SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC.
About SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC.
SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. holds a Trust Score of 80/100 — an Established rating based on their regulatory filings and business history. As a registered fiduciary, they are legally required to put your interests first — this is the gold standard for financial advice.
In 19 years of operation, SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. has zero complaints or disciplinary actions — a spotless regulatory record. Their fee-only fee model is standard for the industry.
No major structural conflicts identified based on their SEC filings — they don't appear to have proprietary product incentives, and any custody arrangement reported on their Form ADV is generally the standard regulatory-custody category that applies to fee-only advisers. Bottom line: We recommend interviewing at least 2-3 other advisors in LOS ANGELES before committing to SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC.. Their risk profile suggests extra caution.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC.
“What is your all-in fee, including fund expenses?”
Their disclosed model is fee-only. Ask for the total cost including underlying fund fees, trading costs, and any platform charges.
“Are you a fiduciary at all times — not just sometimes?”
SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. is registered as a fiduciary, but confirm this applies to ALL recommendations — some firms switch hats when selling insurance or annuities.
“How are you compensated when you recommend a specific product?”
No commissions disclosed — but always confirm in writing that no third-party compensation applies to any recommendation.
“Can I see your Form ADV Part 2A brochure before our next meeting?”
This is the legal disclosure document that details fees, conflicts, and disciplinary history. Every SEC-registered advisor must provide it. Read it before signing anything.
Compensation Model
Compensation type disclosed on SEC Form ADV Item 5C. Filed 45994. Specific fee percentages are available in this firm's Form ADV Part 2A brochure at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Conflict of Interest Analysis
Broker-Dealer Affiliated: No
No broker-dealer affiliation. Lower risk of commission-driven advice.
Insurance Licensed: No
Not insurance licensed. Cannot sell you annuity or insurance products directly.
Custody per Form ADV Item 9: Yes
SEC Form ADV Item 9 reports that this adviser is deemed to have "custody" of some client assets under Rule 206(4)-2. This is a broad regulatory term that includes situations where client assets sit at an independent qualified custodian (e.g., Schwab, Fidelity) but the adviser has authority to deduct advisory fees, or has a standing letter of authorization on the account. It does not, on its own, mean the adviser physically holds client assets. See the firm's ADV filing on adviserinfo.sec.gov for the specifics.
Proprietary Products: No
Uses only third-party investment products. No proprietary product conflicts.
Regulatory & Disciplinary History
Clean Record
No disciplinary events, regulatory actions, or customer complaints on file with the SEC or FINRA. This firm has maintained a spotless regulatory record for 19 years.
Firm Details
| Legal Name | SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. |
| CRD Number | #145530 |
| SEC Registered | Yes |
| Registration Date | 2007-10-24 |
| States Registered | CA |
| Assets Under Management | $748M |
| Number of Clients | 9 |
| Employees | 14 |
| Compensation Type | fee-only |
| Last ADV Filing | 45994 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. a fiduciary?
Yes. SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. is a registered investment adviser (RIA) with the SEC, which means they are legally required to act as a fiduciary — putting your interests ahead of their own.
How does SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. charge clients?
SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. uses a fee-only compensation model. Full fee details are in their Form ADV Part 2A brochure at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Does SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. have any complaints?
No. SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. has zero complaints or disciplinary actions on file with the SEC or FINRA across 19 years of operation.
How does SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. compare to other advisors in LOS ANGELES?
SFE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. has a Trust Score of 80/100. There are 203 registered advisory firms in LOS ANGELES. Use our city page to compare firms side by side.
Where does this data come from?
All information is sourced from SEC Form ADV public filings (mandatory regulatory disclosures) and FINRA BrokerCheck records. Last updated: 2026-06-24. We do not accept payment from financial advisors.
Data source: SEC Form ADV (Parts 1 and 2A) filed with the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD). Filing date: 45994. Last data refresh: 2026-06-24. AdvisorRanked does not verify the accuracy of SEC filings. This is not financial advice.