How is Piedmont Investment Advisors, LLC, licensed or registered?
Piedmont is a fee-only investment advisor registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Piedmont and its representatives are in compliance with the current notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which Piedmont maintains clients. Piedmont may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. You may call us at 703.729.8333 to find out further state registration information. You will find extensive information about Piedmont’s business practices and personnel in the brochure version of the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A.
Does Piedmont receive commissions or other forms of compensation from brokerage firms or mutual fund companies?
No. As a fee-only firm, Piedmont receives compensation exclusively from its clients. As a result, our advice is fully independent and objective. We make portfolio management decisions purely on the merits of the investments as we perceive them.
Will Piedmont have custody of my assets? Will the assets in my Piedmont accounts be safe and/or insured?
Piedmont will not take physical or electronic custody of your assets. Instead, they will be held at Fidelity Investments or Schwab, which serve as the clearing broker for Piedmont’s trades. Both Fidelity and Schwab are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Please see the SIPC’s website for more information. All account assets will be held in your name or in the name of entities you have created, such as trusts or retirement plans. Neither Piedmont nor the custodians mentioned can access or distribute funds from your accounts without your knowledge and permission.
Do you offer financial planning, tax, or legal services?
We do not offer tax or legal services. We would be happy to offer recommendations to clients seeking professional help in those fields. As a highly specialized money manager, Piedmont is not, strictly speaking, a financial planning firm. Inevitably, however, and for very good reason, we make every possible effort to understand our clients’ financial circumstances, objectives, time horizons, and investment preferences. Our personalized process recognizes the uniqueness of each client relationship, and nothing is more important to us than helping you achieve your personal and financial goals.
Does Piedmont employ tax minimization strategies?
We, at Piedmont, are mindful of tax implications inherent in investing. We work hard to mitigate the costs associated with AMT and ordinary income.
I feel that I need more interaction than I am presently receiving from my current financial advisor. Can you tell me more about how you interact with clients?
We pride ourselves in our professionalism. We provide experience and expertise in money management, and hold each relationship in the highest esteem. All dealings are held in the strictest confidence. We believe that our clients have a right and need to know what is going on with their money. As a result, we provide regular briefings and communications. If there is ever a problem, we communicate it quickly, accompanied by a viable solution.
I have an advisory relationship at another financial institution, but I like what I’ve learned about Piedmont. Will it be a hassle for me to transfer my accounts to your firm?
Not at all. With the assistance of our custodial partner, the transfer of your assets to Piedmont will be quick and easy. You’ll need to sign our investment management contract, an agreement with either Fidelity or Schwab, and any applicable account transfer forms. Generally, you can then submit those documents to us in person, by postal mail, or by facsimile. We accept most client communications by e-mail, but these contractual account-opening documents are exceptions to that rule. In addition, we strongly recommend submitting originals of any account transfer forms, which we will provide to you.
Is Piedmont accepting new clients? If so, what is your minimum?
Yes, we are accepting new clients.
We do not have a minimum investment amount, instead our new clients typically meet the definition of an accredited investor. For an individual to be considered an accredited investor, he or she must have a net worth of at least one million US dollars, not including the value of one’s primary residence or have made at least $200,000 each year for the last two years ($300,000 with his or her spouse if married) and have the expectation to make the same amount this year.
How have you performed?
Remarkably well. Piedmont is pleased to share our achieved performance results as part of our first meeting.
Are references available?
Yes.
I like what I’ve seen and I’m ready to explore a relationship with Piedmont in more detail. How do I get started?
The first thing you should do is call or write so we can discuss your circumstances and objectives. As part of our fiduciary responsibility to our clients, we conduct a thorough profiling process before initiating a new relationship. For more on the account-opening process, please call us. You may also express your interest in our firm through our Contact Piedmont page.
