# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000059970
**File Stem:** 0000059970-23-000001
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 47496
**Document Hash:** d531bd1de0661bccad1b0f49101cadbb
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000059970-23-000001.hdr.sgml**: 20230301

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000059970-23-000001

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: X-17A-5

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 3

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20221231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230301

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230301

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230301

**PERIOD START**: 20220101

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** LINCOLN FINANCIAL ADVISORS CORPORATION
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000059970
- **IRS NUMBER:** 351151034
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** IN
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** X-17A-5
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 008-14685
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23693296

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1301 SOUTH HARRISON STREET
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 150
- **CITY:** FORT WAYNE
- **STATE:** IN
- **ZIP:** 46802
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 260-455-1614

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** P.O. BOX 2239
- **CITY:** FORT WAYNE
- **STATE:** IN
- **ZIP:** 46801-2239

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** LINCOLN FINANCIAL ADVISORS CORP                         /BD
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20020311

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** LNC EQUITY SALES CORP                                   /BD
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19970805

### Attached PDF Documents

**Attachment 1:** `2022lfaexemptionreport.pdf`

EXEMPTION REPORT

PURSUANT TO RULE 17A-5 UNDER THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Year Ended December 31, 2022

With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Exemption Report

Pursuant to Rule 17a-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

December 31, 2022

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation (the "Company") is a registered broker-dealer subject to Rule 17a-5 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5, "Reports to be made by certain brokers and dealers"). This Exemption Report was prepared as required by 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5(d)(1) and (4). To the best of its knowledge and belief, the Company states the following:

1. The Company claimed an exemption from 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3 under the following provisions of 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3 (k)(2)(i) and (k)(2)(ii).

2. The Company is also filing this Exemption Report because the Company's other business activities contemplated by Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5 are limited to effecting securities transactions via subscriptions on a subscription way basis where the funds are payable to the issuer or its agent and not to the Company and the Company (1) did not directly or indirectly receive, hold or otherwise owe funds or securities for or to customers (other than funds received and promptly transmitted for effecting transactions via subscriptions on a subscription way business where the funds are payable to the issuer or its agent and not to the Company); (2) did not carry accounts of or for customers; and (3) did not carry PAB accounts (as defined in Rule 15c3-3) throughout the year ended December 31, 2022.

3. The Company met the identified exemption provisions described in 1. and 2. above for the year ended December 31, 2022, except as described below:

| Date | Number of checks not promptly forwarded |
| --- | --- |
| 01/05/2022 | 3 |
| 01/06/2022 | 1 |
| 01/10/2022 | 4 |
| 01/11/2022 | 1 |
| 01/12/2022 | 2 |
| 01/13/2022 | 5 |
| 01/18/2022 | 1 |
| 01/19/2022 | 1 |
| 01/21/2022 | 1 |

| 01/24/2022 | 2 |
| --- | --- |
| 01/26/2022 | 1 |
| 01/27/2022 | 1 |
| 01/28/2022 | 2 |
| 01/31/2022 | 2 |
| 02/01/2022 | 3 |
| 02/02/2022 | 4 |
| 02/03/2022 | 5 |
| 02/04/2022 | 1 |
| 02/07/2022 | 2 |
| 02/10/2022 | 6 |
| 02/11/2022 | 1 |
| 02/14/2022 | 2 |
| 02/15/2022 | 2 |
| 02/16/2022 | 2 |
| 02/22/2022 | 2 |
| 02/23/2022 | 2 |
| 02/24/2022 | 3 |
| 02/25/2022 | 1 |
| 03/01/2022 | 4 |
| 03/03/2022 | 1 |
| 03/04/2022 | 2 |
| 03/07/2022 | 2 |
| 03/08/2022 | 1 |
| 03/10/2022 | 1 |
| 03/11/2022 | 1 |
| 03/14/2022 | 4 |
| 03/16/2022 | 1 |
| 03/17/2022 | 2 |
| 03/18/2022 | 3 |
| 03/21/2022 | 2 |
| 03/22/2022 | 1 |
| 03/23/2022 | 2 |
| 03/25/2022 | 1 |
| 03/28/2022 | 3 |
| 03/29/2022 | 1 |
| 03/30/2022 | 2 |
| 04/01/2022 | 2 |
| 04/04/2022 | 1 |

