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Item 1 – Cover Page
United Advisors America
290 S Preston Road
Suite 220
Prosper, Texas 75078
(877) 443-0610
www.unitedadvisors.com
June 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of United Advisors
America. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact Chief Compliance
Officer at (877) 443-0610. 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.
United Advisors America is a registered investment advisor. Registration of an investment advisor does
not imply any level of skill or training.
Additional information about United Advisors America is also available via the SEC’s website
www.advisorinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site using the advisor’s name or by an its CRD number
147350.
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Item 2 – Material Changes
This Item 2 discusses the firm’s material changes made since its last annual updating amendment filed on
March 31, 2025. It does not describe other changes to this Brochure, such as updates to dates and numbers,
stylistic changes, or clarifications.
There have been no material changes since the last filing of Form ADV.
You can request a copy of this Brochure by contacting the Chief Compliance Officer at (877) 443-0610.
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page .................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 – Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 – Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................ 5
Advisory Firm .............................................................................................................................. 5
Advisory Services ........................................................................................................................ 5
Individually Tailored .................................................................................................................... 5
Wrap Fee Programs ...................................................................................................................... 5
Assets Under Management ........................................................................................................... 6
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................ 6
A.
Fee Description and Schedule ...................................................................................................... 6
Fee Deduction .............................................................................................................................. 6
Third Party Fees and Expenses .................................................................................................... 6
Termination .................................................................................................................................. 7
Transactional Compensation ........................................................................................................ 7
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ........................................................... 8
Item 7 – Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................ 8
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .................................................... 8
A.
Analysis and Investment Strategies .............................................................................................. 8
Risks Based on Analysis, Strategy or Security Type ................................................................. 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................ 11
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................ 11
Relationship with a firm regulated by FINRA ........................................................................... 11
Relationship with a firm regulated by the CFTC ....................................................................... 11
Other Relationships – Conflicts of Interest ................................................................................ 11
Recommendations to and Referral Fees from Other Investment Advisers ................................ 13
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Client Transactions and Personal Trading ...................................................... 14
Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................................ 14
Material Financial Interest in Securities ..................................................................................... 14
Same Securities .......................................................................................................................... 14
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Concurrent Securities Transactions ............................................................................................ 15
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................. 15
Selecting and Recommending Broker-Dealers .......................................................................... 15
Research and Soft Dollar Benefits .................................................................................................... 15
Brokerage for Client Referrals .......................................................................................................... 16
Directed Brokerage ........................................................................................................................... 16
Aggregating Transactions .......................................................................................................... 16
Item 13 – Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................. 16
Periodic and Non-Periodic Account Review ............................................................................. 16
Reporting .................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................ 17
Economic Benefit ....................................................................................................................... 17
Referrals ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 15 – Custody ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................... 18
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................ 18
Item 18 – Financial Information ............................................................................................................... 18
Important Information
Throughout this document United Advisors America shall also be referred to as “UAA”, “firm,” “our,”
“we” or “us.” These terms are utilized for the reader’s ease of use while reviewing the brochure and are
not meant to imply the firm is larger than it is at the time of publication. The client or prospective client
may be also referred to as “you,” “your,” etc., and refers to a client engagement involving of a single
person as well as two or more persons. The term “advisor” and “adviser” are used interchangeably
where accuracy in identification is necessary (i.e., Internet address, etc.).
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Advisory Firm
United Advisors America is a privately owned, registered investment advisor that has been in
business since 2008. UAA is wholly owned by Follett Financial Holdings, LLC, a Texas limited
liability company.
Advisory Services
Our advisory business focuses on individuals, especially those at or near retirement age, and
pension and profit-sharing plans. Upon execution of an Investment Management Agreement,
UAA provides Investment Management Services. We define these services as giving continuous
investment advice to a client and recommending investments for that client based on his or her
individual needs or advising a plan sponsor regarding the investments to be offered to plan
participants and assisting plan participants with selection of appropriate investments from those
offered. Upon request UAA may provide complimentary financial planning services.
