FAQ
What has changed?
We proudly launched Decorum Wealth Management in partnership with LPL Financial. LPL is the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer* overall and fourth largest custodian of assets**, supporting over 29,000 independent advisors. As our client, your priorities and needs are our focus, and our commitment to tailoring plans specifically for you remains unchanged.
What motivated you to make the change?
Personalized guidance, long-term relationships, and a steady, values-based approach are at the heart of our practice. Forming Decorum Wealth Management allows us to continue that tradition with greater flexibility and a structure that better supports our clients.
In a constantly evolving industry, our alignment with LPL Financial gives us access to advanced tools and a wide range of investment options—while preserving the independence we need to make decisions based on what’s right for each client. It’s a structure that enhances the service we provide and supports the kind of thoughtful planning our clients expect from us.
Why didn’t you tell us about this change earlier?
It was necessary to delay the announcement of our partnership with LPL Financial until our advisors were formally registered with them, to continue to adhere to our fiduciary obligations and avoid potential conflicts of interest. If you have any questions prior to us contacting you, please call us at (209) 875-6170.
Has your investment process changed?
No. In fact, because we are now an independent firm, we are no longer limited in our access to research, planning, and portfolio construction capabilities. This freedom of choice empowers us to do more for you.
What should I expect during this transition?
You can expect a smooth and transparent process as we make this transition together. None of your current investments will need to be sold in the process of a transfer. We will contact you directly to discuss your account transfer, and how this change will positively impact your experience with us.
Why did you choose LPL Financial as your broker/dealer?
We decided to launch our new independent firm by aligning with LPL Financial—a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest financial service firms in the country, safeguarding over $1 trillion in client assets***. This arrangement will allow us to utilize the strength and leverage of a major firm, while allowing us to build our own culture, team, and resources to best partner with you.
LPL’s comprehensive support, technology, and research, along with their model of transparency and dedication to independence and choice, allows us to provide you with a wide range of diligently evaluated, non-proprietary products. In fact, you will now have access to many investment options that previously were not available to you by virtue of LPL’s scale. As a leader in the retail financial advice market, we are confident that we are being fully supported by a firm who can match our high standards.
Where will my assets be held, and how safe will they be?
As a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member firm, subject to the federal securities laws and the rules of industry self-regulatory organizations, LPL Financial prioritizes its obligations to protect client assets in their custody with the utmost care and scrupulous adherence to financial protection rules, including those governing the segregation of client assets.
LPL provides an enormous catalog of services and resources, as well as a long history of financial stability. The LPL Financial SIPC Membership provides account protection up to a maximum of $500,000 per customer, of which $250,000 may be claims for cash. An explanatory brochure is available at www.sipc.org. Additionally, through London Insurers, LPL Financial accounts have additional securities protection to cover the net equity of customer accounts up to an overall aggregate firm limit of $750,000,000 subject to conditions and limitations.
The account protection applies when a SIPC member firm fails financially and is unable to meet obligations to securities clients, but it does not protect against losses from the rise and fall in the market value of investments.
Can I keep my accounts where they are?
Yes, however, we will not be able to manage the accounts since we are no longer affiliated with UBS. If you choose to keep your accounts, you will be reassigned to a different advisor.
How is my personal information protected?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, LPL Financial uses security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. LPL’s online environment uses security technologies, including layered security and access controls over personal information. For further information, please visit LPL’s Privacy/Security page at: www.lpl.com/disclosures/privacy-security.html
How do I log in to my account?
As soon as your account has been moved to LPL Financial, we will contact you to let you know how to enroll in Account View, which is our new client portal.
How did you choose your name?
We chose the name Decorum Wealth Management because it reflects our values: respect, integrity, and doing things right. It also speaks to our faith, our connection to community, and the responsibility we feel as stewards of our clients' wealth.
*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996 – 2024, based on total revenues.
**Data as of October 30, 2023