Are electronic signatures valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and most state UETA statutes when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are present.

Not all Financial Advisory Agreements require notarization. Use a notary when state law or a third‑party custodian requires notarized authorization for account changes or transfers.

Can I use remote online notarization?

RYN availability varies by state. Where permitted, RON requires identity proofing, an audio‑video session, and retention of the notarization record.

How do I amend the agreement?

Use a written amendment signed by all original parties; record the amendment date and retain executed amendment alongside the original agreement.

Who must sign the agreement?

All contracting parties or authorized representatives must sign. For firms, include name, title, and a signatory block showing authority to bind the entity.

How long must I keep the records?

Retain agreements for the active term plus conservatively 3–7 years; follow federal standards such as IRC §6501(a) and industry rules like HIPAA 45 CFR §164.530(j) where applicable.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Finance
Financial Advisory Agreement

Financial Advisory Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

FINANCIAL ADVISORY AGREEMENT

This Financial Advisory Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of between Advisor Name: and Client Name: .

Advisor Contact Information

Address Primary Contact Phone / Email

Client Contact Information

Address Primary Contact / Relationship Phone / Email

Recitals

Advisor is duly authorized and experienced to provide financial advisory and related consulting services. Client desires to engage Advisor to provide such services subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The parties agree as follows.

1. Engagement and Scope of Services

Advisor will provide financial advisory services as described in the Schedule of Services below, including but not limited to investment advice, portfolio analysis, financial planning, transaction advice, and reporting. Advisor will perform services in a professional manner consistent with applicable fiduciary duties and industry standards.

Schedule of Services (describe specific deliverables and frequencies)

2. Term

This Agreement commences on the Effective Date set forth above and continues for a term of months unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 10.

3. Fees, Billing and Expenses

Client shall pay Advisor fees in accordance with the Fee Schedule below. Fees payable are earned upon issuance of invoice and are due within days of invoice date.

Fee Schedule

Description	Fee Basis	Rate / Amount

Subtotal:

Tax (if applicable):

Expenses (reimbursable):

Total Due:

Payment Methods Accepted: Wire Transfer Check Credit Card

Late Fee Policy: Unpaid amounts shall bear interest at the rate of on overdue balances, and Client shall reimburse Advisor for collection costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

4. Client Responsibilities

Client shall provide full, accurate and timely information necessary for Advisor to perform services, including financial statements, account statements, tax returns, and other documentation. Client authorizes Advisor to obtain account information from custodians and third parties as reasonably necessary to perform the services.

Authorization to Obtain Information

5. Confidentiality

Each party shall maintain in confidence and not disclose to any third party any non-public information of the other party conveyed in connection with this Agreement, except as required by law or with prior written consent. The obligation of confidentiality survives termination of this Agreement for three (3) years.

Additional Confidentiality Terms

6. Conflicts of Interest

Advisor represents that, to the best of its knowledge, there are no material conflicts of interest that would prevent Advisor from performing the services hereunder. Advisor will promptly disclose any material conflict that arises during the term and will take reasonable steps to mitigate such conflict.

Disclosed Conflicts (if any)

7. Representations and Warranties

Each party represents and warrants that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations. Client represents that all information provided to Advisor is true, complete and not misleading.

8. Limitations on Liability and Indemnification

Advisor shall perform services with reasonable skill and care but does not guarantee investment performance or outcomes. Except for willful misconduct or gross negligence, Advisor's liability to Client for claims arising from this Agreement shall be limited to the total fees paid by Client to Advisor under this Agreement in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim. Client shall indemnify and hold Advisor harmless from and against any third-party claims arising from Client's breach of this Agreement or Client-provided information.

9. Records, Reports and Audit

Advisor shall maintain records reflecting services performed and fees charged. Advisor will provide Client with reports as agreed in the Schedule of Services. Client may inspect records related to its account upon reasonable notice during normal business hours.

Reporting Frequency

10. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon providing written notice to the other party at least days prior to termination. Upon termination, Client shall pay Advisor for all services performed and expenses incurred through the effective date of termination. Sections concerning confidentiality, indemnification, limitation of liability, and payment shall survive termination.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of . Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration or litigation as selected by the parties in writing; if arbitration is selected, it will be conducted in the county where Client's primary address is located, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

12. Notices

All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth above or to such other address as either party may designate by notice in accordance with this section. Notice is effective upon personal delivery, one business day after delivery to an overnight courier, or three business days after mailing by certified mail.

