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This week, the Infinity Financial Services team took a break from the usual routine to set up our holiday decorations. The tree is a classic and timeless centerpiece that reflects the season’s spirit of togetherness. It’s a simple reminder to pause and appreciate what we’ve accomplished as a team throughout the year. As the year comes to a close, these touches of holiday spirit help set the tone for reflection and celebration. Happy Holidays from all of us at Infinity Financial Services!

The 2023 National Conference brought together the Infinity Financial Services community to reflect, learn, and explore new horizons in financial advising. The conference emphasized the importance of awareness, versatility, and innovative problem-solving to navigate an ever-changing industry landscape. Attendees participated in engaging discussions on market trends, high-net-worth client solutions, and strategies to stay ahead in a competitive field. The event featured interactive breakout sessions, cutting-edge financial tools like RBC Black, and opportunities to connect with sponsors offering diverse financial solutions. Highlighting the spirit of collaboration, the conference hosted the 2023 Major League Investment Draft, where teams competed to build tailored portfolios, further showcasing the creativity and expertise of IFS advisors. The conference underscored the importance of adapting to client needs and seizing opportunities in an evolving financial world, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to deliver exceptional results. The 2023 Major League Investment Draft challenged participants to craft a retirement-focused investment portfolio for Suzie and Howard, a high-net-worth couple nearing retirement. With $1 million in marketable securities to reposition, teams had to follow strict allocation rules across fixed annuities, marketable securities, complex products, and treasuries, ensuring alignment with the couple's financial goals and risk tolerance. Participants demonstrated remarkable strategy and insight, with no portfolio rebalancing allowed post-allocation and certain high-risk assets excluded. The competition brought innovation and collaboration to the forefront, showcasing the talent and creativity of every team. This engaging event highlighted the power of financial expertise, and we’re proud to announce the winners who delivered exceptional results.  Thank you to all who made it such a success, and congratulations to the winners!

At Infinity Financial Services, we value not only financial achievements but also the adventurous spirit that fuels our team members outside of the office. One of our friends and advisors, Aaron Stasulis, recently embodied that spirit on an unforgettable hike at Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak. Aaron’s adventure began at the crack of dawn, under the first rays of sunlight at 4 a.m. The summit, reached after hours of endurance and determination, stood over 5,000 feet, offering panoramic views of Maine’s wilderness. It’s hard not to feel inspired by the stunning beauty he encountered along the way. By 2 p.m., Aaron had completed the trek, capturing nature in some breathtaking photographs he shared with us. Aaron’s Katahdin hike is a perfect example of the incredible determination and perspective that we bring to our work, helping our clients achieve their financial goals with the same tenacity he showed on the trail. Keep pushing your limits, whether it’s in the office or in the wild, and you’ll find that every summit offers a new, rewarding view.

This weekend, San Francisco Bay served as both a hub of high-speed sailing and the venue where Greg Gilbert, CEO of Infinity Financial Services, connected his passion for sailing with his professional expertise. Amid the thrilling SailGP competition, Greg discussed the similarities between sailing and finance—both demand precision and the ability to effectively harness dynamic forces. Our CEO's presence at SailGP underscores Infinity Financial’s commitment to innovation and agility, both in managing our business and in embracing a lifestyle that resonates with our clients. For Greg and Infinity Financial, attending such events goes beyond mere spectating; it's about blending personal interests with business, enriching client interactions, and showcasing the leadership qualities that propel our company forward. As we continue to explore the intersections between our professional endeavors and personal passions, follow our blog for more updates and insights from the world of finance and beyond.