| 04/06/2022 | 2 |
| --- | --- |
| 04/07/2022 | 1 |
| 04/13/2022 | 1 |
| 04/18/2022 | 1 |
| 04/19/2022 | 1 |
| 04/22/2022 | 3 |
| 04/28/2022 | 1 |
| 04/29/2022 | 1 |
| 05/02/2022 | 1 |
| 05/03/2022 | 1 |
| 05/04/2022 | 2 |
| 05/05/2022 | 2 |
| 05/06/2022 | 1 |
| 05/09/2022 | 4 |
| 05/10/2022 | 3 |
| 05/12/2022 | 1 |
| 05/16/2022 | 1 |
| 05/17/2022 | 3 |
| 05/18/2022 | 3 |
| 05/19/2022 | 2 |
| 05/24/2022 | 2 |
| 05/26/2022 | 2 |
| 05/27/2022 | 1 |
| 05/31/2022 | 1 |
| 06/01/2022 | 4 |
| 06/02/2022 | 1 |
| 06/03/2022 | 7 |
| 06/06/2022 | 1 |
| 06/09/2022 | 1 |
| 06/14/2022 | 3 |
| 06/17/2022 | 4 |
| 06/21/2022 | 1 |
| 06/23/2022 | 1 |
| 06/24/2022 | 1 |
| 06/27/2022 | 1 |
| 06/29/2022 | 1 |
| 06/30/2022 | 2 |
| 07/01/2022 | 6 |
| 07/05/2022 | 1 |

| 07/13/2022 | 1 |
| --- | --- |
| 07/14/2022 | 1 |
| 07/19/2022 | 2 |
| 07/20/2022 | 1 |
| 07/25/2022 | 1 |
| 07/27/2022 | 1 |
| 07/28/2022 | 2 |
| 07/29/2022 | 1 |
| 08/01/2022 | 2 |
| 08/04/2022 | 1 |
| 08/05/2022 | 1 |
| 08/09/2022 | 3 |
| 08/10/2022 | 1 |
| 08/11/2022 | 2 |
| 08/12/2022 | 1 |
| 08/15/2022 | 2 |
| 08/19/2022 | 1 |
| 08/22/2022 | 1 |
| 08/24/2022 | 1 |
| 08/25/2022 | 1 |
| 08/26/2022 | 2 |
| 08/30/2022 | 1 |
| 09/01/2022 | 1 |
| 09/12/2022 | 3 |
| 09/14/2022 | 2 |
| 09/15/2022 | 2 |
| 09/19/2022 | 3 |
| 09/20/2022 | 2 |
| 09/22/2022 | 1 |
| 09/26/2022 | 1 |
| 09/30/2022 | 1 |
| 10/03/2022 | 3 |
| 10/04/2022 | 4 |
| 10/06/2022 | 1 |
| 10/07/2022 | 2 |
| 10/10/2022 | 3 |
| 10/13/2022 | 1 |
| 10/20/2022 | 1 |
| 10/25/2022 | 2 |

| 10/28/2022 | 5 |
| --- | --- |
| 11/01/2022 | 1 |
| 11/14/2022 | 6 |
| 11/15/2022 | 2 |
| 11/16/2022 | 1 |
| 11/17/2022 | 3 |
| 11/22/2022 | 1 |
| 11/28/2022 | 2 |
| 11/30/2022 | 1 |
| 12/05/2022 | 2 |
| 12/06/2022 | 1 |
| 12/07/2022 | 2 |
| 12/09/2022 | 1 |
| 12/12/2022 | 1 |
| 12/14/2022 | 2 |
| 12/16/2022 | 2 |
| 12/19/2022 | 2 |
| 12/28/2022 | 1 |
| 12/30/2022 | 3 |

I, Carl R. Pawsat, certify that, to my best knowledge and belief, this Exemption Report is true and correct.

Dated: February 27, 2023

![img-0.jpeg](img-0.jpeg)

Name: Carl R. Pawsat
Title: VP, Financial and Operations Principal

EY
Building a better working world
Ernst &amp; Young LLP
One Commerce Square
Suite 700
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: +1 215 448 5000
Fax: +1 215 448 5500
ey.com

# Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Management of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

We have reviewed management's statements, included in the accompanying Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation Exemption Report, in which Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation (the Company) stated that:

1. The Company claimed an exemption from 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3 (k): (2)(i) and (2)(ii) (the "exemption provisions").

