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Firm Brochure
for
Private Investment Advisory Clients
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
d/b/a IRA Group
1230 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 3800
Atlanta, GA 30309
PHONE: 404.760.3730
FAX: 404.760.3731
WEBSITE: www.iragroup.com
EMAIL: dleeson@iragroup.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Investment Research &
Advisory Group, Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at:
404.760.3730 or by email at: dleeson@iragroup.com. The information in this brochure has not been approved
or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc. is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
March 2026
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Annual Update
This Form ADV Part 2, also known as our "Brochure," has 18 separate disclosure items that we must address, each
of which must be presented in the order set forth in this Brochure. A current, updated Form ADV Part 2A will be
available to our existing and prospective clients 24 hours a day through the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov or by contacting us by telephone at 404.760.3730 or by email at
jjolley@iragroup.com. Additionally, we will provide an updated Brochure or summary of material changes
annually to our continuing clients. In the future, this Brochure section will summarize any material changes from
the disclosures in the Brochure previously delivered to you.
This Brochure has been tailored for our Firm's private investment advisory clients, with a separate
Brochure for our Firm's institutional advisory clients.
Material Changes
Subsequent to our last full Brochure filing on February 24, 2025, we have had one material change. As of this
filing, our Chief Compliance Officer has changed from Judith Jolley to Lauren Monce.
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Table of Contents
Material Changes ........................................................................................................................... 2
Annual Update ........................................................................................................................... 2
Material Changes since the Last Update .................................................................................... 2
Full Brochure Available ............................................................................................................. 2
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 6
Firm Description ........................................................................................................................ 6
Principal Owners ........................................................................................................................ 6
Types of Advisory Services ....................................................................................................... 6
Tailored Relationships ............................................................................................................... 7
Termination of Agreement ......................................................................................................... 7
Assets Under Management and Assets Under Advisement ....................................................... 7
Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................. 7
Description ................................................................................................................................. 7
Fee Billing .................................................................................................................................. 8
Other Fees .................................................................................................................................. 8
Expense Ratios ........................................................................................................................... 8
Account Minimums……………………………………………………………………………. 8
Past Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement ................................................................... 9
Performance-Based Fees ................................................................................................................ 9
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................................ 9
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss.................................................... 9
Description ………..................................................................................................................... 9
Methods of Analysis .................................................................................................................. 10
Investment Strategies ................................................................................................................. 10
Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................................... 11
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................... 12
Legal and Disciplinary ............................................................................................................... 12
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 12
Financial Industry Activities ...................................................................................................... 12
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ........ 12
Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................................ 12
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions .......................................................................... 12
Personal Trading ......................................................................................................................... 12
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Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................................... 13
Selecting Brokerage Firms......................................................................................................... 13
Order Aggregation ..................................................................................................................... 13
The Custodians and Brokers We Use Practices ......................................................................... 13
Review of Accounts ........................................................................................................................ 15
Periodic Reviews ....................................................................................................................... 15
Review Triggers ........................................................................................................................ 15
Regular Reports ......................................................................................................................... 15
Client Referrals and Other Compensation.................................................................................. 15
Incoming Referrals ................................................................................................................... 15
Referrals Out ............................................................................................................................ 16
Custody .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Account Statements .................................................................................................................. 16
Performance Reports ................................................................................................................ 16
Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................. 16
Discretionary Authority for Trading ........................................................................................ 16
Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 17
Proxy Votes .............................................................................................................................. 17
Financial Information .................................................................................................................. 17
Financial Condition....................................................................................................................17
Business Continuity Plan ............................................................................................................. 17
General ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Disasters ................................................................................................................................... 17
Alternate Offices ...................................................................................................................... 17
Loss of Key Personnel ............................................................................................................. 18
Information Security Program ................................................................................................... 18
Information Security ................................................................................................................ 18
Privacy Notice ......................................................................................................................... 18
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV) ........................................................................ 19
Education and Business Standards........................................................................................... 20
Douglas B. Leeson, Principal .................................................................................................. 20
Sere E. Austin, Managing Director ....................................................................................... 21
John R. Frazer, Managing Director ......................................................................................... 22
Judith A. Jolley, Managing Director ....................................................................................... 23
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Daniel R. Joyce, Managing Director ....................................................................................... 24
Austin J. Ort, Managing Director………………………………………………………….… 24
Harrison W. Leeson, Managing Director ……………………………………………………. 25
Denise Prince, Managing Director ........................................................................................... 26
Carter Stanley, Managing Director…………………………………………………………… 27
Robert Warner, Managing Director …………………………………………………………. 27
Lauren Monce, Chief Compliance Officer ............................................................................... 28
George Stradtman, Director ….….…………………………………………………………... 29
Alexander Morettini, Director ………………………………………………………………...30
Patrick T. Harris, Managing Director……………………………………..…………………...30
Brandon Rivera, Director ……………………………………………………………………...31
Cory Kimbrough, Director……………………………..............................................................32
Jordan Yeater, Director ………………………………………………………………………...33
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Advisory Business
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Firm Description
Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc. (“IRA Group” or the "firm") was founded in 1992.
