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Item 1. COVER PAGE
FIRST CITIZENS INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. FIRM BROCHURE
FORM ADV, PART 2A
8540 Colonnade Center Drive
Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 800-229-0205
FirstCitizens.com
Date of Brochure: March 29, 2025
This Form ADV, Part 2 is the First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. Brochure (the “Brochure”). This
Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of First Citizens Investor
Services, Inc. (“FCIS”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us
at 1-800-229-0205.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority. Registration as an investment adviser
with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about FCIS is also available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
You can view our firm’s information on this website by searching for “First Citizen Investor Services, Inc.”
Our firm’s SEC number is 801-57302, or our firm’s CRD number is 44430.
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FIRST CITIZENS INVESTOR SERVICES FIRM BROCHURE
Item 2. MATERIAL CHANGES
The last annual updating amendment to Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure was dated March 30, 2024.
Material changes to this Firm Brochure since the March 30, 2024, filing includes amendments to the
following item(s): None.
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Item 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 1. COVER PAGE ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Item 2. MATERIAL CHANGES .......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS ......................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5. FEES AND COMPENSATION .............................................................................................................. 6
Item 6. PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE BY SIDE MANAGEMENT ......................................... 9
Item 7. TYPES OF CLIENTS ........................................................................................................................... 10
Item 8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, AND RISK OF LOSS....................... 10
Item 9. DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION ......................................................................................................... 15
Item 10. OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ........................................... 16
Item 11. CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS, AND
PERSONAL TRADING ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 12. BROKERAGE PRACTICES .............................................................................................................. 21
Item 13. REVIEW OF PROGRAM and ACCOUNTS .................................................................................... 21
Item 14. CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ............................................................... 22
Item 15. CUSTODY ........................................................................................................................................... 22
Item 16. INVESTMENT DISCRETION ............................................................................................................ 23
Item 17. VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ........................................................................................................ 23
Item 18. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 23
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Item 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS
Information on First Citizens Investor Services, Inc.
First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. (“FCIS,” “we,” “us,” or “our/ours”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of
First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company (“First Citizens Bank”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of First
Citizens Bancshares, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: FCNCA). FCIS is a corporation formed
under the laws of the State of North Carolina.
In this Brochure, we provide essential information and disclosures about FCIS and our services, offerings,
and practices as an investment adviser. You should review and understand the information in this
Brochure before participating in advisory services, including opening a Program account offered by us.
FCIS is a dually registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and a member of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation and an investment
adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). FCIS has been registered with the SEC
as a broker-dealer since April 1998 and as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended, since February 2000.
FCIS is also a licensed insurance agency, domiciled in the State of North Carolina and licensed to solicit
life, accident, annuity, health, and long-term care insurance.
FCIS provides investment advisory services through an Investment Adviser Representative (“IAR”) of
FCIS . You may obtain information about your IAR through the Brochure Supplement, which is a separate
document provided along with this Brochure. If you did not receive a Brochure Supplement from your
IAR, please contact FCIS Compliance at 1-800-229-0205.
Advisory Services
FCIS IARs collaborate with clients on an individualized basis to assess their financial needs, risk
tolerance, time horizon, and investment objectives. As a client, you will provide personal information vital
in determining which advisory service(s), if any, are appropriate for you. Through the course of selecting
advisory services, you may request reasonable restrictions on investing in particular securities, sectors,
or types of securities.
FCIS offers advisory services and programs including investment education, investment and financial
advice, portfolio management, asset allocation, wrap programs, model portfolios, separately managed
accounts), and financial planning.
FCIS offers wrap-fee programs and, as a result, receives all or a portion of the fee charged. The amount
retained by FCIS varies by the Program option selected. The wrap-fee Programs currently offered by
FCIS are collectively referred to as the First Citizens Investor Services Wealth Strategies (the “Program”)
and are sub-advised by affiliated and non-affiliated third parties.
First Citizens Investor Services Wealth Strategies Accounts
Portfolio Manager Program-UMA Option
The Program contains portfolio options managed by affiliated or non-affiliated third-party investment
advisers ("Third-Party Managers”) registered with the SEC within a Unified Managed Account (“UMA”).
FCIS, as the sponsor, has discretionary authority to retain, modify, or discharge Third-Party Manager(s)
and portfolio options to its Program. The Third-Party Manager independently determines whether to
accept each client’s Program account based on, among other factors, the Client’s investment profile,
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FIRST CITIZENS INVESTOR SERVICES FIRM BROCHURE
restrictions imposed by the Client, and any additional relevant information provided by the Client. You
give discretionary authority to the Third-Party Manager to include the amount and type of securities to be
bought and sold within your account. You may add or amend any reasonable restrictions imposed on
your account by providing written instructions to FCIS and the Third-Party Manager. If accepted, the
Third-Party Manager invests in securities or assets based on factors the Third-Party Manager deems
relevant and appropriate to meet the investment objective.
The Program utilizes a UMA. A UMA is an account that can encompass a range of investment options
(e.g., third-party managed accounts, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and exchange-traded funds) based on
each account registration. The UMA removes the need to have more than one account and can combine
assets into one account within a single registration, placing each strategy in a segment (or sleeve) of the
account. The account is managed for allocation purposes, with each segment managed to its stated
objective(s). Item 5 - Fees and Compensation lists the fees charged for a Program account.
Portfolio Manager Program-SMA option
The Program contains portfolio options managed by affiliate or non-affiliated third-party investment
advisers ("Third-Party Managers”) registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within
a Separately Managed Account (“SMA”). FCIS, as the sponsor, has discretionary authority to retain,
modify, or discharge Third-Party Manager(s) and portfolio options to its Program. The Third-Party
Manager independently determines whether to accept your Program account based on, among other
factors, your investment profile, and any additional relevant information you provide. You give
discretionary authority to the Third-Party Manager to include the amount and type of securities to be
bought and sold within your account. You may add or amend any reasonable restrictions imposed on the
account by providing written instructions to FCIS and the Third-Party Manager. If accepted, the Third-
Party Manager invests in securities or assets based on factors the Third-Party Manager deems relevant
and appropriate to meet the investment objective.
The Program utilizes a SMA. An SMA is an account specific to the selected investment objective and
Third-Party Manager. Item 5 - Fees and Compensation lists the fees charged for a Third-Party Manager
Program account.
