The only West Virginia–based firm on the list, MCWS was selected from 41,578 advisory firms nationwide and ranks No. 98
WHEELING, W.Va., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — McKinley Carter Wealth Services (MCWS) is the only West Virginia–based firm named to CNBC’s 2026 Financial Advisor 100, the network’s annual ranking of the top registered investment advisory firms in the United States. MCWS ranked No. 98 on this year’s list, published Oct. 8, and was one of just 100 firms selected from 41,578 advisory firms nationwide.
The recognition places a Wheeling-headquartered firm among the country’s leading independent advisors and reflects more than two decades of growth across the region. From offices in Wheeling and Charleston, W.Va., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Dayton, Ohio, MCWS serves individuals, families and institutions in 41 states, with approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management as of Sept. 24, 2026.
CNBC compiled the list with data partner AccuPoint Solutions, a wealth management data and research firm specializing in advisor intelligence and industry analytics. The process started with 41,578 registered investment advisor firms, or RIAs, from the SEC’s regulatory database, narrowed to 1,015 that met CNBC’s requirements and passed a due diligence check, including any regulatory disclosures. Finalists completed surveys to confirm key details, and AccuPoint ranked the firms using CNBC’s proprietary weighted criteria. Among other factors, those criteria include each firm’s regulatory and compliance record, years in business, number of employees, number of investment advisors registered with the firm, ratio of advisors to total employees, total assets and accounts under management, and number of states where the firm is registered. Firms do not apply or pay to be considered.
“Our people earned this, one client relationship at a time,” said David H. McKinley, CFP®, Founder and President of McKinley Carter. “There is no shortcut onto this list. You get there by serving families well for a long time, keeping a clean record and investing in the credentials of your advisors. I’m proud that a firm built in Wheeling stands alongside the best in the country.”
MCWS was also recognized by CNBC in 2015, when it managed approximately $811 million; its assets under management have more than tripled since. MCWS has also been named to the Inc. 5000 five times and recognized by InvestmentNews as one of the Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors.
The complete 2026 Financial Advisor 100 list and methodology are available at CNBC.com.
About McKinley Carter Wealth Services
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, McKinley Carter Wealth Services is an independent registered investment advisor providing wealth management, financial planning and investment advisory services to individuals, families and institutions. The firm’s 30 professionals serve clients from four offices in Wheeling and Charleston, West Virginia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Dayton, Ohio. Learn more at mckinleycarter.com.
Disclosure McKinley Carter Wealth Services (“McKinley Carter”) is an SEC registered investment adviser. For additional information about McKinley Carter, send for our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information herein. Please read the disclosure brochure carefully before you invest or send money.
Media contact: Ty Thorngate, Media Strategist, 304-312-1662, Ty@BeyondMK.com
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SOURCE McKinley Carter Wealth Services
