Form ADV 2A Firm Brochure

Transcription

1 Form ADV 2A Firm Brochure SEC File No HD Vest Advisory Services Revised December 2017 This Form ADV 2A Firm Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of HD Vest Advisory Services, Inc. ( HDVAS ) which uses the trade name HD Vest Advisory Services. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (972) This information has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Additional information about HD Vest Advisory Services is also available at Please note that registration as an investment adviser is required by the securities laws, and does not imply a certain level of skill or training. You should review this brochure and consider its contents before investing in a program offered by or through HDVAS. Securities offered through HD Vest Investment Services, Member SIPC Advisory services offered through HD Vest Advisory Services 6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas (972)

2 Item 2: Summary of Material Changes There have been no material changes since the version dated September

3 Item 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS... 3 Important Definitions... 4 ITEM 4: ADVISORY BUSINESS... 5 HD Vest Advisory Services SM... 5 Suitability of Fee-Based Programs... 5 The VestAdvisor Program... 6 Services... 9 Asset Selection and Evaluation Asset Selection and Evaluation for VestAdvisor Asset Selection and Evaluation Specifically for VestAdvisor Select Rebalancing Separate Account Manager Programs Sponsored by Wells Fargo Online Investment Advisory Services - BluVest Solicitor Arrangements - Referrals to Third Parties The Financial Planning and Consulting Program(s) Information About Your Account Assets Under Management ITEM 5: FEES AND COMPENSATION VestAdvisor Program Fee WFA Sponsored Programs, Solicitor Arrangements and Financial Planning/Consulting Program Fees Sweep Compensation Expense Sharing Arrangements Transaction, Clearing and Custodial Fees Termination of Agreement Conflicts of Interest ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS Monitoring Accounts for VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select Monitoring Accounts Specifically for VestAdvisor Monitoring Account(s) Specifically for VestAdvisor Select Quarterly Performance Reports for VestAdvisor Monitoring Account(s) Specifically for WFA Sponsored Programs and Solicitor Arrangements Monitoring Financial Planning and Consulting ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ITEM 15: CUSTODY ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ITEM 18 FINANCIAL INFORMATION OTHER DISCLOSURES APPENDIX ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE- BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS Methods of Analysis Investment Strategies Risk of Loss Eligible Assets for VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select Eligible Assets Specifically for VestAdvisor Eligible Assets Specifically for VestAdvisor Select ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION

4 Important Definitions 12b-1 Fee means a marketing and/or distribution fee paid out of the mutual fund assets pursuant to Rule 12b-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of b-1 Fees are distinct from Client or shareholder servicing fees which, although they also may be paid out of fund assets, are not paid pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 fund distribution plan. Though not paid directly by shareholders, these fees increase the expenses shareholders pay and therefore reduce investment returns. First Clearing has implemented a rebate process to rebate 12b-1 Fees back to the Account for all VestAdvisor programs. Access Person is a Supervised Person including directors, officers, employees and Investment Adviser Representatives ( IARs ) who has access to nonpublic information regarding Clients purchase or sale of securities, is involved in making securities recommendations to Clients or who has timely access to such recommendations that are nonpublic. Account(s) means your VestAdvisor account(s). Advisory Consultant means the HDVAS Investment Advisory Representative assigned to your Account. Advisory Services Agreement means the written agreement required to participate in VestAdvisor which governs the terms and conditions of the Program and associated services, as it may be amended from time to time. Advisory Share or Advisory Share Class means a special share class of a mutual fund designed for fee-based investment advisory products which does not have a sales load and has eliminated the 12b-1 Fee, and therefore generally has lower expenses than other share classes of the same fund. Black Diamond means Black Diamond Performance Reporting, LLC, the entity HDVAS has contracted with to provide the Quarterly Performance Report and to facilitate Client billing. BluVest means the online, discretionary asset allocation investment advisory program. Brochure Supplement means the Form ADV Part 2B Supplement Disclosure Document that describes your Advisory Consultant s background, credentials and other material information. Cash Sweep Disclosure Statement means the disclosure document provided at account opening or upon request describing available account sweep alternatives into which free credit balances will be swept on a daily basis. Client, you, and your means the person(s) or organization(s) that contract with us for Program services. Client Profile Questionnaire or the Profile means the questionnaire that collects information about you and your investment objective, risk tolerance and financial situation, and which is required to open an Account. Code of Ethics means the code adopted by HDVAS setting out the ethical principles of the Firm. Disclosure Brochure or Firm Brochure means this document, the Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure or VestAdvisor Program Disclosure Brochure, which provides important information about the various programs offered by or through HDVAS and details regarding the VestAdvisor Program. Educational Partners means the mutual fund companies or their affiliates that have an agreement with HDVIS to provide additional payments to help defray the educational, training, record-keeping and other costs associated with offering products to Clients. Eligible Assets or Eligible means investments HDVAS determines are eligible to be included within the quarterly performance calculation and are included in the Program Fee calculation. The list of Eligible Assets for VestAdvisor Select is a limited subset of the Eligible Assets for VestAdvisor. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC means the independent agency of the federal government that insures deposits in bank and thrift institutions up to applicable limits (more information available at First Clearing means First Clearing, the clearing broker-dealer that provides custodial and execution services for the Program pursuant to a clearing agreement with HDVIS. First Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. FINRA means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a selfregulatory organization that regulates broker-dealers (more information available at Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure or Firm Brochure means this document, the Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure or VestAdvisor Program Disclosure Brochure, which provides important information about the various programs offered by or through HDVAS and details regarding the VestAdvisor Program General Account Agreement and Disclosure Document refers to the HDVIS brokerage account agreement and disclosure provided to the Client at Account opening that provides material information about the terms of your Account. HDVAS, we, us or the Firm means HD Vest Advisory Services, an investment adviser registered with the SEC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HD Vest, Inc. HD Vest Advisory Client Services Agreement or Agreement means the agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions of the VestAdvisor Program. HDVIS means HD Vest Investment Securities, Inc. (d/b/a HD Vest Investment Services), a broker-dealer registered with the SEC, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HD Vest, Inc. HDVIS is an affiliate under common control with HDVAS, and serves as the introducing brokerdealer to First Clearing with respect to your Account. Ineligible Assets means investments that HDVAS has determined are not eligible to be included in the quarterly performance calculation and are not included in the Program Fee calculation. Ineligible Assets may not be held in a VestAdvisor Select Account. Limited Trading Authorization means written authority given by the Client to HDVAS and/or the Advisory Consultant authorizing HDVAS and/or the Advisory Consultant to execute trades in certain securities on a discretionary basis without receiving specific permission from the Client before the trades occur. Margin Disclosure Document means the disclosure document which provides detailed information about the use of margin borrowing to investors who seek a margin account. Program means the investment advisory programs discussed in this Firm Brochure. Program Fee means the fee charged to Client by HDVAS for Program services. 4