SailGP competition, founded by Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, and champion yachtsman Russell Coutts, aims to establish a commercially viable global race series with a large audience, a feat that had been unsuccessfully attempted in the past with series like the Extreme Sailing Series.  As SailGP prepares to return to San Francisco for its Grand Final this weekend, Apex Group Ltd has emerged as a crucial partner in propelling this prestigious sailing championship forward. Founded in Bermuda and serving a global clientele in asset management and capital markets, Apex Group's sponsorship of SailGP events like the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix underscores their commitment to excellence and innovation. With San Francisco Bay's challenging waters as the backdrop, Apex Group's support not only enhances the championship's global prestige but also fosters a platform for showcasing cutting-edge financial solutions alongside thrilling sporting competition. Moreover, Rolex's involvement with SailGP transcends mere product promotion, such as its Yacht-Master collection dedicated to sailing. It reflects the ideals of Rolex watches, including the pursuit of excellence, human achievement, technical development, and team spirit. https://sailgp.com/races/season-4/grand-final-san-francisco/overview/

On the 4th of July, Infinity Financial Services' CEO, Greg Gilbert, sailed with financial advisor and friend Daire Heneghan, CFA, who runs his independent client practice at our home office headquarters. Daire, an Irish-born citizen, immigrated to San Francisco to pursue his dream of working in investments. Here he is, sharing the spirit of independence and freedom from the stern of a sailboat docked at Angel Island.

Starwood Real Estate Income Trust Inc. (Starwood REIT) is facing liquidity challenges due to significant investor withdrawals and rising debt costs. The REIT, sponsored by Starwood Capital Group, has borrowed over $1.3 billion from its $1.55 billion unsecured credit facility since early 2023. Investor withdrawals totaled $2.6 billion last year, and in recent months, the REIT has struggled to meet redemption requests fully due to its 2% monthly limitation. In April 2024, Starwood REIT managed to honor only 37% of the $500 million in repurchase requests, a slight improvement from March 2024, where only 24% of $408 million in requests were met. The REIT's liquidity as of April 30, 2024, was $752 million, including cash, an undrawn line of credit, and liquid securities. Without further borrowing or asset sales, there is concern that the REIT could deplete its reserves before year-end. To improve liquidity, Starwood REIT sold $1.8 billion worth of multifamily properties, industrial properties, and real estate loans, generating a $335 million profit and a 14% internal rate of return. These sales comprised 85% of the REIT’s gross asset value. For the first quarter of 2024, the REIT reported a 7% year-over-year increase in same property net operating income, totaling $240.8 million. However, the NAV per share for all classes of stock decreased slightly in April 2024. Starwood REIT is actively raising capital, offering up to $18 billion in shares. By mid-May 2024, it had raised approximately $1.3 billion through its primary offering and $0.4 billion through its distribution reinvestment plan. Despite these efforts, the aggregate NAV declined by 1.4% from March to April 2024, and the number of shares outstanding also saw a slight decrease. Since its launch in December 2017, Starwood REIT has invested in stabilized real estate across the U.S. and Europe, but it now faces significant pressure to manage liquidity and investor redemptions in a challenging economic environment. Full article here:

The Federal Reserve Board meeting, held following positive indicators of continued economic expansion, included decisions to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent. This decision was supported by the assessment that while job gains remained strong and the unemployment rate stayed low, inflation remained elevated, albeit with recent easing. The Committee expressed its commitment to achieving maximum employment and 2 percent inflation over the longer run. In terms of monetary policy implementation, several decisions were made: The interest rate paid on reserve balances was maintained at 5.4 percent. The Federal Open Market Committee directed the Open Market Desk to conduct open market operations to maintain the federal funds rate within the target range. Standing overnight repurchase agreement operations were to be conducted with a minimum bid rate of 5.5 percent and an aggregate operation limit of $500 billion. Principal payments from Treasury securities and agency debt and mortgage-backed securities exceeding specified caps were to be rolled over or reinvested, with adjustments made beginning in June. The establishment of the primary credit rate at 5.5 percent was approved unanimously by the Board of Governors. These decisions were made to support the Committee's goals of achieving maximum employment and stable inflation. The Federal Reserve emphasized its readiness to adjust the stance of monetary policy as necessary to address emerging risks. Detailed information on open market operations and reinvestments is available on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's website. If you would like to read more please click on this link: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy.htm

In July 2022, the inversion of the 2-year Treasury yield over the 10-year Treasury yield raised concerns about an impending recession. Scott Ward's article in US News delves into the complexities of this economic signal. While historically reliable, recent economic dynamics challenge its predictive power. Optimism persists amidst robust GDP growth and increased consumer confidence, yet concerns loom over rising interest rates. For a deeper understanding, read more here:

As the conclusion of the Infinity home office renovations draws near, we are pleased to announce the culmination with the final step of hoisting the flag. These renovations have been diligently overseen by our CEO, Greg Gilbert, who also serves as the president of the board for the building.

