United Brokerage Services (UBS) functions as a hybrid firm, meaning the financial advisor offers both investment advisory and brokerage services. In turn, the firm is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a broker-dealer and an investment advisor. Located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, UBS has a somewhat large team of on-staff financial advisors who are responsible for the management of hundreds of millions of dollars in client assets.
As for its advisory fees, the fee-only firm’s compensation arrangements solely consist of asset-based fees charged to clients. On the flip side, a fee-based firm would earn commissions and other forms of compensation from things like insurance sales.
United Brokerage Services Background
United Brokerage Services has been in the brokerage and investment management business since 1996. This firm is also a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). UBS is owned by United Asset Management Corporation, which is, in turn, owned by United Bank, Inc., a large bank with branches all over the central East Coast.
United Brokerage Services Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
United Brokerage Services advises mostly non-high-net-worth individuals, along with high-net-worth individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans and businesses.
Account minimums at the firm generally start at $25,000.
Services Offered by United Brokerage Services
United Brokerage Services offers the following advisory services:
- Portfolio management
- Asset Advisor Program
- Wrap fee program that combines all advisory, custodial and transactional fees into one charge
- Asset Advisor Program
- Selection of other advisors
United Brokerage Services Investment Philosophy
Long- and short-term trading are among the key investment strategies employed by UBS, but methods and strategies will vary depending on the investment advisor offering advice. UBS may employ technical analysis, asset allocation, long-term purchases, short-term purchases and re-balancing strategies.
The firm invests in exchange-traded equity securities, investment-grade corporate bonds, non-investment-grade corporate bonds, securities issued by registered investment companies and cash and cash equivalents.
United Brokerage Services Fees
United Brokerage Services only lists the fee schedule for two of its wrap fee programs: the Asset Advisor Program and Custom Choice Program. Clients enrolled in either program are subject to a 2.00% annual program fee.
What to Watch Out For
United Brokerage Services doesn’t have any disclosures reported on its Form ADV.
Opening an Account with United Brokerage Services
You can set up an account with UBS by visiting the firm in person, or you can call a firm representative at (888) 424-6158.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
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