client-report

Client Report

Workflow

Step 1: Report Parameters

• Client name and household
• Reporting period: Quarter, YTD, annual, custom range
• Accounts: All accounts or specific account
• Benchmark: S&P 500, 60/40 blend, custom benchmark matching IPS
• Firm branding: Logo, colors, disclaimers

Step 2: Performance Summary

Household Summary:

By Account:

Step 3: Allocation Overview

Current allocation with visual (pie chart or bar chart):

Step 4: Holdings Detail

Step 5: Market Commentary

Brief market summary tailored to the client's level of sophistication:

• What happened in markets this quarter (2-3 sentences)
• How it affected the portfolio
• Outlook and positioning rationale (2-3 sentences)
• No jargon for retail clients; can be more technical for sophisticated investors

Step 6: Activity Summary

• Trades executed during the period
• Contributions and withdrawals
• Dividends and interest received
• Fees charged
• Rebalancing activity

Step 7: Planning Notes

• Progress toward financial goals (retirement, education, etc.)
• Any plan changes or recommendations
• Upcoming action items
• Next review date

Step 8: Output

• PDF report (8-12 pages) with firm branding
• Word document for customization
• Excel data appendix (optional)

Report Structure:

1. Cover page (client name, period, firm logo)
2. Executive summary (1 page)
3. Performance summary (1-2 pages)
4. Allocation overview with charts (1 page)
5. Holdings detail (1-2 pages)
6. Market commentary (1 page)
7. Activity summary (1 page)
8. Planning notes (1 page)
9. Disclosures and disclaimers (1 page)

Important Notes

• Performance must be calculated net of fees unless client/compliance requires gross
• Always include appropriate disclaimers and disclosures (past performance, risk factors)
• Reports should be consistent across clients — use a standard template
• Match the level of detail to the client — some want every holding, others want a one-page summary
• Benchmark selection matters — use the benchmark from the IPS, not whatever looks best
• Review for compliance approval before first distribution of a new template