Overview
- Headquarters
- Bethany Beach, DE
- Total Firm Assets
- $120 million
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $2.3 million
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $500,000 | 1.25% |
| $500,001 | $1,500,000 | 0.75% |
| $1,500,001 | $3,000,000 | 0.65% |
| $3,000,001 | and above | 0.50% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $33,500 | 0.67% |
| $10 million | $58,500 | 0.58% |
| $50 million | $258,500 | 0.52% |
| $100 million | $508,500 | 0.51% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 79.62%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 41
- Total Client Accounts
- 286
- Discretionary Accounts
- 274
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 12
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 335236
Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A (2026-08-31)
View Document Text
Item 1: Cover Page
Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments LLC
39682 Sunrise Court #303
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
302-316-1820
backbayfp.com
Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Brochure
Dated: August 31, 2026
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Back Bay Financial
Planning & Investments LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact
us at 302-316-1820. 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.
Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not
imply a certain level of skill or training.
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Additional information about Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments LLC also is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, which can be found using the firm’s identification number, 335236.
Item 2: Material Changes
Since the initial filing of the Form ADV Part 2A for Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments LLC, we have
made the following changes:
● We have moved our principal place of business to Delaware.
● We have removed Ongoing Financial Planning services and may now recommend fee-based
annuities.
● We have updated our website in Item 1
● We have transitioned our registration from State to SEC registration
● We have updated fees in Item 5
● We have added Matthew J O'Keefe as and IAR and disclosed his insurance license in Item 10
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page
Item 2: Material Changes
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 4: Advisory Business
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Item 7: Types of Clients
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 15: Custody
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Item 18: Financial Information
Item 19: Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Description of Advisory Firm
Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments LLC is an Investment Adviser principally located in the state of
Delaware. We are a limited liability company founded in February 2025. Back Bay Financial Planning &
Investments LLC became registered in 2025. Robert Jeter is the principal owner and Chief Compliance
Officer (“CCO”).
As used in this brochure, the words “BBFPI”, "we", "our firm", “Advisor” and "us" refer to Back Bay Financial
Planning & Investments LLC and the words "you", "your" and "Client" refer to you as either a client or
prospective client of our firm.
Types of Advisory Services
BBFPI is a fee-only firm, meaning the only compensation we receive is from our Clients for our services. We
offer Investment Management and Financial Planning. From time to time, BBFPI recommends third-party
insurance agents, or other financial
professionals such as attorneys, accountants, tax advisors,
professionals. Clients are never obligated to utilize any third-party professional we recommend. BBFPI is not
affiliated with nor does BBFPI receive any compensation from third-party professionals we may recommend.
Investment Management Services
Our firm provides continuous advice to a Client regarding the investment of Client funds based on the
individual needs of the Client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based on a
Client's particular circumstances are established, we develop a Client's personal investment policy or an
investment plan with an asset allocation target and create and manage a portfolio based on that policy and
allocation targets. We will also review and discuss a Client’s prior investment history, as well as family
composition and background. Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the Client (e.g.,
maximum capital appreciation, growth, income, or growth, and income), as well as risk tolerance and tax
considerations.
We primarily advise our Clients regarding investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, U.S.
government and municipal securities, and cash and cash equivalents. We may also provide advice regarding
investments held in Client’s portfolio at the inception of our advisory relationship and/or other investment
types not listed above, at the Client’s request.
When we provide investment management services, Clients grant us limited authority to buy and sell
securities on a discretionary basis. More information on our trading authority is explained in Item 16 of this
Brochure. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions in writing on investing in certain securities, types of
securities, or industry sectors.
When appropriate, we utilize the services of one or more independent investment managers or
independent investment management programs (“Outside Managers”) to assist with the management of
Client accounts. The Outside Managers we recommend may engage our firm directly to provide
sub-advisory services to client account(s) and/or may be accessible to our firm through an investment
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platform offered through your Custodian. We will continue to serve as Client’s primary advisor for the
ongoing monitoring of the account(s) and the determination of the suitability of the Outside Manager’s
overall investment program and/or strategies. We will recommend adjustments to your account(s) when we
believe such changes are in your best interests. Our review process and analysis of Outside Managers is
further discussed in Item 8 of this Brochure.
Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC
BBFPI may manage portfolios through a program sponsored by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC
(“OPS”). The portfolio selected through Orion Portfolio Solution’s “Communities” allows model
portfolios to be assigned to a client for a fee paid by the advisor. Clients do not need to sign any
agreement as the model portfolio is managed and traded by BBFPI. Any fee charged for a model will
be billed and paid by BBFPI.
Schwab Marketplace
BBFPI also uses 3rd party managers on Charles Schwab’s approved Marketplace. Managers are
recommended to the client based on appropriate suitability and research by BBFPI. The terms and
conditions under which the client shall engage with a manager shall be set forth in separate written
agreements between (1) the client and BBFPI and (2) the client and the manager. BBFPI will render
advisory services to the client relative to the ongoing and monitoring and review of account
performance, for which BBFPI shall receive an annual advisory fee which is based upon a percentage
of the market value of the assets being managed by the manager. Factors that BBFPI shall consider
in recommending a manager include the client’s stated investment objective(s), management style,
performance, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research. Client shall receive a
copy of each Managers Form ADV Part 2. Clients should review each Manager’s ADV Part 2 or Terms
of Use for additional details regarding services.
