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 In
selecting a broker/dealer, we did not want to associate
with an entry-level firm that caters only to accountants or
insurance agents. It was important to identify a world-class
organization that elite full-time financial advisors were
attracted to. We wanted true independence, outstanding compliance
history, state-of-the-art technology and, for those who want
it, assistance with building fee-based business.
Our search led us to Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
based in Fairfield, Iowa (www.joincir.com).
After all, if Cambridge had the variety of products and level
of service that top-tier independent advisors need, then the
firm should be a great fit for The Professional Alliance.
Fortunately, Cambridge had everything we were looking for:
- The company is independent and
plans to stay that way (nothing worse than
waking up one morning to learn that your b/d has been acquired
by an insurance company or other proprietary organization!).
- Cambridge's compliance record
is exemplary and every function- from advertising
approval to auditing- is performed quickly and effectively.
- Industry leading technology,
including CLIC (Cambridge Logistics and Information Center),
an integrated, Web-based interface to six complementary
management modules; and CIRStatements, Cambridge's
full-featured, next-generation account consolidation and
reporting service.
- Cambridge provides access to
more than 50 money manager programs, including
the lowest cost Rep-driven platform in the industry (5 bps).
The Fee Experts™ earn more than 60% of revenue from
fees (#1 in the U.S.).
In fact, Cambridge has a long history of exemplary service
to the independent Advisor/Rep. The firm has been selected
as "Broker Dealer of the Year" by Investment Advisor
magazine. It has received numerous accolades for its technology
platforms and fee-based asset management services. And Cambridge
possesses one of the best service ratios in the industry (there
are now fewer than 5 Rep/Advisors for each support person).
The President of Cambridge, Eric Schwartz, is regularly interviewed
in financial magazines and some of those articles may be accessed
below. As you read these interviews, we hope you will catch
a glimpse of the independent, supportive philosophy that is
so vital for a first-class independent broker/dealer.
(pdf file)
(pdf file)
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