Free Financial Advisor Contract Template
Financial Advisor Contract
This Financial Advisor Contract ("Agreement") is made effective as of [Day] of [Month], [Year], by and between:
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[Your Company Name], a financial advisory firm, located at [Your Company Address], hereinafter referred to as the "Company", and
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[Financial Advisor Name], an individual with an address at [Financial Advisor Address], hereinafter referred to as the "Advisor".
The Company and the Advisor may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties".
I. Purpose of Agreement
A. Engagement of Services
The Company engages the services of the Advisor to provide comprehensive financial advisory services to the Company’s clients. The Advisor will offer guidance on a wide array of financial matters, helping clients navigate their financial landscapes effectively. These services may include, but are not limited to, investment advice, financial planning, tax strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. It is imperative that the Advisor possesses the skills, experience, and qualifications necessary to provide these services competently.
B. Fiduciary Responsibility
The Advisor acknowledges the fiduciary duty inherent in this role. This includes the obligation to act in the best interest of the Company and its clients at all times. The Advisor commits to maintaining the highest ethical standards and ensuring transparency in all dealings, thus fostering trust and integrity in the advisor-client relationship.
II. Scope of Services
A. Services to be Rendered
The Advisor shall provide a wide range of financial advisory services, which include the following:
Service |
Description |
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Investment Management |
Advising clients on asset allocation, selecting appropriate investment vehicles, and monitoring portfolio performance. This includes reviewing mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and alternative investments, ensuring alignment with clients' financial goals. The Advisor will perform regular assessments to adjust strategies as market conditions evolve. |
Retirement Planning |
Helping clients establish long-term financial goals for retirement, calculating retirement needs, and advising on saving strategies such as 401(k) plans, IRAs, and other retirement accounts. The Advisor will provide projections of future retirement income based on various scenarios, helping clients understand their options and plan accordingly. |
Tax Planning |
Assisting clients with strategies to minimize tax liabilities through investment choices, retirement account contributions, and charitable giving. The Advisor will stay informed about current tax laws and recommend strategies that can lead to significant tax savings for clients, including tax-loss harvesting and utilizing tax-efficient funds. |
Estate Planning |
Providing guidance on wealth transfer strategies, wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to ensure proper distribution of assets. The Advisor will collaborate with legal professionals to draft appropriate documents and develop a comprehensive plan that meets clients' wishes and legal requirements. |
Insurance Planning |
Assessing clients' risk profiles and recommending suitable insurance products such as life insurance, health insurance, and disability coverage. The Advisor will analyze existing policies and identify gaps in coverage to ensure that clients are adequately protected against unforeseen events. |
Education Planning |
Helping clients establish savings plans for educational expenses through vehicles such as 529 plans or Coverdell accounts. The Advisor will provide clients with projections of future education costs and recommend strategies to fund these expenses, ensuring clients are well-prepared for their children's educational needs. |
B. Client Onboarding and Support
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The Advisor shall support the Company in onboarding new clients, which includes performing initial assessments of clients’ financial positions and understanding their goals. This process involves gathering relevant financial data, discussing clients' expectations, and setting realistic objectives.
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The Advisor will conduct regular follow-up meetings with clients, at least quarterly, to review their financial plans and make adjustments where necessary. This ensures that the clients' strategies remain relevant in light of any changes in their personal circumstances or market conditions.
C. Reporting Obligations
The Advisor shall prepare and submit periodic financial reports to the Company and clients, summarizing performance, strategy updates, and any relevant market changes that could impact the client’s financial goals. These reports will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing clients to easily understand their investment status and any necessary adjustments.
D. Tailored Advice
All advice provided by the Advisor must be personalized and tailored to each client's unique circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. Generic advice or "one-size-fits-all" recommendations are prohibited. The Advisor must conduct thorough assessments and analyses before formulating strategies.
III. Compensation
A. Advisor's Fee
The Company agrees to compensate the Advisor as follows:
Compensation Structure |
Description |
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Flat Fee |
A flat fee of [$2,000] per month, paid on the [1st] of each month. This fee covers ongoing advisory services, portfolio management, and client support. |
Commission-Based Compensation |
A commission of [1.5]% on investment products sold or under management. This commission is calculated based on the total assets under management and is payable quarterly. |
Performance-Based Fees |
An additional fee of [10]% based on achieving pre-defined benchmarks or performance metrics, ensuring that the Advisor's incentives are aligned with client success. For example, if a portfolio increases by $50,000 in a year, the Advisor would earn a performance fee of $5,000. |
Hourly Fee |
A rate of $150 per hour for consultations or services provided outside the scope of the usual advisory services listed in Section II. This fee applies to specialized services or detailed financial analysis requested by clients. |
B. Invoicing and Payment Terms
The Advisor shall invoice the Company on a monthly basis, specifying the services rendered during the prior month. Payments are due within [30] days of the invoice date. Late payments may result in a [1.5]% monthly interest charge on outstanding balances. The Advisor will provide clear documentation and records of the services provided to ensure transparency.
