Overview
- Headquarters
- Miami, FL
- Average Client Assets
- $1.6 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $500,000
- SEC CRD Number
- 327326
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (BBVA GWA ADV 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $1,000,000 | 2.30% |
| $1,000,001 | $7,500,000 | 1.80% |
| $7,500,001 | and above | 1.20% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $23,000 | 2.30% |
| $5 million | $95,000 | 1.90% |
| $10 million | $170,000 | 1.70% |
| $50 million | $650,000 | 1.30% |
| $100 million | $1,250,000 | 1.25% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 66.73%
- Total Client Accounts
- 792
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 792
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients
Regulatory Filings
Additional Brochure: BBVA GWA ADV 2A (2026-03-31)
View Document Text
ITEM 1: Cover Page
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Form ADV Part 2A - Firm Brochure
(CRD # 327326)
501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 601
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: 305-205-7752
www.bbvaglobalwealthadvisors.com
March 31, 2026
This Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of BBVA
Global Wealth Advisors, Inc., an investment advisory firm registered with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission. If you have questions about this Brochure's contents, please contact us at 305-205-7752 or email our Chief
Compliance Officer at gwacompliance.group@bbva.com.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
or any state securities authority. Nothing in this document is to be construed as a recommendation or an endorsement by the
SEC or any state securities authority or an offer of securities; refer to the actual investment offering and related legal
documentation for complete disclosures. Please note that registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level
of skill or training. An adviser's written and oral communications provide information to determine whether to retain the
adviser’s services. This Brochure is on file with the appropriate regulatory authorities, as federal and state regulations require.
The advisory services described in this Brochure are not insured or otherwise protected by the U.S. Government, Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), Federal Reserve Board, or any other government agency. Any money or securities
deposited to participate in any BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. investment program is not a deposit or other obligation of
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. ("BBVA S.A."), the parent company of BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc., and is not
guaranteed by the FDIC, BBVA S.A. or any of its affiliates. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of the
principal amount invested.
Additional information about BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. is available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
(Click on the link, select "Investment Adviser- Firm," and type in BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. or CRD # 327326.
Results will provide you with all firm disclosure brochures.)
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ITEM 2: Material Changes
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. ("GWA” or the “Adviser”) reviews its Form ADV Part 2A Brochure at least annually to
confirm it remains current. In this item, we are required to summarize only those material changes made to our Brochure since
our last Annual Updating Amendment. If you are receiving this document for the first time, this section may not be relevant to
you.
Since our last Annual Updating Amendment on March 21, 2025, we have the following material changes to report:
Item 2: Material Changes
● On May 27, 2025, we updated our Texas branch office address to 1980 Post Oak Boulevard, 10th Floor, Houston,
TX 77056 (T: 305-205-7752).
●
In October, 2025, we established a relationship with a client who elected to use Bulltick, LLC (“BT”), CRD#:
104005 / SEC#: 8-52493, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA, SIPC, and NFA, to provide the
client’s custodial and execution services under applicable regulatory oversight. BT is not affiliated with GWA
or its parent company, BBVA S.A.
The client’s usage of BT introduces new material conflicts of interest, which are described in Items 10: Other
Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations, Item 12: Brokerage Practices, and Item 14: Client Referrals &
Other Compensation of this Brochure. These conflicts include personal relationships between BT’s
management and certain GWA personnel and affiliates. GWA has adopted policies and procedures
designed to identify, mitigate, and monitor these conflicts, and will provide additional disclosures as required
under applicable SEC and state regulations.
● Since the last annual update, GWA has expanded its advisory services to include discretionary portfolio
advisory services. Under this arrangement, clients authorize GWA to make investment decisions on their
behalf, consistent with their stated objectives and without prior consultation for each transaction. This
change is further described in Items 4: Advisory Business and 16: Investment Discretion of this Brochure.
● As of March 2026, GWA renamed its Investor Risk Profiles and added a new Aggressive Risk Profile. GWA
now has five Investor Risk Profiles.
Item 4: Advisory Business
Assets Under Management
As of December 31st, 2025, our assets under management (“AUM”) total $ 1,293,330,562. The following represents
client assets under management by account type:
Type of Account
Assets Under Management
Discretionary
Non-Discretionary
Total
$ 0
$ 1,293,330,562
$ 1,293,330,562
Full Brochure Availability
At any time, we may amend this document to reflect material changes in our business practices, policies, procedures, or
updates as mandated by securities regulators. Annually, within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year-end of December 31st,
and as necessary due to material changes, we will provide clients either by electronic means or hard copy with a new
Brochure or a summary of material changes from the document previously supplied, with an offer to deliver a full Brochure
upon request. Please retain this document for future reference, as it contains essential information concerning our advisory
services and business.
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You may view our current disclosure documents on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure ("IAPD") website at
http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching either by our Firm name, BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. or CRD # 327326.
The SEC's website also provides information about any affiliated person registered or required to be registered as an
Investment Adviser Representative of the Firm. You may also request a copy free of charge by contacting us directly at
305-205-7752 or via email at gw acompliance.group@bb va.com.
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ITEM 3: Table of Contents
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ITEM 1: Cover Page
ITEM 2: Material Changes
ITEM 3: Table of Contents
ITEM 4: Advisory Business
ITEM 5: Fees & Compensation
ITEM 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
ITEM 7: Types Of Clients
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Type of Investments & Risk of Investment Loss
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest In Client Transactions & Personal Trading
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices
ITEM 13: Reviews of Accounts
ITEM 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
ITEM 15: Custody
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities
ITEM 18: Financial Information
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2
4
5
10
15
16
16
22
23
25
27
31
32
32
34
35
35
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ITEM 4: Advisory Business
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Overview
BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. (“GWA” or “the Adviser”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware. The Firm’s principal
office and place of business is located at 501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 601, Miami, Florida. GWA has been registered with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended
(“Advisers Act”), since February 26, 2024.
Principal Owners
GWA is a non-bank wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (“BBVA S.A.”), a publicly held global
financial services institution and financial holding company, founded in Spain in 1857 and traded on the New York Stock
Exchange (ticker: BBVA). BBVA S.A., one of the largest banks in Spain, owns the largest financial institution in Mexico and
leading financial services franchises in South America. BBVA S.A. is also the leading shareholder in Garanti BBVA, a financial
services company in Turkey, and has investment, transaction, and capital markets banking businesses in the U.S.
The following paragraphs describe GWA's business practices, services, and fees. Conflicts of interest arising from
the Adviser or its Associates are disclosed herein.
Advisory Business
As used in this Brochure, the words "we," "our," or "us" refer to GWA and the words "you," "your," and "client" refer to you as
either a client or prospective client of our Firm. The term Associates refers to GWA's Supervised Persons - the Firm's Officers
and Directors ("Control Persons"), employees, and the Investment Adviser Representatives of GWA ("Financial Advisors"),
who are licensed as necessary for their roles and client base, supervised, and approved by GWA to provide investment advice
or advisory services on behalf of the Adviser.
GWA owes a fiduciary duty to clients, as defined under the applicable laws and regulations. As a fiduciary, GWA upholds a
duty of loyalty, care, fairness, and good faith towards each client and seeks to mitigate potential conflicts of interest. In
providing investment advice to clients, GWA strives to act with a high degree of care, skill, prudence and diligence under the
circumstances that a prudent person acting in a fiduciary capacity would use.
GWA's advisory services are made available to clients primarily through its Financial Advisors. Each advisory relationship at
GWA is managed by one or more Financial Advisors registered with the Firm, who serve as the primary point of contact
between GWA and the client. Financial Advisors collect financial profile and suitability information from clients and recommend
specific advisory services or programs deemed appropriate after assessing the client’s situation, financial circumstances,
goals, objectives and investor risk profile, amongst other considerations. Financial Advisors are required by applicable rules
and policies to obtain licenses and complete training to recommend specific investment products and services. Clients should
be aware that their Financial Advisor can or can not recommend certain services, investments, or models depending on the
licenses or training obtained and can transact business or respond to inquiries only in the state(s) and locations in which they
are appropriately qualified. For more information about the Financial Advisor providing advisory services, clients should refer
to their Financial Advisor's Form ADV 2B Brochure Supplement, a separate disclosure document offered to the client, along
with this Brochure, before or at the time of relationship inception. (If the client did not receive a Form ADV 2B Brochure
Supplement, they should contact their Financial Advisor or GWA directly.)
GWA's advisory services are designed and aimed to complement clients’ needs, as described within its written services
contracts (the "Investment Advisory Agreement" or "IAA" (for non-discretionary services), and the “Investment Management
Agreement” or “IMA” (for discretionary services)) that disclose, in substance, the scope of service, contract term, advisory fee,
formula for computing the fee, and type of authority granted to GWA. The IAA and the IMA will hereinafter be referred to as
the “Client Agreement” and collectively as the “Client Agreements”. Final fee structures are documented within the written
Client Agreements. Financial Advisors are restricted to providing the services specified within each Client Agreement, subject
to the client's listed objectives, limitations, and restrictions. Client Agreements must be completed and executed to engage
GWA's advisory services. Clients can engage GWA for additional services at any time. (Please refer to Item 5: Fees &
Compensation and Item 16: Investment Discretion for further details on advisory services fees and account management
style.)
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Once established, no Client Agreement can be assigned - within the meaning of the Advisers Act - by the Adviser without the
client's consent as set forth in the Client Agreement. (Note: Transactions that do not result in a change of actual control or
management of the Adviser within the meaning of the Advisers Act shall not be considered an assignment.)
Non-Exclusive Relationship
GWA's relationship with each client is non-exclusive; in other words, we provide advisory services to multiple clients, with
investment strategies and advice based on each client's specific financial situation. Accordingly, since investment strategies
and advice are custom-tailored based on each client's specific financial situation, the advice we provide to one client can differ
or conflict with that provided for the same security or investment for another. (See Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies & Risk of Loss for additional information.)
Other Professional Service Provider Recommendations
GWA can recommend the services of other professionals for implementation purposes. These professionals, who can be
lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc., are engaged directly by the client on an as-needed basis. We do not receive
referral fees for such recommendations, and clients are under no obligation to engage in any recommended professional
services. Clients wishing to engage in such services will execute a separate agreement between the client and their selected
referred professional(s). Unless disclosed otherwise, GWA is not a party to the transaction and does not maintain the
authority to accept any client on behalf of any referred professional. Each referred party has the right to reject any referred
GWA client for any reason or no reason.
In selecting a referred professional, the client is responsible for understanding the referred provider's separate contract,
including fees and charges and for those charges when assessed, should they choose to engage the referred professional.
The client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any
recommendation from GWA. If conflicts of interest related to recommendations of other professionals arise in the future, we
will disclose them to you. (Note: If a client engages any recommended professional, and a dispute arises thereafter relative to
such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from and against the engaged professional.)
Client Responsibilities
GWA's advisory services depend on and rely upon the information received from clients. The Adviser cannot adequately
perform its obligations and fulfill its fiduciary duties to the client unless the client discloses an accurate and complete
representation of their financial position and investment needs, timely remits requested data or paperwork, provides updates
promptly upon changes, and otherwise fulfills its responsibilities under its Client Agreement. Financial Advisors will rely upon
the accuracy of information furnished by the client or on their behalf without further investigation. GWA will not be required to
verify the information obtained from clients or other professional advisors, such as accountants or attorneys. Clients will
acknowledge and agree to their obligation to promptly notify GWA in writing if any information material to the advisory services
to be provided changes, information previously provided that might affect how their account should be managed occurs, or if
earlier disclosed data becomes inaccurate.
The client or their successor shall also promptly notify us in writing of the client's dissolution, termination, merger, or
bankruptcy if the client is other than a natural person and of the occurrence of any other event that might affect the validity of
their Client Agreement or our authority thereunder.
GWA reserves the right to terminate any client engagement where a client has willfully concealed or refused to provide
pertinent information about details material to the advisory services to be provided or individual/financial situations when
necessary and appropriate, in its judgment, to provide proper financial advice.
The following is a summary description of advisory services covered by this Brochure. Clients should consult with
their Financial Advisor and the applicable Client Agreement and Fee Schedules for additional information regarding
each service.
Description of Advisory Services
GWA is an investment advisory firm; it does not sell securities on a commission basis. Our Financial Advisors emphasize
6
client contact and interaction in providing the following individually tailored investment advice and advisory services:
● Portfolio Advisory Services
● Wrap Fee Program Services*
*The BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. Wrap Fee Program is offered to prospective and existing advisory clients with the option to make investment
advisory services and transaction/commission costs available via a single fee in conjunction with GWA as Wrap Fee Program Manager and Sponsor for
this Program. Please see GWA's Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1 - Wrap Fee Brochure for complete details.
Portfolio Advisory Services
With GWA's Portfolio Advisory Services, Financial Advisors will collect financial profile information from clients at the onset
of the advisory relationship through personal discussions and the use of diagnostic questionnaires designed to help the
Financial Advisor assess the client's objectives and determine their risk tolerance to create a customized investment plan for
portfolio management. Multiple aspects of the client's financial affairs are reviewed, with agreed-upon, realistic and
measurable goals set based on the disclosed information. According to the selected service(s), the client's written Client
Agreement will document the details of the advisory relationship and final advisory fee structure.
GWA’s advisory services include recommending and analyzing investments, discussing market trends, and providing guidance
with respect to investment product alternatives. Clients can evaluate specific trade ideas with their Financial Advisor and
trade individual stocks, ETFs, structured notes, bonds, and funds, among others, with the assistance of GWA’s Investment
Team. Investment advice is provided on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. Discretionary investment advice is
provided when the client delegates decision making authority of their investment accounts to the Adviser. Non-discretionary
investment advice is provided when the client retains the final decision-making authority for each trade or investment decision
in the account. Clients retain the unrestricted right to decline any advice provided by GWA only with respect to assets in
accounts managed on a non-discretionary basis. (See Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Type of
Investments & Risk of Investment Loss, and Item 16: Investment Discretion for additional details.)
In connection with determining investments suited to a client's risk profile, GWA's Investment Team leverages investment
analysis conducted by BBVA S.A.'s fund research team and reviews Investment Guides ("BBVA Investment Guides")
developed by BBVA S.A.'s Global Wealth Investment Committee ("GWIC"), of which our Chief Investment Officer is a member.
GWIC uses well-established investment principles and investment methodologies to develop the BBVA Investment Guides,
which establish asset allocation target ranges for general client risk profiles. Typically drawing from the BBVA Investment
Guides recommended by GWIC and/or other third-party information, our Investment Team develops asset allocation
recommendations for our clients ("GWA Investment Guides"). (See “Types of Investments” below for additional information on
the investment products used in client portfolios.)
GWA does not provide advice with respect to the use of margin or securities lending. However, our clients can independently
decide to enter into agreements with their Custodians related to using margin (i.e., leverage) in their accounts. In such cases,
the Financial Advisor can facilitate the client's interaction with the Custodian for the purposes of margin investing.
GWA’s Financial Advisors are not legal, estate planning or tax accounting professionals; neither GWA nor any of its Financial
Advisors provides legal, estate planning, or tax advice. Clients should consult their own legal, estate planning, tax accounting
and other professional advisers before implementing any investment strategy their Financial Advisor recommends.
Investor Risk Profile
Through a collaborative process with each client, GWA will create an Investor Risk Profile (“IRP” or “Profile”), which will be
used to determine the appropriate investment mix for the client. Financial Advisors will confer with the client periodically to
review the client's investment objectives and investment mix and make a reasonable effort to confirm or update the written
client information to keep the data current, no less than annually.
The IRP is created using a combination of the client's responses to a questionnaire designed to help determine investment
goals, financial market expertise, liquidity needs, time horizon, risk tolerance and other relevant information gathered through
personal client discussions and the overall client relationship. Existing investments will typically also be evaluated to determine
whether they harmonize with the client’s financial objectives.
7
The information clients supply will become the basis for a strategic asset allocation plan designed to assist the client in striving
to meet their expressed personal short and long-term financial goals and objectives. Based on the data gathered, the client's
questionnaire replies, and the set of guidelines established by GWA, the client will be classified into one of the following five
Profiles:
1. Very Conservative Risk Profile – Investor with a low-risk tolerance looking for capital preservation at the end of a
defined investment period.
2. Conservative Risk Profile –Investor with a low risk tolerance, seeking high stability of returns and aiming to limit
exposure to market volatility, understanding that this may result in more modest long-term growth potential.
Portfolios for Conservative investors hold a predominantly high allocation to lower-risk fixed income instruments,
with a low exposure to equities or higher-volatility assets.
3. Balanced Conservative Risk Profile –Investor with a balanced risk tolerance, looking to grow capital above the
inflation rate in the long term. Willing to invest a moderate percentage of assets in US and non-US equities and
accept a moderate amount of volatility.
4. Balanced Aggressive Risk Profile - Investor willing to invest an even higher percentage of assets in US and
non-US equities and riskier securities. Looking to maximize returns and willing to accept a higher level of
volatility. Even though the foundation of the portfolio construction process for Balanced Aggressive investors
generally takes a long-term approach, shorter-term goals might have an even higher priority in this portfolio.
5. Aggressive Risk Profile – Investor with a very high risk tolerance, prepared for significant short-term volatility in
pursuit of higher long-term growth potential. Portfolios for Aggressive investors concentrate heavily in equities
and other return-seeking assets, with only limited allocations to lower-volatility instruments. These investors are
comfortable with substantial market fluctuations, understanding that results may vary widely over shorter periods
in exchange for the potential of enhanced long-term capital appreciation..
Portfolio Construction
Each client IRP typically maps to a GWA Investment Guide, which represents the recommended asset allocation for the
respective IRP. The GWA Investment Guides incorporate strategic (long-term) and tactical (short-term) components.
The overarching principles of the GWA Investment Guide development process are as follows:
● Asset selection, liquidity, and risk tolerance are key considerations when constructing asset allocation guidelines
for a given IRP.
● Diversification is necessary and fundamental to navigate and reduce volatility; concentration could increase risk
and volatility.
● Valuations are important in assessing the intrinsic value of an asset, determining whether it is overvalued or
undervalued, and informing the decision to buy, sell, or hold the asset based on its fair value versus its market
price. and
● A disciplined allocation process can steer an investor away from making decisions based on emotional biases.
When determining the Investment Solution for a particular client risk profile, as previously noted, GWA analyzes various
products before recommending to its clients a customized portfolio appropriate for each client's IRP and in accordance with
the client's risk tolerances and investment objectives.
Client portfolios are reviewed through an ongoing process of assessing client objectives, developing an appropriate asset
allocation that seeks to achieve those objectives, and modifying that allocation as necessary to address risks and
opportunities.
Client Tailored Services
GWA offers the same fundamental suite of investment advisory services to its clients. However, some clients will require
additional or limited services due to the size of their investments, nature of their investments, etc. Limited services are
discounted at GWA’s discretion, as detailed herein and defined in each client's written Client Agreement. (For more
information, see Item 5: Fees & Compensation.)
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Client Imposed Restrictions
Clients can, at any time, impose restrictions on investing in particular securities or security types according to their
preferences, values, or beliefs. Such restrictions must be submitted to GWA in writing. Clients can also amend/change such
limitations by once again providing written instructions. Reasonable efforts are made to comply with client investment
guidelines, including any client's reasonable limits, by standard industry practices. In imposing restrictions, it is essential to
note that such conditions can affect a client's account performance and result in variations from a similar account without
restrictions. It is important to note that client-imposed restrictions within their account and variations could result in positive or
negative performance differences for the account compared to accounts without such restrictions. The restrictions can also
potentially prevent achieving a client's specific goals.
Upon receiving a client's written restrictions, GWA will discuss the restriction request's feasibility to confirm expectations are
met and verify the client's acknowledgment and understanding of the imposed restriction's possible outcomes. GWA reserves
the right to either reject client-imposed restrictions or end the client relationship. Client-imposed restrictions will not be
effective unless accepted by GWA in writing.
In no event, regardless of the advisory service provided, is GWA obligated to make any investment or enter into any
transaction it believes in good faith would violate any federal or state law or regulation.
Wrap Fee Program Services
Under our Wrap Fee Program Services, GWA is the Sponsor and investment adviser of the BBVA Global Wealth Advisors'
Portfolio Adviser Program and the BBVA Global Wealth Advisors' Managed Portfolio Investment Programs (collectively, the
"Wrap Fee Program" or “Program”), which differs from a regular advisory services account in that clients receive both
investment advisory services and the execution of securities brokerage transactions, custody, reporting, and related services
for a specified, bundled asset-based fee (the "Program Fee" or "Wrap Fee") regardless of the number of trades completed by
a client. The assets in each Wrap Fee Program are regularly monitored, with investment strategy purchase and sale
transactions based on the client's specific needs and investment goals.
Wrap Fee Program clients will undergo the same collection of client profile information and analysis as indicated in the
preceding section and enter into a separate Client Agreement to participate in the Program that sets forth the terms and
conditions of the engagement, describes the scope of the services to be provided, fees to be paid, and the type of authority
granted to GWA. Final advisory fee structures are documented within the written Client Agreement. Clients will then invest in
the Wrap Fee Program by establishing one or more accounts with the Wrap Fee Program's Qualified Custodian.
Generally, clients participating in this type of Program will pay the Wrap Fee to the Program Sponsor quarterly in arrears,
based on a percentage of assets under management. With the client’s written permission, the Custodian will debit this
payment from the client’s account. GWA passes on a portion of the Wrap Fee to the Broker-Dealer partner of the program for
its services (e.g., execution of securities brokerage transactions) and retains a portion of the Wrap Fee for the advisory
services it provides.
The overall costs clients will incur if they participate in our Wrap Fee Programs can be higher or lower than they could incur by
separately purchasing the types of securities available in the Program. Clients should be aware that a conflict of interest
exists whenever GWA recommends participating in its Wrap Fee Program. Because the Wrap Fee Program has a higher fee,
Financial Advisors have a slight incentive to offer it over a non-wrap fee program, so they could be financially incentivized to
recommend such a service.
The SEC rules require that a Wrap Fee Brochure be provided to clients before or when opening a Wrap Fee Program account.
GWA has prepared a Wrap Fee Brochure that provides clients with important information about our Program, including further
information about the services and fees participating clients will pay. (Please see GWA's Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1 -
Wrap Fee Program Brochure for complete details on this advisory service offering.)
Types of Investments
GWA's investment advisory services are designed to accommodate a wide range of investment philosophies and objectives.
We primarily offer advice on the products selected by the GWA Investment Team after careful analysis - specific mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), equities, fixed-income investments, structured products (including structured notes), pooled
investment vehicles, including but not limited to funds established in accordance with the European Union's Undertaking for
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Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Directive ("UCITS"), and alternative investments (collectively, the "Investment
Solutions") that can be recommended to our clients. The GWA Investment Team uses proprietary research as well as
research prepared by BBVA S.A. and third parties when selecting our Investment Solutions. The GWA Investment Guide for a
client, together with the Investment Solutions recommended to and approved by the client, is collectively referred to as the
client's Investment Portfolio. (See Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Type of Investments & Risk of
Investment Loss for additional information.)
In addition to internally constructed portfolios, GWA may utilize model portfolios designed and maintained by third-party asset
managers, investment strategists, or other financial institutions ("Model Providers"). These Model Providers are responsible for
the underlying research, asset allocation, and ongoing rebalancing recommendations of specific investment models, which
typically consist of mutual funds, ETFs, or individual securities. When utilizing Model Providers, the GWA Investment Team
conducts initial and ongoing due diligence to ensure the selected models align with our clients’ varied investment objectives,
risk profiles, and time horizons. While Model Providers furnish the strategy, GWA retains the authority to implement, modify, or
terminate the use of any model within a client's Investment Portfolio based on the client's best interests.
Although GWA provides advice predominantly on the products listed above, the Adviser reserves the right to offer advice on
any investment product deemed suitable for a client's specific circumstances, needs, individual goals, and objectives and can
use other securities to help diversify a portfolio when appropriate. Before acting on any analysis, advice, or recommendation,
GWA recommends prospective investors consult with their legal counsel, tax, and other financial investment professionals, as
necessary, to aid in due diligence as proper for their situation and determine the suitability of the risk associated with any
investment. (For additional information on investment considerations, see Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies,
Type of Investments & Risk of Investment Loss.)
Conflicts of Interest
Clients should be aware that the specific advisory services selected and the compensation to GWA and their Financial Advisor
will differ according to the exact service chosen. The compensation we receive can be greater than the amounts otherwise
received had the client participated in another service or paid separately for investment advice, brokerage, or other relevant
services.
Due to the differences in fee schedules among the various advisory programs and services offered by GWA and the client’s
Financial Advisor, a conflict of interest exists when there is a financial incentive to recommend a particular service over others.
Factors that bear upon the cost of a specific advisory program in relation to the cost of the same services purchased
separately include, but are not limited to, the type and size of the account, the historical and expected size or number of trades
for the account, and the number and range of supplementary advisory and client-related services provided to the account.
GWA does not represent that the products or services offered are at the lowest available cost - clients could be able to obtain
the same or similar products or services at a lower price from other providers.
GWA has adopted and implemented compliance policies and procedures and a Code of Ethics (“Code”) to mitigate conflicts of
interest. GWA’s Code is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31st, 2025, our assets under management total approximately $ 1,293,330,562. The following represents
client assets under management by account type:
Type of Account
Assets Under Management
Discretionary
Non-Discretionary
Total
$ 0
$ 1,293,330,562
$ 1,293,330,562
ITEM 5: Fees & Compensation
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Advisory Services Fees & Compensation
GWA’s advisory clients agree to pay an asset-based advisory fee calculated according to the schedules indicated herein.
(Note: Wrap Fee Program clients should review GWA's Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1 - Wrap Fee Brochure for information
about the fees associated with that advisory service.)
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Fee Negotiation Availability
Advisory fees are negotiable up to the maximum annual rates listed herein, subject to certain limitations and approval by
GWA. The Adviser, in its sole discretion, can charge lesser fees or choose to reduce or waive minimum fees for services
based upon specific criteria such as pre-existing client relationships, the number of related investment accounts, inception
date, total account assets under management, expected additional assets, anticipated future earning capacity, account
composition, and client negotiations, among others.
At GWA’s discretion, certain employee accounts or those for members of a client's family or otherwise can be assessed fees
based on the total balance of all accounts.
While GWA seeks to facilitate advantageous agreements for clients, to the extent fees are negotiable, some clients can pay
higher (more) or lower (less) fees than other clients for services than if they had contracted directly with another provider.
According to the selected advisory services, the final fee structures will be reflected in each client's written Client Agreement.
Lower fees for comparable services can sometimes be available from other sources. In all cases, clients are responsible for
any tax liabilities that result from any transactions.
Regardless of fee negotiation availability, under no circumstances will a client be required to pre-pay a GWA advisory
fee more than six months in advance, in excess of $1,200.
Non-Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services Fees
Schedule of fees
GWA’s Non-Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services fees are generally assessed using a tiered annual fee calculation.
The schedule of fees below identifies rates for various account value ranges based on the account size (i.e., the “assets under
management”):
Schedule of Non-Discretionary Advisory Fees
Total Assets Under Management
Annual Fees
$0 - $1,000,000
$1,000,001 - $7,500,000
$7,500,001 +
Up to 2.00%
Up to 1.50%
Up to 0.90%
Note: We will charge 2.00% if any Advisory Service account's average daily balance for the quarter is
between $250,001-$499,999. We charge a minimum annual fee of $5,000 for Advisory Services accounts
that fall below $250,000 (in terms of average daily balance in a quarter). Lower fees for comparable services
can sometimes be available from other sources.
Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services Fees
Schedule of fees
GWA’s Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services fees are also generally assessed using a tiered annual fee calculation.
The schedule of fees below identifies rates for various account value ranges based on the account size (i.e., the “assets under
management”):
Schedule of Discretionary Advisory Fees
Total Assets Under Management
Annual Fees
$0 - $1,000,000
$1,000,001 - $7,500,000
$7,500,001 +
Up to 2.30%
Up to 1.80%
Up to 1.20%
Note: Lower fees for comparable services can sometimes be available from other sources
Use of Model Portfolios
For certain Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services, GWA utilizes model portfolios provided by third-party Model Providers .
In these arrangements, the Model Provider provides a set of investment recommendations (a “Model”) which are then
implemented for your account.
Compensation to Model Providers and Custodians
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As part of our Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services, GWA may pay Model Providers for the use of their Models and
ongoing management of the Models, and GWA pays Custodians for platform services as follows:
- A portion of the Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Fee charged by GWA may be paid to a Model Provider if the Model
Provider’s Model is implemented for your account.
- A portion of the Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Fee charged by GWA is paid to the Custodian as a platform fee for
access to the Custodians platform and custody of your portfolio(s). This fee does not include other applicable
custodial fees (see “Fees Charged by Other Financial Institutions” below.)
Additional details regarding fees for your account are available to you in your Client Agreement.
Conflicts of Interest
The use of third-party Model Providers creates several inherent conflicts of interest such as but not limited to:
- Cost Minimization: Because GWA pays the Model Provider a portion of your Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services
fee, we have a financial incentive to select Model Providers with lower costs rather than those that may be most
appropriate for your specific financial needs. We mitigate this conflict of interest by adhering to a strict fiduciary
standard, utilizing an investment committee to select Model Providers based solely on objective performance metrics
and client suitability rather than our internal cost structure.
- Other Benefits & Support: Certain Model Providers may provide GWA with additional benefits, such as marketing
support, technology subsidies, or complimentary attendance at conferences sponsored by the Model Provider. This
creates an incentive for us to recommend a Model Provider based on the benefits we receive rather than the
investment merit of the model. GWA manages this conflict by maintaining a rigorous due diligence process that
evaluates Model Providers solely on investment merit and client suitability, ensuring that any ancillary benefits or
support received are not factors in our selection or retention of Model Providers.
- Product Bias: Some Model Providers are also fund complex managers. These managers often populate their models
with their own proprietary Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or Mutual Funds. This creates a secondary layer of fees
that you pay to the Model Provider and may result in the use of proprietary products even when lower-cost or
higher-performing third-party options are available in the market. We mitigate this conflict by conducting comparisons
of the Model Provider’s costs against similar third-party alternatives.
Fee Calculation
Except as otherwise described in this section, advisory fees are calculated on the average daily balance of your account(s)
and are billed quarterly in arrears, based on the net asset value of each account during the billing period, including assets
invested in cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest, and dividends, but excluding the amount of outstanding margin
balances.
If a Client Agreement is executed at any time other than the first day of a calendar quarter, our fees will apply on a pro-rata
basis, which means that the advisory fee is payable in proportion to the number of days in the quarter for which you are a
client.
Assets under management include all U.S. securities, non-U.S. securities, cash and other instruments in a client's account
advised by GWA. GWA considers cash to be an asset class. Depending on market conditions, investment advisory strategies
often involve moving to cash positions for varying periods. As a result, cash balances are included in the value of the assets
under our management that are the basis for charging our advisory fee unless otherwise noted in the Client Agreement (i.e.,
outstanding margin balances). The advisory fee billed to the cash portion of client accounts will exceed money market yields
when rates for such money market funds are lower than the advisory fees charged to the account. To calculate an account's
net asset balance, we deduct the amount of any outstanding margin balances from the account's total gross asset balance,
but do not deduct the amount of any outstanding non-purpose loan balances. Securities without a readily available market
price are valued at fair value, as determined in good faith by the Custodian. With respect to client account assets in
alternative investments, alternative investment managers and underlying vehicles typically provide the Custodian with an
asset's valuation.
Fee Billing
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GWA's policy is to deduct its advisory fee directly from client accounts through the Custodian holding your funds and securities
as authorized in the Client Agreement. No other method of fee payment is accepted. Advisory fee deduction will occur only
when the following requirements are met:
1. Clients must authorize GWA in writing, through a duly executed Client Agreement, to directly deduct advisory
fees due from their Custodial account and provide the Custodian with authorization to deduct such fees and
instructions to remit them directly to GWA.
2. The account Custodian agrees to send the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed
from their account, including the amount of the advisory fee paid directly to GWA.
GWA’s account advisory fee will be payable first from free credit balances, money market funds, or cash equivalents, if any,
and second from liquidating a portion of the client’s securities holdings. Please note that ongoing fees reduce the value of an
investment portfolio over time. When our advisory fee is debited from the portfolio's assets, clients have less money invested
to generate a return. Clients are encouraged to discuss the impact of fees with their Financial Advisor.
When authorized by the client to debit advisory fees from client accounts, GWA is deemed to have custody of client assets to
the extent the adviser is permitted to instruct Custodians to deduct the fees. We urge clients to compare their Custodial
account statements with any portfolio report or data they may receive from us promptly upon receipt to ensure the accuracy of
account transactions. Information obtained from us can vary based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation
methodologies.
If you find any inconsistent information between our invoice and the statement(s) you receive from your Custodian, contact us
directly at 305-205-7752. If a client is not receiving statements directly from their Custodian, in addition to promptly advising
their Financial Advisor, GWA also recommends that they contact their Custodian directly.
Account Additions, Withdrawals & Terminations
Clients can make additions to their GWA accounts in cash or securities at any time. GWA reserves the right to liquidate any
transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities into the client's account, according to the type of authority
granted to GWA. If GWA liquidates transferred securities, clients can be subject to additional fees such as transaction fees,
other fees assessed at the asset level, such as contingent deferred sales charges, and tax ramifications.
Clients can make withdrawals from their GWA accounts at any time in cash or securities, subject to the terms of Client’s
agreement with the Custodian. Withdrawals are subject to the usual and customary securities settlement procedures and
costs. Additionally, if the client transfers their account to another firm, they can pay an outgoing account transfer fee to the
Custodian.
Generally, account terminations can be made to a GWA services Client Agreement by written notice without penalty within
five (5) business days after the Agreement execution date. After that, the Client Agreement between GWA and the client will
continue in effect until either party terminates the Client Agreement following the terms of the Agreement, which states the
Client Agreement can be terminated by either party upon at least ten (10) days written notice to the other party. (Note: A
"business day" shall be any day when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.)
Terminations become effective on receipt of such notice and will not affect:
●
●
●
the validity of any action previously taken by the Adviser under the Client Agreement,
liabilities or obligations of the parties from transactions initiated before termination of the Client Agreement, or
the client's obligation to pay management and other fees due, prorated through the termination date.
Upon receiving the termination notice of the Client Agreement, GWA will take steps to deliver cash/and/or securities as per the
client's instructions, subject to the terms of the Client’s account agreement with the Custodian. If securities are liquidated,
clients can incur liquidation fees or contingent deferred sales charges. Depending on market conditions, a liquidation can
result in a loss. In addition, the Custodian or Broker-Dealer liquidating the security positions can impose additional fees. If the
client holds certain alternative investments and/or illiquid securities, they may have to wait for specific redemption schedules.
GWA bills the client in arrears for services that have already been rendered. Therefore, there is no need to refund any
unearned advisory fees at account termination.
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If the client is a natural person, the client's death, disability, or incompetency will not terminate or change the terms of a Client
Agreement. Instead, the Client Agreement shall immediately terminate upon the Adviser’s receipt of proof of the client's death
and a duly authorized representative’s written instruction to terminate the Client Agreement. The disability or incompetency of
the client will also not terminate or change the terms of the Client Agreement; however, the client’s duly authorized
representative can terminate the Client Agreement by giving written notice to GWA. Before termination, all directions given or
actions taken or omitted by GWA before the effective Client Agreement termination shall be binding upon the client and any
successor or legal representative. The Adviser will no longer be entitled to receive fees from the termination date and has no
obligation to recommend or act concerning an account's securities, cash, or other investments under the terminated Client
Agreement.
Wrap Fee Program Services Fees
GWA’s Wrap Fee Program Services fees for the Wrap Fee Program are asset-based fees that will include investment
advisory services fees and the fees for most of the brokerage, custody, clearance, settlement, and other administrative
services and transaction costs to the Broker-Dealer/Custodian with custody of the client’s assets and, therefore, are usually
higher than a typical asset-based advisory fee. GWA will receive a portion of the Wrap Fee for its services. Wrap Fees are
generally calculated on the average daily balance of your account and billed quarterly in arrears, based on the net asset value
of each account during the billing period, including assets invested in cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest, and
dividends, but excluding the amount of outstanding margin balances. (For complete details, refer to GWA’s Form ADV Part 2A
– Appendix 1 Wrap Fee Brochure and the Wrap Fee Program Client Agreement.)
Other Fees & Expenses
Mutual Funds, ETFs & Pooled Investment Vehicle Fees
Mutual funds generally offer multiple share classes available for investment based on specific eligibility and/or purchase
requirements. If such investments are selected for a client's account, the client and all other shareholders will pay the funds'
investment managers an advisory fee. In addition to those underlying advisory fees, the client will bear a proportionate share
of the funds' expenses, which can include 12b-1 fees and shareholder sub-accounting and distribution expenses. Each
offering prospectus will describe the offering’s complete fees and expenses, which can vary depending on the share class.
Depending on the share class selected, fees and internal expenses charged can be higher or lower. Certain funds do not
charge a transaction fee but have higher internal expenses. Selecting funds with higher fees and expenses can adversely
impact an account's long-term performance. The appropriateness of a particular fund share class selection depends upon
several considerations.
Further, not all funds and share classes offered to the public are available through the Firm for which a client might otherwise
be eligible to purchase. Clients should consider the fees these investments charge and our fees to fully understand the total
amount paid when evaluating the advisory services provided.
Prior to recommending this type of purchase, the Financial Advisor will undertake an analysis to determine whether the
recommended share class of the fund is in the client's best interest. When recommending these investments, it is GWA's
policy to consider all available share classes and select and recommend, whenever possible, that clients invest in the lowest
cost share class available based on the client’s needs and various other factors, including but not limited to minimum
investment requirements, trading restrictions, internal expense structure, transaction charges and availability, among others.
Therefore, in most cases, GWA will recommend institutional or adviser share classes with these lowest expense ratios, which
are less expensive than other share classes and are usually available to investors in qualified fee-based adviser programs or
accounts that meet certain minimum investment requirements.
When deemed appropriate for an investor's specific situation, Financial Advisors can, at times, also recommend selecting or
holding a mutual fund share class that charges higher internal expenses than other available share classes for the same
family.
For share classes transferred in from other institutions, GWA’s Financial Advisors will, as soon as practicable upon receipt,
evaluate whether more appropriate share classes may be available for the client to exchange at no cost and recommend that
the client switches to a lower-cost share class, or can recommend liquidating the existing holdings, which could result in the
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client having to pay contingent deferred sales charges, or other redemption fees and tax implications. Regardless of such
considerations, GWA clients should not assume they will be invested in the share class with the lowest possible expense ratio.
Fees Charged by Other Financial Institutions
In addition to the above, clients should also be aware that GWA's advisory fees are exclusive of bank, custodial or brokerage
fees, commissions, trading and transactional costs, liquidation/transfer/termination fees, costs associated with certificate
delivery or dealer profits, taxes, duties, and other governmental charges on brokerage accounts and securities transactions,
wire and other transfer fees, mark-ups, mark-downs, regulatory fees, and other costs and expenses for the trades conducted
in their Custodial accounts. Portfolios can also include transactions in foreign securities and execution on foreign stock
exchanges that can result in foreign or other transaction expenses and costs associated with international exchange
transactions. Additional securities fees and expenses can also be incurred and will vary considerably based on individual
portfolio construction. For example, other customary fees and expenses clients can pay to other parties in connection with
their portfolio accounts can include, but are not limited to:
Margin Interest - the interest the client pays to a Broker-Dealer/Qualified Custodian on loans made to finance the
purchase or sale of securities or securities in their investment account. The interest rate charged and other
information about the loan, including how interest is calculated and other disclosures of risk and liability, will be
described to the client in the separate margin agreement that the client executes with their Broker-Dealer/Qualified
Custodian. Fees for advice and execution on these securities are based on the total asset value of the account,
which includes the value of the securities purchased on margin. While a negative amount may be shown on a client's
statement for the margined security due to a lower net market value, the fee amount GWA charges for our advisory
services is based on the market value of the client’s account. To calculate an account’s net asset balance, we deduct
the amount of any outstanding margin balances from the account’s total gross asset balance, but do not deduct the
amount of any outstanding non-purpose loan balances. This means if a client chooses to loan their securities, GWA
will only charge the fee on the net value of the account (i.e., we will discount the net margin balance). Using margin
can also result in interest charges and all other fees and expenses associated with the security involved.
Securities Execution Transaction Fees – the fees charged by a clearing Broker-Dealer to an introducing
Broker-Dealer and passed through to the client for payment relating to the purchase and sale of securities in their
investment account. A schedule of charges relating to the purchase and sales by type of security is provided to the
client by each account’s Broker-Dealer/Qualified Custodian of record, as well as any changes or updates to such fee
schedules.
