Register Financial Advisors, LLC (“Register Financial” or “RFA”) was established in 2006 and approved as a
Registered Investment Adviser in May of 2007. George Register is CEO and principal owner of Register
Financial Advisors, LLC. Scott Register is Chief Compliance Officer. Please refer to item 10 for more
information on affiliated companies.
For its investment advisory clients, the firm presently offers the following types of advisory services:
I. Register Financial Investment Management (RFIM)
II. Register Financial Retirement Plan Consulting
III. Edelman Turnkey Asset Management Program (TAMP)
IV. Wrap Fee Programs – Various programs offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC
V. Financial Planning Consulting Services
I. Register Financial Investment Management (RFIM)
Under the Register Financial Investment Management Program (“RFIM”), Investment Advisors manage
money for Clients on non-wrap fee basis (see below for wrap-fee option) using investment vehicles suitable
for the Client, including equities, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, options, and bonds. Through RFIM,
Investment Advisors of Register Financial provide investment advisory services to Client Accounts on a
discretionary or non-discretionary basis. RFIM Investment Advisors manage portfolios based on a Client’s
investment objectives. RFIM also monitors and reports portfolio performance to Clients on a periodic basis.
Portfolios can include long and short-term purchases of securities, depending on the Client’s objectives. In
special circumstances, Account management may also include margin transactions, options strategies, or
short sale transactions.
II. Register Financial Retirement Plan Consulting
The firm provides non-discretionary Retirement Plan Consulting Services that include one or more of the
following services:
• Review of existing portfolio investments
• Assisting in the development of an Investment Policy Statement
• Mutual Fund Search and Recommendation
• Diversification Review
• Fund Analysis Reports
• Vendor cost analysis and vendor searches
• Plan design and/or plan document reviews
• Assistance with and design of employee education and communications strategies
III. Edelman Turnkey Asset Management Program (“TAMP”)
The TAMP is an investment management program sponsored by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. (also known
as Edelman Financial Engines or “EFE”) as a third-party investment manager to manage Client assets based on
style, capitalization levels, or asset classes suitable for a Client’s investment objectives. The Client will
provide Adviser with the information set forth on the Client Profile and represents that such information is
a complete and accurate representation of the Client’s financial position and investment needs, goals, and
objectives, as well as any reasonable restrictions placed on investments made in the Account at the time the
Client enters the TAMP. The Client must promptly inform Register Financial in writing if any financial
information becomes incomplete or inaccurate during the term of the TAMP relationship. TAMP Investment
Advisors manage portfolios based on a Client’s investment objectives. Clients invested through TAMP will
receive a copy of EFE’s Wrap Fee Program Brochure and are encouraged to review it for more information
about EFE’s practices.
IV. Wrap Fee Programs
Managed Solutions Investment Consulting Services – Programs through Wells Fargo Clearing
Services, LLC
Register Financial makes available to its Clients the following investment advisory programs (the
“Programs”), sponsored by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC or Register Financial. The Programs provide
investment advice, brokerage, and custodial services under a “wrap fee” arrangement. Generally, in a wrap
fee arrangement, the Account pays a combined fee for investment advice, brokerage services, clearance and
settlement services, and custodial services. The Account may also be charged for expenses or services that
are not covered by the wrap fee; these will be described in the Program’s separate “Wrap Brochure” provided
to the client or in the client’s separate agreement with Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.
Currently, Register Financial offers the following Programs. Clients should be aware that the available
Programs may be changed, canceled, or revised at any time.
Personalized UMA Program
Allocation Advisors
Private Advisor Network
Wells Fargo COMPASS® Asset Allocation strategies
Equity Customized Portfolios
FundSource®
RFA offers other wrap fee programs through Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, including Asset Advisor,
Custom Choice, Private Investment Management (PIM®) and Private Advisor Network. Further information
regarding these First Clearing1 Programs is available in RFA’s Wrap Fee Program Disclosure. The Client
should refer to the respective managers Disclosure Document, as appropriate, to determine the minimum
and maximum account sizes permitted. Under certain limited circumstances, the minimum may be waived.