IRA Group serves clients throughout the United States in two primary businesses: Institutional
Advisory and Private Client Services. This Private Client Services Brochure describes the firm's
private investment advisory services for clients. The firm's Investment Advisory Services
provided to organizations sponsoring retirement plans using our institutional advisory discipline
are described in a separate brochure.
IRA Group is strictly a fee-only investment advisory firm. The firm is not affiliated with
entities that sell financial products or securities and no forms of commission or finder’s fee are
accepted. IRA Group does not act as a custodian of client assets. The client always maintains
asset control.
The investment services include a written evaluation of each client's initial situation, often in the
form of a cash flow projection and net worth statement. Periodic reviews are also communicated
to provide reminders of the specific courses of action that need to be taken. More frequent
reviews occur but are not necessarily communicated to the client unless immediate changes are
recommended.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly by the
client on an as-needed basis. Conflicts of interest will be disclosed to the client in the unlikely
event they should occur.
The initial meeting, which may be by telephone or video conference, is free of charge and is
considered an exploratory interview to determine the extent to which financial planning and
investment management may be beneficial to the client.
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Principal Owners
Douglas B. Leeson is the sole stockholder of the firm.
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Types of Advisory Services
IRA Group is a fiduciary under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and when we provide
investment advice to clients regarding their retirement plan account or individual retirement
account, we are also 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. IRA Group must act in our clients’ best interest and not put our interest
above our clients.
IRA Group does not participate in wrap fee programs.
On more than an occasional basis, IRA Group furnishes advice to clients on matters not involving
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securities, such as financial planning matters, taxation issues, and trust services that often include
estate planning.
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Tailored Relationships
The goals and objectives for each client are documented in our client relationship management
system. Investment policy statements are created that reflect the stated goals and objectives.
Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Agreements may not be assigned without client consent.
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Termination of Agreement
A Client may terminate their agreement with IRA Group at any time by notifying IRA Group in
writing. IRA Group bills client accounts quarterly in advance. A pro-rata portion of fees will be
refunded upon account closure as detailed in our Client Agreement.
IRA Group may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by notifying the
client in writing.
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Assets Under Management and Assets Under Advisement
As of December 31, 2025, IRA Group managed private client accounts with approximately $688
million of net assets on a discretionary basis. IRA Group manages $7.9 million on a non-
discretionary basis for its Private Client Services clients. As of the same date, the Institutional
Advisory Services clients advised by the firm had approximately $14.7 billion in assets.
Fees and Compensation
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Description
The fees for IRA Group’s private client services are assessed as a percentage of assets under
management. The billing tier is calculated by aggregating the value of all accounts within a client
billing group, which are accounts related to a client.
Annualized
Rate
Investment
Account
on the first
on the next
on the next
on the next
Above
Amount
Managed
$ 2,500,000
$ 2,500,000
$ 5,000,000
$ 10,000,000
$ 20,000,000
0.90%
0.75%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
Fees are negotiable.
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Fee Billing
Private client fees are assessed quarterly, in advance based on the previous quarter ending value,
meaning that we bill you before the three-month billing period has ended. Fees are deducted from
a designated client account to facilitate billing unless the client requests to pay via check. The
client must consent in writing in advance to direct debiting of their investment account.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Other Fees
Custodians may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of certain mutual funds and
exchange-traded funds. These transaction charges are usually small and incidental to the purchase
or sale of a security. The selection of the security is more important than the nominal fee that the
custodian charges to buy or sell the security. IRA Group does not receive any such transaction
fees. When recommending mutual funds, IRA Group primarily utilizes no-load funds.
