One of the most important and strongest alliances we have is with our custodian and brokerage firm. We have selected TD Ameritrade Institutional as our primary relationship for custody and execution. We feel they offer a tremendous mix of low cost, great service and independent reporting.
Graf Financial Advisors is supported by the TD Ameritrade Institutional platform offering world class:
- Independence: It is critical to have an independent custodian holding your assets. This is a basic safety and risk management issue. The importance of independent and transparent custody of client assets cannot be overemphasized and has been brought home in the wake of the scandals (e.g. Madoff) of the last few years. Additionally, all clients can review the status of their accounts online at any time.
- Security: TD Ameritrade has made substantial investments in leading-edge security software, systems and procedures, and is constantly reviewing, refining, and upgrading its infrastructure. As one of the largest brokerage firms in North America, they are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). More information is available at www.sipc.org.
- Cutting Edge Technology: TD Ameritrade provides a state-of-the-art and proprietary technology platform that streamlines our trading and account management process. This enables us to improve efficiencies and better manage your investments including the ability to execute trades, monitor holdings, and access a wealth of research information.
- Great Value: Along with being known as one of the premier and most reputable discount brokerage firms in North America, TD Ameritrade is an industry leader in best execution. Graf Financial Advisors is able to leverage the best available pricing and trade execution available which leaves you with more money to work with. TD Ameritrade consistently beats the industry average in percent of shares in market and limit orders receiving price improvement.
- Seamless Customer Service: Graf Financial Advisors is supported by a dedicated Institutional Service Team. The service team handles all account statements, transfers, tax and portfolio reporting for each client. We leverage the advantage of average price block executions when necessary and the expertise/inventory of over 400 bond dealers through TD Ameritrade's Institutional Fixed Income Trading Desk.
GFA also has relationships with an independent trust company (Great Plains Trust Company) and another custodian (SEI Investments) for special situations where establishment of such a relationship is appropriate.