SyntheticFi LLC
BBFPI has a sub-advisory relationship with SyntheticFi LLC, an unaffiliated investment advisor (CRD#
330200/SEC# 801-129765). In exercising our discretion in making investment decisions for our
clients, we may choose, if it is in a client’s best interest, to engage SyntheticFi to implement trades in
all or a portion of the client’s account. BPFI primarily leverages SyntheticFi for lending purposes
through the use of box-spread options contracts. If BBFPI determines that engaging SyntheticFi is in
a client’s best interest, we will provide the client with SyntheticFi’s relevant disclosure documents,
including Form ADV 2A, Privacy policy and any other documents necessary to provide a complete
description of SyntheticFi’s services and fees.
Recommendation of Fee-Based Annuities
We offer fee-based annuities to our clients to help meet their income, preservation and liquidity needs.
Fee-based annuities are an integral part of our analysis when building long-term investment strategies.
Through this service, we are able to provide clients access to income streams on a fee-only basis without
paying commissions. We assist clients in the selection of appropriate annuity carriers, completing the
carrier’s applications, and requests for medical records and exams.
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For insurance products, BBFPI provides access to a platform of insurance products provided by DPL
Financial Partners, LLC ("DPL"). The investor is under no obligation to use DPL's service, and may seek
insurance advice from any licensed agent. The insurance products and fee structures available from DPL
may differ from those available from other third-party insurance agents. The company recommends that
the investor fully evaluate products and fee structures to determine which arrangements are most favorable
to the investor prior to making an investment decision. The company does not receive compensation for
insurance products selected by the investor, whether secured through DPL or any other agent.
Financial Planning Services
Financial planning involves an evaluation of a Client's current and future financial state by using currently
known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values, and withdrawal plans. The key defining aspect of
financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions, information, and analysis will
be considered as they affect and are affected by the entire financial and life situation of the Client. Clients
purchasing this service will receive a written report, providing the Client with a detailed financial plan
designed to help achieve the Client’s stated financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address some or all of the following areas of concern. The Client and BBFPI
will work together to select specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
● Business Planning: We provide consulting services for Clients who currently operate their own
business, are considering starting a business, or are planning for an exit from their current business.
Under this type of engagement, we work with you to assess your current situation, identify your
objectives, and develop a plan aimed at achieving your goals.
● Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to
determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus should
be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be provided on
which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt and any income tax
ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an appropriate cash reserve that
should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals, along with a review of accounts
(such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies to save desired amounts.
● College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other
post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired
amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review your
financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to children
and grandchildren (if appropriate).
● Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an
employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a
business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various benefit programs that can be
structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals.
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● Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your current
estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts, and other related
documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes
by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts. We
always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or complete
estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys who specialize
in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From time-to-time, we will
participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with your approval or request.
● Financial Goals: We will help Clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them. We
will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen, how
much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
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Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term
care, liability, home, and automobile.
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Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet Clients’
financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies,
reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment
account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we may
recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure.
● Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your
likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the
primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may make
recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting certain
variables (e.g., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with investments).
If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution
strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter spending
during your retirement years.
● Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major risks
that could have a significant adverse impact on your financial picture, such as premature death,
disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long-term care planning. Advice may be
provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing insurance
versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing insurance
(“self-insuring”).
● Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes as
a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make recommendations on
which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based in part on their “tax
efficiency,” with the consideration that there is always a possibility of future changes to federal, state
or local tax laws and rates that may impact your situation.
We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any tax planning
strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants or attorneys who
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specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes. We will participate in meetings
or phone calls between you and your tax professional with your approval.
Financial Planning Services are offered on a Project-Based engagement.
Project-Based Financial Planning. We provide project-based financial planning services on a
limited scope one-time engagement. Project-Based Financial Planning is available for Clients looking
to address specific questions or issues. The Client may choose from one or more of the above topics
to cover or other areas as requested and agreed to by BBFPI. For Project-Based Financial Planning,
the Client will be ultimately responsible for the implementation of the financial plan.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
We tailor the delivery of our services to meet the individual needs of our Clients. We consult with Clients
initially and on an ongoing basis, through the duration of their engagement with us, to determine risk
tolerance, time horizon and other factors that may impact the Clients’ investment and/or planning needs.
Clients are able to specify, within reason, any restrictions they would like to place as it pertains to individual
securities and/or sectors that will be traded in their account. All such requests must be provided to BBFPI in
writing. BBFPI will notify Clients if they are unable to accommodate any requests.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do not participate in wrap fee programs.
Assets Under Management
As of July 07, 2026, BBFPI has $118,508,594 in discretionary and $1,965,550 in non-discretionary assets
under management.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Please note, unless a Client has received this brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing an Advisory
Contract, the Advisory Contract may be terminated by the Client within five (5) business days of signing the
Advisory Contract without penalty or incurring any fees.
How we are paid depends on the type of advisory services we perform. Below is a brief description of our
fees, however, you should review your executed Advisory Contract for more detailed information regarding
the exact fees you will be paying. Fees are negotiable and some fees may vary by Client for similar services.
