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Item 1: Cover Page
Item 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
September 12, 2025
Aurelius Family Office LLC
SEC No. 801-126682
3 Executive Park Drive, Suite 261
Bedford, NH 03110
phone: 603-413-6060
email: info@aurelius.net
website: www.aurelius.net
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Aurelius Family
Office, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 603-413-
6060 or email info@aurelius.net. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Registration
with the SEC or state regulatory authority does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise.
Additional information about Aurelius Family Office, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2: Material Changes
Item 2: Material Changes
This Firm Brochure is our disclosure document prepared according to regulatory requirements
and rules. Consistent with the rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary of any material
changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business fiscal
year. Furthermore, we will provide you with other interim disclosures about material changes as
necessary.
There are no material changes to this Brochure from the last annual update issued on March 3,
2025.
AFO added a minimum quarterly fee requirement of $2,500, which may be waived at the firm’s
sole discretion. Please see Item 7 of this Brochure for information.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4: Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................................ 9
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ......................................................... 12
Item 7: Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ................................................. 14
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 25
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................................ 26
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ........................................................................................................................................................... 27
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................... 29
Item 13: Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 36
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................ 37
Item 15: Custody .......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Item 16: Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................... 40
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................................ 41
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................ 42
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Ownership/Advisory History
Aurelius Family Office LLC (“AFO” or the “firm”) is a limited liability company formed under the
laws of the state of New Hampshire. AFO became registered as an investment adviser in 2021
and is primarily owned by Mark Witaschek.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Wealth Management Services
AFO offers wealth management services that include portfolio management in connection with
comprehensive financial planning and consulting.
Wealth Management
AFO’s discretionary portfolio management services are predicated on the client's investment
objectives, goals, tolerance for risk, and other personal and financial circumstances. AFO will
analyze each client's current investments, investment objectives, goals, age, time horizon,
financial circumstances, investment experience, investment restrictions and limitations, and risk
tolerance and implement a portfolio consistent with such investment objectives, goals, risk
tolerance and related financial circumstances. For its discretionary portfolio management
services, AFO receives a limited power of attorney to effect securities transactions on behalf of
its clients that include securities and strategies described in Item 8 of this brochure.
AFO also provides investment advice on clients’ retirement plan assets held in qualified
retirement plans, (i.e., 401(k) and 403(b) plans, etc.). Please be advised that our
recommendations to you are confined to the investment alternatives made available by the
plan.
Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions on the
management of their portfolio, which must be in writing and sent to the firm. Clients should
promptly notify the firm in writing of any changes in such restrictions or in the client's
personal financial circumstances, investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. AFO will
remind clients of their obligation to inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions
that should be imposed on the management of the client’s account. AFO will also contact
clients at least annually to determine whether there have been any changes in a client's
personal financial circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Retirement Rollovers – Conflicts and Added Fees. As a plan participant, clients may be paying
little or nothing for the plan’s investment services. As such, clients’ costs are likely to be more
post-rollover. Alternative courses of action are available to you: (i) Assuming it is permitted by
the Plan, you can leave your money in your current Plan. (ii) If you have changed employers,
you can roll your assets into the new employer’s Plan, if permissible by your new employer. (iii)
You can establish an IRA R/O and place into a commission-based account at a broker-dealer.
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Item 4: Advisory Business
(iv) You can establish an IRA R/O and place into a fee-based advisory account. (v) You can
withdraw your retirement money and pay the taxes and any applicable penalties.
Financial Planning and Consulting
AFO’s financial planning and consulting services involve the preparation of a comprehensive
report to include wealth management: lifestyle, risk management, cash flow, investment
oversight, estate planning guide, tax strategies, retirement income, family governance,
philanthropy, and business planning/corporate governance.
With respect to estate planning and tax planning, AFO’s role shall be that of a facilitator
between clients and their designated professional adviser(s). We are neither attorneys nor
accountants, and no portion of the financial planning and consulting services should be
interpreted as legal or accounting advice. Through an arrangement with ARAG Services, LLC,
AFO makes available to clients legal services for estate planning documents (i.e., wills, trusts,
medical directives, etc.), which clients have the option to engage for an additional fee.
Clients agree to provide AFO, in a timely manner, with any information and/or documentation
we may reasonably request regarding their personal situation, income, investments, estate
plan, tax-related information, financial needs, goals, and objectives, and to keep us promptly
informed of any changes.
Once the financial plan is developed, it will be set forth in writing, delivered to and reviewed
with the client. After the initial delivery and review of the financial plan, AFO has no further
obligation with respect to the financial plan or its implementation. Clients are free to accept or
reject any recommendation, and have the sole authority with regard to the implementation,
acceptance, or rejection of any recommendation or advice from us. Our recommendations
may be implemented, at the client’s sole discretion, with the professional adviser(s) of their
choosing (including your broker, accountant, attorney, etc.). Clients are free to obtain legal,
accounting, and brokerage services from any professional source to implement our
recommendations.
Financial planning and consulting services do not include investment supervisory or
investment management services, nor the regular review or monitoring of the client’s
investment portfolio. Should the client want us to provide ongoing investment management,
monitoring, and/or review services, such engagement shall be set forth in a separate written
agreement between the client and AFO.
Standalone Financial Planning and Consulting Services
AFO also offers its financial planning and consulting services described above to clients on a
standalone basis for a fixed fee.
Retirement Plan Participant Account Management (Discretionary)
AFO uses a third-party platform (Pontera Order Management System) to facilitate
management of held-away assets such as defined contribution plan participant accounts, with
discretion. The platform allows us to avoid being considered to have custody of client funds
since we do not have direct access to client log-in credentials to effect trades. We are not
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Item 4: Advisory Business
affiliated with the platform in any way and receive no compensation from them for using their
platform. A link will be provided to the client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the
platform. Once client account(s) is connected to the platform, we will review the current account
allocations. When deemed necessary, we will rebalance the account considering client
investment goals and risk tolerance, and any change in allocations will consider current
economic and market trends. The goal is to improve account performance over time, minimize
loss during difficult markets, and manage internal fees that harm account performance. Client
portfolios will be reviewed at least quarterly, and allocation changes will be made as deemed
necessary.
AFO may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other providers to
offer these services, as agreed upon between our firm and the client.
ERISA & Qualified Plan Services
Non-Discretionary 3(21) Fiduciary Services Available
For Non-Discretionary 3(21) Fiduciary Services, the plan sponsor may choose among the
following service options:
•
Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”): AFO will review with the plan sponsor the
investment objectives, risk tolerance, and goals of the plan. If the plan does not have an
IPS, AFO will provide recommendations to the plan sponsor to assist the plan sponsor
with establishing an IPS. If the plan has an existing IPS, AFO will review it for consistency
with the plan’s objectives. If the IPS does not represent the objectives of the plan, AFO
will recommend to the plan sponsor revisions to align the IPS with the plan’s objectives,
which recommendations may be considered by the plan sponsor.
• Designated Investment Alternatives (“DIA”): Based on the plan’s IPS, AFO will review the
investment options available to the plan and will make recommendations to assist the
plan sponsor with selecting DIAs to be offered to participants. Once the plan sponsor
selects the DIAs, AFO will, on a periodic basis and/or upon reasonable request, provide
reports and information to assist the plan sponsor with monitoring the DIAs. If the IPS
criteria require a DIA to be removed, AFO will provide recommendations to assist the
plan sponsor with replacing the DIA.