Step into the exhilarating world of Infinity's Major League Investment Draft, where financial prowess meets strategic finesse! At our National Conference in August, our representatives formed teams and created portfolios that would cater to the needs of a hypothetical client. The moment has arrived to unveil the standings thus far. The teams have made their selections. Could you please join us as we dive into the current standings. Here is what the leaderboard looks like after a third of the season is done!

The Department of Labor's latest fiduciary rule brings significant changes, affecting annuity agents, retirement savers, and financial professionals. Despite industry resistance, the rule aims to ensure fiduciaries provide honest advice, free from overcharges. Key provisions include impartial conduct standards and heightened disclosure requirements. Learn more about its impact and industry reactions in this article published by InvestmentNews:

Alexander Tung paid us a surprise visit to the home office today.  It was nice of him to share his professional development in the Institutional RIA space.  Alex left Infinity in good standing carrying the firm through a challenging corporate reorganization and RIA spin off from the broker dealer, all during the pandemic!

In a landscape marked by economic volatility, the role of outsourced chief investment officers (OCIOs) is gaining prominence, particularly among private wealth clients. Laura Levesque, CFA, and Director at Cerulli Associates, sheds light on this burgeoning trend in her latest analysis: "Despite a year of poor market performance, the outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) service and investment model is experiencing burgeoning demand from private wealth clients and will continue to see adoption. According to Cerulli, the private wealth market segment is projected to grow 16% annually through the end of 2027, the most among all OCIO client types. Much of the demand is driven by a desire for exposure to institutional-quality investment opportunities, namely alternative investments. The OCIO model and OCIO providers provide access to higher-quality investments often, are often less costly than that of an in-house investment team, and offer the ability to implement changes to the investment portfolio more quickly than an investment committee. While differences between a truly institutional client and a private wealth client mean some adjustments will need to be made to service these clients, the future growth opportunity is very attractive to OCIO providers." Read more here.

Infinity Financial Services extends heartfelt congratulations to the University of Connecticut for their remarkable achievements in the March Madness tournament. The men's basketball team's triumph and the women's team securing a spot in the top four showcase their unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. In the spirit of celebration, we also want to highlight one of our esteemed advisors, Jack Collins, whose passion for UConn knows no bounds. Here's to the Huskies' continued success and the values of teamwork, perseverance, and determination they embody.

Temple Grandin, renowned author and professor, highlights the importance of understanding different thinking styles, especially within the realm of neurodiversity like autism. Grandin, a visual thinker, challenges the oversimplification of autism and identifies three main types of thinkers: visual, pattern, and word thinkers. She advocates for creating inclusive environments in education and employment by accommodating these diverse cognitive approaches. By embracing cognitive diversity, Grandin believes society can foster greater success and fulfillment for all individuals.

Alongside the Sacramento Kings, majority owner of the Sacramento River Cats, the A's have announced that Sutter Health Park will host the team during the 2025-2027 MLB seasons – ahead of our move to Las Vegas in 2028. Statement from A's Owner and Managing Partner John Fisher: "We explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum. Even with the long-standing relationship and good intentions on all sides in the negotiations with Oakland, the conditions to achieve an agreement seemed out of reach. We understand the disappointment this news brings to our fans, as this season marks our final one in Oakland. Throughout this season, we will honor and celebrate our time in Oakland, and will share additional details soon. We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento, and look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home until our new ballpark opens in Las Vegas."

As the final touch to our home office building renovation, we're excited to share that our CEO, Greg, has arranged for the flagpole atop the building to be painted! This means that very soon, we'll proudly raise our company flag high for all to see.

