First Command Financial Services

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First Command Financial Planning, Inc.
Company typePrivately held companies
IndustryFinancial Planning
Founded1958
HeadquartersFort Worth, Texas
Key people
Mark Steffe
(President and CEO)
ProductsMutual Funds, banking, life insurance
Number of employees
1000
Websitewww.firstcommand.com

First Command Financial Planning, Inc. is a broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. It is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).[1]

Business model[edit]

First Command provides personalized services through locally based trained and licensed Financial Advisors and through its Home Office in Fort Worth, Texas. The company has a long history of working with military officers and currently offers advice on securities, with an emphasis on mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, and municipal funds (including Section 529 Plans). Through related companies, it offers insurance and banking products and services. As of December 31, 2019, First Command had 178 offices worldwide, with 487 Financial Advisors serving 280,173 client families with $30.0 billion in managed accounts and mutual funds, and $60.2 billion in life insurance coverage in force. 84 percent of First Command’s Financial Advisors were veterans or military spouses, and 74% of client families were active duty or retired/separated military.[2]

First Command provides complimentary financial plans for all active duty U.S. military service members. First Command states its Mission as “coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”[3]

The current president and CEO is Mark Steffe, who originally joined the company in March 2010.[4] Scott Spiker, who joined the company in 2007, became executive chairman in January 2020 after having served as CEO since 2008.[5]

History[edit]

Early years[edit]

"First Command" was founded in 1958 by Carroll Payne, a retired military officer who realized that military families needed assistance in planning for their financial futures. Payne wanted to create a company that recognized and dealt with the unique circumstances applicable to United States military personnel.[6]

The company began as a broker/dealer called United Services Investment Association Inc. (USIA), which later became United Services Planning Association Inc. (USPA). USIA’s membership in the NASD (now FINRA) was approved on Jan. 21, 1959.[7] In 1963, USPA began offering financial plans to its clients, designed to promote long-term saving and investing. Dollar cost averaging and a pay-yourself-first approach were also used to encourage clients to invest on a regular basis.[8] In the mid-1960s, USPA expanded its product offerings to include life insurance, leading to the creation of the Independent Research Agency for Life Insurance, Inc. (IRA).[7]

In 1970, USPA and IRA began operating under the combined name of USPA&IRA, a name which remained in use for the next three decades.

International expansion and corporate growth[edit]

In 1979, the company opened its first office outside the continental U.S., in Hawaii; three years later international operations began with an office in Germany.[7] A charitable foundation, now known as the First Command Educational Foundation, began in 1983.[7]

Payne died in 1984 and was succeeded by Ralph Smith, who served as chairman and CEO until his retirement in December 1985. George Talley then served as chairman, and CEO from 1986–1991.[7] During Talley's tenure, USPA&IRA staff grew to 500 advisors.[8] Lamar Smith, company president and COO, was promoted to chairman and CEO in 1992.

First Command Bank opened for business on April 21, 1997. In less than six months, the bank was posting more than 100 new deposit accounts and 50 new loans weekly.[8] In 1998, USPA&IRA went “private,” transitioning from a C Corporation to an S Corporation and later, in 2002, become 100% employee-owned.[7] USPA&IRA launched a tax services program in 2001.

Name change to First Command[edit]

USPA&IRA changed its name to First Command Financial Planning in 2001.[7] The company explained that it changed its name because:

We are sometimes confused with other companies that service the military and former military clientele and whose names also start with the letters “US...”. There are several such companies, but none like us and we don’t want any confusion.[9]

Class action settlements[edit]

In 2004, a New York Times investigative report by Diana B. Henriques named First Command as being one of several investment firms engaged in deceptive marketing of financial instruments aimed at military veterans.[10] On 15 December of that year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) determined that First Command had "willfully violated the Securities Act of 1933 Section 17(a)(2) dealing with inter-state fraud" in its marketing activities targeting veterans.[11] In particular, the SEC concluded that First Command had sold mutual fund investments to veterans termed "systematic plans" that bore very high sales charges termed "front-end sales loads", "by, in part, making misleading statements and omissions concerning, among other things: (a) comparisons between the systematic plan and other mutual fund investments; (b) the availability of the Thrift Savings Plan ("TSP"), which offers military investors many of the features of a systematic plan at lower costs; and (c) the efficacy of the front-end sales load in ensuring that investors remain committed to the systematic plan."[11]