No increase to the agreed-upon advisory fees outlined in the Advisory Contract shall occur without prior
Client consent.
Investment Management Services
The fee is based on a percentage of assets under management and is negotiable. The annualized fees for
investment management services are based on the following fee schedule:
Assets Under Management
Annual Advisory Fee
First $500,000
1.25%
Next $1,000,000
0.75%
Next $1,500,000
0.65%
Above $3,000,000
0.50%
The annual advisory fee is paid quarterly in advance based on the value of Client’s account(s) as of the last
day of the billing period. The advisory fee is a blended tier. For example, for assets under management of
$1,000,000, a Client would pay 1.25% on the first $500,000 and 0.75% on the remaining balance. The
formula for the quarterly fee is determined by the following calculation: (($500,000 x 1.25%) + ($500,000 x
0.75%)) ÷ 4 = $2,500.
In determining the advisory fee, we may allow accounts of members of the same household to be
aggregated. BBFPI relies on the valuation as provided by Client’s custodian in determining assets under
management. Our advisory fee is prorated for any partial billing periods occurring during the engagement,
including the initial and terminating billing periods.
If BBFPI utilizes an Outside Manager, the above fee range represents the total approximate fee a client will
expect to pay. When utilizing Orion Portfolio Solutions, BBFPI will debit the Client's account for both Orion's
fee, and BBFPI's advisory fee, and will remit Orion's fee to Orion. An Outside Manager selected on Schwab’s
Marketplace will bill their fee separately from BBFPI. Outside Managers are selected using objective criteria
such as performance, risk-adjusted returns, cost, consistency, and manager tenure.
To mitigate potential conflicts of interest—such as an incentive to select lower-cost managers—BBFPI
follows a structured due diligence process. This includes: (1) initial screening based on third-party research
and platform analytics; (2) evaluation of the manager’s investment philosophy, historical performance, and
risk metrics; (3) review of fees relative to comparable strategies; and (4) periodic reassessment of each
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manager's performance and continued alignment with client needs. This process ensures that
recommendations are based on the client’s best interest, not on compensation considerations.
All Outside Manager relationships, fees, and the rationale for selection are clearly disclosed and reviewed
implementation, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and fiduciary
with clients prior to
responsibility.
Ongoing Financial Planning is included at no additional cost for clients engaged in our Investment
Management Services.
Recommendation of Fee-Based Annuities Fees
The fee for fee-based insurance products is billed at 0.50% based on the account value. The annual advisory
fee is paid quarterly in advance or arrears based on the value of Client’s account(s) as of the last day of the
billing period. For example, for assets under management of $2,000,000, a Client would pay 0.50%. The
formula for the quarterly fee is determined by the following calculation: ($2,000,000 x 0.50%) ÷ 4. Fees are
calculated separately and debited by the insurance company and remitted to BBFPI.
Project-Based Financial Planning
BBFPI charges either a fixed or hourly fee for Project-Based Financial Planning. Fixed fee rates range
between $2,500 to $5,000. The fee range is dependent upon variables including the specific needs of the
Client, complexity, estimated time, research, and resources required to provide services to you, among
other factors we deem relevant. Fees are negotiable and the final agreed upon fee will be outlined in your
Advisory Contract. Fees are due upon completion of the services
For hourly planning, BBFPI collects an initial fee, no greater than $2,500. The initial fee covers the initial
construction of the financial plan. This work will commence immediately after the fee is paid, and covers the
first 5 hours of professional work. Any work thereafter will be billed at our hourly rate of $400 per hour. The
client will be provided an estimate at the time of signing their agreement. Fees are due upon completion of
the services.BBFPI will not bill an amount above $1,200 more than 6 months or more in advance of
rendering the services.
Fee Payment
For Investment Management services, we deduct our advisory fee from one or more account(s) held at an
unaffiliated third-party custodian, as directed by the Client. Please refer to Item 15 of this Brochure
regarding our policy on direct fee deduction. Clients may also pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT). We use
an independent third party payment processor in which the Client can securely input their payment
information to pay their fee. We do not have access to the Client’s banking or credit information at any time.
The Client will be provided with their own secure portal in order to make payments.
When utilizing Orion Portfolio Solutions, BBFPI will debit the Client's account for both Orion's fee, and
BBFPI's advisory fee, and will remit Orion's fee to Orion. When using an Outside Manager from Schwab
Marketplace, the Outside Manager and BBFPI will debit their fees separately. BBFPI will debit their fee
separately as a part of their regularly scheduled billing.
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For Financial Planning services, fees are paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT). We use an independent third
party payment processor in which the Client can securely input their banking information and pay their fee.
We do not have access to the Client’s banking information at any time. The Client will be provided with their
own secure portal in order to make payments.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses
Our fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses
which may be incurred by the Client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and
other third parties such as custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire
transfer, and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities
transactions. Mutual fund and exchange-traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are
disclosed in a fund's prospectus. Such charges, fees, and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to
our fee, and we shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Item 12 further describes the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending custodians for Client’s
transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions).
Clients may incur fees from third-party professionals such as accountants and attorneys that BBFPI may
recommend, upon Client request. Such fees are separate and distinct from BBFPI’s advisory fees.
