2024-01-31
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities issued an order against True Horizon Wealth Advisors, LLC for failing to file required audited balance sheets while holding custody of client funds. The regulator determined that the firm's authorization to deduct advisory fees from client accounts at TD Ameritrade constituted custody under state regulations. As part of the settlement, the firm agreed to pay a $15,000 administrative assessment and comply with the 1972 Act without exercising its right to a hearing.
FILED 2024 JAN 31 AM 8:37 PA DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND SECURITIES
THWA, CRD #170330, was, at all times material herein, a Pennsylvania limited liability company with an address of 603 Swedesford Road, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
From in or about August 2014 to present, THWA was registered pursuant to Section 301 of the 1972 Act, 70 P.S. § 1-301, as an investment adviser.
Regulation 102.021 , 10 Pa. Code § 102.021 , defines "custody" as: "[f]or purposes of an investment adviser, if a related person holds directly or indirectly, client funds or securities, or has authority to obtain possession of them, in connection with advisory services the investment adviser provides to clients."
"Custody" includes "[a]ny arrangement (including a general power of attorney) under which the investment adviser is authorized or permitted to withdraw client funds or securities maintained with a custodian on the investment adviser's instruction to the custodian." 10 Pa. Code § 102.021.
On May 15, 2023, the Bureau conducted a routine examination of THWA at its place of business, pursuant to§ l-304(d) of the 1972 Act, 70 P.S. § 1-304(d).
From in or about March 2020 to July 2023, THWA was authorized to deduct fees for advisory services from its clients' accounts that were maintained with a third-party custodian, TD Ameritrade, as set forth in its advisor services agreement.
By having authorization to deduct fees for advisory services from client accounts, THW A, in connection with advisory services provided by THW A, directly or indirectly held client \funds or securities with the authority to obtain possessi<f of them or the ability to appropriate them and thus had "custody" over client funds or securities as defined in 10 Pa. Code § 102.021 (a). Page 2of6
Regulation 304.022(a), IO Pa. Code 304.022(a), requires that an investment adviser who has custody of client funds or securities shall file an audited balance sheet as of the end of its fiscal year.
THWA's fiscal year ends on December 31.
From March 2020 to July 2023, THW A did not file the required audited balance sheet with the Department as of the end of its fiscal year. VIOLATIONS
By engaging in the acts and conduct set forth in paragraphs 5 through 13 above, THW A had custody over client funds or securities and failed to file with the Department an audited balance sheet as of the end of its fiscal year, which acts and conduct form a basis to deny, suspend, revoke, or condition the registration of THWA or censure THWA pursuant to Section 305(a)(v) of the 1972 Act, 70 P.S. § 1-305(a)(v), and Regulation 304.022(a), 10 Pa. Code§ 304.022(a). RELIEF
THW A shall pay the Department an administrative assessment in the amount of $15,000. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of this Order by certified check or money order that is made payable to the "Department of Banking and Securities" and shall be mailed or delivered in person to the Bureau of Securities Compliance and Examinations located at 17 N. Second Street, Suite 1300, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101.
THWA is ORDERED to comply with the 1972 Act, and Regulations adopted-by the Department, and in particular Section 305 of the 1972 Act and Regulation Section 304.022(a).
Should THW A fail to pay the asse,.,ment as set forth in paragraph 15 above, the sanctions set forth elsewhere in the Order shall continue in full force and effect until full payment is made. However, this provision shall not be construed as affording THW A the option of either paying the assessment or being indefinitely subject to the sanctions. Page 3of6
Should THW A fail to comply with any and/or all provisions of this Order, the Department may impose additional sanctions and costs and seek other appropriate relief subject to THW A's right to a hearing pursuant to the 1972 Act. FURTHER PROVISIONS
Consent. THWA hereby knowingly, willingly, voluntarily, and irrevocably consent to the entry of this Order pursuant to the Bureau's authority under the 1972 Act and agree that they understand all the terms and conditions contained herein. THW A, by voluntarily entering into this Order, waives any right to a hearing or appeal concerning the terms, conditions, and/or penalties set forth in this Order.
Entire Agreement. This Order contains the entire agreement between the Department and THW A. There are no other terms, obligations, covenants, representations, statements, conditions, or otherwise, of any kind whatsoever concerning this Order. This Order may be amended in writing by mutual agreement by the Department and THW A.
Binding Nature. The Department and THW A, and all officers, owners, directors, employees, heirs and assigns of THW A intend to be and are legally bound by the terms of this Order.
Counsel. This Order is entered into by the parties upon full opportunity for legal advice from legal counsel.
Effectiveness. THWA hereby stipulate and agree that the Order shall become effective on the date the Bureau executes the Order.
Other Enforcement Action. Page 4of6
(a) The Department reserves all its rights, duties, and authority to enforce all statutes, rules, and regulations under its jurisdiction against THW A in the future regarding all matters not resolved by this Order. (b) THW A acknowledge and agree that this Order is only binding upon the Department and not any other local, state or federal agency, department, or office regarding matters within this Order. 25. Authorization. The parties below are authorized to execute this Order and legally bind their respective parties. 26. Counterparts. This Order may be executed in separate counterparts, by facsimile and/or by PDF. 27. Titles. The titles used to identify the paragraphs of this document are for the convenience ofreference only and do not control the interpretation of this document. 28. Finding. The Department finds that it is necessary and appropriate, in the public interest for the protection of investors, and consistent with the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the 1972 Act to issue this Order. WHEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, including the recital paragraphs, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Banking and Securities, Bureau of Securities Compliance and Examination, and THW A, intending to be legally bound, do hereby execute this Consent Agreement and Order. SIGNATORY PAGE TO FOLLOW Page 5of6
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