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Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC
4807 Innovate Lane
Madison, WI 53718
Telephone: 833-761-0673
www.bakertilly.com
August 29, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Baker Tilly Wealth
Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at
833-761-0673 or Barb.Olson@bakertilly.com.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority. The use of the term “registered
investment advisor” and description of our firm and/or associates as “registered” does not imply a certain
level of skill or training. Clients are encouraged to review this Brochure and Brochure Supplements for our
firm’s associates who advise clients for more information on the qualifications of our firm and our
employees.
Additional information about Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC also is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known as a CRD
number. Our CRD number is 167811.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 1
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 2
Summary of Material Changes since last amendment dated May 31, 2025
Effective August 1, 2025, Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC acquired the business assets of Kraft Asset
Management, LLC. As such this Brochure has been updated to reflect the business combination.
Take special care in reviewing:
Item 4 – Advisory Business, and
Item 5 – Fees & Compensation
For purposes of this Brochure, the term “Agreement” in Item 4 includes agreements between a client and
Kraft Asset Management, LLC.
As always, we strongly encourage you to review the entire Brochure and call us with any questions you
might have.
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Form ADV Part 2A, Item 3
Table of Contents
Page
Item 1 Cover Page
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Item 2 Summary of Material Changes
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Item 3 Table of Contents
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Item 4 Investment Advisory Business
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Item 5 Fees and Compensation
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Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
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Item 7 Types of Clients
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
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Item 9 Disciplinary Information
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Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, Personal Trading
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Item 12 Brokerage Practices
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Item 13 Review of Accounts
Item 14 Payments for Client Referrals and Other Compensation
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Item 15 Custody
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Item 16 Investment Discretion
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Item 17 Proxy Voting and Securities Class Action Policies
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Item 18 Financial Information
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Form ADV Part 2A, Item 4
Investment Advisory Business
Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC (“BT Wealth Management”, “BTWM”, “the Firm”, “we” or “us”), is an
investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Firm is a
limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Wisconsin in 2013. BT Wealth Management
is controlled by Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP (“BTAG”). BTAG is indirectly owned by H&F Waterloo
Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of Hellman & Friedman LLC (“H&F”), an investment adviser registered with the
SEC (CRD#158614), and principals of BTAG among other minority owners. Baker Tilly US, LLP (“BTUS”)
and BTAG, trading as Baker Tilly, operate under an alternative practice structure. BTUS is a licensed CPA
firm that provides assurance services to its clients. BTAG and its subsidiary entities provide tax and
consulting services to their clients and are not licensed CPA firms. No single principal of BTAG indirectly
owns more than 5% of the Firm.
Services
Investment Consulting
We offer a variety of standalone financial planning and consulting services (“Investment Consulting”) to
clients for the monitoring of financial resources based upon analysis of current situations, goals, and
objectives. These services may include one or more of the following:
Investment review and recommendations for non-managed assets.
Insurance needs analysis.
• Cash flow management.
•
• Retirement planning.
•
• Education planning.
• Estate planning.
• Risk management and insurance consulting.
• Charitable giving.
• Tax planning (not including tax preparation and filing).
•
Investment manager monitoring and oversight; and
• Divorce planning.
Written financial plans, if requested, or consultations rendered to clients usually include general
recommendations for a course of activity or specific actions to be taken by the clients. Implementation of
the recommendations will be at the discretion of the client. Consultations are not typically accompanied by
a written summary of observations and recommendations, as the process is less formal than the planning
service. Clients may retain us to provide investment consulting services on a one-time basis or on a
continuous basis. For on-going services, with the clients’ cooperation, BTWM’s investment adviser
representatives (“IARs”) attempt to meet with clients no less than annually to monitor their risk profiles and
investment objectives, updating the financial guidance as needed to account for any changes. Meetings
may occur in-person or remotely by telephone, video conference or webinar. If clients choose not to meet
with their IAR, financial guidance will be provided based on information received during prior meetings and
account documentation.
We provide Investment Consulting for clients with varying needs and circumstances, which may differ from,
or contradict, the investment consulting our IARs may follow in the management of their own assets or with
respect to other clients.
Our firm is not an accounting firm nor a law firm, and no portion of our services should be construed as
legal or accounting services. We may recommend the services of other professionals for implementation of
our recommendations (e.g., attorneys, accountants…). We may also recommend our affiliates, BTAG, a
tax and consulting firm, Baker Tilly Capital, LLC (“BT Capital”), an SEC registered broker-dealer and
member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), Baker Tilly US, LLP, a licensed CPA firm
or BT REI Manager, LLC (“BT REI”), a manager of Delaware Statutory Trusts (“DSTs”) and other real estate
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related investments. Clients and prospective clients should review Item 10 below for additional information
about these relationships. A client is under no obligation to engage services of any recommended
professional or invest in our affiliate’s products and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from us
or our IARs.
Private Wealth Portfolio Management Services
We also offer ongoing portfolio management services based on the individual goals, investment objectives,
time horizon, and risk tolerance of each client. At the onset of the client relationship, we gather information
on each client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, time horizons and financial goals. With that
information we typically create an Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”) for each client, which outlines the
client’s current profile (income, tax levels, risk tolerance and personal investment policies or restrictions)
and then our IARs construct a plan to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches each client’s specific
situation. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided by the client and
are not obligated to verify any information received from the client or from any of the client’s other
professional advisers (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) or service providers. Under all circumstances, clients
are responsible for promptly notifying us in writing of any material changes to their objectives, risk tolerance,
time horizon, financial goals, or financial condition, as well as any applicable law, or regulation. If a client
notifies us of any changes, we will review such changes and implement any necessary revision that has a
material effect on the client or the investment objectives to the client’s investment policy and portfolio.
Portfolio management services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Investment strategy.
•
• Asset allocation.
• Alternative investment advice.
• Asset selection; and
• Portfolio monitoring.
We evaluate the current portfolio of each client with respect to their risk tolerance levels and time horizon.
Risk tolerance levels are typically documented in the IPS, which is provided to each client at the beginning
of the relationship and when amended.
We will request discretionary authority from clients to select securities and execute transactions without
permission from the client prior to each transaction except with respect to alternative investments such as
DSTs. In certain instances, we may agree to manage a client’s account on a non-discretionary basis, which
means that we cannot affect any account transactions without obtaining the client’s prior consent. If we
recommend making a transaction for a client’s account and the client is unavailable, we will not be able to
place the transaction in the client’s account. In addition, in certain circumstances, a client may impose
reasonable restrictions on the management of their assets. If, in the sole discretion of BT Wealth
Management, the restrictions do not adversely affect the provision of portfolio management services.
For most alternative investments, such as private placements, non-listed real estate investment trusts
(“REITs”) and DSTs, the client is responsible for executing all transaction documentation and making the
final investment decision. IARs will not complete subscription agreements or use any discretionary authority
with respect to the purchase or sale of an alternative investment sponsored by one of our affiliates or a third
party.
We seek to provide recommendations and investment decisions made in accordance with the fiduciary
duties owed to our clients and without consideration of ours, our affiliates, or IAR’s own economic,
investment or other financial interests. To meet our fiduciary obligations, we attempt to avoid, among other
things, investment or trading practices that systematically advantage or disadvantage certain client
portfolios, and accordingly, our policy is to seek fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities
among our clients to avoid favoring one client over another over time. It is our policy to allocate investment
opportunities and transactions we identify as being appropriate and prudent for our clients on a fair and
equitable basis over time. We will not maintain physical possession or custody of the funds or securities of
any client. Client funds will typically be deposited in either a brokerage firm or bank custodian account. With
client consent, our fees are paid out of the client accounts by the custodian.
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We may:
• Manage client assets directly, allocating a client’s assets among various investment vehicles,
including but not limited to mutual funds, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), model portfolios, and
individual debt and equity securities,
• Allocate assets among third-party managers through third-party SMA programs,
• Recommend that clients enter into an agreement with a third-party manager for management
of all, or a portion of, client’s assets; and
• Recommend that clients who are “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, invest in private placement securities, which may include
debt, equity, and/or pooled investment vehicles sponsored by our affiliates or third parties.
All recommendations are made taking into account the client’s investment objectives, time horizon and risk
tolerance.
Third-Party Investment Managers/Separately Managed Accounts
BT Wealth Management may utilize the services of third-party investment managers to manage all or a
portion of the client’s assets. Where third-party managers are used, the third-party manager will be
responsible for portfolio management decisions and trading of securities. BT Wealth Management will
continue to render investment supervisory services relative to the ongoing monitoring and review of account
performance, asset allocation and client investment objective. Prior to recommending a third- party
manager, we conduct due diligence on any third-party manager, which can involve one or more of the
following: phone calls, meetings and review of the third-party manager’s performance, investment
strategies, regulatory filings, and any disciplinary actions. To assist in the selection of a third-party manager,
we will gather information pertaining to your financial situation, investment objectives, and reasonable
restrictions to be imposed upon the management of the account. We then allocate investments with a third-
party investment manager. These investments can be allocated either through the third-party manager’s
fund or investment vehicle or through a separately managed account managed by such third-party manager
on behalf of our clients. We can also allocate client assets among one or more private equity funds or
private equity fund advisers. Clients will be expected to notify us of any changes in their financial situation,
investment objectives, or any account restrictions that could affect their financial standing or our provision
of portfolio management services. Clients should carefully review disclosure documents of each manager
for important and specific program details, including pricing. Third-party investment managers provide
services for an additional fee, separate and apart from the fees charged by BT Wealth Management.
Direct Agreement with Third-Party Managers
Clients who enter into a direct agreement with one or more third-party managers will have their assets
managed directly by the third-party manager(s), independent of a structured program. The terms and
conditions of this relationship, including the assessment of the third-party manager’s fees and any other
fees are charged to the client in the servicing of the account, and are set forth in the separate written
agreement between the client and the designated third-party manager.
In addition to this Brochure, the client receives the Brochure of the designated third-party manager(s).
Certain third-party managers may impose minimum account requirements and varying billing practices that
differ from those typically offered by us.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services
We also provide the following services to retirement plan accounts governed by The Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), including but not limited to, 401(k), 457(b) governmental and 403(b)
plans, and other compatible qualified tax plans:
ERISA Section 3(38) Plan Investment Management Services: We serve as a fiduciary as that term is
defined under ERISA. We provide discretionary investment management services at the retirement plan
level as described below.
