Choreo, LLC (“Choreo”) is an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training, but only indicates that Choreo has registered its business with the SEC. Prior to February 18, 2022, Choreo was named RSM US Wealth Management LLC.
Choreo’s website in intended only to provide general information regarding its services to prospective clients and should not be construed by any prospective client as a solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, over the Internet. Choreo does not provide tax or legal advice. You should contact your tax advisor and/or attorney before making any decisions. For additional information about Choreo, please review our disclosure documents, which are provided on this website and are also publicly available through the SEC’ s website: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/111221
Choreo cannot guarantee the results of all or any projections, recommendations or advice provided as part of any of its services to clients. In addition, securities recommended by Choreo will fluctuate in value, and the value of the securities may be greater or lesser than the original cost when sold. Clients acknowledge that investments are subject to the risks associated with investing in securities and other marketable instruments, including various market, currency, economic, political and business risks, and that investments can be unprofitable, including a risk of loss. Choreo does not guarantee, represent or warrant, express or implied, that clients’ objectives will be met, that any investment will be profitable, that any level of performance or investment results will be achieved or that investment accounts will perform comparably with any benchmark, standard or index, including other clients of Choreo. Past performance of accounts managed by Choreo is no guarantee of future results.
Ratings and Rankings. The awards and recognitions mentioned on Choreo’s website should not be construed as a testimonial or endorsement regarding our employees or advisory services.
Choreo did not pay to be considered for these awards. The ranking is not representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Any link to an Internet site sponsored and maintained by a third party is provided solely as a convenience to you, and does not constitute an endorsement, authorization, sponsorship or affiliation by Choreo.
Business Record’s Best of Des Moines is an annual anonymous ballot poll. The publisher only accepts one vote per IP address but there are no limitations on who can vote or their location. Choreo employees were encouraged to vote. Voters are only required to fill out a minimum of one question to submit a ballot. The award mentioned should not be construed as a testimonial or endorsement regarding our employees or advisory services.
Barrons:
For more information about the Barron’s 2023 Top 100 RIA Firms List, please visit Barron’ s website .
Barron’s 2023 Top 100 RIA Firms list: Advisory firms who wish to be ranked fill out a 102 question survey about their practice. Barron’s verifies that data with regulatory databases and then applies its rankings formula to the data to generate a ranking. The ranking reflects the volume of assets overseen by the advisory firms, revenues generated for the firms, and the quality of the advisory firms’ practices. Ranking awarded in September 2023 based on data within a 12-month period. No compensation has been provided directly or indirectly by Choreo in connection with obtaining or using the rating. For additional information visit www.barrons.com.
Recognition from rating services or publications is no guarantee of future investment success or performance. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluations. Additionally, Choreo is not aware of any undisclosed facts that would call into question the validity or appropriateness of the rating.
Financial Advisor:
For more information about the Financial Advisor 2023 Annual RIA Ranking, please visit Financial Advisor’ s website.
To be eligible for the Financial Advisor 2023 rankings, firms must be a registered investment advisor and provide financial planning and related services to individual clients. Hybrid RIA firms, corporate RIA firms and investment advisor representatives (IARs) are not eligible for this survey. Firms with at least $500 million in assets under management will are included in our national ranking that will is published in the July/August 2023 issue of Financial Advisor magazine.
Accounting Today:
“ CPA firms ranked by firm-reported assets under management. Submissions were received from approximately 200 firms.”
Such a large number of firms means, among other things, wide diversity in practice structure and in the information submitted. In most cases – but not all firm names are those of the financial planning subsidiary, not the affiliated CPA firm.
In addition, some firms reported staff figures for just the planning practice, some just for the overall CPA firm, and some for both. Many firms gave the date for the AUM figure they submitted; these varied widely, from the date of submission to a recent quarter-end, but in no case was it earlier than year-end 2022.
