How We Work

• Sterling provides competent, objective, and independent investment management services to individuals, families, corporations, trusts, estates, pension and profit sharing plans. We act as your Chief Investment Officer, handling all your investment needs and providing exceptional personal service.

• Accounts are maintained in the client’s name at an independent third-party custodian. We do not accept custody of any client assets at any time.

• Sterling recommends that clients use Schwab, or National Advisors Trust as third-party custodians. We do not receive any referral fees for recommending either of these firms.

• If you do not have a relationship with one of the recommended custodians, we will assist you in establishing the relationship, opening the appropriate accounts, and transferring assets from your existing custodian.

• Clients authorize the third-party custodian to accept trading instructions from Sterling. This is accomplished by executing a Limited Power of Attorney. We will assist you in completing the appropriate forms.

• During the engagement, Sterling will manage the assets in your accounts. You will receive independent confirmation of all transactions from the custodian. You will receive monthly statements from the custodian. And you will have the ability to see what is in your account at any time by accessing the custodian’s web site. Sterling cannot take anything out of any of your accounts except the quarterly investment management fee.

• The custodian earns a modest fee for their custodial services. We do not receive any portion of the custodial fee.

• Clients can exit the engagement at any time by writing to Sterling or by writing to the third-party custodian.