(a) We will review the plan’s Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”), if requested.
(b) For a participant-directed individual account plan, the IPS will set forth the number of general
investment options and asset class categories to be offered to plan participants with a goal of
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providing a menu of investments that will allow for the creation of well-diversified portfolios
designed to provide for long-term appreciation and capital preservation through a mix of equity
and fixed income exposures.
(c) Once the client approves the IPS, we will review the investment options available through the
plan and will notify the plan’s recordkeeper as to our instructions to add, remove and/or replace
specific “core” investment options to be offered to plan participants that meet the criteria set
forth in the IPS. We will monitor the core investment options and, on a regular basis, provide
reports to clients and instructions to the plan’s recordkeeper to remove and/or replace
investments that no longer meet the IPS criteria.
(d) We will retain final decision-making authority with respect to removing and/or replacing
investments in the core lineup, and the client will not have any further responsibility to
communicate instructions to any third-party, including the plan’s recordkeeper, custodian
and/or third-party administrator.
(e) We will monitor investments in the plan’s accounts with its custodian and shall recommend
changes to investment selections as we deem appropriate.
ERISA Section 3(21) Non-Fiduciary Services: BT Wealth Management may also perform one or more of
the non-fiduciary services for retirement plans and its participants described below if requested by the client:
(a) We will meet with representatives of the client, at intervals mutually acceptable to the client and
us, to discuss investment performance.
(b) We will provide the client with a quarterly report regarding:
i. Performance of each investment selected for client’s plan; and
ii. Performance against one or more comparative benchmarks.
(c) We will assist the client with selection of any plan service providers, but the client shall be
ultimately responsible for selecting other plan service providers.
(d) We will contact the client at least annually to determine if there have been any changes in the
client’s financial situation or investment objectives, and will remind the client periodically, in
writing that the client should inform us if there have been (or are anticipated to be) any such
changes.
(e) We will conduct informational/educational group meetings with plan participants at initial
installation of the plan, and periodically thereafter in the scope and frequency mutually agreed
upon between the client and us regarding:
i. General investment concepts; and
ii. General information regarding objectives and performance of investments available
within the plan.
BT Wealth Management’s assistance in participant investment education shall be consistent with and within
the scope of the definition of investment education found in Department of Labor Interpretive Bulletin 96-1.
Upon request, we may also provide investment advisory services to a client regarding their employer
sponsored retirement plan. In this case, we will recommend that the client allocate their plan assets among
the investment options available on the retirement plan platform. Our advice is limited based on investment
alternatives available through the plan. In these instances, the client is exclusively responsible for notifying
us of any changes to the plan’s features, including its investment alternatives and restrictions.
For certain retirement plans, BTWM works in coordination and support with Focus Partners Advisor
Solutions (“FPAS”), an unaffiliated registered investment adviser. Retirement plan clients will engage both
BTWM and FPAS. In these relationships, FPAS will provide the client additional discretionary investment
management services and will exercise discretionary authority to select the plan investments made
available to the plans’ participants and by selecting and maintaining the investments according to the
goals and investment objectives of the plan.
BT Wealth Management will continue to work with plans to monitor plan investments, provide fiduciary
plan advice including regular considerations of the goals and objectives of the plan, and provide
participant education services to the plan. In certain circumstances, all fees, account minimums and their
applications to family circumstances may be negotiable. Smaller accounts may be accepted, for example,
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based on the expectation that the account will reach the account minimum through additional client
contributions. BT Wealth Management working with FPAS for services including trade processing,
collection of management fees, record maintenance, report preparation, marketing assistance, and
research.
Baker Tilly Investment Services, as a division of Baker Tilly Wealth Management (“BTIS”)
BTIS offers discretionary and non-discretionary investment supervisory services to government entities.
We provide investment advice with the purpose of helping clients create and maintain a disciplined
approach to investing funds prudently and effectively. When acting with discretionary authority granted by
the client in the advisory agreement we purchase and sell securities of our choice in the amounts and at
the times we believe suitable for a client’s account to do so in accordance with the client’s investment policy
statement without obtaining prior client approval for each transaction, if the client chooses non-discretion,
we consult with the client for their approval prior to each transaction.
We can also assist clients in the analysis of cash flows for bond issue proceeds and operating accounts,
market analysis to determine the appropriate time horizon for investments, consultation on investment
policies and procedures, and portfolio analysis.
We may from time to time engage third party assistance in interfacing with the client. Any such third party
will be compensated solely within the fees charged by us and will not be permitted in any way to participate
directly or indirectly as a bidder to provide investment services.
The types of investments that are suitable for each client are usually defined by either a trust indenture or
by state public funds law. The types of investments that our government entity clients can utilize include,
but are not limited to, U.S. Treasuries, government agency and government sponsored enterprise securities
(FNMA, GNMA, FHLMC, FHLB, etc.) state and municipal securities, highly rated commercial paper, AAA-
rated money market funds, state approved local government investment pools and bank deposit products,
such as certificate of deposit and CDARS. A client may also impose its own restrictions on investments in
certain securities or types of securities.
Services Limited to Specific Types of Investments
The Firm generally limits its investment advice in the private wealth area to individual stocks, bonds, mutual
funds, real estate funds (including REITs and DSTs), options, hedge funds, private equity funds, exchange
traded funds (“ETFs”), venture capital funds, private placements, or insurance products. We may use other
securities as well to help diversify a portfolio when appropriate and in accordance with the client’s
investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance.
Clients should understand that the implementation of an alternative investment strategy is subject to several
risks and is not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments are generally classified as an investment
other than a traditional common or preferred stock, bond, certificate of deposit, mutual fund, unit investment
trust or a traditional ETF. Alternative investments include hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital
funds, complex exchange traded products, private real estate funds, including REITs and DSTs and other
private investments. Investing in alternative investments is only intended for experienced and sophisticated
investors who are willing and able to bear the economic risk associated with such an investment. By
themselves, alternative investments do not constitute a balanced investment program.
Alternative investments, including hedge funds, private equity funds, real estate funds, interval funds,
complex exchange traded products and venture capital funds: (1) involve a high degree of risk, (2) often
engage in leveraging and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment
loss, (3) can be highly illiquid with extended lock up periods where the investments may not be sold, (4)
may lack a secondary market to allow for the purchase of investments that investors care to redeem, (5)
are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors, (6) may involve complex
tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information, (7) are not subject to the same regulatory
requirements as publicly traded securities, (8) often charge high fees which may offset any profits, and (9)
in many cases execute transactions which are not readily transparent and are known only to the investment
manager. The performance of alternative investments can be volatile. An investor could lose all or a
substantial amount of his or her investment. Often alternative investment managers have total trading
authority over their funds or accounts.
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Investment in a DST or other alternative investment managed by BT REI has additional conflicts of interest
that do not exist for BTWM recommendations of non-affiliated product sponsors or issuers. In addition to
the fees payable to BTWM set forth in the client’s advisory agreement, our affiliated entities may receive
the following fees in connection with a client’s purchase of a BT REI-managed alternative investment:
• BT REI and any special purpose affiliates providing services to a BT REI-managed alternative
investment will receive management fees, administrative fees, performance allocations and other
fees as described in the private placement memorandum or other offering materials.
• As the wholesaler of BT REI-managed alternative investments, BT Capital is compensated (a)
directly by BT REI for general marketing of BT REI and its investment products to investment
advisers, other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries and (b) directly by the unaffiliated
broker-dealer serving as managing dealer of the BT REI-managed alternative investment but BTAG
personnel may indirectly benefit from any fees received by BT REI and BT Capital as a result of an
investment in BT REI-managed alternative investment due to the ownership of BTWM, BT REI and
BT Capital by BTAG.
information regarding alternative
investments,
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including, BT REI-managed alternative
investments, is provided to the client in an Alternative Investments, Risk Disclosure and Acknowledgement
Supplement (the “AI Supplement”) to be executed by a client at the time of the client’s election to purchase
an alternative investment and will serve as an addendum to the client’s advisory agreement.
Retirement Rollovers
A client or prospective client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement
plan (and may engage in a combination of these options):
(i) leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if permitted,
(ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted,
(iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement account (“IRA”), or
(iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s age, result in adverse tax
consequences).
If our firm recommends that a client roll over their retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by
us, this recommendation creates a conflict of interest if we earn additional compensation as a result. No
client is under any obligation to roll over retirement plan assets to an account managed by us.
Account Aggregation
We may utilize and provide clients with access to financial data aggregation providers that will allow us to
provide additional analysis and financial reports regarding your accounts, where appropriate. These
financial data aggregation resources may require a fee in addition to BT Wealth Management’s investment
advisory fee. Typically, an aggregation engine automatically captures account information from thousands
of financial institutions using online services, such as websites that these firms make available to their
customers. BTWM is independently owned and operated and has no affiliation with any financial data
aggregation provider. Should we use these providers, your consent to their services will be obtained from
you either by separate agreement or within your investment advisory agreement. The data aggregation
service allows clients to review all of their investments, including those that are not subject to our investment
advisory services (the “Excluded Assets”). Specifically, we do not have trading authority or provide
investment management services for any Excluded Assets. Therefore, the client is responsible for
implementing any recommendations that we may provide for any Excluded Assets and the ultimate
performance of those recommendations. Without limitation, we will not be responsible for any
implementation errors or trade errors with respect to the Excluded Assets. From time to time, we may agree
to manage Excluded Assets, in which case, they will no longer be deemed Excluded Assets.
Advisory Agreements
Each client is required to enter into a written agreement with BT Wealth Management setting forth the terms
and conditions under which we shall render services (the “Agreement”). In accordance with applicable laws
and regulations, we will provide this Brochure (this Form ADV Part 2A), Customer Relationship Summary
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(Form CRS), Brochure Supplement (Form ADV Part 2B) and most recent Privacy Notice to each client prior
to or contemporaneously with the execution of the Agreement. Each Agreement will continue in effect until
terminated by either party pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Our fees (as discussed below) shall be
prorated through the date of termination and any remaining balance shall be charged or refunded to the
client, as appropriate, in a timely manner. For clients electing to purchase an alternative investment, an AI
Supplement will serve as an addendum to the Agreement. The AI Supplement contains specific disclosures
relating to the alternative investment, fees if different from the amount set forth in the Agreement and, if a
BT REI-managed alternative investment, additional conflicts of interest for BTWM, BT Capital, BT REI and
BTAG, as applicable for a particular transaction.
