ESI is pleased to announce our core offering for 2022. The Core Offering (listed below) represents those services that are provided to all advisors, regardless of their production level, and that are included as part of the firm’s annual Affiliation Fee.
Affiliation Fee
ESI’s core offering is reflective of the Firm’s continuing effort to be a leader in helping advisors build efficient, technology-based practices. Obtaining, implementing, and maintaining these new tools is not without cost. As has been done in the past, ESI will continue to substantially subsidize the costs, but will pass some of that cost on as part of the annual Affiliation Fee. For 2022, the annual Affiliation Fee is:
Dual Registrants and Registered Representatives: $1,750
Investment Adviser Representatives Only (no Broker Dealer affiliation): $1,450*
*IARs who affiliate in 2022 will be charged an affiliation fee of $1,200. After 12/31/2022, the IAR only affiliation fee is $1,450.
Please note that all updates in this Notice are effective 1/1/2022.
Core Offering
Essential Operating and Communication Platform
- Wealthscape – online brokerage tool for account processing, servicing, and basic financial planning
- Wealthscape Investor – an investor portal providing clients 24-hour brokerage account access
- Docupace –business processing platform
- Includes forms bundling for easy processing and e-signature via Docusign
- Document imaging, recordkeeping and electronic workflow
- Data integration with other software
- ESI Illuminations – a fee-based and advisory service platform offering multiple Strategist and portfolio options
- CellTrust – secure, compliant app that allows you to text with clients
- MyView Portal (ACE) – online rep tool for accessing commission, licensing, and book of business information
Marketing and Prospecting Tools & Programs
- Hearsay Social – Compliant social media platform that includes a pre-approved content library and pre-built campaigns
Flexible Transaction Processing
- ESI reps have the flexibility to use both a brokerage-based platform through our clearing relationship with National Financial Services, as well as submit business direct with qualifying mutual fund, annuity, and certain other product providers.
- ESI functions as a rep’s “backup” office, handling direct client inquiries and trading requests when the rep is unavailable.
FINRA, SEC, and state required compliance
- Star Compliance – online tool for annual compliance certification, gift reporting,pre-clearance of political contributions, IAR transaction and annual holdings reporting requirements.
- Fire Solutions – web-based delivery system for ESI Annual Compliance Meeting and Firm Element continuing education courses.
- While some firms also charge for compliance services, ESI believes that compliance support is a core service every broker dealer should provide. There is no separate charge to the rep for:
- Regulator required compliance inspections
- Assistance with regulatory inquiries and examinations
- Marketing material review and approval
- Form U4 updates and other reviews, e.g. outside business activity, personal private placement investments
- State securities registration and variable appointment processing
Product research & due diligence
ESI sorts through the many investment product offerings, performing due diligence on both the product and the company. Though time consuming and intensive, ESI believes strongly in taking the steps necessary to protect you and your clients, while providing a diversified product offering.
Key Technology Tools
As the variety of electronic devices increases, and their functionality expands, ensuring smooth communication across platforms, while maintaining data security, has become critical. ESI has the tools necessary to ensure that information is secure and protected and you’re able to conduct business efficiently and effectively. These tools include:
- Intune/Outlook App – Provides secure email via mobile devices, including smartphones and tablet and enables smooth synching between desktop/laptop machines and mobile devices
- Technology Support – Dedicated technology expert on the desktop support team
- Continued enhancement of data integration, for example:
- Integration of key CRM tools (Redtail and SmartOffice) with Docupace, providing the ability to pre-fill client data
- Docupace integration with Envestnet/ESI Illuminations advisory platform
For additional information with regard to affiliation fees or the Core Offerings, please contact ESI Business Development at 800-344-7437.
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