GUIDE / METRIC COMPARISON

AUM vs. regulatory AUM vs. 13F reported value

Compare assets under management, Form ADV regulatory AUM, and Form 13F disclosed value by source, scope, timing, and appropriate use.

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Definition

AUM, regulatory AUM, and 13F reported value are different measures. Generic AUM depends on the publisher’s methodology; regulatory AUM follows Form ADV instructions; 13F value totals specified positions disclosed for a quarter. None should be substituted for another without reconciling scope and date.

01

Comparison at a glance

MeasureSourceScopeBest use
AUMFirm or data publisherMethodology-dependentUnderstand size under the stated method
Regulatory AUMForm ADV Item 5.FAssets calculated under Form ADV instructionsCompare adviser regulatory disclosures with care
13F reported valueForm 13F information tableSpecified Section 13(f) positions disclosed for a report periodAnalyze reported holdings, not total AUM

02

Assets under management

AUM is a useful umbrella term only when its methodology is explicit. Firm-published AUM can be entirely valid while differing from regulatory AUM because the firm uses a different scope, affiliate treatment, valuation date, or gross/net method.

03

Regulatory assets under management

RAUM is the Form ADV measure reported under the form’s calculation rules. It is tied to a filing and measurement date. It can include both discretionary and non-discretionary regulatory AUM and has specific treatment for private funds and qualifying portfolios.

04

13F reported value

A Form 13F information table reports positions in specified Section 13(f) securities. The aggregate value is delayed, incomplete as a portfolio view, and does not include short positions. It should be labeled “13F disclosed value” or similarly precise language.

05

Safe comparison rules

  • Use the same reporting entity or explain entity differences.
  • Display the report/measurement date and filing date.
  • Name the source form or publisher.
  • Do not infer performance from a change in AUM alone.
  • Do not use 13F value as total portfolio AUM.
  • Keep reported and calculated figures visually distinct.

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Primary sources

Definitions and regulatory claims on this page are grounded in the following official public resources.