Neither BT Wealth Management nor the client may assign the Agreement without the consent of the other
party in accordance with applicable law.
As further discussed in Item 15, a client’s assets will be custodied with a qualified custodian. All custodial
and execution fees assessed for client’s assets remain the sole responsibility of the client.
Wrap Programs
BT Wealth Management does not participate in any wrap programs.
Regulatory Assets Under Management
As of May 31, 2025, the following represents the amount of client assets under management by us on a
discretionary and non-discretionary basis.
Type of Account
Assets Under Management
Discretionary
$2,202,667,214
Non-discretionary
$2,398,574,914
Total:
$4,601,242,128
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 5
Fees and Compensation
Investment Consulting Fees
Fees for Investment Consulting will vary based on the size and complexity of the assets under review or
proposed project. The fees assessed will be set through arms-length negotiations between BT Wealth
Management and the client and memorialized and acknowledged by the client in the Agreement, thus will
differ from client to client. The fees for Investment Consulting may be waived at the discretion of BT Wealth
Management if other services are being provided to a client. We typically charge fees on an asset-based,
hourly or fixed fee basis.
FIXED FEES: The negotiated fixed rate is estimated based on the time, size and complexity of
the project or services to be performed. Fixed fees are then billed quarterly in advance if on-going or upon
completion of the project or in accordance with the schedule outlined in the Agreement. Upon termination
or completion of the project, any pre-paid unearned fees will be prorated to the date of termination or
completion and returned to the client.
HOURLY FEES: Hourly fees may vary and will be based on the time, size and complexity of the
project or services to be performed. Hourly fees are billed in arrears on a quarterly basis if on-going or upon
completion of the project or in accordance with the schedule outlined in the Agreement. In the event of
termination, fees will be calculated and billed based on work performed up to the date notice of termination
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was received. Hourly fees typically range from $250 to $725 per hour, depending upon the level and scope
of the services and the IAR engaged to render the services.
Hourly and Fixed Fees are typically paid by the client via check or wire.
ASSET BASED FEES: An asset-based fee structure is also available. BT Wealth Management
provides investment consulting services to clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets under
advisement as set forth in the table below. The fee is calculated based on the market value of the account(s)
under advisement as of market close on the last day of the prior calendar quarter. Consulting fees are billed
quarterly, in advance. Should a client open or add an account to the investment consulting service during
a quarter, our consulting fee will be prorated based on the number of days the account was open during
the quarter. In the event our services are terminated mid-quarter, any pre-paid, unearned fees will be
promptly refunded to the client. The number of days the account was under advisement during the quarter
until termination is used to determine the percentage of the management fee earned (based on total number
of days in the quarter) and the balance, if the fee was paid in advance, it is refunded.
We generally do not make any adjustments for additions to or withdrawals from an account that occur during
a quarter. Unless we expressly agree otherwise, account assets consisting of cash and cash equivalents
are included in the value of an account when our firm calculates our advisory fee.
Generally, asset-based consulting fees will be automatically deducted from a client’s account by the
custodian as soon as practicable following the end of each applicable period, with the client’s prior
permission. The client will receive a report from the account’s custodian showing the fee amounts debited.
We will direct the liquidation of money market shares to pay the fee and, if money market shares or cash
are not available in the client’s account, other investments will be liquidated. Authorization for the deduction
of fees from the account is contained in the Agreement. The client may terminate the authorization for
automatic deduction at any time by notifying us in writing.
If requested by a client, we can, in our sole discretion, invoice a client directly for fees as opposed to the
custodian debiting the client’s account. In such cases, invoices are due and payable upon receipt. Our
typical asset-based fee schedule for investment consulting services follows:
Client Assets Under Advisement
Advisory Fee
$0-$2,000,000
1.00%
$2,000,001 - $5,000,000
0.85%
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000
0.65%
Over $10,000,000
0.55%
BT Wealth Management can amend its fee schedule at any time by giving thirty days’ advanced written
notice to the client. Should a client have more than one account under advisement, then we can elect at
our sole discretion to aggregate client accounts for the purpose of computing investment consulting fees.
Although we believe our investment consulting fees are competitive, clients should be aware that lower
fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
Portfolio Management Fees
We provide portfolio management services to clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets under
management as of the close of business on the last business day of the preceding calendar quarter. Our
portfolio management fees are calculated and assessed quarterly, typically in advance, based upon an
annual percentage, as described below. Should a client open an account during a quarter, our management
fee will be prorated based on the number of days the account was open during the quarter. In the event our
services are terminated mid-quarter, any pre-paid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded to the client.
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The number of days the account was managed during the quarter until termination is used to determine the
percentage of the management fee earned (based on total number of days in the quarter) and the balance,
if the fee was paid in advance, is refunded. If the notification of termination occurs with less than 30 days
left in the quarter, no fees will be refunded.
We generally do not make any adjustments for additions to or withdrawals from an account that occur during
a quarter. Unless we expressly agree otherwise, account assets consisting of cash and cash equivalents
are included in the value of an account when our firm calculates our advisory fee.
Generally, portfolio management fees will be automatically deducted from a client’s account by the
custodian as soon as practicable following the end of each applicable period, with the client’s prior
permission. The client will receive a report from the account’s custodian showing the fee amounts debited.
We will direct the liquidation of money market shares to pay the fee and, if money market shares or cash
are not available in the client’s account, other investments will be liquidated. Authorization for the deduction
of fees from the managed account is contained in the Agreement. The client may terminate the authorization
for automatic deduction at any time by notifying us in writing.
If requested by a client, we can, in our sole discretion, invoice the client directly for fees as opposed to the
custodian debiting the client’s account. In such cases, invoices are due and payable upon receipt.
Fees are negotiable and subject to various objective and subjective factors, which include the amount of
assets placed under management, the complexity of the engagement, and the anticipated services to be
provided. As a result, arrangements with any particular client can differ. Each client’s fee schedule will be
outlined in its Agreement. The maximum annual fee for this service charged by BT Wealth Management
will not exceed 1.50%, except as provided below. Each IAR is able to negotiate the portfolio management
fee, although most choose to use the following fee schedule:
Client Assets Under Management
Advisory Fee
$0-$2,000,000
1.00%
$2,000,001 - $5,000,000
0.85%
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000
0.65%
Over $10,000,000
0.55%
Any fees negotiated outside of this schedule will be disclosed in the Agreement. Any fees of third-party
managers used in the management of a client’s portfolio are charged in addition to BT Wealth
Management’s fee, unless otherwise noted within the Agreement. In addition, for principals and employees
of the Firm’s parent company, as well as family and friends of the Firm, we can, in our sole discretion,
reduce or waive portfolio management fees in their entirety.
BT Wealth Management can amend its fee schedule at any time by giving thirty days’ advanced written
notice to the client. Should a client have more than one account managed by us, then we can elect at our
sole discretion to aggregate client accounts for the purpose of computing investment management fees.
Although we believe our portfolio management fees are competitive, clients should be aware that lower
fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
Certain clients of BT Wealth Management that have become clients as a result of business combinations
with other advisory firms may initially receive the same portfolio management services under a different fee
schedule. Those fees may be higher or lower than the fee schedule noted above and will transition over
time the fee schedule noted above. Clients should refer to their individual investment management
agreement for their specific fee schedule.
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Retirement Plan Pension Consulting Fees
Fees may vary and will typically be assessed as an annual fixed fee or asset-based fee in one of the
following manners:
ASSET BASED FEES FOR PENSION CONSULTING
Total Assets Under Pension Consulting
Annual Fee
0-$200,000
$1,500
$200,001 - $1,000,000
0.75%
$1,000,001 - $3,000,000
0.65%
$3,000,001 - $5,000,000
0.55%
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000
0.45%
$10,000,001 - $15,000,000
0.35%
Over $15,000,000
Negotiable
We typically provide pension consulting services to clients for a fee based upon a percentage of assets
under consulting as of the close of business on the last business day of the preceding calendar quarter.
Our pension consulting fees are calculated and assessed quarterly, in arrears, based upon the above-listed
annual percentages. Our minimum pension consulting fee is $1,500.
Certain clients of BT Wealth Management that have become clients as a result of business combinations
with other advisory firms may initially receive the same portfolio management services under a different fee
schedule. The services for these agreements are provided in conjunction with FPAS under the following
fee schedule:
Total Assets Under Pension Consulting
Annual Fee
On the first $1.0 million
0.70%
On the next $3.0 million
0.55%
On the next $6.0 million
0.45%
On amounts greater than $10.0 million
0.35%
Please note: FPAS charges a separate fee for Retirement Plan clients engaging both BTWM and FPAS.
Pension consulting fees typically will be automatically deducted from the client’s account by the custodian
as soon as practicable following the end of each applicable period. If requested by the client, we can, in our
sole discretion, invoice client directly for fees as opposed to debiting client’s account. In such cases,
invoices are due and payable upon receipt.
Should a client open an account during a quarter, our pension consulting fee will be prorated based on the
number of days the account was open during the quarter. In the event our services are terminated mid-
quarter, fees will be prorated based on the number of days the account was under consultation during the
quarter until termination to determine the percentage of the pension consulting fee due.
Fees are negotiable and arrangements with any particular client can differ from those described above.
There is a minimum fee for accounts with assets under $200,000 of $1,500. BT Wealth Management can
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amend its standard fee schedule at any time by giving thirty days advance written notice to clients. Although
we believe our fees are competitive, clients should be aware that lower fees for comparable services may
be available from other sources.
FIXED FEES FOR PENSION CONSULTING
The rate for creating client pension consulting plans range between $500 and $130,000 based upon the
size and complexity of the pension plan. The final fee schedule is agreed upon and attached as an exhibit
to the client’s pension consulting agreement. This service can be canceled with thirty days’ advance written
notice.
HOURLY FEES FOR PENSION CONSULTING
The hourly fee for pension consulting services ranges between $125 and $725 per hour. The final fee
schedule is agreed upon and attached as an exhibit to the pension consulting agreement. We also typically
incorporate a cost-of-living increase into the agreement in the amount of a 3% fee increase on an annual
basis.