We offer a customized investment program for clients. An investment strategy is selected based
on that client’s goals and objectives. Clients can select either discretionary or non-discretionary
investment management services. If discretionary services are selected, UAA will make all
decisions regarding buying, selling, and holding securities based upon the client’s investment
objectives. If non-discretionary services are selected, UAA will provide recommendations, but
the client will make all trading decisions.
Individually Tailored
UAA tailors its advisory services to meet the individual needs of the client. We will identify the
needs, goals and risk tolerances of a client prior to recommending an asset allocation strategy.
Some of the variables considered include growth, income, tax efficiency, and investment
timeline.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities and types of
securities. For example, clients can request socially responsible investments. These restrictions
must be provided in writing.
Wrap Fee Programs
UAA does not sponsor or participate in a wrap fee program.
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Assets Under Management
UAA had $353,695,420 in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. The assets are in
both discretionary ($339,801,810) and non-discretionary accounts ($13,893,610).
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
A. Fee Description and Schedule
Pursuant to a written agreement with each client, UAA charges a rate per annum multiplied by
the assets under management. UAA bills this annual advisory fee quarterly, in arrears, based on
the market value of the account, as determined by the account custodian, including cash and cash
equivalents, on the last business day of the quarter. Fees are pro-rated for accounts initiated or
terminated during a calendar quarter. Specifically, fees are calculated as follows: end of quarter
balance multiplied by the management fee percentage applicable to that account, divided by days
in the year (365, except in a leap year), multiplied by the number of days in the relevant quarter.
Fees may be based on household value for billing purposes. Please note, clients with agreements
dated prior to January 2018 may have a different fee schedule. UAA may waive, in whole or in
part, management fees for friends, relatives, or others with whom the Firm or Representative has
established personal or family relationships.
Assets Under Management
Up to and including $1,500,000
$1,500,001 up to and including $2,500,000
Over $2,500,001
Annual Fee
1.0%
0.8%
0.6%
Fixed Income Portfolio Management
0.5%
Fee Deduction
As authorized by each client in writing, UAA will deduct its advisory fees directly from the
client’s account. The client’s account custodian will send account statements, at least quarterly.
Account statements will show all disbursements from the account, including the amount of the
advisory fees which were deducted directly from the account, if any.
Alternatively, Clients may pay fees directly to UAA. For clients that pay directly, payment is due
upon receipt of the billing statement.
Third Party Fees and Expenses
UAA’s advisory fees do not include brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related
costs and expenses, for which the client is responsible. Client may incur certain charges imposed
by custodians, broker-dealers, third-party investment companies and other third parties such as
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fund manager’s management fees, custodial fees, sales loads, deferred sales charges, 12(b)-1
fees, surrender charges, variable annuity fees and surrender charges, odd-lot differentials,
transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage
accounts and securities transactions. Mutual funds and exchange traded funds also charge
internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. UAA will not receive any
portion of these fees or charges.
Termination
Either party may terminate the Investment Management Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice
to the other party. If services are terminated within five (5) business days of executing the
Investment Management Agreement, services will be terminated without penalty and no fees
shall be due. If services are terminated after the initial five (5) business day period, UAA will
prorate any fees due and bill them to the client.
If either party terminates the relationship, the termination becomes effective on the 31st day after
written notification is delivered to the other party, or at another time to which the parties agree,
subject to the settlement of transactions in progress and the final payment of advisory fees. There
will be no penalty charge upon termination.
Upon termination of any account, earned, unpaid fees will be immediately due and payable.
Transactional Compensation
Most of our representatives are also agents for Alliance America Corporation, an insurance
agency which is licensed to offer life and health insurance products. Alliance America
Corporation is an advisory affiliate of UAA because it’s owned by the same individuals.
When acting in their capacity as insurance agents, our representatives are able to recommend
insurance, annuity, health and long-term care insurance products. Any insurance product sales
will result in the agent receiving a commission from the insurance carrier.
This results in conflicts of interest for our representatives. First, the receipt of commissions
provides an incentive to the representative to recommend these products. Second, representatives
will only recommend insurance products of those insurance companies for whom they are sales
agents and with which they are familiar with the benefits, exclusions and other terms. Finally,
our representatives can only offer insurance products through Alliance America Corporation.
