Al Frank Asset Management (AFAM) and VLSystems Collaborate to Package Technology Capabilities that Enhance Profitability of Independent RIAs

Laguna Beach, CA – January 28, 2009 – Al Frank Asset Management (AFAM), one of the oldest, private boutique value-oriented money managers in the United States, has entered into a strategic relationship with VLSystems, a value added reseller that designs and deploys secure information solutions, for its network security, enterprise infrastructure, and technology support needs.  As a byproduct of this relationship, Al Frank Asset Management executives will collaborate with VLSystems to facilitate the offering of technology solutions designed specifically for the fast-growing independent registered investment advisor (RIA) marketplace.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with VLSystems for our day to day technology needs in addition to collaborating with one another to serve independent RIAs and financial advisors,” said Paul Osterberg, chief operating officer and chief marketing officer at Al Frank Asset Management.  Established more than three decades ago, VLSystems is both a Cisco Master Security Specialized partner and Microsoft Gold Certified partner. They offer specialized technology tools and processes for the evaluation and integration of merger & acquisition candidates around the United States. “They were recommended to us by our strategic partners at Charles Schwab and were open to considering a collaborative arrangement that allows both our organizations to grow and opportunistically capture market share,” Osterberg continued.

Al Frank Asset Management has embarked upon an ambitious plan of organizational growth.  Jeff Montgomery, former chief executive officer of NFP Securities, Inc. and executive vice president and chief operating officer of NFP Insurance Services., was selected for the role of CEO at Al Frank Asset Management earlier this year.  “Al Frank has a 30-year history of delivering consistent service and value to its clients. AFAM is a diamond in the rough with a unique and credible approach that has broad marketplace opportunities. At our core, we are a strong, value-oriented asset manager offering separate account management and mutual funds,” said Montgomery.  “We have undertaken a concerted effort to offer our products and services through a discerning network of independent financial planning professionals.  We have also entered in to the process of evaluating candidates for merger or acquisition.  The symbiotic relationship with VLSystems will help deliver the necessary infrastructure to support our growth, irrespective of the size of future transactions.”

“With this partnership, VLSystems information solutions will allow AFAM to meet their business needs while maintaining the security and integrity of their information,” said Tom White, chief executive officer of VLSystems.  “Our technical expertise combined with AFAM’s industry knowledge will result in an information technology solution that is unparalleled in the RIA marketplace.”

To request more information, or to speak to a member of the Al Frank Asset Management team, please contact Carol Graumann at 973-732-3521 or carol@jcpublicrelations.com.

About VLSystems, Inc.

VLSystems, founded in Irvine, Calif. in 1978, is a Cisco Premier Partner with a Master Security Specialization and a Microsoft Gold Certified partner specializing in secure information solutions involving Cisco LAN/WAN, data center and security, Microsoft advanced infrastructure, SharePoint Portal Server, workflow and collaboration, and managed services. To learn more about VLSystems, please visit www.VLSystems.com.

About Al Frank Asset Management

Founded in 1977, Al Frank Asset Management, Inc. is an independent, registered investment advisor offering separately managed accounts and two proprietary mutual funds. Al Frank’s value-oriented investment philosophy, based on the core tenets of selection, diversification and patience, is designed to meet the long-term investment goals of individuals, institutions, family offices and retirement plans.