Financial Planning
‐
FCIS offers financial planning to clients to formulate investment strategies and provide investment advice
and education more effectively. In some circumstances, FCIS will prepare and deliver to you a written
financial plan to assist you in achieving your individual financial goals and investment objectives. The
preparation of such a plan necessitates that you provide us with personal data such as family records,
budgeting, personal liability, estate information, and additional financial information. Not all clients will
engage in the financial planning process. A written financial plan can generally include any or all of the
following: asset protection, business succession, strategies for exercising stock options, cash flow,
education planning, estate planning, wealth transfer, charitable gifting, long
term care, disability planning,
retirement planning, insurance planning, asset allocation comparisons, and risk management. Your IAR
may not include all topics in developing their analysis and recommendations under a written financial
plan. The implementation of financial plan recommendations is entirely at your discretion.
FCIS, at its discretion, offers some financial planning services without charge. Clients requiring complex
financial plans may be referred to a division of First Citizens Bank and may incur a fee that is negotiable
in advance between you and First Citizens Bank. These fees are in addition to any Fees charged for the
Programs mentioned in this Brochure.
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FCIS does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. FCIS suggests you work closely with your
attorney, tax accountant, or other professionals should you choose to implement any or all
recommendations contained in the written plan. Implementation of your written plan may include persons
who, in certain circumstances, are also employees or affiliates of FCIS. In certain circumstances, FCIS
will be compensated by an affiliate or non-affiliated third-party for referrals made to address or implement
recommendations made from financial planning activities.
You should understand that you remain responsible for notifying FCIS of changes in your financial
circumstances, investment objectives, or investment restrictions. Also, we will not independently verify
any information we receive from you or your other professional advisors but will instead rely upon the
accuracy and completeness of the information provided in performing our services when creating a
financial plan for you.
Tailoring Advisory Services to the Individual
FCIS bases the selection of our advisory services on one-on-one discussions, interviews, and
questionnaire responses you provide.
FCIS will not enter into an investment advisory relationship with a prospective client whose investment
objectives are incompatible with our investment philosophy or strategies. Also, FCIS is unable to enter
into or continue an investment adviser relationship where restrictions or investment guidelines are
unreasonable for FCIS to accommodate.
Wrap Fee Program(s)
FCIS offers its current Program account options as wrap fee advisory accounts. An advisory fee applies
for investment advisory services (which includes portfolio management or advice concerning the
selection of other investment advisers) and the execution of client transactions. Fees charged to you for
advisory services described in this Brochure will result in FCIS receiving a portion of the Fee. A portion
of the fee is also paid to your IAR and the Third-Party Manager.
Client Assets Managed by FCIS
As of December 31, 2024, FCIS managed:
$ 2,090,756,140 Discretionary
$ 8,012,886 Non-discretionary*
$ 2,098,769,026 Total
*Non-discretionary client assets are from legacy accounts that were previously but no longer
offered by the firm. Clients with assets in those legacy accounts may add money to their existing
account(s). But the firm does not accept any new accounts on a non-discretionary basis.
Item 5. FEES AND COMPENSATION
The Program fees charged by FCIS (the “Fee” or “Fees”) are generally asset-based, expressed as an
annual percentage of the assets in the account. The Fees cover a range of available services including
investment management; ongoing monitoring of Third-Party Managers; services provided by your IAR
(including periodic reviews of your account); execution costs and reporting of transactions with or through
FCIS; custody of securities by Pershing, the trade execution and custodying firm, and services provided
by the platform provider associated with the Program. The Fees are set forth below in the Fee Schedules
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and represent the maximum standard annual rate for each Program. Fees are negotiable and differ
among clients based on several factors, including the specific Program(s) selected, the type and size of
the account, and the client’s overall relationship with FCIS and its affiliated entities.
FCIS believes that its annual fee is reasonable considering: (1) services provided and (2) the fees
charged by other investment advisers offering similar services and programs. However, our annual
investment advisory fee is higher than some investment advisers providing similar services or programs.
In addition to our compensation, in certain circumstances, you will also incur charges imposed at the
mutual fund level (e.g., advisory fees and other fund expenses) and/or brokerage charges, such as
Section 31 fees imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
First Citizens Investor Services Wealth Strategies
The Fee applied to all Program accounts is tiered, as shown in Item 5. The Fee is assessed quarterly in
advance, based on the average daily total market value of Program assets during the previous calendar
quarter (or at the funding of the Program account). The Fee charged at account inception is prorated to
capture the number of days remaining in the calendar quarter and charged immediately to the account.
The Program services continue in effect until terminated by either party (i.e., you or FCIS) by providing
written notice of termination to the other party. Upon such notice, FCIS will cease making investment
decisions for the client and implement any reasonable written instructions. Client’s agreement will be
terminated only after any open trades have been settled. FCIS will refund any un-earned portion of its
Fee.
The tiered fee schedule below is assessed for each account, and FCIS does not aggregate other
accounts for the client (Householding) when determining the fee.
Other Fees
Investment company shares (e.g., mutual funds) and similar investment vehicles used in the Programs,
impose fees, charges, and other expenses, described in their respective prospectuses. As a result,
Program accounts bear a proportionate amount of these expenses in addition to FCIS’ Fees. Parties
supporting Program accounts (e.g., FCIS, the Third-Party Managers, Custodians, and platform providers)
and their affiliates often receive distribution payments or other compensation from such funds. These
parties are permitted to receive distribution payments pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940
and Rules promulgated by the SEC under that Act or receive similar compensation from similar
investment vehicles unless the Program account is a Retirement Plan or Retirement Account.
Program accounts holding cash or money market funds generally result in Pershing, the custodian, Third-
Party Managers, or an FCIS affiliate, receiving management fees or other compensation. FCIS, as the
broker-dealer or Pershing, in some circumstances, does receive trailing commissions or other
compensation based on the arrangement with mutual fund companies. These payments create a conflict
of interest for FCIS or our advisers when they evaluate which Funds to include in your portfolio. When
FCIS receives trailing commission or other similar payments from mutual fund companies, FCIS will
refund these trailing commissions to the account, where administratively feasible.
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Fee Schedules
Account Value
Annualized Fee
First $100,000
1.30%
Next $150,000
1.20%
Next $250,000
1.05%
Next $500,000
0.90%
Over $1,000,000
0.85%
Fees for Third-Party Managers are in addition to fees for the Program Fee. Third-Party Manager Fees
currently range from 0.04% to 0.55%.
Valuation
Program assets will be valued by an independent pricing service, where available, or otherwise in good
faith at the value reflected on Pershing’s books and records. The Program account value used for Fee
calculation can differ from that shown on your account statement due to settlement-date accounting, the
treatment of accrued income, distributions, or necessary adjustments. Where appropriate, the Program
asset values will be determined based on the trade date, rather than the settlement date, of transactions.
