Broker Check

FAQS

A few questions you may be considering, and the candid answers that explain what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it means for you.

We have launched our new, independent wealth management firm, WestKai Private Wealth, in LPL Financial. LPL is the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer* and was ranked the #1 RIA firm**, supporting over 32,000 independent advisors. As our client, you have your own considerations and priorities, so we will continue tailoring plans to your specific needs—that has not changed.

We made the move to better serve our clients by offering greater flexibility, more personalized advice, and broader access to solutions. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, our partnership with LPL helps us stay at the forefront of technology while giving us the independence to do what’s right for you. As our broker/dealer, LPL provides advanced tools, resources, and investment options that allow us to deliver an even higher level of service tailored to your needs.

It was necessary to delay the announcement of our relationship with LPL Financial until our advisors were formally registered with them, to avoid potential conflicts of interest. If you have any questions prior to us contacting you, please call us at (949) 506-1850.

We decided to launch our new independent firm by aligning with LPL Financial—a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest financial service firms in the country, safeguarding over $1 trillion in client assets***. This arrangement will allow us to utilize the strength and leverage of a major firm, while allowing us to build our own culture, team, and resources to best partner with you.

LPL’s comprehensive support, technology, and research, along with their model of transparency and dedication to independence and choice, allows us to provide you with a wide range of diligently evaluated, non-proprietary products. In fact, you will now have access to many investment options that previously were not available to you by virtue of LPL’s scale. As a leader in the retail financial advice market, we are confident that we are being fully supported by a firm who can match our high standards.

You can expect a smooth and transparent process as we make this transition together. None of your current investments will need to be sold in the process of a transfer. We will contact you directly to discuss your account transfer, and how this change will positively impact your experience with us.

As a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member firm, subject to the federal securities laws and the rules of industry self-regulatory organizations, LPL Financial prioritizes its obligations to protect client assets in their custody with the utmost care and scrupulous adherence to financial protection rules, including those governing the segregation of client assets.

LPL provides an enormous catalog of services and resources, as well as a long history of financial stability. The LPL Financial SIPC Membership provides account protection up to a maximum of $500,000 per customer, of which $250,000 may be claims for cash. An explanatory brochure is available at www.sipc.org. Additionally, through London Insurers, LPL Financial accounts have additional securities protection to cover the net equity of customer accounts up to an overall aggregate firm limit of $750,000,000 subject to conditions and limitations. The account protection applies when a SIPC member firm fails financially and is unable to meet obligations to securities clients, but it does not protect against losses from the rise and fall in the market value of investments.

Yes, however, we will not be able to manage the accounts since we are no longer affiliated with Morgan Stanley. If you choose to keep your accounts, you will be reassigned to a different advisor.

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, LPL Financial uses security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. LPL’s online environment uses security technologies, including layered security and access controls over personal information. For further information, please visit LPL’s Privacy/Security page at: www.lpl.com/disclosures/privacy-security.html.

No. In fact, because we are now an independent firm, we are no longer limited in our access to research, planning, and portfolio construction capabilities. This freedom of choice empowers us to do more for you.

As soon as your account has been moved to LPL Financial, we will contact you and personally help you enroll in Account View, which is our new client portal. We will also help to build your digital lockbox that will include all important documents you would like to maintain in cloud storage for anywhere real time accessibility.

We chose the name WestKai Private Wealth because it reflects the places and values that shape our firm. “West” honors our roots along the Pacific Coast, from San Clemente to Maui, while “Kai,” the Hawaiian word for sea, speaks to depth, movement, and the enduring connection between these places. Together, WestKai represents our commitment to thoughtful stewardship, family, and long-term care.

*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2025, based on total revenue.

**LPL Financial was ranked #1 of 9 Mega RIA firms with over $90 billion in assets and 1000+ staff collectively representing nearly half the assets of all 109 ranked Top RIA firms. Results based on data submitted by 238 pre-qualified firms to Barron’s as of June 30, 2025 involving a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics – including size, growth, service quality, technology, succession planning, advisors’ experience, client retention, diversity, charitable work, and compliance record. The ranking was issued September 12, 2025, and did not require a fee to participate. This recognition is not an endorsement nor is it indicative of any one client’s experience with LPL Financial, past investment performance or future returns.

***As of March 2026