All fees paid to GWA for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the asset-based management fees
charged by managers of mutual funds, ETFs, and pooled investment vehicles in which a client invests, as well as those other
additional fees discussed herein. GWA does not receive any portion of these fees, commissions, costs, or expenses; they are
separate, distinct, exclusive of and in addition to GWA’s advisory services fees.
To fully understand the total account costs they will pay, it is the client’s responsibility to read and understand not only this
document and GWA’s Client Agreement but also the offering documents, prospectus, disclosures, and other legal
documentation that explain the difference in the fees, costs, expenses, commissions and other related information for
securities purchased or sold in the client’s investment account as well as the disclosures made regarding all fees charged by
GWA, the Broker-Dealer/Qualified Custodian, and others, as applicable for the type of account established.
GWA does not represent that the products or services offered through our Firm are provided at the lowest cost. Clients could
obtain the same or similar products or services at a lower price from other providers, and will choose whether to act on
recommendations to purchase investment products. If clients decide to purchase a recommended investment product, they
can buy the same or a similar one through any broker or agent, including those not affiliated with GWA. Please note that GWA
expects to recommend certain funds managed by its affiliates. (See Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk
of Loss, Item 10, Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations, and Item 12: Brokerage Practices for additional information and,
for Wrap Fee Program clients, GWA’s Form ADV Part 2A - Appendix 1 for details about the fees associated with our advisory
service offerings.)
Before acting on GWA’s analysis, advice, or recommendation, clients should consult with their legal counsel, tax, or other
investment professionals, as necessary, to aid in due diligence as proper for their situation and decide the risk suitability of the
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investment under consideration. Investment products are not FDIC insured, insured by any federal government agency, or a
deposit, other obligation of, or guaranteed by GWA.
ITEM 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Performance-based fees are based on a share of capital gains or capital appreciation of a client's account.
Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing accounts that are charged performance-based fees while at the
same time managing accounts that are not charged performance-based fees.
GWA does not accept performance-based fees nor participate in side-by-side management.
ITEM 7: Types Of Clients
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Types of Clients
GWA generally provides advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and family offices.
if any account's average daily balance
for
the quarter
Minimum Investment
We generally require a minimum investment size of $500,000 to open and maintain account(s) with us. We will charge 2% for
Non-Discretionary Advisory Services accounts
is
between $250,001-$499,999. We charge a minimum annual fee of $5,000 for Non-Discretionary Advisory Services accounts
that fall below $250,000 (in terms of the average daily balance in a quarter), but we reserve the right to reduce, increase, or
waive the minimum investment size, terminate relationships that fall below the minimum established requirements, require
additional funds be deposited to bring a client relationship value up to the required minimum or waive advisory fees and
account minimums for employee, employee-related, or affiliate employee accounts.
Certain investment products can require annual minimum fees or minimum asset levels for participation. We can also waive
account advisory fees or account minimums for employee, employee-related, and affiliate employee accounts. There are no
ongoing contribution requirements for client accounts. Clients should thoroughly review disclosure materials or brochures and
consult with their Financial Advisor about the implications of such minimum requirements before investing in such products.
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Type of Investments & Risk of Investment Loss
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Methods of Analysis
GWA uses various methods/techniques of analysis to inform the development of Investment Guides and recommendations of
Investment Solutions for its clients, including:
Fundamental Analysis - a method that measures intrinsic value by examining related economic, financial, and other
qualitative and quantitative factors. Fundamental analysts attempt to study everything that can affect the asset value,
including macroeconomic factors (i.e., the overall economy and industry conditions) and company-specific factors
(i.e., the general financial health of companies, quality of management, or competitive advantages). The end goal of
performing fundamental analysis is to produce a value that an investor can compare with the asset’s current price,
with the aim of figuring out what sort of position to take with that asset(underpriced = buy, overpriced = sell or short).
This method is considered the opposite of technical analysis. The risk of fundamental analysis is that information
obtained may be incorrect, and the analysis may not provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the
basis for a stock's value. If asset prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not
result in favorable performance.
Macroeconomic Analysis - focuses on the performance of economies and economic variables like inflation, interest,
foreign exchange rates and growth, with risk that includes the uncertainty of projections.
Modern Portfolio Theory - an investment theory that attempts to maximize a portfolio's expected return for a given
amount of risk or, equivalently, minimize risk for a given level of expected return, each by carefully choosing the
proportions of various asset classes. GWA utilizes modern portfolio theory as a principle underlying its asset
allocation processes.
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Quantitative Analysis - an analysis technique that deals with measurable factors (as distinguished from qualitative
considerations) and seeks
to understand behavior using complex mathematical and statistical modeling,
measurement, and research, including, for example, the value of assets, the cost of capital, and diverse statistical
measures. By assigning a numerical value to variables, quantitative analysts try to replicate reality mathematically.
Some believe that it can also be used to predict real-world events, such as changes in a share price. Some risks of
this type of analysis include the difficulty, time, and costs required to collect and conduct the data analysis.
Technical Analysis (“Charting”) - a method of evaluating securities by analyzing statistics generated by market
activity, such as past prices and volume. Technical analysts do not attempt to measure a security’s intrinsic value.
Instead, they use charts and other tools to identify patterns that can suggest future activity. When looking at individual
equities, a person using technical analysis generally believes that the performance of the stock, rather than the
performance of the company itself, has more to do with the company’s future stock price. Some risks of this type of
analysis include biased opinions or indicators that, while providing possible entry and exit points and information for
consideration, can produce false or conflicting signals or not be 100% accurate in their forecasting. GWA may use
this technique from time to time to generate tactical ideas for buying and/or selling a security.
Investment Strategies
Our investment strategies and advice will vary depending on each client's financial situation, as we determine investments and
allocations based on the client’s predefined objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, financial information, liquidity needs, and
other suitability factors appropriately identified and included in the client’s best interest objective. Client restrictions and
guidelines will also affect the composition of the client’s portfolio. The following are other items that can also be items for
consideration when determining investment strategies and practices:
Asset Allocation
To construct client portfolios, GWA follows an asset allocation process incorporating both a strategic and a tactical component.
GWA considers, as an input, the "Investment Guides" published by BBVA S.A.'s GWIC, which specify target exposure ranges
for various asset classes for different client risk profiles. GWA then develops its own asset allocation recommendations, which
are reviewed and adjusted periodically based on the evolution of macroeconomic factors, market performance and other
quantitative and qualitative factors.
Strategic Asset Allocation ("SAA" ) - SAA is part of GWA's asset allocation process. SAA analyzes the risk and
return characteristics of asset classes over a longer time horizon. As part of this process, and recognizing that future
performance cannot be determined with any level of certainty, we aim to estimate the long-term expected risk and
returns of various asset classes. These estimates are based primarily on a comprehensive analysis of various
factors, including historical data, economic indicators, market trends, and fundamental analysis. Longer time
horizons generally provide more confidence in estimates of asset class returns and risks. The long-term risk and
return estimates of asset classes are reviewed periodically twice a year, as well as in extreme market situations, in
order to assess how changes in macroeconomic conditions and recent market performance modify our estimates of
asset returns.
Tactical Asset Allocation ("TAA") - TAA is part of GWA's asset allocation process. TAA is an active management
strategy based on macroeconomic, sentiment, and momentum factors aimed at managing portfolio risk and returns
with an approximate time horizon of less than a year. At GWA, we attempt to identify and take advantage of
inefficiencies, opportunities, and dislocations that can arise in the markets at specific times with shorter time horizons.
For certain client risk profiles, especially those that tolerate a higher degree of risk, GWA can implement a tactical
investment approach for such clients' portfolios.
Tactical Investment Ideas - at GWA, we attempt to identify and take advantage of inefficiencies, opportunities, and
dislocations that can arise in the markets at specific times with shorter time horizons. For certain client risk profiles,
especially those that tolerate a higher degree of risk, GWA can implement a tactical investment approach for such
clients’ portfolios.
Funds, ETF & UCITS Selection
Our Investment Team leverages investment analysis and research conducted by BBVA S.A.'s fund research team, including
with respect to pooled investment vehicles ("funds") and ETFs. BBVA S.A.'s research analyzes a combination of quantitative
and qualitative criteria, including various measures of returns and risks across different time horizons, and categorizes funds,
ETFs, and UCITS into comparable groupings. The qualitative analysis complements and reinforces the results of the
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quantitative analysis. GWA can consider this fund, ETF, and UCITS research in developing its client recommendations.
Based on its analysis of the various funds, ETFs, and UCITS, the GWA Investment Team selects and highlights the most
appropriate alternatives within each asset class and each IRP..
While GWA’s Financial Advisors can provide advice on any investment held in a client's portfolio at the inception of the
advisory relationship and explore other investment options at the client's request, they reserve the right to advise clients on
any other type of investment deemed suitable based on the client's stated goals and objectives. However, when balancing
portfolios, GWA will consider only the account’s managed assets, not other investments the client may hold elsewhere.
Cash Management
In managing the cash maintained in your account, GWA will utilize only the cash vehicles (i.e., money market funds) made
available by the client’s Custodian. In most cases, at least a partial cash balance will be maintained to allow for the debit of
advisory fees or anticipated cash distributions to clients. There may be other cash management options away from the
Custodian available to clients with higher yields or safer underlying investments. (Note: Investment products are usually not
FDIC insured, insured by any federal government agency, a deposit, other obligation, or guaranteed by the Adviser.)
Tax Considerations
Our strategies and investments could have unique and significant tax implications. However, tax efficiency will not be our
primary consideration when managing your assets. Regardless of account size or other factors, we strongly recommend that
clients consult with a tax professional regarding investing their assets.
Custodians and Broker-Dealers must report the cost basis of equities acquired in client accounts. Custodians will typically
default to the First-In-First-Out ("FIFO") accounting method for calculating your investments’ cost basis. Clients are
responsible for contacting their tax advisor to determine if this accounting method is the right choice for them. If your tax
advisor believes another accounting method is more advantageous, provide written notice to our firm immediately and alert
the account Custodian of your individually selected accounting method. (Please note that all decisions regarding cost-based
accounting are required before trade settlement, as the cost-basis method cannot be changed after settlement.)
Risks of Loss & Other Types of Risk
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Over time, assets will fluctuate
and be worth more or less than the initial invested amount. Depending on the investment type, differing risk levels will exist.
GWA cannot guarantee or promise that a client's financial goals and objectives will be met (including the investments and/or
investment strategies recommended by GWA) or that investments will be profitable or achieve any specific level of
performance.
GWA does not represent or guarantee that the services provided or its analysis methods can or will predict future results,
successfully identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate investors from losses due to market corrections or declines. There is
no guarantee of client account future performance or any level of performance, the success of any investment decision or
strategy used, overall account management, or that any investment mix or projected or actual performance shown will lead to
expected results or perform in any predictable manner or that your financial goals and objectives will be met. All investment
programs have certain risks that the investor bears, and our investment approach keeps the risk of loss in mind. Past
performance is not indicative of future results. The investment decisions made for client accounts are subject to various
market, currency, economic, political, and business risks (including those listed below) and will not always be profitable. The
outcome(s) described and any strategies or investments discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Further, there can be
no assurance that advisory services will achieve any particular result, tax, or legal consequence.
An investment could lose money over short or even long periods. Clients should expect their account value and
returns to fluctuate within a wide range, like the overall stock and bond market fluctuations.
Every method of analysis has its inherent risks. For example, GWA relies on historical, current, and new market information to
perform market analysis. GWA has no control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore, unbeknownst to
us, certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information, limiting the value of our analysis. In addition, an
accurate market analysis can only produce a forecast of the direction of market values. There can be no assurance that a
forecasted market value change will materialize into actionable or profitable investment opportunities.
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Each of GWA's primary investment strategies – Asset Allocation, Tactical Investment Ideas and Funds/ETF Selection – can
have its own inherent risks and limitations. For example, longer-term investment strategies generally require a more extended
investment period to allow for the strategy to potentially develop. Short-term investment strategies can incur higher
transactional costs than a longer-term investment strategy.
GWA's Investment Solutions allocates client investment assets primarily among various individual equity and fixed-income
securities, mutual funds, UCITS, and/or ETFs in accordance with the client's designated investment objectives and risk
tolerances. These securities have associated risks, as described below.
The following risks for the various types of investments used by GWA in clients’ investment portfolios, which are not
all-inclusive, are provided for careful consideration by a prospective client before retaining our services. The
common risks of loss described in this section are intended as a high-level overview. Clients should carefully review
other disclosure documents for a complete discussion of the risks attributable to an individual investment, including,
but not limited to, prospectuses, term sheets, pricing supplements, and structured note documentation.
Note: Items are presented alphabetically for ease of reading, not in order of importance.
Risks include, but are not limited to:
Private and Alternative Investments. The Adviser can invest assets in securities for which there is no ready market,
such as private or restricted securities, and which the Adviser, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. Such
investments are generally made directly in securities of issuers relying on an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act. Investing in Private Investment Funds (PIFs) and other alternative investments carries significant and
unique risks, including, but not limited to:
Liquidity Risk: Private and alternative investments are inherently illiquid. There is generally no secondary public
market for these securities, and one is not expected to develop. Clients may not be able to sell or transfer their
interests quickly, or at all, and may be required to hold their investments for an indefinite period. Furthermore, PIFs
often impose strict lock-up periods, withdrawal restrictions, and "gate" provisions that can significantly delay a client's
ability to access their capital.
Valuation Risk: Because there is no active market for private securities, determining their fair market value is
inherently difficult and often subjective. Valuations are typically provided by the fund’s manager or a third-party
administrator based on estimated models rather than easily observable market prices. As a result, the reported value
of the investment may not accurately reflect the price that could be obtained if the asset were sold today, potentially
impacting the calculation of advisory fees and performance reporting.
Lack of Transparency and Regulatory Oversight: Private investments are generally exempt from the stringent
registration, disclosure, and reporting requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on
public companies and mutual funds. Consequently, the Adviser and clients may have access to less frequent and
less comprehensive financial information regarding the underlying investments, making it more difficult to monitor
performance and assess risk.
Complex Strategies and Leverage: PIFs often employ highly complex investment strategies, including the use of
short selling, derivatives, and significant leverage (borrowing). While leverage can magnify potential returns, it also
substantially increases the risk of loss and the volatility of the fund's net asset value.
Higher Fees and Expenses: Alternative investments typically involve a more complex fee structure than traditional
investments. Clients may be subject to multiple layers of fees, including management fees and performance-based
fees (carried interest) charged by the underlying fund managers, in addition to the advisory fees charged by the
Adviser. These aggregate fees will reduce the overall return on the investment.
Capital Call Risk: Many private funds require investors to commit a certain amount of capital, which is then "called" or
drawn down over time. If a client fails to meet a capital call, they may face severe penalties, including the forfeiture of
a significant portion of their existing investment in the fund
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Equities - Equity investment generally refers to buying shares of stocks in individual companies in return for
receiving a future payment of dividends and/or capital gains if the value of the stock increases. The value of equity
securities may fluctuate in response to specific situations for each company, industry conditions, and the general
economic environment. Exposure to equity securities may result in the following risks, among others:
Emerging Market Stocks - Emerging market stocks may have higher political risk, as sometimes
governments are less stable than in developed economies. Emerging market stocks can also be subject to
more volatile economic environments that could lead to earnings fluctuations and currency risks that could
lower the value of the investment.
Growth Stocks - Growth stocks may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to
reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits.
Initial Public Offerings - Initial public offerings ("IPOs") are subject to high volatility and limited availability.
Small-Capitalization ("Small-Cap") Companies - Small-cap stocks may exhibit erratic earnings patterns,
competitive conditions, limited earnings history, and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.
Value Stocks - Value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued
by the market for an extended period.
ETFs - An ETF is a pooled investment fund, the shares of which trade on a stock exchange at market price in a
manner similar to shares of stock issued by individual companies. Investors in ETFs are exposed to the risks
associated with the ETF's underlying portfolio (i.e., equities or fixed-income risk, as described above). The market
price of an ETF may not always reflect the value of the underlying portfolio, and ETFs may trade at a premium or a
discount to the net asset value of the underlying portfolio.
Fixed Income - Fixed income investments generally pay a return on a fixed schedule, though the amount of the
payments can vary. This type of investment can include corporate and government debt securities, leveraged loans,
high yield (or "junk") bonds, investment grade debt and structured products (including structured notes). In general,
the fixed-income market is volatile, and fixed-income securities carry interest rate risk. Fixed-income securities also
carry inflation risk, liquidity risk, call risk, and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties (all as
described below). Treasury inflation-protected/inflation-linked bonds are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the
U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk; however, they carry a potential risk of losing value. Risks
of investing in foreign fixed-income securities also include the general risk of non-U.S. investing described below in
the "Foreign Securities" section. Different types of fixed-income securities can have different characteristics and
associated risks:
Call Risk - Issuers of callable bonds have the option to redeem the bonds before maturity, which can leave
investors with reinvestment risk if the bonds are called in a declining interest rate environment.
Credit & Default Risks - Both issuers and counterparties of fixed-income securities carry credit risk, which
pertains to the issuer's ability to meet its debt obligations. Default risk is the potential that the issuer might
fail to make interest or principal payments.
Corporate & Government Debt Securities - Corporate bonds offer the potential for higher yields compared to
government bonds, but they also carry higher credit risk. Government bonds, particularly those issued by
stable governments, are considered relatively safe, but they might offer lower yields. Both types of bonds
can be influenced by changes in interest rates, potentially affecting their market value.
Foreign Fixed Income Securities - Investing in fixed-income securities from foreign countries introduces
additional risks, including currency exchange rate fluctuations, political instability, and different regulatory
environments.
High-Yield & Investment Grade Debt - High-yield debt, often referred to as junk bonds, carries higher default
risk but can offer attractive returns. Investment-grade debt, on the other hand, includes bonds issued by
more creditworthy entities, providing more stability but generally lower yields. Economic factors, interest
rate changes, and market sentiment can impact both types of debt.
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Inflation Risk - Fixed-income investments can be vulnerable to inflation, eroding the purchasing power of
future interest and principal payments. This risk is particularly relevant for longer-term bonds.
Interest Rate Risk - Fixed-income securities are susceptible to interest rate risk. That is, as interest rates
rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is typically more pronounced for longer-term
fixed-income securities.
Liquidity Risk - Some fixed-income securities may have limited market liquidity, making it challenging to buy
or sell them at favorable prices, especially in times of market stress.
Structured Products & Structured Notes - Structured products are complex securities whose value is derived
from their underlying assets. Typically, these are hybrid instruments consisting of a traditional security (e.g.,
a zero-coupon bond) and an embedded derivative (e.g., a call or put option). While they can offer
customizable risk and return profiles, they can be less transparent and more difficult to value. Structured
Products are generally not listed on any exchanges, and there are generally no secondary markets where
they can easily be liquidated. Structured products are typically not designed to be actively traded; thus,
clients should be prepared to hold them until maturity. Their value may be influenced by factors specific to
their underlying assets and the structure of the product. Structured notes – a specific type of structured
product – are typically issued by banks or brokerage firms and have interest and/or principal payments that
are linked to changes in the price level of certain assets or to the price performance of certain indices. The
value of a structured note will be influenced by the complexity of the product, time to maturity, level of supply
and demand for this type of note, interest rate, market volatility, liquidity, changes in the issuer's credit
quality rating, and economic, legal, political, or other events. In addition, there may be a lag between a
change in the value of the underlying reference asset and the value of the structured note. Structured notes
may also be subject to counterparty risk.
Treasury Inflation-Protected/Inflation-Linked Bonds - These bonds protect against inflation by adjusting their
principal value with changes in the consumer price index. Although the risk of default is unlikely due to the
backing of the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government, Treasury inflation-protected/inflation-linked
bonds can still experience minimal fluctuations in value.
Foreign Securities - Investing in non-U.S. securities presents certain risks in addition to those outlined above,
including:
Currency Risks - Investments in international securities expose a portfolio to fluctuations in currency
exchange rates, which may adversely affect the value of investments in international securities held in your
portfolio. Similarly, investments denominated in an international currency are subject to the risk that the
value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more currencies.
Emerging Markets - Securities traded in certain emerging markets may be subject to risks due to the
inexperience of financial intermediaries, the lack of modern technology, the lack of a sufficient capital base
to expand business operations, and the possibility of temporary or permanent termination of trading.
Political and economic structures in many emerging markets may be undergoing significant evolution and
rapid development, and emerging markets may lack the social, political and economic stability
characteristics of more developed countries.