Neither FCIS nor any Third-Party Manager will be compensated based on a share of capital gains or
upon capital appreciation of the Program account. FCIS determines at its discretion the portion of the
Fees paid to any relevant Third-Party Manager. These fees ordinarily range on an annual basis between
0 and 55 basis points of the correlating Third-Party Manager and Program assets. FCIS absorbs many
of the transaction, billing, administrative, and marketing expenses that otherwise would be borne by the
Third-Party Manager (see “Additional Information Regarding Fees and Expenses”).
Payments to IARs
The IAR’s compensation through the Program may be more or less than if you participated in other FCIS
programs, including paying separately for investment advice, brokerage, and other services. You also
have the option to purchase the investment products recommended to you at another broker or agent of
your choice.
Depending upon the size of the account, your ability to negotiate Fees or commissions, changes in
account value over time, and other factors, the costs associated with a Program account may cost you
more than purchasing the services separately.
The Fees will be deducted from your account and paid directly to our firm by the qualified custodian(s) of
your account. The Account Agreement authorizes the custodian(s) of your account to deduct Fees from
your account and pay those Fees directly to FCIS.
You should review your account statements received from the custodian(s) and verify that Fees are
deducted appropriately. The custodian(s) will not verify the accuracy of the Fees deducted.
Additional Information Regarding Fees and Expenses
FCIS absorbs any SEC or exchange fees arising from the account activity. Administrative fees normally
applicable to retirement accounts and qualified plans sponsored by Pershing are waived within Program
accounts, except for 401(k) plan set-up fees, retirement account and qualified plan termination fees, and
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other fees (such as electronic fund/wire transfer fees) identified in the Pershing documents related to
retirement accounts and qualified plans. The Fee does not cover transfer taxes, other charges required
by law, regulation, brokerage or custodian fees, or rule to be imposed in addition to the Fee, or other
costs that you agree to pay in addition to the Fee. Some Third-Party Managers can assess additional
fees for specific products or services which they provide; if you select these product(s) or service(s), the
Program account will pay those amounts in addition to the Fees.
FCIS strives to invest client funds in the cheapest available share class. Nevertheless, FCIS will still
receive 12b-1 fees and/or service fees on certain shares either because the cheapest available share
class still provides these fees, or from assets that were transferred into a client’s account. If FCIS does
receive 12b-1 fees or shareholder service fees, the fee will be credited back to the client’s account.
Registered funds often offer one or more share classes that do not charge 12b-1 or shareholder services
fees. Under certain circumstances, you can invest in lower-cost share classes directly or through other
investment offerings. Program accounts generally are not permitted to effect margin transactions;
however, we allow First Citizens Bank and Trust Company to collateralize Program accounts. If FCIS
allows a margin transaction in the account, FCIS and Pershing will receive margin interest and additional
compensation for borrowing against securities that will not be credited back to you when calculating the
relevant Fee.
You will pay the public offering price on any securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer involved
in a distribution, which may result in the payment of distribution compensation to the underwriter or dealer
in addition to the relevant Program Fee.
Pershing acts as principal on Program account transactions in certain circumstances, meaning that
securities in your portfolio are purchased from Pershing’s inventory. No mark-up or mark-down on such
trades will be charged to you, meaning you will pay the price that Pershing paid for the securities.
Pershing, in certain circumstances, receives benefits from the spread (i.e., the price difference between
the purchase and sale of the security) and any gain on the value of the security.
Program Fees vary across different programs and sponsors. The Program costs to you may be more or
less than purchasing the component services separately. Before opening a Program account, you should
carefully evaluate the Fees and other expenses. Consideration should be given to the costs of such
services when purchased separately outside the Program, the type and size of the account, the historical
and anticipated trading activity in the account, and the supplementary advisory and client-related services
provided to the account.
FCIS offers to you Third-Party Managers that have met the conditions of our due diligence review. There
are likely to be multiple Third-Party Managers that may be appropriate for you, not all of which are
available through FCIS. Third-Party Managers’ expenses vary, and the option chosen may be more or
less costly than others available to you. FCIS makes no guarantees that we will meet your financial goals,
objectives, or investment performance expectations.
Item 6. PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE BY SIDE MANAGEMENT
Neither FCIS nor any of its supervised persons accept performance-based fees.
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Item 7. TYPES OF CLIENTS
FCIS’s investment advisory clients include individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pension,
and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and other business entities.
FCIS requires a minimum of $25,000 to open a Program account. Third-party Managers also have a
minimum account and fee requirements to participate in their programs. There are some portfolio models
and Third-Party Managers that have minimums higher than the stated Program minimum of $25,000.
Each Third-Party Manager will disclose their minimum account size and fees in their Form ADV Part 2A
Disclosure Brochure(s).
Item 8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, AND RISK OF LOSS
FCIS has an Investment Products Committee (“Committee”)that is responsible for the selection and
ongoing monitoring of the Program’s Third-Party Managers. The Committee’s decision to include or retain
a Third-Party Manager in the Program is guided by quantitative and qualitative criteria. Further, the
Committee may elect to replace Third-Party Manager that does not meet one or more of the criteria
mentioned above. When Third-Party Manager is removed, FCIS will generally liquidate the position(s)
and reinvest the proceeds with a replacement Third-Party Manager.
Third-Party Manager Designation and Reviews
FCIS has selected the Third-Party Managers available in the Program primarily from information that was
provided by those firms or was publicly available. The relevant third-party management firm generally
provides performance information used by FCIS. FCIS does not attempt to independently determine or
verify the information’s accuracy or its compliance with presentation standards. The third-party
management firms do not necessarily calculate performance information on a uniform or consistent basis.
FCIS, from time-to-time, considers additional third-party management firms for the Program. In this
process, FCIS obtains and may rely upon certain information from independent sources.
In its reviews and selections, the Committee analyzes the Third-Party Managers and candidate firms
based upon quantitative and qualitative criteria which may include:
A. Quantitative Criteria
Quantitative criteria may be evaluated in terms of both a Third-Party Manager’s or a firm’s absolute
performance and performance relative to its investment style group and generally include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rate of return
The standard deviation (variation) of returns
Risk-adjusted rate of return
Consistency of returns
B. Qualitative Criteria
Qualitative criteria used in Third-Party Manager or firm evaluations may include:
1.
2.
3.
Years in the business
Assets under management
Investment philosophy
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4.
5.
Adherence to investment philosophy
History of Third-Party Manager
The Committee generally meets monthly and on an as-needed basis, and periodically reviews the Third-
Party Managers. When appropriate, the Committee considers removing a firm as a Third-Party Manager.
The removal of a Third-Party Manager may be based upon the criteria described above, or upon other
information the Committee deems material. The Committee considers all relevant criteria; no one criterion
is necessarily determinative. In its review process, the Committee emphasizes a Third-Party Manager’s
long-term overall performance.