C. Bonus Structure
The Advisor is eligible for a bonus based on the overall performance of the clients' portfolios. If a client portfolio grows by more than [5]% annually, the Advisor will be awarded a bonus of $1,500 at year-end. This performance metric encourages the Advisor to strive for excellent investment results on behalf of the clients.
D. Expenses
The Company agrees to reimburse the Advisor for any reasonable expenses incurred while performing services for the Company. These may include travel, accommodation, and client meeting expenses, provided that such expenses are pre-approved by the Company. All expenses must be documented with receipts and submitted within [30] days of the expense being incurred to ensure proper accounting.
IV. Term and Termination
A. Term
This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and continue for an initial period of [3] years, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms herein. Upon expiration, the Agreement may be renewed for additional terms upon mutual written agreement.
B. Termination by Either Party
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Termination Without Cause: Either Party may terminate this Agreement without cause by providing [30] days’ written notice to the other Party. This provides both Parties with the opportunity to evaluate their relationship and make necessary adjustments or seek alternatives.
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Termination for Cause: The Company may terminate this Agreement immediately if the Advisor breaches any term of this Agreement, engages in misconduct, or fails to meet the Company’s performance standards. Such misconduct includes failure to comply with regulatory requirements or ethical guidelines.
C. Effect of Termination
Upon termination, the Advisor shall immediately cease all activities on behalf of the Company and return all Company property, including client files, financial data, and proprietary information. The Advisor shall also be entitled to compensation for services rendered up to the termination date.
D. Survival of Provisions
Certain provisions, such as confidentiality, non-compete clauses, and indemnification obligations, shall survive the termination of this Agreement as outlined in Section IX. This ensures that essential protections and obligations continue to apply even after the Agreement concludes.
V. Confidentiality
A. Confidential Information
The Advisor agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information related to the Company and its clients. This includes financial data, investment strategies, client identities, and any proprietary tools or software used by the Company. Such information is considered sensitive and critical to the Company’s operations and client relationships.
B. Non-Disclosure Obligation
The Advisor shall not disclose any confidential information to third parties without the prior written consent of the Company. This obligation shall continue even after the termination of this Agreement, ensuring that the Company’s competitive advantage and client privacy are safeguarded indefinitely.
C. Return of Confidential Information
Upon termination or at the Company’s request, the Advisor shall return or destroy all confidential information in their possession and certify in writing that they have done so. This process is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the Company’s proprietary information and client trust.
VI. Non-Compete Clause
A. Non-Competition Covenant
During the term of this Agreement and for a period of [2] years following its termination, the Advisor shall not directly or indirectly compete with the Company by providing financial advisory services to any of the Company’s current or prospective clients. This provision is designed to protect the Company’s client relationships and proprietary strategies.
B. Geographical Scope
This non-compete obligation shall apply within a [50]-mile radius of the Company’s principal office or any other geographical area in which the Company operates. This ensures that the Company’s market share and competitive edge are preserved.
C. Non-Solicitation of Clients
The Advisor agrees not to solicit or attempt to solicit business from the Company’s clients for a period of [2] years after termination. This prohibition covers any direct outreach, marketing, or promotional activities aimed at the Company’s client base.
VII. Indemnification
A. Indemnification by the Company
The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Advisor from any claims, losses, liabilities, or expenses arising from the Advisor’s performance of duties under this Agreement, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. This protection allows the Advisor to perform their duties confidently, knowing that they are supported by the Company.
B. Indemnification by the Advisor
The Advisor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company from any claims, losses, liabilities, or expenses arising from the Advisor’s breach of this Agreement or any negligent acts committed while performing services. This ensures that the Advisor remains accountable for their professional actions.
VIII. Governing Law
A. Applicable Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], without regard to its conflict of laws principles. This ensures that any disputes arising from the Agreement are resolved under a consistent legal framework.
B. Dispute Resolution
In the event of any disputes arising from this Agreement, the Parties agree to resolve the matter through mediation before pursuing litigation. Should mediation fail, any disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. This approach aims to resolve conflicts efficiently and minimize legal costs.
IX. Miscellaneous Provisions
A. Amendments
This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both Parties. Any changes must be agreed upon to ensure that both the Company and the Advisor are aligned on the terms of their relationship.
B. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This ensures that the Agreement remains functional even if certain sections require modification.
C. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, regarding the subject matter hereof. Both Parties acknowledge that they have read and understood the terms of this Agreement.
D. Notices
Any notices required under this Agreement shall be sent via certified mail or email to the addresses provided at the beginning of this Agreement. Notices shall be deemed effective upon receipt. This ensures clear communication between the Parties.
X. Acceptance
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
Company
Name: [Your Company Representative Name]
Title: [Title]
Date: [Date]
Advisor
Name: [Financial Advisor Name]
Title: [Title]
Date: [Date]