Government Intervention & Market Disruptions - In recent years, the global financial markets have
undergone fundamental disruptions that have led to extensive and unprecedented government intervention
that could prove detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets and could adversely impact your
portfolio.
Liquidity in Financial Markets - Global financial markets can experience wide fluctuations in liquidity and be
subject to rapidly changing economic conditions, which could adversely impact portfolio asset value.
Margin Transactions - A securities transaction in which an investor borrows money to purchase a security, in which
case the security serves as collateral on the loan. Margin transactions carry risk because if the value of the shares
drops sufficiently, the investor will be required to either deposit more cash into the account or sell a portion of the
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shares to maintain the margin requirements of the account. This is known as a "margin call." An investor's overall
risk includes the amount of money invested plus the amount that was loaned to them.
Mutual Funds - Investing in mutual funds carries the risk of capital loss, and thus, the client may lose money investing
in mutual funds. All mutual funds incur costs that lower investment returns. Additionally, funds will be subject to risks
based on the types of securities held by each fund. For example, fixed-income funds will primarily hold bonds and
other fixed-income securities and be subject to the kinds of risks outlined below under "Fixed-Income," while equity
funds will hold equity securities that are subject to the types of risks outlined below under "Equities." In addition,
actively managed funds may be subject to the risk that fund management fails to meet a fund's objective or, in the
case of a passive fund, will be subject to holding the securities that make up an underlying index and may not be able
to divest itself of such holdings at a time or price that the fund's manager may otherwise think appropriate. A mutual
fund may also make illiquid investments or may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse
investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more challenging to value.
UCITS & Alternative UCITS - UCITS are open-ended pooled or collective investment undertakings established in
accordance with the UCITS Directive adopted by European Union member states. Investing in UCITS carries similar
risks to those outlined under "Mutual Funds" above. Alternative UCITS are a type of UCITS that generally seek to
take advantage of certain investment techniques permitted by the UCITS III Directive to pursue strategies more
common in the alternative investment fund sector. Alternative UCITS typically seek to invest in a range of financial
derivative instruments and use such instruments to create both long and synthetic short exposures, and some may
also use a certain degree of leverage. Exposure to derivative instruments could effectively leverage the portfolio of
the alternative UCITS. As a result, small price movements in the asset underlying a derivative contract held by the
alternative UCITS can cause a significant difference in the value of the derivatives and result in large profits or losses
(depending on the direction of the change) for the alternative UCITS. Investments in UCITS (including alternative
UCITS) bear two layers of asset-based management fees and expenses (directly through GWA's advisory fees and
indirectly at the UCITS level) and, in some instances, a single layer of incentive fees (at the UCITS level).
Valuation of Investments. The Adviser relies on valuation of assets conducted by qualified custodians. The Adviser
calculates management fees it charges its Clients based on those valuations. While we reasonably believe that the
valuation provided is reliable, the Adviser cannot guarantee that this valuation is always accurate. That, in turn, would
affect the management fees calculation accuracy. If an error is identified, the firm will take necessary steps to obtain
corrected valuation from the qualified custodian and revise the management fees calculation to restore its accuracy.
Artificial Intelligence Risk
We may utilize artificial intelligence ("AI") in certain aspects of our business operations to enhance operational efficiency and
support client services. However, we currently do not use AI in our investment selection process or to formulate the specific
investment advice provided to clients. Our use of AI is primarily focused on automating administrative and client
service-related tasks. We believe this technology helps reduce administrative time, streamlines client engagement, and
improves the overall client experience.
It is important to note that AI models are highly complex, and their outputs may be incomplete, incorrect, or biased. While AI
is intended to enhance our operations, its use presents risks, including potential inaccuracies, errors in decision-making, and
the management challenges of implementing the technology effectively. Additionally, using AI could pose risks to the
protection of clients’ or proprietary information. These risks include the potential exposure of confidential information to
unauthorized recipients, violations of data privacy rights, or other data leakage events. For example, in the case of generative
AI, confidential information—such as material non-public information or personally identifiable information—input into a
publicly accessible AI application could become part of a dataset that is accessible to other users or AI applications, potentially
compromising confidentiality. Further, the regulatory landscape surrounding AI is rapidly evolving, which may require
adjustments to our approach to adopting and implementing AI technologies. Moreover, the use of AI could lead to litigation
and regulatory risk exposure.
To mitigate these risks, our firm implements stringent data protection protocols, including encryption and access controls, to
safeguard client and proprietary information. We continually assess and monitor the performance of AI technologies, ensuring
that they are used in a manner consistent with our fiduciary duties and regulatory requirements. We have adopted policies and
procedures regarding the handling of sensitive information. In addition, we seek to engage third-party service providers that
maintain appropriate measures to support the confidentiality of such information..
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Risks of Specific Securities Utilized
While GWA seeks investment strategies that do not involve significant or unusual risk beyond the general domestic and
international equity markets, in some instances, methods that hold a higher risk of capital loss may be utilized. While all
investing involves risk, using such strategies could materially increase risk of loss. Clients are advised that investing in
securities involves the risk of losing the entire principal amount invested, including any gains; they should not invest unless
they can bear these losses.
Any of the above investment strategies may lead to a loss of investments, especially if the markets move against the client.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. The outcomes described and any strategies or investments discussed may
not suit all investors, and there can be no assurance that advisory services will result in any particular performance, tax or
legal consequence.
Clients are encouraged to direct questions regarding risks, fees, and costs to their applicable Financial Advisor.
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Legal or Disciplinary Event Disclosure
Registered investment advisers such as GWA must disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary events that
would be material to a client's or prospective client's evaluation of the investment adviser or the integrity of its management.
Neither GWA nor any of its management persons has any criminal or civil actions, administrative proceedings, or
self-regulatory organization proceedings to report that are material to a client’s evaluation of our advisory business, except for
the following:
With respect to GWA’s parent company, BBVA S.A., on December 19, 2016, BBVA S.A. and its subsidiary, BBVA Securities
Inc. ("BSI"), entered into a Consent Order of Assessment of a Civil Money Penalty (the "Consent Order") with the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Board"), under which the Board assessed a civil money penalty of $27 million
against BBVA S.A. and BSI.
BBVA S.A., a bank holding company under U.S. law, engages in limited securities underwriting and dealing activities through
BSI, pursuant to authority granted by the Board under the Bank Holding Company Act ("BHC Act"), and subject to, among
other things, restrictions on the amount of gross revenues derived from those activities and certain other conditions and
requirements imposed by Board's order (the Operating Standards) or under Board regulations. The civil money penalty was
assessed jointly and severally against BBVA S.A. and BSI. The Consent Order related to the following findings of the Board,
which the Board determined resulted in unsafe and unsound practices, violations of Section 4 of the BHC Act, Section 5(c) of
the BHC Act, Board Operating Standard 8 (and related provisions of the Federal Reserve Act), the Board's Regulation K and
conditions and commitments applicable to BBVA S.A. under Board orders:
(A)(1) during the period from July 1, 2008, and continuing through March 31, 2013, BBVA S.A. and BSI improperly
classified certain types of revenues, resulting in violations of the applicable revenue limits on their securities
underwriting and dealing activities under federal banking laws; (2) for the period including at least July 1, 2008, until
June 30, 2012, BBVA and BSI filed inaccurate reports with the Board relating to its compliance with the revenue
limits; (3) BSI received several extensions of credit from BBVA S.A.'s New York Branch during 2010 and 2011 that
were not properly collateralized and BSI failed to pay intercompany fees on market terms; and (4) during the
foregoing periods, BBVA S.A. and BSI failed to have adequate management oversight, corporate governance, risk
management, and internal controls with respect to applicable revenue limits and the Board's Operating Standards;
and
(B) BBVA S.A. directly engaged in impermissible underwriting and dealing activities in the United States between July
2011 and October 2011 without the required regulatory approval of the Board. As noted in the Consent Order, BBVA
S.A. and BSI took corrective action and restored compliance with the revenue limits and reporting requirements as of
April 1, 2013.
Clients can view our current disclosure documents at the SEC's IAPD website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching our
firm name, BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. or CRD # 327326. The SEC's website also provides information about any
affiliated person registered or required to be registered as an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm, including their
disclosure items (if any).
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Copies are also available by contacting us directly at 305-205-7752 or by email at gwacompliance.group@bbva.com.
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
GWA is an investment advisory firm that provides the investment advisory services indicated within this Form ADV 2A
Disclosure Brochure. We do not engage in business activities or offer services other than those described herein.
Broker-Dealer & Registered Representatives of a Broker-Dealer
Neither GWA nor any of its Financial Advisors is registered as or has pending applications to become a broker-dealer or a
registered representative of a broker-dealer.
Registration as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither GWA nor any management person is registered or intends to register as a futures commission merchant, commodity
pool operator, commodity trading adviser, or an associated person of the preceding entities.
BBVA Affiliated Entities
BBVA, S.A. Group Banking Services – Parent Company
GWA is wholly and directly owned by BBVA S.A., which owns other financial institutions throughout the world. Our advisory
services are separate and distinct from the banking services of BBVA S.A. and those of its other subsidiaries. We do not
provide recommendations regarding the banking services of BBVA S.A., its affiliates, or other banking entities.
BBVA Asset Management S.A. SGIIC
From time to time, GWA can advise clients to invest in a fund or funds advised or managed by BBVA Asset Management S.A.
SGIIC ("BBVA Asset Management"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA S.A. Recommending funds managed by an
affiliated entity presents a conflict of interest because investing in a fund managed by BBVA Asset Management would benefit
not only that entity but ultimately BBVA S.A. (GWA's parent company), by generating additional revenues for both entities.
GWA mitigates this conflict of interest by only advising on strategies and products that are in the client's best interest based on
the client's financial goals, investment objectives and risk tolerance and by disclosing this conflict to you. GWA does not
receive compensation directly or indirectly from BBVA Asset Management when it recommends investments in funds
managed by BBVA Asset Management to GWA's clients.
BBVA Insurance Sales & Services
Certain subsidiaries of BBVA SA are insurance companies. While GWA does not recommend or sell insurance products, GWA
and GWA Financial Advisors may refer clients or prospects for insurance to its US-based affiliate, BBVA Global Wealth
Insurance Agency, Inc. Certain Financial Advisors are licensed insurance agents of BBVA Global Wealth Insurance Agency,
Inc.
BBVA Quality Funds
BBVA Quality Funds is a division of BBVA S.A., specializing in the research and due diligence of mutual funds, ETFs, and
pooled investment vehicles, among other investments. GWA has engaged BBVA Quality Funds to provide research and due
diligence services that GWA can consider when formulating certain investment recommendations for clients. GWA does not
receive any compensation directly or indirectly as a result of the recommendations we can make based on this research and
due diligence, and non-discretionary clients are under no obligation to accept these recommendations.
BBVA S.A. N.Y. Branch
GWA has entered into a services agreement with a corporate banking branch of BBVA S.A. whereby BBVA S.A. provides
GWA with certain support services, including insurance, human resources management, procurement, travel and expense
services, third-party risk management, internal audit, finance and tax services. Such services are not utilized by or
recommended to clients.
BBVA Securities Inc.
Certain subsidiaries of BBVA S.A. are engaged in financial services businesses, including BSI, an SEC-registered
Broker-Dealer. GWA does not currently have any relationships or arrangements with BSI that are material to our business.
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BSI, however, serves as the underwriter for BBVA-issued or guaranteed Structured Notes, which GWA can recommend to
clients.
Other BBVA S.A. Financial Affiliates
Although certain BBVA S.A. subsidiaries act as investment advisers in other jurisdictions, GWA does not currently have any
relationships or arrangements with entities outside those disclosed in its ADV Part 1 that are material to GWA's business.
Promoter Relationships
GWA can enter into Promoter relationships with qualified individuals who are paid to refer clients to the Adviser, which can
result in the provision of investment advisory services. GWA’s policy is to ensure that any Promoters used are licensed when
required and otherwise qualified to provide investment advice. Unlicensed Promoters can only provide impersonal investment
advice by referring to our services and not commenting on using GWA’s services or portfolio construction. The terms of all
unaffiliated Promoter arrangements are defined by a contract between the Promoter and GWA, which sets forth the terms of
the Agreement and form of compensation to the Promoter, typically a percentage of the advisory fees received from referred
clients.
Referral arrangements inherently give rise to potential conflicts of interest, particularly when the person recommending an
Advisor receives an economic benefit, as the payment received could incentivize the Promoter's referral. Accordingly, GWA is
generally required to ensure that the following information is disclosed to referred clients in writing: (1) whether a Promoter is a
client or a non-client of GWA, (2) the material terms of any compensation arrangement for the referral, (3) the material
conflicts of interest arising from the relationship and/or compensation arrangement, and (4) all material terms of the
arrangement, including a description of the compensation to be provided for the referral.
Other Business Relationships
Bulltick, LLC
GWA has a relationship with a client that has elected to use Bulltick, LLC (“BT”), CRD#: 104005 / SEC#: 8-52493, a registered
broker-dealer and member of FINRA, SIPC, and NFA, to provide custodial and execution services to the client under
applicable regulatory oversight. BT is not affiliated with GWA or its parent company, BBVA S.A.
The client’s relationship with BT presents material conflicts of interest due to personal relationships between certain members
of BT’s management and certain personnel of GWA and its affiliates. Specifically, BT’s Miami, FL Managing Director and
Minority Partner, Adolfo Lazaro, is the brother of Jaime Lazaro, BBVA S.A.’s Global Head of Asset Management and Global
Wealth, who is also the supervisor of GWA’s Chief Executive Officer, Humberto Garcia de Alba Carrillo. Additionally, BT’s
Principal, CFO, Operations Officer and FINOP, William (“Bill”) A. Herrera, resides with GWA’s Chief Operating Officer and
Operations Manager, Catalina M. Cadavid.
These relationships can create material conflicts of interest, as they could influence GWA’s selection, recommendation or
advised usage of BT for client accounts. GWA addresses these conflicts by disclosing the relationships and potential conflicts
to clients, implementing policies and procedures to ensure that all recommendations are made in the client’s best interest,
consistent with its fiduciary duty, and conducting periodic reviews of best execution and due diligence for all broker-dealer
relationships. GWA has adopted policies and procedures to identify, mitigate, and monitor these conflicts, and will provide
additional disclosures as required under the Advisers Act, SEC rules, and applicable state regulations.
Third-Party Resources
GWA uses third-party resources to help run its business and provide services to its clients. In sourcing these service
providers, GWA strives to act in a client’s best interest and find the highest value-added providers to service clients. While the
Adviser has developed a network of professionals - accountants, lawyers, and otherwise - outside of the relationships
disclosed herein, neither GWA nor its Associates receive compensation for such use or referrals.
Conflicts of Interest
Making clients aware of other financial activities, affiliations, relationships, and services presents a conflict of interest since
GWA and its Associates can have a financial incentive to submit advisory clients to specific companies or services over others
due to compensation received in connection with the transaction rather than client needs (if any). GWA addresses other
financial industry activities and affiliation conflicts of interest by requiring Associates to always act in each client's best
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interests. Clients are not obligated to act upon any recommendations or purchase additional products or services offered via
GWA. Further, if they elect to act on any recommendation received, they are not obligated to place the transaction through
GWA. The client can act on recommendations received by placing their business and securities transactions with any
brokerage firm or third party of their choosing. GWA makes no assurances that another entity's products or services are at the
lowest available cost. Clients could obtain the same products or services at a lower price from other providers. The ultimate
decision to retain products or services remains at the client's sole discretion. Outside of the information referenced herein,
neither the Adviser nor its management persons have any other material relationships or conflicts of interest with other
financial industry participants.
GWA has adopted and implemented compliance policies and procedures and its Code to mitigate conflicts of interest. GWA’s
Code is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request.
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest In Client Transactions & Personal Trading
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Description of Our Code of Ethics
Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires all investment advisers registered with the SEC to adopt a Code of Ethics that
sets forth standards of conduct and requires the investment adviser’s Supervised Persons to comply with the federal securities
laws. GWA takes its regulatory and compliance obligations seriously and recognizes its statutory duty to oversee the advisory
activities of the Supervised Persons who act on its behalf. The Adviser believes each of its advisory clients is owed the
highest level of trust and fair dealing and holds Associates to a very high standard of business practices and integrity. To that
end, GWA has adopted a Code of Ethics that sets forth the firm's conduct standards in keeping with its fiduciary obligation.
GWA strives to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our practices. GWA’s Code requires all Associates to
exercise a fiduciary duty by acting in each client’s best interest while consistently placing the client's interests first and
foremost. The Code applies to all Associates, including individuals registered with the Adviser as Financial Advisors or
considered 'Supervised Persons' under the Advisers Act. The Code can also be applied to any other person the Chief
Compliance Officer designates.
GWA's Code outlines and prohibits certain activities deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the
appearance of such a conflict) and specifies reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. Associates are required to
abide fully by all applicable industry regulations and the firm’s guiding principles as outlined in its written supervisory Policies &
Procedures Manual and Code, including any updates.
GWA's Code of Ethics is distributed to each Associate at the time of hire, annually, and periodically thereafter. Our Code
requires an affirmative commitment by Associates that they will abide by all state and federal securities laws and provisions
relating to client information confidentiality, a prohibition on insider trading, restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts,
outside activities reporting, and personal securities trading procedures for Access Persons, among others. Associates are
required to attest no less than annually to their compliance with and understanding of the above matters - including
confirmation and acknowledgment by every Financial Advisor of the firm’s expectations regarding their conduct, given the
duties, responsibilities, and principles required of them. In addition, GWA provides annual training related to the Code of
Ethics and monitors the activities of its Supervised Persons on an ongoing basis. Our Code of Ethics is available for review
free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request.
Buying & Selling for Client Accounts Securities in Which GWA or a Related Person has a Material Financial Interest
In the event GWA recommends that clients buy or sell any security in which a related person of GWA has a material financial
interest, or if a Supervised Person seeks to invest in the same securities that GWA recommends to its clients, we will manage
conflicts of interest by adhering to BBVA S.A.'s "Conflicts of Interests" Policy in addition to GWA's own Code of Ethics and
conflicts of interest policies and procedures. These policies establish the general principles and guidelines of action to identify,
prevent, manage and, where appropriate, inform the client of conflicts of interest that may arise in the provision of investment
and auxiliary services, with a view to complying with the regulations on the protection of the client. Our Code of Ethics is
available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request. (Please also see Item 10: Financial
Industry Activities & Affiliations for a discussion of how GWA addresses conflicts of interest with respect to recommendations
of funds managed by BBVA Asset Management.)
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Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading
GWA neither participates nor has a financial interest in our client’s transactions. We allow Supervised Persons to, at times,
invest in the same securities recommended to clients. As such, it is possible that an Access Person (1) could invest in the
same securities (or related securities) that such person recommends to clients, or (2) could recommend securities to clients at
or about the same time that such person buys or sells the same securities for their own account. This presents a potential
conflict in that the Access Person might seek to benefit themselves from this type of trading activity in the same securities,
either by trading for personal accounts in advance of client trading activity or otherwise.
Accordingly, GWA monitors the personal trading of its Access Persons to ensure trades are consistent with the fiduciary
obligations owed to our clients. GWA's Financial Advisors and other "Access Persons" must have written clearance for all
personal securities transactions (subject to certain exceptions, such as, for example, shares of mutual funds) before
completing the transactions. GWA can disapprove any proposed personal securities transaction by such persons, particularly
if the transaction appears to pose a conflict of interest or otherwise appears improper.
GWA does not permit insider trading and has implemented procedures to ensure that Associates are observing its policy
regarding insider trading. Associates know the rules regarding material non-public information and insider trading and seek to
ensure they do not benefit personally from the short-term market effects of their client recommendations. Associates can buy
or sell specific securities for their accounts based on personal investment considerations, which the adviser does not deem
appropriate to buy or sell for clients. In all cases, transactions are affected based on the client's best interests.
Agency Cross-Trades
An agency cross-trade occurs when an investment adviser executes a trade between two or more of its advisory clients’
accounts. GWA does not currently engage in agency cross-trades.
Principal Trades
A principal trade is one in which an investment adviser, acting as principal for its own account, buys securities from a client or
sells securities to a client. GWA does not currently engage in principal trades.
Trade Errors
Even with the best efforts and controls, trade errors can happen. A "trade error" can include, among other things, the purchase
or sale of an incorrect security, an incorrect amount of a security, or a failure to purchase or sell an intended security. GWA
has internal controls in place to prevent trade errors from occurring. We endeavor to detect trade errors prior to settlement
and correct or mitigate them expeditiously.