Terminations and Refunds
For Investment Management services, the Advisory Contract may be terminated with written notice 30
calendar days in advance. Upon termination of the Advisory Contract, a prorated refund will be provided to
the Client.
For Project-Based Financial Planning services, this service is not an ongoing engagement, thus upon receipt
of the final fees, the Advisory Contract will automatically be terminated. Clients may terminate at any time
provided written notice. If fees are paid in advance, a prorated refund will be given, if applicable, upon
termination of the Advisory Contract for any unearned fee. For fees paid in arrears, Client shall be charged a
pro-rata fee based upon the percentage of the work done up to the date of termination.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
We do not offer performance-based fees and do not engage in side-by-side management.
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Item 7: Types of Clients
We provide financial planning and investment management services to individuals and high net-worth
individuals.
We do not have a minimum account size requirement to open or maintain an account.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves analyzing individual companies and their industry groups, such as a
company’s financial statements, details regarding the company’s product line, the experience, and expertise
of the company’s management, and the outlook for the company’s industry. The resulting data is used to
measure the true value of the company’s stock compared to the current market value. The risk of
fundamental analysis is that the information obtained may be incorrect and the analysis may not provide an
accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock’s value. If securities prices adjust rapidly to
new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not result in favorable performance.
Technical analysis involves using chart patterns, momentum, volume, and relative strength in an effort to
pick sectors that may outperform market indices. However, there is no assurance of accurate forecasts or
that trends will develop in the markets we follow. In the past, there have been periods without discernible
trends and similar periods will presumably occur in the future. Even where major trends develop, outside
factors like government intervention could potentially shorten them.
Furthermore, one limitation of technical analysis is that it requires price movement data, which can
translate into price trends sufficient to dictate a market entry or exit decision. In a trendless or erratic
market, a technical method may fail to identify trends requiring action. In addition, technical methods may
overreact to minor price movements, establishing positions contrary to overall price trends, which may
result in losses. Finally, a technical trading method may underperform other trading methods when
fundamental factors dominate price moves within a given market.
Cyclical analysis is a type of technical analysis that involves evaluating recurring price patterns and trends
based upon business cycles. Economic/business cycles may not be predictable and may have many
fluctuations between long-term expansions and contractions. The lengths of economic cycles may be
difficult to predict with accuracy and therefore the risk of cyclical analysis is the difficulty in predicting
economic trends and consequently the changing value of securities that would be affected by these
changing trends.
Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT)
The underlying principles of MPT are:
●
Investors are risk averse. The only acceptable risk is that which is adequately compensated by an
expected return. Risk and investment return are related and an increase in risk requires an
increased expected return.
● Markets are efficient. The same market information is available to all investors at the same time. The
market prices every security fairly based upon this equal availability of information.
●
● The design of the portfolio as a whole is more important than the selection of any particular
security. The appropriate allocation of capital among asset classes will have far more influence on
long-term portfolio performance than the selection of individual securities.
Investing for the long-term (preferably longer than ten years) becomes critical to investment success
because it allows the long-term characteristics of the asset classes to surface.
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●
Increasing diversification of the portfolio with lower correlated asset class positions can decrease
portfolio risk. Correlation is the statistical term for the extent to which two asset classes move in
tandem or opposition to one another.
Risks Associated with Modern Portfolio Theory: Market risk is that part of a security's risk that is common to
all securities of the same general class (stocks and bonds) and thus cannot be eliminated by diversification.
Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis: We look at the experience and track record of the manager of the
mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a
period of time and in different economic conditions. We also look at the underlying assets in a mutual fund
or ETF in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the underlying investments held in other
funds in the Client’s portfolio. In addition, we monitor the funds or ETFs in an attempt to determine if they
are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy.
A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance does not
guarantee future results. A manager who has been successful may not be able to replicate that success in
the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in a fund or ETF, managers of
different funds held by the client may purchase the same security, increasing the risk to the client if that
security were to fall in value. There is also a risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment
mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which could make the fund or ETF less suitable for the Client’s
portfolio.
Use of Outside Managers: We may refer clients to independent investment managers or independent
investment management programs (“Outside Managers”) offered by various sub-advisors to manage
portions of a client’s portfolio. The decision to use an Outside Manager is based on our assessment of the
client’s needs and objectives, and whether these solutions may be more appropriate than mutual funds or
ETFs for certain portfolio allocations. Our due diligence and ongoing monitoring of Outside Managers
involves evaluating their experience, expertise, investment philosophies, and historical performance to
assess their ability to manage investments over various market cycles. We also review and monitor their
underlying holdings, strategies, concentrations, and leverage as part of our periodic risk assessments. As
part of our diligence process, we assess compliance infrastructure and enterprise-level business risks to
help identify any operational concerns. Clients should be aware that past success by an Outside Manager or
sub-advisor does not guarantee future performance. There is also a risk that these managers may deviate
from their stated investment mandates, potentially making the strategy less suitable for our clients.
Furthermore, because we do not oversee the daily business or compliance operations of these third parties,
we may be unaware of deficiencies in internal controls that could lead to business, regulatory, or
reputational risks.
Investment Strategies
Asset Allocation
In implementing our Clients’ investment strategy, we begin by attempting to identify an appropriate ratio of
equities, fixed income, and cash (i.e. “asset allocation”) suitable to the Client’s investment goals and risk
tolerance.
