The Strategic Financial Alliance (SFA), founded in 2003, is an Atlanta-based financial advisory firm that primarily serves independent financial advisors. With a focus on providing comprehensive back-office support and investment solutions, SFA has established itself as a significant player in the financial services industry. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SFA Holdings, Inc., and operates a network of independent advisors who offer a broad range of financial planning and portfolio management services.
SFA's headquarters is located at 2200 Century Parkway, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30345. The firm has grown significantly since its inception, now managing assets worth approximately $525.45 million and employing 62 advisors. The firm's business model is centered around supporting independent advisors, allowing them to maintain their autonomy while benefiting from the resources and expertise provided by SFA.
In terms of market and clientele, SFA caters to both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as charities and corporations. The firm imposes a minimum account size of $25,000, though this can be waived at their discretion. The SFA broker model is designed to ensure that clients receive personalized services tailored to their financial goals.
SFA operates under the regulation of several key financial authorities, ensuring compliance with industry standards. The primary regulatory bodies include the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). SFA is registered as a broker-dealer with these organizations, with a unique CRD number of 126514.
The firm adheres to strict compliance measures, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols. These measures are essential for protecting client information and preventing fraudulent activities. SFA also follows a client funds segregation policy, ensuring that client assets are kept separate from the firm's operational funds.
SFA is a fee-based firm, which means that some affiliated advisors can earn commissions from securities and insurance sales. This structure creates a potential conflict of interest; however, SFA and its advisors are bound by fiduciary duty, legally requiring them to act in the best interests of their clients.
SFA offers a diverse range of trading products and services to its clients. The firm provides access to numerous forex currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. In addition to forex trading, SFA also offers Contracts for Difference (CFDs) across various asset classes, including indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
The firm frequently updates its product offerings, ensuring that clients have access to the latest trading opportunities. SFA's retail trading services are designed to cater to individual investors, while its institutional services focus on providing tailored solutions to corporate clients. The firm also offers white-label solutions for businesses looking to enter the financial services market.
SFA's asset management services are another key component of its offerings, allowing clients to benefit from professionally managed investment portfolios. Advisors within the SFA network utilize various investment strategies to meet the unique financial objectives of their clients.
SFA supports the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, providing clients with robust tools for market analysis and trade execution. These platforms are known for their user-friendly interfaces and advanced charting capabilities, making them suitable for both novice and experienced traders.
In addition to MT4 and MT5, SFA also offers a proprietary trading platform that is designed to meet the specific needs of its clients. This platform includes features such as automated trading capabilities, customizable dashboards, and real-time market data.
SFA provides a web-based trading platform, allowing clients to trade directly from their browsers without the need for software installation. For traders on the go, SFA also offers mobile applications compatible with both iOS and Android devices, enabling clients to manage their accounts and execute trades from anywhere.
The firm employs an ECN (Electronic Communication Network) execution model, ensuring that clients receive competitive pricing and fast order execution. SFA's servers are strategically located to enhance execution speed and reliability, further bolstering the trading experience.
SFA offers several types of trading accounts to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $25,000 and features competitive spreads and commissions. Higher-tier accounts, such as VIP and professional accounts, are available for clients seeking enhanced trading conditions, including reduced spreads and personalized service.
For clients who require specialized accounts, SFA provides Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law, as well as corporate accounts for businesses. The firm also offers a demo account policy, allowing prospective clients to practice trading without financial risk.
The leverage offered by SFA varies depending on the asset class, with forex pairs typically allowing leverage of up to 1:100. The firm imposes a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots, and clients should be aware of overnight fees applicable to positions held beyond the trading day.
SFA supports a variety of deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and electronic wallets. The minimum deposit requirement varies by account type, with standard accounts starting at $25,000. Deposits are typically processed within 1-3 business days, depending on the method used.
Withdrawal methods include bank transfers and electronic wallets, with processing times ranging from 1-5 business days. SFA maintains a transparent fee structure for both deposits and withdrawals, ensuring clients are aware of any applicable charges before initiating transactions.
The firm is committed to providing clients with a seamless funding experience, and its customer support team is available to assist with any inquiries related to fund management.
SFA offers comprehensive customer support through various channels, including telephone, email, online chat, and social media. The support team is available during business hours, ensuring that clients can receive assistance when needed.
The firm provides multilingual support, catering to a diverse client base. SFA's educational resources include webinars, tutorials, and eBooks designed to help clients enhance their trading skills and market knowledge.
Additionally, SFA offers market analysis services, providing clients with daily insights, news updates, and research reports to assist them in making informed trading decisions. The firm also provides a suite of trading tools, including calculators and economic calendars, to further support its clients.
SFA primarily serves clients in the United States, with regional offices located throughout the country. The firm has made significant strides in expanding its market reach and enhancing its service offerings.
However, SFA does not accept clients from certain countries, including those subject to international sanctions or restrictions. Clients are encouraged to check the firm's website for the most up-to-date information regarding regional coverage and any applicable restrictions.
In summary, SFA is a comprehensive financial services provider that caters to a wide range of clients through its diverse offerings and commitment to customer satisfaction. As an sfa broker, it continues to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving market, ensuring that clients have access to the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals.