California Solicitor Ruling: Definition of an Investment Advisor Representative -

An investment adviser representative (“IAR”), sometimes referred to as a registered adviser (“RA”), or associated person is defined in Code Section 25009.5(a) as any partner, officer, director of (or a person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions) or other individual, except clerical or ministerial personnel, who is employed by or associated with, or subject to the supervision and control of, an investment adviser that has obtained a certificate or that is required to obtain a certificate under this law, and who

(1) makes any recommendations or otherwise renders advice regarding securities, (2) manages accounts or portfolios of clients, (3) determines which recommendations or advice regarding securities should be given, (4) solicits, offers, or negotiates for the sale or sells investment advisory services, or (5) supervises employees who perform any of the foregoing.

Important: Each officer, director or partner exercising executive responsibility (or persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions) or each person who owns 25% or more is presumed to be acting as an IAR or associated person.

Qualification Requirements [CCR § 260.236]

Each IAR, except those employed or engaged by an investment adviser solely to offer or negotiate for the sale of investment adviser services, must qualify by passing the examination(s) as specified in CCR § 260.236(a). The examination requirements are the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination (“Series 65”) passed on or after January 1, 2000 or the General Securities Representative Examination (“Series 7”) and Uniform Combined State Law Examination (“Series 66”). Waivers and exemptions to the examination requirements may be found in subsection (b) and (c) of CCR § 260.236. Individuals holding in good standing an approved professional designation meet the exemption found in (c)(3) of CCR § 260.236.

Individuals that must satisfy the examination requirement set forth under CCR § 260.236 can apply for the Series 65 examination by filing the Form U-10 form with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). This form should be completed in accordance with the form instructions and mailed to the address as found in the instructions.

Mr. Knobloch is Managing Director of Capital Retention and Wealth Management for The EMCO/Hanover Group which he joined in 2014. He is also the founder and CEO of HK Wealth Management, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser and an EMCO/Hanover Group member, which specializes in individually managed accounts, small business services, insurance planning and retirement plans. HK Wealth Management’s expertise in risk management and tax/cost efficiency strategies provides a unique service in the Group.

Mr. Knobloch’s extensive experience has enabled his clients to enjoy the values and benefits of an actively managed portfolio, which they would otherwise not have access to. He believes there are too many investors that are under served by the financial industry when it comes to having their money professionally attended to. His mission is to get everyone possible into individually managed accounts, where they stand a better chance to achieve their financial goals. Additionally, his clients have access to the top insurance strategies in the industry for the purpose of capital retention, estate tax planning, business applications, charitable gifting, long term care planning and all the other living benefits contained in the insurance and tax codes.

In 1989, he moved to Los Angeles where he spent 15 years in corporate marketing to learn what makes large companies financially successful. Feeling that he had a solid handle on the inner workings of personal and corporate financial processes, Al then needed to formally apply the insurance and securities licenses he had obtained, by joining firms such as Inter-Securities, Investment Advisors International and later, Transamerica. This hands-on experience and the success he experienced helping clients, propelled him to form his own Investment Advisory firm, HK Wealth Management, Inc. The company is growing internationally and is preparing to open a second office in Zurich in 2015.

Mr. Knobloch also serves as a Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer for Hudson Cooper Asset Management, Inc. In 2011, he helped build the firm and develop the internal operating systems, and continues to oversee compliance duties and provide upper level management consulting.

Mr. Knobloch holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Kansas, with a minor in Mathematics and Statistics, as well as holding the following licenses: a Qualified Investment Advisor under FINRA Series 65, FINRA Series 26, plus holds CA Life & Health and CA Real Estate licenses.

Email: Al Knobloch at aknobloch@hkwmanagement.com