In situations where BTWM works with FPAS, BTWM pays a fee for such services. The fee paid by BTWM
to FPAS consists of a portion of the fee paid by clients to BTWM and varies based on the total client
assets participating in FPAS services. These fees are not separately charged to advisory clients. Clients
will generally be invoiced in advance at the beginning of each calendar quarter based upon the value
(market value or fair market value in the absence of market value, client account balances on which
BTWM calculates fees may vary from account custodial statements based on independent asset
valuations and other accounting variances, including mechanisms for including accrued interest in
account statements ) of the client’s account at the end of the previous quarter. New accounts are charged
a prorated fee for the remainder of the quarter in which the account is incepted. BTWM will request
written authority from most clients to receive quarterly payments directly from the client’s account held by
an independent custodian. Clients may provide written limited authorization to BTWM or its designated
service provider, such as FPAS, to withdraw fees from the account.
BTIS Fees and Compensation
We typically charge government entity clients between 10 and 15 basis points annually on the average
monthly cost basis balance of all assets for BTIS’ services. The fee is negotiable and fixed fees may be
incorporated into the fee structure on a per engagement basis. Fees are billed quarterly on a calendar basis
for the preceding period. Engagements under this fee structure may be terminated at any time and a final
fee will be charged through the date of termination. Clients may be required to pay custodian fees in cases
where a custodial account is established, and fees and expenses related to the portion of funds held in a
money market fund. Clients may also incur brokerage and other transaction costs separate from our
advisory fee.
Investment supervisory service fees may be automatically deducted from a client’s account by the account
custodian as soon as practicable following the end of each applicable period, as authorized by the client in
the services agreement. The client will receive a report from the account’s custodian showing the fee
amounts debited. We will liquidate money market shares to pay the fee and, if money market shares or
cash value are not available, other investments will be liquidated. The client may terminate the authorization
for automatic deduction of fees at any time by notifying us in writing. If requested by client, we can, in our
sole discretion, invoice client directly for fees as opposed to debiting client’s account. In such cases,
invoices are due and payable upon receipt. We may also charge an hourly consultation fee for certain BTIS
services using the following schedule:
Principals/Directors
Managers
Consultants/Analysts
Support/Paraprofessional
Interns
$295 to $525 per hour
$235 to $340 per hour
$160 to $235 per hour
$115 to $175 per hour
$110 to $145 per hour
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Hourly fees will be quoted prior to the execution of the engagement. The fee for consulting services will be
determined according to the complexity of the engagement and the areas to be addressed. A quote of the
estimated time involved will be given upon signing of the engagement. Fees are paid upon completion of
the project unless otherwise agreed upon between us and the client. Engagements under this fee structure
may be terminated by either party upon thirty days’ written notice. Upon termination, we will bill the client
for the amount of work completed up to the notice of termination.
Third-Party Manager Fees
The fee schedule provided above and titled “Portfolio Management Fees” does not include the fees of any
designated third-party manager. Clients are encouraged to review the individual third-party manager’s Form
ADV Part 2A for their fee schedule. The payment of a third-party manager fee does not reduce or offset
investment consulting or portfolio management fees charged by us. Under certain circumstances third-party
manager fees may be included within BT Wealth Management’s fee, this is at the discretion of the IAR and
will be disclosed within the client’s Agreement.
Schwab Sponsored Programs
In addition to the portfolio management fees charged by BT Wealth Management, clients who participate
in Schwab Sponsored Programs also incur a program fee. This program fee covers services provided by
the program sponsor, including custody, execution of client transactions, and program administration, as
well as the asset management fees for services provided by the third-party manger(s) to manage the client’s
assets. Clients participating in such a program are required to authorize automatic deduction of the program
fee directly from the client account, a portion of which is then directly remitted to the third-party manager(s)
for management of the account.
Alternative Investment Fees
Alternative investments often include additional fees and expenses payable by the client that are in addition
to the BTWM fees as set forth in the client’s Agreement and described above. In the aggregate, these
alternative investment fees, if payable to affiliates of BTWM, may exceed the maximum portfolio
management fee of 1.50%. Alternative investment fees are described in the offering materials for the
investment product and the AI Supplement and may include management fees; administrative fees;
performance allocations; dealer manager fees and expenses, wholesaling fees, and sales commissions.
These fees are often greater than fees charged by mutual funds and traditional ETFs and if charged by a
BTWM affiliate, create a conflict of interest for BTWM and the IAR making the purchase recommendation
to the client.
Other Fees and Expenses
Clients should understand that the service fees described above do not include certain charges imposed
by third parties such as custodial fees, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or ETF within the account,
which are disclosed in the fund’s or ETF’s prospectus (e.g., fund management fees and other fund
expenses), 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. Additionally, clients can
incur brokerage commissions and transaction fees on portfolio securities purchase and sales. Clients
should further understand that such charges, fees and commissions incurred in connection with
transactions for a client’s account will be paid out of the assets in the account and are exclusive of and in
addition to the fees charged by BTWM.
A client’s managed account portfolio can either be a cash account or a margin account. The custodian
charges interest on the margined amount at a varying rate, based upon the amount borrowed. The client
should be aware that if margin is issued to purchase additional securities, the total value of eligible account
assets increase as does a client’s asset-based management fee. This increased fee presents a conflict
since it creates an incentive for us to recommend the use of margin. To help mitigate that conflict, we
encourage our clients to pay off margin balances within a reasonable time, as appropriate for the client’s
specific situation.
BTWM continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless determined in the Agreement, all cash
positions (money market fund or other cash instruments) shall be included as part of assets under
management for purposes of calculating our fees. At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived
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or anticipated market conditions/events (there being no guarantee that such anticipated market conditions
or events will occur), BTWM may maintain cash positions for defensive purposes. In addition, while assets
are maintained in cash, such amounts could miss market advances. Depending on current yields, at any
point in time, our advisory fee could exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund or other
similar cash instrument.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
BT Wealth Management does not charge performance-based fees (i.e., fees calculated based on a share
of capital gains upon or capital appreciation of funds or any portion of the funds of an advisory client).
Consequently, we do not engage in side-by-side management of accounts that are charged a performance-
based fee with accounts that are charged another type of fee (such as assets under management). As
described above, we provide advisory services for a percentage of assets under management, in
accordance with applicable laws.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 7
Types of Clients
BT Wealth Management provides investment consulting and portfolio management to individuals, high net
worth individuals, families, trusts, estates, non-profit organizations, corporations or business entities, and
pension, retirement and profit-sharing plans. In addition, BTIS, a division of BT Wealth Management,
provides investment supervisory services to governmental units including cities, towns, counties, utilities,
schools, libraries, and other municipal entities. Client assets include bond proceeds and operating funds.
We do not impose requirements for opening and maintaining accounts or otherwise engaging us, however,
we do charge a minimum fee of $1,500 for written financial plans and pension consulting services. Certain
SMAs or third-party managers may, however, impose more restrictive account requirements and varying
billing practices than BT Wealth Management. In such instances, we may alter our corresponding account
requirements and/or billing practices to accommodate those of the SMAs or third-party manager(s).
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Types of Investments and Risk of Loss
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
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.
Charting: In this type of technical analysis, we review charts of market and security activity, in an attempt
to identify when the market is moving up or down and to predict when or how long the trend may last when
that trend might reverse.
Cyclical Analysis: In this type of technical analysis, we measure the movements of a particular stock against
the overall market, in an attempt to predict the price movement of the security.
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Fundamental Analysis: We attempt to measure the intrinsic value of security by looking at economic and
financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions, and the financial condition and
management of the company itself) to determine if the company is underpriced (indicating it may be a good
time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time to sell). Fundamental analysis does not attempt to
anticipate market movements. This presents a potential risk, as the price of a security can move up or down
along with the overall market regardless of the economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the
stock.
Technical Analysis: We analyze past market movements and apply that analysis to the present, in an
attempt to recognize recurring patterns of investor behavior, market volatility and potentially predict future
price movement. Technical analysis does not consider the underlying financial condition of a company. This
presents a risk that a poorly managed or financially unsound company may underperform regardless of
market movement.
We may employ proprietary modeling techniques along with exhaustive due diligence research to create
solutions that mitigate market surprises, seek to meet individual objectives, and deliver positive returns.
During the investment selection process, which is vital to establishing the tone of a client’s investment
portfolio, we screen securities for style bias, risk characteristics and return consistency, seeking a
combination of investments (traditional and alternative) that are complimentary and non-correlated to
construct portfolios that are truly global and diversified. We seek to identify high quality, consistently proven,
efficient investments for clients, with the goal of providing clients with investment solutions that provide
attractive risk-adjusted returns.
Our main sources of information include, but are not limited to, financial newspapers and magazines,
research materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, annual reports, prospectuses, and public
filings.
Neither BT Wealth Management nor any third-party managers we may enlist to manage a client’s portfolio,
guarantee the results of the advice given, securities recommended, or investments made. Thus, significant
losses can occur by investing in any security, or by following any investment advice or strategy, including
those recommended or applied by us.
Methods of Analysis Specific to BTIS:
BTIS discusses the importance of risk with its governmental clients and review eligible investments that
might be considered for their portfolios. Then, we develop an understanding of our client’s cash flows for
the money being invested. Whether we are assisting with the investment of operating funds or construction
funds, having adequate liquidity to meet our client’s expenditure requirements is a key consideration in
providing advice.
Once investment types have been agreed upon and we have an understanding of expected cash flows, we
then look to the yield curve to determine the optimal strategies. Most clients require maturities of less than
two years, but may invest greater than two years, but less than five years under certain conditions, so we
analyze the yield curve in that range before making a recommendation.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES WE USE
We utilize a rigorous client interview process to determine an appropriate investment asset allocation mix
to target stated return goals and risk tolerance. Among the factors we consider when determining an
appropriate strategy include account size, investment styles, strategies, portfolio diversification, risk levels
and turnovers. Investment policy and overall portfolio weightings between equities and fixed income
investments are formulated based upon each client’s objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon and several
other factors. We place a strong emphasis on optimizing performance at the portfolio level, while attempting
to control risk through diversification and asset allocation. We may use one or more of the following
strategies in managing client accounts as part of investment consulting and portfolio management services
to non-governmental clients, provided that such strategies are appropriate to the needs of the client and
consistent with the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons, among other
considerations:
Long-Term Purchases: When utilizing this strategy, we may purchase securities with the idea of holding
them for a relatively long time (typically held for at least a year). A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is
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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. Typically, we employ this sub-strategy when we believe the securities
to be undervalued; and/or we want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current
projection for this class. The potential risks associated with this investment strategy involve a lower-than-
expected return for many years in a row. Lower-than-expected returns that last for a long time and/or that
are severe in nature would have the impact of dramatically lowering the ending value of your portfolio, and
thus could significantly threaten your ability to meet financial goals.
