Forge Capital is a investment adviser based in Sarasota, FL, that holds a 86.7/100 Fidelon TransparencyScore (33rd percentile among state-registered advisers), with 1 registered advisor. Score based on public SEC and FINRA filings.
Forge Capital
Eighth Capital Group · CRD #338993
A registered investment adviser with a clean regulatory record.
Fidelon Fact Sheet
Forge Capital is a state-registered investment adviser in Sarasota, FL. It used to be called Eighth Capital Group, LLC. It has one registered advisor. It charges a yearly percentage of your account that gets smaller as the account grows, and it can also earn commissions when it sells you a product. Its services include financial planning, portfolio management and investment newsletters. It reports that it can hold or access client money, which the SEC requires firms to disclose. Its record shows no customer complaints, regulatory actions or fines.
Peer Context
10,577th of 15,825
state-registered advisers
Bottom 33%
548th of 1,226
state-registered advisers in FL
Top 45%
21st of 59
state-registered advisers in Sarasota, FL
Top 36%
How This Firm Works
Registration & Standard of Care
Investment Adviser — this firm is a registered investment adviser, held to a fiduciary standard — legally required to act in clients' best interests.
How This Firm Gets Paid
- Charges a percentage of assets under management
- Charges fixed fees for specific services
- Can earn money selling products alongside advice — the product company pays that, so it never appears on an advisory invoice
What you’d pay
Your balance falls in the $500,000 - $1,000,000 band, charged at 1.50% on the full amount.
Above $5M the rate drops to 0.75% — $37,500 less per year.
This fee is negotiable
“The annual fee is negotiable based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship, type of assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, negotiations with Clients, etc.).”
From their Form ADV Part 2A. Most investors never ask.
Not included above
- • Financial planning fixed fee $300-$10,000. Sub-advisor fees and custodian fees not included. Transaction fees, mutual fund internal fees, margin interest may apply. IARs receive external compensation from insurance sales.
Estimated from the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure — not a quote. Actual fees are set in your agreement and may differ. Costs charged by others (custodians, fund managers) are not included.
What This Firm Charges
| Account Size | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 - $500,000 | 1.75% |
| $500,000 - $1,000,000 | 1.50% |
| $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $5,000,000 and above | 0.75% |
Billed monthly in arrears
Extracted from Form ADV Part 2A brochure
Specializations
Extracted from Form ADV Part 2A brochure
Key Findings
Strengths
- Registered as investment adviser with fiduciary obligation
- Clean regulatory record — no disclosures, arbitrations, or fines
- TransparencyScore in the top 67% of state-registered advisers
Conflict Audit
Our analysis identified 2 potential conflicts of interest in regulatory filings.
Source: Form ADV Part 1, Items 6-8; Part 2A, Items 10-14
Regulatory Track Record
0
Disclosures
Clean record — no disclosures found
$0
Total Fines
Clean record — no fines found
Regulatory Events
TransparencyScore Dimensions
Disclosure Record
Customer complaints, arbitrations, and fines. Frequency and recency matter.
100/100
Strong
Avg for investment adviser firms: 82.6 | Top 10%: 99.5
Filing Quality
How clearly the firm describes services, fees, and investment approach in regulatory filings.
99/100
Strong
Avg for investment adviser firms: 84.1 | Top 10%: 100
Conflict Disclosure
How openly the firm explains who pays it and what it's paid to sell. The conflict isn't the problem — hiding it is.
81/100
Strong
Avg for investment adviser firms: 54 | Top 10%: 67
Enforcement History
Self-reported legal and disciplinary history from Form ADV Item 11.
100/100
Strong
Avg for investment adviser firms: 99.7 | Top 10%: 100
Their two-page relationship summary
The SEC requires every SEC-registered investment adviser to hand you this summary, called a Form CRS, and says what it must cover. We checked this firm's against that list. What is a Form CRS?
Not required
This firm is not required to file a Form CRS.
Without a Form CRS, the score above cannot go over 90. A firm that gives us one is scored on the same yardstick and can earn up to 10 more points.
What their brochure tells you
The firm must give you this brochure, Form ADV Part 2A, before you sign. We read it against the SEC's own instructions, item by item. Quotes are the firm's own words; page numbers refer to the filed brochure. What is in a brochure?
Can you tell what you'd pay and when?Brochure Fee Clarity100/100
The SEC asks every brochure to spell out the fee schedule, whether fees can be negotiated, how and when you are billed, the other costs you pay, and refunds.
The brochure answers every one of these.
- Can you tell what you'd pay?CoveredItem 5.A
Without a fee schedule you cannot compare this firm with any other.
Forge Capital charges an annual investment advisory fee based on the total assets under management as follows:p. 8
- Does it say whether the fee can be negotiated?CoveredItem 5.A
If fees are negotiable, other clients may be paying less than you for the same service.
The annual fee is negotiable based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship, type of assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, negotiations with Clients, etc.).p. 8
- Does it say whether the fee comes out of your account or gets billed?CoveredItem 5.B
A fee taken straight from your account is easy to stop noticing.
