Our clients and friends are used to receiving Investment Market Reports from the Riggs’ Team.  This week we thought we would mix it up a bit and give you a sense of what the Riggs’ Team has been up to the last month or so.

In early October, Chief Compliance Officer, Susan Shoemaker, along with our Regulatory Attorney, Thomas Giachetti, Esquire conducted an onsite review of our compliance policies and procedures.  As a best practice, the Firm conducts a periodic review with outside counsel to make sure that we have strong processes in place and a comprehensive compliance culture within the firm.  Tom was also able to give us greater insight into the changing regulatory landscape in Washington.

The Grant’s Interest Rate Observer’s Fall Conference was held in early October and several members of the Riggs’ Investment Committee attended via webinar.  This all day conference featured speakers such as Bret Stephens from the Wall Street Journal, Seth Klarman of The Baupost Group, Lacy Hunt of Hoisington Investment Management, and Steven Bregman of Horizon Kinetics.  The presentations included discussions on:

• Large Budget Deficits and High Levels of Government Debt—a Force for Lower Interest Rates
• Indexation: Capitalist Tool and Delivery Agent of the Great Bubble
• The Coming Pivot in Central Bank Policy
• Debt Defaults: A Growth Market
• And much, much more…

It was pretty riveting stuff for financial geeks like us!

Susan Shoemaker flew out to San Diego in late October to attend the three-day Schwab Impact Conference.  She had the opportunity to hear discussions from:

• Greg Valliere, Washington Policy Expert, Horizon Investments
• Sherry Turkle, Director MIT Initiative on Technology & Self
• Ian Bremmer, President, Eurasia Group
• Malcolm Gladwell, Author & Staff Writer, The New Yorker
• Robert Reich, Economic Analyst and Former Secretary of Labor
• Alan Simpson, Former U.S. Senator

As you would expect, there was much discussion on U.S. politics and the impact of the Presidential election to the rest of the world.

In early November, Bob Graham Jr. and Liz Graham attended a CEO Conference presented by TD Ameritrade and the Ritz Carlton on developing a culture of client service excellence.  The Riggs’ Team prides itself on providing great service to its clients and we are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the client experience.  It was a nice opportunity to learn more about the Ritz Carlton approach.

Just over a week ago, Ann Marie Healey, Michelle Casaldi and Liz Graham participated in a Cybersecurity webinar that provided insight into some of the latest trends in cybersecurity.  Cybersecurity has become a key issue in the industry and the Riggs’ Team has spent a great deal of time learning best practices and undergoing training in this ever evolving area.
           

And now for some fun, non-work information…

We are thrilled to announce that Ann Marie Healey’s son, Michael, received the Social Studies Secondary Teacher of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Council on Social Studies.  Michael is an amazing teacher and we are so happy for the entire Healey family!

http://www.poconorecord.com/news/20161018/es-south-teacher-to-receive-statewide-social-studies-award

Bob’s daughter, Jacqueline Graham, a senior at Denison University just completed her final season on the Denison University Women’s Soccer Team.  She had a tremendous season that included winning Offensive Player of the Year from the North Coast Atlantic Conference.  Congratulations Jacquie!

http://www.denisonbigred.com/sports/wsoc/2016-17/releases/20161110g8hvnn

On behalf of the entire Riggs’ Team, we hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Riggs Asset Management Company

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results.  Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Riggs), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful.  Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this newsletter serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Riggs.  To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.  Riggs is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the newsletter content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.  A copy of the Riggs’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request. If you are a Riggs client, please remember to contact Riggs, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services.