Fiduciary & How We’re Paid

Atlas Advisors operates under multiple regulatory roles depending on the service provided. In some cases, we act as a fiduciary investment adviser. In other cases, we act as a registered representative of a broker dealer or as an insurance agent. The obligations, compensation, and standards of care differ by role.

Atlas Advisors acts as a fiduciary when providing investment advisory services under an advisory agreement through J.W. Cole Advisors.

In this role, we are held to a fiduciary standard and are required to act in the client’s best interest.

Investment advisory services may include:
• Ongoing investment management
• Financial planning under an advisory agreement
• Retirement income planning
• Portfolio monitoring and rebalancing

In certain situations, our advisors act as registered representatives of J.W. Cole Financial.

This typically occurs when a client engages in a brokerage transaction rather than an advisory relationship. In these cases, we are subject to Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), which differs from a fiduciary obligation.

Brokerage services may include:
• Commission based securities transactions
• Buy or sell recommendations for specific products
• Transactions without ongoing advisory monitoring

Advisory Compensation
For investment advisory services, clients typically pay an ongoing advisory fee based on assets under management or a flat planning fee, as outlined in the advisory agreement. These fees are paid directly by the client and are not tied to the selection of specific investment products.

Brokerage Compensation
When acting in a brokerage capacity, compensation is transaction based and may include commissions paid by the product issuer or clearing firm. These costs are disclosed prior to the transaction.

Insurance Compensation
If insurance products are implemented, we may receive commissions from the insurance carrier. Insurance products are not required to receive investment advisory services and are considered separately based on client needs.

• Client Relationship Summary (CRS)
• Form ADV Part 2A

For more detail: 

• Financial Advisor FAQs
• Conflicts & How We Mitigate Them