Disclosures
Investment advisory services offered through Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC (“Robertson Stephens”), an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Robertson Stephens is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Robertson Stephens Holdings, LLC (“RSH”) and an affiliate of Long Arc Capital LP. Robertson Stephens only transacts business in states in which it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration. A copy of Robertson Stephens’ current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses, among other things, Robertson Stephens’ business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You may request hard copies of our Form ADV Part 2A, Privacy Policy or Code of Ethics by emailing info@rscapital.com or calling (415) 364-5810.
Form ADV Part 2A | Form CRS | Privacy Policy Notice
Investment Commentary
This material is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice. It does not constitute a recommendation or offer to buy or sell any security and should not provide the basis for any investment decision. Information presented has been carefully compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but Robertson Stephens cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Information, views and opinions are current as of the date presented, are based on the information available at the time, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Robertson Stephens assumes no duty to update this information. Unless otherwise noted, any individual opinions presented are those of the author and not necessarily those of Robertson Stephens. Performance may be compared to several indices. Indices are unmanaged and reflect the reinvestment of all income or dividends but do not reflect the deduction of any fees or expenses which would reduce returns. A complete list of Robertson Stephens Investment Office recommendations over the previous 12 months is available upon request. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Forward-looking performance targets or estimates are not guaranteed and may not be achieved. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Alternative investments are only available to qualified investors and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments include risks such as illiquidity, long time horizons, reduced transparency, and significant loss of principal.
Account Specific Information
If you are accessing this site to obtain information concerning your specific client account, it is important to note that we have provided the information regarding your account(s) based on sources we believe to be accurate. You are encouraged to compare your RSWM account information with the information contained on the statement from the custodian for your account for the corresponding time period. Please contact us or the account custodian with any questions you may have. Also, please notify us promptly if you do not receive statements on all accounts from the custodian on at least a quarterly basis. Please contact your Wealth Manager immediately if there are any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives, or if you wish to impose any reasonable restrictions on the management of your accounts or reasonably modify existing restrictions. Any changes could impact how we manage your portfolio and will become part of your client file. If you are unable to reach your Wealth Manager directly, you may contact our main office at (415) 500-6810 or by emailing us at info@rscapital.com.
Designations
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® (CFP®) certification is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must: Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial planning subject areas include insurance planning and risk management, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning; Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The examination includes case studies and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of financial planning to real world circumstances; Complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related experience (or the equivalent, measured as 2,000 hours per year); and Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct, a set of documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals. Individuals who become certified must: Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years, including two hours on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of Professional Conduct, to maintain competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and Renew an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP® professionals must provide financial planning services in the best interests of their clients. CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP® certification. To learn more about the CFP certification, visit https://www.cfp.net.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. To earn the CFA charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. The CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, enforced through an active professional conduct program, require CFA charterholders to: Place their clients’ interests ahead of their own; Maintain independence and objectivity; Act with integrity; Maintain and improve their professional competence; and Disclose conflicts of interest and legal matters. Earning the CFA charter demonstrates mastery of many of the advanced skills needed for investment analysis and decision making in today’s quickly evolving global financial industry. The CFA Program curriculum provides a comprehensive framework of knowledge for investment decision making and is firmly grounded in the knowledge and skills used every day in the investment profession. The three levels of the CFA Program test a proficiency with a wide range of fundamental and advanced investment topics, including ethical and professional standards, fixed-income and equity analysis, alternative and derivative investments, economics, financial reporting standards, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program curriculum is updated every year by experts from around the world to ensure that candidates learn the most relevant and practical new tools, ideas, and investment and wealth management skills to reflect the dynamic and complex nature of the profession. To learn more about the CFA charter, visit www.cfainstitute.org.
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) – The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst LLC offers a credential for financial professionals in the divorce arena. A candidate must successfully complete four exams based on the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Self-Study course, be in good standing with his or her firm, broker/dealer and/or governmental regulation agencies, and complete 15 hours of continuing education courses every two years.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – CPA’s are licensed and regulated by their state boards of accountancy. While state laws and regulations vary, the education, experience and testing requirements for licensure as a CPA generally include minimum college education (typically 150 credit hours with at least a baccalaureate degree and a concentration in accounting), minimum experience levels (most states require at least one year of experience providing services that involve the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills, all of which must be achieved under the supervision of or verification by a CPA), and successful passage of the Uniform CPA Examination. In order to maintain a CPA license, states generally require the completion of 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year (or 80 hours over a two-year period or 120 hours over a three-year period). Additionally, all American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) members are required to follow a rigorous Code of Professional Conduct which requires that they act with integrity, objectivity, due care, competence, fully disclose any conflicts of interest (and obtain client consent if a conflict exists), maintain client confidentiality, disclose to the client any commission or referral fees, and serve the public interest when providing financial services. The vast majority of state boards of accountancy have adopted the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct within their state accountancy laws or have created their own.