Clients and prospective Clients will be provided a copy of the appropriate Disclosure Document at the time
the Representative presents the Program to them. Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC may act as sub-advisor
for the advisory programs. Copies of the Disclosure Documents may also be obtained by contacting a Register
Financial Representative or Register Financial at the address shown on this Brochure or by contacting the
respective program manager, which should be contained in the separate brochure.
The Personalized UMA Program (including Allocation Advisors, Private Advisor Network, Wells Fargo
Compass, Customized Portfolio Equity, and FundSource® strategies) are discussed in more detail below.
FundSource®, PIM®, and Wells Fargo COMPASS® are registered service marks of Wells Fargo & Company and
are used under license.
Personalized UMA Program
Under the Personalized UMA Program, the Financial Advisory will recommend one or more strategies based
on the client’s investment needs objectives and risk tolerance. The Personalized UMA Program offers several
Optimal Blends developed by First Clearing. Optimal Blends are target allocations comprised of strategies of
1 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.
third-party investment managers, mutual funds, and/or Exchange Traded Funds (“ETF”). In an Optimal
Blend or Custom Blend, mutual funds will include, at any given time, asset allocation funds, alternative
strategy mutual funds or other select funds that utilize derivatives, short-selling, leverage and other
strategies to meet stated investment objectives, enhance diversification, hedge risk, accentuate returns or
facilitate certain market exposures or more dynamic allocation changes.
Some of the strategies offered through the Personalized UMA Program include Allocation Advisors, Private
Advisor Network, Wells Fargo Compass®, Customized Portfolio Equity and FundSource®.
Allocation Advisors strategies enable clients to invest in one of several discretionary portfolios. These
strategies are developed by either Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. (“WFII”) or an unaffiliated Manager
that has been contracted by First Clearing for their management expertise, and who provides the investment
strategy. WFII is affiliated with First Clearing, but is not affiliated with RFA. Allocation Advisors strategies
are designed to provide a disciplined approach to meet the varying objectives and needs of clients through
objective-based or asset allocation portfolios. Allocation Advisors accounts are managed on a discretionary
basis and subject to any reasonable restrictions the client imposes.
WFII develops and manages the Allocation Advisors strategies, which are the Strategic ETF strategies, the
Cyclical Asset Allocation Portfolios Plus (“CAAP Plus”) strategies, the Tactical ETF strategies, the ESG Aware
strategies, the Intuitive Investor ETF strategies, and the Allocation Advisors Active/Passive and Tactical
Active/Passive strategies. These strategies are developed with a focus on a risk, return, and correlation
between asset classes, while taking into consideration asset allocation guidelines based upon various time
frames. The Managers unaffiliated with First Clearing, Morningstar Investment Management, LLC and Laffer
Investments, also develop Allocation Advisors strategies. The services they provide to the Personalized UMA
Program are limited to the delivery of their investment model.
Allocation Advisors strategies ordinarily consist of ETFs, exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), closed-end funds,
open-end mutual funds and other securities. Mutual funds will include, at any given time, asset allocation
funds, alternative strategy mutual funds or other select funds that utilize derivatives, short-selling, leverage
and other strategies to meet stated investment objectives, enhance diversification, hedge risks, accentuate
returns or facilitate certain market exposures or more dynamic allocation changes. The Manager determines
both the asset allocation and security selection utilized in the Portfolios and will review those selections
periodically. Both the asset allocation and/or securities utilized in these strategies can be adjusted or
replaced at any time. Allocation Advisors strategies are managed separately and are not pooled.
Private Advisor Network allows RFA to assist clients in selecting from a universe of investment advisors,
from a recommended list created by WFII. Depending on the strategy selected, the designated Manager will
manage the client’s account on a discretionary basis. The investment advisers who are selected for these
Programs employ methods of analysis that are described in the WFA or the adviser’s Disclosure Document.
Each adviser employs a variety of investment strategies depending on the investment objectives, financial
circumstances, risk tolerance and any restrictions you have indicated. Such strategies ordinarily include long
or short-term purchase of securities and, depending on your objectives and the adviser’s style, supplemental
covered option writing. Certain strategies may include margin transactions, other option or trading
strategies or short-sale transactions.