Advisor Notice Address (if different) Client Notice Address (if different)

13. Miscellaneous

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings. No amendment shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, except that Advisor may assign to an affiliate or in connection with a sale of substantially all of its assets.

Additional Terms and Conditions

Acknowledgment

By signing below, Client acknowledges receipt of this Agreement, understands the scope of services and fees, and consents to the terms herein. Advisor certifies that it will perform services in accordance with applicable standards.

Client Acknowledgement

Advisor:

By:

Date:

Client:

By:

Date:

What a Financial Advisory Agreement Is and what it covers

A Financial Advisory Agreement is a written contract between a client and a financial advisor that sets the scope of services, fee structure, duties, and legal relationship for advisory work. Typical provisions include descriptions of services (investment management, planning, consulting), compensation (hourly, flat fee, or assets under management), term and termination rights, confidentiality, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and recordkeeping obligations. The agreement also clarifies authority for trading or custody, reporting frequency, and dispute resolution mechanisms so both parties understand expectations and regulatory responsibilities.

Why formalizing the advisory relationship matters

A written agreement reduces ambiguity about services and fees, allocates responsibilities, and documents consent and authority. It supports regulatory compliance, clarifies liability and confidentiality expectations, and provides an auditable record when signed and retained electronically under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) or state UETA frameworks.

Who typically prepares or signs this agreement

Parties that prepare and sign Financial Advisory Agreements include licensed advisors, investment firms, compliance officers, and individual or institutional clients who need documented fiduciary terms.

Independent financial advisors — sole practitioners documenting scope, fees, and limited trading authority.
Registered investment advisers and firms — firms with compliance teams using standardized templates and disclosures.
High‑net‑worth or institutional clients — require tailored terms for custody, reporting, and delegated authorities.

Verify each signer’s role and registration status before execution to ensure the agreement reflects regulatory responsibilities and client expectations.

Primary signers and their typical roles

Registered Investment Adviser

A registered advisor or firm signs to confirm services and regulatory disclosures, records fee methodology, and accepts responsibilities such as fiduciary duty, reporting, and adherence to state or SEC rules.

Individual Client

The client signs to accept services, grant any limited trading or custody authority, confirm disclosures were received, and acknowledge the fee and termination terms in the agreement.

Core clauses to include in a professional agreement

A robust Financial Advisory Agreement organizes rights and obligations so both parties can rely on clear, enforceable terms.

Scope of Services

Describe precisely the services provided (investment management, financial planning, reporting frequency) and any excluded services to avoid ambiguity and scope creep.

Fees and Billing

State fee formulas (AUM %, hourly, fixed), billing intervals, refund or proration rules, and payment methods to prevent disputes over compensation.

Term and Termination

Specify the agreement start date, renewal terms, notice period for termination, and post‑termination obligations such as final accounting or transition assistance.

Authority and Custody

Clarify any limited trading or discretionary authority, custody arrangements, and whether third‑party custodians will be used.

Confidentiality

Include confidentiality obligations, permitted disclosures, and procedures for handling sensitive client data consistent with privacy requirements.

Dispute Resolution

Identify governing law, forum or arbitration clauses, and remedies for breach to provide predictable procedures for resolving conflicts.

Stepwise process to prepare and execute the document

Follow these sequential steps to complete, sign, and retain a valid Financial Advisory Agreement.

01

Draft: Prepare a clear draft with defined services and fees.
02

Review: Have compliance or legal counsel review the terms.
03

Sign: Obtain signatures from all parties using a compliant eSignature method.
04

Store: Retain the executed file and audit trail in secure storage.

How to set up an electronic signing workflow

Configure the signing workflow so roles, authentication, and storage align with the agreement’s legal and compliance needs.

Field	Configuration
Upload Document	PDF or DOCX accepted; preserve original formatting.
Add Signature Fields	Place signature, initial, and date fields for each signer.
Authentication	Use email, SMS code, or stronger methods as required.
Signing Order	Set sequential or parallel signing per role requirements.

Where to send and how to route the executed agreement

Common destinations and routing steps ensure the executed agreement is delivered to all stakeholders and stored securely.