These conflicts of interest are mitigated in several ways: representatives have access to a
considerable number of different insurance products offered by numerous insurance companies;
clients are not obligated to purchase recommended insurance products in order to remain a client
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of UAA; all insurance product purchases are subject to the insurance company’s suitability
requirements and review; UAA discloses these conflicts to our clients; and finally, we conduct
our operations in accordance with our fiduciary duty and the firm’s code of ethics.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
UAA does not charge performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital
appreciation of the assets of a client).
Item 7 – Types of Clients
UAA offers its services to the following types of clients: individuals and high net worth
individuals, their trusts and estates, and pension and profit-sharing plans.
There are no minimum investment requirements for clients of the firm prior to April 1, 2024.
After April 1, 2024, there is a minimum investment requirement of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000.00) per household for new clients. A household is defined as one physical mailing
address affiliated and/or associated with an account. By way of example, if a husband and wife
who live at the same address have a total of three accounts with balances of $10,000, $12,000,
and $35,000, respectively, the $50,000 per household threshold is met despite none of the
accounts totaling the $50,000 threshold. Additionally, if a client has been referred to the firm by
a preexisting client of the firm, this $50,000 threshold shall not apply.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. Analysis and Investment Strategies
Modern Portfolio Theory (“MPT”). UAA’s investment philosophy is based on MPT. The
essence of MPT is to maximize a portfolio’s expected return given a level of risk. This outcome
is achieved through diversification, investing in asset classes, and having a long-term investment
time horizon (generally a minimum of three years).
One of the risks of asset allocation is that a client may or may not participate in sharp increases
in a security, industry, or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of equities, fixed income,
and cash will change over time due to market movements and, if not adjusted, will no longer be
appropriate for the client's goals. To overcome this, each asset in a portfolio is given a target
percentage and a tolerance band that indicates if an asset is over/under weighted. Our model
portfolios are reviewed on a quarterly basis and will rebalanced, as necessary.
Mutual Fund and ETF Analysis. When choosing the mutual funds or ETFs, UAA evaluates
and selects the institutional fund managers based upon (i) their performance relative to their peer
group, (ii) their performance relative to assumed risk, (iii) the inception date of the product, (iv)
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the correlation relative to their peer group, (v) the assets they have under management, (vi) their
consistency between their holdings and their investment style, (vii) the expense ratios or fees
charged, and (viii) the stability of the organization.
The experience and track-record of the manager of the funds is reviewed to determine if that
manager has demonstrated an ability to invest overtime and in different economic conditions.
The underlying assets in a fund are reviewed to determine if there is significant overlap in the
underlying investments held in other fund(s) in the portfolio. The funds are monitored to
determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy.
The methods of analysis and investment strategies UAA follows are utilized across all of our
clients, as applicable. One method of analysis of investment strategy is not more significant than
the other as we consider the client’s portfolio, risk tolerance, time horizon, and individual goals.
United Advisors America does not limit its recommendations to particular types of securities
however, we primarily invest in exchange traded funds and mutual funds.
Digital Currencies. UAA will invest in exchange traded products that invest in digital
currencies. Cryptographically secured currencies and/or digital assets (collectively,
“Cryptocurrencies”) present a high level of inherent risk and are not suitable for all investors.
Cryptocurrencies (including, but not limited to, Bitcoin), often referred to as “virtual currency”,
“digital currency,” or “digital assets,” operate as decentralized, peer-to-peer financial exchanges
and value storages that can be used like money.
Cryptocurrencies are not currently considered legal tender in the United States. Federal, state or
foreign governments may restrict the use and exchange of Cryptocurrencies, and regulation in
the U.S. is still developing. The SEC has issued a public report stating U.S. federal securities
laws require treating certain Cryptocurrencies as securities. Cryptocurrency exchanges may stop
operating or permanently shut down due to fraud, technical glitches, hackers or malware. Due to
its relatively recent launch, Cryptocurrencies have a limited trading history, making it difficult
for investors to evaluate the long-term track record of such investments.
Cryptocurrencies are highly dependent on their developers and there is no guarantee that
development will continue or that developers will not abandon a project with little or no notice.