• Model Asset Allocation Portfolios (“Models”): Based on the plan’s IPS or other
investment guidelines established by the plan, AFO will review the DIAs available to the
plan and will make recommendations to assist the plan sponsor with creating risk-based
models comprised solely among the plan’s DIAs. Once the plan sponsor approves the
models, AFO will provide reports, information and recommendations, on a periodic basis,
designed to assist the plan sponsor with monitoring the models. If the IPS criteria require
any DIA(s) to be removed, AFO will provide recommendations to assist the plan sponsor
with evaluating replacement DIA(s) to be included in the models. Upon reasonable
request, and depending upon the capabilities of the recordkeeper, AFO will make
recommendations to the plan sponsor to reallocate and/or rebalance the models to
maintain their desired allocations.
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Item 4: Advisory Business
• Qualified Default Investment Alternative (“QDIA”): Based on the plan’s IPS or other
guidelines established by the plan, AFO will review the investment options available to
the plan and will make recommendations to assist the plan sponsor with selecting the
plan’s QDIA(s). Once the plan sponsor selects the plan’s QDIA(s), AFO will provide reports
and information, on a periodic basis and/or upon reasonable request, to assist the plan
sponsor in monitoring the QDIA(s). If the IPS criteria require a QDIA to be replaced, AFO
will provide recommendations to assist the plan sponsor with evaluating replacement
QDIA(s).
Plan Consulting Services Available
For Plan Consulting Services, the plan sponsor may choose among the following service
options:
• Administrative Support:
• Assist plan sponsor in reviewing objectives and options available through the plan
• Recommend participant education and communication policies under ERISA §404(c)
• Assist with coordination of participant disclosures under 404a-5
• Service Provider Relationship Oversight:
• Assist fiduciaries with a process to select, monitor and replace service providers
• Assist fiduciaries with review of Covered Service Providers (“CSP”) disclosures under
ERISA §408(b)(2) and fee benchmarking
• Provide reports and/or information designed to assist fiduciaries with monitoring
CSPs
• Assist with preparation and review of Requests for Proposals and/or Information
• Coordinate and assist with CSP replacement and conversion
Investments:
•
• Periodic review of investment policy in the context of plan objectives
• Assist the plan committee with monitoring investment performance
• Provide analysis of investment managers and model portfolios
• Review and recommend Designated Investment Managers (“DIMs”) and/or third-
party advice providers as necessary
• Educate plan committee members, as needed, regarding replacement of DIA(s)
and/or QDIA(s)
• Participant Services:
• Facilitate group enrollment meetings
• Coordinate employee education regarding plan investments and fees
• Assist participants in understanding plan benefits, retirement readiness and impact of
increasing deferrals
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Discretionary 3(38) Fiduciary Services Available
For Discretionary 3(38) Fiduciary Services, the plan sponsor may choose among the following
service options:
• AFO will implement the IPS by investing and reinvesting the plan’s assets consistent with
the IPS.
• AFO will assist the plan sponsor in creating, reallocating and/or rebalancing model
portfolios.
• AFO will select investment options that are available under the plan.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
AFO does not participate in wrap fee programs, where brokerage commissions and transaction
costs are included in the asset-based fee charged to the client.
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, AFO provides continuous management services for $265,861,275 in
client assets on a discretionary basis.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Methods of Compensation and Fee Schedule
Wealth Management Services
The annual fee for portfolio management will be charged as a percentage of assets under
management according to the following fee schedule, which represents the firm’s maximum
fees for individual services.
Assets Under Management
Annual Fee Rate
Up to $1,000,000
$1,000,001 to $2,500,000
$2,500,001 to $5,000,000
$5,000,001 to $10,000,000
Over $10,000,000
1.25%
1.00%
0.80%
0.70%
0.50%
Fees are negotiable and may vary based on the size of the account, complexity of the portfolio,
extent of activity in the account, or other reasons agreed upon by us and the client. The specific
advisory fees are set forth in your investment advisory agreement and our current practice for
clients on a prospective basis is to bill quarterly in advance, based upon the market value of the
assets being managed by AFO on the last day of the previous quarter. For new clients, fees will
be prorated for the current quarter and billed promptly upon receipt of client’s portfolio assets.
If a client utilizes leverage, the firm’s fees will be billed on the net equity in the portfolio. The
fees will be prorated if the investment advisory relationship commences otherwise than at the
beginning of a calendar quarter. Adjustments for significant ($50,000 or more) contributions to
or withdrawals from a client’s portfolio are prorated for the quarter in which the change occurs.
Other fee arrangements may be negotiated depending on the needs of the client.
AFO may modify the fee at any time upon 60 days’ written notice to the client, and fee increases
must be approved in writing by the client. In the event the client has an ERISA-governed plan,
any fee modifications must be approved in writing by the client.
Standalone Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Financial planning and consulting fees will be billed a fixed fee mutually agreed upon by the
client and AFO. Fixed fees generally range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending upon the scope
and complexity of the agreed-upon services. AFO will provide the prospective client with an
estimate of the fixed charges prior to finalizing the financial planning agreement.
For estate planning through ARAG Services, LLC, clients will pay a separate fixed fee of $2,500.
Should clients need additional legal services, AFO has negotiated a 25% discount. AFO collects
the $2,500 fee, but 100% will be remitted to ARAG Services, LLC on the client’s behalf; AFO
does not retain any of the fee clients pay for these legal services.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
If the client becomes a portfolio management client of AFO within twelve months after delivery
of our recommendations and plan, separately paid fees of up to $2,000 for financial planning
and consulting will be credited to the portfolio management fees we charge you until the credit
is expended. Fees paid for estate planning through ARAG Services, LLC, are excluded from this
rebate offer.
ERISA & Qualified Plan Services
Each engagement is separately negotiated and memorialized in a written agreement prior to the
commencement of services.
B. Client Payment of Fees
Portfolio Management Services
AFO generally requires fees to be prepaid on a quarterly basis. AFO requires clients to authorize
the direct debit of fees from their accounts. Exceptions may be granted subject to the firm’s
consent for clients to be billed directly for our fees. For directly debited fees, the custodian’s
periodic statements will show each fee deduction from the account. Clients may withdraw this
authorization for direct billing of these fees at any time by notifying us or their custodian in
writing.
AFO will deduct advisory fees directly from the client’s account provided that (i) the client
provides written authorization to the qualified custodian, and (ii) the qualified custodian sends
the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account. The
client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s custodian will
not verify the calculation.
A client investment advisory agreement may be terminated by either party for any reason upon
30 days’ prior written notice to the other party. Upon termination of any account, any unearned,
prepaid fees will be promptly refunded.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Financial planning fee terms are subject to the client services agreement between the client and
AFO. For prepaid fees of $1,200 or more, services will be completed within six months of the
date fees are received.
The financial planning agreement may be canceled at any time by either party upon written
notice. Upon termination, any unearned, prepaid fees will be refunded to the client, and any
earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
C. Additional Client Fees Charged
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, separate account managers, private
placement, pooled investment vehicles, broker-dealers, and custodians retained by clients. Such
fees and expenses are described in each exchange-traded fund and mutual fund’s prospectus,
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
each separate account manager’s Form ADV and Brochure and Brochure Supplement or similar
disclosure statement, each private placement or pooled investment vehicle’s confidential
offering memoranda, and by any broker-dealer or custodian retained by the client. Clients are
advised to read these materials carefully before investing. If a mutual fund also imposes sales
charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge as further described in the mutual
fund’s prospectus. A client using AFO may be precluded from using certain mutual funds or
separate account managers because they may not be offered by the client's custodian.
Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section (Item 12) for additional information regarding the
firm’s brokerage practices.
D. External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
AFO’s advisory professionals are compensated primarily through a salary and bonus structure.