Global Financial Steward (GFS®) – The GFS designation is offered by 3ethos and certifies that the recipient has been trained on a body of specialized knowledge designed to teach attendees how to serve more effectively as leaders and stewards in critical decision-making roles. The training and designation are used to substantiate multiple standards of care, including fiduciary, governance, project management, global wealth management, and life insurance best practices standards. To receive the designation, the advisor must complete a training program and successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination issued by 3ethos – a leadership center founded by Don Trone.
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) – The AIF designation is offered by Fi360 and certifies that the recipient has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. To receive the designation, the advisor must meet prerequisite criteria based on a combination of education, relevant industry experience, and/or ongoing professional development, complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, agree to abide by a Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards and submit the required application and dues.
Registered Life Planner (RLP®) – The Registered Life Planner designation is offered through the Kinder Institute of Life Planning. It is earned upon completion of three paid courses and requires at least eight hours of continuing education every two years. Find more information about the Registered Life Planner® designation at https://www.kinderinstitute.com/rlp-designation/.
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) –The Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation is currently offered and recognized by the College for Financial Planning – a Kaplan Company. Qualification and Training Requirements include an online self-study CRPC course (instructor-led option is based on availability) and an online, closed-book exam to be completed within 120 days of receiving program access. Continuing Education Requirements are 16 hours every two years. Financial Advisor verification is available online at Find a Financial Advisor. You may find additional information at https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/wealth-management/crpc.
Certified Divorce Specialist – The Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) program is a highly involved participatory training that is divided into two sections.
- Specialized communication skills training, with the focus on integrating those skills in a client environment.
- Information regarding the Legal, Financial, Mental Health, and Real Estate fields essential to the divorce process.
Upon the completion of the course, you must pass a CDS online assessment with a 75% or higher score in order to receive the CDS® designation. There is a $95 annual reinstatement fee, and you are required to submit 10 hours of divorce specific continuing education every two years to maintain your CDS® designation. National Association of Divorce Professional (NADP) meetings are approved for CDS® continuing education credits.
Certified Long-Term Care® (CLTC) – Certification for Long-Term Care is issued by The CLTL Board of Standards, Inc. to professionals in the fields of insurance, financial services, law and accounting. CLTC individuals focus on the discipline of extended care planning and longevity. The designation is obtained through a two-day live CLTC Master Class or online eCLTC with a requirement of a 100-question multiple choice exam. The designation has been recognized and supported by The American College, CFP Board, NAIFA, NAHU, and major insurance carriers.
Rankings and Awards
Forbes.com America’s Top Wealth Advisors: State by State Ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and profitability. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.
Barron’s Top 1200: The formula Barron’s uses to rank advisors is proprietary. It has three major components: assets managed, revenue produced and quality of practice. Investment returns are not a component of the rankings because an advisor’s returns are dictated largely by the risk tolerance of clients. The quality-of-practice component includes an evaluation of each advisor’s regulatory record. Please see https://www.barrons.com/report/top-financial-advisors/1000/2019 for more information.
Austin Woman Magazine’s Woman’s Way Business Award: ELIGIBILITY All nominated businesses must be woman-owned or woman-led businesses that not only create a measurable impact in their field, but set the standard for all businesses in their chosen field. Nominated businesses must be based in Austin and/or have a significant portion of operations and staff located in Austin. To qualify as woman-owned, business must be 51% or more woman-owned. To qualify as woman-led, an Austin-based woman must be in an executive role, with PNL responsibilities, and be the most senior-level employee of either the whole company or of a branch of the company. The woman leader included in the nomination must be making a measurable impact in their company. Regarding professional services industry, this business is at the top of its class, making a significant impact with the service it provides, including but not limited to marketing, event planning, PR, accounting, legal work consulting or other professional services. SELECTION PROCESS The Awards Selection Committee will evaluate all nominations based on the submitted criteria and select finalists in each award category. Employees of Austin Woman administer and facilitate the awards selection process but do not participate in or in any way influence the Award Selection Committee’s voting. For more information please go to https://atxwoman.com/womans-way/.
