Every number Formation shows you carries its lineage.

The four citation classes

Sourced

The number came directly from a custodian. Solid blue underline. Click the value to see the source statement and timestamp.

Computed

The number is the result of a calculation Formation ran on sourced data (a sum, a ratio, a tax bracket lookup, a wash-sale window scan). Dashed blue underline. Click to see the exact computation path.

Estimated

The number is a model output where source data isn't available (a synthesized historical balance, a projected return). Dotted grey underline. Click to see the model assumptions.

Stale

The source data is older than its acceptable freshness window. Amber dot. Click to refresh.

How we verify it stays honest

A daily citation-regression test runs against live AURA. Five canonical prompts. Each returned citation envelope is validated — sourced citations must match a real record ID, computed citations must trace to a known tool, estimates must carry their model assumptions, stale data must surface its freshness gap. The test passes when 97%+ of citations across the prompts validate. Settings → Activity shows a 14-day pass/fail strip.

What we don’t do

We don’t move money. We don’t trade for you. We don’t recommend specific securities. We don’t auto-execute anything. Every action proposal over $5,000 generates a trade list that you review, edit, and execute at your broker.