AFO’s advisory professionals may receive commission-based compensation for the sale of
insurance products. Please see Item 10.C. for conflicts of interest.
E. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that the firm utilizes certain custodians/broker-dealers. Under these
arrangements, we can access certain investment programs offered through such custodian(s)
that offer certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of which
clients need to be aware. Please note the following:
Limitation on Mutual Fund Universe for Custodian Investment Programs: There are certain
programs in which we participate where a client’s investment options may be limited in certain
of these programs to those mutual funds and/or mutual fund share classes that pay 12b-1 fees
and other revenue sharing fee payments, and the client should be aware that the firm is not
selecting from among all mutual funds available in the marketplace when recommending
mutual funds to the client.
Conflict Between Revenue Share Class (12b-1) and Non-Revenue Share Class Mutual Funds:
Revenue share class/12b-1 fees are deducted from the net asset value of the mutual fund and
generally, all things being equal, cause the fund to earn lower rates of return than those mutual
funds that do not pay revenue sharing fees. The client is under no obligation to utilize such
programs or mutual funds. Although many factors will influence the type of fund to be used, the
client should discuss with their investment adviser representative whether a share class from a
comparable mutual fund with a more favorable return to investors is available that does not
include the payment of any 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees given the client’s individual needs
and priorities and anticipated transaction costs. In addition, the receipt of such fees can create
conflicts of interest in instances where the custodian receives the entirety of the 12b-1 and/or
revenue sharing fees and takes the receipt of such fees into consideration in terms of benefits it
may elect to provide to the firm, even though such benefits may or may not benefit some or all
of the firm’s clients.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
AFO does not charge performance-based fees and therefore has no economic incentive to
manage clients’ portfolios in any way other than what is in their best interests.
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Item 7: Types of Clients
Item 7: Types of Clients
AFO offers its investment services to various types of clients including individuals, high-net-
worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, charitable organizations, corporations and
other legal entities.
AFO generally requires a minimum quarterly fee of $2,500. For portfolio values less than
$800,000, clients may be able to obtain comparable services at a lower cost elsewhere. AFO, at
its sole discretion, may waive this minimum requirement. We may also combine account values
for you and your minor children, joint accounts with your spouse, and other types of related
household accounts to meet the stated minimum.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to
bear. There is no guarantee that any specific investment or strategy will be profitable for a
particular client.
Methods of Analysis
AFO uses a variety of sources of data to conduct its economic, investment and market analysis,
which may include economic and market research materials prepared by others, conference calls
hosted by individual companies or mutual funds, corporate rating services, annual reports,
prospectuses, and company press releases, and financial newspapers and magazines. AFO may
employ outside vendors or utilize third-party software to assist in formulating investment
recommendations to clients.
AFO and its investment adviser representatives are responsible for identifying and implementing
the methods of analysis used in formulating investment recommendations to clients. The
methods of analysis may include quantitative methods for optimizing client portfolios,
computer-based risk/return analysis, technical analysis, and statistical and/or computer models
utilizing long-term economic criteria.
▪ Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating the intrinsic value of an asset and
analyzing the factors that could influence its price in the future. This form of analysis is
based on external events and influences, as well as financial statements and industry
trends.
▪ Factor investing is an investment approach that involves targeting specific drivers of
return across asset classes. There are two main types of factors: macroeconomic and
style.
▪ Quantitative methods include analysis of historical data such as price and volume
statistics, performance data, standard deviation and related risk metrics, how the security
performs relative to the overall stock market, earnings data, price to earnings ratios, and
related data.
Modern Portfolio Theory
The firm’s methods of analysis include modern portfolio theory. Modern portfolio theory is a
theory of investment that attempts to maximize portfolio expected return for a given amount of
portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected return, each by carefully
choosing the proportions of various assets. Modern portfolio theory assumes that investors are
risk averse, meaning that given two portfolios that offer the same expected return, investors will
prefer the less risky one. Thus, an investor will take on increased risk only if compensated by
higher expected returns. Conversely, an investor who wants higher expected returns must accept
more risk. The exact trade-off will be the same for all investors, but different investors will
evaluate the trade-off differently based on individual risk aversion characteristics. The
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
implication is that a rational investor will not invest in a portfolio if a second portfolio exists with
a more favorable risk-expected return profile – i.e., if for that level of risk an alternative portfolio
exists which has better expected returns.
Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds, Individual Securities, and Pooled Investment
Vehicles
AFO may recommend ”institutional share class” mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”),
individual securities (including fixed income instruments), and pooled investment vehicles. A
description of the criteria to be used in formulating an investment recommendation for mutual
funds, ETFs, individual securities (including fixed-income securities), and pooled investment
vehicles is set forth below.
AFO has formed relationships with third-party vendors that:
▪ prepare performance reports
▪ perform or distribute research of individual securities
▪ perform billing and certain other administrative tasks
AFO may utilize additional independent third parties to assist it in recommending and
monitoring individual securities, funds, and pooled investment vehicles to clients as appropriate
under the circumstances.
AFO reviews certain quantitative and qualitative criteria related to funds and to formulate
investment recommendations to its clients. Quantitative criteria may include:
▪ performance history of a fund or manager evaluated against that of its peers and other
benchmarks
▪ analysis of risk-adjusted returns
▪
fund fee structure
▪
relevant fund portfolio manager’s tenure
Qualitative criteria used in selecting/recommending funds include the investment objectives
and/or management style and philosophy of a fund; a fund’s consistency of investment style;
and employee turnover and efficiency and capacity.
Quantitative and qualitative criteria related to funds are reviewed by AFO on a quarterly basis or
such other interval as appropriate under the circumstances. In addition, funds are reviewed to
determine the extent to which their investments reflect any of the following: efforts to time the
market, engage in portfolio pumping, or evidence style drift such that their portfolios no longer
accurately reflect the particular asset category attributed to the fund or manager by AFO (are
negative factors in implementing an asset allocation structure).
Account minimum balances and fees may significantly differ between clients/funds. Each client’s
individual needs and circumstances will determine portfolio weighting, which can have an
impact on the funds utilized. AFO will endeavor to obtain equal treatment for its clients with
funds, but cannot assure equal treatment.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
AFO will regularly review the activities of funds utilized for the client. Clients that invest in funds
should first review and understand the disclosure documents of those funds, which contain
information relevant to such retention or investment, including information on the methodology
used to analyze securities, investment strategies, fees and conflicts of interest. Similarly, clients
qualified to invest in pooled investment vehicles should review the private placement
memoranda or other disclosure materials relating to such vehicles before making a decision to
invest.
Material Risks of Investment Instruments
AFO generally invests in the following types of securities:
▪ Equity securities
▪ Mutual fund securities
▪ Exchange-traded funds
▪ Exchange-traded notes
▪ Leveraged and inverse exchange-traded products
▪ Fixed income securities
▪ U.S. government securities
▪ Fixed equity annuities
▪ Fixed equity indexed annuities
▪ Variable annuities
▪ Business Development Companies (BDC)
▪ Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
Equity Securities
Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks relate to the
company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost of the
company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing
or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s ability to create
shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price). Foreign securities, in
addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk, financial transparency
risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
Mutual Fund Securities
Investing in mutual funds carries inherent risk. The major risks of investing in a mutual fund
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification, and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries. In addition, mutual funds tend to be
tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital gains taxes on fund investments while
not having yet sold the fund.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, streetTRACKS®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index
Tracking StockSM (“QQQs SM”) iShares® and VIPERs®. ETFs have embedded expenses that the
client indirectly bears.