2. The Company met the identified exemption provision(s) of §240.15c3-3 (k) throughout the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 except as described in its exemption report.

3. The Company is also filing this Exemption Report because the Company's other business activities contemplated by Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5 are limited to: effecting securities transactions via subscriptions on a subscription way basis where the funds are payable to the issuer or its agent and not to the Company and the Company (1) did not directly or indirectly receive, hold, or otherwise owe funds or securities for or to customers other than money or other consideration received and promptly transmitted in compliance with paragraph (a) or (b)(2) of Rule 15c2-4 and/or funds received and promptly transmitted for effecting transactions via subscriptions on a subscription way basis where the funds are payable to the issuer or its agent and not to the Company; (2) did not carry accounts of or for customers; and (3) did not carry PAB accounts (as defined in Rule 15c3-3) throughout the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 except as described in its exemption report.

Management is responsible for compliance with 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3 and its statements.

Our review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, included inquiries and other required procedures to obtain evidence about the Company's compliance with 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3. A review is substantially less in scope than an examination, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion on management's statements. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to management's statements referred to above for them to be fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the provisions set forth in Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and pursuant to footnote 74 of SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5.

This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Board of Directors, management, the SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, other regulatory agencies that rely on Rule 17a-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in their regulation of registered brokers and dealers, and other recipients specified by Rule 17a-5(d)(6) and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

February 27, 2023
Ernst &amp; Young LLP

**Attachment 2:** `2022lfapublicreport1.pdf`

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Year Ended December 31, 2022
With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

# UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

# ANNUAL REPORTS
FORM X-17A-5
PART III

| OMB APPROVAL |
| --- |
| OMB Number: 3235-0123 |
| Expires: Oct. 31, 2023 |
| Estimated average burden hours per response: 12 |

| SEC FILE NUMBER |
| --- |
| 8-14685 |

## FACING PAGE

Information Required Pursuant to Rules 17a-5, 17a-12, and 18a-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

FILING FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING **01/01/22** AND ENDING **12/31/22**

MM/DD/YY  MM/DD/YY

### A. REGISTRANT IDENTIFICATION

NAME OF FIRM: **Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation**

TYPE OF REGISTRANT (check all applicable boxes):

☑ Broker-dealer
☐ Security-based swap dealer
☐ Major security-based swap participant
☐ Check here if respondent is also an OTC derivatives dealer

ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: (Do not use a P.O. box no.)
**1300 South Clinton Street**

(No. and Street)

| Fort Wayne | IN | 46802 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| (City) | (State) | (Zip Code) |

PERSON TO CONTACT WITH REGARD TO THIS FILING

| Carl R. Pawsat | (606) 407-3406 | carl.pawsat@lfg.com |
| --- | --- | --- |
| (Name) | (Area Code - Telephone Number) | (Email Address) |

### B. ACCOUNTANT IDENTIFICATION

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT whose reports are contained in this filing*
**Ernst &amp; Young LLP**

(Name - if individual, state last, first, and middle name)
**2005 Market Street, Suite 700** Philadelphia PA 19103

(Address)  (City)  (State)  (Zip Code)
**10/20/2003**  **42**

(Date of Registration with PCAOB)(if applicable)  (PCAOB Registration Number, if applicable)

**FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY**

* Claims for exemption from the requirement that the annual reports be covered by the reports of an independent public accountant must be supported by a statement of facts and circumstances relied on as the basis of the exemption. See 17 CFR 240.17a-5(e)(1)(ii), if applicable.

Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

# OATH OR AFFIRMATION

I, Carl Pawsat, swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the financial report pertaining to the firm of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, as of 12/31, 2022, is true and correct. I further swear (or affirm) that neither the company nor any partner, officer, director, or equivalent person, as the case may be, has any proprietary interest in any account classified solely as that of a customer.