5 Quarterly Performance Report means the quarterly report which provides VestAdvisor Clients important information about their investment portfolio and the investment performance of their Account. Related Accounts means Program accounts grouped together for purposes of qualification, reduced pricing and, where requested, consolidated reporting, of advisory Programs offered by or through HDVAS. SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (more information available at Senior Portfolio Manager means the person employed to conduct due diligence and develop model portfolios in connection with VestAdvisor Select. Services Agreement or Consulting Services Agreement means the Client signed Services Agreement that refers to general education consulting or some other specified service identified in the Services Agreement. SIPC means the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, a federally mandated, non-profit corporation that administers the federal program that protects brokerage account investors against loss in the event of a broker-dealer member s insolvency and liquidation by replacing missing securities and cash up to a maximum of $500,000 per Client, including a maximum of $250,000 on claims for cash. SIPC does not protect against losses from market fluctuations. (More information available at Supervised Persons means directors, officers (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), employees, investment adviser representatives or other persons who provide investment advice on behalf of the investment adviser and are subject to the supervision and control of HDVAS. Transaction Fee or Ticket Charge means the flat fee assessed for trade processing and execution specified under the heading Transaction Fees in Appendix 1 to this Firm Brochure. Value of the Account means the calculation of the market value of the Eligible Assets held in the Account which is used to determine the Program Fee. VestAdvisor means the HDVAS sponsored investment advisory program discussed in this Firm Brochure. VestAdvisor Select means an optional feature within VestAdvisor that provides model portfolios and additional features and services for VestAdvisor accounts, and authorizes discretionary trading pursuant to a Limited Trading Authorization. Item 4: Advisory Business services through investment advisory programs designed to help our Clients meet their financial objectives. HDVAS is an affiliate of HDVIS, which is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a FINRA member firm. HDVIS generally provides brokerage, custody and execution services through a clearing arrangement with First Clearing. Your Advisory Consultant may be affiliated with both HDVAS and HDVIS for the purpose of offering you a broader range of financial services. Your Advisory Consultant may be restricted in the programs he or she can offer. Restrictions depend on factors such as the Advisory Consultant s licensing and registration. In addition, an Advisory Consultant may elect not to make available certain programs based on other factors such as investment philosophy and/or personal preferences. Suitability of Fee-Based Programs Depending on your particular needs, you can choose different types of accounts and levels of services offered through various HD Vest companies. These choices can have important implications in terms of the legal rights and responsibilities that attach to your relationship with HD Vest, the compensation earned by HD Vest and Advisory Consultants, and the disclosures you are entitled to receive. You should take these considerations into account when deciding which type of account best suits your individual needs. With a commission-based brokerage account (or investments made through HDVIS directly with a product sponsor), HDVIS generally does not have an ongoing duty and the primary service you are obtaining is the recommendation and execution of individual securities transactions. An Advisory Consultant may, in certain circumstances, serve as a registered representative of HDVIS in order to provide education and/or recommendations concerning securities investments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, variable insurance, annuities and other investment products. Any advice provided by HDVIS is solely incidental to the recommended transaction, and HDVIS does not have an ongoing obligation to monitor your account after the transaction is executed. HDVIS may also have a more limited obligation to disclose information about conflicts of interest. HDVIS is compensated by the sales commission you pay on transactions you execute and other brokerage account fees you do not pay a separate fee for ongoing advice. Pursuant to SEC Rule promulgated under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, HDVAS presents this Form ADV 2A Firm Brochure which provides the required Form ADV Part 2 disclosures. HD Vest Advisory Services SM HDVAS was established in 1987 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HD Vest, Inc. ( HD Vest ), which is the holding company for the group of companies providing financial products and services under the HD Vest name. HDVAS is an indirect subsidiary of Blucora, Inc., a public company traded (Nasdaq: BCOR). HDVAS is registered with the SEC and was created to offer ongoing consultative investment management 5

6 The primary service HDVAS offers is ongoing management of your accounts through VestAdvisor and money managers available through Wells Fargo Advisors (WFA). As an investment adviser, HDVAS acts as a fiduciary as defined by applicable law, and is required to provide additional disclosure (e.g., this Firm Brochure) which contains information about your account and material conflicts of interest. Unlike a brokerage account, HDVAS Clients do not pay sales commissions on individual transactions, and instead pay an ongoing fee based on the amount of assets in the account. Therefore, the compensation earned by HDVAS is not tied directly to the number or size of transactions in your account, and Advisory Consultants do not have an incentive to recommend transactions to generate additional sales commissions. On the other hand, HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant will earn the Program Fee regardless of whether you execute any transactions. You should consider the importance and value of ongoing advisory services when comparing various options for obtaining advice, reporting and trade execution. You should also consider the amount of anticipated trading activity when selecting among different types of accounts and assessing the overall cost. If there are prolonged periods of infrequent trading or your portfolio contains significant cash holdings, an advisory account will probably result in higher overall expenses than if commissions were paid separately for each transaction. If you do not need ongoing advice and do not anticipate at least a moderate amount of trading, or if you would rather pay your investment professional based on each transaction you execute, then a brokerage account may be the right choice for you. There is no long-term commitment with any Program and you can cancel your Advisory Service Agreement at any time if your needs or objectives change, or if you do not feel that you are receiving value in exchange for the Program Fee. This information is not intended to address all issues or questions concerning differences between brokerage and advisory accounts. When considering a fee-based program you should be sure that you understand the different investment solutions that are available to you. For example, you could decide that you want a brokerage account for certain investments and an advisory account for others. You should discuss the different account and service options, and ask any questions you feel you need answered before investing. If you have questions about the difference between brokerage and advisory accounts, ask your Advisory Consultant or contact the HD Vest Compliance Department at (800) The VestAdvisor Program VestAdvisor is an investment advisory Program designed for individuals and businesses with investment accounts with an average of $25,000 or more of Eligible Assets, although exceptions to the minimum qualifications may be made in the sole discretion of HDVAS. The VestAdvisor Program is designed to help you pursue your investment goals and needs as communicated to your Advisory Consultant. A description of these services is provided in the Services section. HDVAS reserves the right to terminate the advisory relationship if the market value of Eligible Assets in the Account falls below the minimum level. At the end of the quarter, HDVAS will review and may terminate Accounts that no longer meet the Program s minimum qualifications. To participate in the Program, HDVAS Advisory Consultants will gather information regarding your financial situation and assist you in completing the Client Profile Questionnaire, which is a form HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant use, along with other information you provide, to help identify your investment objectives and risk tolerance. If you want to open a VestAdvisor Account, you will complete and execute the Advisory Services Agreement and receive a copy of this Firm Brochure and the Advisory Consultant s Brochure Supplement. HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant rely on the information you provide to us, and accordingly it is important that you keep that information current. You have an ongoing obligation to update the Client Profile Questionnaire and notify your Advisory Consultant if there are any changes to your financial situation or the information provided, including information relevant to your investment objectives or risk tolerance. You must also inform your Advisory Consultant if there is other information not reflected on the Client Profile Questionnaire that is relevant to assessing your financial situation, investment objectives or risk tolerance (for example, anticipated large expenditures in the future or shortterm cash needs). You may request restrictions to your Account in consultation with your Advisory Consultant any time during the management of the Account. The Advisory Consultant or HDVAS may decline or terminate the Account if your elected restrictions are too prohibitive. VestAdvisor Select is an optional feature within VestAdvisor. This feature allows you and your Advisory Consultant to leverage HDVAS s portfolio and cash management services. Details of these services are described below. VestAdvisor Select differs from VestAdvisor in some important respects that are discussed below. Most of this document discloses information that is applicable generally to VestAdvisor; however, there are certain items that relate exclusively to the VestAdvisor Select feature which are separately identified in certain sections of this Firm Brochure, including but not limited to Program Services, Eligible Assets and Asset Selection. It is important that you be aware of these differences, and understand the Program features you have selected. Below is a chart to help you understand the primary differences between VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select. 6