Investing in ETFs involves risk. Specifically, ETFs, depending on the underlying portfolio and its
size, can have wide price (bid and ask) spreads, thus diluting or negating any upward price
movement of the ETF or enhancing any downward price movement. Also, ETFs require more
frequent portfolio reporting by regulators and are thereby more susceptible to actions by
hedge funds that could have a negative impact on the price of the ETF. Certain ETFs may
employ leverage, which creates additional volatility and price risk depending on the amount of
leverage utilized, the collateral and the liquidity of the supporting collateral.
Further, the use of leverage (i.e., employing the use of margin) generally results in additional
interest costs to the ETF. Certain ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore have additional
volatility and liquidity risk. Volatility and liquidity can severely and negatively impact the price
of the ETF’s underlying portfolio securities, thereby causing significant price fluctuations of the
ETF.
Leveraged and Inverse Exchange-Traded Products (“ETPs”)
Leveraged ETPs employ financial derivatives and debt to try to achieve a multiple (for example
two or three times) of the return or inverse return of a stated index or benchmark over the
course of a single day. The use of leverage typically increases risk for an investor. However,
unlike utilizing margin or shorting securities in your own account, you cannot lose more than
your original investment. An inverse ETP is designed to track, on a daily basis, the inverse of its
benchmark. Inverse ETPs utilize short selling, derivatives trading, and other leveraged
investment techniques, such as futures trading to achieve their objectives. Leverage and
inverse ETPs reset each day; as such, their performance can quickly diverge from the
performance of the underlying index or benchmark. An investor could suffer significant losses
even if the long-term performance of the index showed a gain. Engaging in short sales and
using swaps, futures, contracts, and other derivatives can expose the ETP.
There is always a risk that not every leveraged or inverse ETP will meet its stated objective on
any given trading day. An investor should understand the impact an investment in the ETP
could have on the performance of their portfolio, taking into consideration goals and
tolerance for risk. Leveraged or inverse ETPs may be less tax-efficient than traditional ETPs, in
part because daily resets can cause the ETP to realize significant short-term capital gains that
may not be offset by a loss. Be sure to check with your tax advisor about the consequences of
investing in a leveraged or inverse ETP. Leveraged and Inverse ETPs are not suited for long-
term investment strategies. These are not appropriate for buy-and-hold or conservative
investors and are more suitable for investors who understand leverage and are willing to
assume the risk of magnified potential losses. These funds tend to carry higher fees, due to
active management, that can also affect performance.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETN”)
ETNs are structured debt securities. ETN liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the
issuer. Most ETNs are designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETNs have
expenses associated with their operation. When a fund invests in an ETN, in addition to
directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear its pro rata portion of
the ETN’s expenses. The risks of owning an ETN generally reflect the risks of owning the
underlying securities the ETN is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETN could
result in it being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. In addition, because
of ETN expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly it may be more costly
to own an ETN. The value of an ETN security should also be expected to fluctuate with the
credit rating of the issuer.
Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of ten years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds have liquidity and
currency risk.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. government securities include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and by U.S.
government agencies and instrumentalities. U.S. government securities may be supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States.
Fixed Equity Annuities
A fixed annuity is a contract between an insurance company and a customer, typically called
the annuitant. The contract obligates the company to make a series of fixed annuity payments
to the annuitant for the duration of the contract. The annuitant surrenders a lump sum of cash
in exchange for monthly payments that are guaranteed by the insurance company. Please note
the following risks: (i) Spending power risk. Social Security retirement benefits have cost-of-
living adjustments. Most fixed annuities do not. Consequently, the spending power provided
by the monthly payment may decline significantly over the life of the annuity contract because
of inflation, (ii) Death and survivorship risk. In a conventional fixed annuity, once the annuitant
has turned over a lump sum premium to the insurance company, it will not be returned. The
annuitant could die after receiving only a few monthly payments, but the insurance company
may not be obligated to give the annuitant’s estate any of the money back. A related risk is
based on the financial consequences for a surviving spouse. In a standard single-life annuity
contract, a survivor receives nothing after the annuitant dies. That may put a severe dent in a
spouse’s retirement income. To counteract this risk, consider a joint life annuity. (iii) Company
failure risk. Private annuity contracts are not guaranteed by the FDIC, SIPC, or any other federal
agency. If the insurance company that issues an annuity contract fails, no one in the federal
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
government is obligated to protect the annuitant from financial loss. Most states have
guaranty associations that provide a level of protection to citizens in that state if an insurance
company also doing business in that state fails. A typical limit of state protection, if it applies
at all, is $100,000. To control this risk, contact the state insurance commissioner to confirm
that your state has a guaranty association and to learn the guarantee limits applicable to a
fixed annuity contract. Based on that information, consider dividing fixed annuity contracts
among multiple insurance companies to obtain the maximum possible protection. Also check
the financial stability and credit ratings of the annuity insurance companies being considered.
A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s publish ratings information.
Fixed Equity Indexed Annuities
An equity-indexed annuity is a type of fixed annuity that is distinguished by the interest yield
return being partially based on an equities index, typically the S&P 500.The returns (in the
form of interest credited to the contract) can consist of a guaranteed minimum interest rate
and an interest rate linked to a market index. The guaranteed minimum interest rate usually
ranges from 1 to 3 percent on at least 87.5 percent of the premium paid. As long as the
company offering the annuity is fiscally sound enough to meet its obligations, you will be
guaranteed to receive this return no matter how the market performs. Your index-linked
returns will depend on how the index performs but, generally speaking, an investor with an
indexed annuity will not see his or her rate of return fully match the positive rate of return of
the index to which the annuity is linked — and could be significantly less. One major reason
for this is that returns are subject to contractual limitations in the form of caps and
participation rates. Participation rates are the percentage of an index's returns that are
credited to the annuity. For instance, if your annuity has a participation rate of 75 percent,
then your index-linked returns would only amount to 75 percent of the gains associated with
the index. Interest caps, meanwhile, essentially mean that during big bull markets, investors
won't see their returns go sky-high. For instance, if an index rises 12 percent, but an investor's
annuity has a cap of 7 percent, his or her returns will be limited to 7 percent.
Some indexed annuity contracts allow the issuer to change these fees, participation rates and
caps from time to time. Investors should also be aware that trying to withdraw the principal
amount from a fixed indexed annuity during a certain period — usually within the first 9 or 10
years after the annuity was purchased — can result in fees known as surrender charges, and
could also trigger tax penalties. In fact, under some contracts if withdrawals are taken amounts
already credited will be forfeited. After paying surrender charges an investor could lose money
by surrendering their indexed annuity too soon.
Variable Annuities
Variable Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. In
essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which payment(s) are made to an insurance
company, which agrees to pay out an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are
contract limitations and fees and charges associated with annuities, administrative fees, and
charges for optional benefits. They also may carry early withdrawal penalties and surrender
charges, and carry additional risks such as the insurance carrier's ability to pay claims.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Moreover, variable annuities carry investment risk similar to mutual funds. Investors should
carefully review the terms of the variable annuity contract before investing.
Business Development Companies (BDCs)
BDCs are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and regulated
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These investments offer individual investors
access to private debt, an asset class that typically has only been available to high-net-worth
and institutional investors. By investing in a non-traded BDC, individuals are able to pool their
capital to invest in private American companies.
BDCs typically invest in below-investment-grade companies, which means that they may,
among other things, experience higher default rates and may be more illiquid and difficult to
value compared to investment-grade companies. A BDC’s yield and total return potential
should be weighed against the level of risk assumed within the portfolio.
