July 13, 2018
1. Overall, do you find the Relationship Summary useful? If not, how would you change it? If so, what topics and how can they be improved?:
Yes to useful but no to understanding what is meant by "Broker-Dealer" and "investment Advisor". When speaking with the public, I would recommend the term fee-based or commission based vs. investment advisor or broker/dealer.
2. How useful is each section of the Relationship Summary? Please consider explaining your responses in the comments:
a. Type of Relationship and Service: Very Useful:
b. Our Obligations to You: Very Useful:
c. Fees and Costs: Useful:
d. Comparison to different account types: Very Useful: I would recommend adding language that discusses the frequency of activity or type of trading can make a difference in choosing an account.
e. Conflict of Interests: Very Useful:
f. Additional Information: Useful:
g. Key Questions to Ask: Very Useful:
3. Please answer the following questions. Please consider explaining your responses in the comments:
a. Do you find the format of the Relationship Summary easy to follow?: Somewhat: except as reference above
b. Is the information in the appropriate order?: Yes:
c. Is the Relationship Summary easy to read?: Yes:
d. Should the Relationship Summary include additional information about different account types?: Somewhat: see frequency of trading comment above
e. Would you seek out additional information about a firm's disciplinary history as suggested in the Relationship Summary?: No:
4. Are there topics in the Relationship Summary that are too technical or that could be improved?:
5. Is there additional information that we should require in the Relationship Summary,such as more specific information about the firm or additional information about fees? Is that because you do not receive the information now, or because you would also like to see it presented in this summary document, or both? Is there any information that should be made more prominent?:
As long as the investor is aware of how much they are paying and how they are paying it for the services they are provided that is the key.
6. Is the Relationship Summary an appropriate length? If not, should it be longer or shorter?:
ok
7. Do you find the 'Key Questions to Ask' useful? Would the questions improve the quality of your discussion with your financial professional? If not, why not?:
yes
8. Do you have any additional suggestions to improve the Relationship Summary? Is there anything else you would like to tell us?:
See initial comment above