"Julia and I are so grateful that Greg shared his Warrior’s tickets while he was out of town for business! We had an incredible evening and watched a thrilling back and forth game. Here are a few photos from Chase Center versus the Chicago Bulls. Go Dubs!" Pietro

Take a look inside Infinity's culture!

The Labor Department's revised fiduciary rule proposal, expected to be finalized this year with an effective date of January 1, 2025, is generating significant discussion, particularly around its implications for fiduciary advice and independent advisors. The rule aims to protect retirement funds of American workers receiving investment advice, but its definition of fiduciary advice and impact on independent insurance agents remain controversial points. Extract from the article. The proposal has received over 19,000 comments, indicating widespread interest and concern. The rule could bring major regulatory changes, especially for independent insurance producers dealing with life insurance products with investment components, converting many standard state-regulated insurance sales transactions into fiduciary advice under ERISA if the funds used come from retirement plans or IRAs. Read the full article here.

If you are a licensed financial advisor seeking to learn how to improve your practice, we are excited to invite you to an exclusive webinar hosted by JPMorgan, designed specifically for financial advisors like yourself. This interactive session will provide a comprehensive overview of the innovative tools and resources that JPMorgan offers to support your advisory services. Webinar Details: Date: February 23rd Time: 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST)

The rise of AI voice-generation technology is presenting a new frontier for scammers, with implications reaching far and wide, particularly for financial advisors. According to a report by The Washington Post, AI models adept at replicating human voices are making it alarmingly simple for fraudsters to mimic loved ones and orchestrate convincing scams, often targeting vulnerable individuals such as the elderly. These sophisticated systems can recreate not just the sound but also the emotional tone of a speaker's voice with astonishing accuracy, making it increasingly challenging to discern authenticity, especially in moments of urgency. As highlighted by a harrowing case where a couple sent $15,000 to a scammer impersonating their son in distress, the implications for financial security are profound. With impostor scams already rampant in the United States, the advent of AI voice simulation adds a new layer of complexity, posing significant challenges for authorities in combating such fraud. Financial advisors must remain vigilant and educate clients about the risks posed by these evolving technologies, emphasizing skepticism towards unsolicited requests for funds, and advocating for additional verification measures beyond voice calls. Moreover, as AI continues to advance rapidly, there is a pressing need for regulatory frameworks and industry standards to address the growing threats posed by AI-driven fraud and misinformation, ensuring that the benefits of these technologies outweigh the risks for consumers and businesses alike. Read the full article by ARS Technica here.

Our CEO, Greg Gilbert, traveled to Connecticut to a conference on the Eagle Point Institutional Income Fund. The conference was organized by Jennifer Diagle, who can be seen in the picture above, and Joseph Roth. He then moved over to New York where he visited some of the most esteemed landmarks including the World Trade Center memorial, the Fearless Girl statue and more!

Discover the intricate tapestry of America's workforce in this eye-opening article from The Wall Street Journal. Delve into the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, revealing striking patterns in gender and racial composition across various professions. Gain valuable insights into why certain occupations exhibit pronounced demographic trends and explore the societal implications therein. Don't miss this illuminating exploration of workforce demographics in contemporary America. Read more at WSJ! "Almost 96% of all dental hygienists are women. Six out of seven lawyers are white. And the racial and ethnic makeup of paralegals, hairdressers and dietitians closely mirrors that of the overall U.S. workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics each year publishes data looking at the gender and racial composition of hundreds of occupations, offering a snapshot of how workers sort themselves into many of the most important jobs in the country." For the full article, click here.

At the main office, the excitement for the Lunar New Year is palpable as we prepare to celebrate with a bang! With a spirit of unity and optimism, we extend positive wishes to all for a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year ahead.

Step into the exhilarating world of Infinity's Major League Investment Draft, where financial prowess meets strategic finesse! At our National Conference in August, our representatives formed teams and created portfolios that would cater to the needs of a hypothetical client. The moment has arrived to unveil the standings thus far. The teams have made their selections. Could you please join us as we dive into the current standings. Here is what the leaderboard looks like after a third of the season is done!

