Alexander Schutz
WMS ADVISORS, LLC
📍 Bethesda, MD
Works with portfolios under $100K
This advisor uses a fee structure (hourly, flat-fee, or fee-only) or manages a smaller firm, making them accessible to everyday investors. Learn more →
Alexander “Alex” Schutz is a wealth advisor for WMS Advisors, LLC. Alex’s academic background in history shaped his long-term perspective on markets and economic cycles, while his graduate studies refined his technical expertise in portfolio construction and investment strategy. Before entering the financial services industry in 2019, he worked as a chocolatier — an experience that instilled a deep appreciation for precision, discipline, and craftsmanship, qualities he brings to our advisory practice today. He holds a B.S. in History from Salisbury University and a master’s in finance, with a concentration in Investments and Securities, from Southern New Hampshire University. He was born and raised in Bethesda, Maryland, where he and his wife, Eden (“Edie”), now reside there with their two children, Connor and Cassidy. Outside of work, Alex enjoys competitive floor hockey, cooking, home improvement projects, and cheering on the Washington Capitals.
At a Glance
Services Offered
Credentials & Designations
About This Profile
Alexander Schutz is a registered financial professional with WMS ADVISORS, LLC , based in Bethesda, MD. They are registered as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with the SEC or a state securities regulator.
As a confirmed fiduciary, Alexander Schutz is legally obligated to put client interests above their own — at all times, not just some of the time. This is the gold standard in financial advisory and is a higher bar than the "suitability" standard many broker-dealers operate under. Fiduciaries cannot legally recommend a product simply because it generates a higher commission for them.
This advisor's listed fee model is Fee-Based. Before engaging any advisor, confirm in writing exactly how they are compensated, including whether they receive commissions or referral fees from third parties in addition to any fees you pay directly.
Profile data is sourced from the SEC's Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) and FINRA's BrokerCheck — the same public regulatory databases used by state and federal regulators. CRD # 7224293 is the unique identifier assigned to this advisor by FINRA's Central Registration Depository.
Regulatory Information
Data sourced from SEC IARD and FINRA BrokerCheck public databases. Verify on BrokerCheck →
How to Verify This Advisor's Credentials
Always do your own due diligence before hiring any financial advisor. Here's exactly how:
Check FINRA BrokerCheck (free)
Go to brokercheck.finra.org and search CRD # 7224293. You'll see their complete licensing history, any employment gaps, and all reportable disclosures — including customer complaints, regulatory actions, and criminal matters.
Read Their SEC Form ADV
Because Alexander Schutz is an SEC-Registered RIA, they are required to file Form ADV with the SEC. Part 2 of this form is written in plain English and covers their fees, services offered, investment strategies, and all conflicts of interest. Find it at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Ask the Advisor Directly
Request their Form ADV Part 2 brochure in writing. Any legitimate registered advisor will provide it immediately. Also ask: "Are you a fiduciary at all times?" and "How are you compensated?" The answers — and how quickly they respond — tell you a lot.
Check for Complaints & Disciplinary History
Our Complaint History Lookup tool can help you understand what to look for. BrokerCheck shows disclosed complaints and disciplinary actions, though not all issues are reportable under FINRA rules.
Questions to Ask Alexander Before Hiring
These questions are designed to uncover conflicts of interest, clarify costs, and determine whether this advisor is the right fit for your situation.
"How are you compensated, and do you receive any third-party payments?"
Understand every way this advisor makes money — management fees, commissions, referral fees, or 12b-1 fees from mutual funds. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed, but you should ask proactively.
"What is your minimum account size or annual fee?"
Many advisors require $250,000–$1,000,000 or more to take on new clients. If you have a smaller portfolio, ask upfront whether your situation is a good fit.
"What is your investment philosophy, and how do you handle market downturns?"
A good advisor should be able to explain their approach clearly and discuss how they have communicated with and managed clients during volatile periods like 2008, 2020, and 2022.
"Have you ever been disciplined by a regulator or named in a customer complaint?"
You can verify this independently on FINRA BrokerCheck, but asking directly is a good test of transparency. A trustworthy advisor will walk you through any disclosures proactively.
"Who is my primary contact, and how often will we meet?"
At some larger firms, you meet with a senior advisor once but are actually managed by a junior associate. Clarify who handles your account day-to-day and how frequently you'll have formal reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexander Schutz a fiduciary?
Yes. Alexander Schutz is confirmed as a fiduciary, which means they are legally required to act in your best interest at all times. This is the highest standard of care in the financial advisory profession and is required of all SEC-Registered Investment Advisors.
What does CRD # 7224293 mean?
The CRD (Central Registration Depository) number is a unique identifier assigned to every registered financial professional and firm in the United States by FINRA. You can use this number to pull a complete regulatory history on FINRA BrokerCheck, including licenses held, employment history, and any disclosed customer complaints or disciplinary actions.
How is AdvisorFinders' data verified?
Every advisor in our database is sourced directly from the SEC's Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) or FINRA's BrokerCheck — the same public regulatory databases used by state and federal regulators. We do not create or modify registration data. Advisors can claim their profiles to add contact info and a bio, but the underlying regulatory information (name, CRD number, registration status, fiduciary standing) is always sourced from official records.
What's the difference between a fiduciary and a non-fiduciary advisor?
A fiduciary must put your interests first — always. A non-fiduciary broker only has to recommend products that are "suitable" for you, which is a lower standard. For example, if two similar mutual funds are available and one pays the broker a higher commission, a fiduciary must recommend the better fund for you. A non-fiduciary broker could legally recommend the higher-commission fund if it meets the suitability threshold.
What is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
A Registered Investment Advisor is a firm or individual registered with the SEC (if they manage over $100 million) or a state securities regulator (for smaller AUM). RIAs are legally obligated to act as fiduciaries. They must file Form ADV disclosures with the SEC that detail their fees, conflicts of interest, and investment approach. These disclosures are publicly available at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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