Case Study: Quality Asset Management How a Boutique RIA Solved WhatsApp Compliance Without Disrupting Client Communication

Client: Quality Asset Management, LLC
Location: La Jolla, California
Industry: Registered Investment Advisor
Assets Under Management: Focused on high-net-worth individuals ($4M+ minimum)
Founded: 2004

The Challenge

Quality Asset Management (QAM) is a boutique RIA built on a philosophy of close, personal client relationships. Founded by Gil Hanoch, CFP®, the firm deliberately limits its client base to maintain what Hanoch describes as “family-style relationships” with every client. This hands-on, accessible approach has driven a 97% client retention rate over two decades, but it also created a distinct compliance challenge.

In an industry where high-net-worth clients expect immediate, seamless communication, WhatsApp has become the default platform for quick exchanges. Clients used it. Gil used it. The conversations were substantive, trade discussions, portfolio updates, planning questions. But from a regulatory standpoint, none of it was being captured.

As an SEC-registered RIA, QAM is required to archive all business communications under Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act. Every WhatsApp message discussing client portfolios or investment decisions falls squarely within that obligation. It became evident that a solution was required: the firm needed a way to preserve these conversations without disrupting the client experience that defined its business model.

The Search for a Solution

Gil evaluated multiple WhatsApp archiving solutions. The requirements were straightforward but non-negotiable:

• No disruption to workflow. Clients were already using WhatsApp to communicate with  Gil. Any solution that required them to switch platforms or change numbers was a non-starter.
• Work across devices. Gil used WhatsApp on both his phone and computer. The archiving had to work seamlessly on both.
• Keep the same number. Switching to a corporate WhatsApp number would break the continuity clients relied on and signal an unwelcome change.
• Simplicity. As a small firm without a dedicated IT team, QAM needed a solution that worked without extensive configuration or ongoing technical support.

Most solutions Gil reviewed failed on at least one of these criteria. Some required clients to add a new contact. Others only worked on mobile, not desktop. Several demanded the firm migrate to a corporate WhatsApp Business account, which would have meant a new number and a visible disruption to the client experience.

The Solution: DeepView ChatGuard WhatsApp

DeepView’s ChatGuard WhatsApp met every requirement, and did so in a way that felt invisible to both Gil and his clients.

The solution works by integrating directly with Gil’s existing WhatsApp account. There is no new app to download, no new number to share, and no change to how conversations happen. Messages continue to flow normally on both mobile and desktop. Behind the scenes, every business conversation is captured in real time and archived in a format that meets SEC recordkeeping requirements.

The onboarding process took less than a day. DeepView’s team handled the technical setup. Gil continued using WhatsApp exactly as he had before. Clients noticed nothing.

The Results

Since deploying ChatGuard, QAM has achieved full compliance with SEC communication archiving requirements, without sacrificing the accessibility and responsiveness that its clients value.

Key outcomes:

• Zero disruption to client experience. Clients continue to message Gil on the same WhatsApp number they have always used, on the same platform, with no additional steps.
• Full cross-device support. Archiving works seamlessly whether Gil is responding from his phone or his computer.
• Robust regulatory coverage. Every business conversation is captured, archived, and retrievable for regulatory examinations or client disputes.
• Minimal operational overhead. The system runs in the background. Gil does not need to think about it.

For a firm like QAM where trust, accessibility, and personal attention are the foundation of the client relationship, the ability to stay compliant without changing how it operates was essential. ChatGuard delivered that.

Client Testimonial

“DeepView’s WhatsApp archiving was the simplest solution I could find. I get to use WhatsApp as I always did, both on my computer and my cell phone, and keep my same WhatsApp number. I didn’t find any other solution that offers this simplicity and ease. Highly recommended!”
— Gil Hanoch, CFP®, Owner, Quality Asset Management, LLC

About Quality Asset Management

Quality Asset Management is an independent, fee-only RIA based in La Jolla, California. The firm specializes in long-term portfolio management for pre-retirees and retirees, with a focus on sustainable income, tax efficiency, and transparent fiduciary service. Since its founding in 2004, QAM has maintained a client retention rate of 97% by combining rigorous, research-driven investment strategies with deeply personal client relationships.

Learn more at qualityasset.com

About DeepView

DeepView helps financial services firms capture, archive, and monitor business communications across WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, SMS, and other platforms, in real time, on any device. ChatGuard enables firms to meet regulatory obligations without disrupting how their teams and clients actually communicate.

Learn more at deepview.com

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