If a trade is placed for a client's account, which causes a breach of any regulatory, contractual, investment objective or
restriction parameters, our policy is to restore the account to the position it should have been in had the trading error not
occurred. Depending on the circumstances, corrective actions can include canceling the trade, adjusting an allocation, and/or
reimbursing the account. The goal of error correction is to make the client "whole." To the extent an error is caused by a
counterparty, such as a broker, we will strive to recover any loss associated with such error from such counterparty. Generally,
the client will be reimbursed for any loss incurred due to a GWA trade error. Any gains from GWA’s trade error will remain with
the client. In cases where trade errors result from the Client's inaccurate instructions, the trading error will remain the client's
financial responsibility.
GWA maintains an accounting of each trade error within its books and records, including information about the trade and how
such error was corrected.
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Preferred Custodians & Brokers-Dealers
GWA does not maintain custody of the assets we manage on your behalf. Client assets must be held in an account at a
"Qualified Custodian," generally a Broker-Dealer or bank. Clients will decide on their Custodian at the time of relationship
inception during the Client Agreement execution and enter into a separate Broker-Dealer/Custodian client account agreement
directly with the Custodian of their choice.
Following appropriate due diligence and a thorough evaluation of the brokerage practices disclosed herein, Global Wealth
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Advisors (“GWA”) has entered into an agreement with Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC (“PAS”), an independent and
unaffiliated broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC. Under this arrangement, PAS will take
custody of client assets, including cash, securities, and other holdings, and will execute securities transactions at GWA’s
direction, as specified in each client’s Client Agreement and the documentation executed to establish the custodial account,
unless the client provides alternative instructions.
Pershing Advisory Solutions (“PAS”) will serve as GWA’s preferred Qualified Custodian and introducing broker, offering
designated brokerage and related services to GWA clients. Pershing LLC, an affiliate of PAS, also an SEC-registered
broker-dealer and FINRA/SIPC member, will act as the clearing broker and custodian for such accounts.
GWA anticipates recommending PAS and its affiliates for the majority of its clients’ brokerage transactions, subject to
suitability and client-specific considerations.
In certain instances, GWA may recommend or select Bulltick, LLC (“BT”), an unaffiliated broker-dealer, member of FINRA,
SIPC, and NFA, to facilitate transactions. BT was selected based on its ability to meet client needs, with consideration given to
execution quality, client service, and operational capabilities. As noted in Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities &
Affiliations, personal relationships between BT’s management and personnel of GWA and its affiliates can present conflicts of
interest. GWA mitigates these risks by disclosing all material relationships to clients, basing broker selection on objective
criteria and the client’s best interest, and conducting regular best execution reviews. GWA does not receive soft dollar benefits
or client referrals from BT. Should such arrangements arise, they will be promptly disclosed in this Brochure.
It is important to note that not all investment advisers require clients to utilize a particular broker-dealer. Clients who elect to
use PAS or BT will receive the applicable custodial account agreements and fee schedules at the time of account opening.
Clients will enter into custodial and/or brokerage agreements directly with each Qualified Custodian.
GWA maintains no affiliation with PAS, Pershing LLC, or BT.
Factors Used to Select & Recommend Custodians & Broker-Dealers
GWA seeks to recommend a Qualified Custodian that can hold client assets and execute transactions on terms most
favorable to the client, considering available providers and their services. While PAS is GWA’s designated Qualified Custodian
and BT may be recommended when appropriate, GWA periodically reviews other Custodians to assess the competitiveness of
charges.
In selecting a Custodian, GWA makes a good-faith determination that commissions are reasonable in light of the value of
brokerage and research services provided.
The analysis will vary and can include a review of any combination of the following:
●
the combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services - generally without a
separate fee for custody,
the capability to execute, clear, and settle trades - buy and sell securities for a client’s account,
●
● ability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts - wire transfers, check requests, bill payments,
etc.,
reporting tools, including cost basis and 1099 reports, facilitating tax management strategies,
● competitive trading commission costs,
●
● personal money management tools such as electronic fund transfer capabilities, dividend reinvestment
programs, and electronic communication delivery capabilities,
financial stability to ensure individual accounts, including primary and backup account insurance,
the breadth of investment products made available - stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc.,
the availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions,
●
●
●
● customer service levels and quality of services,
●
the competitiveness of the price of those services, such as commission rates, margin interest rates, other fees,
etc., and the willingness to negotiate them,
the reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider, and
●
● as discussed below, the availability of other products and services that benefit us.
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Custodial Support Services
Custodians serve independent investment advisory firms, providing advisers and their clients access to institutional brokerage
services – e.g., trading, custody, reporting, and related services – many of which are not typically available to retail customers.
Custodial support services are generally available unsolicited; advisory firms do not have to request them. These various
support services help an investment adviser manage or administer client accounts and grow the advisory business. The
Adviser is offered these services at no charge if qualifying amounts of client account assets are maintained with the
Custodian. (Please contact us directly for current qualifying amount numbers from our preferred Qualified Custodians.)
The following is a description of some standard support services GWA can receive from our preferred Qualified
Custodian(s):
Services That Benefit You
Custodial services include access to various institutional investment products, securities transaction execution, and custody of
client assets. The investment products available include some that the Adviser might not otherwise have access to or some
that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. The services available are subject to change
at the discretion of each Custodian.
Services That Will Not Always Directly Benefit You
Custodians make other products and services available to GWA that benefit us but do not directly benefit our clients or their
accounts. These products and services assist GWA with managing and administering client accounts. These can include
software and other technology, both a Custodian’s own and that of third parties, which can be used to service all, some, or a
substantial number of our client accounts and assist with the following:
facilitating trade execution and allocating aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts,
● providing access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements),
●
● pricing and other market data,
●
facilitating the payment of our fees from our client's accounts, and
● assisting with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
Services that Generally Benefit Only Us
Custodians also offer other services to help us further manage and develop our business enterprise. These services can
include:
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting, and
● educational conferences and events,
●
● publications and conferences on practice management and business succession.
Custodians provide some of the above services themselves. In other cases, they will arrange for third-party vendors to deliver
the services.
Custody & Brokerage Costs
Custodians generally do not charge advisory clients' Custodial accounts separately for their services. They are compensated
by charging clients commissions or other fees on the trades they execute or settle in the Custodial accounts. Custodians will
charge clients a percentage of the dollar amount of assets in the account for some custodial client accounts instead of
commissions. Custodian commission rates and asset-based fees applicable to client accounts are negotiated based on an
adviser’s commitment to maintaining client assets in Custodial accounts. This commitment benefits clients because clients'
commission rates and asset-based fees are generally lower than if the investment adviser had not committed. In addition to
commissions or asset-based fees, Custodians charge a flat dollar amount as a “trade away” fee for each trade the firm
executes by a different Broker-Dealer, where the securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited (settled)
into a Custodial account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or compensation clients pay the executing
Broker-Dealer. (For additional details, clients should refer to their Custodian’s specific “Fee Schedule.”)
Research & Soft Dollar Benefits
An investment adviser receives soft dollar benefits when obtaining research or other products and services in exchange for
client securities transactions or maintaining account balances with a Custodian. GWA’s recommended Qualified Custodian
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will offer various brokerage services to us, as indicated previously, including the custody of client securities, effecting securities
transactions and performing services incidental to it, platform systems access, duplicate client statements, the ability to direct
debit advisory fees directly from client accounts, access to an electronic communications network for order entry and account
information, access to no-transaction-fee mutual funds, and the use of overnight courier services.
Receipt of these benefits creates a conflict of interest that could directly or indirectly influence GWA to recommend the
Qualified Custodian to clients for custody and brokerage services because the Qualified Custodian will provide these
products or services to GWA for no additional charge. Further, certain client accounts can benefit from the receipt of any
research services received, for which they did not pay any commissions.
GWA has no formal soft dollar program in which soft dollars are used to pay for third-party services. And, while the receipt of
brokerage and research services from any broker executing transactions for GWA’s clients does not replace the Adviser’s
customary and usual research activities, the receipt of such research can be deemed to be the receipt of an economic
benefit. Although customary, this can create a conflict of interest between GWA and its clients since services received from
the Qualified Custodian benefit GWA because the firm does not have to produce or pay for them if a required minimum of
client assets is maintained in the custody of the Qualified Custodian. This required minimum incentivizes GWA to
recommend that clients maintain their accounts with the Qualified Custodian based on our interest in receiving services that
benefit our business, rather than based on a client’s interest in receiving the best value in services and the most favorable
execution of their transactions.
To address this conflict, GWA’s policy is that the Adviser will only participate in soft-dollar arrangements consistent with the
safe harbor contained in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There can be no assurance that
any particular client will benefit from soft dollar arrangements, whether or not the client’s transactions pay for it. GWA does not
seek to allocate benefits to client accounts proportional to any soft dollar credits generated by the accounts. Clients should be
aware that GWA’s acceptance of soft dollar benefits can result in higher commissions charged to the client.
Beneficial Interest in Custodial Services
Client transactions and the compensation charged by our recommended Qualified Custodian might not be the lowest
compensation GWA might otherwise be able to negotiate; clients can pay commissions, markups, or markdowns higher than
those of other Broker-Dealers in return for soft dollar benefits (also known as “paying-up”). Subject to Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, clients can pay a Broker-Dealer a brokerage commission more than another
broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction. GWA chose PAS as its recommended Qualified Custodian,
recognizing the value of the services PAS provides. We believe it is imperative for our advisory services to our clients to
access the type of support provided by PAS. PAS’s services can be used in servicing any or all of our clients and can be used
in connection with clients other than those making commissions to a Broker-Dealer, as permitted by Section 28(e).
Custodial Statements
The Qualified Custodian will send the client account statements, at least quarterly, itemizing activity and account transactions,
specific investments held in the account, the portfolio's value, deposits, withdrawals and advisory fees that occurred during the
period of the statement. These statements will be delivered by postal mail or electronically, as the client selects.
GWA urges clients to promptly review any statements they receive directly from their Custodian or otherwise upon
receipt to ensure account transaction accuracy. Clients should also compare their account(s’) investment
performance against the appropriate benchmark applicable to the type of investments held in the account and any
periodic information from us.
GWA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any report or any other information provided to the client by the
Custodian or another service provider. GWA encourages clients to ask questions about their assets' custody, safety, security,
or any statements received and report inconsistencies. If a client believes there are any inaccuracies or discrepancies in any
reports received from their Custodian or us directly, or if they do not understand the information in any report, document or
statement received, they should promptly and in all cases before the next statement cycle, report any items of concern to their
Financial Advisor or GWA directly at 305-205-7752 or gwacompliance.group@bbva.com. With respect to non-discretionary
advisory services, unless the client indicates otherwise by promptly notifying GWA in writing of concerns regarding statements
received, investments GWA makes at their direction and in line with their stated investment objectives or on their behalf shall
be deemed to conform with the client's investment objectives. Any verbal communications, inquiries, or concerns about their
account statements should be reconfirmed by the client in writing.
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If clients are not receiving statements, at least quarterly, from their Custodian, they should promptly inform their Custodian
directly and their Financial Advisor.
Best Execution
GWA acts on its duty to seek “best execution.” As a matter of policy and practice, GWA conducts initial and ongoing due
diligence policies, procedures, and practices regarding soft dollars, best execution, and directed brokerage. GWA seeks to
ensure compliance with the client's written Client Agreement and observe best practices. Still, a client can pay a higher
commission than another Custodian might charge to effect the same transaction when it is determined, in good faith, that the
commission is reasonable given the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the
determinative factor is not the lowest cost possible but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution,
taking into consideration the complete range of services available, including, among others, the value of research provided,
execution capability, financial strength, the commission rates, and responsiveness. While GWA will seek competitive rates, it
may not necessarily obtain the lowest commission rates for client transactions.
Directed Brokerage
Clients will direct us to place their orders through PAS as the introducing/executing Broker-Dealer (transactions cleared
through Pershing LLC). In very limited circumstances, for Non-Discretionary Advisory Services accounts, clients can direct us
to place their order or a portion of their brokerage orders through a specific Broker-Dealer of their choosing other than PAS
("Directed Brokerage"). In such cases, the client must submit such a request in writing, and GWA will review such requests but
retain the right to approve or deny a client's request for Directed Brokerage. Subject to its duty of best execution, GWA can
decline a client's request to direct brokerage if, at our discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would result in
additional operational difficulties.
GWA must accept client requests for Directed Brokerage before they become effective. Upon GWA's acceptance of such
Directed Brokerage, it is the client’s responsibility to negotiate the terms of the arrangement – including commission rates and
other transaction costs for the account with the Directed Broker of their choice. GWA will not and is not obligated to seek
better execution services, better prices, or aggregate client transactions for execution through other Directed Brokers with
orders for other accounts managed by the Adviser. By instructing us to execute transactions through the Directed Broker, the
client may not necessarily obtain commission rates and execution as favorable as those that would be obtained if we were
able to place transactions with PAS for execution through its trading venues (thus, Directed Brokerage may cost the client
money) or otherwise impair GWA's ability to achieve best execution than might be the case if GWA were empowered to
negotiate commission rates or select Broker-Dealers based on best execution.
The client can also forgo benefits that we may be able to obtain for our other clients through, for example, negotiating volume
discounts or block trades. In addition, Directed Brokerage can distract us from our normal trading process and represents a
conflict of interest in our efforts to obtain best execution for all clients and obtain adequate research, to the extent we would
otherwise obtain research by executing through another Broker-Dealer. In addition, if the Directed Broker played a role in
introducing or referring the client to our Firm, we would face a conflict of interest that could be seen as reducing our incentive
to obtain a lower commission.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
GWA receives no referrals from a Broker-Dealer or third party in exchange for using that Broker-Dealer or third party.
Investment Allocation & Trade Aggregation Policy
At our discretion, we can aggregate purchase and sale orders of investments held by client accounts with similar orders being
made simultaneously for other client accounts. Aggregation can be done if, in GWA's reasonable judgment, such aggregation
is reasonably likely to result in an overall economic benefit to clients such that they will obtain relatively better purchase or sale
prices, lower commission expenses or beneficial timing of transactions, or a combination of these and other factors. In many
instances, the purchase or sale of investments for clients will be effected simultaneously with the purchase or sale of like
investments for other accounts or entities. Such transactions can be made at slightly different prices due to the volume of
securities purchased or sold. In such an event, the average price of all securities purchased or sold in such transactions can
be determined at GWA's sole discretion, and the client account can be charged or credited with the average transaction price.
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ITEM 13: Reviews of Accounts
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Client Account Reviews
Financial Advisors monitor and supervise all client accounts on an ongoing basis, using automated tools/systems, through
periodic meetings with clients and internally at GWA. Accounts and account holdings are also reviewed for accuracy from an
administrative, accounting and investment viewpoint.
No less than annually, as indicated herein and within each client's executed Client Agreement, client accounts are reviewed by
the Financial Advisor responsible for the account, who will convene with clients to evaluate their accounts and discuss, at a
minimum, the client's investment objectives, financial situation, suitability of investments, and portfolio exposures to ensure the
advisory services provided to clients are consistent with investment needs and objectives.
More frequent reviews are triggered by material market, economic or political events, client requests, changes in a client's
investment objectives or guidelines, changes in a client's financial situation (such as retirement, termination of employment,
physical move, or inheritance), or expected or unexpected material cash flow in an account. Changes in tax laws, new
investment information, and other changes in the client's financial or personal situation can also prompt a review. GWA
determines the frequency, depth and nature of reviews based on the terms of each client's Client Agreement and particular
needs as they can be communicated to us by the client. We use technological tools (as noted above) to assist with our
reviews on both an account-by-account basis and on a securities holdings basis, as well as performance exceptions and other
bases. We conduct reviews to determine if an account's holdings are consistent with the investment objectives and
restrictions imposed by the client. Financial Advisors typically manage and review portfolios based on individualized
parameters.
Clients should promptly communicate any changes in investment objectives, restrictions, and financial conditions to their
Financial Advisor.
Client Account Reporting
GWA will not typically provide clients with regular reports on their accounts. The client’s selected Qualified Custodian will
send the client written account statements, at least quarterly, itemizing activity and account transactions, specific investments
held in the account, the portfolio's value, deposits, withdrawals and advisory fees that occurred during the period of the
statement. These statements will be delivered by postal mail or electronically, as the client selects.
GWA urges clients to promptly review any statements they receive directly from their Custodian or otherwise upon
receipt to ensure account transaction accuracy. Clients should also compare their account(s’) investment
performance against the appropriate benchmark applicable to the type of investments held in the account and any
periodic information from us.
GWA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any report or any other information provided to the client by the
Custodian or another service provider. GWA encourages clients to ask questions about their assets' custody, safety, security,
or any statements received and report inconsistencies. If a client believes there are any inaccuracies or discrepancies in any
reports received, whether from their Custodian or us directly, or if they do not understand the information in any report,
document or statement received, they should promptly and in all cases before the next statement cycle, report any items of
concern to their Financial Advisor or GWA directly at 305-205-7752 or gwacompliance.group@bbva.com. Unless the client
indicates otherwise, by promptly notifying GWA in writing of concerns regarding statements received, investments GWA
makes at their direction and in line with their stated investment objectives or on their behalf shall be deemed to conform with
the client's investment objectives.
Any verbal communications, inquiries, or concerns about their account statements should be reconfirmed in writing.
If clients are not receiving statements, at least quarterly, from their Custodian, they should promptly inform their Custodian
directly and their Financial Advisor.
ITEM 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Preferred Qualified Custodians
32
As indicated in Item 12: Brokerage Practices, GWA receives an economic benefit from its recommended Qualified Custodian
because it receives support products and services described above in connection with its arrangement to recommend that
clients maintain accounts with the Qualified Custodians. GWA benefits from such arrangements because the cost of the
support products and services it receives from the Qualified Custodian would otherwise be borne directly by GWA.
GWA does not currently receive any economic benefit from BT or its Supervised Persons in connection with client referrals or
other compensation. If BT provides any such benefit in the future, GWA will disclose the nature of the arrangement, the
resulting conflict of interest, and the steps taken to address the conflict, including policies and procedures to ensure
recommendations are made in the client’s best interest.
While clients do not pay more for assets maintained at any recommended Qualified Custodian, clients should consider these
conflicts - the products and services provided by each Custodian, their benefits to us, and any related conflicts of interest
described herein, when making a Custodian selection. (See Item 12: Brokerage Practices for disclosures on research and
other benefits we may receive from our relationship with your account Custodian.)
Promoter Relationships
GWA does not presently have any arrangements with and does not compensate unaffiliated third parties to act as Promoters
for our investment advice and management services, but reserves the right to do so in the future. In the event GWA enters
into such an arrangement, we will disclose such relationship(s) to each client to the extent required by applicable law and
comply with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 under the Advisers Act pertaining to compensated "endorsements." Upon
request by a client, employees of certain affiliates of BBVA S.A. can refer that client to GWA. The incentive compensation
paid by such BBVA S.A. affiliates to their local employees could incorporate such referrals as a component of discretionary
bonus programs. However, no fees or compensation are payable or will be paid by GWA (directly or indirectly) to the referring
employee or their employer, and there will be no impact on the advisory fee charged by GWA to the client. (See Item 10:
Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations for additional details.)
Conflicts of Interest
Referral arrangements inherently give rise to potential conflicts of interest, particularly when the person recommending an
investment adviser receives an economic benefit, as the payment received could incentivize a referral. GWA mitigates this
conflict of interest by fully disclosing its referral practices and any compensation or benefit earned in this Brochure and only
making recommendations believed to be in the client's best interests. Apart from the items disclosed herein, GWA does not
receive any additional economic benefits for client referrals or compensation for this topic. GWA has adopted and
implemented compliance policies and procedures and its Code to mitigate conflicts of interest. GWA’s Code is available for
review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request.
ITEM 15: Custody
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Custodial Practices
GWA does not have physical custody of client funds or securities other than the standard business practice of deducting
advisory fees from client accounts. The Adviser prohibits the Firm or its Associates from obtaining, accepting, or maintaining
custody of client funds, securities, or assets in any manner. Clients will keep all account cash, securities and other assets with
a Qualified Custodian of their choosing, governed by a separate written brokerage and Custodial account agreement between
the Qualified Custodian and the client. Account checks, funds, wire transfers, and securities will be delivered between the
client and the Custodian of the record - GWA is not authorized to withdraw any money, securities, or other property from any
client's Custodial account in the client's name or otherwise.