An investment in a BDC can involve significant costs. Investors should consider a BDC’s fees as
well as liquidity, or the frequency with which an investor may buy or sell their shares. Public
BDCs trade on a national securities exchange and typically provide investors with liquidity on a
daily basis. Shares of publicly traded BDCs are subject to the daily volatility of the public
markets.
A private BDC does not trade on a national securities exchange and is designed as a long-term
investment, generally providing investors with limited liquidity five to seven years following its
launch. Private BDCs seek to provide liquidity through a listing on a national securities
exchange or through a sale or merger of its portfolio. In addition, the share price of a private
BDC is typically based on the value of the fund’s investments while public BDC shares can
trade at a premium or discount to net asset value.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
A REIT is a tax designation for a corporate entity which pools capital of many investors to
purchase and manage real estate. Many REITs invest in income-producing properties in the
office, industrial, retail, and residential real estate sectors. REITs are granted special tax
considerations, which can significantly reduce or eliminate corporate income taxes. In order to
qualify as a REIT and for these special tax considerations, REITs are required by law to
distribute 90% of their taxable income to investors. REITs can be traded on a public exchange
like a stock, or be offered as a non-traded REIT. REITs, both public exchange-traded and non-
traded, are subject to risks including volatile fluctuations in real estate prices, as well as
fluctuations in the costs of operating or managing investment properties, which can be
substantial. Many REITs obtain management and operational services from companies and
service providers that are directly or indirectly related to the sponsor of the REIT, which
presents a potential conflict of interest that can impact returns on investments.
Non-traded REITs include: (i) A REIT that is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) but is not listed on an exchange or over-the-counter market (non-exchange
traded REIT); or, (i) a REIT that is sold pursuant to an exemption to registration (Private REIT).
Non-traded REITs are generally blind pool investment vehicles. Blind pools are limited
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
partnerships that do not explicitly state their future investments prior to beginning their
capital-raising phase. During this period of capital-raising, non-traded REITs often pay
distributions to their investors.
The risks of non-traded REITs are varied and significant. Because they are not exchange-traded
investments, they often lack a developed secondary market, thus making them illiquid
investments. As blind pool investment vehicles, non-traded REITs’ initial share prices are not
related to the underlying value of the properties. This is because non-traded REITs begin and
continue to purchase new properties as new capital is raised. Thus, one risk for non-traded
REITs is the possibility that the blind pool will be unable to raise enough capital to carry out its
investment plan. After the capital raising phase is complete, non-traded REIT shares are
infrequently re-valued and thus may not reflect the true net asset value of the underlying real
estate investments. Non-traded REITs often offer investors a redemption program where the
shares can be sold back to the sponsor; however, those redemption programs are often
subject to restrictions and may be suspended at the sponsor’s discretion. While non-traded
REITs may pay distributions to investors at a stated target rate during the capital-raising
phases, the funds used to pay such distributions may be obtained from sources other than
cash flow from operations, and such financing can increase operating costs.
With respect to publicly traded REITs, publicly traded REITs may be subject to additional risks
and price fluctuations in the public market due to investors’ expectations of the individual
REIT, the real estate market generally, specific sectors, the current yield on such REIT, and the
current liquidity available in public market. Although publicly traded REITs offer investors
liquidity, there can be constraints based upon current supply and demand. An investor when
liquidating may receive less than the intrinsic value of the REIT.
B. Investment Strategy and Method of Analysis Material Risks
Our investment strategy is custom-tailored to the client’s goals, investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and personal and financial circumstances.
Margin Leverage
Although AFO, as a general business practice, does not utilize leverage, there may be instances
in which the use of leverage may be appropriate for certain clients and situations or requested
by the clients for personal use. In this regard please review the following:
The use of margin leverage enhances the overall risk of investment gain and loss to the client’s
investment portfolio. For example, investors are able to control $2.00 of a security for $1.00. So,
if the price of a security rises by $1.00, the investor earns a 100% return on their investment.
Conversely, if the security declines by $0.50, then the investor loses 50% of their investment.
The use of margin leverage entails borrowing, which results in additional interest costs to the
investor.
Broker-dealers who carry customer accounts have a minimum equity requirement when clients
utilize margin leverage. The minimum equity requirement is stated as a percentage of the value
of the underlying collateral security with an absolute minimum dollar requirement. For example,
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
if the price of a security declines in value to the point where the excess equity used to satisfy the
minimum requirement dissipates, the broker-dealer will require the client to deposit additional
collateral to the account in the form of cash or marketable securities. A deposit of securities to
the account will require a larger deposit, as the security being deposited is included in the
computation of the minimum equity requirement. In addition, when leverage is utilized and the
client needs to withdraw cash, the client must sell a disproportionate amount of collateral
securities to release enough cash to satisfy the withdrawal amount based upon similar reasoning
as cited above.
Regulations concerning the use of margin leverage are established by the Federal Reserve Board
and vary if the client’s account is held at a broker-dealer versus a bank custodian. Broker-dealers
and bank custodians may apply more stringent rules as they deem necessary.
Short-Term Trading
Although AFO, as a general business practice, does not utilize short-term trading, there may be
instances in which short-term trading may be necessary or an appropriate strategy. In this
regard, please read the following:
High-frequency trading creates substantial transaction costs that in the aggregate could
negatively impact account performance.
Short Selling
AFO generally does not engage in short selling but reserves the right to do so in the exercise of
its sole judgment. Short selling involves the sale of a security that is borrowed rather than
owned. When a short sale is effected, the investor is expecting the price of the security to
decline in value so that a purchase or closeout of the short sale can be effected at a significantly
lower price. The primary risks of effecting short sales is the availability to borrow the stock, the
unlimited potential for loss, and the requirement to fund any difference between the short credit
balance and the market value of the security.
Option Strategies
Various option strategies give the holder the right to acquire or sell underlying securities at the
contract strike price up until expiration of the option. Each contract is worth 100 shares of the
underlying security. Options entail greater risk but allow an investor to have market exposure to
a particular security or group of securities without the capital commitment required to purchase
the underlying security or groups of securities. In addition, options allow investors to hedge
security positions held in the portfolio. For detailed information on the use of options and
option strategies, please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for the current Options Risk
Disclosure Statement.
AFO as part of its investment strategy may employ the following option strategies:
▪ Covered call writing
▪ Long call options purchases
▪ Long put options purchases
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
▪ Option spreading
Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the-money call option against a long
security position held in the client portfolio. This type of transaction is used to generate
income. It also serves to create downside protection in the event the security position declines
in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such income may be
reduced to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior to its expiration.
This strategy may involve a degree of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses
if the underlying security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally
suited for companies with little price volatility.
Long Call Option Purchases
Long call option purchases allow the option holder to be exposed to the general market
characteristics of a security without the outlay of capital necessary to own the security. Options
are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of issuance), and as a result can
expose the investor to significant loss.
Long Put Option Purchases
Long put option purchases allow the option holder to sell or “put” the underlying security at
the contract strike price at a future date. If the price of the underlying security declines in
value, the value of the long put option increases. In this way long puts are often used to hedge
a long stock position. Options are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of
issuance), and as a result can expose the investor to significant loss.
Option Spreading
Option spreading usually involves the purchase of a call option and the sale of a call option at
a higher contract strike price, both having the same expiration month. The purpose of this
type of transaction is to allow the holder to be exposed to the general market characteristics
of a security without the outlay of capital to own the security, and to offset the cost by selling
the call option with a higher contract strike price. In this type of transaction, the spread holder
“locks in” a maximum profit, defined as the difference in contract prices reduced by the net
cost of implementing the spread. There are many variations of option spreading strategies;
please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for a current Options Risk Disclosure
Statement that discusses each of these strategies.