A risk of asset allocation is that the Client may not participate in sharp increases in a particular security,
industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of equities, fixed income, and cash will change over
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time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no longer be appropriate for the Client’s
goals. We attempt to closely monitor our asset allocation models and make changes periodically to keep in
line with the target risk tolerance model.
Passive and Active Investment Management
We may choose investment vehicles that are considered passive, active, or a combination of both styles.
Passive investing involves building portfolios that are composed of various distinct asset classes. The asset
classes are weighted in a manner to achieve a desired relationship between correlation, risk and return.
Funds that passively capture the returns of the desired asset classes are placed in the portfolio.
Active investing involves a single manager or managers who employ some method, strategy or technique to
construct a portfolio that is intended to generate returns that are greater than the broader market or a
designated benchmark. Actively managed funds are also designed to reduce volatility and risk.
We may engage in both passive and active investing in Client’s portfolio. However, we strive to construct
portfolios of funds and individual securities that we believe will have the greatest probability for achieving
our Clients’ personal financial goals with the least amount of volatility and risk rather than attempt to
outperform an arbitrary index or benchmark.
Specific investment selections are based on a number of factors that we evaluate in order to select, what we
believe to be, the highest quality funds or individual securities for our Clients. These factors include but are
not limited to underlying holdings of funds, percentage weighting of holdings within funds, liquidity, tax
efficiency, bid/ask spreads, and other smart/strategic beta factors. These factors may or may not result in
the lowest cost ETFs and mutual funds available when utilizing funds in a Client’s portfolio, but we strive to
keep internal fund expenses as low as possible.
Socially Responsible Investing
We may utilize various socially conscious investment approaches if a Client desires. BBFPI may construct
portfolios that utilize mutual funds, ETFs, or individual securities with the purpose of incorporating socially
conscious principles into a Client’s portfolio. These portfolios may sometimes also be customized to reflect
the personal values of each individual, family, or organization. This allows our Clients to invest in a way that
aligns with their values. BBFPI may rely on mutual funds and ETFs that incorporate Environmental, Social
and Governance (“ESG”) research as well as positive and negative screens related to specific business
practices to determine the quality of an investment on values-based merits. Additionally, BBFPI may
construct portfolios of individual securities in order to provide Clients with a greater degree of control over
the socially conscious strategies they are utilizing. BBFPI relies on third-party research when constructing
portfolios of individual securities with socially conscious considerations.
If you request your portfolio to be invested according to socially conscious principles, you should note that
returns on investments of this type may be limited and because of this limitation you may not be able to be
as well diversified among various asset classes. The number of publicly traded companies that meet socially
conscious investment parameters is also limited, and due to this limitation, there is a probability of similarity
or overlap of holdings, especially among socially conscious mutual funds or ETFs. Therefore, there could be
a more pronounced positive or negative impact on a socially conscious portfolio, which could be more
volatile than a fully diversified portfolio.
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Long-term/Short-term purchases
We purchase securities and generally hold them in the Client's account for a year or longer. Short-term
purchases may be employed as appropriate when:
● We believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or
● We want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current projection for this
class.
A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length of time, we may not take
advantage of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. Moreover, if our predictions are incorrect,
a security may decline sharply in value before we make the decision to sell.
Material Risks Involved
All investing strategies we offer involve risk and may result in a loss of your original investment
which you should be prepared to bear. Many of these risks apply equally to stocks, bonds, commodities,
and any other investment or security. Material risks associated with our investment strategies are listed
below.
Market Risk: Market risk involves the possibility that an investment’s current market value will fall because
of a general market decline, reducing the value of the investment regardless of the operational success of
the issuer’s operations or its financial condition.
Strategy Risk: The Adviser’s investment strategies and/or investment techniques may not work as intended.
Small and Medium Cap Company Risk: Securities of companies with small and medium market
capitalizations are often more volatile and less liquid than investments in larger companies. Small and
medium cap companies may face a greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the
Client’s portfolio.
Interest Rate Risk: Bond (fixed income) prices generally fall when interest rates rise, and the value may fall
below par value or the principal investment. The opposite is also generally true: bond prices generally rise
when interest rates fall. In general, fixed income securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to
these price changes. Most other investments are also sensitive to the level and direction of interest rates.
Legal or Legislative Risk: Legislative changes or Court rulings may impact the value of investments, or the
securities’ claim on the issuer’s assets and finances.
Inflation: Inflation may erode the buying power of your investment portfolio, even if the dollar value of your
investments remains the same.
MPT Risk: Market risk is that part of a security's risk that is common to all securities of the same general
class (stocks and bonds) and thus cannot be eliminated by diversification.
Risks Associated with Securities
Apart from the general risks outlined above which apply to all types of investments, specific securities may
have other risks.
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Common stocks may go up and down in price quite dramatically, and in the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy
or restructuring could lose all value. A slower-growth or recessionary economic environment could have an
adverse effect on the price of all stocks.
Corporate Bonds are debt securities to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic interest
and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity.
Alternatively, investors can purchase other debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, which do not pay
current interest, but rather are priced at a discount from their face values and their values accrete over time
to face value at maturity. The market prices of debt securities fluctuate depending on factors such as
interest rates, credit quality, and maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest
rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. The longer the time to a bond’s maturity, the greater its
interest rate risk.