Third-Party Manager Profiles
You will receive “Third-Party Manager Profiles” created from the information provided by the Third-Party
Manager. The Profiles describe the Third-Party Manager’s strategies, investments, investment
philosophy, management style(s), and other relevant information about the Third-Party Manager. Any
performance information included in the Third-Party Manager Profile is accompanied by disclosures,
including disclosures about the types of accounts included in compiling the performance information.
You also receive a copy of the Third-Party Manager’s ADV Part 2A (“Firm Brochure”). You should
carefully review the Third-Party Manager Profile and the Firm Brochure before selecting the Third-Party
Manager. Neither FCIS, platform provider, nor Pershing guarantees the accuracy of the Third-Party
Manager Profile or their Firm Brochure. Past performance is no indication of future results. The actual
results of any Program account can be materially different from past performance or results for other
accounts managed by the Third-Party Manager because of differences in the diversification of securities,
transaction and related costs, the inception dates of the accounts, withdrawals and additions, investment
objectives and restrictions, and other factors.
IARs
IARs are generally college graduates who possess prior business experience in a securities-related field.
IARs receive internal training and must have successfully passed all examinations and received all
licenses necessary for the products and services they offer. IARs are subject to high standards of
business conduct prescribed by FCIS, including its Code of Ethics.
IARs must have met one of the following securities industry education and certification requirements: (a)
successful completion of both the FINRA Series 7 General Securities Registered Representative exam
and Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Exam, or prior equivalent, or (b) successful completion of
the FINRA Series 6 Investment Products and Variable Contracts Products Representative exam (for
advisory products consisting solely of investment company securities), the Series 63 Uniform Securities
Agent State Law Exam, and the Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisers Law Exam.
In addition to this Brochure, you received one or more Brochure Supplement(s), which provides
information about your IAR(s) and, where applicable, other FCIS Associates who will be involved in
managing the Program account. You should carefully review these documents before opening a Program
account.
Client Information Provided to Third-Party Managers
FCIS will generally provide the Third-Party Manager with material information for your Program account
as it becomes available. FCIS usually conveys this information to the Third-Party Manager through the
platform provider. Your IAR will be available on an ongoing basis to assist with Program account
administration, including substitutions of Third-Party Managers.
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Methods of Analysis
FCIS or the Third-Party Managers will generally use some or all of the following methods of analysis in
formulating investment advice:
1. Cyclical
This method analyzes an investment’s sensitivity to business cycles and whose performance is strongly
tied to the overall economy. For example, cyclical companies tend to make products or provide services
that are in lower demand during downturns in the economy and higher demand during upswings.
Examples include the automobile, steel, and housing industries. The stock price of a cyclical company
will often rise just before an economic upturn begins and fall before a downturn occurs. Investors in
cyclical stocks try to make the most substantial gains by buying the stock at the bottom of a business
cycle, just before a turnaround begins. While most economists and investors agree that there are cycles
in the economy, the duration of such cycles is generally unknown. An investment decision to buy at the
bottom of a business cycle may be timed incorrectly. If done before the bottom, losses can result before
gains, if any. If done after the bottom, then some gains may be missed. Similarly, a sell decision meant
to occur at the top of a cycle may result in a missed opportunity for further increases in the value of a
security or realized losses in a portfolio.
2. Fundamental
A method of evaluating a security by examining related economic, financial, and other qualitative and
quantitative factors in an attempt to determine its intrinsic value. Fundamental analysts try to study
everything that can affect the security's value, including macroeconomic factors (like the overall economy
and industry conditions) and company specific factors (like the financial condition and management of a
company). The end goal of performing fundamental analysis is to produce a value that an investor can
compare with the security's current price in hopes of figuring out what sort of position to take with that
security (underpriced = buy, overpriced = sell or sell short). Fundamental analysis is about using real
data to evaluate a security's value. Although most analysts use fundamental analysis to value stocks,
this method of valuation can also be used other types of securities.
The risk associated with fundamental analysis is that it is subjective. While a quantitative approach is
possible, fundamental analysis usually entails a qualitative assessment of how market forces interact
with one another in their impact on the investment in question. Those market forces can point in different
directions, thus necessitating an interpretation of which forces will be dominant. This interpretation may
be wrong, and could, therefore, lead to an unfavorable investment decision.
3. Technical
A method of evaluating securities by analyzing statistics generated by market activity, such as past prices
and volume. Technical analysts do not attempt to measure a security's intrinsic value, but instead, use
charts and other tools to identify patterns that can suggest future activity. Technical analysts believe that
the historical performance of stocks and markets are indications of future performance.
Technical analysis is even more subjective than fundamental analysis because it relies on a proper
interpretation of a given security's price and trading volume data. A decision might be made based on a
historical move in a certain direction that was accompanied by heavy volume; however, that heavy
volume may only be heavy relative to past volume for the security in question, but not compared to the
future trading volume. Therefore, there is the risk of a trading decision being made incorrectly since future
trading volume is an unknown. Technical analysis is also done through observation of various market
sentiment readings, many of which are quantitative. Market sentiment gauges the relative degree of
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bullishness (expectation for positive future performance) and bearishness (expectation for negative future
performance) in a given security.
There are risks involved when using any method of analysis.
Investment Strategies
FCIS or the Third-Party Manager may use the following investment strategies when managing client
assets or providing investment advice:
• Long term purchases (i.e., investments held at least a year).
• Short term purchases (i.e., investments sold within a year of purchase).
• Tactical asset allocation - Allows for a range of percentages in each asset class. The ranges
establish minimum and maximum acceptable percentages that permit the Third-Party Manager
to take advantage of market conditions within these parameters. By specifying a range rather
than a fixed percentage, the Third-Party Manager has the flexibility to move to the higher end of
the range when stocks are expected to do better and to the lower end when the economic outlook
is bleak.
• Strategic asset allocation - Setting target allocations and then periodically rebalancing the
portfolio back to those targets as investment returns skew the original asset allocation
percentages. The concept is similar to a “buy and hold” strategy, rather than an active trading
approach. Of course, the strategic asset allocation targets can change over time as the client’s
goals and needs change, and as the time horizon for major events such as retirement and college
funding grow shorter.
Risk of Loss
Past performance is not indicative of future results; therefore, you should never assume that the future
performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable. Investing in securities
(including stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, etc.) involves the risk of loss. Further, depending on the
different types of investments, there are varying degrees of risk. You should be prepared to bear
investment loss, including loss of original principal.
Because of the inherent risk of loss associated with investing, our firm is unable to represent, guarantee,
or even imply that our services and methods of analysis can or will predict future results, successfully
identify market highs or lows, or insulate you from losses due to market corrections or declines.
