Advisory Firm
Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC® ("SEIA") has been providing Investment Advisory Services
since 1997. The firm is a Registered Investment Advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. SEIA
is wholly owned by Signature Financial Service Group, LLC, which is owned primarily by a consortium of
employees and investors through Reverence Capital Partners Opportunities Fund V, L.P.
As of December 31, 2022, SEIA has $10,639,469,543 of assets under management on a non-discretionary
basis and $1,026,428,162 assets under management on a discretionary basis.
Advisory Services
Clients work with their personal Investment Advisor Representative (“Financial Advisor”/ “Advisor”) to
determine the appropriate Wealth Management Service to match the client’s need.
• Signature Elite
• Signature Allocation Series
• Signature Target Strategies
• Financial Planning (Modular & Comprehensive financial planning)
• Investment Consulting
• Retirement Plan Consulting
Signature Elite
SEIA provides investment management services under a program called Signature Elite. Signature Elite is
a six-step investment management process designed to assist clients with their financial goals and
objectives.
• Determine the investor’s needs and objectives
• Assess risk tolerance and investor suitability
• Review asset allocation
• Implement strategic plan
• Rebalance and monitor portfolio
• Report the results
Signature Elite is a non-discretionary service. Prior to making changes, the Financial Advisor will make a
recommendation for client approval. If approved, the Financial Advisor will place the transaction. The
portfolio is monitored on a continuous basis.
Services are based on the individual needs of the client. An initial interview and data gathering
questionnaire are undertaken to determine the client’s financial situation and investment objectives.
When reviewing the asset allocation with clients, the Financial Advisor may recommend stocks, bonds,
open-end mutual funds, closed-end mutual funds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), exchange traded notes
(“ETNs”), unit investment trusts, bank certificates of deposit, preferred stocks, options, structured
products, hedge funds and/or private placements.
SEIA may also recommend portion(s) of the portfolio to a Third-Party Money Manager. The Third-Party
Money Manager will supervise that portion of the portfolio on a discretionary basis.
The advice provided by SEIA under Signature Elite is limited to the security types and strategies mentioned
above. The client may impose reasonable restrictions on the management of the account. Restrictions are
subject to the Advisor’s acceptance.
In instances where clients have variable annuities in their accounts at custodians where we are able to
provide advisory services, SEIA will monitor the annuity, review allocations with clients, make
recommendations to clients, and implement approved trading recommendations.
At least quarterly, SEIA will notify the client in writing to contact their Financial Advisor if there have been
any changes in the client’s financial situation, investment objectives or to impose or modify account
restrictions. The Financial Advisor will contact or attempt to contact the client annually on these matters.
It is the client’s responsibility to notify the Financial Advisor any time there are changes. Clients may call
in at any time during normal business hours to discuss directly with the Financial Advisor about the client’s
account, financial situation, or investment needs.
A qualified custodian maintains client funds and securities in a separate account for Client under Client’s
name. The client will retain rights of ownership of all securities and funds in the account to the same extent
as if the client held the securities and funds outside SEIA. Clients will receive from the custodian timely
confirmations and at least quarterly statements containing a description of all transactions and all account
activity. In addition to custodial statements, SEIA sends quarterly reports to clients.
Signature Allocation Series
SEIA provides investment management services under a program called Signature Allocation Series (SAS).
SAS is a six-step investment management process designed to assist clients with their financial goals and
objectives. SAS uses the same six-step process used in Signature Elite.
SAS is a discretionary service. The portfolio is supervised (monitored) on a continuous basis by SEIA’s Chief
Investment Officer (Deron McCoy) and his team. Mr. McCoy will rebalance the portfolio within the asset
allocation range as needed, without contacting the client. (Mr. McCoy’s brochure supplement is attached
to this brochure.) SEIA will have the limited power of attorney to select securities to be bought and sold
(subject to the restrictions in the Investment Policy Statement), and the quantities. When reviewing the
asset allocation with clients, clients will work with their Financial Advisor to create an Investment Policy
Statement that will identify the asset allocation classes, investment styles, and other guidelines.
Services are based on the individual needs of the client. An initial interview and data gathering
questionnaire are undertaken to determine the client’s financial situation and investment objectives. SAS
accounts may use stocks, bonds, open-end mutual funds, closed-end mutual funds, exchange traded funds
(“ETFs”), exchange traded notes (“ETNs”), unit investment trusts, bank certificates of deposit, preferred
stocks, options, structured products, hedge funds and/or private placements. The advice provided by SEIA
under SAS is limited to the security types mentioned above. The client is given the opportunity to impose
reasonable restrictions on the management of the account. Buy / Sell restrictions must be symbol specific.
The security must have a symbol and be listed on an exchange. A buy / sell restriction cannot be based on
an idea, CUSIP, fund family, theme, bond or company name. The client is responsible for updating all buy
/ sell restriction instructions as necessary for situations including but not limited to conversions, symbol
changes or any other activity where the specific instructions SEIA has on file no longer accurately
represents the instructions. Buy / sell restrictions are subject to the manager’s acceptance.