IRA Group, in its sole discretion, may waive its minimum fee and/or charge a lesser investment
advisory fee based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship, type of assets, anticipated
future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be
managed, related accounts, account composition, negotiations with clients, etc.).
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Expense Ratios
Mutual funds generally charge a management fee for their services as investment managers. The
management fee is called an expense ratio. For example, an expense ratio of 0.50 means that the
mutual fund company charges 0.5% for their services. These fees are in addition to the fees paid
by you to IRA Group.
Performance figures quoted by mutual fund companies in various publications are after their fees
have been deducted.
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Account Minimums
The minimum account size for private client engagements is $1 million.
IRA Group has the discretion to waive the minimum account size for private clients. Other
exceptions will apply to employees of IRA Group and their relatives, or relatives of existing
clients.
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Past Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement
IRA Group reserves the right to stop work on any account that is more than 90 days overdue. In
addition, IRA Group reserves the right to terminate any private client engagement where a client
has willfully concealed or has refused to provide pertinent information about financial situations
when necessary and appropriate, in IRA Group’s judgment, to providing proper financial advice.
No Other Compensation
Neither the firm nor any of its principals or employees receives any compensation relating to
investments in securities or other investment products by Private clients.
Our employees may earn an additional bonus when a new client is acquired by the Firm.
Performance-Based Fees
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sharing of Capital Gains
IRA Group does not accept or assess any performance-based fees.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
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Description
IRA Group employs an investment philosophy based on the premise that asset allocation is the
primary determinant of overall portfolio risk and return. We consider representation in the
following asset classes for client portfolios:
Large cap equity
Mid cap equity
Small cap equity
International equity
High grade fixed income
High yield fixed income
International fixed income
Cash equivalents
Alternatives
Real Estate
Commodities
Upon completion of a client risk assessment which contemplates specific liquidity needs, income
requirements, return objectives, performance volatility considerations, and securities restrictions,
target weightings are established for each asset class represented in a portfolio. A client may
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choose to exclude certain asset classes or securities in their portfolio based on specific needs and
circumstances. After identification of eligible asset classes and target portfolio weightings, IRA
Group establishes allowable ranges for strategic and/or tactical overweighting or underweighting
of a specific asset class based on prevailing economic and financial market conditions. Strategic
and/or tactical portfolio shifts are primarily predicated on IRA Group's price-to-fair value
methodology which attempts to opportunistically benefit from periods of overvaluation or
undervaluation in the equity markets. Generally, during periods of perceived equity market
overvaluation, the equity allocation of a client portfolio may be reduced below the target
weighting but within the allowable range. In periods of equity market undervaluation, the equity
allocation may be increased above the target weighting but within the allowable range.
In managing portfolios, IRA Group only considers publicly traded securities to facilitate client
liquidity needs. Additionally, we believe that this emphasis on publicly traded securities results
in consistency of research data and performance analytics. Eligible securities for inclusion in
client portfolios include:
Open-end mutual funds
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Individual stocks
Individual bonds
Options
CD’s
Our proprietary analytical process for evaluating securities encompasses multiple layers of data
evaluation and manager due diligence. This process results in the identification of investments
that are eligible for inclusion in client portfolios. These investments comprise the IRA Group
Focus List. Individual investments represented on the Focus List change over time based on
performance, underlying fundamentals, economic and market conditions, and certain non-
financial criteria, such as fund management changes. In most circumstances, an investment that
is removed from the Focus List is also removed from client portfolios. At any point in time, a
client may own all or some of the investments represented on the Focus List. Additionally, under
certain circumstances, a client portfolio may include investments that are not represented on the
Focus List. This may be attributable to certain tax management strategies or a specific client
request.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Methods of Analysis
Security analysis methods may typically include fundamental and technical analysis.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines, inspections of
corporate activities, research materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, annual
reports, prospectuses, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and company press
releases.
Other sources of information that IRA Group may use include Morningstar mutual fund and stock
information, discussions with mutual fund managers and the World Wide Web.
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Investment Strategies
The primary investment strategy used is strategic asset allocation utilizing a core and satellite
approach. This means that we use mutual funds and exchange-traded funds as the core
investments, and then add individual stocks and bonds where there are greater opportunities to
make a difference. Portfolios are globally diversified to control the risk associated with
traditional markets.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the client
during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time.
Other strategies may include long-term purchases, short-term purchases, margin transactions, and
option writing (including covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies).
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Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Our investment
approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the following investment risks:
•
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate.
