Page 2 - Website FAQ 2025

FAQ

What is Pacific Capital’s investment approach?

At Pacific Capital, we take a highly personalized, goals-based approach to investing. We are not
managing a fund or pooling client assets — every client receives a tailored investment strategy
aligned with their long-term objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and legacy goals.

Our investment philosophy emphasizes diversification, risk management, and simplicity. Within
public markets, we primarily use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to efficiently capture entire
sectors or asset classes — allowing us to avoid speculation and individual stock picking.

Beyond traditional investments, we also help clients navigate and coordinate alternative assets
such as private equity, real estate holdings, and business interests. Our role is to ensure your
entire financial landscape — across both managed and outside accounts — works cohesively
toward your defined outcomes.

Who will hold my assets? Are you affiliated with a bank or brokerage
firm?

Pacific Capital does not custody client assets. For custody, we use Charles Schwab — a highly
reputable, third-party custodian — to hold all investment accounts on behalf of our clients.

Our clients retain full control over their accounts, and Schwab requires your direct approval for
any outgoing transfers or distributions. We cannot move money, withdraw funds, or take
custody at any point.

Importantly, we are not compensated by Charles Schwab, nor are we affiliated with any bank,
brokerage, or insurance company. As an independent advisory firm, we work solely for our
clients and make custodian decisions based on service quality, security, and platform capabilities
— not incentives or affiliations.

Who would be my advisor?
At Pacific Capital, we serve clients through a collaborative, team-based model — not a siloed,
individual advisor structure. Rather than being assigned to a single advisor, you gain access to the
collective expertise of our entire team. This means that every element of your financial strategy —
from investment planning to estate coordination to liquidity event support — is handled with shared
insight and a unified standard of care.

We believe our clients deserve the depth and consistency that only a cohesive, high-performing team
can provide. Everyone at Pacific Capital works for you — and we work together to deliver proactive,
seamless support at every stage of your financial journey.

Disclosure: Pacific Capital is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The
information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past
performance is not indicative of future results. No client or prospective client should assume that any information presented in this brochure serves as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized
investment advice from Pacific Capital or any other investment professional. Investment advisory services are offered only through a formal advisory agreement and are subject to applicable
regulatory requirements. Before making any investment decision, clients should carefully consider their financial objectives, risk tolerance, and consult with a qualified advisor. For additional
information, including fees, services, and disclosures, please refer to our Form ADV Part 2A, available upon request or by visiting the SEC’s website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.