7 VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select Comparison 7

8 VestAdvisor VestAdvisor Select Primary Responsibility for Selecting Investments Ongoing Due Diligence Advisory Consultant recommends investments; Client makes all investment decisions (narrow exceptions for Limited Trading Authorization). Advisory Consultant and/or Client HDVAS Senior Portfolio Manager creates recommended model portfolios. Advisory Consultant and/or Client can use recommended portfolio or make substitutions to create customized model portfolio within parameters set by HDVAS. HDVAS conducts ongoing due diligence on funds in the HDVAS recommended model portfolio; Advisory Consultant conducts ongoing due diligence on substitutions in customized portfolios. Use of Model Portfolios Optional Required Model portfolio not required; to the extent HDVAS is responsible for strategic shifts in asset Model Maintenance: Strategic Advisory Consultant utilizes a model s/he allocation in HDVAS recommended model portfolios. Shifts in Asset Allocation (i.e., would recommend changes to the Client as If the model portfolio is customized, the Advisory same investments, different necessary. Consultant is responsible for strategic shifts in asset asset class weighting) Model Maintenance: Change in Investments Discretionary Trading Eligible Assets Ineligible Assets Model portfolio not required; to the extent Advisory Consultant utilizes a model s/he would recommend changes to Client as necessary. Discretionary trading is not generally available (may be available on a limited basis as specifically approved in writing by HDVAS and Client). A broad list of Eligible Assets including stocks, bonds, ETFs, ETNs and mutual funds included on the VestAdvisor eligible mutual funds list. Can be held in the Account at the discretion of HDVAS but are not managed and are not included in Account performance or billing. allocation. HDVAS is responsible for changes to HDVAS model portfolios AND customized model portfolios that hold an Eligible Asset which HDVAS is replacing; Advisory Consultant responsible for changes to customized model portfolios that hold customized Eligible Assets. HDVAS and Advisory Consultant have discretionary authority pursuant to written Limited Trading Authorization. A subset of the VestAdvisor eligible mutual funds list generally limited to Advisory Share Classes, and ETFs and ETNs specifically included on VestAdvisor Select Eligible Assets list. Cannot be held in the Account and will be sold on a discretionary basis pursuant to written Limited Trading Authorization. Use of Educational Partner mutual funds Use of Advisory Share Class (no 12b-1 Fees) Cash Management Payment of Transaction Fees Automatic Rebalancing Advisory Consultant recommends investments and may recommend Educational Partner funds. Advisory Consultant can recommend a non- Advisory Share Class (which pays a 12b-1 Fee) only if an Advisory Share Class of the same fund is not available. Please note however that all 12b-1 Fees received by First Clearing will be rebated back to the Account. Advisory Consultant will recommend investments for new assets and sale of assets to generate cash for fees or other liquidity needs (in absence of discretion). Client or Advisory Consultant Not available HDVAS will use Educational Partner funds in HDVAS recommended model portfolios to the extent one of those products meets the due diligence process; Advisory Consultants may recommend Educational Partner funds as substitutions in customized model portfolios. Advisory Consultant can recommend a non-advisory Share Class (which pays a 12b-1 Fee) only if an Advisory Share Class of the same fund is not available. Please note however that all 12b-1 Fees received by First Clearing will be rebated back to the Account. HDVAS invests new assets and sells or liquidates assets on a discretionary basis to generate cash for fees or other liquidity needs. HDVAS pays Ticket Charges for standard rebalancing, raising cash for distribution or fees and recommended Eligible Asset replacement. The Client or Advisory Consultant is responsible for the sale of non-model assets upon establishment of Account, Client-initiated transactions and related to customization of model portfolios. Accounts are reviewed quarterly and automatically rebalanced if needed (with limited exceptions see Rebalancing section below). 8

9 Services Program Services for VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select Summary of services provided by Advisory Consultants for VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select may include: Educating investors on the features of a fee-based investment management strategy; Gathering data to be used in the preparation and implementation of the investment portfolio; Assisting you in the completion of the Client Profile Questionnaire; Presenting portfolio recommendations and/or asset allocations based on the information provided by you; Completing all other paperwork required to implement an investment recommendation; Facilitating Account transactions; Conducting Account reviews (no less than annually); Answering your questions regarding your Account or the Program; Explaining investment decisions and why rebalancing may be necessary; Delivering the Quarterly Performance Report; Periodic review of your investment objectives, trading activity, and portfolio; Evaluating the suitability of the Eligible Asset allocation. Summary of services provided by HDVAS for VestAdvisor and VestAdvisor Select may include: Opening the Account upon receipt of the required paperwork; Providing Quarterly Performance Reports; Calculating and collecting the Program Fee; Facilitating disbursement requests and performing administrative functions; Maintaining the registrations of HDVAS and all Advisory Consultants with the SEC and appropriate state securities regulators; Preparing and updating required registration forms and this Firm Brochure; Supervising investment activities of Advisory Consultants conducted through HDVAS; Arranging for the execution of trades and custody of assets in your Account. Additional services provided by HDVAS specifically for the VestAdvisor Select feature include: HDVAS s Senior Portfolio Manager conducting due diligence and developing recommended model portfolios for a variety of risk tolerances and objectives; Reviewing and implementing the Client s model portfolio and investment selection based on the information contained in the Client Profile Questionnaire or, where applicable, a customized portfolio allocation maintained by the Advisory Consultant; Selecting investment products to be utilized within HDVAS recommended model portfolios based on investment philosophy and other relevant criteria; Conducting investment management tasks, including monitoring and rebalancing portfolios to keep them within deviation limits from target allocations; Selling assets on a discretionary basis to generate cash for fees or other liquidity needs. Program Services Specifically related to VestAdvisor VestAdvisor is, in general, a non-discretionary Program, meaning that you retain ultimate decision-making authority for each transaction in the Account and must pre-approve all trades. Your Advisory Consultant will provide investment recommendations and other services based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial situation. You control the ultimate decisions in the Account you have the option of accepting these recommendations or making different investment decisions. In some cases you may decide to give your Advisory Consultant a Limited Trading Authorization to rebalance or substitute mutual funds, ETFs and ETNs and in some circumstances a more broad selection of securities without receiving specific permission from you before the trades occur. Not all Advisory Consultants are eligible to manage VestAdvisor Accounts pursuant to a Limited Trading Authorization. Program Services Specifically related to VestAdvisor Select VestAdvisor Select is an optional feature within VestAdvisor which allows you and your Advisory Consultant to leverage HDVAS portfolio and cash management services. The feature grants both HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant discretion pursuant to a Limited Trading Authorization. This authorization allows us to trade mutual funds, ETFs and ETNs without receiving specific permission from you before the trades occur. One requirement of VestAdvisor Select is that every Account must have an established model portfolio, and the Account is periodically rebalanced to realign with the model portfolio. A model portfolio is an investment blueprint for your Account that identifies the specific combination of asset classes, as well as the recommended weighting of each asset class. Rebalancing involves a series of buy and sell transactions in your Account to realign your Account back to your stated model portfolio objective. The model for your Account is selected based on the information you provide on the Client Profile Questionnaire. HDVAS s Senior Portfolio Manager creates and manages the HDVAS model portfolios based on ongoing due diligence to accommodate a range of financial objectives; however, you and/or your Advisory Consultant may choose to alter the HDVAS recommended model. If you and/or your Advisory Consultant choose to alter the HDVAS model portfolio the model will be considered a customized model and you and/or your Advisory Consultant are responsible for monitoring those assets that have been customized. It is important to note that the Senior Portfolio Manager does not conduct mutual fund due diligence on all Eligible Assets for VestAdvisor Select. The Senior Portfolio Manager conducts due diligence only on those Eligible Assets 9

