In our last post, Craig began our discussion of trading practices by examining an adviser’s duty to obtain best execution. This post continues our trading practice discussion with a focus on soft dollar arrangements.
Soft dollar arrangements generally arise when an adviser receives research or brokerage products or services from a broker-dealer in exchange
In a previous blog post, we discussed an adviser’s fiduciary duty to provide advice based on the client’s financial situation and investment objectives. In today’s post, we’ll examine the practical implications of this requirement from a compliance prospective.
Craig noted in our last entry that Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-7 (the “Compliance Rule”) requires that
To our readers, we hope this entry to our blog finds you and your family safe and healthy. As we all begin to envision a path forward following the unprecedented events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a focus on compliance for your firm should not be an overlooked task.
For robo-advisers, this is an opportunity
With the deadline for the annual update to Form ADV closing in at the end of March, let’s examine one aspect of Form ADV disclosure which impacts a majority, if not all, robo-advisory firms – algorithm related disclosure.
Your firm likely utilizes a proprietary algorithm to automatically determine client asset allocation among a limited set
In our last post, Craig laid out the process of advertising a performance track record. That’s great, if you have a track record. What about a newly operational robo-adviser with no performance history? Your firm likely has spent considerable resources building and developing an investment strategy and corresponding algorithm. But without a client base,
You’re ready to advertise. You know the basics, you can handle the complexities of including past specific recommendations, and even understand how to appropriately include client testimonials. Let the advertising campaign commence! Well, not so fast. Even if you’ve successfully managed all of the potential pitfalls we’ve discussed so far, you must
You want to attract clients. You need to advertise to attract clients. You might think that a great way to attract new clients is to advertise how past recommendations or security selections have worked for current clients. You may want to explain on your website or app how your model works by giving examples of
The saying goes, referrals are the lifeblood of any business. Indeed, all business owners, robo-advisory firms included, strive to provide a level of value and service to their customers such that those customers in turn become advocates and solicitors of the business. Unfortunately, word of mouth referrals alone are not usually enough. Your firm may
So, you’ve decided to launch a robo-advisory firm? Understandably, your first considerations are likely tied to the functionality of your product. Perhaps the final testing of your algorithm is complete, and your attention has turned to how clients will use your product. What will your client interface look like? How will client information be collected?
No matter what form of investment advisory firm you have, completing Form ADV is a necessity. As a reminder, Form ADV is the form used by investment advisers to register with both the SEC and state securities regulators (see our June 12, 2019 post for more detail). Today’s post deals with the particularities