“Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some avoid it. But geniuses remove it.” ALAN PERLIS, NOTED 20TH CENTURY SCIENTIST

The integration of insurance, advisory and securities products in today’s regulatory environment is the very definition of complexity. Now, more than ever, entrepreneurial financial services firms are in need of a broker dealer aligned with their interests (and those of their clients) in removing this complexity.

Our dedication to this mission has allowed the ValMark Companies to successfully adapt to an increasingly complex regulatory environment and build long term partnerships with its Member Offices for nearly half a century. Over the years, we’ve observed that most financial services entrepreneurs underestimate the important differences in broker dealer affiliation. They mistakenly think that the choice of a broker dealer impacts only a fraction of the products and services that they offer to their clients.

In fact, the interpretation of FINRA rules by their broker dealer impacts everything – from website content, permitted marketing practices, client communication, the ability to own an RIA or charge fees, and even staffing. Insurance-based practices often do not take into account how their choice of a broker dealer impacts errors and omissions coverage, the ability to initiate strategic alliances, and the ability to sell life settlements and equity index products.

As the regulatory environment becomes more complex and more financial products and services fall under FINRA and SEC jurisdiction, sophisticated advisors recognize the importance of having a proactive and responsible broker dealer that recognizes the specialized needs of independently owned wealth advisory and wealth transfer firms.

As you read the information discussed in the next few pages, consider using it as criteria for evaluating your current broker dealer. Such an evaluation will lead you to discover that ValMark is a broker dealer offering advisors true independence combined with equal strengths in the areas of life insurance, securities and investment advisory. ValMark integrates these areas into a blended value offering to deliver “The Usual”, “The Unusual” and “The Unique” services required by today’s leading independent wealth advisors.