Advisor Storage: Save a certified copy in the firm’s document repository.
Client Copy: Send an executed PDF copy to the client email on file.
Compliance File: Retain a copy in the compliance archive with the audit trail.
Custodian Notification: Provide executed authorization to the custodian when applicable.

Digital signing and technical requirements

Choose a platform that supports secure eSignatures, audit trails, and the integrations your firm uses.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
File Formats: PDF, DOCX, Excel supported
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA options

Common timing elements to include and monitor

Track the agreement’s effective dates, billing cycles, and notice periods so obligations are met on schedule.

Effective Date:

Date services and obligations begin.

Notice to Terminate:

Commonly 30–90 days prior written notice required.

Billing Cycle:

Monthly, quarterly, or annual billing dates.

Performance Review:

Annual or quarterly reporting checkpoints for results.

Record Retention Start:

Retention generally starts on execution or creation.

Key milestones from negotiation through post‑execution

Map the major milestones so each party understands the sequence from drafting to long‑term retention.

01

Draft Completion

Final draft approved by all internal reviewers.

02

Client Review

Client reviews and requests edits or approves terms.

03

Execution

All parties sign, using compliant eSignature or ink.

04

Archival

Executed copies and audit trail stored securely.

Risks and potential consequences of errors

Breach Liability: Civil damages, reputational harm

Regulatory Risk: Exam findings or fines

Tax Exposure: Withholding or reporting issues

Invalid Signature: Enforceability questions

Data Breach: Privacy and breach notification

Operational Delay: Missed deadlines or funding

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the agreement

Using vague scope language such as 'advisory services as needed' that leads to disputes about deliverables and billing.
Failing to match signer names to legal or registration records, which can create enforcement and compliance problems.
Neglecting to specify termination notice periods or termination obligations for transition assistance or final accounting.
Overlooking data‑privacy addenda or consent language when client data is processed or shared with custodians.

Essential data elements the agreement must capture

Party Names: Full legal names

Contact Details: Street address and email

Tax ID: TIN or EIN as applicable

Account IDs: Custodian or account numbers

Fee Terms: Exact billing description

Signatures: Signed and dated entries

Real-world examples of digital signing in practice

Two representative customer stories show how firms completed agreements and maintained compliance with digital workflows.

Optica Ventures (COO)

Optica refined its signature workflow to be client-friendly and compliant

They reduced turnaround time across client cohorts
The team reports simpler external execution while preserving complete audit trails and security controls for regulatory review.

Martin Properties (Founder)

Martin Properties moved agreements online for remote closings

Mobile signing supported field operations
The firm processed and executed documents with compliance and security intact, enabling consistent completion without in-person signings.

eSignature vendor comparison for signing Financial Advisory Agreements

Compare starting prices and core capabilities for common eSignature vendors. signNow is listed first per overview data; verify specific plan terms with each vendor before purchasing.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Follow these best practices to minimize errors and speed execution while maintaining legal validity.

Standardize templates

Keep a single, reviewed template for common engagements to reduce drafting errors and lower attorney review time; track versions and require approval before use.

Verify signer identity

Match signer names to government ID or registration records and use stronger authentication for high‑risk transactions to support enforceability.

Document consent for eSigning

In consumer contexts include the ESIGN consumer disclosure and evidence that the signer could access the electronic record and consented to eSigning.

Preserve audit trails

Retain the signed PDF and a machine-readable audit log capturing timestamps, IP addresses, and authentication events for future compliance reviews.

Frequently asked questions about executing and enforcing the agreement

Answers to common questions about legal validity, eSigning, notarization, revisions, retention, and signer authority.

Need help? Contact support

Are electronic signatures valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and most state UETA statutes when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are present.
Do I need a notary?
Not all Financial Advisory Agreements require notarization. Use a notary when state law or a third‑party custodian requires notarized authorization for account changes or transfers.
Can I use remote online notarization?
RYN availability varies by state. Where permitted, RON requires identity proofing, an audio‑video session, and retention of the notarization record.
How do I amend the agreement?
Use a written amendment signed by all original parties; record the amendment date and retain executed amendment alongside the original agreement.
Who must sign the agreement?
All contracting parties or authorized representatives must sign. For firms, include name, title, and a signatory block showing authority to bind the entity.
How long must I keep the records?
Retain agreements for the active term plus conservatively 3–7 years; follow federal standards such as IRC §6501(a) and industry rules like HIPAA 45 CFR §164.530(j) where applicable.

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