C. Concentration Risks
There is an inherent risk for clients who have their investment portfolios heavily weighted in one
security, one industry or industry sector, one geographic location, one investment manager, one
type of investment instrument (equities versus fixed income). Clients who have diversified
portfolios, as a general rule, incur less volatility and therefore less fluctuation in portfolio value
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
than those who have concentrated holdings. Concentrated holdings may offer the potential for
higher gain, but also offer the potential for significant loss.
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
Mark Witaschek, AFO’s Managing Member, was convicted of misdemeanor charges in a state
court action in the District of Columbia relating to attempt to evade taxes arising out of a short
period of his residency in the District of Columbia, beginning in mid-2012. Public information
concerning Mr. Witaschek’s registration as an investment advisor representative may be found
by accessing the SEC's public disclosure site at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
B. Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Neither AFO nor its affiliates, employees, or independent contractors are registered broker-
dealers and do not have an application to register pending.
B. Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither AFO nor its affiliates are registered as a commodity firm, futures commission merchant,
commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor and do not have an application to
register pending.
C. Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and
Conflicts of Interest
Licensed Insurance Agents
Certain managers, members, and registered employees of AFO are licensed insurance agents
and may recommend insurance products offered by such carriers for whom they function as an
agent and receive a commission for doing so. Please be advised there is a conflict of interest in
that there is an economic incentive to recommend insurance and other products of such
carriers. Please also be advised that AFO strives to put its clients’ interests first and foremost,
and clients may utilize any insurance carrier or insurance agency they desire.
ARAG Services, LLC
AFO has partnered with ARAG Services, LLC to provide our clients with legal services. See Item 4,
Advisory Services for information about this program. AFO does not receive any compensation
for referring clients to ARAG Services, LLC, nor do we pay them for any client referrals.
D. Recommendation or Selection of Other Investment Advisors and
Conflicts of Interest
AFO does not recommend separate account managers or other investment products in which it
receives any form of referral or solicitor compensation from the separate account manager or
client.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics Description
In accordance with the Advisers Act, AFO has adopted policies and procedures designed to
detect and prevent insider trading. In addition, AFO has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”).
Among other things, the Code includes written procedures governing the conduct of AFO's
advisory and access persons. The Code also imposes certain reporting obligations on persons
subject to the Code. The Code and applicable securities transactions are monitored by the chief
compliance officer of AFO. AFO will send clients a copy of its Code of Ethics upon written
request.
AFO has policies and procedures in place to ensure that the interests of its clients are given
preference over those of AFO, its affiliates and its employees. For example, there are policies in
place to prevent the misappropriation of material non-public information, and such other
policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with federal and state securities laws.
B. Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and
Conflicts of Interest
AFO does not engage in principal trading (i.e., the practice of selling stock to advisory clients
from a firm’s inventory or buying stocks from advisory clients into a firm’s inventory). In
addition, AFO does not recommend any securities to advisory clients in which it has some
proprietary or ownership interest.
C. Advisory Firm Purchase or Sale of Same Securities Recommended to
Clients and Conflicts of Interest
AFO, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and
retirement plans established by it may purchase or sell the same securities as are purchased or
sold for clients in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures. The personal
securities transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise potential conflicts
of interest when they trade in a security that is:
▪ owned by the client, or
▪ considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client), which
AFO specifically prohibits. AFO has adopted policies and procedures that are intended to
address these conflicts of interest. These policies and procedures:
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest
▪ prohibit fraudulent conduct in connection with the trading of securities in a client
account
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
▪ prohibit employees from personally benefitting by causing a client to act, or fail to act in
making investment decisions
▪ prohibit the firm or its employees from profiting or causing others to profit on
knowledge of completed or contemplated client transactions
▪ allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner
▪ provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee benefiting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow AFO’s procedures when purchasing or
selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client.
D. Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory
Firm Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
AFO, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and
retirement plans established by it may effect securities transactions for their own accounts that
differ from those recommended or effected for other AFO clients. AFO will make a reasonable
attempt to trade securities in client accounts at or prior to trading the securities in its affiliate,
corporate, employee or employee-related accounts. Trades executed the same day will likely be
subject to an average pricing calculation. It is the policy of AFO to place the clients’ interests
above those of AFO and its employees.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
Custodian Recommendations
AFO may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with Axos Advisor Services, or
Interactive Brokers for clients with margin balance loans, (herein collectively referred to as
“custodian”), FINRA-registered broker-dealers, members SIPC, to maintain custody of clients’
assets and to effect trades for their accounts. Although AFO may recommend that clients
establish accounts at the custodian, it is the client’s decision to custody assets with the
custodian. AFO is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with custodian. For
AFO-managed advisory accounts, the custodian generally does not charge separately for
custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions and other
transaction-related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through the
custodian or that settle into custodian accounts.
AFO considers the financial strength, reputation, operational efficiency, cost, execution
capability, level of customer service, and related factors in recommending broker-dealers or
custodians to advisory clients.
In certain instances and subject to approval by AFO, AFO will recommend to clients certain other
broker-dealers and/or custodians based on the needs of the individual client, and taking into
consideration the nature of the services required, the experience of the broker-dealer or
custodian, the cost and quality of the services, and the reputation of the broker-dealer or
custodian. The final determination to engage a broker-dealer or custodian recommended by
AFO will be made by and in the sole discretion of the client. The client recognizes that broker-
dealers and/or custodians have different cost and fee structures and trade execution capabilities.
As a result, there may be disparities with respect to the cost of services and/or the transaction
prices for securities transactions executed on behalf of the client. Clients are responsible for
assessing the commissions and other costs charged by broker-dealers and/or custodians.
How We Select Brokers/Custodians to Recommend
AFO seeks to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold client assets and execute
transactions on terms that provide the most value given a particular client’s needs when
compared to other available providers and their services. We consider a wide range of factors,
including, among others, the following:
▪ combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services
(generally without a separate fee for custody)
▪ capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for client accounts)
▪ capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers,
check requests, bill payment, etc.)
▪ breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-
traded funds (ETFs), etc.)
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions
▪ quality of services
▪ competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates,
other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them
▪
reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider
▪
their prior service to us and our other clients
▪ availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below
Client’s Custody and Brokerage Costs
For client accounts that the firm maintains, the custodian generally does not charge clients
separately for custody services but is compensated by charging either transaction fees or
custodian asset-based fees on trades that it executes or that settle into the custodian’s
accounts. For some accounts, the custodian may charge a percentage of the dollar amount of
assets in the account in lieu of commissions. The custodian’s commission rates and asset-
based fees applicable to the firm’s client accounts were negotiated based on the firm’s
commitment to maintain a certain minimum amount of client assets at the custodian. This
commitment benefits the client because the overall commission rates and asset-based fees
paid are lower than they would be if the firm had not made the commitment. In addition to
commissions or asset-based fees, the custodian charges a flat dollar amount as a “prime
broker” or “trade away” fee for each trade that the firm has executed by a different broker-
dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited
(settled) into the client’s custodian account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or
other compensation the client pays the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to
minimize the client’s trading costs, the firm has the custodian execute most trades for the
account.
Soft Dollar Arrangements
AFO does not utilize soft dollar arrangements. AFO does not direct brokerage transactions to
executing brokers for research and brokerage services.
