ADV Part II

Aug 11, 2009 1:40 pm

Does anybody put part II of their ADV as a downloadable .pdf on their website?



I interviewed a guy today who suggested it. Right now, I can’t think of anything wrong with it. Maybe I’m just slow on the uptake and should have done it a long time ago.



Thoughts?

Aug 11, 2009 2:01 pm

I see no down side. Any one can find part one of your ADV part I on the SEC web sight.

Aug 11, 2009 2:35 pm

Thanks Jack. Just wondering. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it is all.

Aug 11, 2009 2:56 pm

I have researched some of the RIA’s in my area, and they have downloadable ADV Part II’s.  I would think clients would appreciate the (here comes the 2009 “buzzword of the year”…) transparency.

Aug 11, 2009 4:14 pm

Not really adding anything new here, most RIAs seem to put them on their web site.  Of course this makes it easier for your competition to see what your offering.

Aug 11, 2009 5:08 pm
Wet_Blanket:

Not really adding anything new here, most RIAs seem to put them on their web site. Of course this makes it easier for your competition to see what your offering.



And there is the downside. I looked at several other ADVs, where people offer insurance, and they are telling people that they have a conflict of interest in big bold letters. Easy for me to say that I help them with their insurance needs, but don't sell it.

I really don't have anything to hide, except that appears my fees are higher than everyone else's. Hasn't hurt me so far, but we'll see.
Aug 11, 2009 7:13 pm

Honestly, I think if people are “shopping” RIA’s, you might not want them as clients.  Most of the RIA’s (and there are just a few major ones) in my area are in the 1% range.  Their ADV’s show ranges, but in talking with them, most don’t take small accounts, so generally end up in the 1% range.

Aug 11, 2009 7:19 pm
B24:

Honestly, I think if people are “shopping” RIA’s, you might not want them as clients. Most of the RIA’s (and there are just a few major ones) in my area are in the 1% range. Their ADV’s show ranges, but in talking with them, most don’t take small accounts, so generally end up in the 1% range.



Good point. Most of what I get is referral anyway. But it certainly saves on paper if they download the ADV (and DVDs - right now, we put it on the DVD along with every other disclosure we have so that they have it).

I also charge more hourly, so not just the AUM fee is higher, but the planning and "consultations" are more. I haven't seen anybody charge more than $125/hr.
Aug 11, 2009 7:46 pm

What are your AUM fees?

Aug 11, 2009 9:45 pm

2% and lower down to .5% for $5million clients (no one has this breakpoint, unfortunately). I just raised it to 2% in March from 1.75%. Seems to be working out all right. Most people around me, the highest they are charging is 1.5%.