Background:
When JL Bainbridge was founded over four decades ago, Jerry and Fay Bainbridge had a clear vision: deliver transparent financial guidance with an unwavering commitment to the families they serve. They recognized early on that the wealth management industry sometimes left clients confused, underserved, and overcharged, and they were determined to do things differently.
The firm’s mission has always been simple and client-centered: to help families maintain wealth and build upon it for generations to come. This guiding principle laid the foundation for JL Bainbridge’s unique approach, one rooted in clarity and accountability.
The Problem:
As an *SEC Registered Investment Adviser, JL Bainbridge operates as a fiduciary, meaning they are legally and ethically bound to act in their clients’ best interests. But for Jerry and Fay, that wasn't enough. They wanted a way to demonstrate this commitment in action, not just in words. JL Bainbridge asked a bold question: How can we be held accountable for the service we provide?
This simple but powerful question challenged the norms of the financial services industry. The team recognized that clients deserve more than vague commitments or fine print; they deserve a real promise.
The Solution:
The answer became the JLB Promise: a pledge that has stood the test of time and continues to set JL Bainbridge apart from many others in the industry.
Here’s how it works:
- As a new client, you won’t receive an invoice from JL Bainbridge for six months.
- After that, if you are not satisfied with the services provided, your fee will be returned - no questions asked.
- For those who are satisfied, billing is straightforward: a clear, no-surprises invoice just twice a year.
It’s not just a policy, it's a philosophy. The JLB Promise represents more than confidence in the firm’s value, it’s a commitment to transparency, simplicity, and earning the loyalty of the families they serve.
"When Jerry and Fay first came up with the JLB Promise, no one was doing it and frankly, it made people nervous," says John Leeming, CFP®, President and CCO at JL Bainbridge. "But they didn’t compromise and believed that standing behind our service in a tangible way was the right thing to do. I’m proud that they had the foresight to put it in place, and even prouder that it continues to define how we serve our clients today."
Importantly, few clients have acted on the JLB Promise, speaking volumes about the satisfaction and loyalty JL Bainbridge has cultivated over the decades.
Conclusion:
At JL Bainbridge, accountability isn’t a buzzword, it's a practice woven into the firm's DNA. The JLB Promise is a testament to the firm’s belief that clients should feel confident in the guidance they receive and only pay for value they truly believe in.
While many others in the industry are just beginning to make similar pledges, JL Bainbridge has quietly stood behind theirs for over 40 years. It's far more than a promise - it’s the embodiment of their mission to put clients first and simplify wealth management with integrity.
If you’re looking for a financial advisory firm that places your interest first, we invite you to learn more about the JLB Promise by contacting us.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of JL Bainbridge & Co and are subject to change and reflect our judgment as of the publication date. Investment Advice is only available to those who become clients. The JLB promise refund is based on client satisfaction and not a guarantee of any performance benchmark.
*JL Bainbridge is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training. JL Bainbridge is not a broker-dealer and does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for assistance regarding your individual situation. For more information about our firm and our investment adviser representatives, please review our Disclosure Brochure (ADV Part 2A), Privacy Notice Link, and Relationship Summary (Form CRS) at jlbainbridge.com or reference the SEC website for more information on the firm and its advisers at: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/108058.
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Market conditions and events can cause stock prices to fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably. Past performance is not indicative of future results. CS25