Signature: ![img-0.jpeg](img-0.jpeg)

This filing** contains (check all applicable boxes):

☑ (a) Statement of financial condition.
☑ (b) Notes to consolidated statement of financial condition.
☐ (c) Statement of income (loss) or, if there is other comprehensive income in the period(s) presented, a statement of comprehensive income (as defined in § 210.1-02 of Regulation S-X).
☐ (d) Statement of cash flows.
☐ (e) Statement of changes in stockholders’ or partners’ or sole proprietor’s equity.
☐ (f) Statement of changes in liabilities subordinated to claims of creditors.
☐ (g) Notes to consolidated financial statements.
☐ (h) Computation of net capital under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1 or 17 CFR 240.18a-1, as applicable.
☐ (i) Computation of tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.18a-2.
☐ (j) Computation for determination of customer reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3.
☐ (k) Computation for determination of security-based swap reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit B to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable.
☐ (l) Computation for Determination of PAB Requirements under Exhibit A to § 240.15c3-3.
☐ (m) Information relating to possession or control requirements for customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3.
☐ (n) Information relating to possession or control requirements for security-based swap customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3(p)(2) or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable.
☐ (o) Reconciliations, including appropriate explanations, of the FOCUS Report with computation of net capital or tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1, 17 CFR 240.18a-1, or 17 CFR 240.18a-2, as applicable, and the reserve requirements under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable, if material differences exist, or a statement that no material differences exist.
☐ (p) Summary of financial data for subsidiaries not consolidated in the statement of financial condition.
☑ (q) Oath or affirmation in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.17a-12, or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
☐ (r) Compliance report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
☐ (s) Exemption report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
☑ (t) Independent public accountant’s report based on an examination of the statement of financial condition.
☑ (u) Independent public accountant’s report based on an examination of the financial report or financial statements under 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.18a-7, or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable.
☐ (v) Independent public accountant’s report based on an examination of certain statements in the compliance report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
☑ (w) Independent public accountant’s report based on a review of the exemption report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
☐ (x) Supplemental reports on applying agreed-upon procedures, in accordance with 17 CFR 240.15c3-1e or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable.
☐ (y) Report describing any material inadequacies found to exist or found to have existed since the date of the previous audit, or a statement that no material inadequacies exist, under 17 CFR 240.17a-12(k).
☐ (z) Other: _________________________________________________________________________________________

**To request confidential treatment of certain portions of this filing, see 17 CFR 240.17a-5(e)(3) or 17 CFR 240.18a-7(d)(2), as applicable.

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2022

## Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm...1
Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition...2
Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition...3

EY

Building a better working world

Ernst &amp; Young LLP

One Commerce Square

Suite 700

2005 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Tel: +1 215 448 5000

Fax: +1 215 448 5500

ey.com

# Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

## Opinion on the Financial Statement

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and the related notes (the "consolidated financial statement"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

## Basis for Opinion

This financial statement is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Ernst &amp; Young LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1968.

February 27, 2023

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
(in thousands)

|  | Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| --- | --- |
| Assets |  |
| Cash and invested cash | $57,614 |
| Financial instruments owned, at fair value | 8,840 |
| Commissions and fees receivable from third parties | 33,425 |
| Commissions and fees receivable from affiliates | 6,916 |
| Due from affiliates | 140 |
| Net deferred tax asset | 6,928 |
| Prepaid expenses | 1,330 |
| Other assets, cash invested with affiliate | 5,486 |
| Other assets | 14,779 |
| Net property and equipment (accumulated depreciation: $10,501) | 2,227 |
| Total assets | $137,685 |
| Liabilities and stockholder's equity |  |
| Liabilities: |  |
| Payable to vendors | $1,361 |
| Due to affiliates | 12,916 |
| Deferred revenue | 3,506 |
| Accrued commissions | 8,705 |
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 5,968 |
| Other liabilities | 11,207 |
| Total liabilities | 43,663 |
| Stockholder's equity: |  |
| Common stock - $100 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding | 500 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 24,322 |
| Retained earnings | 69,200 |
| Total stockholder's equity | 94,022 |
| Total liabilities and stockholder's equity | $137,685 |

See accompanying notes.

2

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
(in thousands)
December 31, 2022

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards

Nature of Operations

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation (“LFA” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) is a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor engaged principally in the distribution of securities, including certain mutual funds, variable insurance products and equity and fixed income securities, and the provision of fee-based investment advisory services. LFA is licensed to engage in broker-dealer and investment advisor activity throughout the United States. Our wholly owned subsidiary, LFA Management Corporation (“LFAMC”) is a management company incorporated in 2004 for the purpose of providing LFA with executive management services and corporate governance. LFA is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation (“LNC”).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying statement of financial condition is prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Certain GAAP policies, which are summarized below, significantly affect the determination of financial position. Additionally, uncertainties, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact our estimates and the determination of financial condition.

