At the end of last year, 2009, my company, Ward Aguilar Financial, was nominated by a group of our peers and clients as one of the best wealth managers in Orange County, CA.  In January, 2010, it was announced that we were listed as one of top firms for 2010.  What a really nice honor!

What people don’t realize is the process.  It is run by a third-party research firm, Crescendo Business Services through Orange Coast Magazine, and adheres to the guidelines established by the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 regarding third-party recognition (testimonials-not allowed in our highly regulated world).  This research company administers a survey, by mail and phone, to approximately 1 in 4 high-net-worth households and all FINRA licensed individuals in a general geographic area.  Each survey individual is asked to name and evaluate three wealth managers.  (See our web site for what a “wealth manager” provides for clients-www.wafinancialinc.com).

Each respondent is asked to evaluate only wealth managers whom they have worked with or each peer respondent is asked to evaluate only those advisors they know from personal experience.  We are evaluated on several levels from customer service, integrity, knowledge, expertise, communication, if we meet client expectations, service, quality of recommendations and overall satisfaction.  There is plenty of space on the response card to give positive AND negative input regarding the wealth manager.

The survey is scored, including both negative and positive, to determine which wealth manager meets the identified standards.  They then screen the wealth manager on their regulatory compliance history as reported by FINRA, the SEC, the State Board of Accountancy and the State Bar.  I do remember having to disclose all my license information but did not know they went to such lengths to check our backgrounds.  Only FINRA licensees, Investment Advisor Representatives, CPAs and state licensed attorneys with many years of experience can be qualified for the final list.

We DO NOT pay a fee to be included or named.  I always thought people paid for this type of recognition.  I guess I will think twice before I jump to that conclusion!  In the end, the list contains wealth managers that represent less than 7% of wealth managers in our local area.  That is a pretty small number.

I tried to find out who nominated us but they would not share that information.  I am most proud about my clients and peers thinking so highly of us.  Thanks to any of you that nominated us.  Thanks!