Short-Term Purchases: When utilizing this strategy, we may also purchase securities with the idea of selling
them within a relatively short time (typically a year or less). We do this in an attempt to take advantage of
conditions that we believe will soon result in a price swing in the securities we purchase. The potential risk
associated with this investment strategy is associated with the currency or exchange rate. Currency or
exchange rate risk is a form of risk that arises from the change in price of one currency against another.
The constant fluctuations in the foreign currency in which an investment is denominated vis-á-vis one’s
home currency may add risk to the value of a security. Currency risk is greater for shorter-term investments,
which do not have time to level off like longer term foreign investments.
Trading: We purchase securities with the idea of selling them very quickly (typically within 30 days or less).
We do this in an attempt to take advantage of our predictions of brief price swings. Trading involves risk
that may not be suitable for every investor and may involve a high volume of trading activity. Each trade
generates a commission and the total daily commission on such a high volume of trading activity can be
considerable. Active trading accounts should be considered speculative in nature with the objective being
to generate short-term profits. This activity may result in the loss of more than 100% of an investment.
Short Sales: We borrow shares of a stock for your portfolio from someone who owns the stock on a promise
to replace the shares on a future date at a certain price. Those borrowed shares are then sold. On the
agreed-upon future date, we buy the same stock and return the shares to the original owner. We engage
in short selling based on our determination that the stock will go down in price after we have borrowed the
shares. If we are correct and the stock price has gone down since the shares were purchased from the
original owner, the client account realizes the profit. The two primary risks associated with “short selling”
are: 1) over the long term, markets have an upward bias in terms of trend and 2) “short selling” can expose
an investor to potentially unlimited risk. Due to the “upside gap”, sellers risk not being able to react until
after a significant loss has already been incurred.
Margin Transactions: We will purchase stocks for your portfolio with money borrowed from your brokerage
account. This allows you to purchase more stock than you would be able to with your available cash and
allows us to purchase stock without selling other holdings. Margin accounts and transactions are risky and
not necessarily for every client. The potential risks associated with these transactions are (1) you can lose
more funds than are deposited into the margin account; (2) it can cause the force sale of securities or other
assets in your account; (3) it can cause the sale of securities or other assets without contacting you; and
(4) you may not be entitled to choose which securities or other assets in your account(s) are liquidated or
sold to meet a margin call.
Options: An option is a financial derivative that represents a contract sold by one party (the option writer)
to another party (the option holder). The contract offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy
(call) or sell (put) a security or other financial asset at an agreed-upon price (the strike price) during a certain
period of time or on a specific date (exercise date). Options are extremely versatile securities. Traders use
options to speculate, which is a relatively risky practice, while hedgers use options to reduce the risk of
holding an asset.
Call Option: Call options give the option to buy at a certain price, so the buyer would want the stock
to go up. Conversely, the option writer needs to provide the underlying shares in the event that, the
stock’s market price exceeds the strike price due to the contractual obligation. An option writer who
sells a call option believes that the underlying stock’s price will drop relative to the option’s strike
price during the life of the option, as that is how he will reap maximum profit. This is exactly the
opposite outlook of the option buyer. The buyer believes that the underlying stock will rise; if this
happens, the buyer will be able to acquire the stock for a lower price and then sell it for a profit.
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However, if the underlying stock does not close above the strike price on the expiration date, the
option buyer would lose the premium paid for the call option.
Put Option: Put options give the option to sell at a certain price, so the buyer would want the stock
to go down. The opposite is true for put option writers. For example, a put option buyer is bearish
on the underlying stock and believes its market price will fall below the specified strike price on or
before a specified date. On the other hand, an option writer who shorts a put option believes the
underlying stock’s price will increase about a specified price on or before the expiration date. If the
underlying stock’s price closes above the specified strike price on the expiration date, the put option
writer’s maximum profit is achieved. Conversely, a put option holder would only benefit from a fall
in the underlying stock’s price below the strike price. If the underlying stock’s price falls below the
strike price, the put option writer is obligated to purchase shares of the underlying stock at the strike
price.
The potential risks associated with these transactions are that (1) since all options expire, the closer the
option gets to expiration, the quicker the premium in the option deteriorates; and (2) prices can move very
quickly. Depending on factors such as time until expiration and the relationship of the stock price to the
option’s strike price, small movements in a stock can translate into big movements in the underlying options.
We use both in-house portfolio managers and third-party managers to effectuate investment plans. We
target those managers who specialize in the specific investment types that we have recommended to
clients. Our portfolios are primarily designed as strategic, long-term allocations; however, we may rebalance
clients’ portfolios to maintain desired allocations, make short-term adjustments to respond to market
conditions, or revise the allocation to reflect changes in circumstances or goals. When necessary, we may
suggest alternative investments, which include hedge funds, private equity, real estate and structured
products.
BTIS Strategies for Governmental Clients
Traditional Laddered Approach: We use this approach when the yield curve is upward sloping. Here, we
recommend matching securities with the expected cash flow schedule, keeping in mind liquidity needs. In
this approach, investments will mature in amounts greater than the cash flow estimates to reduce the need
to sell a security before it matures.
Modified Laddered Approach: This approach is used when the yield curve is downward sloping or humped.
In the case of a downward sloping yield curve, our approach would be to recommend investing larger
maturities in the short end of the yield curve. In the case of a humped yield curve, our approach would be
to recommend matching maturity amounts to cash flows for the part of the yield curve that is upward sloping
and then invest larger amounts at the top of the yield curve.
Core Balance Approach: This approach is used for clients with core operating fund balances that can be
invested for two years or longer. We initially recommend structuring investments to mature at regular
intervals for up to two years or longer. As investments mature, the proceeds are reinvested in longer-term
investments, with the goal of eventually having all investments effectively earning longer-term interest rates,
while also providing liquidity with regular maturities.
In certain circumstances we also recommend investment agreements, guaranteed investment contracts,
flexible repurchase agreements and forward delivery agreements. The providers of these agreements are
well capitalized financial institutions, including banks, primary dealers, credit corporations and insurance
companies. The Providers (or the “Provider’s” guarantor) that the company recommends are typically rated
in the top three rating categories of S&P, Moody’s, or other nationally recognized rating agencies. The
Providers also must qualify under the requirements of any applicable bond resolution or indenture, state
statute or internal investment policy.
Investment Agreement: These are contracts with financial institutions. They may pay a fixed or a floating
rate and have a stated maturity date. The client can access money in the account as noted in the contract
and contract terms can be customized.
Guaranteed Investment Contract: The insurance industry has a product called a “Guaranteed Investment
Contract” (“GIC”). It is similar to its “Group Annuity Contract” except it is used for non-qualified funds. A GIC
has the same characteristics as an Investment Agreement as described above.
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Flexible Repurchase Agreement: A Flexible Repurchase Agreement has the same characteristics as an
Investment Agreement except that they are written by primary dealers, banks, or other qualifying financial
institutions or corporations, and the contract provides for the purchase and sale of securities as collateral
for the amount of the investment. The collateral is held by a trustee or third party on behalf of the client.
Forward Delivery Agreement: An agreement that delivers securities (typically U.S. Treasuries or agencies)
that mature on a schedule to match cash flow needs.
Interest Rate Swaps: We also serve as an adviser to clients on interest rate swaps. We do not act as
principal in any swap transaction.
RISK OF LOSS
Investing in securities involves a significant risk of loss which clients should be prepared to bear. Our
investment recommendations are subject to various market, currency, economic, political, and business
risks, and such investment decisions perhaps will not always be profitable. Clients should be aware that
there can be a loss or depreciation of the value of the client’s account. There can be no assurance that the
client’s investment objectives will be obtained and no inference to the contrary should be made.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Therefore, clients should never assume that the future
performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable. Investing in securities
(including stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, etc.) involves risk of loss. Further, depending on the different
types of investments there can be varying degrees of risk. Because of the inherent risk of loss associated
with investing, we cannot represent, guarantee, or even imply that our services and methods of analysis
can or will predict future results, successfully identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate you from losses
due to market corrections or declines.
The market value of fixed income securities will generally fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other
market conditions prior to maturity. Fixed income securities are obligations of the issuer to make payments
of principal and/or interest on future dates, and include, among other securities: bonds, notes and
debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of
its agencies or instrumentalities, or by a non-U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities;
municipal securities; and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. These securities can pay fixed,
variable, or floating rates of interest, and can include zero coupon obligations and inflation-linked fixed
income securities. The value of longer duration fixed income securities will generally fluctuate more than
shorter duration fixed income securities.
There are certain additional risks associated with the securities recommended and strategies utilized by us,
including, but not limited to:
Market Risk – Either the stock market as a whole or the value of an individual security goes down
resulting in a decrease in the value of client investments. This is also referred to as systemic risk.
Non-Diversification Risk – The risk of focusing investments on a small number of issuers, industries
or foreign currencies, including being more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic,
political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified portfolio might be.
Equity (Stock) Market Risk – Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations
and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their
issuers change. If a client held common stock, or common stock equivalents, of any given issuer,
the client would generally be exposed to greater risk than if client held preferred stocks and debt
obligations of the issuer.
Fixed Income Risk – When investing in bonds, there is the risk that the issuer will default on the
bond and be unable to make payments. Further, individuals who depend on set amounts of
periodically paid income face the risk that inflation will erode their spending power. Fixed-income
investors receive set, regular payments that face the same inflation risk.
Credit Risk – Issuers may not make interest or principal payments on securities, resulting in losses
to a client. In addition, the credit quality of securities held by a client may be lowered if an issuer’s
financial condition changes, including the U.S. government.
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Interest Rate Risk – The chance that prices of fixed income securities will decline because of rising
interest rates. Similarly, the income from fixed income securities can decline because of falling
interest rates.