The Company and other affiliated entities that provide services to the Company are under common ownership and management control. The existence of this control could result in the Company’s financial position being significantly different from those that would have been obtained if the Company were autonomous.

The Company operates in one reportable segment given the similarities of all the products and services provided.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LFA and its wholly owned subsidiary, LFAMC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

3

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of the consolidated statement of financial condition in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of financial condition. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Measurement

Our measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk ("NPR"), which would include our own credit risk. Our estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability ("exit price") in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability ("entry price"). Pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), we categorize our financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique.

The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:

- Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date, except for large holdings subject to "blockage discounts" that are excluded;
- Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value can be determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies; and
- Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs in situations where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability, and we make estimates and assumptions related to the pricing of the asset or liability, including assumptions regarding risk.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

4

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

## 1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

**Fair Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs**

We measure the fair value of our securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the security, and we consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security's fair value. Our fair value measurement is based on a market approach that utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The sources of input to the market approach is primarily third-party pricing services. We do not adjust prices received from third parties; however, we do analyze the third-party pricing services' valuation methodologies and related inputs and perform additional evaluation to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.

The observable and unobservable inputs to our valuation methodologies are based on a set of standard inputs that we generally use to evaluate all of our securities. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators, industry and economic events are monitored, and further market data is acquired if certain triggers are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. For private placement securities, we use pricing matrices that utilize observable pricing inputs of similar public securities and Treasury yields as inputs to the fair value measurement. Depending on the type of security or the daily market activity, standard inputs may be prioritized differently or may not be available for all securities on any given day.

5

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

Fair Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs (continued)

The following summarizes our fair valuation methodologies and associated inputs, which are particular to the specified security type and are in addition to the defined standard inputs to our valuation methodologies for all of our securities discussed above:

- Corporate bonds - We also use Trade Reporting and Compliance EngineTM reported tables for our corporate bonds. The Company had $6,864 of corporate bonds at December 31, 2022.
- Collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) - We also utilize additional inputs, which include new issues data, monthly payment information and monthly collateral performance, including prepayments, severity, delinquencies, step-down features and over collateralization features for each of our CLOs. The Company had $1,976 of CLOs at December 31, 2022.

In order to validate the pricing information, we employ, where possible, procedures that include comparisons with similar observable positions, comparisons with subsequent sales and observations of general market movements for those security classes. We have policies and procedures in place to review the process that is utilized by our third-party pricing service and the output that is provided to us by the pricing service. On a periodic basis, we test the pricing for a sample of securities to evaluate the inputs and assumptions used by the pricing service, and we perform a comparison of the pricing service output to an alternative pricing source. We also evaluate prices provided by our primary pricing service to ensure that they are not stale or unreasonable by reviewing the prices for unusual changes from period to period based on certain parameters or for lack of change from one period to the next.

Cash and Invested Cash

Cash and invested cash is carried at cost, which approximates fair value, and includes all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, we categorized cash and invested cash in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Cash and invested cash included $29,102 of securities which were subject to regulatory haircuts for purposes of the computation of net capital.

6

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

Cash Invested with Affiliate

In order to manage capital more efficiently, the Company participates in an intercompany cash management program where LNC can lend to or borrow from the Company to meet short-term borrowing needs. The cash management program is essentially a series of demand loans among LNC and its affiliates that reduces the overall borrowing costs by allowing LNC and its affiliates to access internal resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs. Invested cash with LNC was $5,486 at December 31, 2022, and is included in other assets, cash invested with affiliate on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

Financial Instruments Owned, at Fair Value

Financial instrument owned, at fair value (“financial instruments”) consist of fixed maturity securities carried at fair value. Pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, we categorized financial instruments in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The associated accounts receivables are included in the commissions and fees receivable from third parties and affiliates on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

7

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

Income Taxes

LNC files a U.S. consolidated income tax return that includes all eligible subsidiaries, including LFA and LNL. Pursuant to an intercompany tax-sharing agreement with LNL, LFA provides for income taxes on a separate return filing basis. The tax-sharing agreement also provides that LFA will receive benefit for net operating losses, capital losses, and tax credits, which may not be usable on a separate return basis to the extent such items may be utilized in the consolidated federal income tax returns of LNC.

