How We Differ

Orchard offers what we consider to be four key differentiators when compared to banks, big brokerage firms, and other financial advisory firms.

We are a fiduciary.
Our firm is committed to the principles of integrity, professionalism, accountability, putting the clients’ interests first, and full disclosure of any conflicts—this is what it takes to be a fiduciary, a role in which we take great pride. Not only are we legally bound to these client-first practices, but fulfilling these duties is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. Our clients’ identity, security holdings, and financial circumstances are always held in the highest confidentiality. Investment recommendations are made with judiciousness and without bias. Lastly, our fee-only structure is completely transparent, straightforward, and easy to understand—when you succeed, we succeed. As such, there will never be any unexpected or hidden fees, commissions or kickbacks.

We are an independent firm.
There are a few benefits to operating independently rather than being tied to a bank or brokerage firm. First, unlike many brokers that are "encouraged" to make recommendations to you that benefit their firm/bank overall, Orchard is not tied to any particular family of funds or investment products. Having the freedom to choose from a whole universe of options allows us to truly tailor each solution to your unique situation. We are able to act as a true advisor, taking a consultative approach rather than a sales approach. Second, operating as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) allows us to aptly manage the more complex needs of investors who have accumulated significant wealth, thanks, in part, to increased flexibility within this structure as compared to others. Third, we use Interactive Brokers, LLC as a third-party custodian to hold and safeguard your assets. This means that the firm advising you on how to invest your money doesn’t also have possession of it. The agreement between the custodian and investor is separate from the investment advisory agreement. This is widely regarded as an industry best practice that protects you, the investor, from some serious risks that include: the loaning out of securities that are not held in your name; a lack of transparency regarding fees charged by the custodian, other entities, and the advisor; and an objective verification of account data, the report and value of holdings, and cleared and settled trades.

We make client-centric service a priority. 
Starting on day one, and to further demonstrate our commitment to being your trusted advisor, we serve as your own personal CFO. As part of your regular wealth management fee, you can come to us for objective advice on any major life or financial decisions. Our services also include an audit or review of your important documents (e.g., stock option agreements, private investments, municipal bonds, hedge funds, company retirement forms, tax returns, non-qualified deferred compensation agreements, U.S. savings bonds, etc.). We also recognize that it takes teamwork to truly unify all areas of your financial picture. As such, we quarterback and collaborate with your enlisted panel of professionals (e.g., accountants, attorneys, and bankers) on your behalf. If you are in need of a referral to a professional of this nature, we can offer recommendations.

We custom tailor every portfolio.
In the earliest stage of every new client relationship, we engage in a thoughtful and personal conversation—working closely and confidentially with you to learn all we can about your unique situation. This results in a strongly forged relationship and holistic understanding of your tolerance for risk, timeline, tax considerations, and end-goals. We then craft a portfolio with an asset allocation strategy that addresses them. Unlike many other firms, we never rely on cookie-cutter, pie chart lumping approaches that require very little sophisticated knowledge by the manager. Why would you ever purposely choose an advisor who only offers financial strategies that are perfectly identical to a slew of other people's strategies? At Orchard, we value what makes your situation unique and carefully construct a custom plan that is both within your comfort level and reflective of your specific needs and desired outcomes. 

The bottom line.
Partnering with Orchard over the management of your financial future means that you’ll: consistently receive impartial advice that keeps a vigorous focus on your customized financial goals; receive first-rate service throughout the lifetime of the relationship;  and have an advisor that operates in a construct that is flexible, allowing for increased investment parameter benefits  that is also designed to protect you from the pitfalls seen in other asset safekeeping practices. Ultimately, investors, much like yourself, want to pursue a relationship with a financial professional that clearly demonstrates they both are working towards the same goal and sitting on the same side of the table. This is what Orchard delivers.