Thanks for taking the time to check out our first of many blog posts designed to help robo-advisers operate more efficiently, reduce business risk, and comply with applicable law.

To start, when we say “robo-advisers” or “you,” we mean registered investment advisers that use technology to provide discretionary asset management services to their clients through online algorithmic-based programs. Robo-adviser clients enter personal information and other data into an interactive, digital platform like a website or mobile app. And based on that information, the robo-adviser generates a portfolio for the client and subsequently manages the client’s account.

Here’s why we started this blog. The way that robo-advisers deliver their services is both relatively new and unique, but the laws and rules that govern these firms are old and slow to adapt to changing technology. That means robo-advisers face many compliance challenges that traditional advisers, for whom the laws and regulations were designed, do not.

We think we can help you overcome those challenges. Our goal for this blog is to offer solutions and guidance to you as you navigate all aspects of your operations. To begin, our first set of posts will discuss those tasks you need to tackle before you can take on a single client.

Which brings us to the topic at hand – the client agreement.

This document sets all the rules for how you will interact with your client and your client’s money. You want to be sure it has provisions that are tailored to your business, meet all legal requirements, set client expectations, and protect your interests. And all that should be done before you hang out your virtual shingle.

Just like any traditional adviser, when you and your counsel are designing your client agreement, you will want to be sure the contract has accurate fee provisions, gives you the necessary authority to manage the account and select brokers, requires the use of a custodian, has clients acknowledge receipt of necessary disclosures, limits your liability appropriately, and prohibits assignments without client consent.

However, consider again how you will deliver your services. Clients won’t be coming into your office and meeting with an adviser representative, and humans won’t be making the investment decisions. These crucial operational differences need to be built into your client agreement through provisions addressing issues such as:

• Methods of communication – Many robo-advisers seek to provide a completely “digital” experience where clients receive all communications and regulatory disclosures electronically. Be sure your agreement clearly explains how you will communicate with clients (i.e., through email or an online platform), so they know how to get in touch with you. Note that before you may communicate electronically with clients, the SEC requires that clients provide their “informed consent” so that clients know the risks of electronic transmissions. And it’s a good practice to get that consent separately, rather than bury it in the advisory contract.
• Changes to the agreement – You will want to retain flexibility to modify certain provisions of the agreement unilaterally when you need to. Ensure your advisory contract gives you that flexibility and that clients understand how changes to the agreement will be communicated.
• Incorporate the client questionnaire responses – You will undoubtedly ask your client a number of questions about risk tolerance and investment objectives so that you can build a suitable portfolio. Consider incorporating those responses into the client agreement and ensure the client attests that the responses are accurate.
• Funding accounts – Be sure your agreement details the process by which advisory accounts may be funded and places appropriate limitations on that process (such as restricting the types of funding accounts that may be used or allowing for processing delays).
• Foreign jurisdictions –You don’t want to inadvertently trip up foreign law by taking on a client living outside the U.S. Ensure your contract and client onboarding process appropriately restrict service to persons living in the U.S.
• Anti–money laundering representations – You likely won’t have a chance to vet your prospective client in person – consider adding client representations that will help you meet your obligation to know the source of client money.
• Access interruptions – Because your services will be provided through the internet, your clients should be made aware that there will be times when your services might not be available due to maintenance, hardware or software malfunction, or internet service failure.
• Electronic signatures – You will want clients to be able to sign your agreement electronically – be sure your agreement and platform accounts for that functionality.

Needless to say, the above list is not meant to be complete. Each firm is different, and your client contract needs to account for the relationship you want to build with your client. The essential point is that when you substitute algorithms and websites for human advisers and offices, a contract designed for traditional advisers is unlikely to suffice.

That’s all for today. We hope you’ll come back for our next post from Josh Hinderliter, who will discuss how robo-advisers address their duty to provide suitable advice to clients.