Clear explanation of the standards that apply when we work together — and where to find the official firm disclosures.
Important: Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Equity Services, Inc. (“ESI”), Member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (doing business as ESI Financial Advisors). Atlas Benefits Advisor is an independent practice; it is not the broker-dealer or the registered investment adviser.
When Atlas Benefits Advisor provides investment advisory services as an Investment Adviser Representative of ESI Financial Advisors, a fiduciary standard applies.
When Atlas Benefits Advisor makes recommendations of certain securities, insurance, or annuity products as a Registered Representative of Equity Services, Inc., Regulation Best Interest applies. We will always tell you which capacity and standard applies before any recommendation is made.
OFFICIAL FIRM DISCLOSURES
Current ESI Documents
The most accurate and up-to-date information about the standards of conduct, services, fees, and conflicts is contained in the documents maintained by Equity Services, Inc. Please review these directly:
Duty of Care & Loyalty: Client interests are placed first; material conflicts are disclosed.
Ongoing Monitoring: Accounts under advisory agreements are monitored as described in the firm’s Form ADV.
Applies when: Fee-based financial planning and investment management services are provided as an Investment Adviser Representative of ESI Financial Advisors.
Full details are in ESI’s current Form CRS and Form ADV.
Regulation Best Interest
Through Equity Services, Inc. (Broker-Dealer)
Care Obligation: Recommendations must be in the retail customer’s best interest at the time they are made.
Disclosure Obligation: Material facts about the relationship, fees, costs, and conflicts must be disclosed.
Applies when: Recommendations of certain securities, insurance, or annuity products are made as a Registered Representative of Equity Services, Inc.
Full details are in ESI’s current Regulation Best Interest Disclosure.
When Each Standard Typically Applies
Fiduciary Standard (ESI Financial Advisors)
• Comprehensive financial planning (fee-based)
• Investment portfolio management under an advisory agreement
• Ongoing retirement and 403(b) strategy work within an advisory relationship
Regulation Best Interest (Equity Services, Inc.)
• Life insurance and annuity recommendations
• Certain brokerage or securities product recommendations
• One-time product needs outside an ongoing advisory agreement
The specific capacity and standard that apply to any recommendation will be explained and documented before the recommendation is made. Always refer to the current ESI Form CRS and Regulation Best Interest Disclosure for the authoritative description.
TRANSPARENCY
How Compensation Works
Fee-based planning and investment management are compensated through advisory fees paid to ESI Financial Advisors. When insurance or certain brokerage products are recommended through Equity Services, Inc., a commission may be received. Compensation is always disclosed in accordance with the applicable firm requirements.
View our approach to fees →
Common Questions
What does the fiduciary standard mean in this relationship?
When investment advisory services are provided through ESI Financial Advisors, a fiduciary duty applies. That means the advice must place the client’s interests first, material conflicts must be disclosed, and accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis as described in the firm’s Form ADV and Form CRS.
Is every recommendation made under a fiduciary standard?
No. Core fee-based planning and investment management are offered under the fiduciary standard of ESI Financial Advisors. Recommendations of certain insurance, annuity, or brokerage products are made in a Registered Representative capacity through Equity Services, Inc. and are subject to Regulation Best Interest. We will always tell you which capacity and standard applies before a recommendation is made.
Where can I find the official firm disclosures?
The most current Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) and Regulation Best Interest Disclosure are maintained by Equity Services, Inc. Direct links to those documents, plus the SEC’s Investor.gov/CRS educational page, are provided above on this page. Those documents contain the authoritative information about services, fees, conflicts, and standards of conduct.
LET’S BE CLEAR FROM THE START
Ready for a straightforward conversation?
We’ll explain exactly how we work, which capacity applies to your situation, and point you to the current firm disclosures.
