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Financial Privacy &  Data Security

How Ascendance Consulting protects your personal financial information

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When you work with a financial services provider, you share some of the most sensitive information in your life. Federal law exists specifically to protect that information — and Ascendance Consulting takes every obligation under that law seriously.

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Financial institutions are required to take steps to protect the privacy of consumers' finances under a federal law called the Financial Modernization Act of 1999, also known as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The law covers not only banks, but also securities firms, insurance companies, and companies providing many other types of financial products and services — including tax preparation and financial advisory firms like Ascendance Consulting. 

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Under the law, the FTC enforces the Financial Privacy Rule, which governs how financial institutions can collect and disclose customers' personal financial information; the Safeguards Rule, which requires all financial institutions to maintain safeguards to protect customer information; and another provision designed to prevent individuals and companies from gaining access to consumers' personal financial information under false pretenses, a practice known as pretexting. 

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THE THREE RULES — WHAT THEY REQUIRE

The Financial Privacy Rule Requires financial institutions to provide clients with a clear, written notice explaining what personal financial information is collected, how it is used, and with whom it may be shared. Clients must be given the opportunity to opt out of certain disclosures to unaffiliated third parties. At Ascendance Consulting, this notice is provided to every client as part of the onboarding process.

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The Safeguards Rule Requires all financial institutions to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written information security program with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect client data. This is not optional guidance — it is a legal requirement enforced by the FTC. Ascendance Consulting maintains a formal information security program in compliance with this rule.

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Pretexting Protection Prohibits any person or company from obtaining your personal financial information from a financial institution — or from you — through false pretenses, deceptive means, or impersonation. If you ever receive a suspicious communication that appears to be from Ascendance Consulting requesting sensitive information, do not respond. Contact us directly at jacki@ascendance-consulting.com to verify authenticity before taking any action.

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HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

Compliance with these rules is a baseline — not a ceiling. Here is how Ascendance Consulting actively protects your personal financial information:

  • We collect only the information necessary to provide the services you have engaged us to perform

  • We do not sell, rent, or share your personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties for marketing purposes

  • We maintain a formal Written Information Security Plan (WISP) that documents our administrative, technical, and physical safeguards

  • We use a vetted, secure technology stack with individual software consents obtained from every client prior to any data entry

  • We use a secure, encrypted client portal for all sensitive document exchange — we do not transmit sensitive financial data via email or text

  • Access to your information is restricted to authorized Ascendance Consulting personnel only

  • We stay current on changes to the FTC Safeguards Rule and update our practices accordingly

 

YOUR RIGHTS

As a client of Ascendance Consulting, you have the right to:

  • Receive a written privacy notice explaining how your information is collected, used, and protected

  • Opt out of certain disclosures to unaffiliated third parties

  • Ask questions about our data security and privacy practices at any time

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you

  • Report any concerns about the handling of your information directly to us or to the FTC

 

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

If you have any questions about how your personal financial information is protected, please contact us directly. We are committed to transparency and will always respond promptly.

jacki@ascendance-consulting.com www.ascendance-consulting.com

 

OFFICIAL RESOURCES

 

This page is provided for informational and transparency purposes. It is updated periodically as regulations and our practices evolve. For questions specific to your engagement, please contact us directly.

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[View Our Privacy Policy] [View Our GLBA Page] [Contact Us]

Start With the Right Conversation.

If you’re unsure whether you need advisory support, tax preparation, or both, the best place to start is a conversation.

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We’ll review your current situation, identify where support makes the most sense, and guide you toward the right next step — without pressure or confusion.

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This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about putting the right support in place.

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