Reinvestment Risk – The risk that interest and principal payments from a bond will be reinvested
at a lower yield than that received on the original bond. During periods of declining interest rates,
bond payments can be invested at lower rates; during periods of rising rates, bond payments can
be invested at higher rates.
Liquidity Risk – The risk that a given security cannot be converted into cash if needed. This risk is
enhanced when a client holds private placements and other securities that are not traded on an
exchange.
ETF and Mutual Fund Risk – When investing in an ETF or mutual fund, client will bear additional
expenses based on your prorate share of the ETF’s or mutual funds’ operating expenses, including
the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally
reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. Client will also
incur brokerage costs when purchasing ETFs.
Management Risk – Client’s investment with BT Wealth Management varies with the success and
failure of our investment strategies, research, analysis, and determination of portfolio securities. If
our investment strategies do not produce the expected returns, the value of the client account will
decrease.
Use of Third-Party Managers – We may recommend the use of third-party managers for certain
clients. We review such managers, but such recommendations rely, to a great extent, on the
manger’s ability to successfully implement their investment strategy.
Frequent Trading Rule – Frequent trades in a client’s portfolio may produce capital gains that are
taxable to the client and increase expenses charged to the client account for brokerage transactions
when buying or selling securities.
Market Disruption, Health Crisis, Terrorism and Geopolitical Risk – A client is subject to the risk
that war, terrorism, global health crisis or other similar pandemics, and other geopolitical events
may lead to increased short-term market volatility and have adverse long-term effects on world
economics and markets generally, as well as adverse effects on issuers of securities and the value
of a client’s investments. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events, as well as global health
crisis and similar pandemics have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market
volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economic, political and health
conditions. They also could adversely affect individuals, issuers or related groups of issuers,
securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment and other factors
affecting the value of client’s investments. At such a time, a client’s exposure to a number of other
risks described elsewhere in this section can increase.
Opportunity Cost – The risk that an investor can forego profits or returns from other investments.
Emerging Market Risk – Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments,
weaker economies and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Emerging
markets may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to
economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less
liquid.
Passive Investing Risk – We review accounts on a periodic basis. We may not take any action
following a review or for extended periods. We will continue to charge Portfolio Management Fees
for our services performed regardless of the trading activity in a client’s account. Clients are
responsible for determining whether to continue to retain our services.
Cash Balances – We generally invest client cash balances in money market funds, FDIC Insured
Certificates of Deposit, high-grade commercial paper and/or government backed debt instruments.
Ultimately, we try to achieve an acceptable return on client cash balances through relatively low-
risk conservative investments. In most cases, at least a partial cash balance will be maintained in
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a money market account so that we may debit advisory fees related to our Portfolio Management
service.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 9
Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client or prospective
client’s evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management. The Firm and our
management personnel have no reportable disciplinary events to disclose.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
BT Wealth Management is controlled by BTAG. Baker Tilly US, LLP and BTAG, trading as “Baker Tilly”
operate under an alternative practice structure and are members of the global network of Baker Tilly
International, Ltd. BTUS is a licensed CPA firm that provides assurance services to its clients. BTAG and
its subsidiary entities provide tax and consulting services to their clients and are not licensed CPA firms. All
of BT Wealth Management’s personnel are either principals or employees in BTAG. Some of these
individuals may be licensed CPAs; however, they typically do not actively practice public accounting
because their time is dedicated to BT Wealth Management or other affiliates of Baker Tilly.
Our indirect owner, H&F (CRD#158614) is registered with the SEC as investment adviser and serves as
manager of, or advisers to, certain private investment funds, some of which own BTAG. Additional
information about H&F is available at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.
We may refer clients in need of accounting or tax services to BTAG. If such clients become clients of BTAG,
services provided by BTAG are typically provided under a separate engagement, for separately defined
compensation, and are separate and distinct from our services. At the discretion of BT Wealth Management,
the fees due to BTAG for tax services to clients may be paid out of the client’s advisory fee payable to BT
Wealth Management and not charged separately to the client. BTAG may refer some of its clients to us,
and we, in turn, as noted above, may refer clients to them. There are no referral fee arrangements between
BT Wealth Management and BTAG for these recommendations. No client is under any obligation to use
BTAG for any accounting services and no accounting client is obligated to use our services. We disclose
this relationship because it presents a conflict of interest which clients and prospective clients should be
aware of, as it may influence their decision making when evaluating our services.
Baker Tilly Capital, LLC (“BTC”), is controlled by BTAG, and a limited purpose broker-dealer registered with
the SEC, member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). Some IARs may
also be registered representatives of BTC. BTC provides services in private investment banking consulting,
capital raising, transactional services, alternative investments and mergers and acquisitions. Some of the
investment banking services are broker-dealer related, for example marketing of private placements, tax
credits, mergers and acquisitions and wholesaling BT REI DSTs; and some are not, for example financial
forecasting and compliance services. As clients of BT Wealth Management may separately be clients of
BTC, we consider these dual service relationships to create conflicts of interest which clients should be
aware of. The suitability of the securities recommendations and non-securities transactions conducted
through BTC are reviewed by principals of BTC.
Certain IARs may also be associated with Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC (“BTMA”), a municipal
advisor registered with the SEC and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”), controlled by
BTAG. BTMA may be providing advice to state or local governments on municipal financial products or the
issuance of municipal securities that we are also providing investment advice to. This relationship presents
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a potential conflict of interest which clients and prospective clients should be aware of when evaluating our
services.
Some IARs in their separate individual capacities may also serve as insurance agents. Baker Tilly
Vantagen, LLC (“BT Vantagen”) also controlled by BTAG, is an insurance agency through which such IARs
are licensed. The recommendation by one of our IARs to purchase an insurance product presents a conflict
of interest as the receipt of commissions provides them with an incentive to recommend insurance products.
No client is under any obligation to purchase any insurance products from one of our IARs. Clients may
purchase these products through other unaffiliated insurance agents. No client is under any obligation to
use BT Vantagen for insurance services and no BT Vantagen client is obligated to use our services. We
disclose this relationship because it presents a potential conflict of interest which clients and prospective
clients should be aware of, as it may influence their decision making when evaluating our services.
BT REI Manager, LLC (“BT REI”), is a subsidiary controlled by BTAG that sponsors pooled investment
vehicles, such as DSTs and other real estate related investments. IARs may recommend products
sponsored by BT REI but the client is under no obligation to act on such recommendations. We disclose
this relationship because it presents a conflict of interest which clients and prospective clients should be
aware of, as it may influence their decision making when evaluating our recommendations. Conflicts of
interest related to a recommendation by BT Wealth Management or purchase by a client are sent forth in
Item 4 of this Brochure and the AI Supplement.
Some IARs are also licensed or non-practicing attorneys in the State of California. Legal services are not
offered through BT Wealth Management. Should a client require legal services, they will be referred to a
licensed and practicing attorney. We will not receive any additional compensation for these referrals.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, Personal Trading
As a fiduciary, it is an investment advisor’s responsibility to provide fair and full disclosure of all material
facts and to always act solely in the best interest of each of our clients. Our fiduciary duty is the underlying
principle for our Code of Ethics, which includes procedures for personal securities transactions and insider
trading. We require all IARs to conduct business with the highest level of ethical standards and to comply
with all federal and state securities laws at all times. The Firm and our IARs must conduct business in an
honest, ethical, and fair manner and avoid all circumstances that might negatively affect or appear to affect
our duty of complete loyalty to all clients. Upon joining the Firm, and at least annually thereafter, all IARs
will acknowledge receipt, understanding and compliance with our Code of Ethics. The Firm and IARs must
conduct business in an honest, ethical, and fair manner and avoid all circumstances that might negatively
affect or appear to affect our duty of complete loyalty to all clients. This disclosure is provided to give
clients a summary of our Code of Ethics. If a client or potential client wishes to review our Code of Ethics
in its entirety, a copy will be provided promptly upon request.
We recognize that IARs of BT Wealth Management may buy or sell securities for themselves that they
also recommend. Where a transaction for an IAR, or an account related to an IAR, is contemplated, a
client’s transaction is given priority. Our Code of Ethics is designed to prevent or mitigate conflicts of
interest between the financial interests of clients and the interests of the firm’s staff. The Code of Ethics
requires, among other procedures, our staff to obtain preapproval of certain securities transactions, to
report transactions quarterly and to report all securities positions in which they have a beneficial interest
at least annually. These reporting requirements allow supervisors at the firm to determine whether to allow
or prohibit certain staff securities purchases and sales based on transactions made, or anticipated to be
made, in the same securities for clients’ accounts.
Neither the Firm nor a related person recommends, buys, or sells for client accounts, securities in which
we or a related person has a material financial interest, including BT REI-managed alternative investments,
without prior disclosure to the client.
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In addition to the services set forth in Item 4 above, BT Wealth Management may serve as a solicitor or
promoter for other, unaffiliated, registered investment advisers, including InterOcean Capital Group, LLC,
when deemed appropriate and in a client’s best interest. BT Wealth Management receives a portion of
investment advisory fees paid by a client to those investment advisers which may be paid to its IARs.
Terms of any referral fee arrangements are disclosed in a disclosure statement and acknowledgement
provided to each person in advance of retaining any unaffiliated investment adviser in accordance with the
requirements of SEC Rule 206(4)-1. BT Wealth Management will not provide investment advisory services
to any client account subject to a solicitor arrangement whereby a third party renders investment advice.
The Code of Ethics is required to be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 12
Brokerage Practices
The Firm does not maintain physical custody of your assets. Client assets must be maintained in an
account at a “qualified custodian”, generally a broker-dealer or bank. We seek to recommend a custodian
who will hold client assets and execute transactions on terms that are overall most advantageous when
compared to other available providers and their services. When we review our decision to recommend a
qualified custodian, we generally consider one or more of the following factors:
• Timeliness of execution
• Timeliness and accuracy of trade confirmations
• Research services provided
• Ability to provide investment ideas
• Execution facilitation services provided
• Record keeping services provided
• Custody services provided
• Frequency and correction of trading errors
• Ability to access a variety of market venues
• Expertise as it relates to specific securities
• Financial condition
• Business reputation
• Quality of services
With the above in consideration, we primarily recommend that our clients use Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.,
National Financial Services, LLC, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Equity Advisor Solutions and in the
future may have relationships with other qualified custodians (collectively, “Qualified Custodian(s)”). BT
Wealth Management is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Qualified Custodians.
