From the Chairman

This year marks my 11th anniversary with LPL Financial. While much has changed in our industry and our world during my tenure, our company's mission and focus on helping our customers succeed have remained constant. This sense of purpose and singular focus are the primary reasons that today we are the nation's premier independent broker/dealer and a leader in our industry*.

What sets us apart

In the midst of an industry that has grown increasingly complex, LPL Financial has excelled with a relatively simple business model. We invest in the people and tools that we know will help our more than 13,300 financial advisors and approximately 700 financial institutions serve their clients and grow their business profitably. In addition, we provide technology and clearing support to more than 4,000 financial professionals associated with other financial services companies.

Our customers—these financial advisors and institutions—are certainly a differentiator for us as well. More than just financial professionals, LPL Financial customers are also friends, neighbors, civic leaders, and volunteers in the cities and towns where they live and work. These relationships give them an uncommon understanding of their clients' needs and goals. For LPL Financial customers, sharing in the hopes and aspirations of their clients is a value that never changes.

Because of the importance of the work they do, a focus on our customer is central to our culture at LPL Financial. And that culture begins with the 2,900+ LPL Financial employees who come to work each day devoted to our customers' growth, passionate about their success, grateful for the opportunity to earn their business, and proud to be their valued partner. By acting with integrity and choosing to do the right thing, we are able to provide our customers with the services and support they need to meet the growing demand for independent investment advice.

What we are here to do

The opportunity for our company and the financial advisors and institutions we support has never been greater. The financial services industry, markets, and world are changing fast, while people are facing more complex financial needs. Together, LPL Financial and our customers have a phenomenal opportunity to serve those who need objective and personal guidance. It's an exciting and challenging time for our business, and we share in our customers' mission to help their clients realize their dreams and aspirations.

Over the last several decades, we have demonstrated the ability to grow our business through all types of market cycles. This financial strength and resiliency allows us to remain committed to enabling the delivery of objective, conflict-free advice and to continuing the ongoing investments in our customers, employees, and our business that will drive our mutual success and yours.

Sincerely,

Mark Casady
Chairman and CEO
LPL Financial

* As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2012, based on total revenue.