Fiduciary vs Broker

Maidstone acts as a fiduciary to clients and adheres to a higher professional standard than many advisors and brokers who use a “suitability” standard.  All our actions are determined by what we believe is in the best interests of our clients.  The suitability standard, employed in the typical brokerage model, allows high-commission and high-fee products to be sold for the benefit of the advisor or broker.

Advisor vs Salesman

Our interests are aligned with those of our clients.  We receive no part of commissions on trades or participation in “front-loaded” mutual fund fees.  That means your investment advice is objective and intended solely to reach your goals.  We strive to provide our clients with the right financial advice and excellent risk-adjusted investment returns so they will choose to remain our clients for the long term.

Transparent Fee Structure and Low-Cost Trading

Maidstone’s advisory fees are based on assets managed and are clearly and fully disclosed in our client agreements.  We typically custody our assets with Interactive Brokers, which has a great execution platform and low execution fees, low margin rates and high credit rates on cash balances compared to all other reputable retail brokerages.  We invest, not speculate, for our clients so that your stocks will generally be held for the long-term, reducing taxes and transaction related expenses.

 Single point of Contact

Maidstone provides the personal attention, competence and proactive counsel that you may not receive from other advisors and brokers.  When you call us, you are not subjected to exhausting menus, shuttled between departments or forced to speak with people who don’t know you.  Your advisor knows you personally, understands your financial situation and can advise you on all aspects of your financial life.

 Privacy and Confidentiality

We adhere to strict policies with respect to client information.  We do not provide (i.e. sell) your information to third parties.  Large financial institutions provide your information to other departments to cross-sell products where they can generate additional fees and income.  If we believe it would be in your best interest to obtain products (loans, insurance, etc.) or outside services (estate plans, tax preparation, etc.) we will help you source them and assist you in evaluating options.

Experienced Advisor

Prior to founding Maidstone in 2017, Stephen (“Steve”) Lulla spent over 15 years in senior roles for institutional investment funds where he was responsible for security analysis, risk management and financial, audit, tax and compliance oversight.  Maidstone actively employs sophisticated security selection and risk management techniques not typically found in retail investment management.   In addition, he spent over 15 years as an entrepreneur and consultant to small businesses.  Steve earned an MBA in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a BS in Finance from the University of Maryland.

 

Please refer to our website (www.maidstone-wm.com) for additional information.

Client and professional references are available upon request.