Third parties may assert intellectual property claims relating to the holding and transfer of
Cryptocurrencies, and their source code. Any threatened action that reduces confidence in a
network’s long-term ability to hold and transfer Cryptocurrencies may affect investment
performance.
Specifically with respect to Bitcoin, it is possible that a cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin could
become materially popular, which could have a negative impact on the demand for and price of
Bitcoin. It is possible that another entity could manipulate the blockchain in a manner that is
detrimental to the Bitcoin network.
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Risks Based on Analysis, Strategy or Security Type
In General. Investing in securities involves a number of risks that the clients need to be prepared
to bear. Some of these are risk of loss/market risk, inflation risk, risk of lost opportunity, and
interest rate risk. Loss/market risk is risk that value of an investment at liquidation will be less
than original investment. Clients may lose their entire investment in securities. Inflation risk is
the risk that the increase in a security’s value will be less than the rate of inflation. Opportunity
risk is risk created by selecting one investment in place of another which may have a greater
return. Interest rate risk is the risk caused by changing interest rates. Different securities, and
different types of securities, are exposed to risks in different ways and to different degrees.
Modern Portfolio Theory (“MPT”). One of the risks of MPT is that a client may participate in
sharp increases in a security, industry, or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of equities,
fixed income, and cash will change over time due to market movements and, if not adjusted, will
no longer be appropriate for the client's goals. To overcome this, each asset in a portfolio is given
a target percentage and a tolerance band that indicates if an asset is over/under weighted. Our
model portfolios are reviewed on a quarterly basis and will be rebalanced, as necessary.
Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded on stock exchanges or on the over-the-
counter market. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an
investment in a conventional mutual fund (see below) that has the same investment objectives,
strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and a client account could
lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In
addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds:
• The market price of an ETFs shares may trade above or below their net asset value;
• An active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or
• Trading of ETFs shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such
action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange, or the activation of
market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts
stock trading generally.
Mutual Funds. Mutual Funds are managed independently of a client’s account. With all
investments, past performance does not guarantee future results. A mutual fund manager who
has been successful in the past may not be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition,
UAA has no control of the underlying investments in a fund, managers of different funds held by
the client may purchase the same security, thus increasing the risk to the client if that security
were to fall in value. An additional risk is that a manager may deviate from the stated investment
mandate or strategy of the fund, a circumstance that could make the holding(s) less suitable for
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the client's portfolio. Additionally, these investments are subject to the same risks as the
underlying investments.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisors are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of the firm or the integrity of our
management. UAA is required to disclose information regarding the following lawsuit.
In February of 2024, a former client of the firm filed a civil lawsuit naming the firm and one of
its advisers as defendants. The plaintiff alleges that the firm’s adviser assisted the plaintiff in
surrendering a variable annuity that created a taxable event for the plaintiff. The firm and its
adviser vehemently deny plaintiff’s allegations. The firm and its advisers do not offer tax
advice. This lawsuit settled in March of 2025.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Relationship with a firm regulated by FINRA
UAA has no relationships to disclose.
Relationship with a firm regulated by the CFTC
UAA has no relationships to disclose.
Other Relationships – Conflicts of Interest
UAA’s owners and their affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities. The owners of the
firm own various entities which provide a variety of services to clients including but not limited
to estate planning support services (Legacy Assurance Plan of America, Inc. (“Legacy”)),
insurance/annuity products (Alliance America Corporation (“Alliance”)), and notary services
(VisaNotary, LLC (“VisaNotary”)). Some of our clients will use the services of these affiliates.
Legacy and Alliance have fees and costs which are charged separately to clients who use those
services. VisaNotary does not charge fees to clients.
Here is more information on these affiliates:
• Alliance. Most of our representatives and executive officers, with the exception of the
CCO, are also agents for Alliance, an insurance agency which is licensed to offer life and
health insurance products.
When acting in their capacity as insurance agents, our representatives are able to
recommend insurance, annuity, health, and long-term care insurance products. Any
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insurance product sales will result in the agent receiving a commission from the
insurance carrier.
This results in conflicts of interest for our representatives. First, the receipt of
commissions provides an incentive to the representative to recommend these products.