At least quarterly, SEIA will notify the client in writing to contact the Financial Advisor if there have been
any changes in the client’s financial situation, investment objectives or to impose or modify account
restrictions. SEIA will contact or attempt to contact the client annually on these matters. It is the client’s
responsibility to notify the Financial Advisor any time there are changes. Clients may call in at any time
during normal business hours to discuss directly with their Financial Advisor about the client’s account,
financial situation, or investment needs.
A qualified custodian maintains client funds and securities in a separate account for Client under Client’s
name. The client will retain rights of ownership of all securities and funds in the account to the same extent
as if the client held the securities and funds outside SEIA. Clients will receive from the custodian/brokerage
firm timely confirmations and at least quarterly statements containing a description of all transactions and
all account activity. In addition to custodial statements, SEIA sends quarterly reports to clients.
SAS Platforms
SAS consists of eight model platforms (“S1, S2, S3, S4, S4+, N1, N2, & NTF”) with multiple asset classes,
investment styles and vehicles. Each platform employs different investment vehicles according to the
chart below. The Investment Policy Statement will indicate which platform is used as the base model,
which can be further customized based on client need.
S-Series
Platform
Exchange
Traded Products Mutual Funds
Individual
Bonds
Individual
Stocks
S1 X
S2 X X
S3 X X X
S4 X X X X
S4+ X X X X
NTF
Platform
No Transaction Fee
Exchange Traded Products
No Transaction Fee
Mutual Funds
N1 X
N2 X X
NTF X
Signature Targeted Strategies
SEIA provides investment management services under a program called Signature Targeted Strategies
(“STS”). STS is an investment management process designed to target specific investment objectives or
themes.
STS is a discretionary service. The portfolio is supervised (monitored) on a continuous basis by SEIA’s Chief
Investment Officer (Deron McCoy) and his team. Mr. McCoy will rebalance or trade the account as needed,
without contacting the client. (Mr. McCoy’s brochure supplement is attached to this brochure.) STS
accounts may use stocks, bonds, open-end mutual funds, closed-end mutual funds, exchange traded funds
(“ETFs”), exchange traded notes (“ETNs”), unit investment trusts, bank certificates of deposit, preferred
stocks, options, structured products, hedge funds and/or private placements. SEIA will have the limited
power of attorney to hire and fire sub-managers, select securities to be bought and sold, and the quantities
(subject to the restrictions in the Investment Policy Statement). The advice provided by SEIA under STS is
limited to the security types mentioned above.
Services are based on the individual needs of the client
pursuant to the theme as stated in the Investment
Policy Statement. An initial interview and data gathering questionnaire are undertaken to determine the
client’s financial situation and investment objectives. STS employs an active allocation approach that will
use a combination of the security types mentioned above and sub-managers to target the specific
investment objective or theme as stated in the Investment Policy Statement. The client is given the
opportunity to impose reasonable restrictions on the management of the account. Buy / Sell restrictions
must be symbol specific. The security must have a symbol and be listed on an exchange. A buy / sell
restriction cannot be based on an idea, CUSIP, fund family, theme, bond or company name. The client is
responsible for updating all buy / sell restriction instructions as necessary for situations including but not
limited to conversions, symbol changes or any other activity where the specific instructions SEIA has on
file no longer accurately represents the instructions. Buy / sell restrictions are subject to the manager’s
acceptance. Targeted Strategies are designed to be a part of, or supplement to, and not a substitute for,
an overall well-diversified investment portfolio.
At least quarterly, SEIA will notify the client in writing to contact their Financial Advisor if there have been
any changes in the client’s financial situation, investment objectives or to impose or modify account
restrictions. The Financial Advisor will contact or attempt to contact the client annually on these matters.
It is the client’s responsibility to notify the Financial Advisor any time there are changes. Clients may call
in at any time during normal business hours to discuss directly with the Financial Advisor about the client’s
account, financial situation, or investment needs.
A qualified custodian maintains client funds and securities in a separate account, for the Client, under
Client’s name. The client will retain rights of ownership of all securities and funds in the account to the
same extent as if the client held the securities and funds outside SEIA. Clients will receive from the
custodian/brokerage firm timely confirmations and at least quarterly statements containing a description
of all transactions and all account activity. In addition to custodial statements, SEIA sends quarterly reports
to clients.
Financial Planning
SEIA provides two levels of "Financial Planning." Each level of financial planning includes a review of the
client's current financial position, stated goals and objectives.
1. Modular financial planning is based on a single area of concern for a client i.e. retirement,
investments, estate or other single client goals. The client’s Financial Advisor may deliver a written
plan or provide verbal consultations.
2. Comprehensive financial planning is based on integrating and assessing the client’s entire financial
picture. This is a written plan that may or may not include stress testing.
Both modular and comprehensive planning are one-time engagements unless otherwise specified.