10 selected for HDVAS recommended model portfolios. Please refer to the Methods of Analysis section in this Firm Brochure for more information on the differences between HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant with respect to the evaluation and selection of assets. HDVAS has established model portfolio limits based on each investment objective that consist of a minimum and maximum weighting for each asset class. For example, if your objective is conservative income, the fixed income asset class may be limited to a minimum of 60% and maximum of 90% of the overall portfolio. HDVAS has sole discretion to modify the limits at any time without prior notice to the Client. Please ask your Advisory Consultant if you want more information about the asset class limits applicable to your model portfolio. Ineligible Assets for VestAdvisor Select include all securities other than Eligible mutual funds, ETFs and ETNs. Upon implementing VestAdvisor Select, any Ineligible Assets in your Account will be sold on a discretionary basis pursuant to the Limited Trading Authorization. In addition, some Eligible mutual funds, ETFs and ETNs may be liquidated in order to implement the specific model portfolio selected for your Account. By granting HDVAS discretionary trading authority Client consents to the sale of existing positions in the Account. The liquidation of existing investments will generally take place within 3 business days but may take up to 10 business days from when the VestAdvisor Select feature is added to the Account. If any Ineligible Assets cannot be sold you will be required to transfer them from the Account. Selling existing investments will cause the Client to realize any unrealized investment gain or loss on the investment, which will have tax consequences in taxable accounts. HDVAS does not provide tax advice please consult your tax advisor to ensure that implementation of the model portfolio does not result in unforeseen tax consequences. Asset Selection and Evaluation While the selection of investments is a highly individualized process, investments are generally recommended or selected by HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant based on the information you provide in the Client Profile Questionnaire. There is a wide variety of styles, methodologies and resources that are considered and used to evaluate and select investments designed to meet your investment objectives. HDVAS has entered into an agreement with Segal Advisors, Inc., d/b/a Rogerscasey, a division of Segal Advisors ( Rogerscasey ), pursuant to which Rogerscasey provides HDVAS with research, investment strategy consultation and statistical review of recommended mutual funds. Rogerscasey provides capital market assumptions, and recommends asset classes and exposure weights in designing strategic asset allocation models. In addition, Rogerscasey provides estimates of expected return, risk, and asset class correlations for use in portfolio construction. The Senior Portfolio Manager will consider the guidance provided by Rogerscasey in creating and maintaining recommended model portfolios for VestAdvisor Select. Rogerscasey acts solely in a consulting capacity to HDVAS, and does not manage assets or provide advice, recommendations or services to any Client of HDVAS. The following sections describe, in general, the methodologies used to recommend or select investments for your account. Asset Selection and Evaluation for VestAdvisor VestAdvisor accounts (without the VestAdvisor Select feature) are managed by your Advisory Consultant. Your Advisory Consultant will make recommendations and assist you in determining the investment portfolio. Advisory Consultants recommend Eligible Assets consistent with your investment objective set forth in the Client Profile Questionnaire. Recommendations are made on the basis of research the Advisory Consultant deems to be reliable. Advisory Consultants utilize a wide variety of information and methodologies to formulate recommendations with respect to investment portfolios. Sources for research your Advisory Consultant may consult include: Morningstar, product sponsor materials and additional information published or provided by HDVAS or third parties. You should discuss your Advisory Consultant s investment process to ensure that is consistent with your investment objectives. Asset Selection and Evaluation Specifically for VestAdvisor Select The VestAdvisor Select investment process begins with a recommended model portfolio design based on the research of the Senior Portfolio Manager. The model portfolio contains an asset allocation and recommended investments based on the Senior Portfolio Manager s due diligence. The Advisory Consultant and/or Client can use the recommended model portfolio, or customize the model portfolio by changing the asset allocations and/or investments within a range of permissible allocations as determined by HDVAS. This means that your Advisory Consultant, HDVAS or a combination of both will be responsible for selecting and monitoring the assets in your Account. 1) Assets selected by You or your Advisory Consultant - You or your Advisory Consultant can customize the HDVAS recommended portfolio by substituting among the Eligible Assets consistent with your investment objective. 2) HDVAS Model Portfolios created by the Senior Portfolio Manager - HDVAS model portfolios are created based on the research the Senior Portfolio Manager deems to be reliable. Sources for research used may include: Morningstar, product sponsor materials and additional information provided by third parties. HDVAS has developed an investment philosophy which helps to guide the investment selection and due diligence process. The HDVAS investment philosophy is modeled around a globally diversified investment approach. HDVAS seeks to reduce volatility through diversification techniques based on Modern Portfolio Theory. Recommended and selected model portfolios are designed to align with likely income and capital appreciation goals across a set of models. These model portfolios span a range of risk profiles from relatively conservative to relatively aggressive, and are implemented by changing the strategic mix of asset classes including fixed income, domestic equities, international equities, publicly traded real estate, commodities, and alternative investments. In developing model portfolios, the Senior Portfolio Manager considers various factors including but not limited to expected return, expected risk, expected correlations, investor bias, relative capitalization weights, and long term expectations of return opportunities. Cash allocated to a strategic model 10

