Security & Privacy
Safeguarding your privacy and personal information is a top priority at AMG, and we dedicate significant resources to keeping your information secure. All AMG employees receive formal security training regarding client and account information when hired and at least annually.
As a national bank, AMG is subject to extensive laws and regulations, including those related to the security and privacy of client information. AMG is also subject to ongoing safety and soundness examinations by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
PLAN YOUR FUTURE WITH US
PRIVACY
AMG respects our clients’ privacy and only shares information as stated in AMG’s Privacy Notice.
DATA SECURITY
AMG uses encryption, firewalls, and other security safeguards to protect client information. AMG also conducts due diligence on its service partners, including online account providers, to confirm that they employ strong security protection in accordance with regulatory and industry standards, and AMG supports this due diligence through contractual obligations.
WEBSITE COOKIES & TRACKING
To help us deliver an enhanced digital experience, the AMG website uses cookies and other similar tracking technologies to collect information about you and other website visitors for the purposes of performance improvement and security. You can refuse or delete cookies using the settings functionality in your web browser or mobile device. If you decide to refuse or delete cookies, you may lose certain functionality on the AMG website.
SECURITIES ACCOUNT PROTECTION
In our wealth management division, client trust, and investment securities assets are held completely separate from AMG’s corporate assets, as is required by law, and are held on behalf of clients in AMG’s fiduciary and custodial capacity. AMG uses expert financial institutions to custody investment securities for AMG and its clients. These institutions include Fidelity’s National Financial Services (NFS) and the Bank of New York (BNY). NFS has assets in custody of over $2 trillion and BNY has assets in custody of over $33 trillion. AMG creditors cannot reach client securities accounts. Brokers also are legally required to segregate fully paid securities from their own assets.
To provide clients with additional confidence that their holdings are secure and properly accounted for, AMG engages an independent firm of certified public accountants with extensive expertise in bank accounting and auditing services to confirm that the securities holdings at AMG’s sub-custodians are in balance with AMG’s records, which AMG balances daily. A copy of the most recent annual confirmation letter is available upon request.
In the event a bank fails, the FDIC acts as receiver to provide a timely and efficient disposition of client assets and bank assets. Security custody accounts are not part of any insolvency proceedings as they transfer outside of the process. The FDIC returns custodied assets to the client or transfers them to the client’s designated successor custodian without any action by the bank. Non-deposit investment products are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or AMG, and may lose value from investment risk.
DEPOSIT ACCOUNT PROTECTION
Client deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) up to $250,000 per person. While the FDIC insures deposit accounts, it does not protect against loss of safe deposit boxes or non-deposit investment securities or products.
In commercial banking services, if a bank fails to properly invest its deposits in marketable securities or high-quality loans, there are risks to the bank and its depositors. This is why the FDIC insures deposit accounts up to legal limits. To protect itself against the risks inherent to the industry, a bank focuses on adequate capitalization and proper controls over lending. AMG does not originate, package, or sell sub-prime/low quality loans or invest in subprime securities or loans. AMG is well capitalized and a stable bank. For additional information on AMG’s capitalization, you may review our latest quarterly call report on the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) website.
IDENTITY THEFT & FRAUD
Identity theft begins when someone takes personally identifiable information, such as your name, Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, or your address, to use, without your knowledge or permission, for their personal financial gain.
Recovering from identity theft/fraud can take months, which is why you should be aware of potential scams to protect yourself.
Best practice is to avoid provided links or phone numbers by independently searching for and visiting a website or calling directly. When you receive an email, in general, pause and consider by using the S-T-O-P Method.
AMG will never ask for your personal information.
AMG will NEVER ask for your account number, social security number, name, address, or password in an email, voicemail, or text message.
Generally, a financial institution will only ask you to call them if there is a potential issue with your account.
Additional Resources
- Vox Media and Zelle® have teamed up to explain The Science Behind Scams
- Visit the Zelle® Financial Education Center
- Visit the American Bankers Association® Banks Will Never Ask That