Second, representatives will only recommend insurance products of those insurance
companies for whom they are sales agents and with which they are familiar with the
benefits, exclusions, and other terms. Finally, our representatives can only offer
insurance products through Alliance.
These conflicts of interest are mitigated in several ways: representatives have access to a
considerable number of different insurance products offered by numerous insurance
companies; clients are not obligated to purchase recommended insurance products in
order to remain a client of UAA; all insurance product purchases are subject to the best
interest requirements and review; and UAA discloses these conflicts to our clients.
• Legacy provides estate planning support services. Legacy offers its members
consultations with qualified estate planning attorneys who assist in drafting essential
documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives. Additionally,
Legacy facilitates the preparation of real property deeds, ensuring that the legal aspects of
an estate are managed. UAA will recommend the services of Legacy, and Legacy will
recommend the services of UAA to clients as part of a holistic financial and estate
planning approach. Clients are not required to use Legacy and may select any provider of
their choosing. The affiliation between UAA and Legacy creates a conflict of interest; to
mitigate this conflict, UAA does not receive any direct or indirect compensation,
incentives, or other financial benefits from Legacy for client referrals or
recommendations, and Legacy does not receive any direct or indirect compensation,
incentives, or other financial benefits from UAA for client referrals or recommendations.
• VisaNotary provides notary services. Some of UAA’s representatives are notaries with
VisaNotary and, offer complimentary notary services to UAA’s clients. Clients do not
pay any additional fee(s) for these notary services. UAA’s provision of complimentary
notary services through an affiliate could create an incentive to favor the affiliate’s
business interests or to encourage use of UAA’s advisory services in order to access
notary services. To mitigate this potential conflict, UAA and its representatives do not
receive any direct or indirect compensation, incentives, or other financial benefits from
VisaNotary, and VisaNotary does not receive any direct or indirect compensation,
incentives, or other financial benefits from UAA.
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In addition to the affiliates described above, the owners of the firm own entities that provide
business-to-business services, some of which are used by UAA, and some are not. As related
entities, they do not negotiate their terms on an arm’s length basis with UAA.
• OnSchedule is an affiliate which provides appointment scheduling services to UAA.
Clients will interact with OnSchedule representatives when making appointments with
their UAA representatives. UAA pays OnSchedule directly for these services. UAA’s
relationship with OnSchedule does not affect the fees or costs charged to clients for
advisory services.
• Vitruvix, LLC provides certain information technology (IT) support services to UAA.
UAA pays Vitruvix directly for these services. Vitruvix’s support is limited in scope and
primarily covers minor IT needs; UAA’s primary managed IT services provider (MSP) is
an unaffiliated third-party company
• Follett Financial Holdings, LLC is a limited liability company that owns UAA. It is a
holding entity and conducts no operating business other than holding its interest in UAA.
• United Financial Resources Corporation (“UFR”) provides human resources and
administrative services to UAA. UFR serves as the employer of record for UAA’s
employees, hiring and leasing these employees to UAA. In addition to employment
services, UFR provides HR and administrative support, including payroll, benefits
administration, and related services. UAA compensates UFR for these services.
• Trade Brands, LLC provides intellectual property services to UAA. It owns certain
intellectual property used by UAA. UAA pays Trade Brands directly for the use and
licensing of this intellectual property.
• United Tax Advisors, LLC is an entity that has not begun operations.
With UAA and these entities under common control, there are potential conflicts of interest.
UAA’s relationship with these affiliates could create an incentive to favor the affiliate’s services
or business interests, or to make decisions that benefit the affiliate rather than UAA clients. To
mitigate the potential conflicts, we disclose these relationships. UAA encourages clients to ask
questions or seek additional information about these relationships so that you can make an
informed decision. Finally, we conduct our operations in accordance with our fiduciary duty and
the firm’s code of ethics.
Recommendations to and Referral Fees from Other Investment Advisers
UAA has no relationships to disclose.
