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Financial Anti Steering Agreement

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FINANCIAL ANTI STEERING AGREEMENT

Parties and Effective Date

This Financial Anti Steering Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into between Provider Name: and Client Name: .

Effective Date:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Provider maintains and offers financial products and services to clients and may pay or receive compensation in connection with such products and services; and

WHEREAS, Client requires that recommendations, sales activity, placement, or referrals involving Client's accounts be made on the basis of the Client's best interest and not on the basis of payments, incentives, or other arrangements that would improperly influence product placement ("steering");

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, the parties agree as follows.

Definitions

"Steering" means any practice or communication by Provider or its Representatives that directs, influences, or attempts to influence Client to select a particular financial product, service provider, platform, or service channel for reasons other than the Client's stated investment objectives, needs, and best interest.

"Compensation" includes, but is not limited to, fees, commissions, finder fees, revenue sharing, soft dollars, marketing support, override payments, and any other monetary or non-monetary benefits.

Anti-Steering Covenants

1. Provider covenants that it will not engage in Steering with respect to Client's accounts, shall not condition recommendations on the receipt of Compensation, and shall not favor products, services, or distribution channels on the basis of compensation arrangements where such preference conflicts with Client's best interest.

2. Provider shall ensure that all Representatives who provide advice, recommendations, or placement services to Client receive training and written directives necessary to comply with the anti-steering obligations set forth in this Agreement.

Disclosure of Compensation

Provider shall disclose in writing to Client, no less frequently than annually, a complete description of compensation arrangements that could reasonably be expected to influence placement or recommendation decisions affecting Client. Provider shall also promptly disclose material changes to such arrangements.

Prohibited Conduct

Provider shall not: (a) alter, delay, or withhold information to influence Client choice of product or provider; (b) mischaracterize the relative costs, benefits, or risks of available alternatives; (c) require use of specific platforms, custodians, or intermediaries as a condition of receiving access to any product or service unless such requirement is disclosed and consistent with Client's best interest.

Permitted Exceptions

The restrictions herein do not apply to actions that are: (a) required by law or regulatory obligation; (b) necessary to preserve the integrity of Client accounts in exigent circumstances; or (c) expressly documented in writing as agreed exceptions by Client. All exceptions must be documented contemporaneously with a written justification.

Recordkeeping, Reporting and Audit Rights

Provider shall maintain records demonstrating compliance with this Agreement for a period of years following the final transaction or interaction. Client or Client's authorized auditor shall have the right, upon reasonable notice, to inspect and copy relevant records during normal business hours.

Representations and Warranties

Each party represents and warrants that it has the authority to enter into this Agreement and that the execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate any material agreement or law to which it is subject.

Indemnification and Limitations

Provider agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Client from and against any losses, claims, damages, fines, penalties and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of Provider's breach of this Agreement or violations of applicable law attributable to Provider's steering. Except for indemnification obligations, neither party shall be liable for consequential, incidental, exemplary or punitive damages except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Term and Termination

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for a term of years unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement. Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' prior written notice. Termination does not relieve Provider of obligations with respect to actions or omissions occurring prior to termination.

Compliance; Remedies for Breach

Upon a material breach of this Agreement by Provider, Client may, in addition to any other remedies available at law or equity, require corrective actions, seek monetary damages, or terminate the Agreement. Provider shall cooperate with any investigation and shall implement remedial measures reasonably requested by Client.

Notices

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts located in , State of .

Miscellaneous

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties. If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force.

Compliance Certifications

The undersigned representatives certify that they are authorized to bind their respective parties, that the information provided in this Agreement is true and correct, and that they will perform their obligations in good faith and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Provider Name:

By:

Date:

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text

What the Financial Anti Steering Agreement Is

The Financial Anti Steering Agreement is a written contract used in financial and advisory relationships to prevent a provider from directing clients toward specific products or services based on compensation incentives rather than client best interests. It documents disclosed compensation practices, lists prohibited steering behaviors, and defines remedies and dispute procedures. Commonly used by brokers, advisors, lenders, plan administrators, and employers, the agreement creates a clear record of consent and constraints on recommendation practices. When executed properly it supports regulatory compliance and reduces conflicts of interest in transactional and advisory contexts.