Exchange Traded Funds prices may vary significantly from the Net Asset Value due to market conditions.
Certain Exchange Traded Funds may not track underlying benchmarks as expected. ETFs are also subject to
the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above (premium) or below
(discount) their net asset value and an ETF purchased at a premium may ultimately be sold at a discount; (ii)
trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the
shares are delisted from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to
large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Adviser has no control over the risks taken
by the underlying funds in which the Clients invest.
Municipal Bonds are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes,
including the construction of public facilities. Municipal bonds pay a lower rate of return than most other
types of bonds. However, because of a municipal bond’s tax-favored status, investors should compare the
relative after-tax return to the after-tax return of other bonds, depending on the investor’s tax bracket.
Investing in municipal bonds carries the same general risks as investing in bonds in general. Those risks
include interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, inflation risk, market risk, call or redemption risk, credit risk, and
liquidity and valuation risk.
Mutual Funds When a Client invests in open-end mutual funds or ETFs, the Client indirectly bears its
proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those funds. Therefore, the Client will
incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the Client's overall portfolio may be
affected by losses of an underlying fund and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of an
underlying fund (such as the use of derivatives).
Options and other derivatives carry many unique risks, including time-sensitivity, and can result in the
complete loss of principal. While covered call writing does provide a partial hedge to the stock against which
the call is written, the hedge is limited to the amount of cash flow received when writing the option. When
selling covered calls, there is a risk the underlying position may be called away at a price lower than the
current market price.
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Actions
BBFPI and its management persons have not been involved in any criminal or civil action.
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
BBFPI and its management persons have not been involved in any administrative enforcement proceedings.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
BBFPI and its management persons have not been involved in any self-regulatory organization (SRO)
proceedings.
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Broker-Dealer Affiliation
Neither BBFPI or its management persons is registered, or have an application pending to register, as a
broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
Other Affiliations
Neither BBFPI or its management persons is registered, or have an application pending to register, as a
futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, or an associated
person of the foregoing entities. BBFPI does not have any business relationships that could create conflicts
of interest for clients.
Related Persons
Neither BBFPI or its management persons have any relationship or arrangement with any outside financial
industry related parties.
Matthew J O'Keefe is currently a licensed insurance agent, however, Matthew J O'Keefe no longer sells any
insurance products, and is not affiliated with any insurance companies. Matthew J O'Keefe will not sell any
insurance products to clients or prospective clients of BBFPI.
Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisers
BBFPI recommends Clients to Outside Managers to manage their accounts. In the event that we recommend
an Outside Manager. Clients pay one single fee (as noted in Item 5) which includes both BBFPI’s advisory fee
and the Outside Manager’s fee, the Outside Manager will deduct the single fee from the client account(s)
and remit our advisory fee to us. The amount retained by the Outside Manager varies depending on the
Outside Manager selected via the Orion Platform, with fees typically ranging between 0.15% and 0.45% of
assets under management.
The Outside Manager’s fee could create a potential conflict of interest. BBFPI may have an incentive to
recommend a lower-cost Outside Manager in order to retain a larger portion of the overall advisory fee.
BBFPI mitigates this potential conflict through a disciplined, structured due diligence process that prioritizes
the client’s best interest (described in Item 5).
Clients will receive a copy of the Outside Manager’s Form ADV 2A, Firm Brochure, which also describes the
Outside Manager’s fee. You are not obligated, contractually or otherwise, to use the services of any Outside
Manager we recommend. Moreover, BBFPI will only recommend an Outside Manager who is properly
licensed or registered as an investment adviser.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
As a fiduciary, our firm has a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interests of each Client. Our
Clients entrust us with their funds and personal information, which in turn places a high standard on our
conduct and integrity. Our fiduciary duty is a core aspect of our Code of Ethics and represents the expected
basis of all of our dealings. The firm also adheres to the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
adopted by the CFP® Board of Standards Inc., and accepts the obligation not only to comply with the
mandates and requirements of all applicable laws and regulations but also to take responsibility to act in an
ethical and professionally responsible manner in all professional services and activities.
Code of Ethics Description
This Code of Ethics does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and compliance with each
of its specific provisions will not shield our firm or its access persons from liability for misconduct that
violates a fiduciary duty to our Clients. A summary of the Code of Ethics' Principles is outlined below.
●
Integrity - Access persons shall offer and provide professional services with integrity.
● Objectivity - Access persons shall be objective in providing professional services to Clients.
● Competence - Access persons shall provide services to Clients competently and maintain the
necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which they are engaged.
● Fairness - Access persons shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair and reasonable
to Clients, principals, partners, and employers, and shall disclose conflict(s) of interest in providing
such services.
● Confidentiality - Access persons shall not disclose confidential Client information without the specific
consent of the Client unless in response to proper legal process, or as required by law.
● Professionalism - Access persons conduct in all matters shall reflect the credit of the profession.
● Diligence - Access persons shall act diligently in providing professional services.
We periodically review and amend our Code of Ethics to ensure that it remains current, and we require all
firm access persons to attest to their understanding of and adherence to the Code of Ethics at least
annually. Our firm will provide a copy of its Code of Ethics to any Client or prospective Client upon request.