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Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
UAA has adopted a Code of Ethics for all of our Access Persons. This code describes our
standards of business conduct reflecting our fiduciary obligations. The code includes provisions
covering compliance with Federal securities laws; the prohibition on insider trading; reporting
and approval of outside business activities; restrictions and reporting on the delivery or receipt of
gifts and entertainment; and the pre-clearance, reporting and review of personal securities
transactions, among other things. UAA requires all of our Access Persons to acknowledge the
terms of the code annually, and as amended.
UAA will provide a copy of its Code of Ethics to a client or prospective client upon request.
Material Financial Interest in Securities
UAA does not have a material financial interest in the securities that it recommends, buys, or
sells its clients.
Same Securities
Our officers, directors, and employees may trade for their own accounts in securities which are
recommended to, or purchased for, our clients, if these transactions comply with relevant laws,
regulations, and our Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics is designed to ensure that the personal securities transactions, activities and
interests of our employees will not interfere with making decisions in the best interest of
advisory clients and implementing those decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees
to invest for their own accounts.
Under the Code, we have designated certain classes of securities as exempt transactions, having
determined that these would not materially interfere with the best interest of our clients. In
addition, the Code requires preclearance of many transactions, and restricts trading in close
proximity to client trading activity. Nonetheless, because the Code of Ethics in some
circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same securities as clients, there is a
possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by an
employee. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics to prevent
conflicts of interest between UAA and its clients.
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Concurrent Securities Transactions
The firm does not combine, aggregate, or “bunch” (also known as a block trade) an order entered
for a client with orders entered for the same security for other clients, officers, directors, or
employees.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Selecting and Recommending Broker-Dealers
UAA recommends a broker-dealer for custodial and execution services. UAA will choose the
broker-dealer it recommends based on execution and custodial services offered, cost, quality of
service and industry reputation. It will consider factors such as commission price, speed and
quality of execution, client management tools, research, and convenience of access for both the
firm and client. Clients may pay commissions higher than those obtainable from other broker-
dealers in return for these products and services. While competitive rates are a factor, UAA may
not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client account transactions. UAA
evaluates the overall services provided by the broker-dealer to determine best execution and
periodically reviews these against other broker-dealers.
UAA has selected Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. member FINRA/SIPC as its Custodian for client
accounts and its broker for the execution of client transactions. Not all investment advisory firms
require clients to use a specified Custodian. UAA expects to do most of its trading through its
Custodian, however, does have authority to utilize an alternative broker-dealer, as appropriate.
Research and Soft Dollar Benefits
The term “soft dollars” refers generally to the practice by investment advisers of paying for
research and brokerage services using brokerage commissions generated by the execution of
trades for their clients’ accounts. UAA has no formal soft dollar relationships with the
custodians/brokers that we have selected.
However, we do receive research and other products or services from these custodians/brokers.
Our custodians/brokers provide us with access to their institutional trading and custody services,
which are typically not available to retail investors. These services generally are available to
independent investment advisors at no charge to them so long as the independent investment
advisors maintain a minimum amount of assets with the custodian/broker.
Services that we may receive include, but are not necessarily limited to: receipt of duplicate
client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; access to a trading desk; access to block
trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and allocate the
appropriate shares to client accounts; the ability to have investment advisory fees deducted
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directly from client accounts; access to an electronic communications network for client order
entry and account information; and access to mutual funds that generally require significantly
higher minimum initial investments or are generally only available to institutional investors.
Our custodians/brokers also make available to us other products and services that benefit our
firm but may not benefit clients' accounts. Some of these other products and services assist us in
managing and administering clients' accounts. These include software and other technology that
provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmation and account statements);
provide research, pricing information and other market data; facilitate payment of the firm’s fees
from its clients' accounts; and assist with back-office functions; record keeping and client
reporting. Many of these services generally may be used to service all or a substantial number of
our accounts, including accounts not maintained at a recommended custodian. We also receive
other services intended to help our firm manage and further develop our business enterprise.
These services may include consulting, publications and conferences on practice management,
information technology, business succession, regulatory compliance, and marketing.
Our selection of the custodians/brokers may be based in part on the benefit to us in the
availability of some of the foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature, cost or
quality of custody and brokerage services provided. This creates a conflict of interest.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
UAA does not receive client referrals from custodians/broker-dealers.