Qualified Custodians offer services to independent investment advisors which includes custody of
securities, trade execution, clearance, and settlement of transactions. Qualified Custodians enable us to
obtain many no-load mutual funds without transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal
transaction charges. Qualified Custodians do not charge client accounts separately for custodian services.
Client accounts will be charged transaction fees, commissions or other fees on trades that are executed
or settle into the client’s custodial account. Transaction fees are negotiated with Qualified Custodians and
are generally discounted from customary retail commission rates. This benefits clients because the overall
fee paid is often lower than would be otherwise.
Qualified Custodians may make certain research, computer software and related systems support and
brokerage services available at no additional cost to BT Wealth Management. Research products and
services provided by Qualified Custodians may include: research reports on recommendations or other
information about particular companies or industries; economic surveys, data and analyses; financial
publications; portfolio evaluation services; financial database software and services; computerized news
and pricing services; quotation equipment for use in running software used in investment decision-making;
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and other products or services that provide lawful and appropriate assistance by Qualified Custodians to
our firm in the performance of our investment decision-making responsibilities. Without this arrangement,
we might be compelled to purchase the same or similar services at our own expense.
As part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, we will always endeavor to put the interests of our clients first.
Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by BT Wealth Management or our
related persons creates a conflict of interest and may indirectly influence our choice of Qualified
Custodians as a custodial recommendation. Our firm examined this conflict of interest when we chose to
recommend Qualified Custodians and has determined that the recommendation is in the best interest of
our firm’s clients and satisfies our fiduciary obligations, including our duty to seek best execution.
Our clients may pay a transaction fee or commission to Qualified Custodians that is higher than another
qualified broker dealer might charge to affect the same transaction where our firm determines in good faith
that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided
to the client as a whole. Certain Qualified Custodians may not charge any transaction fees for trades in
U.S. equities or ETFs. Clients are ultimately responsible for determining which Qualified Custodian to use
to maintain their account.
In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the
transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-
dealer’s services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and
responsiveness. Although our firm will seek competitive rates, to the benefit of all clients, we may not
necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for specific client account transactions.
BT Wealth Management is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Qualified Custodians.
Qualified Custodian will hold client assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when
instructed. While we recommend that clients use Qualified Custodian as custodian/broker, clients will
decide whether to do so and open an account with Qualified Custodian by entering into an account
agreement directly with them. We do not open the account. Even though the account is maintained at a
Qualified Custodian, we can still use other brokers to execute trades, as described below.
HOW WE SELECT CUSTODIANS/BROKERS
We seek to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold client assets and execute securities transactions
on terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to other available providers and their
services. We consider a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to:
• 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 your account).
• 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, 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 them.
• Reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider.
• The custodian/broker’s prior service to us and our other clients; and
• Availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below.
CUSTODY AND BROKERAGE COSTS
Qualified Custodians generally do not charge our client accounts separately for custody services but is
compensated by charging you commissions or other fees on trades that it executes or that settle into your
account. For some accounts, Qualified Custodians can charge you a percentage of the dollar amount of
assets in the account in lieu of commissions. Qualified Custodian’s commission rates (and asset-based
fees) applicable to BT Wealth Management client accounts were negotiated based on our commitment to
maintain our client assets in accounts at Qualified Custodian. This commitment benefits you because the
overall commission rates (and asset-based fees) you pay are lower than they would be if we had not made
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the commitment. In addition to commissions, (or asset-based fees) Qualified Custodian charges a flat
dollar amount as a “trade away” fee for each trade that we execute by a different broker-dealer but where
the securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are settled and deposited into a Qualified
Custodian account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or other compensation clients pay the
executing broker-dealer.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO US FROM QUALIFIED CUSTODIAN
Qualified Custodian’s may have special departments that are in the business serving independent
investment advisory firms like BT Wealth Management. They provide us and our clients with access to its
institutional brokerage – trading, custody, reporting and related services – many of which are not typically
available to Qualified Custodian’s retail customers. Qualified Custodians also make 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. Qualified Custodian’s support services generally are available on
an unsolicited basis (i.e., we do not have to request them) and at no charge to us if we keep a total of at
least $10 million of our clients’ assets in accounts at Qualified Custodian. Below is a detailed description
of Qualified Custodian’s support services.
Qualified Custodian Services That Benefit You.
Qualified Custodian’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 Qualified Custodian include some to which we might not
otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by
our clients. Qualified Custodian’s services described in this paragraph generally benefit you and
your account.
Qualified Custodian Services That Perhaps Will Not Directly Benefit You
Qualified Custodian also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us but
perhaps will 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
Qualified Custodian’s own and that of third parties. We can use this research to service all, some,
or a substantial number of our clients’ accounts. In addition to investment research, Qualified
Custodian 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.
Provide pricing and other market data.
Facilitate payment of our fees from our client’s accounts; and
Assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
Qualified Custodian Services That Generally Benefit Only Us
Qualified Custodian also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop
our business enterprise. These services include:
Educational conferences and events.
Technology, compliance, and events.
Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession;
and
Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers.
Qualified Custodian can provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for
third-party vendors to provide the services to us. Qualified Custodian also can discount or waive
its fee for some of these services or pay all or a part of a third-party’s fees. In addition, Qualified
Custodian can provide us with other benefits such as occasional business entertainment of our
personnel.
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BT WEALTH MANAGEMENT’S BENEFICIAL
INTEREST
IN QUALIFIED CUSTOIDAN’S
SERVICES
The availability of these services from Qualified Custodian benefits us because we do not have to produce
or purchase them. We do not have to pay for Qualified Custodian’s services so long as we keep a total of
at least $10 million of client assets in accounts at Qualified Custodian. The $10 million minimum can give
us an incentive to recommend that you maintain your account with Qualified Custodian based on our
interest in receiving Qualified Custodian’s services that benefit our business rather than based on your
interest in receiving the best value in custody services and the most favorable execution of your
transactions. This is a potential conflict of interest.
We believe, however, that our selection of Qualified Custodian as custodian/broker is in the best interests
of our clients. It is primarily supported by the scope, quality and price of Qualified Custodian’s services
(based on the factors discussed above) and not Qualified Custodian’s services that benefit only us.
Best Execution
We will generally seek “best execution” in light of the circumstances involved in transactions. In seeking
best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction
represents the overall best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s
services, including among others, net price, reputation, financial strength and stability, efficiency of
execution and error resolution, the size of the transaction and the market for the security. We will not oblige
ourselves to obtain the lowest commission or best net price for an account on any particular transaction.
Consistent with the foregoing, while we will seek competitive rates, we perhaps will not necessarily obtain
the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
To ensure that brokerage firms selected by us are conducting overall best qualitative execution, we will
periodically (and no less often than annually) evaluate the trading process and brokers utilized. This
evaluation will include, but is not limited to price, commission, timing, research, aggregated trades, capable
floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability,
reliable and accurate communications, and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge or other
buyers or sellers and administrative ability.
BTIS seeks the best price for a security in the marketplace by using a competitive bidding process. We
generally select the banks and brokers to affect client transactions. For securities with an active secondary
market, such as Treasuries and government agencies, we attempt to receive three competitive bids. For
securities with a less active secondary market, such as state and municipal securities and negotiable CDs
we may receive bids from only one or two brokers.
Directed Brokerage
Under certain circumstances, we can allow a client to direct the Firm to execute all or a portion of client
transactions through a specific broker (“Directed Brokerage”). If that is the case, the client should
understand that: 1) we generally do not negotiate specific brokerage commission rates with the broker on
a client’s behalf, or seek better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers and, as a result, the
client can pay higher commissions and/or receive less favorable net prices on transactions for their account
than might otherwise be the case; and 2) transactions for that account generally will be effected
independently unless we are able to purchase or sell the same security for several clients at approximately
the same time (“block trade”), in which case the firm can include such client’s transaction with that of other
clients for execution by the same broker. If transactions are not able to be traded as a block, the Firm
perhaps will have to enter the transactions for the client’s account after orders for other clients, with the
result that market movements can work against the client. Therefore, prior to directing us to use a specific
broker-dealer, a client should consider whether, under that restriction, execution, clearance and settlement
capabilities, commission expenses and whatever amount is allocated to custodial fees, if applicable, would
be comparable to those otherwise obtainable. Clients should understand that the client might not obtain
commission rates as low as it might otherwise obtain if we had discretion to select or recommend other
broker-dealers. Consequently, Directed Brokerage can result in the client paying more money for brokerage
services.
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Subject to its objective to achieve best execution, we may decline a client’s request to engage in Directed
Brokerage if, in the Firm’s sole discretion, such Directed Brokerage arrangements would result in additional
operational difficulties or violate restrictions imposed by other broker-dealers.
Special Considerations for ERISA Clients
A retirement or ERISA plan client may direct all or part of portfolio transactions for its account through a
specific broker or dealer in order to obtain goods or services on behalf of the plan. Such direction is
permitted provided that the goods and services provided are reasonable expenses of the plan incurred in
the ordinary course of its business for which it otherwise would be obligated and empowered to pay. ERISA
prohibits directed brokerage arrangements when the goods or services purchased are not for the exclusive
benefit of the plan. Consequently, we will request that plan sponsors who direct plan brokerage provide us
with a letter documenting that this arrangement will be for the exclusive benefit of the plan.
Client-Directed Brokerage
We do not generally permit clients to direct brokerage outside of the custodian where the client maintains
their account. We may be unable to achieve the most favorable execution of client transactions. Client
directed brokerage may cost clients more money. For example, in a directed brokerage account, clients
may pay higher brokerage commissions because we may not be able to aggregate orders to reduce
transaction costs, or clients may receive less favorable prices.
Trade Aggregation and Allocation
BT Wealth Management typically affects transactions for each client account independently and therefore
is usually unable to aggregate client orders. However, when able to, we can aggregate trades of accounts.
Trade aggregation, or “bunching of orders”, can result in better execution and/or better realized prices.
