General FAQs

A Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) is a firm or individual that provides investment advice and related financial services for a fee. RIAs are registered with either the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or a state securities regulator, depending on the firm’s size and circumstances.

Lynx Investment Advisory is an independent, SEC-registered investment advisory firm founded in 1992. We provide objective investment advice and customized portfolio solutions to individuals, families, nonprofits, foundations, endowments, retirement plans, and family offices.

Lynx combines the resources and investment expertise of a larger organization with the personalized service of an independent advisory firm. Our independence allows us to focus on identifying investment solutions based on each client’s objectives rather than being tied to proprietary investment products.

Our approach is highly customized, with an emphasis on long-term relationships, disciplined investment management, and fiduciary responsibility.

As a Fiduciary, an investment adviser is held to “Fiduciary Standards.”  This means they are legally required to put the needs of the client before their own; ensuring that they never accept remuneration from any of the managers they recommend.

As an SEC-registered investment adviser, Lynx has fiduciary obligations to its advisory clients. We believe acting in our clients’ best interests is fundamental to the advisory relationship.

They are held to a suitability standard, which requires that investment recommendations be appropriate for the client but does not mandate that the advisor act in the client’s best interest.

RIAs may charge in several ways, including a percentage of assets managed, a fixed fee, an hourly fee or another agreed-upon fee arrangement.

Lynx provides investment advisory services on a fee-only basis.  Advisory fees are disclosed to clients and are generally based on assets under management, subject to the terms of the applicable advisory agreement.

Not necessarily. Depending on the services provided, an adviser may be able to work with some or all of your existing accounts. Your adviser can review your current investments and discuss whether changes make sense based on your goals and circumstances.

In many advisory relationships, client assets are held at a qualified third-party custodian rather than directly by the RIA.  Your adviser should explain where your assets are held, how the accounts are administered, and what authority the adviser has over those accounts.

Lynx’s main custodians are Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments, selected for their high level of service and lower fees.  However, we can work with any custodian should a client choose to hold their assets elsewhere.

That depends on the services you engage the adviser to provide. An investment adviser may provide individualized investment recommendations and/or manage a portfolio on your behalf.  Your adviser should explain the investment approach and how decisions are made.

Lynx’s investment research team conducts extensive quantitative and qualitative analysis when evaluating investment managers and strategies.  The team considers factors such as investment philosophy and process, risk management, organizational structure, experience, performance and other characteristics that they believe are important to long-term success.

A good investment strategy begins with understanding you—not simply selecting investments.  An adviser may consider your goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, financial circumstances, tax considerations, income needs and other relevant factors when developing an investment strategy.

Lynx begins by understanding each client’s goals, financial circumstances, risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs and other relevant considerations.  We then develop an investment strategy and asset allocation designed around those objectives.  Portfolios are monitored and adjusted as circumstances and opportunities change.

Market declines are a normal part of investing.  An adviser should have a disciplined investment process designed to help clients remain focused on their long-term objectives rather than making emotional decisions during periods of market volatility.

Market volatility is an inherent part of investing.  Lynx approach emphasizes disciplined, long-term portfolio construction rather than reacting emotionally to short-term market movements.  We continuously monitor portfolios and market conditions and evaluate opportunities that may arise during periods of market dislocation.

The frequency of meetings depends on your needs and the services you receive. Many advisers meet with clients periodically throughout the year and remain available between meetings when questions or significant financial decisions arise.

Lynx recommends quarterly portfolio review meetings but can meet as frequently – or infrequently – as preferred.  Meetings can be held in-person or virtually, as preferred by the client.

Your financial plan and investment strategy should evolve as your circumstances change. Major events such as retirement, an inheritance, the sale of a business, a change in employment or a significant change in family circumstances may warrant a review of your financial strategy.

Investors can research an adviser’s registration, Form ADV, services, fees, conflicts of interest, and disciplinary history through the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database.

Form ADV is the primary disclosure document filed by investment advisers with regulators. It provides information about an adviser’s business, services, fees, ownership, conflicts of interest, and disciplinary history.

Form CRS, or the Client Relationship Summary, is a short disclosure document designed to help retail investors understand an adviser’s services, fees and costs, conflicts of interest, standard of conduct, and disciplinary history.

You should be able to end your advisory relationship according to the terms of your advisory agreement. Your adviser should explain the termination process, including how fees are handled and what happens to your accounts and investments.

Look for an adviser who takes the time to understand your goals, clearly explains how they are compensated, communicates openly about risks and conflicts of interest and provides services that fit your needs.  Most importantly, you should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that you understand the relationship you are entering into.

The best way to find out if Lynx is right for you is to start a conversation with us.

We will learn about your goals and circumstances, explain how we work, and determine whether our services and approach are appropriate for your needs.  There is no obligation to become a client.