Directed Brokerage
UAA does not allow clients to direct execution of transactions through a specified broker-dealer.
Aggregating Transactions
The firm does not combine, aggregate, or “bunch” (also known as a block trade) an order entered
for a client with orders entered for the same security for other clients, officers, directors, or
employees.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Periodic and Non-Periodic Account Review
Our model portfolios are reviewed on a quarterly basis by our Investment Committee and will be
adjusted, as necessary. Additionally, UAA conducts annual account reviews for its clients. The
calendar is the main triggering factor in scheduling an account review, although an account
review may be triggered by a client request or by changes in the client’s circumstances, financial
condition or investment objectives, as well as market conditions.
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The Company’s advisors will contact clients annually for the purpose of reporting on the review
of his or her account and discussing if changes in the client’s financial situation or investment
objectives have occurred, requiring an adjustment in investments. The report is made verbally.
UAA does not provide different levels of review dependent upon amount of client’s assets. The
reviewers are instructed to determine if client’s investments meet their current needs and goals.
Reviewers are instructed to pay special attention to confirming that clients have adequate
monthly income. In addition to being investment adviser representatives, reviewers are also
licensed insurance agents.
Reporting
Clients will receive written or electronic statements, at least, quarterly from the Custodian that
maintains their accounts. In addition, clients may request performance reports which UAA will
retrieve from Custodian.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Economic Benefit
See – Item 12: Brokerage Practices.
Referrals
UAA and its representatives do not compensate others for client referrals including referrals
from its affiliates. Most of UAA’s clients are referred by its affiliate, Legacy. Legacy provides
estate planning support services to its members for a fee. Some Legacy members are referred to
affiliates, including UAA, Alliance and/or VisaNotary. Fees charged for Legacy memberships
are separate from any fees charged by UAA.
Item 15 – Custody
UAA is deemed to have custody of a client’s cash and securities to the extent that we have the
authority to deduct advisory fees directly from clients’ accounts. We do not intend to have
physical possession of the cash or securities in client accounts at any time. In general, all cash
and securities owned by clients will be held by the Custodian. Clients should receive, at least,
quarterly statements from the broker-dealer, bank, or other qualified Custodian that holds and
maintains client’s investment assets. Clients should carefully review these statements. The
Custodian’s valuation of the client’s investment assets will be used for billing purposes.
UAA is also deemed to have custody of a client’s cash and securities, in limited circumstances,
by virtue of clients who have executed standing letters of authorization (SLOAs) for direct
charitable transfers to third parties. In those instances, clients have completed and signed
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Charles Schwab’s IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution Form or an IRA Distribution Form. In
those instances, clients have elected to make charitable donations to specified third parties and
have authorized UAA to initiate such transactions upon the direction of the client. This
authorization does not allow UAA to designate or change the identity of the payee(s), the
delivery address, or any other information about the payee(s) designated by the client. These
services are provided in accordance with guidance from the SEC.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Pursuant to the Investment Management Services Agreement, UAA accepts discretionary
authority from its clients to select the identity and amount of securities to be bought or sold, as
well as, the broker-dealer or other counterparty to be used for transactions and the negotiation of
commission rates and other consideration to be paid by clients. When exercising its discretionary
authority, UAA observes the written investment objectives, limitations and restrictions provided
by its clients.
UAA also offers non-discretionary services. If non-discretionary services are selected, UAA will
provide recommendations, but the client will make all trading decisions.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
As a matter of firm policy and practice, UAA does not have any authority to, and will not, vote
or exercise similar rights for client securities. All voting rights associated with any security or
other property held in the portfolio shall be the responsibility of the client. For participants in
employer-sponsored retirement plans, the responsibility for all voting or similar rights associated
with any security of other property held in the portfolio shall be outlined by the plan.
UAA will not advise or act for the client in any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies and
class actions, involving securities held or previously held by the portfolio of the issuers of those
securities.
Item 18 – Financial Information
UAA does not have a financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and
fiduciary commitments to clients and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
Advisor does not require prepayment of fees of $1,200 or more, six months or more in advance.
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