| XML Financial group is a wealth management firm. Our clients are families and business owners predominantly of the “Baby Boom” generation. We work closely with our clients and their other professional advisors to address all facets of their financial lives. |
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In 2004 three established Financial Advisors from a large Wall Street firm set out on a mission to create a boutique independent financial services firm they could be proud of. They sought to provide advice and guidance to their clients without the questionable pressures a large firm may bring. They looked for a platform that offered products for no other reason than because they were best in class.
The partners also knew that as entrepreneurs, they’d be able to relate better to their clients, many of whom run successful companies and built their wealth through their own hard work. They knew that they could differentiate themselves from the herd of advisors that aren’t willing to step away from big brands because they believed in themselves and the quality of advice and guidance they brought to each client relationship.
Most importantly, they could build an infrastructure that served their needs, which ultimately allows them to serve their clients needs. On that foundation, the XML Financial Group was born.
| Committed to our independence every step of the way |
| Superior technology, support and service were our priorities when selecting a broker/dealer. We knew that in order to deliver a first class client experience, our professionals needed to affiliate with a broker/dealer that is reputable and cutting–edge. After an extensive due diligence search, LPL Financial was the standout broker/dealer of choice. While the XML Financial Group continues to monitor and analyze the independent broker/dealer industry, LPL Financial continues to deliver their part of the equation with high standards. Most importantly, however, is how LPL Financial is different. It is not an investment bank. It does not provide loans to hedge funds or other speculators. Unlike other types of brokerage firms, LPL Financial does not maintain an inventory of investments, which means that their liquidity does not decline with the decrease of securities’ values. Simply stated, their platform is a technology and service partner to advisors and financial institutions as opposed to a traditional wirehouse business model that takes on additional risks. Formed in 1989 through the merger of two smaller, but successful brokerage firms, Linsco (established in 1968) and Private Ledger (founded in 1973), LPL Financial sought to create a formidable alternative to Wall Street firms, one in which financial advisors could build highly competitive businesses while always doing what was right for their clients. Today, LPL Financial is the largest independent broker/dealer in the country*, ser ving approximately 16,000 Financial Advisors with nearly 2,700 employees. * As reported in Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2010, based on total revenues. |
| LPL Account Protection |
| LPL Financial’s SIPC membership provides account protection up to a maximum of $500,000 per customer, of which $100,000 may be claims for cash. For an explanatory brochure visit www.sipc.org. Additionally, through London Insurers, LPL Financial accounts have additional securities protection to cover the net equity of customer accounts up to an overall aggregate firm limit of $575,000,000, subject to conditions and limitations. The account protection applies when a SIPC member firm fails financially and is unable to meet obligations to securities clients, but it does not protect against losses from the rise and fall in the market value of investments. This extensive coverage reflects a strong commitment to serving your investment needs. |
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Brett Shane Bernstein, CFP® Managing Partner |
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Brett Bernstein is a Managing Partner and co-founding Partner of the XML Financial Group. Mr. Bernstein serves as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, head of operations, and leads the firm’s estate and trust transactions. Previously, he was a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, where he was designated Sales Manager for a complex that managed over $5 billion in assets. Brett was named one of the Top Board Presidents of the Year by BoardRoom magazine for his service as President at the Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. BoardRoom magazine annually recognizes the world’s top private club presidents for their outstanding work, their understanding of the industry and role and responsibilities of the club’s board of directors (January 31, 2012). Education & Philanthropy |
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Robert D. Kantor, ARPC Managing Partner |
| Robert Kantor is a Managing Partner and co-founding Partner of the XML Financial Group. Mr. Kantor serves as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. He also serves as the head of the firm’s investment committee, which drives asset allocation strategies and investment securities selection. Previously, he was a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, where he specialized in custom retirement plan design. He also served on the Advisory Counsel to Management and was a founder of the Charity Giving Committee.
Education & Philanthropy |
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Kevin Patrick Peters Financial Consultant Managing Partner XML Insurance Group |
| Mr. Peters has been in the financial services industry for the past ten years, specializing in Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Long-Term Care and Estate Planning, as well as a variety of Business Insurance Planning. While working at one of the industry’s largest insurance companies, Mr. Peters hired, trained, and developed new insurance professionals and assisted them in growing their businesses and becoming financial advisors. During that time, Mr. Peters also helped small and medium-sized local businesses develop design comprehensive benefits plans. With a strong desire to provide his clients with independent insurance planning recommendations, Mr. Peters established his own independent insurance company in 2003, Benefits Insurance Group, Inc., which would eventually merge with XML Financial Group to become XML Insurance Group.