The Manager and Portfolio will be selected based on the client’s investment advisory needs, objectives and
risk tolerance. Private Advisor Network accounts are managed on a discretionary basis and subject to any
reasonable restrictions imposed by the client.
Wells Fargo Compass asset allocation strategies within Personalized UMA are designed by WFII to provide
a disciplined approach to meet the varying objectives and needs of Clients. Services generally rely on
fundamental securities analysis with some emphasis on charting or cyclical analysis as well. Each Wells Fargo
Compass strategy is developed by utilizing a combination of these analysis methods in the management of
the strategy. Program quality and concentration requirements are established to provide an overall
discipline and structure. Such strategies ordinarily include long- and short-term purchase of equity and fixed
income securities, ETFs, ETNs, open-end mutual funds and closed-end mutual funds (“CEFs”). Mutual funds
could include asset allocation funds, alternative strategy mutual funds or other select funds that utilize
derivatives, short-selling, leverage and other strategies to meet stated investment objectives, enhance
diversification, hedge risks, accentuate returns or facilitate certain market exposures or more dynamic
allocation changes.
The Wells Fargo Compass asset allocation strategies utilize a tactical asset allocation approach. While
following recommended long-term strategic asset allocation guidelines which represents a 10-15 year
strategic outlook, these strategies also incorporate short-term adjustments generally looking out six to
eighteen months. These short-term tactical adjustments reflect WFII’s current thinking about near-term
risks and opportunities and are implemented in the Program strategies on an ad-hoc or as needed basis.
Investors with similar investment objectives can have substantially different risk tolerances. Although all
investments involve some degree of risk, including the potential for loss of principal, some securities, such
as emerging market equities and high yield bonds, have more risks than others. Higher risk investments have
greater potential for loss, but generally offer the potential for higher long-term returns. Investors with lower
risk tolerance give up some of the potential for higher returns in exchange for lower risk. Investors with a
higher risk tolerance pursue higher returns through investment in higher risk securities. Consequently,
different strategies offer asset allocation recommendations based on three degrees of risk tolerances –
Conservative, Moderate, and Aggressive – for different investment objectives (Income, Growth & Income, and
Growth).
To meet investor needs for diversified solutions, based upon individual investment and risk objectives, the
following six Wells Fargo Compass asset allocation strategies are offered: Conservative Growth & Income,
Moderate Growth & Income, Aggressive Growth & Income, Conservative Growth, Moderate Growth, and
Aggressive Growth.
Wells Fargo Compass accounts are managed on a discretionary basis and WFII’s recommendations are
implemented without change, but subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client. Wells Fargo
Compass accounts are managed separately and are not pooled.
Customized Portfolio Equity strategies are managed through Wells Fargo Bank NA and
WFII and investors
the ability to align their financial goals with their values through eight separate strategies. Portfolios are
constructed by reviewing securities from a universe of large-capitalization stocks that are traded on US listed
or over-the-counter exchanges. Each strategy has one or more socially responsible objectives and seeks to
avoid companies with poor Environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in one or more areas.
A strategy may specifically avoid certain industries such as those with significant revenue from the sale of
alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing.
Core strategy provides a sector-diversified U.S. large-cap equity portfolio. ESG factors are fully integrated
into the strategy, which favors firms with strong corporate governance. The strategy excludes tobacco stocks,
coal mining companies, and firms involved in the production of controversial weapons.
Responsible Investment strategy provides a sector-diversified U.S. large-cap equity portfolio with extensive
responsible investment policies and full ESG integration. The strategy is managed to be consistent with the
concerns of traditional social investors. It excludes companies with significant revenue from the sale of
alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing, as well as those judged to have
poor ESG performance in one or more areas.
Faith-Based strategy provides a U.S. large-cap equity portfolio with extensive responsible investment policies
and full ESG integration. The strategy is managed to be consistent with the concerns of faith-based investors,
and in particular excludes companies judged to have issues related to life ethics (e.g., abortion, use of fetal
stem cells). The strategy also excludes firms with significant revenue from the sale of alcohol, tobacco,
gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing, as well as those judged to have poor ESG
performance in one or more areas.