In an independent investigation, the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) charged First Command "with inappropriately confronting a customer who complained, failing to maintain e-mail, failing to maintain adequate supervisory systems and procedures and filing an inaccurate Form U-5 regulatory report".[12][13]

In December 2004, First Command entered into a $12 million settlement with the SEC and NASD without admitting guilt.[14] As part of the settlement, First Command agreed to offer restitution to all clients who had purchased and sold a systematic plan between 1999 and 2004, establishment of educational programs, and monitoring or prefiling.[15] People who had not terminated their systematic plan were not covered in the settlement. In September 2007, a California judge granted "Class Action" status to a 2005 lawsuit filed by systematic plan holders whose plans were active when the SEC issued its ruling on December 15, 2004.[16] In October 2008, attorneys for the plaintiffs sought court approval for a settlement.[17] The settlement was approved by the court in April 2009.

In 2004, the SEC report noted "The great majority of the firm's agents are former commissioned or non-commissioned military officers."[11] The report was part of the proceedings in reaching a settlement with First Financial over charges that the firm "willfully violated the Securities Act of 1933 Section 17(a)(2) dealing with inter-state fraud" in marketing financial instruments to veterans.[11]

As of August 2006, Mary Schapiro, the NASD Vice-Chairman and President of Regulatory Policy and Oversight continued to be critical of First Command, calling it an "unscrupulous organization" with an "awful" product. First Command's new president, Marty Durbin, responded to her criticism by stating, "It’s unfortunate that settling these charges still doesn’t mean it’s behind us. But it’s a futile effort to try to fight negative press and so we decided not to put a lot of energy that way."[18]

Obtaining Registered Investment Advisor status[edit]

In anticipation of an SEC ruling requiring that all firms whose primary business is financial planning must become a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), First Command filed with the SEC to become one in the spring of 2005. This requires their agents to obtain additional training and certifications. As RIAs, the agents could now use the term "Financial Advisors" as compared to "Registered Agents", with the former being held to a higher ethical standard.[19] The higher standards require agents to document every client interaction in great detail and apply due diligence to all investment recommendations to ensure they are in the best interests of the client.[20] The company no longer offers the controversial systematic investment plans.[1]

In 2006, First Command introduced long term care and property and casualty insurance.[20] Later that year in December, First Command announced it had signed on as a corporate partner with the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.[21]

In September 2007, Samantha Hilliard, First Command district advisor was featured in Newsweek. Hilliard received the 2007 realLIFEstories Client Service Award for her service to the widow of an Army officer killed in Iraq. The award was presented by the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), a non-profit group dedicated to providing the public with information and education on life, disability, long-term care and health insurance.[22]

On July 4, 2008, ABC’s Good Morning America featured a story on a First Command-sponsored charity the Package Brigade that sends care packages to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.[23] That same summer, the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve honored First Command with the Patriotic Employer Award, which is presented to companies and individuals for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve forces.[24]

Partnerships[edit]

First Command has partnered with[vague] several organizations that support military veterans and their families. These include Hiring Our Heroes,[25] Project Sanctuary,[26] the Association of the United States Army,[27] the Marine Corps Marathon,[28] Army West Point Athletics,[29] and the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership.[30]

First Command Financial Behaviors Index[edit]

First Command has developed the First Command Financial Behaviors Index. It assesses trends among the American public's financial behaviors, intentions, and attitudes through a monthly survey of approximately 530 U.S. consumers, ages 25–70, with annual household incomes of at least $50,000. The survey includes active-duty service members in pay grades E-5 and above.[31] Survey results have been reported by national news organizations including the Wall Street Journal,[32] The New York Times,[33] McClatchy-Tribune News Service,[34] USA Today,[35] and Financial Planning magazine[36]

First Command Education Foundation[edit]

