TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: January 27, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Veridian Vanguard Advisors. By accessing our website, engaging our advisory services, or communicating with our team, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our website or services. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client," "you," or "your") and Veridian Vanguard Advisors ("we," "us," or "our").

2. Services Overview

Veridian Vanguard Advisors provides strategic advisory services to governments, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, elite athletes, institutions, family offices, philanthropists, business leaders, and cultural icons. Our services include but are not limited to:

  • Strategic planning and business advisory
  • Market intelligence and competitive analysis
  • Partnership development and relationship management
  • Crisis management and reputation advisory
  • Investment strategy guidance (non-regulated advisory)
  • Philanthropic and legacy planning support
  • Sports and entertainment career advisory

The specific scope, deliverables, fees, and terms of each engagement will be detailed in a separate written agreement ("Engagement Agreement") executed between the parties.

3. Engagement Process

3.1 Initial Consultation

All prospective client relationships begin with an initial consultation to assess fit, discuss objectives, and determine whether we can provide value. This consultation does not create a client-advisor relationship until a formal Engagement Agreement is executed.

3.2 Due Diligence and Onboarding

Prior to engagement, we conduct comprehensive due diligence on all prospective clients, including:

  • Identity verification and background checks
  • Source of funds and wealth verification
  • Conflict of interest assessment
  • Compliance screening (AML/KYC/sanctions)
  • Reputation and risk evaluation

We reserve the right to decline any engagement at our sole discretion, including if we are unable to complete satisfactory due diligence or identify potential conflicts or compliance concerns.

3.3 Engagement Agreement

Upon successful completion of due diligence, we will provide a detailed Engagement Agreement outlining:

  • Scope of services and deliverables
  • Fees, payment terms, and expenses
  • Duration and termination provisions
  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Limitation of liability and indemnification

4. Fees and Payment Terms

4.1 Fee Structure

Our advisory services are provided on a fee basis as specified in each Engagement Agreement. Fee structures may include:

  • Retainer Fees: Monthly or annual retainer for ongoing advisory services
  • Project-Based Fees: Fixed fees for specific projects or deliverables
  • Hourly Rates: Time-based billing for certain advisory services
  • Success Fees: Performance-based compensation tied to specific outcomes

4.2 Payment Terms

Unless otherwise specified in the Engagement Agreement:

  • Retainer fees are due in advance on a monthly or annual basis
  • Project fees may require an upfront deposit (typically 50%)
  • Invoices are payable within 15 days of receipt
  • Late payments may incur interest charges at 1.5% per month
  • We accept wire transfers, ACH, and other agreed payment methods

4.3 Expenses

Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with services (travel, accommodation, research materials, etc.) will be billed separately unless included in the agreed fee structure.

4.4 Non-Payment and Suspension

We reserve the right to suspend services if payment obligations are not met. Non-payment does not relieve you of confidentiality obligations or other continuing obligations under the Engagement Agreement.

5. Client Responsibilities

To enable us to provide effective advisory services, clients agree to:

  • Provide accurate, complete, and timely information
  • Grant reasonable access to relevant personnel and documents
  • Respond promptly to requests for information or decisions
  • Maintain confidentiality of our proprietary methodologies and insights
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Notify us immediately of any material changes affecting the engagement

6. Confidentiality

6.1 Mutual Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all proprietary and confidential information disclosed during the engagement. This includes:

  • Business strategies, financial information, and trade secrets
  • Personal information and private matters
  • The existence and terms of the advisory relationship
  • All communications and work product

6.2 Exceptions

Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that:

  • Is publicly available through no breach of these Terms
  • Was known prior to disclosure
  • Is independently developed without use of confidential information
  • Must be disclosed pursuant to legal process or regulatory requirement

6.3 Duration

Confidentiality obligations survive termination of the engagement and continue indefinitely unless otherwise specified in the Engagement Agreement.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Intellectual Property

All methodologies, frameworks, templates, tools, and proprietary processes used in delivering our services remain our exclusive intellectual property. Clients receive a limited license to use deliverables for their internal business purposes only.

7.2 Client Intellectual Property

Clients retain all rights to their pre-existing intellectual property. We may use client information solely for the purpose of providing advisory services.

7.3 Work Product

Ownership of work product created specifically for a client engagement will be addressed in the Engagement Agreement. Generally, clients receive ownership of final deliverables while we retain rights to underlying methodologies and reusable components.

8. Limitation of Liability

Important Legal Notice

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Veridian Vanguard Advisors' total liability for any claims arising from or related to our services shall not exceed the fees paid by the client for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim.

We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

  • Lost profits or business opportunities
  • Loss of reputation or goodwill
  • Business interruption
  • Loss of data or information
  • Third-party claims

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise) and even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Veridian Vanguard Advisors, its principals, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

  • Your breach of these Terms or any Engagement Agreement
  • Your violation of any law or regulation
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Your misuse of our advice or recommendations
  • Inaccurate or incomplete information you provide

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by Either Party

Either party may terminate an engagement as specified in the Engagement Agreement, typically with 30 days' written notice. Immediate termination may be permitted in cases of material breach.

10.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Client remains obligated to pay for services rendered through the termination date
  • We will deliver all completed work product
  • Confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely
  • Both parties will return or destroy confidential information as requested
  • Provisions regarding limitation of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution survive

10.3 No Refunds

Fees paid for services already rendered are non-refundable. Retainer fees may be prorated based on the termination date as specified in the Engagement Agreement.

11. Conflicts of Interest

We maintain strict policies to identify and manage conflicts of interest. We will disclose any actual or potential conflicts and obtain your informed consent before proceeding with an engagement.

We may provide services to multiple clients in the same industry or with competing interests, provided we maintain appropriate information barriers and confidentiality safeguards. If an unmanageable conflict arises during an engagement, we may be required to withdraw from representation.

12. Website Use and Restrictions

12.1 Permitted Use

You may access and use our website for informational purposes and to inquire about our services. You agree not to:

  • Use automated systems to access or scrape website content
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
  • Interfere with website functionality or security
  • Use the website for any unlawful purpose
  • Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission

12.2 Website Availability

We strive to maintain website availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the website at any time without notice.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

In the event of any dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. Either party may initiate this process by providing written notice of the dispute.

13.2 Mediation

If informal negotiation does not resolve the dispute within 30 days, the parties agree to participate in confidential mediation before a mutually agreed mediator.

13.3 Arbitration

If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be conducted in Los Angeles, California, unless otherwise agreed.

13.4 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property rights or enforce confidentiality obligations without first pursuing arbitration.

14. Governing Law

These Terms and any Engagement Agreements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

For international clients, specific governing law provisions may be addressed in individual Engagement Agreements to reflect the nature of the engagement and applicable jurisdictions.

15. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or website notice. Continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Modifications do not apply retroactively to existing Engagement Agreements unless mutually agreed in writing.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any executed Engagement Agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Veridian Vanguard Advisors regarding use of our website and services, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.

18. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Service, please contact:

Veridian Vanguard Advisors

Legal Department

Email: connect@veridianvanguard.com

Location: Los Angeles, CA

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.