Some comprehensive financial plans can include an online wealth management portal that allows the
client to consolidate and view financial data to include banking accounts, bills, insurance, and investment
accounts. The client monitors the wealth management portal and makes online updates to the data. SEIA
personnel do not have access to client online login and password information for their financial accounts.
This portal provides real-time access to net worth updates, consolidated investment analysis, financial
goal progress, and account aggregation.
On-Going financial planning provides the client with on-going services from SEIA. This can be an initial
written plan and ongoing verbal consultations or just ongoing verbal advice. SEIA uses best efforts to meet
with the client to make updates to the client’s financials and goals on an annual basis. SEIA will perform
an annual Financial Plan review. The On-Going planning service requires that the client also engage SEIA
for one of the investment management services (Elite, SAS or STS).
Investment Consulting
SEIA manages investment accounts under a program called "Investment Consulting." Investment
Consulting is a non-discretionary service. Investment Consulting utilizes a six-step investment process
designed to assist clients with their financial goals and objectives. Investment Consulting uses the same
six-step process used in Signature Elite. In contrast to services provided under “Signature Elite,” the
investment consulting portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, rather than monitored on a continuous
basis. Clients must approve the initial asset allocation and approve any subsequent investment
recommendations. If client approves the recommendation, the Financial Advisor will place the
transaction. The client may impose reasonable restrictions on the management of the account.
Restrictions are subject to the Advisor’s acceptance.
Retirement Plan Consulting
SEIA Financial Advisors can provide services to retirement plans (“Plans”) under a program called
Retirement Plan Consulting. The plan sponsor (or the responsible plan fiduciary if that person is not the
plan sponsor) executes SEIA’s Engagement Agreement on behalf of the Plan with SEIA, to designate,
among other things, the services it will receive from SEIA. Services can be provided for a one-time limited
engagement, or as on-going services.
Services may include development of an Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”) for the Plan; investment
recommendations about asset classes, investment alternatives, and the selection of investment options;
and performance monitoring. SEIA will recommend an investment fund product or model portfolio
meeting the definition of a Qualified Default Investment Alternative (“QDIA”) as defined in the Pension
Protection Act. SEIA is providing non-discretionary investment advice only. The Plan retains the sole final
decision-making authority to accept or reject the non-discretionary advice or recommendations delivered
by SEIA. Services are delivered with respect to the particular needs of each Plan and its participants, for
the purpose of providing retirement income, based on generally accepted investment theories and
prevailing investment industry standards. In providing the aforementioned services, SEIA is acting as a
fiduciary with respect to the Plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”),
the federal law governing retirement plans.
Services may also include financial education of Plan participants about investments generally or Plan
investment options, but are not rendered by SEIA as individualized investment advice for any particular
participant. Services may include general assistance with group enrollment meetings for employees, or
plan-level consulting services such as fee and expense evaluation, vendor analysis or general support for
plan design features. In general, for these services detailed in this paragraph, SEIA is not acting as a
fiduciary to the Plan under ERISA.
Ancillary Services
Seminars: SEIA provides seminar services. These seminars may include presentations on current events,
economic trends and cycles, market cycles, investment fundamentals, financial products, equities, fixed
income, alternative investments, and/or financial planning strategies. A fee is not charged to those in
attendance.
Third-Party Money Managers and Promoter Arrangements: SEIA makes referrals to Third-Party Money
Managers (other Registered Investment Advisors) to manage client assets for which SEIA will receive a
Promoter’s Fee. SEIA will gather suitability information on behalf of the firm that will be responsible for
managing the portfolio. Accounts referred to Third-Party Money Managers are subject to their terms and
conditions.
SEIA has entered into a Promoter’s Agreement with Signature Intelligent Portfolios, LLC (“SIP”). SIP is an
online investment advisory platform that automatically trades and rebalances client portfolios. SIP has full
investment discretion. SIP’s Form ADV Part 2A is given to clients and prospective clients and contains
specific details about its Investment Advisor qualifications and services. For additional information about
SIP, please see SIP’s Form ADV Part 2A. This arrangement is described in further detail below under Other
Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations.
SEIA offers Envestnet’s proprietary mutual fund and ETF programs. SEIA acts as a Promoter in connection
with offering these programs to clients for which SEIA receives a Promoter’s fee. For additional
information about these programs, please see Envestnet’s Form ADV Part 2A.
SEIA has entered into Promoter Agreements with other Registered Investment Advisers (“RIAs”). SEIA will
act as a money manager service provider to clients introduced by other RIAs and the RIA’s associated
persons through these Promoter arrangements. Under a Promoter arrangement, SEIA will be responsible
for ensuring all normal account opening documentation is completed by the client. SEIA will be responsible
for managing the client’s portfolio under these arrangements. See Section 14 below for additional
information.
SEIA has access to third party money managers at both Schwab & Fidelity. The client is under no obligation
to use the services of the other account manager(s) or Advisor(s) that are recommended. See the
Brokerage Practices section for further disclosures on these accounts.