For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive,
causing their market values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external
factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For example,
political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
•
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much
as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar
against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as
exchange rate risk.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to be
reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily relates to
fixed income securities.
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil
and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a
higher risk of profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from a
steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic environment
is like.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product.
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For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk of
profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good times
and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may
result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
Disciplinary Information
______________________________________________________________________________
Legal and Disciplinary
The firm and its employees have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to past
or present investment clients.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Industry Activities
IRA Group’s principal business is that of a retirement plan consulting and investment advisory
firm.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Code of Ethics
The employees of IRA Group have committed to a Code of Ethics. The firm will provide a copy
of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
IRA Group and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also recommended to and/or held
by clients. This practice could create a conflict of interest if the individual were to put their trades
before those of clients. Employees may not trade their own securities ahead of client trades.
Employees comply with the provisions of the IRA Group Compliance Manual and Code of
Ethics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Personal Trading
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The Chief Compliance Officer of IRA Group is Lauren Monce. She reviews employee trades
each quarter. Personal trading reviews ensure that the personal trading of employees does not
affect the markets, and that clients of the firm receive preferential treatment. Since most
employee trades are mutual fund trades, exchange-traded fund trades, or small amounts of
broadly traded individual stocks the trades do not affect the securities markets.
Brokerage Practices
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Selecting Brokerage Firms
IRA Group does not have any affiliation with product sales firms. Specific custodian
recommendations are made to clients based on their need for such services. IRA Group
recommends custodians based on the proven integrity and financial responsibility of the firm and
the best pricing for services.
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Order Aggregation
Most trades are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds where trade aggregation does not garner
any client benefit.
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The Custodian and Brokers We Use
IRA Group is deemed to maintain custody of your assets on which we advise due to the authority
you have given us to withdraw assets from your account. Your assets must be maintained in an
account at a “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or bank. We recommend that our
clients use Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, member
SIPC, as the qualified custodian. We are independently owned and operated and not affiliated
with Schwab.
How We Select Brokers/Custodians to Recommend
We seek to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold your assets and execute transactions on
terms that are overall most advantageous when compared with other available providers and their
services. We consider a wide range of factors, including these:
• Combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services (generally
without a separate fee for custody)
• Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account)
• Capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check
requests, bill payment, etc.)
• Breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded
funds (ETFs), etc.)
• Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions
• Quality of services
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• Competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates, other
fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them
• Reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider
• Their prior service to us and our other clients
• Availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below
Your Custody and Brokerage Costs
For our clients’ accounts it maintains, Schwab generally does not charge you separately for
services but is compensated by charging you commissions or other fees on trades that it executes
or that settle into your Schwab account. In addition to commissions, Schwab can charge you a flat
dollar amount as a “prime broker” or “trade away” fee for each trade that we have executed by a
different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are
deposited (settled) into your Schwab account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or
other compensation you pay the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to minimize
your trading costs, we have Schwab execute most trades for your account.
Products and Services Available to Us from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory firms
like us. They provide our clients and us with access to its institutional brokerage — trading,
custody, reporting, and related services — many of which are not typically available to Schwab
retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support services. Some of those services
help us manage or administer our clients’ accounts, while others help us manage and grow our
business. Here is a more detailed description of Schwab’s support services:
Services That Benefit You
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment products
available through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that
would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. Schwab’s services
described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your account.
Services That May Not Directly Benefit You
Schwab also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us but may not directly
benefit you or your account. These products and services assist us in managing and administering
our clients’ accounts. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that of third
parties. We may use this research to service all or some substantial number of our clients’
accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab.
In addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available software and other technology
that:
• provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements);
• facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts;
• provide pricing and other market data;
• facilitate payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts; and
• assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
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Services That Generally Benefit Only Us
Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business
enterprise. These services include:
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting;
• educational conferences and events;
•
• publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
• access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance providers.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party
vendors to provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for some of
these services or pay all or a part of a third party’s fees. Schwab may also provide us with other
benefits such as occasional business entertainment of our personnel.
Review of Accounts
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Periodic Reviews
Account reviews are performed no less than on an annual basis by advisors:
Douglas B. Leeson, Principal
John R. Frazer, Managing Director
Account reviews are performed more frequently when market conditions dictate.