There are certain additional risks associated with investing in securities through our Program, as
described below:
Market Risk - Either the stock market as a whole or the value of an individual company, goes down
resulting in a decrease in the value of your investments, also referred to as systematic risk.
Liquidity Risk - The risk that an investor may not be able to quickly sell an asset without significantly
affecting its price.
Inflation Risk - The potential loss of purchasing power as inflation erodes the value of investment returns.
Stock Market Volatility Risk - Stock prices can fluctuate widely due to market sentiment, economic
conditions, or political events.
Small-Cap and Emerging Market Risk - Smaller companies and emerging market securities can be more
volatile and less liquid than large-cap investments.
Interest Rate Risk - The risk that rising interest rates will reduce the value of fixed-income securities.
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Credit Risk - The risk that a bond issuer may default on its debt payments.
Reinvestment Risk - The risk that cash flows from an investment, such as bond interest payments, will
be reinvested at lower rates.
Duration Risk - The sensitivity of a bond’s price to changes in interest rates; longer-term bonds are more
sensitive.
Geo-Political Risk - Investments in international markets may be affected by foreign regulations,
economic instability, or political uncertainty. Changes in government policies, tax laws, or regulations can
impact investment returns.
Currency Risk - The risk that exchange rate fluctuations will impact the value of foreign investments.
Leverage Risk - The use of borrowed money to amplify returns can increase the potential for losses.
Derivatives Risk - Derivative instruments, such as options and futures, may be complex and subject to
extreme price movements.
Counterparty Risk - The risk that the other party in a transaction may default on its obligations.
Cybersecurity Risk - The risk of losses or disruptions due to cyber-attacks or data breaches affecting
business operations.
Equity (stock) Risk - Common stocks are susceptible to market fluctuations and to volatile increases and
decrease in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. If you held common
stock, or common stock equivalents, of any given issuer, you would generally have a higher exposure to
risk than if you held preferred stocks and debt obligations of the issuer.
Company Risk - When purchasing stock positions, there is always a certain level of company or industry-
specific risk that is inherent in each investment, also referred to as unsystematic risk and can be reduced
through appropriate diversification. There is the risk that the company will perform poorly or have its value
reduced based on factors specific to the company or its industry. For example, if a company’s employees
go on strike or the company receives unfavorable media attention for its actions, the value of the company
may be reduced.
Fixed Income Risk - When investing in bonds, there is the risk that the issuer will default on the bond and
be unable to make payments. Further, individuals who depend on set amounts of periodically paid income
face the risk that inflation will erode their spending power. Fixed income investors receive set, regular
payments that face the same inflation risk, although inflation-protected products may also be available.
Options Risk - Options on securities may be subject to more significant fluctuations in value than an
investment in the underlying securities. Purchasing and writing put, and call options are highly specialized
activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks.
ETF and Mutual Fund Risk - When investing in an ETF or mutual fund, you will bear additional expenses
based on your pro-rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential
duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of
owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds.
Management Risk - Your investment with our firm varies with the success and failure of our investment
strategies, research, analysis, and determination of portfolio securities. If our investment strategies do
not produce the expected returns, the value of the investment will decrease.
Pledging Assets - The bank holding the loan may have the authority to liquidate all or part of the securities
at any time without your prior notice to maintain required maintenance levels, or to call the loan at any
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time. As a practical matter, this may cause you to sell assets and realize losses in a declining market.
These actions may interrupt your long-term investment goals and result in adverse tax consequences
and additional fees to the bank. The returns on accounts or pledged assets may not cover the cost of
loan interest and account fees and may dictate a more aggressive investment strategy to support the
costs of borrowing. Before pledging assets in an account, you should carefully review the loan agreement,
loan application, and any forms required by the bank and any other documents and disclosures provided
by FCIS.
Margin Risk - When you purchase securities, you may pay for the securities in full or borrow part of the
purchase price from your account custodian or clearing firm. If you intended to borrow funds in connection
with your account, you would be required to open a margin account, which will be carried by the clearing
firm. The securities purchased in such an account are the clearing firm’s collateral for its loan to you.
If those securities in a margin account decline in value, the value of the collateral supporting this loan
also declines, and as a result, the brokerage firm is required to take action in order to maintain the
necessary level of equity in your account. The brokerage firm may issue a margin call and sell assets in
your account.
It is important that you fully understand the risks involved in trading securities on margin, which are
applicable to any margin account that you may maintain, including any margin account that may be
established as part of the Agreement established between you and FCIS and held by the account
custodian or clearing firm.
These risks include the following:
• You can lose more funds than you deposit in your margin account;
• The account custodian or clearing firm can force the sale of securities or other assets in your
account;
• The account custodian or clearing firm can sell your securities or other assets without contacting
you;
• You are not entitled to choose which securities or other assets in your margin account may be
liquidated or sold to meet a margin call;
• The account custodian or clearing firm may move securities held in your cash account to your
margin account and pledge the transferred securities;
• The account custodian or clearing firm can increase its “house” maintenance margin requirements
at any time, and they are not required to provide you advance written notice; and,
• You are not entitled to an extension of time on a margin call.
In general, FCIS does not allow the use of margin in investment advisory accounts.
Item 9. DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
In February 2018, the SEC announced an industry-wide initiative to identify and remedy conflicts of
interest that arise where investment advisers failed to make required disclosures relating to their selection
of certain mutual fund share classes that paid the adviser (or its related entities) a fee pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“12b-1 fee”) when a lower-cost share class for the
same fund was available to clients. FCIS elected to participate in this initiative and, based on information
that FCIS provided, the SEC issued an Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist
Proceedings against FCIS on March 11, 2019 (the “Order”). The SEC determined that for the period
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January 1, 2014, through July 20, 2018, FCIS purchased, recommended, or held for advisory clients,
mutual fund share classes that paid 12b-1 fees to FCIS instead of lower-cost share classes for the same
funds for which the clients were eligible. The SEC determined that FCIS did not adequately disclose this
conflict of interest and that the failure to do so constituted breaches of FCIS’s fiduciary duties and willful
violations of Sections 206(2) and 207 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The SEC, among other
things, censured FCIS and ordered FCIS to cease-and-desist from any future violations of Sections
206(2) and 207 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and to pay $359,872.11 in disgorgement and
$42,793.07 in prejudgment interest to FCIS’s affected investors, in accordance with procedures set forth
in the Order. The SEC did not order a civil monetary penalty or fine. The SEC also directed FCIS to
complete certain remedial undertakings. FCIS consented to the Order without admitting or denying the
SEC’s findings (except as to jurisdiction, which was admitted). The SEC’s Order can be found at:
https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2019/ia-5124.pdf.
In order to ensure that this conduct is not repeated, among other things, since March 11, 2016, FCIS has
been crediting all 12b-1 fees back to advisory accounts.
