Recent new material updates on its Form ADV by an investment consultant indicate that it will separately charge clients for providing fee negotiation services. The service seeks to secure more favorable fund fee terms for clients. Founder and President Amy Lynch explains that consultants have been expanding their product offerings and service levels, but at the same time recognize the need to disclose certain items that may pose a potential conflict of interest. She notes that the SEC has previously made it a priority to look closely at these firms’ practices and that there is now a greater recognition by investment consultants to be more transparent about fees and other areas, such as gifting policies, that may raise concerns. See FundFire (subscription required), “Consultant Tacks on Extra Charge to Negotiate Manager Fees”