Sustainable Investment strategy provides a U.S. large-cap equity portfolio focused on sustainability, with full
ESG integration. The strategy is managed to be consistent with the concerns of investors concerned with
climate change and other sustainability issues. The strategy excludes companies engaged in the production
of fossil fuels, as well as mining companies and other companies judged to have poor sustainability
characteristics. The strategy also avoids companies with significant revenue from the sale of tobacco, alcohol,
gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing.
Islamic strategy provides a U.S. large-cap equity portfolio with full ESG integration, constructed to meet the
needs of Islamic investors. It excludes companies with significant revenue from the sale of tobacco, alcohol,
gambling, entertainment, pork, weapons manufacturing, and conventional financial services, as well as
companies with unacceptably high levels of debt.
Christian Science strategy provides a large-cap equity portfolio with full ESG integration, constructed to meet
the needs of Christian Science investors. It excludes companies with significant revenue from the sale of
tobacco, alcohol, gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing, as well as those involved in
for-profit healthcare. The strategy favors companies that contribute to a healthy society through the team’s
analysis of ESG metrics.
Animal Welfare strategy provides a large-cap equity portfolio with full ESG integration, constructed to meet
the needs of investors focused on animal welfare. The strategy seeks to include companies engaged in the
humane treatment of animals and excludes companies with significant revenue from the sale of tobacco,
alcohol, gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing.
Equity Income strategy provides an income-oriented U.S. equity strategy designed to be consistent with the
concerns of traditional socially conscious investors. It excludes companies with significant revenue from the
sale of alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons manufacturing, as well as those judged
to have poor ESG performance in one or more areas. No sector is excluded under the ESG policies.
FundSource® is a separate discretionary investment advisory Program that offers a broad array of mutual
funds that invest in and across different investment asset classes and employ varied approaches to
investment management. A number of Optimal Blends have been created that offer managed portfolios of
recommended funds, based on due diligence and asset allocation guidance provided by WFII and market
exposures and fund combinations that we believe are appropriate for a number of different investment
objectives and these Optimal Blends are available within Personalized UMA. The combination and allocation
strategy of the selected mutual funds in an Optimal Blend is based on a determination of the appropriate
target asset allocation and/or risk/return profile for a particular client’s investment objective and risk
tolerance. The funds and allocations are modified from time to time based upon changes in asset allocation
guidance or an assessment of factors impacting individual funds or particular combinations.
Fluctuations in the market value of assets, as well as other factors, will affect the actual fund allocation at any
given time. In order to maintain the Account in conformance with the targeted fund allocations, the account
will be automatically rebalanced periodically if actual allocations vary by more than certain established
percentages from the target allocation. The account will generally be rebalanced annually, unless market
conditions indicate more frequent rebalancing, as stated above. Clients also have the ability to request a
rebalance of their account.
The FundSource® program is not designed for excessively traded or inactive accounts and may not be suitable
for all investors. Please carefully review the advisory disclosure document for a full description of services. The
minimum account size for this program is $25,000.
The mutual funds in the FundSource® program are available by prospectus only. Please consider the investment
objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully. The prospectus, which contains this and other information, can
be obtained by calling your fund wholesaler. Read it carefully before investing.
PROGRAM WRAP FEE ADVISORY SERVICES
Generally, the Representative will review the client’s personal and financial situation, the Account’s
investment objectives, tolerance for risk, and investment time horizon, and with that information, will assist
the client to select an appropriate Program, investment manager, and portfolio from sponsors approved lists.
The client’s portfolio selection is communicated to the third-party manager (if applicable), who is also
provided with appropriate profile information regarding the client.
In certain programs, the client may choose to receive investment recommendations on a nondiscretionary
basis which the client may accept or reject. Some of the programs also permit the client to elect to have the
Account’s assets rebalanced automatically at pre-determined intervals as an aid to ensure the portfolio
continues to reflect its intended asset allocations.