Because our portfolio management services utilize various types of investments and securities, it perhaps
will not be possible to bunch orders. Alternatively, even, when possible, we perhaps will not be able to
execute all shares of an aggregated trade because of prevailing market conditions and other variables, in
which case we will allocate the trade among participating accounts in an equitable manner determined prior
to execution of the trade. In certain cases, the Firm perhaps will not be able to purchase or sell the same
for all clients that could transact in the security, which is generally based on various factors such as the
type of security, size of the account, cash availability and account restrictions. For clients requiring directed
brokerage, the Firm perhaps will not be able to effectively “bunch” orders on the client’s behalf, which could
impact the possible advantage clients derive from the aggregation of orders.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 13
Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Client accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis, which includes detailed periodic review. The frequency
of reviews is at the discretion of BT Wealth Management, but accounts are typically reviewed not less than
quarterly. Accounts are reviewed for performance, consistency with the investment strategy and client
objectives, and other account parameters in order to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
Reviews are performed by the investment advisor performing services for the respective client. Alternative
investments held by clients are reviewed periodically by BTWM. For BTIS, maturing investments are
reviewed weekly for the potential for reinvestment.
Alternative investments held by a client are reviewed periodically by BTWM but may be less frequently than
securities held in client accounts due to the lack of a trading market for the alternative investments, liquidity
restrictions and absence of current public information concerning the alternative investment, sponsors and
the underlying assets in most private placements. BTWM encourages clients to provide IARs with
correspondence and other information received from the alternative investment sponsor to aid in our review.
Other Reviews and Triggering Events
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In addition to the periodic reviews described above, reviews can be triggered by changes in a client’s
personal, tax or financial status. Account holdings also are reviewed when changing market conditions
warrant such a review. Clients are encouraged to notify BT Wealth Management and its advisory
representative of any changes in the client’s personal financial situation that might affect the client’s
investment needs, objectives, or time horizon.
Regular Reports
Written account statements are generated no less than quarterly and are sent directly from the account
custodian. These statements list the account positions, activity in the account over the covered period, and
other related information, including any fees deducted from the account. Clients are also sent confirmations
following each brokerage account transaction unless confirmations have been waived. Clients are urged to
carefully review all account statements and notify us if they believe there is an error or improper charge on
the statement.
In addition, clients can receive other supporting reports from mutual funds, trust companies, alternative
investment sponsors, broker-dealers or insurance companies based on their involvement with the account
and their applicable internal reporting requirements.
Financial Planning clients do not receive reviews of their written plans unless they take action to schedule
a financial consultation with us. We do not provide ongoing services to financial planning only clients, but
are willing to meet with such clients upon their request to discuss updates to their plans, changes in their
circumstances, etc. Financial Planning only clients do not receive written or verbal updated reports
regarding their financial plans unless they separately engage us for a post-financial plan meeting or update
to their initial written financial plan.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 14
Payments for Client Referrals and Other Compensation
We do not currently pay any referral fees. We may receive referral compensation from historical referral
arrangements entered into with entities that have been acquired by BT Wealth Management.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 15
Custody
BT Wealth Management does not maintain physical custody of client funds or securities. However, certain
services provided by our affiliated accounting firm BTAG, result in our firm being deemed to have “custody”
of clients’ cash and securities under Rule 206(4)-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. We disclose
the fact that we are deemed to have custody on Form ADV Part 1 in Item 9, and we engage an independent
accounting firm to verify the accounts for which we are deemed to have custody through a surprise
examination on an annual basis consistent with the rule and associated guidance.
Separately, if agreed to by the client, we have the ability to request the deduction and payment of
management or consulting fees from a client’s account.
Clients will receive statements at least quarterly from the custodian that holds and maintains clients’
investment portfolios. To the extent a client receives any account or other investment ownership statement
from us, we recommend the client carefully compare the information in the report to that in the custodian’s
statements. Clients should contact us directly if they believe there may be an error in their statement, or
have any questions about any of the transactions, activity, holdings, or fees deducted.
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Our Firm, or persons associated with our Firm, may also affect wire transfers from client accounts to one
or more third parties designated, in writing, by the client without obtaining written client consent for each
separate, individual transaction, as long as the client has provided us with the written authorization to do
so. Such written authorization is known as a Standing Letter of Authorization. An adviser with authority to
conduct such third-party wire transfers, therefore has limited custody of the client’s assets in any related
accounts.
However, we do not have to obtain a surprise annual audit on these assets, as we otherwise would be
required to by reason of having custody, as long as we meet the following criteria:
1. Client provides written, signed instructions to the qualified custodian that includes the third-
party’s name and address or account number at a custodian.
2. Client authorizes us in writing to direct transfer to the third-party either on a specified schedule
or from time to time.
3. The qualified custodian verifies client’s authorization (e.g., signature review) and provides a
transfer of funds notice to client promptly after each transfer.
4. Client can terminate or change the instruction.
5. We have no authority or ability to designate or change the identity of the third party, the address,
or any other information about the third party.
6. We maintain records showing that the third party is not a related party to us nor located at the
same address as us; and
7. The qualified custodian sends client, in writing, an initial notice confirming the instruction and
an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 16
Investment Discretion
When providing portfolio management services under BT Wealth Management or investment supervisory
services under the BTIS division, IARs may exercise discretion when granted authority by clients, and most
clients grant discretionary authority to us under the terms of the Agreement. When doing so, it allows us to
select the securities to buy and sell, the amount to buy and sell, when to buy and sell, and the commission
rate paid, without obtaining specific consent from the client for each trade. Clients should be aware that
IARs may make different recommendations and affect different trades with respect to the same securities
to different clients. Commissions and execution of securities transactions implemented through the
custodian or other broker-dealer recommended by us may not be better than the commissions or execution
available if the client used another brokerage firm. However, we believe the overall level of services and
support provided to the client by custodians and broker-dealers whom we recommend outweighs the
potentially lower costs that may be available from other brokerage service providers.
Depending on the service agreement, third-party managers used to manage client accounts or portions of
client accounts may be hired or terminated by BT Wealth Management using discretionary authority granted
to us by a client. Such third-party managers also have authority granted by the client to purchase and sell
securities at their discretion within the client’s account.
BTWM will not use any discretionary authority with respect to the purchase or sale of an alternative
investment sponsored by one of our affiliates. Clients are responsible for making final investment decisions
and executing all transaction documentation with respect to alternative investments.
30
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 17
Proxy Voting and Securities Class Action Policies
Typically, BT Wealth Management does not have authority to vote client securities and clients receive
relevant proxies and other solicitations directly from their custodian or a transfer agent. At a client’s request,
we may offer advice regarding corporate actions and the exercise of client proxy voting rights with the
assistance of one or more third party vendors, depending upon special instructions provided by a client. In
these circumstances, BT Wealth Management has developed policies to monitor the vendors’ proxy voting
practices in accordance with a client’s instructions.
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 18
Financial Information
There are no known financial conditions within BT Wealth Management likely to impair our ability to meet
commitments to clients. Neither BT Wealth Management nor any of its management personnel have been
the subject of bankruptcy in the past ten years.
31
Rev. 07/25
WHAT DOES BAKER TILLY WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC
DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
FACTS
Why?
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives
consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how
we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to
understand what we do.
What?
The types of personal information we may collect and share depends on the product or service you
have with us. This information can include:
Tax Identification Number Income
Securities positions Risk Tolerance
Investment Experience Account balances
All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday
business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’
personal information; the reasons BAKER TILLY WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC chooses to share;
and whether you can limit this sharing.
Reasons we can share your personal information
Does BAKER TILLY WEALTH
MANAGEMENT, LLC share? Can you limit this sharing?
YES
NO
For our everyday business purposes— such as
to process your transactions, maintain your
account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus
For our marketing purposes— to offer
our products and services to you
YES
NO
For joint marketing with other financial companies
NO
WE DON’T SHARE
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
NO
NO
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
NO
WE DON’T SHARE
For our affiliates’ to market to you
NO
WE DON’T SHARE
For nonaffiliates to market to you
NO
WE DON’T SHARE
Call 833-761-0673 — our menu will prompt you through your choice(s)
Visit us online: www.bakertilly.com
To limit our
sharing
Please note:
If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 5 days from the date we sent this
notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described
in this notice.
However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.
Questions? Call 833-761-0673 or go to www.bakertilly.com
Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC is controlled by Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP. Baker Tilly
Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, operate under an alternative practice structure and are members of the global network of Baker Tilly
International Ltd., the members of which are separate and independent legal entities. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides assurance services to its
clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and consulting services to their clients and are not licensed CPA firms. ©2024 Baker Tilly
Wealth Management, LLC
Page 2
Who we are
BAKER TILLY WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC
Who is providing this notice?
What we do
How does BAKER TILLY WEALTH
MANAGEMENT, LLC protect my
personal information?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and
use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These
measures include computer safeguards and secured files and
buildings.
We restrict access to your personal information to those employees
who need it to perform their job responsibilities.
We collect your personal information, for example, when you
seek investment advice
How does BAKER TILLY WEALTH
MANAGEMENT, LLC collect my
personal information?
enter into an agreement with Baker Tilly Wealth
Management, LLC
Why can’t I limit all sharing?
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes
- information about your creditworthiness
affiliates from using your information to market to you
sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to
limit sharing.
We will stop sharing all information about that account.
What happens when I limit sharing
for an account I hold jointly with
someone else?
Definitions
Affiliates
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be
financial and nonfinancial companies.
Our affiliates include our Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP (Baker
Tilly), other subsidiaries of Baker Tilly, Baker Tilly Municipal
Advisors, LLC, a registered municipal advisor, Baker Tilly Capital,
LLC, a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, BT REI
Manager, LLC, a manager of pooled investment vehicles, BT
Vantagen, LLC an insurance agency and Moss Adams Wealth
Advisors, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
Nonaffiliates
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be
financial and nonfinancial companies.
Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC does not share with
nonaffiliates so they can market to you.
Joint marketing
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that
together market financial products or services to you.
Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC, does not joint market
Other important information
You may also opt out from sharing your information by sending an e-mail to btwm@bakertilly.com or
calling 833-761-0673
Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, operate under an alternative practice
structure and are members of the global network of Baker Tilly International Ltd., the members of which are separate
and independent legal entities. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides assurance services to its
clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities
Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Baker Tilly Wealth Management, LLC is controlled by Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP. Baker Tilly
Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, operate under an alternative practice structure and are members of the global network of Baker Tilly
International Ltd., the members of which are separate and independent legal entities. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides assurance services to its
clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and consulting services to their clients and are not licensed CPA firms. ©2024 Baker Tilly
Wealth Management, LLC