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Review Triggers
Other conditions that may trigger a review are changes in the tax laws, new investment
information, and changes in a client's own situation.
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Regular Reports
Account reviewers are members of the firm's Investment Committee. They are instructed to
consider the client's current security positions and the likelihood that the performance of each
security will contribute to the investment objectives of the client.
Clients are provided periodic communications on at least a quarterly basis. The written updates
may include a performance summary at the portfolio and individual position level and a summary
of objectives and progress towards meeting those objectives.
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Client Referrals and Other Compensation
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Incoming Referrals
IRA Group has been fortunate to receive many client referrals over the years. The referrals came
from current clients, employees, personal friends of employees and other similar sources. The
firm does not compensate referring parties or solicitors for these referrals.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Referrals Out
IRA Group does not accept referral fees or any form of remuneration from other parties when a
prospect or client is referred to them.
Custody
____________________________________________________________________________________
Custody
IRA Group is deemed to have custody over all managed Advisory Client accounts in which IRA
Group has been granted the authority to process requests for money movement, fee deduction and
trades per standing authorizations by Advisory Clients. Assets are not held directly with IRA
Group; rather with Schwab which is a qualified custodian
______________________________________________________________________________
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians, which mean the custodians provide account statements
directly to clients at their address of record at least quarterly. Schwab provides account statements
to our clients and we urge our clients to review them carefully.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Performance Reports
IRA Group provides a quarterly performance report to clients, and clients are urged to compare
the account statements received directly from their custodians to the performance report provided
by IRA Group.
Investment Discretion
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Discretionary Authority for Trading
Private Advisory Clients
IRA Group may or may not have investment authority on behalf of its Private Advisory Clients.
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Each client may elect to have IRA Group provide recommendations that can be implemented
directly by the client with their designated custodian. Account discretionary authority is defined
in the client’s account application.
Voting Client Securities
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Proxy Votes
IRA Group does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own proxies.
When assistance on voting proxies is requested, IRA Group will provide recommendations to the
client. If a conflict of interest exists, it will be disclosed to the client.
Financial Information
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Condition
IRA Group does not have any financial impairment that will preclude the firm from meeting
contractual commitments to clients.
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because IRA Group does not serve as a custodian
for client funds or securities and does not require prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per
client, and six months or more in advance.
Business Continuity Plan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
General
IRA Group has a Business Continuity Plan in place that provides detailed steps to mitigate and
recover from the loss of office space, communications, services or key people.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Disasters
The Business Continuity Plan covers natural disasters such as snow storms, hurricanes, tornados,
and flooding. The Plan covers man-made disasters such as loss of electrical power, fire, bomb
threat, biological event, pandemic, other events requiring building evacuation, T-1
communications line outage, and Internet outage. Electronic files are backed up daily.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Alternate Offices
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Alternate offices and remote strategies are identified to support ongoing operations in the event
the main office is unavailable. It is our intention to contact all clients within five days of a disaster
that dictates moving our office to an alternate location.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Loss of Key Personnel
In the event of Doug Leeson’s disability or death, the responsibility of the management of his
advisory clients will be distributed among the active managing directors, and firm management
will follow guidelines detailed in the Business Continuity Plan.
Information Security Program
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Information Security
IRA Group maintains an information security program to reduce the risk that your personal and
confidential information may be breached.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Privacy Notice
IRA Group is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of the personal
information that is entrusted to us.
The categories of nonpublic information that we collect from you may include information about
your personal finances, information about your health to the extent that it is needed for the
financial planning process, information about transactions between you and third parties, and
information from consumer reporting agencies, e.g., credit reports. We use this information to
help you meet your personal financial goals.
With your permission, we disclose limited information to attorneys, accountants, and mortgage
lenders with whom you have established a relationship. You may opt out from our sharing
information with these nonaffiliated third parties by notifying us at any time by telephone, mail,
fax, email, or in person. With your permission, we share a limited amount of information about
you with your brokerage firm in order to execute securities transactions on your behalf.
We maintain a secure office to ensure that your information is not placed at unreasonable risk.
We employ a firewall barrier, secure data encryption techniques and authentication procedures in
our computer environment.
We do not provide your personal information to mailing list vendors or solicitors. We require
strict confidentiality in our agreements with unaffiliated third parties that require access to your
personal information, including financial service companies, consultants, and auditors. Federal
and state securities regulators may review our Company records and your personal records as
permitted by law.