Institutional Trading and Custody Services
The custodian provides AFO with access to its institutional trading and custody services, which
are typically not available to the custodian’s retail investors. These services generally are
available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so
long as a certain minimum amount of the advisor’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts
at a particular custodian. The custodian’s brokerage services include the execution of securities
transactions, custody, research, and access to mutual funds and other investments that are
otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly
higher minimum initial investment.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Other Products and Services
Custodian also makes available to AFO other products and services that benefit AFO but may
not directly benefit its clients’ accounts. Many of these products and services may be used to
service all or some substantial number of AFO's accounts, including accounts not maintained
at custodian. The custodian may also make available to AFO software and other technology
that
▪ provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements)
▪
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts
▪ provide research, pricing and other market data
▪
facilitate payment of AFO’s fees from its clients’ accounts
▪ assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting
The custodian may also offer other services intended to help AFO manage and further develop
its business enterprise. These services may include
▪ compliance, legal and business consulting
▪ publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
▪ access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers
The custodian may also provide other benefits such as educational events or occasional
business entertainment of AFO personnel. In evaluating whether to recommend that clients
custody their assets at the custodian, AFO may take into account the availability of some of
the foregoing products and services and other arrangements as part of the total mix of factors
it considers, and not solely the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services
provided by the custodian, which creates a conflict of interest.
Independent Third Parties
The custodian may make available, arrange, and/or pay third-party vendors for the types of
services rendered to AFO. The custodian may discount or waive fees it would otherwise charge
for some of these services or all or a part of the fees of a third party providing these services
to AFO.
Additional Compensation Received from Custodians
AFO may participate in institutional customer programs sponsored by broker-dealers or
custodians. AFO may recommend these broker-dealers or custodians to clients for custody
and brokerage services. There is no direct link between AFO’s participation in such programs
and the investment advice it gives to its clients, although AFO receives economic benefits
through its participation in the programs that are typically not available to retail investors.
These benefits may include the following products and services (provided without cost or at a
discount):
▪ Receipt of duplicate client statements and confirmations
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ Research-related products and tools
▪ Consulting services
▪ Access to a trading desk serving AFO participants
▪ Access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions
for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts)
▪ The ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts
▪ Access to an electronic communications network for client order entry and account
information
▪ Access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money
managers
▪ Discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management
products or services provided to AFO by third-party vendors
The custodian may also pay for business consulting and professional services received by
AFO’s related persons, and may pay or reimburse expenses (including client transition
expenses, travel, lodging, meals and entertainment expenses for AFO’s personnel to attend
conferences). Some of the products and services made available by such custodian through its
institutional customer programs may benefit AFO but may not benefit its client accounts.
These products or services may assist AFO in managing and administering client accounts,
including accounts not maintained at the custodian as applicable. Other services made
available through the programs are intended to help AFO manage and further develop its
business enterprise. The benefits received by AFO or its personnel through participation in
these programs do not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions directed to the
broker-dealer.
AFO also participates in similar institutional advisor programs offered by other independent
broker-dealers or trust companies, and its continued participation may require AFO to
maintain a predetermined level of assets at such firms. In connection with its participation in
such programs, AFO will typically receive benefits similar to those listed above, including
research, payments for business consulting and professional services received by AFO’s related
persons, and reimbursement of expenses (including travel, lodging, meals and entertainment
expenses for AFO’s personnel to attend conferences sponsored by the broker-dealer or trust
company).
As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, AFO endeavors at all times to put the interests of its
clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by AFO or
its related persons in and of itself creates a conflict of interest and indirectly influences AFO’s
recommendation of broker-dealers for custody and brokerage services.
The Firm’s Interest in Custodian’s Services
The availability of these services from the custodian benefits the firm because the firm does
not have to produce or purchase them. The firm does not have to pay for the custodian’s
services so long as a certain minimum of client assets is kept in accounts at the custodian.
Custodian’s services give the firm an incentive to recommend that clients maintain their
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
accounts with the custodian based on the firm’s interest in receiving the custodian’s services
that benefit the firm’s business rather than based on the client’s interest in receiving the best
value in custody services and the most favorable execution of client transactions. This is a
conflict of interest. The firm believes, however, that the selection of the custodian as custodian
and broker is in the best interest of clients. It is primarily supported by the scope, quality, and
price of the custodian’s services and not the custodian’s services that benefit only the firm.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
AFO does not engage in the practice of directing brokerage commissions in exchange for the
referral of advisory clients.
Directed Brokerage
AFO typically recommends Axos or Interactive Brokers as custodian for clients’ funds and
securities and to execute securities transactions on its clients’ behalf. AFO does not allow
directed brokerage.
B. Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
Best Execution
AFO, pursuant to the terms of its investment advisory agreement with clients, has discretionary
authority to determine which securities are to be bought and sold, and the amount of such
securities. AFO recognizes that the analysis of execution quality involves a number of factors,
both qualitative and quantitative. AFO will follow a process in an attempt to ensure that it is
seeking to obtain the most favorable execution under the prevailing circumstances when placing
client orders. These factors include but are not limited to the following:
▪ The financial strength, reputation and stability of the broker
▪ The efficiency with which the transaction is effected
▪ The ability to effect prompt and reliable executions at favorable prices (including the
applicable dealer spread or commission, if any)
▪ The availability of the broker to stand ready to effect transactions of varying degrees of
difficulty in the future
▪ The efficiency of error resolution, clearance and settlement
▪ Block trading and positioning capabilities
▪ Performance measurement
▪ Online access to computerized data regarding customer accounts
▪ Availability, comprehensiveness, and frequency of brokerage and research services
▪ Commission rates
▪ The economic benefit to the client
▪ Related matters involved in the receipt of brokerage services
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, AFO seeks to ensure that clients receive best
execution with respect to clients’ transactions by blocking client trades to reduce commissions
and transaction costs. To the best of AFO’s knowledge, these custodians provide high-quality
execution, and AFO’s clients do not pay higher transaction costs in return for such execution.
Commission rates and securities transaction fees charged to effect such transactions are
established by the client’s independent custodian and/or broker-dealer. Based upon its own
knowledge of the securities industry, AFO believes that such commission rates are competitive
within the securities industry. Lower commissions or better execution may be able to be
achieved elsewhere.
Security Allocation
Since AFO may be managing accounts with similar investment objectives, AFO may aggregate
orders for securities for such accounts. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or
sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, is made by AFO in the manner it considers
to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to such accounts.
AFO’s allocation procedures seek to allocate investment opportunities among clients in the
fairest possible way, taking into account the clients’ best interests. AFO will follow procedures to
ensure that allocations do not involve a practice of favoring or discriminating against any client
or group of clients. Account performance is never a factor in trade allocations.
AFO’s advice to certain clients and entities and the action of AFO for those and other clients are
frequently premised not only on the merits of a particular investment, but also on the suitability
of that investment for the particular client in light of his or her applicable investment objective,
guidelines and circumstances. Thus, any action of AFO with respect to a particular investment
may, for a particular client, differ or be opposed to the recommendation, advice, or actions of
AFO to or on behalf of other clients.
Order Aggregation
Orders for the same security entered on behalf of more than one client will generally be
aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to the aggregation being in the best interests of
all participating clients. Subsequent orders for the same security entered during the same
trading day may be aggregated with any previously unfilled orders. Subsequent orders may also
be aggregated with filled orders if the market price for the security has not materially changed
and the aggregation does not cause any unintended duration exposure. All clients participating
in each aggregated order will receive the average price and, subject to minimum ticket charges
and possible step outs, pay a pro rata portion of commissions.