11 portfolio generally is to provide for operational cash needs and not a reflection of a directional market call. Model portfolios generally remain fully invested through the entire market cycle, and all model portfolios are subject to market risk including a risk of loss of principal. Recommended model portfolios are intended to be held over a full market cycle and are not adjusted to pursue short term, tactical market timing, momentum or technical trading strategies. When HDVAS considers a mutual fund we also assess the mutual fund manager. Our manager selection generally favors investment strategies that are based on fundamental analysis although certain managers may utilize quantitative and other statistical techniques in screening investment opportunities. Selected managers are monitored, and changes may be recommended if HDVAS believes a manager s process or results are no longer consistent with the portfolio. Manager selection and monitoring includes significant subjective evaluation, and may result in continued inclusion of underperforming managers if underperformance is deemed to be a transitory function of market performance. HDVAS limits its initial search for new or replacement mutual funds to Eligible Assets offered by Educational Partners. Therefore, the presumption is that the recommended model portfolios will be comprised entirely of Educational Partner funds to the extent one or more of those funds have an Advisory Share Class and otherwise meet the Senior Portfolio Manager s criteria. As more fully described in the Expense Sharing disclosure in the Fees and Compensation section, HDVIS has agreements with Educational Partners to provide HDVIS with payments to help defray the educational, training, recordkeeping and other costs associated with bringing these products to Clients. A conflict of interest exists in the recommendation of Eligible Assets sponsored by Educational Partners since these products result in additional compensation for HDVIS and since HDVIS does not charge a Transaction Fee for the purchase of Educational Partner funds. Please see the Conflicts of Interest section in this brochure for additional information about Transaction Fees. In addition, Educational Partners may invite Advisory Consultants and HDVAS portfolio management staff to attend due diligence conferences to meet portfolio managers, portfolio analysts, and other key Educational Partner staff in order to learn about Eligible Assets, investment processes and portfolio management techniques. Educational Partners generally pay all expenses associated with travel, lodging and business meals for HDVAS staff. If an appropriate Eligible Asset cannot be identified following a review of Eligible Assets available through Educational Partners, HDVAS will expand the search to include non- Educational Partner Eligible Assets. In general, if you are not comfortable with the use of Educational Partner funds in your model portfolio and the resulting conflict of interest, you should notify your Advisory Consultant of this preference and should not choose the VestAdvisor Select feature. Rebalancing 1. Rebalancing for VestAdvisor Select The VestAdvisor Select feature provides periodic automatic rebalancing in your Account. This means that if market fluctuations cause your Account to deviate more than a predetermined amount set by HDVAS from your model portfolio, a series of trades will be executed to realign your Account back to your stated model portfolio objective. The standard rebalancing (i.e., rebalancing to the existing model portfolio) occurs quarterly from the inception date of the VestAdvisor Select feature; however, you and/or your Advisory Consultant may elect to forgo a scheduled rebalance once every 6 months. Automatic rebalancing is offered for all Accounts (including customized model portfolios) that have the VestAdvisor Select feature, and normally can take up to three (3) business days to complete for all eligible Accounts. Rebalancing may be delayed up to two weeks if there has been a liquidating transaction to generate cash within the past two weeks, so that the cash needed for liquidity is not reinvested. In addition, rebalancing may be delayed for various reasons such as pending unexecuted transactions, the need to sell Ineligible Assets, the need to deploy large cash deposits or transferred investments, a margin balance, or an unsuccessful automated rebalance that may require manual intervention to successfully rebalance your Account. The rebalancing process will cause the Client to realize any investment gain or loss on investments that are sold, which will have tax consequences in taxable accounts. The standard rebalancing is based on deviations within an asset class as opposed to the value of individual securities (i.e., an individual security may have changed significantly in value but a rebalancing would not be triggered if the asset class as a whole remains within the parameters set by HDVAS). HDVAS can modify the deviation standards that trigger rebalancing or the frequency of rebalancing (e.g., from quarterly to annual) at any time in its sole discretion without prior notice to the Client. HDVAS can also discontinue the automatic rebalancing feature at any time in its sole discretion without prior notice to the Client. If the Senior Portfolio Manager determines that a strategic rebalancing is needed (i.e., a change to the existing model portfolio asset allocation or investments within the portfolio), the rebalancing process for all affected Accounts may take up to fifteen (15) calendar days to complete. The order in which Accounts will be rebalanced is discretionary based on the Senior Portfolio Manager s judgment regarding the impact the rebalancing will have on various model portfolios. In general, in making that determination the Senior Portfolio Manager will consider a number of factors including the number of Accounts affected (larger aggregate positions may be broken down and spread over a longer time period), and criteria such as: (1) globalbiased models will generally be prioritized over U.S.-biased models; and (2) within the global and U.S.-biased models, the standard model generally will be rebalanced first, with taxsensitive models next and alternative models last. The Senior Portfolio Manager ultimately decides the order of rebalancing, and may implement the rebalancing in any reasonable manner if there is a reason, in his or her discretion, to deviate from the general approach described above. If your model portfolio has been partially or fully customized, this will affect the way rebalancing is implemented for your 11