On January 24, 2020,FCIS paid a monetary fine of $250.00 to the Louisiana Department of Insurance for
late disclosure of the publicly available SEC Order, referenced above.
Item 10. OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
implement recommendations as an
FCIS and the IAR receive compensation for advice implemented as a registered investment adviser,
registered representative, or insurance agent of FCIS. The IAR providing advice may, with your
permission,
investment adviser representative, registered
representative, or an insurance agent when appropriately registered or licensed to do so. An inherent
conflict of interest exists for IARs who are dually registered and insurance licensed.
The IARs, certain management and support staff of FCIS, are also registered representatives of First
Citizens Investor Services, Inc., a securities broker-dealer, and insurance agency. In addition, IARs,
management, and support staff can also be representatives of First Citizens Asset Management (FCAM),
an affiliated Registered Investment Adviser under common control with FCIS.
FCAM provides advisory services similar to FCIS and serves as a Third-Party Manager on certain model
portfolios available to FCIS clients. Certain management, IARs, and support staff also have employment
agreements with the parent company, First Citizens Bank & Trust (FCB). You may work with your IAR in
his or her separate capacity as an associate of First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., FCAM, or FCB.
When acting in his or her separate capacity, your IAR may be registered or licensed to sell securities
and/or insurance products to you on a commission basis, or offer banking products such as deposit
accounts, loans, and trust services. Your IAR may suggest that you implement investment advice by
purchasing products through a commission-based brokerage account in addition to or in lieu of a fee-
based advisory account. This receipt of commissions creates an incentive to recommend those products
for which your IAR will receive a commission in his or her separate capacity as a registered representative
of a securities broker-dealer. Consequently, the objectivity of the advice rendered to you could be biased.
You are under no obligation to use the services of our representative(s) in this separate capacity.
On March 27, 2023, First Citizens Bank, the parent company of First Citizens Investor Services, Inc.
acquired Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, N.A., formerly known as Silicon Valley Bank the parent company of
SVB Asset Management, SVB Wealth LLC (formerly known as Boston Private Wealth LLC).
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FCIS is under common ownership with the following entities:
• CIT Capital Securities LLC., a Broker/Dealer
• CIT Asset Management, a Registered Investment Adviser
• SVB Asset Management, a Registered Investment Adviser
• SVB Wealth LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser
• First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. (FCAM) a Registered Investment Adviser
• Neuse Title Services, an Insurance Agency
When acting as a representative of FCIS, your IAR can recommend one of the Programs described in
Item 4. Some of these Programs use Third-Party Managers to implement the selected investment
strategy. In their capacity as a representative of FCIS, your IAR may recommend a Program that uses
FCAM as a Third-Party Manager. In these instances, the total compensation received by FCIS, and its
related affiliates is higher than it would be if a different third-party manager were selected. This creates
a conflict of interest between the firm and IAR, as well as between you and the IAR.
The IARs, as well as certain management and support staff of FCIS, may be licensed insurance agents
with First Citizens Investor Services Insurance Agency. You may work with your IAR in their separate
capacity as an insurance agent. When acting in his or her separate capacity as an insurance agent, the
IAR may sell, for commissions, general disability insurance, life insurance, annuities, and other insurance
products to you. This receipt of commissions creates an incentive to recommend those products for
which your IAR will receive a commission in his or her separate capacity as an insurance agent. FCIS
does not currently offer insurance products on an advisory basis. Consequently, the advice rendered to
you could be biased. You are under no obligation to implement any insurance or annuity transaction
through your IAR.
You may select any broker/dealer, insurance company, or agency you wish to implement any advice
provided by your IAR. If you select our representatives to implement securities transactions in their
separate capacity as registered representatives, they must use FCIS as broker-dealer to affect any such
transactions, and you will be required to enter into a new account agreement with FCIS.
FCIS acts as an introducing broker-dealer to provide brokerage services for Program accounts described
in this Brochure.
FCIS nor any of its management persons are registered as or associated persons of any futures
commission merchant, commodity pool operator or a commodity trading IAR.
FCIS does not engage in all services recommended for as a result of financial planning. As a result, we
may refer you to other professionals to assist you in implementing our recommendations. FCIS, in many
circumstances, will receive compensation for those referrals. Pursuing any referral or business
relationship with any individual, organization, or professional is completely at your discretion.
Item 11. CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS, AND
PERSONAL TRADING
FCIS has established a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its supervised persons. As a fiduciary, it is an
IAR’s responsibility to provide fair and full disclosure of all material facts and to act solely in the best
interest of each of its clients at all times. This fiduciary duty is considered the core underlying principle
for our Code of Ethics, which also covers our Insider Trading and Personal Securities Transaction
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Policies and Procedures. FCIS requires all of its supervised persons to conduct business with the highest
level of ethical standards and to comply with all federal and state securities laws at all times.
Upon employment or affiliation, when changes occur, and no less than annually, all supervised persons
will sign an acknowledgment that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with the Code of
Ethics. FCIS has the responsibility to make sure that the interests of all clients are placed ahead of FCIS’
management or its supervised person’s own investment interest. Full disclosure of all material facts and
potential conflicts of interest are provided to you prior to any services being conducted. FCIS
management and its supervised persons must conduct business in an honest, ethical, and fair manner
and avoid all circumstances that might negatively affect or appear to affect our fiduciary duty. This
disclosure is provided to give a summary of FCIS’s Code of Ethics. If you would like to review FCIS’s
Code of Ethics in its entirety, a copy will be provided upon request.
Employee Personal Securities Transactions Disclosure
The IAR may buy or sell securities for their personal accounts that are also recommended to you. To
minimize this conflict of interest, FCIS only recommends and purchases securities which are widely held
and publicly traded.
To prevent conflicts of interest, we have developed compliance procedures that include personal
investment and trading policies for our representatives, employees, and their immediate family members
(collectively, “Associated Persons”):
• Associated Persons cannot prefer their own interests to that of the client;
• Associated Persons cannot purchase or sell any security for their personal accounts prior to
implementing transactions for their client’(s) account(s);
• Associated Persons cannot buy or sell securities for their personal accounts based on material,
non-public information;
• Associated Persons are prohibited from purchasing or selling securities of companies in which
any client is deemed an “insider;”
• Associated Persons are discouraged from conducting frequent personal trading; and,
• Associated Persons are generally prohibited from serving as board members of publicly traded
companies unless an exception has been granted by the President and Chief Compliance Officer
of FCIS.
Any associated person not observing our policies is subject to sanctions up to and including termination.