As noted previously, GWA intends to enter into a Master Services Agreement with Pershing Group LLC ("Pershing") and its
affiliates, including PAS, under which PAS or certain affiliates will provide services to the Firm and its clients pursuant to a
Brokerage Services Schedule. GWA recommends that clients place their assets in the custody of Pershing, LLC, our
recommended Qualified Custodian and a registered Broker-Dealer that is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon.
Typically, the independent Qualified Custodian will directly debit the client's account(s) to pay GWA's Advisory Fees. To
authorize this, the client will directly provide written limited authorization instructions and request their Qualified Custodian
provide a "transfer of funds" notice through the client’s preferred method of communication after each advisory fee payment
transfer occurs. The client will provide these instructions separately on the Qualified Custodian's form. Although GWA does
33
not have physical custody of client funds or securities, GWA is deemed to have limited custody over client funds, as defined by
Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act, when the client has authorized us to deduct the advisory fee directly from the client's
account.
Wire Transfers, Check-Writing Authority & Standing Letters of Authorization
GWA or persons associated with our Firm can effect 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, or we may
have signatory and check-writing authority for client accounts if the client has provided us with written authorization to do so.
Such written authorization is known as a "Standing Letter of Authorization" (or "SLOA").
An adviser with authority to conduct third-party wire transfers or sign checks on a client's behalf has access to the client's
assets and, therefore, has custody of the client's assets in any related accounts. However, GWA is not required to obtain a
surprise annual audit, as otherwise would be necessary by reason of having custody, as long as we meet the following
criteria:
1. the client provides a written, signed instruction to the Qualified Custodian that includes the third party's name and
address or account number at a Custodian,
2. the client authorizes us in writing to direct transfers to the third party either on a specified schedule or from time
to time,
3. the Qualified Custodian verifies the client's authorization (i.e., signature review) and promptly provides a funds
transfer notice to the client after each transfer,
4. the client can terminate or change the instruction,
5. GWA has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity of the third party, the address, or any other
information about the third party,
6. we maintain records showing that the third party is not a related party to us or located at the same address, and
7. the client's Qualified Custodian sends them, in writing, an initial notice confirming the instruction and an annual
notice reconfirming the instruction.
Custodial Statements
The Qualified Custodian will send the client account statements, at least quarterly, itemizing activity and account transactions,
specific investments held in the account, the portfolio's value, deposits, withdrawals and advisory fees that occurred during the
period of the statement. These statements will be delivered by postal mail or electronically, as the client selects.
GWA urges clients to promptly review any statements they receive directly from their Custodian or otherwise upon
receipt to ensure account transaction accuracy. Clients should also compare their account(s) ' investment
performance against the appropriate benchmark applicable to the type of investments held in the account and any
periodic information from us.
GWA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any report or any other information provided to the client by the
Custodian or another service provider. GWA encourages clients to ask questions about their assets' custody, safety, security,
or any statements received and report inconsistencies. If a client believes there are any inaccuracies or discrepancies in any
reports received from their Custodian, or if they do not understand the information in any report, document or statement
received, they should promptly and in all cases before the next statement cycle, report any items of concern to their Financial
Advisor or GWA directly at 305-205-7752 or gwacompliance.group@bbva.com. Unless the client indicates otherwise, by
promptly notifying GWA in writing of concerns regarding statements received, investments GWA makes at their direction and
in line with their stated investment objectives or on their behalf shall be deemed to conform with the client's investment
objectives.
Any verbal communications, inquiries, or concerns about their account statements should be reconfirmed in writing. If clients
are not receiving statements, at least quarterly, from their Custodian, they should promptly inform their Custodian directly and
their Financial Advisor.
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Account Management Style
GWA's investment advisory services are offered to clients either on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. Details of
34
the relationship are disclosed fully before any advisory relationship commences, and additional information for account
management style is reflected in each client's executed Client Agreement.
Discretionary Authority
Under discretionary account management authority, GWA will execute securities transactions for clients without obtaining
specific client consent before each transaction.
Discretionary authority includes the ability to do the following without contacting the client:
● Determine the security to buy or sell.
● Determine the amount of security to buy or sell.
● Determine the timing of when to buy or sell.
For this type of management style, clients will provide discretionary management authority through written authorization in
their executed Client Agreement, granting GWA complete and exclusive discretion to manage all investments, reinvestments,
and other transactions for their account as deemed appropriate by the Adviser, in accordance with the client's investment risk
profile and IPS (as applicable for the type of account established). This authority may be subject to modifications agreed upon
by the client and their Financial Advisor from time to time (collectively, the “Investment Guidelines”). (Note: Please note this
authority excludes certain money movement transactions. GWA will not initiate wire transfers or transfers of funds to third
parties without the client's explicit written approval.)
Discretionary authority is limited to investments within a client's managed accounts. Clients will execute a “Limited Power of
Attorney,” either as a standalone document or as part of the account opening documentation provided by their custodian.
GWA is only required to obtain or maintain client consent for trades involving positions explicitly discussed during the
introductory meeting (such as inherited stock the client wishes to retain for sentimental reasons) or as otherwise specified. In
all instances, discretionary authority will be exercised in alignment with the client’s stated investment objectives. This authority
will remain in effect until the client terminates it through written notice to the Adviser, even in the event of the client’s incapacity
or disability.
Non-Discretionary Authority
Non-discretionary account advisory authority requires clients to initiate or pre-approve investment transactions in their
accounts before they occur. Clients can decide not to invest in securities or types of securities and refuse to approve
securities transactions. Under this management style, GWA must receive approval from the client before placing any trades in
the client's account. The discretion remains with the client. As a result, until GWA reaches the client, no transactions will be
placed in the client's account(s). GWA will, however, facilitate transactions in its clients' accounts based on the investment
decisions made by its clients.
Clients will execute all documents required by GWA or their Custodian to establish this account trading authorization. GWA will
recommend and direct the investment and reinvestment of securities, cash, and financial instruments held in the client's
accounts as deemed appropriate in furtherance of the client's investment guidelines, with such changes as the client and their
Financial Advisor can agree to from time to time.
If clients object to any investment decision, a mutually agreed-upon decision will be made and documented if necessary. It is
always preferred that the client and GWA engage in discussions to resolve any potential opinion differences. However, if the
client repeatedly acts inconsistently with the jointly agreed-upon investment objectives, GWA reserves the right to cancel the
client's Client Agreement after written notice. Similarly, the client has the right to cancel their Client Agreement with the
Adviser according to the Agreement provisions if they so desire.
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Proxy Voting
GWA will not ask for or accept voting authority for client securities and is not obligated to forward proxy notices to clients or
their agents. GWA will direct the Custodian to forward all shareholder-related materials directly to the client's address on
record. Clients are responsible for exercising their right to vote for proxies.
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While GWA can assist a client with their proxy questions, it shall not be deemed to have proxy voting authority solely because
it supplies client information about a particular proxy vote in any of the above situations. It is the client's obligation to vote their
proxies. Clients should contact the security issuer before making any final proxy voting decisions.
Class Action Suits, Claims, Bankruptcies, Other Legal Actions & Proceedings
A class action is a procedural device used in litigation to determine the rights and remedies for many people whose cases
involve common questions of law and fact. Class action suits often arise against companies that publicly issue securities,
including those recommended by investment advisers to clients.
GWA has no duty or obligation to evaluate a client's eligibility, advise, or submit claims to participate in the proceeds of
securities class action settlements or other related legal actions, determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class-action lawsuit, or act for the client in any manner concerning legal proceedings involving securities
currently or previously held by the client's account or securities issuers.
GWA does not provide legal or tax advice, engage in any activity that might be deemed to constitute the practice of law or
accountancy, or act for the client in any manner concerning legal proceedings involving securities held or previously held by
the client's account or the issuers of such securities. GWA is not obligated to forward copies of written or electronic notices of
any legal actions, proceedings, or materials affecting such securities.
It is the client's responsibility to respond to any legal actions or proceedings involving the securities purchased or held in their
account and/or initiate litigation to recover damages if they may have been injured as a result of the actions, misconduct, or
negligence by the corporate management of issuers of such securities.
ITEM 18: Financial Information
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance Sheet
GWA neither requires nor solicits prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six months or more in advance and
therefore is not required to include a balance sheet with this Brochure.
Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Ability to Meet Contractual Commitments to Clients
GWA has no financial conditions that will likely impair its ability to meet client contractual commitments. GWA has no
additional financial circumstances to report.
Bankruptcy Petitions in The Previous Ten Years
GWA has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition in the last ten years.
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Additional Brochure: BBVA GWA ADV 2A APPENDIX WRAP FEE PROGRAM (2026-03-31)
View Document Text
ITEM 1: Cover Page
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Form ADV Part 2A – Appendix 1
WRAP FEE PROGRAM BROCHURE
(CRD # 327326)
501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 601
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: 305-205-7752
www.bbvaglobalwealthadvisors.com
March 31, 2026
the contents of
This Wrap Fee Program brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of BBVA Global
Wealth Advisors, Inc., a registered investment adviser with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. If you
have questions about
this brochure, please contact us at 305-205-7752 or via email at
gwacompliance.group@bbva.com.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) or any state securities authority. Nothing in this document is to be construed as a recommendation or an
endorsement by the SEC or any state securities authority or an offer of securities; refer to the actual investment offering and
related legal documentation for complete disclosures. Please note that registration as an investment adviser does not imply a
certain level of skill or training. An adviser's written and oral communications provide information to determine whether to
retain the adviser’s services. This Brochure is on file with the appropriate regulatory authorities, as federal and state
regulations require.
The advisory services described in this Brochure are not insured or otherwise protected by the U.S. Government, Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), Federal Reserve Board, or any other government agency. Any money or securities
deposited to participate in any BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. investment program is not a deposit or other obligation of
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. ("BBVA S.A."), the parent company of BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc., and is not
guaranteed by the FDIC, BBVA S.A. or any of its affiliates. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of the
principal amount invested.
Additional information about BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. is available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
(Click on the link, select "Investment Adviser- Firm," and type in BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. or CRD # 327326.
Results will provide you with all firm disclosure brochures.)
1
ITEM 2: Material Changes
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. ("GWA” or the “Adviser”) reviews its Form ADV 2A – Appendix 1 Wrap Fee Program
Brochure at least annually to confirm it remains current. In this item, we are required to summarize only those material
changes made to our Brochure since our last Annual Updating Amendment. If you are receiving this document for the first
time, this section may not be relevant to you.
Since our last Annual Updating Amendment on March 21, 2025, we have the following material changes to report:
Item 2: Material Changes
● On May 27, 2025, we updated our Texas branch office address to 1980 Post Oak Boulevard, 10th Floor,
Houston, TX 77056 (T: 305-205-7752).
●
In October, 2025, we established a relationship with a client who elected to use Bulltick, LLC (“BT”), CRD#:
104005 / SEC#: 8-52493, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA, SIPC, and NFA, to provide the
client’s custodial and execution services under applicable regulatory oversight. BT is not affiliated with GWA
or its parent company, BBVA S.A.
The client’s usage of BT introduces new material conflicts of interest, including personal relationships
between BT’s management and certain GWA personnel and affiliates. GWA has adopted policies and
procedures designed to identify, mitigate, and monitor these conflicts, and will provide additional disclosures
as required under applicable SEC and state regulations.
● Since the last annual update, GWA has expanded its advisory services to include discretionary portfolio
advisory services. Under this arrangement, clients authorize GWA to make investment decisions on their
behalf, consistent with their stated objectives and without prior consultation for each transaction.
● As of March 2026, GWA renamed its Investor Risk Profiles and added a new Aggressive Risk Profile. GWA
now has five Investor Risk Profiles.
Item 4: Services, Fees & Compensation
Assets Under Management
As of December 31st , 2025, our assets under management (“AUM”) total $ 1,293,330,562. The following represents
client assets under management by account type:
Type of Account
Assets Under Management
Discretionary
Non-Discretionary
Total
$ 0
$ 1,293,330,562
$ 1,293,330,562
Full Brochure Availability
At any time, we may amend this document to reflect material changes in the Adviser's business practices, policies,
procedures, or updates as mandated by securities regulators. Annually, within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year-end of
December 31st, and as necessary due to material changes, we will provide clients either by electronic means or hard copy with
a new Brochure or a summary of material changes from the document previously supplied, with an offer to deliver a full
Brochure upon request. Please retain this document for future reference, as it contains essential information concerning our
advisory services and business.
You may view our current disclosure documents at the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure ("IAPD") website at
http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching either by our Firm name, BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. or CRD #
327326. The SEC's website also provides information about any affiliated person registered or required to be registered
as an Investment Adviser Representative of the Firm. You may also request a copy free of charge by contacting us
directly at 305-205-7752 or via email at gw acompliance.group@bb va.com.
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ITEM 3: Table of Contents
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ITEM 1: Cover Page
ITEM 2: Material Changes
ITEM 3: Table of Contents
ITEM 4: Services, Fees & Compensation
ITEM 5: Account Requirements & Types Of Clients
ITEM 6: Portfolio Manager Selection & Evaluation
ITEM 7: Client Information Provided To Portfolio Managers
ITEM 8: Client Contact With Portfolio Managers
ITEM 9: Additional Information
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2
3
4
13
13
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3
ITEM 4: Services, Fees & Compensation
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Overview
BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. (“GWA” or “the Adviser”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware. The Firm’s principal
office and place of business is located at 501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 601, Miami, Florida. GWA has been registered with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended
(“Advisers Act”), since February 26, 2024.
Principal Owners
GWA is a non-bank wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. ("BBVA S.A.”) a publicly held global
financial services institution and financial holding company, founded in Spain in 1857 and traded on the New York Stock
Exchange (ticker: BBVA). BBVA S.A., one of the largest banks in Spain, owns the largest financial institution in Mexico and
leading financial services franchises in South America. BBVA S.A. is also the leading shareholder in Garanti BBVA, a
financial services company in Turkey, and has investment, transaction and capital markets banking businesses in the U.S.
The following paragraphs describe GWA's business practices, services, and fees. Conflicts of interest arising from
the Adviser or its Associates are disclosed herein.
Advisory Business
As used in this brochure, the words "we," "our," or "us" refer to GWA and the words "you," "your," and "client" refer to you as
either a client or prospective client of our Firm. The term Associated Persons (or "Associates") refers to GWA's Covered
Persons and Supervised Persons - the Firm's Officers and Directors ("Control Persons"), employees, and the Investment
Adviser Representatives of GWA ("Financial Advisors"), who are licensed as necessary for their roles and client base,
supervised, and approved by GWA to provide investment advice or advisory services on behalf of the Adviser.
GWA owes a fiduciary duty to clients, as defined under the applicable laws and regulations. As a fiduciary, GWA upholds a
duty of loyalty, care, fairness, and good faith towards each client and seeks to mitigate potential conflicts of interest. In
providing investment advice to clients, GWA strives to act with a high degree of care, skill, prudence and diligence under the
circumstances that a prudent person acting in a fiduciary capacity would use.
GWA's advisory services are made available to clients primarily through its Financial Advisors. Each advisory relationship at
GWA is managed by one or more Financial Advisors registered with the Firm, who serve as the primary point of contact
between GWA and the Client. Financial Advisors collect financial profile and suitability information from clients and
recommend specific advisory services or programs deemed appropriate after an assessment of the client's situation,
financial circumstances, goals, objectives and investor risk profile, amongst other considerations. Financial Advisors are
required by applicable rules and policies to obtain licenses and complete training to recommend specific investment products
and services. Clients should be aware that their Financial Advisor can or can not recommend certain services, investments,
or models depending on the licenses or training obtained and can transact business or respond to inquiries only in the
state(s) and locations in which they are appropriately qualified.
For more information about the Financial Advisor providing advisory services, clients should refer to their Financial Advisor's
Form ADV 2B Brochure Supplement, a separate disclosure document offered to the client, along with this brochure, before
or at the time of relationship inception. (If the client did not receive a Form ADV 2B Brochure Supplement, they should
contact their Financial Advisor or GWA directly.)
GWA's advisory services are designed and aimed to complement clients’ needs, as described within its written services
contracts (the "Investment Advisory Agreement" or "IAA" (for non-discretionary services) and/or the “Investment Management
Agreement” or “IMA”, (for discretionary services) and collectively the “Client Agreements”) that disclose, in substance, the
scope of service, contract term, advisory fee, formula for computing the fee, and type of authority granted to GWA. Final fee
structures are documented within the written Client Agreements. Financial Advisors are restricted to providing the services
and fees specified within each Client Agreement, subject to the client's listed objectives, limitations, and restrictions. Client
Agreements must be completed and executed to engage GWA's advisory services. Clients can engage GWA for additional
services at any time.
4
Non-Exclusive Relationship
GWA's relationship with each client is non-exclusive; in other words, we provide advisory services to multiple clients, with
investment strategies and advice based on each client's specific financial situation. Accordingly, since investment strategies
and advice are custom-tailored based on each client's specific financial situation, the advice we provide to one client can
differ or conflict with that provided for the same security or investment for another.
Other Professional Service Provider Recommendations
GWA can recommend the services of other professionals for implementation purposes. These professionals, who can be
lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc., are engaged directly by the client on an as-needed basis. We do not receive
referral fees for such recommendations, and clients are under no obligation to engage in any recommended professional
services. Clients wishing to engage in such services will execute a separate agreement by and between the Client and their
selected referred professional(s). Unless disclosed otherwise, GWA is not a party to the transaction and does not maintain
the authority to accept any client on behalf of any referred professional. Each referred party has the right to reject any
referred GWA client for any reason or no reason.
In selecting a referred professional, the client is responsible for understanding the referred provider's separate contract,
including fees and charges and for those charges when assessed, should they choose to engage the referred professional.
The client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any
recommendation from GWA. If conflicts of interest related to recommendations of other professionals arise in the future, we
will disclose them to you. (Note: If a client engages any recommended professional, and a dispute arises thereafter relative to
such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from and against the engaged professional.)
Client Responsibilities
GWA's advisory services depend on and rely upon the information received from clients. The Adviser cannot adequately
perform its obligations and fulfill its fiduciary duties to the client unless the client discloses an accurate and complete
representation of their financial position and investment needs, timely remits requested data or paperwork, provides updates
promptly upon changes, and otherwise fulfills its responsibilities under the Client Agreement. Financial Advisors will rely upon
the accuracy of information furnished by the client or on their behalf without further investigation. GWA will not be required to
verify the information obtained from clients or other professional advisors, such as accountants or attorneys. Clients will
acknowledge and agree to their obligation to promptly notify GWA in writing if any information material to the advisory services
to be provided changes, information previously provided that might affect how their account should be managed occurs, or if
earlier disclosed data becomes inaccurate.
The client or their successor shall also promptly notify us in writing of the client's dissolution, termination, merger, or
bankruptcy if the client is other than a natural person and of the occurrence of any other event that might affect the validity of
their Client Agreement or our authority thereunder.
GWA reserves the right to terminate any client engagement where a client has willfully concealed or refused to provide
pertinent information about details material to the advisory services to be provided or individual/financial situations when
necessary and appropriate, in its judgment, to provide proper financial advice.
The following paragraphs describe the business practices, services and fees of the BBVA Global Wealth Advisors'
GWA Portfolio Adviser Program and Managed Portfolio Investment Programs, both a bundled asset-based fee
program. Any conflicts of interest arising from the Adviser or its Associates are disclosed herein.
Wrap Fee Program Services
Under our Wrap Fee Program Services, GWA is the Sponsor and investment adviser of the ' BBVA Global Wealth Advisors'
GWA Portfolio Adviser Program and the BBVA Global Wealth Advisors' Managed Portfolio Investment Programs (collectively,
the "Wrap Fee Program" or “Program”), a bundled asset-based fee Program that differs from a regular advisory services
account in that clients receive both investment advisory services and the execution of certain securities brokerage
transactions, custody, reporting, and related services for a specified, bundled asset-based fee (the "Program Fee" or "Wrap
Fee") regardless of the number of trades completed by a client. The assets in each Wrap Fee Program are regularly
monitored, with investment strategy purchase and sale transactions based on the client's specific needs and investment goals.