12 VestAdvisor Select Account. For example, if the Senior Portfolio Manager decided to change the HDVAS model by increasing the percentage invested in the Large-Cap Domestic asset class, the change would be implemented automatically for HDVAS model portfolios. For customized models, the change, if any, depends on the method of implementation. If the change is implemented by changing percentages without changing model funds, the new change would not automatically be applied the Advisory Consultant would decide whether to implement a similar (or any other) change, and if so would notify HDVAS to execute the appropriate changes to the customized model. If the strategic model change is implemented via a fund swap, the change would be applied if the customized model owns the fund being sold. Changes to funds or ETFs within the HDVAS model portfolio will automatically be implemented for any model (even customized models) that contain that fund or ETF if the Senior Portfolio Manager determines the trade should apply. With respect to funds or ETFs selected by you and/or the Advisory Consultant for a customized model, the Advisory Consultant would determine when or if a substitution was warranted and notify HDVAS to make the change. 2. Rebalancing for VestAdvisor (without the Select feature) In Accounts that have not implemented the VestAdvisor Select feature, rebalancing is not automatic, and will occur as recommended by the Advisory Consultant (or as determined by the Advisory Consultant in discretionary Accounts), in his or her judgment according to his or her particular approach to asset management. Separate Account Manager Programs Sponsored by Wells Fargo HDVAS offers a number of programs that are designed to help Clients pursue their investment objectives and goals. HDVAS participates in separate account manager programs sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors (WFA) and First Clearing. Through these programs, our Advisory Consultants assist you in allocating your assets among one or more third-party money managers. Currently, we participate in the following Wells Fargo Advisors sponsored wrap-fee programs (WFA Sponsored Programs): Separately Managed Account Programs sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors (WFA) o o o o Allocation Advisors Masters Diversified Managed Allocations (DMA) Private Advisor Network Mutual Fund Wrap Asset Allocation Program sponsored by WFA o FundSource HDVAS participates in the Private Advisor Network Investment Consulting Service (Network) platform, a Program sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors. Under the Masters, DMA, and Network Programs, HDVAS Advisory Consultants assist you in determining and selecting third-party money managers who will be provided discretionary authority to select investment options to manage your assets. Under the Allocation Advisors Program the Wells Fargo Advisory Services Group will be provided discretionary authority as it serves as the third-party money manager. Through the Masters and DMA Programs, Advisory Consultants may be provided discretionary authority to select and remove underlying third-party money managers. Under this type of arrangement, your HDVAS Advisory Consultant does not have to receive your authorization to add or remove a money manager. When you do not grant discretionary authorization to select and remove third-party money managers, you must provide us and the custodian, i.e. First Clearing, with written instructions to add or change a money manager. In some cases WFA may remove a manager strategy from their approved list and choose a replacement manager for the affected accounts. In these instances, WFA per the Program agreement is not required to obtain the Client s signature to make the change. FundSource is a discretionary mutual fund wrap Program based on Wells Fargo Advisors research-driven Optimal Blends or Customized Blends. You must execute the FundSource Program Agreement to participate in this Program. All assets are managed by Wells Fargo Advisors who is given discretionary authority to implement changes within your account based on your individualized situation and based on information provided by you to your Advisory consultants. Portfolios are comprised of mutual funds selected by Wells Fargo Advisors. When we hire Wells Fargo Advisors and other money managers through these Programs, we rely on the money managers for all or some of the following: development of model portfolios, knowledge in certain strategies or disciplines, specific recommendations of securities, and general investment advice. The description provided in this section regarding the Wells Fargo Sponsored Programs we manage is intended to provide you with a brief summary of each Program. Wells Fargo Advisors will provide you with a full description and disclosure document at the time you establish an account through any of the Programs. In addition, you will receive a copy of all thirdparty money managers who manage your assets. Only thirdparty money managers that are registered as investment advisors or are exempt from investment advisor registration will be recommended. Online Investment Advisory Services - BluVest HDVAS offers its BluVest online investment advisory services program using asset allocation model portfolios. Unlike the VestAdvisor Program, Advisory Consultants do not provide investment advisory services to clients in the BluVest Program. The portfolios invest substantially all of their assets in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other similar instruments Investment advice provided through the BluVest program is based solely on information gathered through an online, interactive questionnaire that helps HDVAS determine a client s risk profile based on their goals, objectives, and other circumstances. The advice is dispensed exclusively through that same platform, and is limited to discretionary investment recommendations based on the asset allocation model portfolios. HDVAS may, in its sole discretion, delegate or contract with third parties for the performance of all or a portion 12

13 of the services provided to clients participating under the BluVest Program, including without limitation the authority to determine the securities to be purchased, held and sold for client accounts and to implement securities trading decisions, to one or more sub-advisers retained by HDVAS. Currently, HDVAS has a relationship with one such unaffiliated subadviser, Financial Guard, LLC ( Financial Guard ), but HDVAS may in the future replace Financial Guard or retain additional sub-advisers. For more information about this program, please see the HDVAS Form ADV 2A BluVest Program Brochure. Solicitor Arrangements - Referrals to Third Parties Symmetry Partners. HDVAS offers advisory services by referring Clients to a third-party money manager, Symmetry Partners, LLC ( Symmetry Partners ) offering asset management and other investment advisory services. The third-party managers are responsible for monitoring Client accounts and making trades in Client accounts when necessary. As a result of the referral, HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant are paid a portion of the fee charged and collected by the third-party money managers in the form of solicitor fees. Each solicitation arrangement is performed pursuant to a written solicitation agreement and is in compliance with SEC Rule 206(4)-3 and applicable state securities rules and regulations. Under this Program, HDVAS will assist you with identifying your risk tolerance and investment objectives. We recommend thirdparty money managers in relation to your stated investment objectives and risk tolerance, and you may select a recommended third-party money manager or model portfolio based upon your needs. You must enter into an agreement directly with the thirdparty money manager who provides your designated account with asset management services. We are available to answer questions that you may have regarding your account and act as the communication conduit between you and the third-party money manager. The third-party money manager may take discretionary authority to determine the securities to be purchased and sold for your account. We do not have any trading authority with respect to your designated account(s) managed by the third-party money manager. Quick(k). HDVAS offers Clients who sponsor qualified retirement plans such as profit sharing and 401(k) plans (e.g., employers) a program called Quick(k), which is offered through eplan Services, Inc. ( eplan Services ) and its affiliated registered investment advisor, eplan Advisors, LLC ( eplan Advisors ) (collectively, eplan ). EPlan is not affiliated with HDVAS. Clients who participate in the Quick(k) program must contract with eplan, as well as with the third-party money manager(s) serving as investment manager(s) to the Client s qualified retirement plan. eplan pays HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant solicitor fees when Clients participate in the Quick(k) program in compliance with SEC Rule 206(4)-3 and applicable state securities rules and regulations. HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant will not receive any other compensation from your participation in the Quick(k) program. Clients in the Quick(k) program are charged an annual investment advisory fee which is calculated as a percentage of the value of plan assets. The advisory fee is negotiable subject to the maximum annual fee listed in the table below. The exact fee schedule and fee arrangements will be detailed in each Client s agreement with eplan Services. eplan Services collects the advisory fee in arrears on a monthly calendar basis. It then pays a portion of the advisory fee to eplan Advisors as the investment adviser for the program; to HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant as solicitors of the program; and to the third-party money manager(s) as investment manager(s) to the plan. The maximum fee payable is: HDVAS and your Advisory 75 basis points (0.75%) Consultant eplan Advisors 57 basis points (0.57%) Third-party money managers 5 basis points (.005%) In addition to the investment advisory fee, eplan Services, the custodian for the plan and/or other third-party providers may bill Clients additional fees and costs related to the investments made through the Quick(k) program. These fees are outlined in the Form ADV Disclosure Brochures for the investment manager(s), and these should be read carefully before investing. HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant do not receive any portion of these fees nor do they have control over the fees that are passed along to clients. eplan Advisors and/or the third-party money managers(s) will make all investment recommendations for any qualified retirement plans included in the Quick(k) program. HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant do not make or implement investment recommendations, provide management services, or serve as administrator, custodian or trustee of the plans. Enrollment Meetings and Participant Education. Clients enrolled in the Quick(k) program may request the help of their Advisory Consultant for participant education and enrollment meetings with their employees. These services are provided at no additional charge to the Client or the participant. The Advisory Consultant will adhere to the guidance provided by the Department of Labor (DOL) when providing these services so they are not deemed to provide investment advice under the DOL s definition. Conflicts of Interest. We enter into only a select number of relationships with third-party investment adviser firms that have agreed to pay HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant a portion of the overall fee charged to your account(s). Therefore, HDVAS has a conflict of interest in that it will only recommend third-party investment advisers that agree to compensate us for referrals of our Clients. Clients are advised that there may be other third-party managed programs not recommended by HDVAS that are suitable for the Client and that may be more or less costly than arrangements recommended by HDVAS. No guarantees can be made that a Client s financial goals or objectives will be achieved by a thirdparty investment adviser recommended by HDVAS. Further, no guarantees of performance can ever be offered by HDVAS. Please refer to Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss for more details. Financial Planning and Educational Services Programs Financial Planning. We offer financial planning and consulting services to both prospective and existing Clients. The Financial 13