Personally identifiable information about you will be maintained while you are a client, and for
18
the required period thereafter that records are required to be maintained by federal and state
securities laws. After that time, information may be destroyed.
We will notify you in advance if our privacy policy is expected to change. We are required by
law to deliver this Privacy Notice to you annually, in writing.
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Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV)
Institutional Advisory Services Clients
Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
d/b/a IRA Group
1230 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 3800
Atlanta, GA 30309
PHONE: 404.760.3730
This brochure supplement provides information about the following supervised persons that supplements the
Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc. firm brochure (ADV Part 2A). You should have received a copy of
that brochure with this one. Please contact us at the phone number above if you did not receive IRA Group’s
brochure or if you have any questions about the content of this supplement.
• Douglas B. Leeson
• Sere Austin
•
John R. Frazer
•
Judith A. Jolley
• Daniel R. Joyce
• Austin J. Ort
• Harrison W. Leeson
• Denise S. Prince
• Carter A. Stanley
• Robert C. Warner
• Lauren V.N. Monce
• George L. Stradtman Jr.
• Alexander Morettini
• Patrick Harris
• Brandon Rivera
• Cory Kimbrough
•
Jordan Yeater
Additional information about the supervised persons covered in this supplement is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Education and Business Standards
IRA Group requires that advisors in its employment have a bachelor's degree. We encourage
further coursework demonstrating knowledge of evaluating investments and their performance,
investment policies, the different types of retirement plans and related issues, legal and regulatory
guidelines, security regulations and fiduciary responsibilities. Additionally, advisors must have
work experience that demonstrates their aptitude for private advisory consulting and investment
services.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
DOUGLAS B. LEESON, PRINCIPAL
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: April 19, 1964
•
Institutions: Miami University of Ohio – 1986
Business Experience:
• April 1992 – Present
o Principal, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• April 1992 – August 2016
o Registered Principal, LPL Financial
• May 1989 – April 1992
o Account Manager, Aetna Capital Management, Inc.
•
June 1986 – May 1989
o Employee Benefits Representative, Aetna Life Insurance Company
Disciplinary Information
Douglas B. Leeson has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Douglas B. Leeson is supervised by Lauren Monce, Chief Compliance Officer. She reviews
Douglas B. Leeson’s work through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office
interactions as well as remote interactions. She also reviews Doug Leeson’s activities through
our client relationship management system, portfolio management and custodial systems.
Lauren Monce, 470.558.2064, lmonce@iragroup.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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SERE E. AUSTIN
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: May 24, 1961
•
Institutions: Minnesota State University – 1983
Business Experience:
•
January 2011 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• March 2011 - August 2016
o Registered Representative, LPL Financial
•
2008 - 2010
o Senior Consultant, Southeastern Advisory Services, Inc.
•
2000 - 2008
o Investment Consulting Practice Leader (VIAS), Veritas Consulting Group, LLC
•
1996 - 2000
o Vice President, Financial Services Division, United Bank
•
1993 - 1996
o Vice President, Client Service Officer, Bank South/Nations Bank
•
1988 - 1993
o Consultant, Marketing and Client Services, Benefit Services Corporation
•
1987 - 1988
o Trust Funds Administrator, C&S Trust Company
•
1983 - 1987
o Investment Performance Measurement Administrator, Norwest Bank, NA
Disciplinary Information
Sere E. Austin has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Sere E. Austin is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Sere Austin’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Sere Austin’s activities through our client relationship
management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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JOHN R. FRAZER
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: August 20, 1964
•
Institutions: The Citadel - 1986
Business Experience:
• April 2016 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
•
January 2014 – April 2016
o Managing Director, Genspring Family Offices
• May 2009 – January 2014
o Executive Vice President, SunTrust Private Wealth Management
• May 2007 – May 2009
o President, SunTrust Bank, Memphis Region
• October 2004 – May 2007
o Executive Vice President, SunTrust Bank, Memphis Region
• May 2000 – October 2004
o Senior Vice President, SunTrust Private Wealth Management
• October 1989 – May 2000
o SunTrust Bank
• May 1986 – October 1989
o Airbourne Ranger Infantry Officer, United States Army
Disciplinary Information
John R. Frazer has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: 20% owner of Generations Partnerships, Board of Trustees for
A.G. Rhodes, Chair of Endowment Committee for All Saints Episcopal Church
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
John R. Frazer supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews John Frazer’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews John Frazer’s activities through our client relationship
management system, portfolio management and custodial systems.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
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JUDITH A. JOLLEY
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: December 8, 1960
•
Institutions: Iowa State University - 1983
Business Experience:
• October 2009 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc,
•
January 2017 – March 2026
o Chief Compliance Officer, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• March 2010 – January 2015
o Registered Representative, LPL Financial
•
1996 - 2009
o Vice President and Supervisory Principal, Fidelity Investments
•
1994 - 1996
o Relationship Manager and Registered Representative, Fidelity Investments
•
1993 - 1994
o Product Consultant and Registered Representative, John Hancock Mutual Life Ins. Co.