Why Organizations Use a Financial Anti Steering Agreement

Use a Financial Anti Steering Agreement to document consent, limit conflicts of interest, and establish remediation for prohibited recommendations. It helps meet fiduciary or suitability obligations and creates a reproducible record admissible under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where applicable.

Why Organizations Use a Financial Anti Steering Agreement

Typical Users and When They Apply This Agreement

Typical users include financial advisors, broker-dealers, lenders, retirement plan administrators, and employers needing formal disclosure of compensation and steering limitations.

  • Registered investment advisors documenting conflicts and client consent to compensation arrangements.
  • Broker-dealers and mortgage lenders confirming disclosure of referral fees and origination incentives.
  • Plan administrators using the agreement when directing participants between investment options or recordkeepers.

Completed agreements provide a clear audit trail for compliance, internal review, and dispute resolution while supporting regulatory recordkeeping.

Who Signs and What Authority They Need

Institutional Signer

An authorized officer (CFO, General Counsel) who can bind the firm. Provide full legal name, corporate title, and evidence of authority—board resolution or corporate charter—if requested. Their signature affirms the firm's compensation policies and consent to anti-steering restrictions.

Individual Client

A client, investor, or plan participant who must sign to acknowledge disclosures and waive steering practices. Provide legal name, taxpayer identification when required, and contact details. Electronic signature acceptance must comply with ESIGN consumer disclosure rules.

Required Core Fields in the Agreement

Agreement Date: Effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Parties: Full legal names and roles.
Compensation Detail: Describe fees, commissions, and overrides.
Prohibited Conduct: List specific steering behaviors prohibited.
Remedies: Specify remedies and dispute resolution.
Signatures: Signature, printed name, title, date.

Key Risks and Potential Penalties

Regulatory Fines: Civil penalties and enforcement actions
Contract Damages: Monetary liability and rescission risk
Tax Consequences: Backup withholding or reporting errors
Invalidated Advice: Court may void recommendations
Reputation Harm: Client trust erosion and complaints
Recordkeeping Penalties: Failure to retain records fines

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete or vague compensation disclosures that fail to identify fees, commissions, or third-party payments can invalidate the agreement or trigger regulatory scrutiny.
  • Using mismatched names or misspelled legal entities between the agreement and identifications creates enforceability issues and may require re-execution.
  • Omitting consumer-facing ESIGN disclosures or failing to obtain explicit consent for electronic records risks non-compliance with 15 U.S.C. §7001.
  • Neglecting to preserve an audit trail, timestamps, and signer authentication makes it difficult to prove intent and attribution during disputes.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Executing the Agreement

Follow these steps to prepare and execute a Financial Anti Steering Agreement accurately and compliantly.

  • 01
    Draft: Define prohibited steering actions and disclosure language.
  • 02
    Review: Check compensation clauses, remedies, and authority.
  • 03
    Sign: Collect dated signatures with signer authentication.
  • 04
    Store: Retain executed copy and audit trail securely.

How to Configure an Electronic Workflow

Configure an electronic workflow that enforces disclosures, signer authentication, and retention policies for consistent execution.

Field Configuration
Primary authentication and access controls Email link plus optional SMS one-time passcode authentication.
Conditional field display rules settings Show compensation fields when 'yes' selected.
Standard template naming and versioning Anti-Steering Agreement v1 standard template.
Bulk distribution and batching options Enable for mass distribution to multiple signers.

Where Completed Agreements Typically Go

Routes and submission points for completed Financial Anti Steering Agreements depend on organization and regulatory requirements.

  • Send to Compliance: Internal compliance officer for review and filing.
  • Deliver to Client: Provide client-signed copy via secure delivery.
  • Record Storage: Store final PDF and full audit trail.
  • Regulatory Filing: Submit copies to regulator if required by law.

Technical Requirements for Digital Execution

Select a platform that supports secure e-signatures, detailed audit trails, integrations, and role-based access controls.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML supported
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3, AES-256 at rest

Key Deadlines and Review Intervals

Key deadlines and recommended review periods for Financial Anti Steering Agreements vary by organization and applicable law.

Effective Date:

Agreement start date; establishes obligations.

Signature Deadline:

Set deadline for execution after offer delivery.

Annual Review:

Review compensation and policy language annually.

Dispute Notice Window:

Specify days allowed to contest recommendations.