As we start the new year, our CEO Greg Gilbert has made it his personal responsibility to renew the home office top to bottom. As we experience high interest rates and high vacancy rates, commercial buildings are going through a bear market. Now, it is the time to be contrarian, fixing up the building. Many changes coming, breathing a new life and a spirit of renewal to the start of 2024. Stay tuned to see the finished result!

Attention Securities Licensed Financial Advisors and Registered Reps! If you would like to learn how to help clients exchange their real estate tax deferred, join us for an exclusive webinar on 1031 DSTs. Webinar Info: Date: Feb. 2nd, 2024 Time: 11:30AM PST To join, click the button below on Friday, Feb. 2nd at 11:30AM PST.

12-12-2023 Important notes Before the Call Small Firm Conference will be in Chicago in 2024: 2024 Small Firm Conference Friday December 8th 2023 the SEC gave FAQ’s on form CRS requirements: SEC Frequently Asked Questions on Form CRS Member firm hub on FINRA website consolidates reg notices, resources tools, events and more: Member Hub Panelists Katie, Stephanie, Claire, Bill are the FINRA Moderators and senior FINRA leaders. Bill is FINRA’s new head of enforcement. Recordings of calls: Historical Small Firm Conference Calls Regulatory operations insight Bill speaking Reg Ops initiative by FINRA o This is FINRAs attempt to better align regulatory operations. Enforcement, transparency services, member supervision, and other key FINRA departments are focused on collaborating going forward. Information is being shared between FINRA departments in order to attempting consistent standards. FINRA’s goal is to achieve a unified solution to meet FINRA’s overall mission/ values. Example: Improve how matters are handed off from investigations or examinations departments to FINRA’s enforcement department. The guiding reasoning behind FINRAs collaboration is to be proactive and collaborate to limit damages before situations snowball.  o If new issues arise, the Reg Ops team determines if notice to members/ regulatory notices should be created. ACAT fraud regulatory notice is a recent example of this collaboration between various FINRA departments and member firms. FINRA Reg Ops noticed an uptick in ACAT fraud so they issued regulatory notices on risks and effective practices. Reg Ops area of focus and unified FINRA departments hopefully will provide consistent messaging from FINRA to member firms. Enforcement Department’s main mission Safeguard markets and uphold market integrity.  ▪ Protect investors. Priorities of Enforcement Department going forward in 2024 Work with Reg Ops Drive efficiencies and share intelligence between FINRA departments. Reduce time of resolution of pending enforcement matters. Currently FINRA takes a long time to respond to member firms.  o Speeding up the turn around will bar bad actors sooner Speeding up the turn around will provide restitution to clients sooner FINRA enforcement’s goal is to minimize instances where firms hear from FINRA then 18 months later settlement. The enforcement department is looking to use analytics to improve regulatory oversight. Sometimes analytics generate false positives which are handled on a case-by-case basis. Other times analytics allows for focused restitution. Progressive discipline is what FINRA is working towards to help member firms grow.  o Egregious -> disciplinary action If the issue is an item FINRA can work with member firms on, cautionary actions will be taken on a case-by-case basis.  