Financial Advisors will collect financial profile information from clients at the onset of the advisory relationship through
5
personal discussions and the use of diagnostic questionnaires designed to help the Financial Advisor assess the client's
objectives and determine their risk tolerance to create a customized investment plan for portfolio management. Multiple
aspects of the client's financial affairs are reviewed, with agreed-upon, realistic and measurable goals set based on the
disclosed information. The client's written Client Agreement, will document the details of the advisory relationship and the final
advisory fee structure. GWA’s advisory services include recommending and analyzing investments, discussing market trends,
and providing guidance with respect to investment product alternatives. Clients can evaluate specific trade ideas with their
Financial Advisor and may trade individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), structured notes, bonds, and funds,
among others, with the assistance of GWA’s Investment Team. Investment advice may be provided on a discretionary basis
(client delegates decision making authority of their investment accounts to the Adviser) or non-discretionary basis (client
retains the final decision-making authority for each trade or investment decision in the account). If a client elects to participate
in GWA’s non-discretionary services, our Representatives must obtain client approval prior to executing any transactions on
behalf of the client’s account. Clients retain the unrestricted right to decline any advice provided by GWA on accounts
managed on a non-discretionary basis. (See Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Type of Investments & Risk of
Investment Loss in Item 6 for additional details.)
In connection with determining investments suited to a client's risk profile, GWA's Investment Team considers as input
investment analysis conducted by BBVA S.A.'s fund research team and reviews Investment Guides ("BBVA Investment
Guides") developed by BBVA S.A.'s Global Wealth Investment Committee ("GWIC"). GWIC uses well-established investment
principles and investment methodologies to develop the BBVA Investment Guides, which establish asset allocation target
ranges for general client risk profiles. Typically drawing from the BBVA Investment Guides recommended by GWIC and/or
other third-party information, our Investment Team develops specific asset allocation recommendations for our clients ("GWA
Investment Guides").
GWA does not provide advice with respect to the use of margin or securities lending. However, our clients can independently
decide to enter into agreements with their custodians related to the use of margin (i.e., leverage) in their accounts. In such
cases, the Financial Advisor can facilitate the client's interaction with the custodian for the purposes of margin investing.
Wrap Fee Program clients will enter into a separate Client Agreement to participate in the Program that sets forth the terms
and conditions of the engagement, describes the scope of the services to be provided, fees to be paid, and the type of
authority granted to GWA. Final advisory fee structures are documented within the written Client Agreement. Clients will then
invest in the Wrap Fee Program by establishing one or more accounts with the Wrap Fee Program's custodian. (Please refer
to the Wrap Fee Program Custodial Account Establishment section on p. 8 for additional details on GWA’s Qualified Custodian
or “Custodian.”)
Generally, clients participating in this type of Program will pay the Wrap Fee to the Program sponsor quarterly in arrears,
based on a percentage of assets under management. With the client’s written permission, this payment will be debited from
the client’s account by the Custodian. GWA passes on a portion of the Wrap Fee to the Broker-Dealer partner of the program
for its services (e.g., execution of securities brokerage transactions), may pass a portion to the Model Provider, and retains a
portion of the Wrap Fee for the advisory services it provides.
The overall costs clients will incur if they participate in our Wrap Fee Programs can be higher or lower than they could incur by
separately purchasing the types of securities available in the Program. Clients should be aware that a conflict of interest exists
whenever GWA recommends participating in its Wrap Fee Program. Because GWA earns a higher fee for managing a Wrap
Fee account versus a non-wrap fee account, Financial Advisors have an incentive to recommend a Wrap Fee account instead
of a non-wrap fee account. However, clients could benefit from a Wrap Fee account instead of a regular non-wrap fee account
based on their individual circumstances, as discussed below.
The Program is not intended for clients who maintain consistently high levels of cash, money market mutual funds or other
short-term securities or those who engage in trading activity inconsistent with the investment advice provided through the
Program.
Wrap Fee Program clients must understand the following:
● The benefits under the Wrap Fee Program depend, in part, upon the size of the account, the Program Fee
charged, and the number of transactions likely to be generated in the account.
● GWA and its Financial Advisors receive compensation due to the client's participation in our Wrap Fee
6
Program. This compensation could be more than the amount GWA or its Investment Professionals would
receive if a client paid separately for investment advice, brokerage, and other services.
● To evaluate whether our Program is suitable, clients should compare our Wrap Fee and any other costs of the
Program with the amounts that other advisers would charge broker-dealers and custodians for advisory fees,
brokerage, other execution costs, and custodial services comparable to those provided under this Program.
● Participating in GWA's Wrap Fee Program can cost a client more or less than purchasing advisory, brokerage,
and custodial services separately from other advisers or broker-dealers. Similar services may be obtainable at
lower costs on an unbundled basis through different firms.
GWA typically pays a portion of the Wrap Fee it receives from you to your Financial Advisor. The exact portion of the Wrap
Fee paid by GWA to the Financial Advisor varies among Financial Advisors. It depends on factors such as each Financial
Advisor’s overall annual revenue production. Because the amount received by your Financial Advisor as a result of your
participation in the Program can be more than the Financial Advisor would receive if you participated in GWA’s standard,
non-discretionary investment advisory services, brokerage and other services covered by the Wrap Fee, the Financial Advisor
has a financial incentive to recommend the Program over these other services.
Wrap Fee Program Enrollment
GWA's advisory services are designed and aimed to complement each client's specific needs. Clients wishing to participate in
the Wrap Fee Program will enter into a separate Client Agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions of the engagement,
describes the scope of the services to be provided, fees to be paid, and the type of authority granted to GWA. Final advisory
fee structures are documented within the written Client Agreements. Financial Advisors are restricted to providing the services
and fees specified within each Client Agreements, subject to the client's listed objectives, limitations, and restrictions. Client
Agreements must be completed and executed to engage GWA's services. Appropriateness will be determined based solely on
the Wrap Fee Program's cost-effectiveness to the client.
Once established, no Client Agreement can be assigned, within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended, by the Adviser without the consent of the client as set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement. Clients can
engage GWA for additional services at any time. (Note: Transactions that do not result in a change of actual control or
management of the Adviser within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, shall not be considered
an assignment.)
Investor Risk Profile
Through a collaborative process with each client, GWA will create an Investor Risk Profile (“IRP” or “Profile”), which will be
used to recommend the appropriate investment mix or model portfolio for the client. Financial Advisors will confer with the
client periodically to review the client's investment objectives and investment mix or model portfolio and make a reasonable
effort to confirm or update the written client information to keep the data current, no less than annually.
The IRP is created using a combination of the client's responses to a questionnaire designed to help determine investment
goals, financial market expertise, liquidity needs, time horizon, risk tolerance and other relevant information gathered through
personal client discussions and the overall client relationship, including but not limited to cash flow and liquidity requirements,
risk management, and other factors significant to the client’s financial situation. Other financial areas of concern can also be
discussed upon the client's request and as necessary. Existing investments will typically also be evaluated to determine
whether they harmonize with the client’s financial objectives.
Based on the data gathered, the client's questionnaire replies, and the set of guidelines established by GWA, the client will be
classified into one of the following four Profiles:
1. Very Conservative Risk Profile – Investor with a low-risk tolerance looking for capital preservation at the end of
a defined investment period.
2. Conservative Risk Profile –Investor with a low risk tolerance, seeking high stability of returns and aiming to limit
exposure to market volatility, understanding that this may result in more modest long-term growth potential.
Portfolios for Conservative investors hold a predominantly high allocation to lower-risk fixed income
instruments, with a low exposure to equities or higher-volatility assets.
7
3. Balanced Conservative Moderately Aggressive Risk Profile –Investor with a balanced risk tolerance, looking to
grow capital above the inflation rate in the long term. Willing to invest a moderate percentage of assets in US
and non-US equities and accept a moderate amount of volatility.
4. Balanced Aggressive Risk Profile - Investor willing to invest an even higher percentage of assets in US and
non-US equities and riskier securities. Looking to maximize returns and willing to accept a higher level of
volatility. Even though the foundation of the portfolio construction process for Balanced Aggressive investors
generally takes a long-term approach, shorter-term goals might have an even higher priority in this portfolio.
5. Aggressive Risk Profile – Investor with a very high risk tolerance, prepared for significant short-term volatility in
pursuit of higher long-term growth potential. Portfolios for Aggressive investors concentrate heavily in equities
and other return-seeking assets, with only limited allocations to lower-volatility instruments. These investors are
comfortable with substantial market fluctuations, understanding that results may vary widely over shorter periods
in exchange for the potential of enhanced long-term capital appreciation
Client Imposed Restrictions
Clients can, at any time, impose restrictions on investing in particular securities or security types according to their
preferences, values, or beliefs. Such restrictions must be submitted to GWA in writing. Clients can also amend/change such
limitations by once again providing written instructions. Reasonable efforts are made to comply with client investment
guidelines, including any client's reasonable limits, by standard industry practices. In imposing restrictions, it is essential to
note that such conditions can affect a client's account performance and result in variations from a similar Program account
without restrictions. It is important to note that client-imposed restrictions within their account and variations could result in
positive or negative performance differences for the account compared to accounts without such limits. The restrictions can
also potentially prevent achieving a client's specific goals.
Upon receiving a client's written restrictions, GWA will discuss the restriction request's feasibility to confirm expectations are
met and verify the client's acknowledgment and understanding of the imposed restriction's possible outcomes. GWA reserves
the right to either reject client-imposed restrictions or end the client relationship. Client-imposed restrictions will not be effective
unless accepted by GWA in writing.
In no event, regardless of the advisory service provided, is GWA obligated to make any investment or enter any transaction it
believes in good faith would violate any federal or state law or regulation.
Portfolio Construction
Each client IRP typically maps to an Investment Guide or Model Portfolio, which represents the recommended asset allocation
for the respective IRP. The GWA Investment Guides incorporate Strategic (long-term) and Tactical (short-term) components.
The overarching principles of the Investment Guide development process are as follows:
● Asset selection, liquidity, and risk tolerance are key considerations when constructing asset allocation guidelines
for a given IRP.
● Diversification is necessary and fundamental to navigate and reduce volatility; concentration could increase risk
and volatility.
● Valuations are important in assessing the intrinsic value of an asset, determining whether it is overvalued or
undervalued, and informing the decision to buy, sell, or hold the asset based on its fair value versus its market
price.
● A disciplined allocation process can steer an investor away from making decisions based on emotional biases.
When determining the Investment Solution for a particular client risk profile, as previously noted, GWA analyzes various
products or Model Portfolios (for Discretionary accounts) before recommending to its clients a portfolio appropriate for each
client's IRP and in accordance with the client's risk tolerances and investment objectives.
Client portfolios are reviewed through an ongoing process of assessing client objectives, developing an appropriate asset
allocation that seeks to achieve those objectives, and modifying that allocation as necessary to address risks and
opportunities.
The Client's portfolio will then be supervised and regularly monitored, with the investment strategy selected to ensure that
transaction recommendations are geared toward the client's specific financial needs and investment goals. Each account's
investments are directed and subject to the objectives, limitations, and restrictions listed in the client's documentation.
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Program clients remain the owners of all securities in their Program account and have all ownership rights to such securities,
including the right to vote securities in their account and withdraw securities.
Wrap Fee Program Custodial Account Establishment
Clients will invest in the Program by establishing one or more accounts with the Program's custodian (the “Custodian”). Clients
will agree to the execution of brokerage securities transactions related to the management of their Program account through
Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC ("PAS"), an independent and separate SEC-registered Broker-Dealer, member of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"), who will
take possession of the cash, securities, and other assets within their portfolio and buy and sell securities upon our instructions,
as indicated in each client's written Client Agreement, and the documents they execute with PAS to establish their Custodial
account. PAS will act as the Client's Custodian and introducing broker to provide specific brokerage and certain other services
for the Program account, and Pershing LLC, an affiliate of PAS (also an SEC-registered Broker-Dealer and member of FINRA
and SIPC), will act as the clearing Broker-Dealer/Custodian for such accounts. Pershing LLC will also maintain custody of the
Program account assets.
In keeping with the bundled nature of the Program, PAS and Pershing LLC will typically provide the following services for
Program accounts: transaction execution, clearing and settlement services, custody and processing, and the maintenance of
securities in good possession and control locations. To fulfill its duty to seek best execution of transactions for client accounts,
GWA will periodically review the execution performance of our Broker Dealer partners.
Additionally, we can be expected to maintain a minimum amount of client assets at Pershing LLC, and if we do not meet that
minimum, PAS can charge us an annual platform fee. This arrangement presents a conflict of interest because it incentivizes
us to increase and maintain the amount of Program assets held by Pershing LLC.
The Custodian will send the client account statements, at least quarterly, itemizing activity and account transactions, specific
investments held in the account, the value of the portfolio, deposits, withdrawals, and advisory fees that occurred during the
period of the statement. These statements will be delivered by postal mail or electronically, as selected by the client.
GWA urges clients to promptly review any statements they receive directly from the Custodian or otherwise upon
receipt to ensure account transaction accuracy. Clients should also compare their account(s) ’ investment
performance against the appropriate benchmark applicable to the type of investments held in the account and any
periodic information from us.
GWA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any report or any other information provided to the client by the
Custodian or another service provider to the client. GWA encourages clients to ask questions about their assets' custody,
safety, security, or any statements received and report inconsistencies. If a client believes there are any inaccuracies or
discrepancies in any reports received from the Custodian or us directly, or if they do not understand the information in any
report, document or statement received, they should promptly and in all cases before the next statement cycle, report any
items of concern to their Financial Advisor or GWA directly at 305-205-7752 or gwacompliance.group@bbva.com. With
respect to non-discretionary advisory services, unless the client indicates otherwise by promptly notifying GWA in writing of
concerns regarding statements received, investments GWA makes at their direction and in line with their stated investment
objectives or on their behalf shall be deemed to conform with the client's investment objectives. Any verbal communications,
inquiries, or concerns about their account statements should be reconfirmed by the client in writing.
If clients are not receiving statements, at least quarterly, from the Custodian, they should promptly inform the Custodian
directly, as well as their Financial Advisor.
Financial Advisors will contact clients periodically to review their Program account and confirm the account remains consistent
with the client's investment objective and risk tolerance within appropriate asset allocation parameters.
For non-discretionary accounts, clients will retain final decision-making authority and responsibility for the selection of, and any
changes to, the investment objective, risk tolerance, the target and/or actual asset allocation, and the particular securities and
other assets held in the Program account. Nonetheless, it is essential that clients promptly notify their Financial Advisor of any
inaccuracies in, or material changes to, the information provided to GWA and/or the Financial Advisor throughout the duration
of the Program account.
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Financial Advisors will also contact clients at least annually to determine if there are any changes to their investment
objectives, risk tolerance, and financial goals and whether asset allocation changes should be made in the Program account.
Wrap Fee Program Fees & Compensation
GWA's Wrap Fee Program advisory clients agree to pay an asset-based advisory fee calculated according to the schedules
indicated herein.
Fee Negotiation Availability
Advisory Wrap Fees are negotiable up to the maximum annual rates listed herein, subject to certain limitations and approval
by GWA. The Adviser, in its sole discretion, can charge lesser fees or choose to reduce or waive minimum fees for services
based upon specific criteria such as pre-existing client relationships, the number of related investment accounts, inception
date, total account assets under management, expected additional assets, anticipated future earning capacity, account
composition, and client negotiations, among others.
At GWA's discretion, certain employee accounts or those for members of a client's family or otherwise can be assessed fees
based on the total balance of all accounts.
While GWA seeks to facilitate advantageous agreements for clients, to the extent fees are negotiable, some clients can pay
higher (more) or lower fees (less) than other clients for services that they would pay if their account were a non-wrap account
and incurred transaction costs separately. Whether a client would pay more for the Program versus a non-wrap account (i.e.,
paying for advisory services and transaction costs separately) depends on several factors, including the level of trading
activity in the account, the price of the services provided by third parties, or commissions charged for each transaction. Our
Wrap Fee may also be higher or lower than fees charged by other sponsors of comparable investment advisory Wrap Fee
programs.
Lower fees for comparable services can sometimes be available from other sources.
According to the selected advisory services, the final fee structures will be reflected in each client's written Client Agreement.
In all cases, clients are responsible for any tax liabilities that result from any transactions.
Regardless of Wrap Fee negotiation availability, under no circumstances will a client be required to pre-pay a GWA advisory
fee more than six months in advance, in excess of $1,200.
Non-Discretionary Wrap Portfolio Advisory Services Fees
Schedule of fees
GWA’s Non-Discretionary Wrap Portfolio Advisory Services fees are generally assessed using a tiered annual fee
calculation. The schedule of fees below identifies rates for various account value ranges based on the account size (i.e., the
“assets under management”):
Schedule of Non-Discretionary Advisory Fees
Total Assets Under Management
Annual Fees
$500,000 - $1,000,000
$1,000,001 - $7,500,000
$7,500,001 +
Up to 2.20%
Up to 1.70%
Up to 1.10%
*Note: We charge 2.20% if any Wrap Fee Program account's average daily balance for the quarter is
between $250,001-$499,999. We charge a minimum annual fee of $5,500 for Wrap Fee Program accounts
that fall below $250,000 (in terms of average daily balance in a quarter). Lower fees for comparable
services can sometimes be available from other sources.
Discretionary Wrap Portfolio Advisory Services Fees
Schedule of Fees
GWA’s Discretionary Wrap Portfolio Advisory Services fees are also generally assessed using a tiered annual fee
calculation. The schedule of fees below identifies rates for various account value ranges based on the account size (i.e., the
“assets under management”):
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Schedule of Discretionary Advisory Fees
Total Assets Under Management
$0 - $1,000,000
$1,000,001 - $7,500,000
$7,500,001 +
Annual Fees
Up to 2.55%
Up to 2.05%
Up to 1.45%
Note: Lower fees for comparable services can sometimes be available from other sources
Use of Third-Party Managers and Model Portfolios
For certain Discretionary Wrap Portfolio Advisory Services, GWA utilizes model portfolios managed by third-party investment
institutional managers (“Model Providers”). In these arrangements, the Model Provider provides a set of investment
recommendations (a “Model”) which is then implemented for your account.
Compensation to Third-Party Managers
If a Model Provider’s Model is implemented for your account, the Model Provider is compensated for the use of its intellectual
property and the ongoing management of its Model. This compensation may be:
- Direct: Paid by GWA out of the management fee we collect from you.
-
Indirect: Embedded in the cost of certain investment products used within the model.
Conflicts of Interest
The use of third-party Model Providers creates several inherent conflicts of interest:
- Cost Minimization: Because GWA pays the Model Provider a portion of your Discretionary Portfolio Advisory Services
fee, we have a financial incentive to select Model Providers with lower costs rather than those that may be most
appropriate for your specific financial needs. We mitigate this conflict of interest by adhering to a strict fiduciary
standard, utilizing an investment committee to select Model Providers based solely on objective performance metrics
and client suitability rather than our internal cost structure.
- Other Benefits & Support: Certain Model Providers may provide GWA with additional benefits, such as marketing
support, technology subsidies, or complimentary attendance at conferences sponsored by the Model Provider. This
creates an incentive for us to recommend a Model Provider based on the benefits we receive rather than the
investment merit of the model. GWA manages this conflict by maintaining a rigorous due diligence process that
evaluates Model Providers solely on investment merit and client suitability, ensuring that any ancillary benefits or
support received are not factors in our selection or retention of Model Providers.
- Product Bias: Some Model Providers are also fund complex managers. These managers often populate their models
with their own proprietary Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or Mutual Funds. This creates a secondary layer of fees
that you pay to the Model Provider and may result in the use of proprietary products even when lower-cost or
higher-performing third-party options are available in the market. We mitigate this conflict by conducting comparisons
of the Model Provider’s costs against similar third-party alternatives.
Fee Calculation
Except as otherwise described in this section, the Wrap Fees are calculated on the average daily balance of your account and
billed quarterly in arrears, based on the net asset value of each account during the billing period - including assets invested in
cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest, and dividends, but excluding the amount of outstanding margin balances.
If an Client Agreements is executed at any time other than the first day of a calendar quarter, our fees will apply on a pro-rata
basis, which means that the advisory fee is payable in proportion to the number of days in the quarter for which you are a
client.
Assets under management include all U.S. securities, non-U.S. securities, cash and other instruments in a client's account
advised by GWA. GWA considers cash to be an asset class. Depending on market conditions, investment management
strategies often involve moving to cash positions for varying periods. As a result, cash balances are included in the value of
the assets under our management that are the basis for charging our advisory fee unless otherwise noted in the Client
Agreements (i.e., outstanding margin balances). The advisory fee billed to the cash portion of client accounts will exceed
money market yields when rates for such money market funds are lower than the advisory fees charged to the account.
