Argent Obtains GIPS Compliance

RUSTON, La., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Argent Financial Group, Inc., one of the mid-South's most respected wealth management firms, is pleased to announce Argent Trust of Louisiana, a division of Argent subsidiary National Independent Trust Company, and the firm's flagship investment products are now compliant with Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®).

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GIPS standards are a globally accepted methodology for calculating and presenting investment firms' performance history that are widely relied upon by investment firms, their clients and prospective clients for ensuring consistency of investment performance results. The purpose of the standards are to create a level playing field for all firms, promote comparability and give current and potential clients more confidence in the integrity of the performance presentations and the general practices of a compliant firm. 

First introduced 20 years ago, GIPS standards are voluntary and are based on the fundamental principles of full disclosure and fair representation of investment performance results. Global standardization of investment performance reporting gives investors around the world the additional transparency they need to compare and evaluate investment managers.  

"Achieving GIPS compliance demonstrates our continuing commitment to service, performance and integrity," said Argent CEO Kyle McDonald. "Our staff completed significant work to ensure that a third party could accurately validate our investment performance over a series of years.  It is rewarding to receive confirmation of our outstanding client service."

Under the direction of Lloyd Brown, CFA, Vice President and Investment Officer with Argent Trust, Argent professionals Reetu Kumra, CFA and Kelly Priestly were charged with the rigorous task of preparing the documentation necessary for becoming GIPS compliant.

"GIPS compliance will provide new growth opportunities for Argent in the coming years as we bring our suite of investment management solutions to institutional and individual clients. For Argent to achieve this milestone, Reetu and others had to dedicate months of time and effort.  I am extremely proud of their efforts and of our firm for achieving GIPS compliance," said Brown.

The GIPS standards are administered by CFA Institute, the global, not-for-profit association of investment professionals that awards the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) designations.

About Argent

With roots tracing back to 1930, and responsibility for more than $3 billion in client assets, Argent Financial Group, Inc. offers individuals and organizations throughout the mid-South comprehensive, customized wealth management programs using trust, investment and oil and gas management strategies. Argent Trust is the largest division of National Independent Trust Company, a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group, and provides trust and employee benefit plan administration as well as institutional services. Argent operates twelve offices across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, and has trust partner affiliates in eleven other states.  More information may be found at www.argentmoney.com.

SOURCE Argent Financial Group, Inc.