First Command established the First Command Education Foundation (FCEF) in 1983 and presently operates as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that is "dedicated to improving financial readiness through education and scholarship opportunities".[37] In 2017, FCEF disbursed $114,484 in scholarship grants. The FCEF Chief Executive Officer received $155,540 in salary and other compensation during this same period.[38]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b First Command.Description of Services: First Command Financial Planning Inc. Accessed 6/19/07
  2. ^ Facts at a Glance, First Command Financial. "About Us: The First Command Reputation". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  3. ^ Services, First Command Financial. "First Command Financial Services - Mission". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  4. ^ Leadership, First Command Financial. "First Command Leadership". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  5. ^ Leadership, First Command Financial. "First Command Leadership". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  6. ^ History of First Command Accessed April 22, 2009
  7. ^ a b c d e f g “Dream Boldly: First Command Financial Services Celebrating 50 Years of History” Designed by Anniversary Press, Copyright 2008 by First Command Financial Services
  8. ^ a b c “In Pursuit of the American Dream: First Command celebrates 50 years of commitment to American families” Spring 2009 Journey magazine
  9. ^ Spring 2001 issue of Independence (the company's monthly magazine now known as First Command)
  10. ^ Henrique, Diana (June 20, 2004). "Basic Training Doesn't Guard Against Insurance Pitch to G.I.'s". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-04-16.
  11. ^ a b c d UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Before the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (December 15, 2004). "ORDER INSTITUTING ADMINISTRATIVE AND CEASE-AND-DESIST PROCEEDINGS, MAKING FINDINGS, AND IMPOSING REMEDIAL SANCTIONS AND A CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDER PURSUANT TO SECTION 8A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND SECTION 15(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934". No. Securities Act of 1933 Release No. 8513, Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Release No. 50859. Securities and Exchange Commission. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  12. ^ "NASD Orders First Command to Pay $12 Million for Misleading Statement…". archive.is. 2013-01-29. Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  13. ^ Henriques, Diana B. (2004-10-02). "Inquiry Stymied on Company With Air Force Ties". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  14. ^ Schulz, James, Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America, p 123, 2008, JHU Press
  15. ^ SEC p. 12.
  16. ^ Karen Jowers. First Command lawsuit ruled a class action September 27, 2007. Accessed 1/7/08
  17. ^ Declaration of Norman B. Blumenthal in support of motion for preliminary approval of class settlement, dated OCT. 16, 2008
  18. ^ Lee, Shelley. "Marty Durbin on First Command’s ‘Perfect Storm,’ Moving Beyond, and Serving Middle America" Journal of Financial Planning. November 2006. Accessed June 18, 2006.
  19. ^ Financial job titles clarified by ruling, licenses The Arizona Republic. April 15, 2007. Accessed June 18, 2007.
  20. ^ a b “The New Age Of Comprehensive Financial Planning.” First Command Financial Services. May 2008.
  21. ^ First Command Press Release. First Command Bank partners with Armed Forces Bowl December 12, 2006. Accessed January 7, 2009
  22. ^ First Command press release. First Command Advisor receives 2007 realLIFEstories Client Service Award September 5, 2007. Accessed January 7, 2009
  23. ^ Good Morning America The Package Brigade: one woman’s effort to boost her brother’s spirit started a movement July 4, 2008. Accessed January 6, 2009
  24. ^ First Command Press Release First Command named ‘Patriotic Employer’ by Department of Defense August 7, 2008. Accessed January 7, 2009
  25. ^ Services, First Command Financial. "First Command Financial Services - Hiring Our Heroes". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  26. ^ Services, First Command Financial. "Helping Military Families Heal". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  27. ^ "First Command Announces Affinity Partnership With AUSA". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  28. ^ "Pep Rally - 42nd MCM". Marine Marathon. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  29. ^ "First Command is Proud to Partner with Army West Point Athletics". First Command. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  30. ^ Services, First Command Financial. "First Command Joins Military Spouse Employment Partnership • News • First Command Financial Services". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  31. ^ "Financial Behaviors Index • First Command Financial Services". www.firstcommand.com. Retrieved 2017-01-06.
  32. ^ Fuel for Consumer Rebound: Lower Oil Prices, Wall Street Journal, May 25, 2010 [1]
  33. ^ The Link Between Frugality and Health, The New York Times, May 26, 2010 [2]
  34. ^ Frugality often dovetails with healthy lifestyles, McClatchy-Tribune News Service, July 6, 2010 [3]
  35. ^ Boomers wanting to work past retirement age find limited options, USA Today, August 10, 2010 [4]
  36. ^ Savings Rate Slides While Debt Reduction Rises, Financial Planning magazine, August 12, 2010 "Savings Rate Slides While Debt Reduction Rises - Financial Planning". Archived from the original on 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2010-08-25.
  37. ^ "First Command Educational Foundation". www.fcef.com. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
  38. ^ "First Command Educational Foundation IRS Form 990 for 2017" (PDF). www.fcef.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-03-30. Retrieved 2019-03-30.

References[edit]

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