The managers available through the programs employ a variety of investment strategies depending on the
particular program, the size of the account, the needs of the client, and the account’s objectives. Ordinarily,
the managers’ strategies include long or short-term purchases of securities and, sometimes, include
supplemental covered option writing, where appropriate, depending on the Account’s objectives and the
manager’s style. Some strategies also include margin transactions, other option or trading strategies, or
short-sale transactions. Investment decisions in some Programs are guided by model portfolios intended to
reflect the investment objectives and needs of the Client.
The sponsor will pay Register Financial a portion of the fees from the accounts participating in the programs.
Clients should consider whether the fees they pay under the program are more or less than they would pay
if they obtained investment advisory, brokerage, and custodial services separately (an “unbundled”
arrangement). When making their decision to participate in a program, Clients or prospective Clients should
consider the many economic incentives that Register Financial (including the Representative) has that
influence its decision to recommend these Programs (or not to recommend other programs or investment
alternatives).
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTER FINANCIAL AND FIRST CLEARING AGREEMENT
The agreement between Register Financial and First Clearing is applicable to clients with accounts held at
First Clearing, including clients in the RFIM program and First Clearing Wrap Programs. It provides, among
other things, the following:
• Register Financial has entered into a brokerage clearing agreement with Clearing Agent to execute
and perform the clearance on a fully disclosed basis of all purchase and sale orders directed to it by
Register Financial for the Programs selected by a client.
• Clearing Agent or its agent shall generally maintain, in a Register Financial account, custody of all
account assets. Pursuant to a clearing agreement between Register Financial and Clearing Agent,
Clearing Agent performs for Register Financial such custodial functions, which, among other things,
will include crediting of interest and dividends on account assets and crediting of principal on called
or matured securities in the account, together with other custodial functions customarily performed
with respect to securities brokerage accounts.
• Clearing Agent or its agent will also perform cashiering and invoicing responsibilities with respect to
the Programs, which shall include the charging and collection of account fees and the processing,
pursuant to Register Financial instructions, of deposits to and withdrawals from Program accounts.
Clients expressly authorize Clearing Agent or its agent to debit fees of Register Financial, First
Clearing, Clearing Agent and any applicable investment advisors.
• Clearing Agent provides Register Financial with certain administrative, computer software, and
documentation services in order that Register Financial may provide the Program services described
below. Clearing Agent does not provide any of the consulting, advisory, or evaluation services to
Register Financial’s clients with respect to any program described herein. Register Financial
compensates Clearing Agent pursuant to a brokerage clearance fee schedule. Register Financial may
utilize an investment planning tool, Envision®, as part of its investment planning process. Envision®
is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and is used under license. This tool takes into
account a variety of information about a client’s financial situation, performs a “Monte Carlo” analysis
to test for possible future outcomes, and is utilized in determining a model asset allocation for the
client. Such software is provided to Register Financial (and its clients) by First Clearing as part of its
services and there is no additional fee to Register Financial for this software.
ERISA and Individual Retirement Accounts Disclosure
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual retirement
account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we
make money creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a special rule that requires us
to act in your best interest and not put our interests ahead of yours.
Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give
prudent advice).
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give
loyal advice).
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments.
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best
interest.
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services.
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
V. Financial Planning Consulting Services
Register Financial offers advice in the form of a Financial Plan. Clients will receive a written plan, providing
the client with a detailed financial plan designed to achieve their stated financial goals and objectives.
Register Financial will typically work with other professionals such as attorneys, Certified Public
Accountants, trust officers, Mortgage Analysts etc., to offer financial and estate planning advice. The financial
management process begins with an in-depth evaluation of the client’s current financial goals and objectives.
Once the overall objectives have been established, Advisor will focus on the client’s specific goals. Services
may include the following, as specified in the Financial Planning Consulting Services Agreement:
• Investment Analysis (review of asset allocation and evaluation of individual investments)
• Development of an Investment Policy Statement
• Retirement Analysis and Planning
• Company and Employee Benefits Review
• Business Continuation Planning
• Education Funding Analysis
• Wealth Preservation Strategies
• Cash Flow Analysis and Management
• Charitable Planning Review
• Insurance Analysis
As of December 31, 2022, Register Financial held $165,460,476 in discretionary assets under management
and $45,332,056 in non-discretionary assets under management.