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflicts of
Interest
Neither our firm, its access persons, or any related person is authorized to recommend to a Client or effect
a transaction for a Client, involving any security in which our firm or a related person has a material financial
interest, such as in the capacity as an underwriter, adviser to the issuer, principal transaction, among
others.
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
Interest
Our firm, its access persons, and its related persons may buy or sell securities similar to, or different from,
those we recommend to Clients. In an effort to reduce or eliminate certain conflicts of interest, our Code of
Ethics may require that we restrict or prohibit access persons’ transactions in specific reportable securities.
Any exceptions or trading pre-clearance must be approved by BBFPI’s Chief Compliance Officer in advance
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of the transaction in an account. BBFPI maintains a copy of access persons’ personal securities transactions
as required.
Trading Securities At/Around the Same Time as Client’s Securities
Neither our firm or its related persons buys or sells securities for client accounts at or about the same time
that we or a related person buys or sells the same securities for our own accounts.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Factors Used to Select Custodians
In recommending custodians, we have an obligation to seek the “best execution” of transactions in Client
accounts. The determinative factor in the analysis of best execution is not the lowest possible commission
cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full
range of the custodian’s services. The factors we consider when evaluating a custodian for best execution
include, without limitation, the custodian’s:
● Combination of transaction execution services and asset custody services (generally without a
separate fee for custody);
● Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account);
● Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check requests,
bill payment, etc.);
● Breadth of available investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds
(ETFs), etc.);
● 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 the prices;
● Reputation, financial strength, security and stability;
● Prior service to us and our clients.
With this in consideration, our firm recommends Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), an independent and
unaffiliated SEC registered broker-dealer firm and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(“FINRA”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).
Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits
We do not have any soft-dollar arrangements with custodians whereby soft-dollar credits, used to purchase
products and services, are earned directly in proportion to the amount of commissions paid by a Client.
However, as a result of being on their institutional platform, "Schwab" may provide us with certain services
that may benefit us. Advisor receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research,
products or services.
Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory firms like us. They
provide our Clients and us with access to their institutional brokerage services (trading, custody, reporting
and related services), many of which are not typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also
makes available various support services. Some of those services help us manage or administer our Clients’
accounts, while others help us manage and grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally
available on an unsolicited basis (we don’t have to request them) and at no charge to us. The benefits
received by Advisor or its personnel do not depend on the number of brokerage transactions directed to
Schwab. As part of its fiduciary duties to Clients, Advisor at all times must put the interests of its Clients first.
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Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by Advisor or its related persons in
and of itself creates a potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence the Advisor’s choice of
Schwab for custody and brokerage services. This conflict of interest is mitigated as Advisor regularly reviews
the factors used to select custodians to ensure our recommendation is appropriate. Following is a more
detailed description of Schwab’s support services:
1. Services that benefit you. Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad
range of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of Client assets. The
investment products available through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have
access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our Clients.
Schwab’s services described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your account.
2. Services that may not directly benefit you. Schwab also makes available to us other products and
services that benefit us but may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and
services assist us in managing and administering our Clients’ accounts. They include investment
research, both Schwab’s own and that of third parties. We may use this research to service all or a
substantial number of our Clients’ accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In
addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available software and other technology that:
● provide access to Client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements)
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple Client accounts
facilitate payment of our fees from our Clients’ accounts
●
● provide pricing and other market data
●
● assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and Client reporting
3. Services that generally benefit only us. Schwab also offers other services intended to help us
manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services include:
● Educational conferences and events
● Consulting on technology, compliance, legal, and business needs
● Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
4. Your brokerage and custody costs. For our Clients’ accounts that Schwab maintains, Schwab
generally does not charge you separately for custody services but is compensated by charging you
commissions or other fees on trades that it executes or that settle into your Schwab account.
Certain trades (for example, many mutual funds and ETFs) may not incur Schwab commissions or
transaction fees.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
We receive no referrals from a custodian, broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that custodian,
broker-dealer or third party.
Clients Directing Which Broker/Dealer/Custodian to Use
Our firm recommends Clients establish account(s) at "Schwab" to execute transactions through. We will
assist with establishing your account(s) at "Schwab", however, we will not have the authority to open
accounts on the Client's behalf. Not all investment advisers require their Clients to use their recommended
custodian. By recommending that Clients use "Schwab", we may be unable to achieve most favorable
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execution of Client transactions, and this practice may cost Clients more money. We base our
recommendations on the factors disclosed in Item 12 herein and will only recommend custodians if we
believe it's in the best interest of the Client.
If Clients do not wish to utilize our recommended custodian, we permit Clients to direct brokerage. We will
be added to your account through a limited trading authority. However, due to restraints from not having
access to an institutional platform, we are unable to achieve most favorable execution of Client transactions.
Clients directing brokerage may cost Clients more money. For example, in a directed brokerage account, the
Client may pay higher brokerage commissions because we may not be able to aggregate orders to reduce
transaction costs, or the Client may receive a higher transaction price at their selected custodian versus our
recommended custodian.
Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
Generally, we combine multiple orders for shares of the same securities purchased for advisory accounts
we manage (this practice is commonly referred to as “block trading”). We will then distribute a portion of the
shares to participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The distribution of the shares purchased is
typically proportionate to the size of the account, but it is not based on account performance or the amount
or structure of management fees. Subject to our discretion, regarding particular circumstances and market
conditions, when we combine orders, each participating account pays an average price per share for all
transactions and pays a proportionate share of all transaction costs. Accounts owned by our firm or access
persons may participate in block trading with your accounts; however, they will not be given preferential
treatment.
Outside Managers used by BBFPI may block Client trades at their discretion. Their specific practices are
further discussed in their ADV Part 2A, Item 12.
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Robert Jeter, Owner and CCO of BBFPI, will work with Clients to obtain current information regarding their
assets and investment holdings and will review this information as part of our financial planning services.
BBFPI does not provide specific reports to Clients, other than financial plans. Clients who engage us for
investment management services will have their account(s) reviewed regularly on a quarterly basis. The
account(s) are reviewed with regards to the Client’s investment objectives and risk tolerance levels.
Triggers of Reviews
Events that may trigger a special review would be unusual performance, addition or deletions of
Client-imposed restrictions, excessive draw-down, volatility in performance, or buy and sell decisions from
the firm or per Client's needs.
Review Reports
Clients will receive trade confirmations from the custodian(s) for each transaction in their accounts as well
as monthly or quarterly statements and annual tax reporting statements from their custodian showing all
activity in the accounts, such as receipt of dividends and interest.
BBFPI does not provide written performance or holdings reports to Investment Management Clients outside
of what is provided directly by their custodian.
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Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Compensation Received by Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments LLC
BBFPI is a fee-only firm that is compensated solely by its Clients. BBFPI does not receive commissions,
indirect compensation from Outside Managers (such as referral fees) or other sales-related compensation.
Except as mentioned in Item 12 above, we do not receive any economic benefit, directly or indirectly, from
any third party for advice rendered to our Clients.
Client Referrals from Solicitors
BBFPI does not, directly or indirectly, compensate any person who is not advisory personnel for Client
referrals.
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Item 15: Custody
BBFPI is deemed to have custody solely because advisory fees are directly deducted from the Client's
account by the custodian on behalf of BBFPI. BBFPI does not accept custody of Client funds except in the
instance of withdrawing Client fees.
If BBFPI deducts its advisory fee from Client’s account(s), the following safeguards will be applied:
i.
ii.
The Client will provide written authorization to BBFPI, permitting us to be paid directly from Client’s
accounts held by the custodian.
The custodian will send at least quarterly statements to the Client showing all disbursements from
the accounts, including the amount of the advisory fee.
In jurisdictions where required, BBFPI will send an itemized invoice to the Client at the same time it instructs
the custodian to debit the advisory fee. Itemization includes the formula used to calculate the fee, the
amount of assets under management the fee is based on, and the time period covered by the fee.
We urge you to carefully review custodial statements and compare them to the account invoices or reports
that we may provide to you and notify us of any discrepancies. Clients are responsible for verifying the
accuracy of these fees as listed on the custodian’s brokerage statement as the custodian does not assume
this responsibility. Our invoices or reports may vary from custodial statements based on accounting
procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
BBFPI can establish a Standing Letter of Authorization or other similar asset transfer authorization
arrangements (“SLOA”) with qualified custodians in order for us to disburse funds to accounts as specifically
designated by the Client. With a SLOA a Client can typically authorize first-party and/or third-party transfers.
If transfers are third-party, BBFPI complies with each of the requirements and conditions enumerated
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 BBFPI, 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. BBFPI 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. BBFPI maintains records showing that the third party is not a related party of BBFPI or located at the
same address as BBFPI.
7. The Client’s qualified custodian sends the Client, in writing, an initial notice confirming the
instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
For those Client accounts where we provide Investment Management Services, BBFPI has discretionary
authority and limited power of attorney to determine the securities and the amount of securities to be
bought or sold for a Client’s account without having to obtain prior Client approval for each transaction.
Investment discretion is explained to Clients in detail when an advisory relationship has commenced. At the
start of the advisory relationship, the Client will execute a Limited Power of Attorney, which will grant our
firm discretion over the account(s). Additionally, the discretionary relationship will be outlined in the
Advisory Contract and signed by the Client. Clients may limit our discretion by requesting certain restrictions
on investments. However, approval of such requests are at the firm’s sole discretion.
If BBFPI has engaged an Outside Manager to assist with the management of Client’s portfolio, BBFPI has the
discretion to direct the Outside Manager to buy or sell securities for Client’s portfolio without obtaining prior
Client approval for each transaction.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities
We do not vote Client proxies. Therefore, Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) voting proxies, and
(2) acting on corporate actions pertaining to the Client’s investment assets. The Client shall instruct the
Client’s qualified custodian to forward to the Client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications
relating to the Client’s investment assets. If the Client has any questions on a particular proxy vote, they may
contact us at the number listed on the cover of this brochure.
In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in the event
we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them directly to you by mail,
unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in which case, we would forward you
any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.
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Item 18: Financial Information
We have no financial commitment that impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to
our Clients, nor have we been the subject of any bankruptcy proceeding. We do not have custody of Client
funds or securities, except as disclosed in Item 15 above, or require or solicit prepayment of more than
$1,200 in fees six months or more in advance.
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