Record Retention:

Start retention from execution date per policy.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Agreement

A compliant Financial Anti Steering Agreement combines clear definitions, disclosed compensation, and enforceable remedies to reduce conflicts and document consent.

Purpose

States the agreement's objective to prevent steering based on incentive structures. It explains the scope, parties covered, and the professional standard — fiduciary or suitability — that governs recommendations and limits permissible compensation-driven conduct.

Definitions

Defines key terms such as 'steering', 'compensation', 'covered products', 'affiliate', and 'remedies'. Precise definitions reduce ambiguity and aid enforcement, regulatory review, and dispute resolution effectively.

Compensation

Enumerates all forms of compensation — direct fees, commissions, referral payments, revenue sharing, and third-party incentives. Full disclosure helps clients evaluate recommendations and supports compliance with suitability or fiduciary standards.

Prohibitions

Lists prohibited steering behaviors, such as directing clients solely for higher commissions, selective disclosure, or undisclosed affiliate referrals. The clause should be specific to transactions and product categories covered.

Remedies

Specifies remedies for breaches including contract damages, rescission rights, fee restitution, and internal disciplinary actions. Also sets notice periods and escalation steps for alleged violations and dispute resolution procedures.

Execution

Contains signature blocks, authority statements, execution date, and acknowledgement of electronic signing consent. Includes attestations that parties received disclosures and accepted the electronic record under ESIGN and applicable state law.

Export Options and Supporting Documents

Document handling and export options affect auditability and long-term storage; choose formats that preserve the audit trail and signature metadata.

Download Options

Export signed agreements as PDF/A to preserve content and metadata. Include the audit trail and certificate of completion alongside the document for evidentiary support in disputes or regulatory reviews.

Export Formats

Support for PDF, DOCX, and printable copies ensures compatibility with internal systems. Maintain the machine-readable version plus a flattened signed PDF for tamper-evident records.

Supporting Documents

Attach compensation schedules, disclosures, board resolutions, or power-of-attorney evidence. Bundling supporting exhibits with the signed agreement simplifies compliance audits and reduces discovery time.

Master Record

Retain a single signed master PDF with embedded signature data, export logs, and version history to ensure one authoritative record for legal and regulatory needs.

Practical Tips for Accurate, Efficient Completion

Follow these practical guidelines to reduce errors and improve enforceability when preparing Financial Anti Steering Agreements.

Use precise, unambiguous compensation and fee language
State exact compensation amounts, ranges, or calculation methods. Avoid vague phrases such as 'reasonable compensation.' Specify how third-party payments are handled and whether offsets or credits apply to client charges.
Confirm signer identity and authority
Verify signer identity with government ID or multi-factor authentication. For institutional parties, obtain evidence of authority such as board resolutions or corporate filings and retain copies for audit.
Preserve audit trail and signature metadata
Ensure timestamps, IP addresses, authentication method, and document version history are recorded and stored with the executed agreement. These details are crucial to prove intent, attribution, and consent in disputes.
Schedule periodic policy reviews and update cycles
Set an annual or semi-annual review schedule to reassess compensation practices, regulatory changes, and contract language. Document revisions and require re-execution when material changes affect client rights or steering limitations.

Examples: How Organizations Use This Agreement

Examples show how organizations use Financial Anti Steering Agreements to document practices across industries and protect clients.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties used an anti-steering agreement to standardize disclosures for broker referrals and reduce in-person paperwork across rental and sale transactions.

  • Resulted in faster client sign-off and compliance.
  • The company reported more consistent disclosures, fewer disputes over referral fees, and an easier audit trail for compliance reviews. Electronic execution reduced turnaround time and preserved a complete record for each transaction.

Fertility Centers of Illinois

Fertility Centers of Illinois implemented the agreement to disclose compensation arrangements with suppliers and insurance billing intermediaries for patient-facing recommendations.

  • Improved patient transparency and consent.
  • Signatures were collected electronically, ensuring HIPAA-conscious handling with documented consent; the signed agreements formed part of the medical record and reduced administrative delays for billing and treatment authorizations.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Agreement Execution

Basic pricing and feature comparison for common eSignature providers relevant to executing Financial Anti Steering Agreements.

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 (Business Premium) Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequent questions about legality, execution, and recordkeeping for Financial Anti Steering Agreements.


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