Advisor Group Expands Clearing and Custody Relationship with National Financial

Advisor Group Further Extends its “All Ways Open Architecture” Philosophy

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advisor Group, one of the largest independent broker-dealer networks in the nation, today announced an expanded relationship with National Financial^®, a business unit of Fidelity Investments and a leading provider of clearing and custody services to broker-dealers.

“Both Advisor Group and National Financial share a commitment to providing advisors with the top quality support needed to compete effectively in today’s marketplace”

Advisor Group is comprised of FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates and SagePoint Financial. Advisor Group is committed to its “All Ways Open Architecture” philosophy, an approach that provides its advisors with the additional option of utilizing National Financial's extensive array of clearing services.

“Both Advisor Group and National Financial share a commitment to providing advisors with the top quality support needed to compete effectively in today’s marketplace,” said Larry Roth, President and CEO, Advisor Group. “We are eager to expand our relationship with National Financial to provide additional clearing services that can help financial professionals grow their businesses efficiently.”

Advisors using National Financial’s platform for clearing services have access to a wealth of tools, including:

• Enhanced integration with Advisor Group’s contact management platform (Salesforce) for efficient new account opening, investment management, account maintenance and office automation;
• Expanded access to Advisor Group’s Wealth Management platform;
• Industry leading technology available via iPad and mobile devices;
• Streetscape, an award-winning advisor workstation and myStreetscape, a best-in-class portal for investors;
• Insightful thought leadership from Fidelity Investments that helps advisors better serve clients.

“This enhanced relationship with Advisor Group is one more example of our ongoing commitment to providing broker-dealers with the most advanced technology, products and services in the market today,” said Sanjiv Mirchandani, President, National Financial. “We are excited to play a key role in helping Advisor Group support business growth and help its advisors more efficiently serve their investors.”

In addition to being a leading clearing provider in the U.S. for more than 30 years, National Financial leverages the strength and experience of Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest providers of financial services. As of September 30, 2012, National Financial serves nearly 270 broker-dealers representing more than $425 billion in assets under administration. Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $3.8 trillion, including managed assets of $1.7 trillion, as of September 30, 2012.

Salesforce is not affiliated with National Financial Services. Listing them does not suggest a recommendation or endorsement by Fidelity Investments or National Financial.

Advisor Group is one of the largest independent broker-dealer networks in the United States and consists of FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates and SagePoint Financial, Inc. Fidelity Investments and National Financial are separate and independent from the Advisor Group and its affiliated broker-dealers. These independent broker-dealers, with more than 4,800 independent financial advisors, are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Advisor Group. In July 2012, Advisor Group announced its parent company, AIG Life and Retirement, signed a definitive agreement to purchase Woodbury Financial Services. This transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of 2012.