Conflicts of Interest
Discounting - The IAR has the ability to discount the commission or fees you pay on certain investments
or Programs. These discounts create a conflict of interest between your interests and the Firm’s because
the Firm’s compensation is negatively impacted when commissions and fees are discounted.
Registration of IARs - Not all IARs are registered to offer brokerage, insurance, and investment advisory
products and services. Some IARs may only be registered to make a recommendation regarding
investment company (i.e., mutual funds) or variable contract products (i.e., variable annuities) and may
not be licensed to make a recommendation for individual equities or fixed income products (i.e., stocks
and bonds) or provide investment advisory products or services. Because of the differences in the
compensation payable with respect to these products, this could be seen as creating a conflict for the
IAR.
Approved Product List - We limit recommendations to products available through an approved product
list. Our approved product list does not contain the entire universe of securities or products available in
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the marketplace. Other broker-dealers and investment advisory firms may have additional securities
available to you that we do not offer. Differences in compensation for these securities and products to
FCIS and our IARs creates a conflict of interest.
Rollovers - When you invest with the Firm as a result of a recommendation to rollover or transfer your
assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan, another brokerage firm or investment adviser, FCIS
receives compensation. This compensation creates a conflict between your interests and the Firm’s
because our compensation is based, in part, on the assets placed with us. In addition, a conflict exists
on rollovers when we also advise on the employer-sponsored plan. In these circumstances, the
compensation received by the Firm and the IAR will generally be greater than that received if you choose
to keep your assets in the plan.
Distributions - Compensation and performance incentives cause a conflict between your interests and
FCIS’s when the IAR provides recommendations for distributions from any of your IRAs. When you make
a distribution from an IRA, certain commissions or sales charges in certain circumstances are generated.
Further, if you have both a transaction-based IRA and an advisory program IRA, the Firm may have an
incentive to advise you to take a distribution from your transaction-based IRA and not your advisory
program IRA because the distribution would generate additional transactional revenue and would not
affect the amount of your asset-based fee in your advisory program IRA.
Transaction-Based IRAs vs. Advisory Programs IRAs - You may be eligible to invest retirement assets
in an asset-based fee advisory program IRA. Instead of paying a commission per transaction, you would
pay a fee based on a percentage of the market value of the assets held in your account for the services
FCIS provides. Fee-based IRA accounts may offer additional types of investment options, including
mutual funds. Depending on your circumstances, including the number of transactions you anticipate
making and what services you want, an advisory program can be more or less expensive than a
transaction-based IRA. Typically, the Firm would earn more in upfront commissions in a transaction-
based IRA. On the other hand, the Firm will typically earn more over time if you invest in one of FCIS’s
fee-based advisory programs. These differences in compensation create a conflict between your
interests and the Firm’s when recommending the type of account most appropriate for you.
Non-Cash Third-Party Incentives - FCIS as a broker-dealer or insurance agency receives third-party
payments with respect to investment recommendations, as follows:
Annuities:
• Up-front insurance commissions at the point-of-sale, including gross dealer concessions, trailing
commissions, or “trails” (or “renewal fees”) for ongoing services as long as the annuity remains in
force;
• Revenue sharing, marketing fees, administrative fees, and similar fees relating to sales and
support services.
The amount of these third-party payments varies among different variable annuities and different annuity
issuers.
Fixed Indexed Annuities: Insurers that issue fixed indexed annuity contracts pay FCIS the following types
of third-party payments:
• Up-front insurance commissions at the point-of-sale, including gross dealer concessions; Trailing
commissions or “trails” (or “renewal fees”) for ongoing services as long as the annuity remains in
force; and,
• Revenue sharing, marketing fees, administrative fees, and similar fees relating to sales and
support services.
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The amount of these third-party payments varies between different fixed indexed annuities and different
annuity issuers.
Mutual Funds:
• Up-front sales commissions or “loads,” at the point-of-sale;
• 12b-1 distribution fees; and,
• Fees for sub-accounting services, sub-transfer agency services, and/or other revenue sharing
or similar payments for services to the funds.
The amount of these Third-Party Payments varies among different fund families, different funds, and
different share classes. In an effort to reduce client costs, minimize the conflicts of interest presented by
mutual fund 12b-1 fees, and conform the treatment of different types of FCIS client accounts, FCIS will
credit these fees to advisory clients’ accounts.
These credits will be subject to the advisory fee if they remain in a client account at the time of billing.
For brokerage accounts, FCIS has a conflict of interest in recommending these funds or share classes,
both in making investment decisions in light of the receipt of these fees and in selecting a more expensive
12b-1 fee-paying share class when a lower-cost share class is available for the same fund. The conflict
of interest arises from FCIS's financial incentive to recommend or select registered funds or share classes
for clients that pay higher 12b-1 fees because such registered funds or share classes generally result in
higher compensation for FCIS.
Although there can be legitimate reasons that a particular client is invested in a more expensive 12b-1
fee-paying share class, FCIS has taken steps to minimize the conflict of interest through:
• Advisory account credits;
• Disclosure in this Brochure;
•
Internal policies and procedures that require investment advice to be in the best interest of
advisory clients;
• By ensuring that individual IARs are not directly compensated for recommendations to purchase
share classes of registered funds that pay such fees to FCIS;
• By restricting IARs’ recommendations to funds and share classes on FCIS’ approved list; and
• By systematically evaluating when a lower fee share class of a registered fund on FCIS’s
approved list is available.
It will not always be possible or in your best interest for FCIS to select SEC-registered mutual fund
investments that do not pay these fees. Accordingly, despite our efforts to minimize conflicts of interest,
you should not assume that you will be invested in the registered fund or share class with the lowest
possible 12b-1 fees.
Third-party providers, including annuity product partners, annuity wholesalers, Third-Party Managers,
ETF wholesalers, and insurance distributors, may also give IARs gifts up to a total value of $100 per
provider per year, consistent with industry regulations. Third parties may occasionally provide IARs with
meals and entertainment of reasonable value. These incentives create a conflict between your interests
and those of the IAR and may cause the IAR to recommend those products or companies that provide
these non-cash incentives.
Training and Marketing Incentives - Third-party providers such as annuity product partners, annuity
wholesalers, Third-Party Managers, ETF wholesalers, and insurance distributors may reimburse or pay
certain expenses on behalf of IARs and the firm, including expenses related to training, marketing, and
educational efforts. Training of the IAR can occur at branch offices, seminars, meetings, or other events.
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The training focuses on, among other things, the third-party provider’s products, suitability, product
literature, and product support. These incentives create a conflict between your interests and those of
the IAR and may cause the IAR to recommend those products of those companies that provide marketing
and educational opportunities and to whom the IAR has greater access.