Fees for asset management services are deducted from a designated Client account.p. 10
- Does it say how often you're charged?CoveredItem 5.B
Monthly, quarterly, in advance or in arrears changes what you owe when you leave.
Management fees are billed monthly in arrears based on the amount of assets managed as of the close of business on the last business day of the previous month.p. 10
- Does it list the other costs you pay, like fund and custodian fees?CoveredItem 5.C
The advisory fee is rarely the whole bill; fund, trading and custody costs come on top.
Custodians may charge transaction fees and other related costs on the purchases or sales of mutual funds, equities, bonds, options and exchange-traded funds.p. 11
- Does it say how you get money back if you leave mid-period?CoveredItem 5.D
If you pay in advance and leave early, the refund rule decides what you get back.
If the Client cancels after five (5) business days, any unearned fees will be refunded to the Client, or any unpaid earned fees will be due to Forge Capital.p. 10
Does it explain each conflict of interest and what it could cost you?Brochure Conflict Specificity74/100
The SEC asks the brochure to name each way the firm gets paid besides your fee, what that tempts the firm to do, and what it can cost you.
Each point is marked Covered or Not found. When a point is not found, we say what to ask.
If its people can earn insurance commissions, does it explain them?
Insurance commissions
- Does the brochure name this conflict where the SEC requires?CoveredItems 10/11/12.B/14
A conflict named in the right place is one the firm has thought about; one buried elsewhere is easy to miss.
Scott V. Valenti has a financial affiliated business as an independent insurance agent. Less than 5% of his time is spent on this activity. He will offer Clients services from this activity. As an insurance agent, he may receive separate yet typical compensation.p. 17
- Does it explain what this arrangement tempts the firm to do?CoveredStaff Bulletin Q11
You can only judge advice when you know which way it is being pulled.
This practice represents a conflict of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend products based on the commission amount received.p. 17
- Does it describe what the arrangement actually is?CoveredStaff Bulletin Q11
A conflict described in one vague sentence tells you it exists but not how it works.
Scott V. Valenti has a financial affiliated business as an independent insurance agent.p. 17
- Does it say what the firm is paid for it?CoveredStaff Bulletin Q11
The size of the payment tells you how strong the pull is.
As an insurance agent, he may receive separate yet typical compensation.p. 17
- Does it say how the firm comes out ahead?Not found in the brochureStaff Bulletin Q11
Benefits that are not cash, like free services or referrals, still shape advice.
What to askAsk what the firm gains from this arrangement beyond fees.
- Does it say what it can cost you?Not found in the brochureStaff Bulletin Q11
Every conflict has a price; the question is whether the brochure puts it in your hands.
What to askAsk what this arrangement can cost you, in fees, returns or choices you do not get.
- Does it say how the firm keeps this conflict in check?Not assessed yetItems 10.C-D, 11.B-D, 14.A
A conflict with no control on it is left to the advisor's goodwill.
What to askAsk whether anyone at the firm earns a commission on insurance recommended to you, and whether it lowers your fee.
If the firm pays people who refer clients, does it explain those payments?
Payments to people who refer clients to the firm
- Does the brochure name this conflict where the SEC requires?CoveredItems 10/11/12.B/14
A conflict named in the right place is one the firm has thought about; one buried elsewhere is easy to miss.
If a Client is introduced to Forge Capital by a referring party, Forge Capital may pay that referring party a fee.p. 21
- Does it explain what this arrangement tempts the firm to do?Not found in the brochureStaff Bulletin Q11
You can only judge advice when you know which way it is being pulled.
What to askAsk what this arrangement gives the firm a reason to recommend, and how often that happens.
- Does it describe what the arrangement actually is?CoveredStaff Bulletin Q11
A conflict described in one vague sentence tells you it exists but not how it works.
Forge Capital may enter into agreements with individuals and organizations, which may be affiliated or unaffiliated with Forge Capital, that refer Clients to Forge Capital in exchange for compensation.p. 21
- Does it say what the firm is paid for it?CoveredStaff Bulletin Q11
The size of the payment tells you how strong the pull is.
generally, the compensation will be based upon Forge Capital’s engagement of new Clients and is calculated using a varying percentage of the fees paid to Forge Capital by such Clients.p. 21
- Does it say how the firm comes out ahead?Not found in the brochureStaff Bulletin Q11
Benefits that are not cash, like free services or referrals, still shape advice.
What to askAsk what the firm gains from this arrangement beyond fees.
- Does it say what it can cost you?Not found in the brochureStaff Bulletin Q11
Every conflict has a price; the question is whether the brochure puts it in your hands.
What to askAsk what this arrangement can cost you, in fees, returns or choices you do not get.
- Does it say how the firm keeps this conflict in check?Not assessed yetItems 10.C-D, 11.B-D, 14.A
A conflict with no control on it is left to the advisor's goodwill.
What to askAsk whether anyone was paid to refer you to the firm, and whether that affects what you pay.