To minimize performance dispersion, “strategy” trades should be aggregated and average
priced. However, when a trade is to be executed for an individual account and the trade is not in
the best interests of other accounts, then the trade will only be performed for that account. This
is true even if AFO believes that a larger size block trade would lead to best overall price for the
security being transacted.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Allocation of Trades
All allocations will be made prior to the close of business on the trade date. In the event an
order is “partially filled,” the allocation will be made in the best interests of all the clients in the
order, taking into account all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the size of each
client’s allocation, clients’ liquidity needs and previous allocations. In most cases, accounts will
get a pro forma allocation based on the initial allocation. This policy also applies if an order is
“over-filled.”
AFO acts in accordance with its duty to seek best price and execution and will not continue any
arrangements if AFO determines that such arrangements are no longer in the best interest of its
clients.
Trade Errors
From time to time, AFO may make an error in submitting a trade order on the client’s behalf.
When this occurs, AFO may place a correcting trade with the broker-dealer. If an investment
gain results from the correcting trade, the gain will remain in client’s account unless the same
error involved other client account(s) that should have received the gain, it is not permissible for
client to retain the gain, or AFO confers with client and client decides to forego the gain (e.g.,
due to tax reasons).
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and
Advisory Persons Involved
Accounts are reviewed by AFO investment adviser representative servicing the client’s account.
The frequency of reviews is determined based on the client’s investment objectives, but reviews
are conducted no less frequently than annually. More frequent reviews may also be triggered
by a change in the client’s investment objectives, tax considerations, large deposits or
withdrawals, large purchases or sales, loss of confidence in the underlying investment, or
changes in macro-economic climate.
Financial planning clients receive their financial plans and recommendations at the time service
is completed. There are no post-plan reviews unless engaged to do so by the client.
B. Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
AFO may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material changes in
the client’s investment objectives or risk tolerance, or a material change in how AFO formulates
investment advice.
C. Content of Client-Provided Reports and Frequency
AFO reports to the client on a quarterly basis or at some other interval agreed upon with the
client, information on contributions and withdrawals in the client's investment portfolio, and the
performance of the client's portfolio measured against appropriate benchmarks.
The client’s independent qualified custodian provides account statements directly to the client
no less frequently than quarterly. The custodian’s statement is the official record of the client’s
securities account and supersedes any statements or reports created on behalf of the client by
AFO.
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Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources
and Conflicts of Interest
AFO receives an economic benefit from custodians in the form of the support products and
services it makes available to us. These products and services, how they benefit us, and the
related conflicts of interest are described above under Item 12 Brokerage Practices. The
availability to us of custodians’ products and services is not based on us giving particular
investment advice, such as buying particular securities for our clients.
B. Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
Promoter Arrangements
The firm may enter into arrangements with promoters, endorsers, solicitors, or with clients for
testimonials (herein collectively referred to as “promoter”) who will promote the advisory firm
for compensation. Agreements are required when compensation to the promoter is equal to or
greater than $1,000. The receipt of such compensation creates a conflict of interest in that the
promoter is economically incented to endorse our firm. Please be advised that the firm’s
payment of compensation to the promoter does not increase the client’s advisory fee paid to
the firm.
Employee Referrals
AFO has arrangements with employees of our firm, under which the individual receives
compensation from us for the establishment of new client relationships. Employees who refer
clients to us must comply with the requirements of the jurisdictions where they operate. The
compensation is a percentage of the advisory fee you pay us for as long as you are our client, or
until such time as our agreement with the employee expires. You will not be charged additional
fees based on this compensation arrangement. Incentive-based compensation is contingent
upon you entering into an advisory agreement with us. Therefore, the individual has a financial
incentive to recommend us to you for advisory services. This creates a conflict of interest;
however, you are not obligated to retain us for advisory services. Comparable services and/or
lower fees may be available through other firms.
SmartAsset
AFO pays a fee to participate in an online adviser matching program, SmartAsset, which seeks to
match prospective advisory clients who have expressed an interest in finding an investment
adviser with investment advisory firms. The adviser matching program provides the name and
contact information of such persons to the advisory firms as potential leads.
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Item 15: Custody
Item 15: Custody
AFO is considered to have custody of client assets for purposes of the Advisers Act for the
following reasons:
▪ The client authorizes us to instruct their custodian to deduct our advisory fees directly
from the client’s account. The custodian maintains actual custody of clients’ assets.
▪ Our authority to direct client requests, utilizing standing instructions, for wire transfer of
funds for first-party money movement and third-party money movement (checks and/or
journals, ACH, Fed-wires). The firm has elected to meet the SEC’s seven conditions to
avoid the surprise custody exam, as outlined below:
1. The client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes
the client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or
the third party’s account number at a custodian to which the transfer should be
directed.
2. The client authorizes the investment adviser, in writing, either on the qualified
custodian’s form or separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a
specified schedule or from time to time.
3. The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction,
such as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization, and
provides a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
4. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s
qualified custodian.
5. The investment adviser has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity
of the third party, the address, or any other information about the third party
contained in the client’s instruction.
6. The investment adviser maintains records showing that the third party is not a
related party of the investment adviser or located at the same address as the
investment adviser.
7. The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming
the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
▪ Our authority to direct client requests, utilizing standing instructions, for wire transfer of
funds for first-party money movement and third-party money movement (checks and/or
journals, ACH, Fed-wires). The firm has elected to engage an independent public
accountant to annually conduct a surprise custody exam audit.
▪ Certain AFO executives act as trustee for certain advisory client trusts. As such, the firm is
deemed to have custody of client assets and therefore subject to a surprise annual audit
by an independent certified public accounting firm.
Individual advisory clients will receive at least quarterly account statements directly from their
qualified custodian containing a description of all activity, cash balances, and portfolio holdings
in their accounts. Clients are urged to compare the account balance(s) shown on their account
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Item 15: Custody
statements to the quarter-end balance(s) on their custodian's monthly statement. The
custodian’s statement is the official record of the account.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients may grant a limited power of attorney to AFO with respect to trading activity in their
accounts by signing the appropriate custodian limited power of attorney form. In those cases,
AFO will exercise full discretion as to the nature and type of securities to be purchased and sold,
and the amount of securities for such transactions. Investment limitations may be designated by
the client as outlined in the investment advisory agreement.
Page 40
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
AFO does not take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients. All proxy
material will be forwarded to the client by the client’s custodian for the client’s review and action.
Clients may contact the firm with questions regarding proxies they have received.
AFO will endeavor to make recommendations to clients on voting proxies regarding shareholder
vote, consent, election or similar actions solicited by, or with respect to, issuers of securities
beneficially held as part of AFO supervised and/or managed assets. In no event will AFO take
discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients.
Except as required by applicable law, AFO will not be obligated to render advice or take any
action on behalf of clients with respect to assets presently or formerly held in their accounts that
become the subject of any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies.
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. AFO has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class action lawsuit. AFO also has no duty to evaluate a client’s eligibility or
to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action settlement or verdict.
Furthermore, AFO has no obligation or responsibility to initiate litigation to recover damages on
behalf of clients who may have been injured as a result of actions, misconduct, or negligence by
corporate management of issuers whose securities are held by clients.
Where AFO receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit, settlement, or verdict
affecting securities owned by a client, it will forward all notices, proof of claim forms, and other
materials to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate and where the client has
authorized contact in this manner.
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Item 18: Financial Information
Item 18: Financial Information
A. Balance Sheet
AFO does not require the prepayment of fees of $1,200 or more, six months or more in advance,
and as such is not required to file a balance sheet.
B. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability
to Meet Commitments to Clients
AFO does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to provide services to clients.
C. Bankruptcy Petitions During the Past Ten Years
There is nothing to report on this item.
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