Financial Advisor Magazine RIA Ranking – FA’s RIA Ranking is an independent listing produced by Financial Advisor magazine. Firms must be registered investment advisors and provide financial planning and/or related services to individual clients. All firms must be either independently owned or a freestanding subsidiary of another business. Neither the RIA firms nor their employees pay a fee to FA Magazine to be included in the listing. Data is provided by each firm, mostly from numbers and information published on forms they submit to the SEC. Each firm is then ranked alongside their participating peers. See the full ranking: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/goodbye-to-all-that-68646.html?section=133
Family Wealth Report Awards – The Family Wealth Report Awards program was launched in 2014 for the family office and family wealth management industry and its providers in North America. The categories are focused around three main areas: experts (individuals and teams), products and services for wealth managers/institutions of all sizes and types. Eligible entrants have business operations in North America. The judging panel is composed of 33 independent industry experts from family offices, private banks, trusted advisors, consultants and other services providers and selects winners, finalists and commended firms and individuals on the basis of qualitative subjective criteria with quantitative metrics to support, supplied to the organizers in standardized submission forms. No charge is made for entry and success is not determined by a commercial relationship with the organizers. For more information: https://clearviewpublishing.com/events/the-eighth-annual-family-wealth-report-awards-2021/.
WealthManagement.com “Wealthies” Industry Awards Program – The “Wealthies” highlight current initiatives across a broad range of individuals, companies and organizations whose work helps financial advisors build better practices and improves the quality of services for their clients. A panel of independent judges pulled from different corners of the wealth management space selects the winners in each of the 73 qualifying categories based on the initiatives they feel have the most relevance and impact to help financial advisors. There is no cost for nomination. To learn more about the Wealthies, please visit: https://informaconnect.com/wealthmanagementcom-industry-awards/.
ThinkAdvisor’s LUMINARIES Awards Program –Winners are selected by a distinguished and diverse panel of judges from across the advice industry, as well by ThinkAdvisor’s editorial team. Awards criteria: Diversity & Inclusion Award – The judges looked for a clear demonstration of leadership and innovation in bringing more women, people of color and others of diverse backgrounds into the industry. Thought Leadership Award – The judges looked for a clear demonstration of leadership and innovation in how the industry is approaching a key area, such as advisor training/consulting, retirement, financial planning, practice management, client education, behavioral finance, human resources, compliance, etc. Executive Leadership Award – The judges looked for a clear demonstration of results and innovation in a key area or areas. This includes overall business growth, starting new segments or channels, M&A work, innovative hiring of managerial talent, general advisor recruiting, retirement, financial planning, practice management, client education, behavioral finance, compliance, etc. Dealmaking/Growth Award – The judges looked for a clear demonstration of results in business growth via mergers and acquisitions or organic expansion. There is no charge for nominations. For more information, please visit: https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2021/07/22/behind-the-curtain-of-thinkadvisors-new-luminaries-awards-program/.
Wealth Solutions Report Pathfinder Awards – On March 28, 2023, the 2023 invitation-only Wealth Solutions Report (WSR) Pathfinder Awards series recognizes outstanding wealth management professionals and executives from underrepresented groups, as well as organizations that advance these groups. The individual winners are selected based on the year of 2022 on their reputation for excellence in and commitment to the industry, their ability to serve as role models for others in or considering a career in wealth management, and wide recognition as an industry leader. The organizational winners have demonstrated initiative and progress in advancing DEI in the industry. The WSR Pathfinder Awards serve a second purpose in providing a platform for persons from underrepresented backgrounds to speak to the wealth management industry about the current state of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within the industry and the steps needed for further progress and advancement.
USA Today Best Financial Advisory Firms Ranking: Annual list compiled by USA TODAY and Statista. “The top 500 RIA firms were awarded based on an innovative methodology consisting of two dimensions: A firm’s development of assets under management (AUM) and recommendations by financial advisors, clients, and industry experts.” Robertson Stephens has paid no compensation to obtain or use this third-party ranking. For more information, please visit https://r.statista.com/en/licensing/americas-best-financial-advisory-firms-2024/award/.
Chairman’s Council – Chairman’s Council is an internal RBC Private Client Group program recognizing the firm’s top Financial Advisors.
AdvisorHub 2024 Advisors to Watch Ranking – The methodology for the ranking is based on a comprehensive review of advisor performance across three key categories: Scale, Growth, and Professionalism. Scale: Advisors are evaluated based on the size and profitability of their practice, including factors such as assets under management (AUM), client base, and staffing. Growth: Ranking considers year-over-year increases in assets, households, and production, with a preference for organic growth over mergers and acquisitions. Professionalism: This category includes the advisor’s regulatory history, community involvement, and the overall ethical standards and professionalism of the advisory team. To be eligible, advisors must have a minimum of seven years of experience, at least $100 million in AUM, and a clean regulatory record. AdvisorHub’s methodology aims to recognize a wide range of advisory practices, with subcategories for different business models, including RIAs, solo advisors, women, next-generation advisors, and fast-growing firms. It is important to note that participation in this ranking is free, and AdvisorHub receives no compensation from participating advisors. This award does not imply endorsement by the SEC or any regulatory body. For more details on the award methodology and criteria, please visit https://www.advisorhub.com/resources/growing-through-adversity/.
Third-party rankings and awards are no guarantee of future performance or success.