Performance Standards and Incentive Compensation for the IAR - The IAR's performance can be
measured in various ways, and performance measurements are positively impacted by the assets under
care. These positive impacts on performance measures can lead to increased compensation. This
incentive creates a conflict between your interests and those of the IAR when recommending that you
rollover or transfer your assets to FCIS, keep your assets at FCIS, and engage in transactions within
your account.
Item 12. BROKERAGE PRACTICES
FCIS requires clients wishing to establish an account under Programs to open an account with Pershing,
LLC, through FCIS broker-dealer. Pershing, LLC offers custody of securities, account administration
trade execution, clearance, and settlement of transactions.
Handling of Trade Errors
FCIS's policy is to correct trade errors in a manner that is fair and equitable to our clients. In cases where
a client causes the trade error, the client will be responsible for any loss resulting from the correction.
Depending on the circumstances of the trade error, clients may not be able to receive any gains
generated as a result of the error correction. Situations where the client is not the cause of the trade
error, the client will be made whole. FCIS or the custodian will absorb losses resulting from the trade
error based on fault. If the trade correction results in a gain, the client will not receive the profit.
Individual Trading Policy
FCIS, Third-Party Manager, or other provider's transactions, implemented for client accounts, are
generally affected independently. However, the firm FCIS or Third-Party Managers can purchase or sell
the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. Consolidation of orders referred
to as "aggregating orders" or "block trading," is used by firms or Third-Party Managers if believed such
actions may prove favorable for the client(s). Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged in price
and allocated to the firm's clients in proportion to the purchase or sale orders placed for each client's
account on any given day. When FCIS chooses to aggregate client orders, FCIS will do so following the
parameters of the SEC No Action Letter, SMC Capital Inc., dated September 5, 1995. FCIS does not
receive any additional compensation or remuneration because of aggregating orders.
Item 13. REVIEW OF PROGRAM and ACCOUNTS
Through the Investment Products Committee or its designees, FCIS makes a best effort to review each
Third-Party Manager in the Program on at least an annual basis. Triggers for additional reviews may
include events such as large deposits or withdrawals, , requests for substitutions of Third-Party Managers
or investment criteria, and updates in client information. FCIS instructs the Committee, in performing
each review, to address any issues of concern. FCIS does not monitor each transaction effected by Third-
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FIRST CITIZENS INVESTOR SERVICES FIRM BROCHURE
Party Managers for consistency with your investment objectives or conformance with the Third-Party
Manager’s stated strategies or philosophy.
FCIS IARs meet with clients on at least an annual basis to review the client’s account, determine ongoing
financial needs, changes in the client’s financial situation, risk tolerance, portfolio holdings, and
performance. A client may initiate a review at any time by contacting their FCIS IAR or an IAR within the
“Investment Solution Center.”
Item 14. CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
IARs can make product or strategy recommendations in the capacity of an investment adviser
representative, registered representative, or an insurance agent when appropriately registered or
licensed to do so. Investment adviser representatives have a fiduciary duty to their clients. Dually
registered individuals, however, have an inherent conflict of interest as previously discussed above in
Item 10.
FCIS does occasionally receive additional compensation from product sponsors; however, such payment
may not be conditional on the sale of any products. Compensation may include items such as gifts that
are within a reasonable amount and are within FCIS guidelines. An occasional dinner or ticket to an event
or reimbursement in connection with an educational meeting with IAR, client event(s), or advertising
initiatives are permitted. Product sponsors may also pay for or reimburse FCIS for the costs associated
with education or training events that may be attended by FCIS employees and the IARs.
FCIS, in certain circumstances, will refer you to third parties who offer products and services that FCIS
does not provide to our clients. In cases where a written solicitor’s agreement is in place, FCIS will receive
compensation from the referral. Such payment is not contingent on you implementing any strategies or
recommendations proposed, nor is the compensation tied to the sale of any product or service offered
by the third-party. You may incur fees and expenses for such products or services that are separate from
any fees or expenses incurred through products or services offered directly through FCIS.
Item 15. CUSTODY
Pershing, LLC (“Pershing”), located at One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399, serves as the clearing
broker-dealer for FCIS and maintains custody of the Program assets in a separate account for each client
registration.
FCIS does not take custody or possession of client assets. Account statements are delivered directly
from Pershing to each client, or the client’s independent representative, at least quarterly. We urge you
to carefully review and compare the statements against any reports received from us. Should you have
questions about your account statements, you should immediately contact FCIS or the custodian
preparing the statement.
FCIS is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Citizens Bank. From time to time First Citizens Bank enters
into a control agreement with FCIS’s clients where the assets in an advisory account are held as
collateral for a First Citizens Bank loan. Under such circumstances, and as per a properly executed
control agreement, First Citizens Bank would have the ability to direct FCIS to liquidate securities in a
pledged advisory account and transfer funds to the Bank, depending on certain triggering events,
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including loan default. Under SEC rule 206 (4)-2 FCIS also has custody of these pledged assets because
FCIS is not operationally independent from First Citizens Bank.
Item 16. INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Investment discretion is granted to FCIS, the IAR, or Third-Party Manager by entering into a First Citizens
Investor Services Wealth Strategies Agreement and designating the Manager(s) on the Statement of
Investment Selection. The Agreement must be completed and signed to open a Program account. The
Third-Party Manager(s) must also accept the appointment by the Client.
Portfolio Manager Program
FCIS, as the sponsor, has discretionary authority to retain, modify, or discharge Third-Party Manager(s)
and portfolio options to its Program without consulting with you in advance. You may request reasonable
restrictions. The Third-Party Manager(s), however, retain discretionary authority, to buy, sell, or otherwise
modify the portfolio to meet the stated investment objective.
Item 17. VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
FCIS does not vote proxies or corporate actions for you, nor does FCIS advise on proxies or solicitations
concerning corporate activities for the securities held within a Program account. FCIS’ Custodian,
Pershing, LLC (“Pershing”) will forward to you the relevant information on proxies and corporate actions,
including the information necessary to vote on such matters. You should utilize contact information
provided in the proxy or solicitation to inquire further about the merits and methods of voting available to
you.
As between you and FCIS, you retain the right and responsibility to vote proxies and to review related
materials on securities held in the account or to delegate that function to another person or entity. Each
Third-Party Manager independently determines whether it will vote proxies. As to investments managed
by a Third-Party Manager, you should review the relevant Third-Party Manager’s Firm Brochure to
determine the allocation of proxy responsibilities.
Item 18. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This Item is not applicable as FCIS does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1200 in fees per
client, six months or more in advance. Additionally, FCIS is not subject to a financial condition reasonably
likely to impair its ability to meet contractual commitments; and FCIS is not currently nor previously has
been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
FCIS FORM ADV- FIRM BROCHURE PART 2A
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