Credentials. As of February 11, 2022, Choreo teammates held 109 credentials. See below for the number of teammates holding each credential and descriptions of credentials.
|
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) |
49 |
|
Certified Public Accountant |
14 |
|
Accredited Investment Fiduciary |
6 |
|
Chartered Financial Analyst |
2 |
|
Juris Doctor |
3 |
|
Master of Business Administration |
8 |
|
Accredited Estate Planner |
2 |
|
Certified Exit Planning Advisor |
2 |
|
Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional |
3 |
|
Qualified 401(k) Administrator |
3 |
|
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor |
2 |
|
2 |
|
|
Chartered Life Underwriter |
2 |
|
Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor |
1 |
|
Accredited Asset Management Specialist |
1 |
|
Certified 401(k) Professional |
1 |
|
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst |
1 |
|
Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement |
1 |
|
Certified Private Wealth Advisor |
1 |
|
Certified Retirement Services Professional |
1 |
|
Enrolled Agent |
1 |
|
Qualified Pension Administrator |
1 |
|
Chartered Financial Consultant |
1 |
|
Master Planner Advanced Studies |
1 |
The program is administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Individuals with the CFP® certification have demonstrated competency in all areas of finance related to financial planning. Candidates complete studies on over 100 topics, including stocks, bonds, taxes, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning. In addition to passing the CFP® certification exam, candidates must also complete qualifying work experience and agree to adhere to the CFP Board’s code of ethics and professional responsibility and financial planning standards.
The CPA is conferred on individuals who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements. The examination consists of four parts, including Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulations. The examination is set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Eligibility to sit for the examination and be awarded the designation rests with the individual state Boards of Accountancy. Individuals must complete Continuing Professional Education according to the individual requirements of their state to maintain the CPA designation.
The AIF designation certifies that the recipient has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. To receive the AIF designation, individuals must complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor and agree to abide by the AIF Code of Ethics. In order to maintain the AIF designation, the individual must annually renew their affirmation of the AIF Code of Ethics and complete six hours of continuing education credits. The certification is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, LLC (a Fiduciary360 [fi360] company).
This program is administered by the CFA Institute. To earn the CFA Charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
The Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation is a graduate-level specialization in estate planning, obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. It is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) to recognize estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education, professional reputation and character, and who commit to the team concept of estate planning. The applicant must satisfy a minimum of thirty (30) hours of continuing education during the previous twenty-four (24) months, of which at least fifteen (15) hours MUST have been in estate planning. This requirement is mandated regardless of the applicant’s state or underlying designation continuing education requirement. Applicants may be requested to produce documentation to substantiate any activity claimed.
Program is a five-day executive MBA-style program that trains and certifies qualified professional advisors in the field of exit planning. Developed and taught by a diverse team of over 15 nationally recognized experts, the CEPA program offers attendees an innovative learning experience, performance-enhancing resources, and the strategic insights and tools to help them advance their practice in a transitioning marketplace. Participants who successfully complete the CEPA program and pass the closed book proctored exam receive the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential and earn up to 34 continuing education credits with 12 major professional associations.
Individuals who hold the FPQPTM designation have completed a course of study encompassing the financial planning process, the five disciplines of financial planning and general financial planning concepts, terminology and product categories. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process. Designees renew their designation every two years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements.
The QKA credential has a 25-year track record of distinguishing professionals in the field of retirement administration. Designed to meet the needs of retirement plan administrators and consultants alike, the QKA Credential provides a comprehensive foundation for plan administration, from basic concepts to 401(k) plan compliance. Attaining the QKA credential illustrates commitment to the profession and competence in defined contribution plan administration. In addition to passing two proctored exams, candidates must also complete qualifying work experience, provide letters of recommendation, complete ongoing continuing education, and agree to adhere to the American Retirement Association Code of Professional Conduct. Forty (40) hours of continuing-education credits must be completed within a two-year cycle.
Individuals who hold the AWMA® designation have completed a course of study to address the specific needs of high-net-worth clients. The curriculum includes asset management, allocation and selection; investment performance and strategies; taxation of investment products; investing for retirement; strategies for small business owners; deferred compensation plans; estate planning; asset protection; and tax reduction. Candidates must pass a final examination and agree to comply with a Code of Ethics. Continued education is required every two years to maintain the designation.
The CIMA designation is administered through the Investments and Wealth Institute (IWI). The CIMA certification signifies that an individual has met initial and ongoing experience, ethical, education and examination requirements for investment management consulting, including advanced investment management theory and application. CIMA certificants must adhere to IWI’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Standards of Practice and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CIMA designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification.
Individuals who hold the CLU® designation have completed a course of study that give the designee knowledge of life insurance underwriting concepts and life insurance law within the context of overall risk management. Life insurance is part of financial and estate planning. Attaining the CLU® credential illustrates a commitment to understanding the breadth of insurance and courses, and continuing education covers topics from individual life insurance, business owners’ and professionals’ insurance needs (buy/sell agreements) to planning for retirement needs, disability and special needs issues around insurance and legal and financial issues. Continuing education is required to be completed every two years for a designee to be considered in good standing.
