Securities America tries to give you the best experience possible -- and that includes the partnerships we have. National Financial Services LLC (NFS) -- a Fidelity Investments Company -- has been our clearing partner for the execution and settlement of transactions since 1992. NFS carries the majority of customer brokerage accounts for Securities America, Inc.

In 2004 Securities America initiated a second clearing relationship to support brokerage accounts using the Pershing clearing platform. Pershing LLC brings an alternative choice in processing facilities and makes an easier transition for accounts previously hosted at a Pershing correspondent.

Equally powerful and equally unique, the two platforms provide you the opportunity to pick which company best meets your mix of business, your style of doing business, and your personal preferences.

We have established a service level agreement with BOTH of these clearing companies that outlines specific service standards and obligations to be met to ensure you the pinnacle of service, no matter which platform you use.

All customer brokerage accounts carried by NFS or Pershing are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to $500,000 (including cash claims limited to $100,000). Both have arranged for additional protection for cash and securities to supplement the SIPC coverage. This additional protection covers total account net equity in excess of the $500,000/$100,000 coverage provided by the SIPC. Neither of these coverages protects against a decline in the market value of securities.

Products that can be transacted through the brokerage accounts are equities (both listed and OTC), options, bonds, mutual funds, unit investment trusts, and certificates of deposit.

• Representative Relations -- This is Securities America's front-line response team. All questions are handled immediately, unless more in-depth research is required (we'll let you know promptly if that is the case). To provide you the best service possible, we've regionalized the center, giving you the ability to work with the same team on an ongoing basis. We also provide an online tracking system via our e*Office Advantage and specialized research teams to resolve and respond to complex issues.
  
  
• Compliance Support and Supervision -- Securities America's regionalized, personal compliance support offers professional review of your business (and your representatives' business if you're an OSJ Manager). The supervision staff provide expertise in working within the industry's ever-evolving regulatory environment. Your personal compliance supervision contacts give feedback on changes in securities regulation and how the changes impact Securities America's policies and procedures. In addition, your regional supervision staff will help you protect your clients through the best practices of documentation and education, critical components to securing your practice.
  
  
• Gold Star Program -- Representatives or branches that achieve a certain level of productivity may qualify to be part of this program, designed to provide rapid, personalized attention and a single point of contact relationship. The Gold Star team reviews action reports and looks for trends and issues that need to be addressed, researches possible barriers, and educates representatives on how to avoid any potential service delays.

•  Investment Advisor Support -- If you already have your own Registered Investment Advisor Firm, we can help you meet and maintain many of your regulatory compliance requirements through our Investment Advisor Drafting Assistance Program. We can provide assistance with drafting, maintaining and updating your Form ADV Part I (through the IARD system), Form ADV Part II and Schedule F, Client Agreement(s) and Written Policies and Procedures Manual. You'll receive notices regarding regulatory changes, reminders regarding state renewals and annual fees, and other information to help you stay in compliance.
  
  
• Audits --  Our on-site office inspections help ensure that your business'  operations remain in compliance with industry regulatory expectations. Office inspections are conducted on both a scheduled and unannounced basis.
  
  
  
   
• Continuing Education -- Securities America has developed a flexible continuing education program that provides materials to help you meet the requirements of the securities industry and add value to your practice. Firm Element Continuing Education may also be obtained by attending one of our conferences.
   
• Trade-Link Program -- Trade-Link is a service that allows you to be away from your office for travel, illness, or vacation and know that a professional staff will execute trades for your clients in a timely and cost effective manner while you're out. Your clients have continuity of service, and you have an opportunity to be away from your office for extended periods without the threat of your clients going to other brokers. We can even offer this service to your clients if you do not have your Series 7 license and need to execute general securities trades. (A representative may not share in the commission unless properly securities licensed.)
   
• Personal Brokerage Accounts -- Securities America representatives and their household members have access to our Personal Brokerage Account at substantially reduced costs. Features of this account include no minimum balance requirements, a reduced ticket charge schedule, and waived monthly fees, annual IRA fees and inactive account fees. You also have access to more than 1,300 no transaction fee (NTF) funds.