o For secondary offenses, FINRA will likely spend more time to determine if disciplinary action should be taken. This is also on a case-by-case basis. Enforcement Departments focus. Restitution to clients o Issues with complex products o Create a culture of inclusion at FINRA Train staff and provide skills to staff. Market regulation and transparency services Stephanie talking Key objectives o Leverage data more effectively, especially trade surveillance data. Former structure Vertical based on products o New structure Horizontal based on various categories (unsure what specific categories) o Develop a cross product surveillance program. Looking ahead for 2024 o Continue to focus on key areas of market integrity. o Supervision of manipulative trading o Cat reporting compliance o Best execution Always a key investor protection requirement SEC is thinking about creating their own Best Execution proposal. Fixed income pricing Mark up guidelines Determination of prevailing market price Supervisory procedures in general o Compliance with reg sho for short selling area o Compliance milestone with CAIS due May 2024 Member Supervision Claire speaking FINRA Examinations Department’s focus in 2024. Consistent in large part to 2023 areas of focus. Cybersecurity Reg BI AML Fraud and financial crimes Release of 2024 report is coming. Will have a new name “Regulatory oversight report.” Additional Areas of Focus o Crypto assets  o Artificial intelligence o Transition to T+1 compliance More for clearing firms, not necessarily introducing Broker Dealers. Exam staff schematic exams will be used. For example, FINRA had a net capital computation schematic exam of member firms. Member supervision noted net capital computation findings. Potential Enhancements in 2024 o Risk based analysis on the back end of FINRA. Exam surveys for member firm feedback following FINRA exams. Risk Monitoring Changes o In 2023 risk monitoring issued questionaries outside of examinations ▪ Currently, key vendor questionnaire Insight on how to respond. Will firms expect more of these going forward? Yes, risk monitoring uses these for data gathering. RM department plans to be judicious and limit questionnaires to key initiatives. Enforcement Department Trends Recommended areas of focus o Common/ perennial referrals to enforcement Undisclosed OBAs and PSTs 8210 failures to respond Failure to detect and report AML issues. Reg BI Picking up focused on customer harm. Excessive trading Care obligations o Over concentration of complex products ▪ No traditional ETFs, REITs, etc. Reps lack knowledge of key aspects of products. Double dipping o VA purchased in a brokerage account. After purchase and soon after, moved over to an advisory account. Best interest failure by the rep. Supervision failure by the OSJ. Inadequate BI procedures of member firms in general. Failure to disclosure (presumably to clients?) o Ownership stake (presumably in the securitized product sold to the client). o Fees received from issuer. Who has authority over crypto assets? To be determined by other regulatory authorities and not FINRA. However, FINRA determined a case of OBAs and PST with respect to crypto assets. Crypto assets were securities in FINRA’s eyes in one specific case. FINRA determined this by utilizing the Howey test from the supreme court case SEC v. W.J. Howey Co. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/howeytest.asp CAT Reporting funding model CAT is to be paid for by SRO’s as well as the industry members. Billing may start early 2024, but the funding model needs to be accepted first. CAT fee will be invoiced by FINRA CAT on behalf of the SRO’s. This is to recoup costs of the SEC mandated CAT reporting. FINRA will include a separate/ additional invoice on a FINRA invoice to effectively pass on FINRA mandated fees to members. If member firms are considering passing fees onto clients there are important considerations. If firms elect to do this, revisit customer agreements to make sure this is allowed. Questions for introducing firms, contact your clearing firm for more information. RBC. High volume of regulatory change Claire speaking Is FINRA planning on making sweeping regulatory changes. FINRA is aware of the resources needed to follow regulatory requirements already. Not focused on sweeping regulatory changes. Focused on changes based on sec rules 15b91. This does not appear to apply to IFS at first glance. Maintaining qualifications programs. Remote inspections pilot program exists. If firms opt in, data must be shared with FINRA. Limitations must be in place. FINRA views the remote inspection pilot program as an attempt to adapt to the current work environment. Hybrid work environment is common.