•
1990 - 1993
o Account Administrator and New Business Consultant, John Hancock Mutual Life Ins. Co.
•
1984 - 1990
o Pension Administrator, Berkshire Life Insurance Company
Disciplinary Information
Judith A. Jolley has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Judith A. Jolley is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Judith Jolley’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Judith Jolley’s activities through our client relationship
management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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DANIEL R. JOYCE
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: June 5, 1947
•
Institutions: Franklin and Marshall College – 1969
Business Experience:
•
January 2001 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• March 2001 – August 2016
o Registered Representative, LPL Financial
• May 1983 – January 2001
o Regional Vice President, Chicago Trust Company
Disciplinary Information
Daniel R. Joyce has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Daniel R. Joyce is supervised by Doug Leeson, Principal. He reviews Dan Joyce’s work through
attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions as well as remote interactions.
He also reviews Dan Joyce’s activities through our client relationship management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________
AUSTIN J. ORT
Educational Background:
• Date of Birth: October 12, 1971
•
Institutions: Ohio University - 1994
Business Experience:
• April 2020 – current
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• May 2019 – March 2020
o Vice President, USI Consulting Group
•
January 2017 – May 2019
o Field Vice President, Mutual of America
• September 2007 – December 2016
o Vice President, Mutual of America
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• March 2003 – August 2007
o Regional Vice President, Mutual of America
• May 1996 – February 2003
o Account Representative, Mutual of America
• August 1994 – April 1996
o Financial Advisory, American Express Financial Advisors
Disciplinary Information
Austin J. Ort has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Austin J. Ort is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Austin Ort’s work through
attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions, as well as remote interactions. He
also reviews Austin Ort’s activities through our client relationship management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________
HARRISON W. LEESON
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: March 21, 1995
•
Institutions: Rhodes College 2017
Business Experience:
• March 2020 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• February 2019 – March 2020
o Financial Consultant, T. Rowe Price
• March 2018 – February 2019
o Investment Specialist, T. Rowe Price
June 2017 – March 2018
•
o Workplace Investing Services Specialist, T. Rowe Price
Disciplinary Information
Harrison W. Leeson has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
26
Harrison Leeson is supervised by Lauren Monce, Chief Compliance Officer. She reviews
Harrision Leeson’s work through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office
interactions, as well as remote interactions. She also reviews Harrison Leeson’s activities through
our client relationship system.
Lauren Monce: 470.558.2064, lmonce@iragroup.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DENISE S. PRINCE
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: April 9, 1960
•
Institutions: Campbell University – 2004
Business Experience:
•
July 2021 - Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• March 2021 – June 2021
o Client Relationship Manager, Ascensus, Inc.
• December 1999 – February 2021
o Sr. Institutional Trust Services Consultant, BB&T
•
1990 - 1999
o Administrator/Consultant, Praxis Consulting, Inc.
Disciplinary Information
Denise S. Prince has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Denise Prince is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Denise Prince’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions, as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Denise Prince’s activities through our client relationship
management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
27
CARTER A. STANLEY
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: November 2, 1994
•
Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 2017
Business Experience:
•
July 2021 - Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• February 2019 – July 2021
o Associate Financial Advisor, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc,
•
July 2017 – February 2019
o Institutional Services Analyst, Regions Financial
Disciplinary Information
Carter A. Stanley has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: No outside business activities
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Carter Stanley is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Carter Stanley’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions, as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Carter Stanleys’ activities through our client relationship
management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ROBERT C. WARNER
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: June 13, 1978
•
Institutions: University of Northwestern, St. Paul, MN 2001
Business Experience:
November 2021 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
October 2017 – July 2020
o Vice President, Business Development Officer, Wells Fargo Bank, NA
July 2012 – September 2017
o Vice President, Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo Bank, NA
November 2007 – June 2012
o Assistant Vice President, Participant Experience Consultant, Wells Fargo Bank, NA
28
2006-2007
o Communications and Events Coordinator, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota
2003-2006
o Marketing Project Manager, Ameriprise Financial
2001-2003
o Client Service Associate, American Express Financial Advisors
Disciplinary Information
Robert Craig Warner has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: No outside business activities
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Robert Warner is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Robert Warner’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions, as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Robert Warner’s activities through our client relationship
management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
LAUREN V. N. MONCE
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: July 25, 1994
•
Institutions: Eckerd College – 2016
Georgia State University - 2020
Business Experience:
• March 2026 - Present
o Chief Compliance Officer, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• December 2021 – March 2026
o Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• December 2020 – November 2021
o Registered Associate & Compliance, Carter Terry & Co.