Education & Philanthropy |
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Robert Feirson, CPA Chief Investment Officer XML Insurance Group |
| Robert Feirson serves as the firm’s Chief Investment Officer. In that capacity, Robert provides advice regarding investment strategy, allocation and selection. Robert researches and analyzes market forces and trends and develops investment portfolios addressing those factors. Prior to joining XML Financial Group, Robert was Director of Investments & Financial Planning with Strategic Financial Associates, LLC and Vice President of Investments with Smith Barney and Wachovia Securities. Robert brings a wealth of diversified experience to the Chief Investment Officer position having held tax management positions with GTE, PEPCO and in public accounting. Robert has also previously served in positions on the Tax Advisory Council of GTE, Tax Executives Institute and was selected to Who’s Who International.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. Robert currently holds the designation of Certified Public Accountant. |
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Jason Elliot Klopman, CFP® Senior Financial Consultant |
| Mr. Klopman is a Senior Financial Consultant with XML Financial Group and has been in the financial services industry for the past five years. His specialty revolves around financial planning and asset allocation strategies. Through his training with one of Wall Street’s largest financial institutions and then XML Financial Group, Mr. Klopman acquired the necessary skills to help continue to build XML Financial Group’s practice. He is a key component to the analysis, preparation and implementation elements of the financial planning process.
Education & Philanthropy |
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Jonathan C. Lowe Senior Financial Consultant |
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| Mr. Lowe has been in the financial services industry for eleven years. He specializes in financial planning and asset management. Mr. Lowe started his career at Moors & Cabot Inc, before joining Wheat First Securities, which later became Wachovia Securities. Working at Wachovia for five years, Mr. Lowe partnered with a team that specialized in working with international organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF – International Monetary Fund, and the OAS – Organization of American States. In 2005, he left Wachovia and joined Ryan Beck which later became Stifel Nicolaus. In August of 2009, Mr. Lowe joined XML Financial Group.
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Robert P. Abel, CPA Financial Consultant |
| Robert Abel, CPA is a financial consultant with the XML Financial Group. Mr. Abel has expertise in individual, business and estate tax and accounting issues. He helps clients pursue their investment objectives in a tax efficient manner. Mr. Abel is a Certified Public Accountant and is enrolled to practice before the IRS. Through LPL Financial he is an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65), and a General Securities Representative (Series 7). Additionally he maintains a Resident Producer Individual Insurance license (Maryland Insurance Administration). He is a member of the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), National Association of Tax Preparers (NATP), and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Practicing CPAs.
Education & Philanthropy |
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Judith M. Tiktin, CPA Financial Consultant |
| Judith is a CPA in private practice for 18 years in Silver Spring. Judith joined XML Financial Group to merge her financial services business, thereby enhancing the services available to her clients, and to those of the group.
Education & Philanthropy |
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| Committed to our independence every step of the way |
| XML Financial Group is an independent financial services and wealth management firm. After nearly forty years of combined experience with one of the largest financial services firms, the founders of XML deliver a first class experience that addresses asset titling and estate planning needs, philanthropic planning, tax planning,comprehensive insurance planning, retirement planning (including plan design and forecasting), and traditional investment management.Using an open architecture allows the team at XML Financial Group to reach across product platforms and address the most unique financial circumstances with unbiased advice. Guidance is built on a disciplined foundation that incorporates three key cornerstones and philosophies: |
| DISCIPLINED |
| At XML Financial Group our professionals do not trade stocks, time the market, or waiver from recommended allocations and managers. As financial advisors affiliated with LPL Financial, we generate most of our revenue from asset management fees rather than commissions, thus many potential conflicts of interest are removed. While there are always appropriate times to reevaluate portfolios and other plan strategies, the XML philosophy is designed to address long-term objectives taking into account a practical approach to the client’s day-to-day needs. |
| INTERLOCKED |
| Understanding that additional advisors in your life are beneficial to the overall process and success of a plan, the XML Financial Group encourages and often facilitates collaboration with your CPA, attorney and other trusted advisors. Creating a strong line of communication between all parties greatly improves the experience for the client and, more importantly, the chance of successfully reaching realistic goals. This comprehensive approach begins with: • A thorough assessment of your current financial state • Identification of financial goals, risks and time horizons • Plan development • Plan supervision • A customized communication schedule to suit client needs |
| PRINCIPLED |
| The XML Financial Group does not sell proprietary products: ever. Consistently keeping the client’s best interests first, regardless of potential financial gain, is our number one priority. Our use of an independent broker/ dealer compliments that philosophy and translates to the delivery of: • Unbiased guidance • Access to independent research • Broad investment offerings • Competitive pricing • True independence |