In the fast-paced world of finance, staying informed is key to making well-considered investment decisions. That's why we are excited to share with you JPMorgan's Weekly Market Update. This valuable resource offers a concise and insightful overview of the latest market trends and economic developments.

Please take care during these dangerous weather events. As reported by AP NEWS: "A record 14.57-foot (4.4-meter) high tide was measured in Portland, Maine, just after noon on Saturday, after a storm surge amplified what was already the month’s highest tide, said National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Cempa. That broke the previous record of 14.17 feet (4.3 meters) set in 1978 and was the highest since measurements began in 1912. Cempa said the tide gauge measures the difference between the high tide and the average low tide." Hoping the best for the Infinity team and their families. For the full story, refer to the following link: Record high tide in Maine washes away historic, 100-year-old fishing shacks | AP News

Download the report at: Cryptocurrency: Navigating a Frontier Asset Class for… | Cerulli

In a recent article published by The DI Wire, the U.S. Department of Labor's new independent contractor rule, set to take effect on March 11, 2024, was discussed in detail. This rule, pivotal in defining a worker's status as an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act, aims to ensure proper classification and protect workers’ rights to minimum wage and overtime pay. The rule is seen as a critical step in addressing issues of employee misclassification that compromise workers' rights and impact the economy negatively. It's argued that the misclassification of independent contractors facilitates wage theft and allows certain employers to unfairly compete in the market. The Financial Services Institute (FSI), representing independent financial advisors, has been vocal against this proposal. Dale Brown, the president and CEO of FSI, expressed concerns that the rule might jeopardize the independent contractor status of their financial advisor members. According to Brown, this could harm the access of Main Street Americans to local, trusted financial advisors. He emphasized the entrepreneurial nature of independent financial advisors, highlighting their significant role in their communities and the potential negative impacts if they were reclassified as employees. The 2024 rule replaces the Department of Labor's 2021 rule, which was more favorable to FSI because it provided clarity and security for independent advisors about their status. The new rule reintroduces a multifactor analysis that has been used by courts for years. This analysis includes six factors to determine a worker's status, focusing on aspects like the opportunity for profit or loss, the permanence of the work relationship, the degree of control by the employer, and the relevance of the work to the employer's business. For a comprehensive understanding of the implications of this new rule and its potential impact on various sectors, refer to the full article on The DI Wire.

"FINRA’s Maintaining Qualifications Program (MQP) allows eligible individuals to maintain their qualifications for up to five years by completing CE annually. Program dates and details are provided on the page below." Read more about it here.

Join CEO Greg Gilbert on a picturesque journey through Mid-Coast Maine as he conducts branch audits in collaboration with financial advisor Aaron Stasulis. Explore the stunning landscapes and insights gained from this New England trip, showcasing our commitment to building successful practices nationwide. Check out exclusive snapshots from the trip.

As we gather with loved ones to give thanks, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. Your commitment to excellence has been instrumental in the success of our clients and the firm. Join us in the comments below to tell us what you are most grateful for! Thank you! - Infinity Home Office

One of the top Investment Banks int the world, Goldman Sachs, recently published the following article on AI: "Breakthroughs in generative artificial intelligence have the potential to bring about sweeping changes to the global economy, according to Goldman Sachs Research. As tools using advances in natural language processing work their way into businesses and society, they could drive a 7% (or almost $7 trillion) increase in global GDP and lift productivity growth by 1.5 percentage points over a 10-year period. 'Despite significant uncertainty around the potential for generative AI, its ability to generate content that is indistinguishable from human-created output and to break down communication barriers between humans and machines reflects a major advancement with potentially large macroeconomic effects,' Goldman Sachs economists Joseph Briggs and Devesh Kodnani write in a report." Read more here.

Take a look at our Infinity advisor in his 55 Belair hot rod taking it to the streets south of the border!

Step into the exhilarating world of Infinity's Major League Investment Draft, where financial prowess meets strategic finesse! At our National Conference in August, our representatives formed teams and created portfolios that would cater to the needs of a hypothetical client. The moment has arrived to unveil the standings thus far. The teams have made their selections. Could you please join us as we dive into the current standings. Here is what the leaderboard looks like after a third of the season is done!

One of our advisors, Anna Marie Lovell, attended her son’s (Jackson) school’s annual Veterans Day celebration at Warren-Walker Lower School by the water in beautiful San Diego to honor all the veterans in their community. Jackson is seen wearing the hat for Anna Marie’s prior US Navy ship, the USS Nimitz CVN-68, where she served faithfully as a Surface Warfare Nuclear Power Engineering Officer.

