Why partner with Filomeno Wealth? The independence, for one thing. Some accountants maintain broker-dealer affiliations simply to share in commissions on business referred out, even though they are uneasy with the notion of commissions in the first place, Thibodeau says. "But when a CPA firm does business with an SEC-registered investment advisor, the principals don't have to get licensed to share in fees, although obviously certain client disclosures are required."
Thibodeau also believes his organization's background is attractive. "As CPAs ourselves," he says, "we share the service, culture and ethical standards of other CPAs, and we think that-coupled with our investment experience-is valuable to both accounting firms and their clients."