14 Planning Program services include a meeting, via any means of communication, between the Advisory Consultant and Client. Prior to or at the time of the meeting, the Client will provide financial data that is used to prepare a financial report. This report constitutes the financial plan for purposes of the Financial Planning Client Agreement. The financial areas of consideration for these services may include some or all of, and are not necessarily limited to: your overall financial position, including cash flow; protection and risk; income tax strategies; retirement; education funding; investments; legacy and/or estate planning; and other necessary topics depending upon your specific financial situation. The extent to which you engage in examining some or all of these financial areas will depend upon your specific financial situation and goals that you provide in the Financial Planning Questionnaire. Financial Planning Program services may involve recommendations regarding general asset classes (e.g., equities both domestic and foreign), debt (both long-term and short-term), government securities, municipal securities or general types of investment vehicles (e.g., mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, partnerships, taxadvantaged retirement savings and education savings vehicles), concentrated equity strategies, stock option analysis, private money management alternatives, retirement planning strategies, estate planning strategies, philanthropic planning, margin transactions, education suggestions in which Client may invest. Investment techniques and strategies recommended in a financial plan generally will involve long-term or short-term holdings of securities or other investment products, and insurance and trust strategies, depending on Client s financial goals, objectives and desires. HDVAS is under no obligation to update the financial plan after it is delivered to the Client. Some or all of the following factors may be analyzed: Risk Tolerance Income Requirements Tax Implications Liquidity Needs Investment Objectives Time Horizon Investment Experience The Financial Plan incorporates some or all of the following standard modules: Summary of Financial Goals; Summary of Action Plan; Analysis of Personal Net Worth, including Balance Sheet; Education Planning; Debt Management / Cash Flow Analysis Asset Allocation Retirement Planning Insurance Needs Analysis; and Estate Planning, including estate valuation estimates, federal estate tax estimates, and explanation of estate planning strategies. The following sections outline the responsibilities of the Advisory Consultant and HDVAS. Services offered by the Advisory Consultant for the Financial Planning Program may include: Educating investors Gathering data to be used in the preparation of the plan Creating the Financial Plan Presenting the portfolio recommendations and allocations based on the information provided. Research and recommendation of investment products Services provided by HDVAS for the Financial Planning Program may include: Collecting fees Maintaining the registrations of HDVAS and all Advisory Consultants with the SEC and appropriate state agencies Supervising activities of all Advisory Consultants Unless otherwise specifically agreed to, HDVAS shall have no duties or obligations with respect to the implementation of Client s financial plan and shall have no duty or obligations to provide investment advisory or investment management services to Clients that are outside the scope of the services discussed above. The advisory relationship begins upon Client s written acceptance to engage in these services and ends upon delivery of the financial plan to Client. By providing a financial plan, neither HDVAS nor your Advisory Consultant is acting as a fiduciary for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) or section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code ( the Code ) with respect to any ERISA-covered employee benefit plan or any individual retirement account in either the planning, execution or provision of this analysis. Although this is a comprehensive list of possible topics, not every item is applicable to all Clients, and the Advisory Consultant and Client will agree to the topics/modules to include in the financial plan. Educational Services. Educational services may be provided by preapproved Advisory Consultants. The services provided vary depending on the Client but usually include general investment education. The specific services are provided in detail in a separate document called the Retirement Plan Services Agreement. HDVAS and Client s Advisory Consultant will not provide legal or accounting advice, and any fees payable by Client under the Financial Planning Client Agreement or Retirement Plan Services Agreement cover only the services rendered by HDVAS and Client s Advisory Consultant. HDVAS and Advisory Consultant are not responsible for drafting or providing any legal or other documentation, or taking any action relating to or arising from implementation of Client s financial plan (subject to the considerations set forth in the following paragraph). Each of the advisory services we offer is tailored to the Client and designed to work toward their individual investment objectives, financial needs and tolerance of risk. They are drawn from research and analysis we believe to be reliable and appropriate to your financial circumstances. 14

15 Information About Your Account To ensure that you remain informed about your Account, you will receive frequent information regarding the activity in your Account. First Clearing delivers trade confirmations and monthly statements to you when there is activity in the Account; otherwise, statements are sent quarterly. You should promptly review all account statements and transaction confirmations to ensure that your Account is being handled in accordance with your instructions, and immediately inform HDVAS in writing of any discrepancies. If you have questions or need additional information regarding your Account, you can always contact your Advisory Consultant or HDVAS. Because your Advisory Consultant is most familiar with your financial situation and other important considerations, we recommend that you contact your Advisory Consultant prior to contacting HDVAS. HDVAS Accounts are held through HDVIS, an affiliated brokerdealer, which in turn introduces assets to, and clears transactions on a fully-disclosed basis through, First Clearing. HDVIS directs all transactions related to the Program to First Clearing for execution and confirmation. Assets Under Management As of November 2017, HDVAS managed approximately $5.3 billion of Client assets on a discretionary basis, and $6.9 billion of Client assets on a non-discretionary basis for a total of $12,277,588,424 in assets under management Item 5: Fees and Compensation VestAdvisor Program Fee You pay an annual Program Fee for VestAdvisor. The Program Fee is negotiable subject to the maximum annual fee listed in the table below. HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant price their services based on the total compensation they expect to receive from the Account, including expense sharing from certain mutual funds and Educational Partners. Clients should make sure that they fully understand the services provided by HDVAS and the Advisory Consultant, and all fees and compensation associated with the Account. The Program Fee is negotiable and should be discussed with your Advisory Consultant before participating in the Program. Compensation that you pay HDVAS and its affiliates is outlined in the fee schedule in the Advisory Services Agreement and the General Account Agreement and Disclosure Document. The Program Fee is automatically deducted from your Account, and therefore you will not receive separate invoices for the Program Fee. The Program Fee will be identified as Advisory Fee under the Account Detail section of your First Clearing account statement. The Program Fee is charged only one quarter in advance, therefore, there is no long-term commitment or contractual obligation to continue the VestAdvisor Program. The Advisory Consultant recommending VestAdvisor receives compensation as a result of your participation in the Program. The amount of this compensation may be more or less than what the Advisory Consultant would receive if you participated in other available HDVAS Programs or paid separately for investment advice, brokerage and other services. The Advisory Consultant may have a financial incentive to recommend VestAdvisor over other Programs and services (see also Conflicts of Interest ). HDVAS will retain a portion of the Program Fee between 0% and 1.15% of the Value of the Account, and the remaining portion of the fee is paid to your Advisory Consultant. In addition, your Advisory Consultant may receive a portion of other fees we receive from product sponsors. The Program Fee is a tiered or incremental fee based on the amount of assets you have in the Program and Related Accounts. The following table represents the maximum Program Fee: VestAdvisor Max. Annual Fee First $50, % Next $50, % Next $400, % Next $500, % Over $1,000, % The initial pro rata Program Fee ( Inception Fee ) is calculated as of the date the Account is accepted into the Program ( Inception Date ) and covers the remainder of the calendar quarter. The Billing Date for the Inception Fee will be the day selected by HDVAS during the month following the Inception Date on which HDVAS calculates the Inception Fee for the Account (e.g., if the Inception Date is in January the Inception Fee will be calculated and billed in February). The Inception Fee is calculated based on the value of all assets in the Account on the Inception Date, except that any Ineligible Assets that (a) were in the Account on the Inception Date, and (b) remain in the Account on the Billing Date, will be excluded from the Inception Fee calculation. Any Ineligible Assets in the Account on the Inception Date that are converted to Eligible Assets prior to the Billing Date will be included in the Inception Fee calculation. There will be no other adjustments for assets deposited into or withdrawn from the Account between the Inception Date and the last day of the quarter being billed. Subsequently, the Program Fee is billed in advance on a quarterly basis and is calculated based on the market value of Eligible Assets in the Account on the last business day of the prior calendar quarter. The Program Fee will not be adjusted during the quarter for changes in value (appreciation or depreciation) of Eligible Assets held in the Account. At the discretion of HDVAS, additional deposits of funds and/or securities during the quarter may be assessed a pro rata Program Fee for the remainder of the calendar quarter. Clients who withdraw funds and/or securities from the Account(s) during a billing period will not receive a pro rata refund of the Program Fee. If the Advisory Services Agreement is terminated prior to the end of the quarter and you remove the funds from the Program, you will receive a pro rata refund from the date the Account is removed from the Program. Please see the Termination of Agreement section of this Firm Brochure. You should consider the timing of any substantial deposits or withdrawals of funds and/or securities based on the billing policies described in the Agreement and this brochure in order to make informed decisions based on your needs. For instance, if you can anticipate the need for a substantial withdrawal, you should consider taking that withdrawal before the end of the quarter prior to the anticipated need so you will not be assessed a Program Fee on those assets for the following quarter. Additionally, if you intend to 15

