held the No. 7 position on the same list in 2025.
Why it matters
The ranking recognizes the firm's growth and approach to managing assets for families, foundations, and small institutions. It highlights Howland Capital Management's prominence among the roughly 1,000 firms analyzed by CNBC this year.
Howland Capital Management currently manages $4 billion in assets across more than 500 accounts. Approximately 65% of the total client assets are held in trusts.
The players
Howland Capital Management
This Boston-based wealth management firm provides investment and financial planning services to families and institutions.
Charlie Clapp
He is a notable figure associated with the firm who also earned a silver medal in rowing at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
The details
The firm, which serves over 400 families and institutions, utilizes a structure focusing on trusts for multigenerational financial planning. CNBC methodology for the ranking weighed assets under management, industry experience, and other specific performance metrics.
Timeline
Howland Capital Management was founded in 1967.
Charlie Clapp won a silver medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
The firm ranked No. 7 on the CNBC list in 2025.
The firm achieved the No. 1 ranking on the 2026 CNBC list.
Market Dynamics
The rise of Howland Capital Management reflects the competitive benchmarks established by the CNBC Financial Advisor 100 list. This story marks a major shift in the annual list's leadership, as the firm moved from seventh to first place.
For clients, this ranking serves as an external validation of the firm's established asset management and trust strategies. Investors may consider these rankings alongside long-term performance records when selecting a financial partner.
The takeaway
The firm's success underscores the importance of a clear, trust-based structure for multigenerational wealth preservation. Choosing an advisor involves evaluating both national accolades and how a firm's specific strategy aligns with individual family goals.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry standards by visiting our Financial Planning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CNBC.
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