•
July 2017 – December 2020
o Sales Assistant, Carter Terry & Co.
• August 2016 – June 2017
o Transfer Agency Associate, Franklin Templeton Investments
Disciplinary Information
29
Lauren V. N. Monce has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Lauren Monce is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Lauren Monce’s work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions, as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Lauren Monce’s activities through our client relationship
management system, portfolio management and custodial systems.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
GEORGE L. STRADTMAN, JR.
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: June 24th, 1998
•
Institutions: University of Alabama- May 2021
Business Experience:
• August 2022 - Present
o Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• November 2021-June 2022
o Financial Services Representative, Mass Mutual: The Piedmont Group of Atlanta LLC.
Disciplinary Information
George L. Stradtman Jr. has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
George Stradtman is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews George
Stradtman’s work through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions as
well as remote interactions. He also reviews Mr. Stradtman’s activities through our client
relationship management system, portfolio management and custodial systems.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
30
ALEXANDER MORETTINI
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: August 9th, 1999
•
Institutions: University of Georgia – December 2022
Business Experience:
•
January 2023 - Present
o Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
Disciplinary Information
Alexander C. Morettini. has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Alexander Morettini is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Alexander
Morettini’s work through frequent office interactions, as well as remote interactions. He also
reviews Mr. Morettini’s activities through our client relationship management system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
PATRICK T. HARRIS
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: August, 29th, 1991
•
Institutions: Rhodes College - 2014
Business Experience:
• April 2024 – Present
o Managing Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
•
July 2022 – March 2024
o Business Development Specialist, Creative Planning, LLC
• August 2020 – June 2022
o Retirement Plan Advisor, NFP
• September 2019 – July 2020
o Analyst, U.S. Bank
• September 2014 – June 2019
o Director, Research & Reporting, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
Disciplinary Information
Patrick T. Harris has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
31
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Patrick Harris is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Patrick Harris’ work
through attendance at periodic client meetings, frequent office interactions, as well as remote
interactions. He also reviews Patrick Harris’ activities through our client relationship management
system.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
BRANDON RIVERA
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: July 5th, 2002
•
Institutions: University of Alabama - 2024
Business Experience:
•
July 2024 - Present
o Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
Disciplinary Information
Brandon Rivera has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Brandon Rivera is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Brandon Rivera’s
work through frequent office interactions, as well as remote interactions. Mr. Rivera’s work does
not include client interaction.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
CORY KIMBROUGH
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: April 23rd, 2002
•
Institutions: University of Georgia - 2024
32
Business Experience:
•
January 2025 - Present
o Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
Disciplinary Information
Brandon Rivera has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Cory Kimbrough is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Cory Kimbrough’s
work through frequent office interactions, as well as remote interactions. Ms. Kimbrough’s work
does not include client interaction.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
JORDAN YEATER
Educational Background:
• Date of birth: January 9th, 2001
•
Institutions: Georgia College and State University – 2023
Business Experience:
•
July 2025 - Present
o Director, Investment Research & Advisory Group, Inc.
• May 2023 – June 2025
o Client Service Associate, Morgan Stanley
Disciplinary Information
Jordan Yeater has no disciplinary events or actions to disclose
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Jordan Yeater is supervised by Douglas B. Leeson, Principal. He reviews Jordan Yeater’s work
through frequent office interactions, as well as remote interactions. He also reviews Ms. Yeater’s
activities through our client relationship management system, portfolio management and custodial
systems.
Douglas B. Leeson: 404.760.3737, dleeson@iragroup.com
33