"Alternative investments? Alternative to what, actually? What we mean by alternative investments here are investments other than “traditional stocks, bonds, and cash.” Even though these alternative investments have a longer history than “traditional” investments, they currently play a little brother role to the more visible stock and bond markets." - John P. Harrison, Executive Director at ADISA If you would like to learn more about Alternative Investments and how they can benefit your clients, download ADISA's Guide to Alternative Investments here:

🎻🏆 A Grand Success! 🏆🎻 We're glad to announce that our very own financial advisor, Doug Grau, has orchestrated a magnificent event – the "2023 Grand Master Fiddler Championship" in the heart of Tennessee. Doug's dedication and passion for both finance and the world of fiddling have seamlessly blended into this remarkable contest. Congratulations, Doug, on this incredible achievement! Your leadership and commitment shine as brightly as the fiddles on that grand stage. Stay tuned for more updates right here on our blog! #GrandMasterFiddlerChampionship #WealthManagementMeetsMusic #DougGrau #TeamSuccess

Dear colleagues and friends, We are thrilled to announce exciting news within our firm! Our Financial Advisor, Mark DeVito, recently married his beloved Margarita. Mark was introduced to Margarita by his best friend. Congratulations, Mark and Margarita! We are overjoyed to hear of this exciting new chapter in your lives. Wishing you a lifetime of love and togetherness. - Infinity Financial Home Office

Infinity Financial Services successfully delivered our National Conference at the Dallas/Plano Texas Marriott at Legacy Town Center! The theme, "Moneyball," included a round-robin draft of our Important Partner Investment Companies who presented to the Financial Advisors and Registered Representatives in breakout groups. Attendees had this to say about this year's Infinity Financial Conference: "I wanted to take a moment to share with you how outright impressive your conference in Plano was at the beginning of the week!" "Loved the format." "One of the best conferences of the year - format/structure/production." "Thank you for all the hard work. It was very beneficial in terms of education...These alternative investments definitely add value to my practice."

In this comprehensive guide, we aim to display the systematic steps involved in onboarding a client into Salesforce via the Arcus API. This streamlined procedure simplifies the process by enabling clients to effortlessly submit their KYC (Know Your Customer) information directly through a user-friendly form sent to their email. Our exploration of this process not only enhances efficiency but also offers a valuable alternative to the conventional manual data input method for sales representatives. We invite you to delve into this article to discover how you can enhance your client onboarding experience through the Arcus API and Salesforce integration.

You may already know that budgeting is an essential tool to help you live within your means and save for important life events. Yet you may not have a budget in place to manage your spending and saving. It may seem like too much trouble, but it’s not that hard to create and stick to a budget. Consider these budgeting tips and give it a shot: ​Tally your monthly income. Your monthly net income forms the framework for your budget because it sets the boundaries for spending. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what you earn. Your paystub is actually a valuable financial planning tool. Examine tax withholding, healthcare, and 401(k) deductions to be sure you’ve got the right balance of savings and net income for your situation. When calculating your total income, make sure to consider all sources, including tips, interest, dividends, rental income, etc. Find out where your money is going. Make an accurate assessment of your cash flow. Take time to write down your current living expenses or arrange them in a spreadsheet. Itemizing your bills and laying out your expenses gives you a clearer view of your financial picture. After all, you can’t determine where to save money until you know what you’re spending. Prioritize your spending. After you’ve itemized your expenses, categorize them to better direct your money to the most important aspects of your life: Necessary – expenses that are critical to your way of life, like mortgage payments, taxes, healthcare costs, utilities, groceries, etc. Goal-oriented – money you dedicate to paying off loans, building an emergency fund, or saving for specific goals – this kind of spending may ultimately benefit your bottom line. Discretionary – money you spend or save after necessary expenses and savings goals have been met. Be honest with yourself and don’t confuse luxuries with essentials needs. A common rule of thumb is to limit payment of expenses to 90% of your income, leaving 10% for savings. However, your individual circumstances will guide you to a realistic breakdown within which you can budget. ​ Don't lose focus over time. Budgeting is a commitment, not a one-time task. Income and expenses change in the course of a year, so you should monitor how you’re doing. If your income increases, keep your spending in check and consider allocating more to savings. If your expenses go up, you’ll need to re-evaluate and make adjustments. Beware of rising discretionary spending, as that will surely derail your budget. Remember the reasons you started budgeting in the first place to keep your savings goals on track. ​ Let digital tools do the math. There are many financial programs and online tools available today that take the work and worry out of the budgeting process. They not only make it easier to crunch the numbers, but they also aid in monitoring your budget as time goes on.