Deferred income taxes are recognized, based on enacted rates, when assets and liabilities have different values for the statement of financial condition and tax reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded to the extent required. Considerable judgment and the use of estimates are required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary and, if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. See Note 3 for additional information.

Other Assets and Other Liabilities related to AdviceNextTM

The Company entered into an agreement with our clearing provider to launch AdviceNextTM, an integrated offering that optimizes the delivery of the Company's practice resources, tools and technology to advisors.

The agreement provided business development credits that were received by the Company from the clearing provider upon achievement of certain time or performance milestones, as specified in the contract. The business development credits were recorded as deferred revenue. The current balance of $6,531 is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Additionally, the launch of AdviceNextTM resulted in incremental and identifiable costs directly related to the acquisition of the agreement with the clearing provider. These costs were capitalized. The current balance of $5,951 is net of accumulated amortization and is included in other assets on the Statement of Financial Condition.

8

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

## 1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

### Property and Equipment

Property and equipment owned for Company use is carried at cost less allowances for depreciation.

### Deferred Revenue

Cash received in advance for financial planning contracts is recorded as deferred revenue until delivery of the product or service to the respective customer.

### Deferred Compensation

Certain LFA employees and agents participate in a deferred compensation plan sponsored by LNC and administered by LNL. LFA reports the liability in accrued compensation and benefits on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

### Stock-Based Compensation

Certain LFA employees participate in stock-based compensation programs sponsored and administered by LNC. LFA is allocated certain expenses related to the program by LNC. This results in an offset to additional paid in capital on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

### Loans to Registered Representatives

LFA has a program that offers forgivable and non-forgivable loans to attract top-producing representatives to join the sales network. Our loan portfolio primarily consists of forgivable loans. For such loans, LFA will advance the representative a specified dollar amount that will be forgiven over the life of the loan (typically three to seven years) based on the representative's gross deal concession ("GDC") or assets under management ("AUM"). The executed contract for each loan stipulates requirements that must be met in order for the loan to be waived. These requirements are either based on GDC produced at the LFA or time-based forgiveness. GDC loans are forgiven based on the percentage of production completed relative to the terms of the loan. If cumulative GDC production is equal to or in excess of the aggregate contract requirement, the entire balance of the loan will be waived. Time-based loans are forgiven based on the length of tenure at the firm. If a representative remains an active FINRA registered selling rep with LFA for the duration of the note, the entire balance will be waived. For the non-forgivable loans, appropriate reserves are recorded. LFA reported loan receivables, net of amortization, of $8,709 as of December 31, 2022, in other assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

9

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards (continued)

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

All new Accounting Standards Updates issued by the FASB were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or insignificant in presentation or amount.

2. Revenues from Contracts with Customers

The recognition and measurement of revenue is based on the assessment of individual contract terms. Significant judgment is required to determine whether performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time or over time; how to allocate transaction prices where multiple performance obligations are identified; when to recognize revenue based on the appropriate measure of the Company's progress under the contract; and whether constraints on variable consideration should be applied due to uncertain future events.

During 2022 LFA did not record any new assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition related to costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer.

3. Income Taxes

The income tax asset (liability) was as follows:

|  | December 31, 2022 |
| --- | --- |
| Federal income tax asset (liability): |  |
| Current | $140 |
| Deferred | 3,956 |
| Total federal income tax asset (liability) | 4,096 |
| State income tax asset (liability): |  |
| Current | (1,924) |
| Deferred | 2,972 |
| Total state income tax asset (liability) | 1,048 |
| Total current income tax asset (liability) | (1,784) |
| Total deferred income tax asset (liability) | 6,928 |
| Total income tax asset (liability) | $5,144 |

10

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

## 3. Income Taxes (continued)

Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

|  | December 31, 2022 |
| --- | --- |
| Deferred tax assets |  |
| Employee compensation plans | $2,085 |
| Planner loans | 2,748 |
| Deferred costs/revenue | 122 |
| State income taxes | 2,348 |
| Total deferred tax assets | 7,303 |
| Deferred tax liabilities |  |
| Other | 375 |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | 375 |
| Net deferred tax asset | $6,928 |

The Company has Pennsylvania state net operating losses (“NOLs”) of $13,807, which expire in 2034 through 2040.