The CTFA candidate must meet one of the following requirements: three years of wealth management experience plus ICB-approved training program; or five years of personal trust experience and a bachelor’s degree; or 10 years of personal trust experience. The continuing education requirements are 45 hours every three years, with a minimum of six hours in each of four knowledge areas.
The AAMS is a designation program for financial advisors with a special focus on asset management. The designation prepares advisors to evaluate and recommend a broad range of investment opportunities and analyze their overall implications on a portfolio. Continuing-education requirements are 16 hours every two years.
The C(k)P candidate must meet all of the following requirements: 3 years experience in financial services, 10 defined contribution plans under management, $30,000,000 in assets under management. These requirements may be waived for professionals who function in an administrative capacity only and do not provide guidance on plans. The continuing-education requirements are 12 hours annually.
The CAIA Charter is administered by the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association and requires a comprehensive understanding of core and advanced concepts regarding alternative investments, structures and ethical obligations. To qualify for the CAIA Charter, finance professionals must complete a self-directed, comprehensive course of study on risk-return attributes of institutional quality alternative assets; pass both the Level I and Level II CAIA examinations; attest annually to the terms of the Member Agreement; and hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), plus have at least one year of professional experience or have four years of professional experience. Professional experience includes full-time employment in a professional capacity within the regulatory, banking, financial or related fields.
The program is administered by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA). In order to become a CDFA professional, a candidate must successfully complete a series of exams based on a self-study course offered by the Institute, be in good standing with his firm and any governmental regulatory agencies, and complete a minimum of 15 hours of divorce-related continuing education courses every two years. CDFA professionals help lawyers and their divorcing clients address the special financial issues of divorce with data that can help achieve equitable settlements.
The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) is an internationally recognized accreditation offered by the CFA Institute. The purpose of the CIPM is to train professionals to accurately calculate and communicate investment performance figures. Successful candidates must pass two exams, each of which is 180 minutes long. To write the exams, candidates must also demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience. The Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) Program requires CIPM designation holders to engage in continuing professional development as a condition of retaining the right to use the CIPM designation. All designation holders must document their mandatory CE credits, but dual CFA Institute and CIPM Association members can record and manage their mandatory CE credits online.
Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) is an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth clients. It’s designed for seasoned professionals who seek the latest, most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of clients with a minimum net worth of $5 million. Unlike credentials that focus specifically on investing or financial planning, the CPWA program takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Candidates complete the CPWA Certification Exam, a four-hour-long, computer-based examination administered at local Pearson VUE testing centers or through Proctor U for online testing. The exam is made up of 135 multiple-choice questions.
The CRSP candidate must meet the following requirements: a minimum of three years experience in ERISA and IRS Code/Regulations and completion of the approved employee benefit/retirement services training program OR five years experience in ERISA, plus IRS Code/Regulations and one letter of recommendation from manager attesting to qualifications for certification, including ERISA and IRS Code/Regulations experience. The continuing-education requirements are 30 credits every three years.
An EA is a federally authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections and appeals. The license is earned in one of two ways, by passing a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of the tax code, or having worked at the IRS for five years in a position that regularly interpreted and applied the tax code and its regulations. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS.
The Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) credential demonstrates expertise of administrative issues of defined benefit plan. QPAs assist employers, actuaries and consulting in performing functions such as determination of eligibility benefits, computation of benefits, plan record keeping, trust accounting and disclosure, and compliance requirements. The QPA credential has 40 hours of continuing education requirements within a two-year cycle.
The ChFC® program is administered by the American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. This designation has the same core curriculum as the CFP® certification, plus two or three additional elective courses that focus on various areas of personal financial planning. In addition to successful completion of an exam on areas of financial planning, including income tax, insurance, investment and estate planning, candidates are required to have a minimum of three years experience in a financial industry position.
The designation is awarded by the College for Financial Planning to individuals who specialize in creating, implementing and maintaining retirement plans for businesses. Candidates must pass an examination demonstrating their expertise. Those holding the designation must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain it, and agree to comply with the College for Financial Planning Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Individuals who hold the MPASSM designation have completed a Master of Science degree with a major in personal financial planning. The program consists of 36–43 semester credits and delves deeply into personal financial planning or investment-related content using research-based coursework and real-world case studies. Graduates of the program are required to demonstrate critical-thinking skills and complex problem-solving techniques. Additionally, individuals must complete assignments, projects, research and papers and meet all graduation requirements for the Master of Science degree. All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process.