- Hedged wording
Although Forge Capital has no formal soft dollar arrangements, Forge Capital may receive products, research and/or other services from custodians or broker-dealers connected to client transactions or “soft dollar benefits”.p. 19
Do they earn commissions on products, and do they say so?Brochure Sales Compensation85/100
When a firm or its people sell products for a commission, the SEC asks the brochure to say so, name the pull, and tell you whether you could buy elsewhere.
Each point is marked Covered or Not found. When a point is not found, we say what to ask.
- Does it say that earning commissions is a conflict of interest?CoveredItem 5.E.1
A firm paid to sell a product has a reason to recommend it that has nothing to do with you.
This represents a conflict of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend products based on the commission received.p. 11
- Does it say commissions can shape what they recommend?CoveredItem 5.E.1
Naming the pull is the first step to controlling it; silence leaves it working on you.
This represents a conflict of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend products based on the commission received.p. 11
- Does it say you can buy the same products elsewhere?CoveredItem 5.E.2
You may be able to buy the same product for less somewhere else.
Clients have the option to purchase these products through another insurance agent of their choosing.p. 11
- Does it say whether commissions lower your advisory fee?Not found in the brochureItem 5.E.4
If the firm earns a commission and the full advisory fee, you pay twice for one recommendation.
What to askAsk whether any commission the firm earns is credited against your advisory fee.
Do they get free research or services from brokers, and does it affect you?Brochure Soft Dollars100/100
When brokers give the firm research or services in return for your trades, the SEC asks the brochure to say what the firm gets and what it may cost you.
The brochure answers every one of these.
- Does it list what the firm gets from brokers for free?CoveredItem 12.A.1.e
Research, software and data paid for by your trades are a cost you never see.
Forge Capital may receive products, research and/or other services from custodians or broker-dealers connected to client transactions or “soft dollar benefits”.p. 19
- Does it say the firm benefits by not paying for those things?CoveredItem 12.A.1.a
A perk the firm would otherwise buy is money in the firm's pocket, paid with your trades.
Forge Capital receives economic benefits as a result of commissions generated from securities transactions by the custodian or broker-dealer from the accounts of Forge Capital.p. 19
- Does it say those perks can shape which broker it picks for you?CoveredItem 12.A.1.b
Your trades should go where you get the best deal, not where the firm gets the best perks.
A conflict of interest exists when Forge Capital receives soft dollars which could result in higher commissions charged to Clients.p. 20
- Does it say whether those perks stay within what the law allows?CoveredItem 12.A.1.e note
The law allows research paid for with client trades only within limits; outside them, it is your money.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Forge Capital receives economic benefits as a result of commissions generated from securities transactions by the custodian or broker-dealer from the accounts of Forge Capital.p. 19
- Does it say whether you pay more in trading costs because of those perks?CoveredItem 12.A.1.c
Paying up for trades to earn the firm a perk comes straight out of your returns.
A conflict of interest exists when Forge Capital receives soft dollars which could result in higher commissions charged to Clients.p. 20
- Does it say whether every client benefits or only some?CoveredItem 12.A.1.d
Your trades may be paying for research that helps other clients' accounts, not yours.
Forge Capital does not seek to proportionately allocate benefits to client accounts to any soft dollar benefits generated by the accounts.p. 20
A point not found is not a finding against the firm; many points apply only when the firm has that arrangement, and state-registered firms file the same brochure form.
Next Steps
Advisor Roster
1 advisor
| Advisor | CRD | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Vincent Valenti | 2579238 | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the TransparencyScore measure?
The TransparencyScore measures how clearly and completely an advisor or firm discloses important information in their regulatory filings — things like fees, conflicts of interest, disciplinary history, and business practices. A higher score means better disclosure quality, not better investment performance.
Where does this data come from?
All data comes from public regulatory filings: SEC Form ADV (Parts 1, 2, and 3), FINRA BrokerCheck, and the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database. These are official filings that firms and advisors are legally required to submit.
Does a low score mean they're a bad advisor?
Not necessarily. A low score means the firm's public filings are less transparent — they may use vague language about fees, skip details about conflicts, or have a more complex regulatory history. Some excellent advisors work at firms with poor disclosure practices. The score measures the filing, not the person.
How often is this data updated?
Fidelon refreshes data from SEC and FINRA sources on a regular schedule. Form ADV filings are updated annually by firms (with amendments throughout the year), and BrokerCheck data is updated as events are reported. Scores are recalculated after each data refresh.
Can an advisor or firm improve their score?
Yes. Scores are based on what's in public filings. A firm that rewrites its ADV brochure in clearer language, discloses conflicts more specifically, or resolves outstanding regulatory issues will see its score improve at the next refresh. The incentive structure is intentional.
Data Sources
Scores are generated using Fidelon's published scoring methodology and reflect the quality of public disclosures, not the quality of investment advice. A firm that improves its disclosures will see its score improve. Fidelon does not provide investment advice.
Verify on SEC IAPD
Last scored: · Score version: 3.15 · CRD #338993