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Client ProfilesClient Recommendations15 min read

7.2 Building Client Profiles

Fiduciary standards require investment advisers to establish a comprehensive client profile before making any investment recommendations or drafting an Investment Policy Statement (IPS).

Key NASAA Exam Takeaways

  • Financial profile includes balance sheet items: assets, liabilities, net worth, liquid net worth, annual cash flow, and tax bracket.
  • Non-financial profile includes age, marital status, dependent obligations, investment horizon, risk tolerance, and values.
  • Capital preservation mandates cash equivalents and short-term Treasuries; growth mandates diversified common equities.
  • Liquidity requirements take precedence: an investor needing funds within 12 months should never be allocated to illiquid partnerships or equities.
Knowledge Checkpoint • Section 7.2

A 63-year-old client intends to retire in 18 months and purchase a retirement home using $150,000 of non-qualified savings. Which investment recommendation is most suitable for this specific sum?