16 withdraw the majority of the assets in the Account, you might consider terminating the Advisory Services Agreement in order to receive a pro rata refund of the Program Fee paid for the quarter. For the purposes of calculating the Program Fee, the Value of the Account is calculated as the sum of the long and short market value of all Eligible Assets held in the Account, plus accrued interest, minus any margin loan balances, as of the last day of the prior quarter. For mutual funds, we will use the fund s net asset value, as computed by the mutual fund company. First Clearing prices eligible assets based on information we believe to be reliable. If any prices are unavailable or believed to be unreliable, we will determine prices in good faith to reflect our understanding of fair market value. selecting among Programs and assessing the overall cost. If there are prolonged periods of inactivity or an asset allocation with significant cash or cash equivalents, these would usually result in higher overall expenses than if commissions were paid separately for each transaction outside a fee-based advisory Program. Related Accounts within the VestAdvisor Program may be linked together upon Client request to reduce the Program Fee. To be eligible for linking, you must affirmatively notify HDVAS of the Accounts that are proposed to be linked and provide HDVAS written information on any forms designated by HDVAS for purposes of linking the accounts. Related Accounts are limited to immediate family members or as accepted by HDVAS in its sole discretion. Each Related Account should individually and separately meet the respective advisory Program requirements; however, exceptions may be made in the sole discretion of HDVAS. VestAdvisor Select Accounts must have the same investment objective, which is selected on the Client Profile Questionnaire, in order to be linked for Quarterly Performance Report purposes. The Program Fee does not include certain dealer markups or markdowns on odd lot differentials, transfer taxes, exchange fees, execution fees (foreign and/or domestic), Transaction Fees or any other fees required by law. The VestAdvisor Program includes account management, certain brokerage services, reporting, custody and administrative services. In other non-investment advisory fee Programs, you may be charged separately for these services. The Program Fee is negotiated between you and the Advisory Consultant, subject to the HDVAS maximum Program Fee. In addition to the Program Fee, HDVAS and its affiliates will indirectly earn compensation from other sources, including fees and expense sharing paid by First Clearing, Educational Partners, or sponsors of other Eligible Assets held in the Account. The Program Fee and other compensation earned by HDVAS and its affiliates are used to offset the costs of the Program, and to compensate HDVAS and your Advisory Consultant. A portion of the Program Fee is used to cover expenses associated with trading in the Account, custody of assets and the other services described in this Firm Brochure. Depending upon the amount of the Program Fee, the level of assets and trading activity in the Account, the value of custodial and other services provided, and other factors, the Program Fee may exceed the aggregate cost of these services if they were obtained separately. Accordingly, the Program Fee may be more or less expensive than if you selected separate brokerage services, in the absence of the additional Program services provided. You should consider the importance and value of these advisory services to you when comparing various options for obtaining advice, reporting and execution services. You should also consider the amount of anticipated trading activity when 16

17 WFA Sponsored Programs, Solicitor Arrangements and Financial Planning/Consulting Program Fees Allocation Advisors Fees There is a minimum quarterly Client fee requirement of $250 for the Tactical Portfolios and $75 or the Strategic Portfolios. Private Advisor Network Fees Total Account Value Annualized Fee There is a minimum quarterly fee requirement of $375. The following standard fees, which are negotiable, are charged for Private Advisor Network services: Total Value Account Equity & Balanced Accounts Annualized Fee First $500, % 1.50% Next $500, % 1.50% Next $1,000, % 1.00% Fixed Income Accounts Annualized Fee Over $2,000,000 Negotiable Negotiable Diversified Managed Allocations (DMA) Fees There is a minimum quarterly fee requirement of $500. The following standard fees, which are negotiable, are charged for DMA accounts: Total Account Value First $500, % Next $500, % Next $1,000, % Over $2,000,000 Annualized Fee Negotiable First $500, % Next $500, % Next $1,000, % Over $2,000,000 Masters Program Fees Negotiable There is a minimum quarterly fee requirement of $375. The following standard fees, which are negotiable, are charged for Masters Accounts: Total Value Account Equity & Balanced Accounts Annualized Fee First $500, % 1.50% Next $500, % 1.25% Next $1,000, % 1.00% Fixed Income Accounts Annualized Fee Over $2,000,000 Negotiable Negotiable FundSource Program Fees Notwithstanding this fee calculation, the minimum fee charged to the Account will be $75 per quarter. The standard fee schedule, which may be negotiable, is as follows: Account Asset Value Annual Fee First $500, % Next $500, % Next $1,000, % Over $2,000,000 Negotiable Solicitor Arrangements - Referrals to Third-Party Money Manager Third-party managers generally have account minimum requirements that will vary among third-party money managers. Account minimums are generally higher on fixed income accounts than for equity based accounts. A complete description of the third-party money manager s services, fee schedules and account minimums will be disclosed in the thirdparty money manager s disclosure brochure which will be 17