Current federal income taxes payable is included in due to affiliates on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Current state income taxes payable is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any gross deferred tax assets that are unlikely to reduce taxes payable in future years’ tax returns. At December 31, 2022, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that its gross deferred tax assets will reduce taxes payable in future years; therefore, no valuation allowance was necessary.

The LNC consolidated group is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income authorities. With few exceptions for limited scope review, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations for years before 2019. In the first quarter of 2021, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s refund claims for 2014 and 2015 that is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023.

We are not aware of any events for which it is likely that unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next year.

There are no uncertain tax positions related to the Company in the current year.

11

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

## 3. Income Taxes (continued)

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) was signed into law by President Biden. The IRA establishes a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) for corporations whose average annual adjusted net income for any three consecutive years preceding the tax year exceeds $1.0 billion. The IRA also establishes a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases made by publicly traded corporations. Both provisions are effective for years beginning after December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of the CAMT on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

## 4. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates

In order to be compliant with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules regarding proper expense recognition and expense-sharing agreements, LFA has entered into various cost-sharing agreements with affiliates. Additionally, costs are allocated to LFA by certain affiliates under common LNC control for corporate and administrative services and for certain securities-related and product-specific expenses pursuant to Master Services Agreements. Costs include, but are not limited to, expenses related to broker-dealer management and operations, home and field office, human resource administration, print and distribution, legal services, compliance, administrative expenses, information technology, and communication services.

Due from affiliates and due to affiliates reported on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition relate to the intercompany expense sharing and tax agreements.

## 5. Contingencies

### Regulatory and Litigation Matters

Regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and FINRA, regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, securities laws and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and registered investment advisers.

LFA is involved in various pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings arising from the conduct of business both in the ordinary course and otherwise. In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding verdicts obtained in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with our actual experiences in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

12

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

## 5. Contingencies (continued)

Due to the unpredictable nature of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time is normally difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.

We establish liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when information related to the loss contingencies shows both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated as of December 31, 2022.

For some matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters in which a loss is probable, an accrual has been made. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. For other matters, we are not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. We are often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews. An adverse outcome in one or more of these matters may have a material impact on our statement of financial condition, but based on information currently known, management does not believe those matters are likely to have such an impact.

13

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (continued)

## 6. Net Capital Requirements

LFA operates under the alternative standard provisions of the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the minimum net capital to be the greater of $250 or 2% of aggregate debit items computed in accordance with the SEC Customer Protection Rule (Rule 15c3-3) reserve requirements.

|  | December 31, 2022 |
| --- | --- |
| Minimum net capital requirement | $250 |
| Net capital | 37,188 |
| Excess net capital | $36,938 |

## 7. Capital

During 2022, LFA declared and paid dividends to its parent, LNL, of $10,000.

## 8. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. A $17,000 succession financing loan was issued in the month of February, 2023.

14

### UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
**Washington, D.C. 20549**

## FORM X-17A-5

### ANNUAL AUDITED REPORT

### Filer Information

**Filer CIK:** 0000059970

**Filer CCC:** XXXXXXXX

**Is this a LIVE or TEST filing?:** LIVE

**Would you like a Return Copy?:** No

### Submission Information

**Report Period Begin Date:** 01-01-2022

**Report Period End Date:** 12-31-2022

**Type of Registrant:** Broker-dealer

**Any material weaknesses identified?:** No

### Registrant Identification

**Name of Broker-Dealer:** LINCOLN FINANCIAL ADVISORS CORPORATION

**Business Address:** 1301 SOUTH HARRISON STREET, SUITE 150, FORT WAYNE, IN, 46802

**Contact Person:** Carl Pawsat

**Contact Phone:** 606-407-3406

### Independent Public Accountant Identification

**Accountant Name:** Ernst & Young LLP

**Accountant Address:** One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA, 19103

**Accountant Type:** Certified Public Accountant

### OATH OR AFFIRMATION

I, **Carl Pawsat**, swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the accompanying financial statements and supporting schedules pertaining to the firm of **LINCOLN FINANCIAL ADVISORS CORPORATION**, as of **12-31-2022**, are true and correct.

**Signature:** Carl Pawsat

**Title:** VP, Financial and Operations Principal