Privacy Policy

Introduction

meridianfrostex Advisors ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal and financial information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

We understand that your financial information is sensitive and personal. This policy describes our practices and your rights regarding your data. By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us through forms on our website
• Schedule a consultation or become a client
• Subscribe to our newsletters or communications
• Communicate with us via email or phone

This information may include:

• Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Date of birth and Social Security number (for clients)
• Financial information including income, assets, debts, and investment accounts
• Employment information and retirement plan details
• Tax information and estate planning documents
• Beneficiary information and family details

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• IP address and general location data
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Device information and operating system

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. For detailed information about our cookie usage, please see our Cookie Policy.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: You have given us explicit permission to process your information for specific purposes
• Contract Fulfillment: Processing is necessary to provide the financial advisory services you've requested
• Legitimate Interest: We have a legitimate business interest in processing your data to improve our services and communicate with you
• Legal Obligation: We must process certain information to comply with regulatory requirements in the financial services industry

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Service Provision

• Creating and managing financial plans
• Providing investment advice and portfolio management
• Conducting retirement planning analysis
• Offering tax strategy recommendations
• Processing transactions and account updates

Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending service-related notifications
• Providing account statements and performance reports
• Sharing educational content and market updates (with your consent)

Legal Compliance

• Complying with SEC and FINRA regulations
• Meeting anti-money laundering requirements
• Maintaining required records
• Responding to legal requests and preventing fraud

Service Improvement

• Analyzing website usage to improve functionality
• Understanding client needs and preferences
• Developing new services and features
• Conducting internal research and development

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Periods

• Client Records: Maintained for at least 7 years after the end of our relationship, as required by SEC regulations
• Financial Plans: Retained for 6 years following creation or update
• Communication Records: Kept for 5 years for compliance purposes
• Website Analytics: Typically retained for 2 years

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention schedule and applicable laws.

Data Protection and Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Technical Safeguards

• 256-bit SSL encryption for data transmission
• AES-256 encryption for data at rest
• Multi-factor authentication for system access
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems
• Secure backup systems with encryption

Administrative Safeguards

• Comprehensive employee security training
• Strict access controls based on role and need
• Confidentiality agreements with all staff
• Regular policy reviews and updates
• Incident response procedures

Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by law, typically within 72 hours of discovering the breach.

Your Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information. These rights may vary based on your location and applicable laws.

Access Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Obtain a copy of your data in a portable format
• Know what information we hold about you

Correction Rights

You may:

• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Update incomplete data
• Amend outdated information

Deletion Rights

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to:

• Legal and regulatory retention requirements
• Legitimate business needs
• Ongoing contractual obligations

Other Rights

• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data in certain circumstances
• Right to Object: Oppose processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke permission for data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Portfolio management and custody services
• Financial planning software platforms
• Client relationship management systems
• Document storage and backup services
• Payment processing
• Website hosting and analytics

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use it to provide services on our behalf.

Professional Advisors

With your consent, we may share information with:

• Your accountant or tax preparer
• Your attorney for estate planning
• Your insurance agent

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with court orders or legal processes
• Respond to government or regulatory requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in the United States. If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international transfers, including standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. For comprehensive information about our use of cookies, including how to manage your preferences, please review our Cookie Policy.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email if you are a client
• Post a notice on our website homepage

We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 business days.