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To calculate an account's net asset balance, we deduct the amount of any outstanding margin balances from the account's
total gross asset balance, but do not deduct the amount of any outstanding non-purpose loan balances.
Securities without a readily available market price are valued at fair value, as determined in good faith by the Custodian. With
respect to client account assets in alternative investments, alternative investment managers and underlying vehicle typically
provide the Custodian with an asset's valuation..
Clients should be aware that ongoing fees reduce the value of an investment portfolio over time. When the Wrap Fee is
debited from a portfolio's assets, there is less money invested to generate a return. Clients are encouraged to discuss the
impact of fees with their Financial Advisor.
GWA reserves the right, in its discretion and subject to the maximum fees described above, to amend the Schedule of Fees
upon prior written notice to clients.
Fee Billing
GWA's policy is to deduct its advisory fee directly from client accounts through the Custodian holding your funds and securities
upon your permission. No other method of fee payment is accepted. Advisory fee deduction will occur only when the following
requirements are met:
1. Clients must authorize GWA in writing via a duly executed Client Agreement to directly deduct advisory fees due
from their Custodial account and provide the Custodian with authorization to deduct such fees and instructions to
remit them directly to GWA.
2. The account Custodian agrees to send the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed
from their account, including the amount of the advisory fee paid directly to GWA.
GWA's Program Fees will be payable first from free credit balances, money market funds, or cash equivalents, if any, and
second from the liquidation of a portion of the client's securities holdings. Please note that ongoing fees reduce the value of an
investment portfolio over time - when our advisory fee is debited from the portfolio's assets, clients have less money invested
to generate a return. Clients are encouraged to discuss the impact of fees with their Financial Advisor.
When authorized by the client to debit advisory fees from client accounts, GWA is deemed to have custody of client assets to
the extent the Adviser is permitted to instruct the Custodian to deduct the fees. We urge clients to compare the Custodial
account statements with any periodic portfolio report or data they may receive from us promptly upon receipt to ensure the
accuracy of account transactions. Information obtained from us can vary based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or
valuation methodologies. If you find any inconsistent information between our invoice and the statement(s) you receive from
the Custodian, contact us directly at 305-205-7752. If a client is not receiving statements directly from the Custodian, in
addition to promptly advising their Financial Advisor, GWA also recommends that the client contact the Custodian directly.
Program Account Additions, Withdrawals & Terminations
Clients can make additions to their GWA Program accounts in cash or securities at any time. GWA reserves the right to
decline to accept particular securities into the client's account. If GWA liquidates transferred securities, clients can be subject
to additional fees such as transaction fees, other fees assessed at the asset level, such as contingent deferred sales
charges, and tax ramifications.
Clients can make withdrawals from their GWA accounts at any time in cash or securities, subject to the terms of Client’s
agreement with the Custodian. Withdrawals are subject to the usual and customary securities settlement procedures and
costs. Additionally, if the client transfers their account to another firm, they can pay an outgoing account transfer fee to the
Custodian.
Generally, account terminations can be made to a Client Agreement by written notice without penalty within five (5)
business days after the Agreement execution date. After that, the Client Agreement between GWA and the Client will
continue in effect until either party terminates the Client Agreement following the terms of the Agreement, which state the
Client Agreement can be terminated by either party upon at least ten (10) days written notice to the other party. (Note: A
"business day" shall be any day when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.)
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Terminations become effective on receipt of such notice and will not affect:
● The validity of any action previously taken by the Adviser under the Client Agreement.
● Liabilities or obligations of the parties from transactions initiated before termination of the Client Agreement.
● The client's obligation to pay management and other fees due, prorated through the termination date.
Upon receiving the termination notice of the Client Agreement, GWA will take steps to deliver cash/and or securities as per the
client's instructions, subject to the terms of the Client’s account agreement with the Custodian. If securities are liquidated,
clients may incur liquidation fees or contingent deferred sales charges. Depending on market conditions, a liquidation can
result in a loss. In addition, the Custodian or Broker-Dealer liquidating the security positions can impose additional fees. If the
client holds certain alternative investments and/or illiquid securities, they may have to wait for specific redemption schedules.
GWA bills the client in arrears for services that have already been rendered. Therefore, there is no need for the refund of any
unearned advisory fees at the time of account termination.
If the client is a natural person, the client's death, disability, or incompetency will not terminate or change the terms of a Client
Agreement. Instead, the Client Agreement shall immediately terminate upon the Adviser’s receipt of proof of the client's death
and a duly authorized representative’s written instruction to terminate the Client Agreement. The disability or incompetency of
the client will also not terminate or change the terms of the Client Agreement; however, the client’s duly authorized
representative can terminate the Client Agreement by giving written notice to GWA. Before termination, all directions given or
actions taken or omitted by GWA before the effective Client Agreement termination shall be binding upon the client and any
successor or legal representative. The Adviser will no longer be entitled to receive fees from the termination date and has no
obligation to recommend or act concerning an account's securities, cash, or other investments under the terminated Client
Agreement.
Additional Fees & Expenses
Clients who participate in the Program will not pay separate transaction or trading fees with respect to U.S. equities, ETFs,
fixed-income securities, options, and mutual funds, except as noted below. However, the Wrap Fee does not include certain
charges and administrative fees charged by PAS or other third parties (such as broker-dealers, custodians, trust companies,
banks and other financial institutions), including, but not limited to:
● Transaction charges (including mark-ups and mark-downs) resulting from trades effected through or with a
broker-dealer other than PAS ("trading away"), wire transfer fees, account transfer fees, termination fees, paper
subscription fees, tax document subscription fees, short-term redemption fees, bond concessions, international
transfer fees, settlement fees, custodial fees, reporting charges, and loads.
● Transfer taxes, odd lot differentials, exchange or auction fees, interest charges, American Depository Receipt
agency processing fees, and any charges, taxes or other fees mandated by any federal, state or other applicable
law or otherwise agreed to with regard to client accounts.
● Costs relating to trading in foreign securities (including UCITS), fees attributable to alternative investments and
structured products.
● Asset-based management and other fees charged by pooled investment vehicles (such as mutual funds, ETFs,
and UCITS) in which a client invests and by the managers of such vehicles (including custodian fees, brokerage
commissions, and legal and accounting fees).
GWA encourages clients to promptly review all account statements received from their Custodians to understand the fees
charged to their accounts. While GWA does not anticipate trading away, as noted above, client Wrap Fees do not include
trading costs if client orders are placed with broker-dealers other than PAS.
Compensation for Client Participation
Neither GWA nor any of its Financial Advisors receives additional compensation beyond the Wrap Fees disclosed herein for a
client's participation in the Program.
ITEM 5: Account Requirements & Types Of Clients
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Types of Clients
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GWA generally provides advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and family businesses.
Minimum Investment
We generally require a minimum investment size of $500,000 to open and maintain an account with us.
For non-discretionary Wrap Fee Program accounts, we will charge 2.20% if any account's average daily balance for the
quarter is between $250,001-$499,999. We charge a minimum annual fee of $5,500 for non-discretionary Wrap Fee Program
accounts that fall below $250,000 (in terms of average daily balance in a quarter), but we reserve the right to reduce, increase,
or waive the minimum account size, terminate accounts that fall below the minimum established requirements, require
additional funds be deposited to bring a client account value up to the required minimum or waive advisory fees and account
minimums for employee, employee-related, or affiliate employee accounts.
Certain investment products can require annual minimum fees or minimum asset levels for participation. There are no
ongoing contribution requirements for client accounts. Clients should thoroughly review disclosure materials or brochures
and consult with their Financial Advisor about the implications of such minimum requirements before investing in such
products.
ITEM 6: Portfolio Manager Selection & Evaluation
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Selection & Review of Portfolio Managers, Securities & Funds for the Program
GWA now offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management services under the Wrap Fee Program.
Clients may authorize GWA to make investment decisions without prior consultation for each transaction (discretionary), or
may retain final decision-making authority and pre-approve each transaction (non-discretionary). Details of the relationship
are disclosed fully before any advisory relationship commences, and the selected management style is documented in the
client’s Client Agreement.
For clients who elect discretionary investment management authority, GWA will execute transactions in accordance with the
agreed-upon strategy or Model without prior client approval for each trade.
Non-discretionary investment management authority requires clients to initiate or pre-approve account investment
transactions before they occur. Clients can decide not to invest in securities or types of securities and refuse to approve
securities transactions. Under this management style, GWA must receive approval from the client before placing any trades in
the client's account. The discretion remains with the client. As a result, until GWA reaches the client, no transactions will be
placed in the client's account(s). GWA will, however, facilitate transactions in its clients' accounts based on the investment
decisions made by its clients.
GWA's Commercial Head maintains primary responsibility for the supervision of each Financial Advisor's advisory activities
and the Program accounts they advise. This ongoing oversight typically also includes the review of each Program account for
(1) the transactions effected in them, (2) those holding a significant amount of assets in cash, money market mutual funds
and other short-term securities, (3) those presenting a certain risk level, (4) unsolicited trading, (5) little or no trading activity,
(6) accounts holding a small number of securities, (7) accounts with excess extended deviation from specified asset allocation
targets, and (8) accounts that have not recently been the subject of a portfolio review by the Financial Advisor and the client.
Custodial Relationships & Conflicts of Interest
Pershing Advisory Solutions (“PAS”) will serve as GWA’s preferred Qualified Custodian and introducing broker, offering
designated brokerage and related services to GWA clients. Pershing LLC, an affiliate of PAS, also an SEC-registered
broker-dealer and FINRA/SIPC member, will act as the clearing broker and custodian for such accounts.
GWA anticipates recommending PAS and its affiliates for the majority of its clients’ brokerage transactions, subject to
suitability and client-specific considerations.
It is important to note that not all investment advisers require clients to utilize a particular broker-dealer. Clients who elect to
use PAS will receive the applicable custodial account agreements and fee schedules at the time of account opening. Clients
will enter into custodial and/or brokerage agreements directly with each Qualified Custodian.
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GWA maintains no affiliation with PAS nor Pershing LLC.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest will arise whenever GWA has an actual or perceived economic or other incentive in its management of
clients' portfolios to act in a way that benefits GWA. GWA has various conflicts of interest in managing and sponsoring the
Program, as described below.
Affiliate-Managed Products - GWA is a non-bank, wholly-owned subsidiary of BBVA S.A., an international financial
holding company listed on the NYSE. From time to time, GWA can advise clients to invest in fund(s) advised or
managed by BBVA Asset Management S.A. SGIIC ("BBVA Asset Management"), another wholly-owned subsidiary of
BBVA S.A. Recommending products created or managed by an affiliated entity presents a conflict of interest because
investing in a fund managed by BBVA Asset Management would benefit not only that entity but ultimately BBVA S.A.
(GWA's parent company), by generating additional revenues for both entities. GWA mitigates this conflict of interest
by only advising on strategies and products that it believes to be in the best interest of the client based on the client's
financial goals, investment objectives and risk tolerance, and by disclosing this conflict to the client. If, in the future,
GWA recommends funds advised by any of GWA's other affiliates, GWA will disclose this affiliation and the resulting
conflicts of interest related to these recommendations prior to the client's decision to invest in such funds. GWA does
not receive compensation directly or indirectly from BBVA Asset Management when it recommends investments in
funds managed by BBVA Asset Management to GWA's clients.
Dissimilar Advice, Actions, Compensation & Activity - GWA and its affiliates can provide different advice, take
different actions, receive more or less compensation and/or hold or deal in different securities for any other party,
client, or account (including their own accounts or those of affiliates) from the advice given, actions taken,
compensation received, or securities held or dealt for client accounts.
Other Programs - clients may be able to obtain similar advice at a lower price via other programs, either from us or
other parties that are not part of a wrap fee program.
Trade Allocations - GWA can aggregate the securities to buy or sell for more than one client to obtain favorable
execution to the extent permitted by law. When doing so, we are responsible for allocating the trade in a manner that
is equitable and consistent with our fiduciary duty to our clients (which could include, e.g., pro-rata allocation, random
allocation, or rotation allocation). For block trade orders executed by GWA, the price to each client is the average
price for the aggregate order.
GWA has adopted and implemented compliance policies and procedures and a Code of Ethics (“Code”) to mitigate conflicts of
interest. GWA’s Code is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request.
Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
Performance-based fees are fees based on a share of capital gains or capital appreciation of a client's account. Side-by-side
management refers to the practice of managing accounts that are charged performance-based fees while at the same time
managing accounts that are not charged performance-based fees. GWA does not accept performance-based fees nor
participate in side-by-side management.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Type of Investments & Risk of Investment Loss
Methods of Analysis
GWA uses various methods/techniques of analysis to inform the development of the GWA Investment Guides and
recommendations of Investment Solutions for its clients, including:
Fundamental Analysis - a method that measures intrinsic value by examining related economic, financial, and other
qualitative and quantitative factors. Fundamental analysts attempt to study everything that can affect the asset value,
including macroeconomic factors (i.e., the overall economy and industry conditions) and company-specific factors
(i.e., the general financial health of companies, quality of management, or competitive advantages). The end goal of
performing fundamental analysis is to produce a value that an investor can compare with the asset’s current price,
with the aim of figuring out what sort of position to take with that asset (underpriced = buy, overpriced = sell or short).
This method is considered the opposite of technical analysis. The risk of fundamental analysis is that information
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obtained may be incorrect, and the analysis may not provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the
basis for a stock's value. If asset prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not
result in favorable performance.
Macroeconomic Analysis - focuses on the performance of economies and economic variables like inflation, interest,
foreign exchange rates and growth, with risk that includes the uncertainty of projections.
Modern Portfolio Theory - an investment theory that attempts to maximize a portfolio's expected return for a given
amount of risk or, equivalently, minimize risk for a given level of expected return, each by carefully choosing the
proportions of various asset classes. GWA utilizes modern portfolio theory as a principle underlying its asset
allocation processes.
Quantitative Analysis - an analysis technique that deals with measurable factors (as distinguished from qualitative
considerations) and seeks
to understand behavior using complex mathematical and statistical modeling,
measurement, and research, including, for example, the value of assets, the cost of capital, and diverse statistical
measures. By assigning a numerical value to variables, quantitative analysts try to replicate reality mathematically.
Some believe that it can also be used to predict real-world events, such as changes in a share price. Some risks of
this type of analysis include the difficulty, time, and costs required to collect and conduct the data analysis.
Technical Analysis (“Charting”) - a method of evaluating securities by analyzing statistics generated by market
activity, such as past prices and volume. Technical analysts do not attempt to measure a security’s intrinsic value.
Instead, they use charts and other tools to identify patterns that can suggest future activity. When looking at individual
equities, a person using technical analysis generally believes that the performance of the stock, rather than the
performance of the company itself, has more to do with the company’s future stock price. Some risks of this type of
analysis include biased opinions or indicators that, while providing possible entry and exit points and information for
consideration, can produce false or conflicting signals or not be 100% accurate in their forecasting. GWA might use
this technique from time to time to generate tactical ideas for buying and/or selling a security.
Investment Strategies
Our investment strategies and advice will vary depending on each client's financial situation, as we determine investments
and allocations based on the client’s predefined objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, financial information, liquidity needs,
and other suitability factors appropriately identified and included in the client's best interest objective. Client restrictions and
guidelines will also affect the composition of the client’s portfolio. The following are other items that can also be items for
consideration when determining investment strategies and practices:
Asset Allocation
In order to construct client portfolios, GWA follows an asset allocation process that incorporates both a strategic and a tactical
component. GWA considers, as an input, the "Investment Guides" published by BBVA S.A.'s GWIC, which specify target
exposure ranges for various asset classes for different client risk profiles. GWA then develops its own asset allocation
recommendations, which are reviewed and adjusted periodically based on the evolution of macroeconomic factors, market
performance and other quantitative and qualitative factors.
Strategic Asset Allocation ("SAA") - SAA is part of GWA's asset allocation process. SAA analyzes the risk and return
characteristics of asset classes over a longer time horizon. As part of this process and recognizing that future
performance cannot be determined with any level of certainty, we aim to estimate the long-term expected risk and
returns of various asset classes. These estimates are based primarily on a comprehensive analysis of various
factors, including historical data, economic indicators, market trends, and fundamental analysis. Longer time horizons
generally provide more confidence in estimates of asset class returns and risks. The long-term risk and return
estimates of asset classes are reviewed periodically twice a year, as well as in extreme market situations, to assess
how changes in macroeconomic conditions and recent market performance modify our estimates of asset returns.
Tactical Asset Allocation ("TAA") - TAA is part of GWA's asset allocation process. TAA is an active management
strategy based on macroeconomic, sentiment, and momentum factors aimed at managing portfolio risk and returns
with an approximate time horizon of less than a year. At GWA, we attempt to identify and take advantage of
inefficiencies, opportunities, and dislocations that may arise in the markets at specific times with shorter time
horizons. For certain client risk profiles, especially those that tolerate a higher degree of risk, GWA may implement a
tactical investment approach for such clients' portfolios.
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Tactical Investment Ideas - at GWA, we attempt to identify and take advantage of inefficiencies, opportunities, and
dislocations that may arise in the markets at specific times with shorter time horizons. For certain client risk profiles,
especially those that tolerate a higher degree of risk, GWA may implement a tactical investment approach for such
clients’ portfolios.
Funds, ETF & UCITS Selection
Our Investment Team leverages investment analysis and research conducted by BBVA S.A.'s fund research team, including
with respect to pooled investment vehicles ("funds") and ETFs. BBVA S.A.'s research analyzes a combination of quantitative
and qualitative criteria, including various measures of returns and risks across different time horizons. It categorizes funds,
ETFs, and UCITS into comparable groupings. The qualitative analysis complements and reinforces the results of the
quantitative analysis. GWA may consider this fund, ETF, and UCITS research in developing its recommendations to clients.
Based on its analysis of the various funds, ETFs, and UCITS, the GWA Investment Team selects and highlights the most
appropriate alternatives within each asset class and for each client risk profile.
While GWA’s Financial Advisors may provide advice on any investment held in a client's portfolio at the inception of the
advisory relationship and explore other investment options at the client's request, they reserve the right to advise clients on
any other type of investment deemed suitable based on the client's stated goals and objectives. However, when balancing
portfolios, GWA will consider only the account’s managed assets, not other investments the client may hold elsewhere.
Cash Management
In managing the cash maintained in your account, GWA will utilize only the cash vehicles (i.e., money market funds) made
available by the client’s Custodian. In most cases, at least a partial cash balance will be maintained to allow for the debit of
advisory fees or anticipated cash distributions to clients. There may be other cash management options away from the
Custodian available to clients with higher yields or safer underlying investments. (Note: Investment products are usually not
FDIC insured, insured by any federal government agency, a deposit, other obligation, or guaranteed by the Adviser.)
Tax Considerations
Our strategies and investments may have unique and significant tax implications. However, tax efficiency will not be our
primary consideration when managing your assets. Regardless of account size or other factors, we strongly recommend that
clients consult with a tax professional regarding investing their assets. Custodians and broker-dealers must report the cost
basis of equities acquired in client accounts.
Custodians will typically default to the First-In-First-Out ("FIFO") accounting method for calculating your investments’ cost
basis. Clients are responsible for contacting their tax advisor to determine if this accounting method is the right choice for
them. If your tax advisor believes another accounting method is more advantageous, provide written notice to our firm
immediately and alert the account Custodian of your individually selected accounting method. (Please note that all decisions
regarding cost-based accounting are required before trade settlement, as the cost-basis method cannot be changed after
settlement.)
Risks of Loss & Other Types of Risk
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Over time, assets will fluctuate and
be worth more or less than the initial invested amount. Depending on the investment type, differing risk levels will exist. GWA
cannot guarantee or promise that a client's financial goals and objectives will be met (including the investments and/or
investment strategies recommended by GWA) or that investments will be profitable or achieve any specific level of
performance.
When evaluating risk, financial loss may be viewed differently by each client and may depend on many distinct risks, each of
which may affect the probability and magnitude of potential losses.
GWA does not represent or guarantee that the services provided or its methods of analysis can or will predict future results,
successfully identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate investors from losses due to market corrections or declines. There is
no guarantee of client account future performance or any level of performance, the success of any investment decision or
strategy used, overall account management, or that any investment mix or projected or actual performance shown will lead to
expected results or perform in any predictable manner or that your financial goals and objectives will be met. All investment
programs have certain risks that the investor bears, and our investment approach keeps the risk of loss in mind. Past
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performance is not indicative of future results. The investment decisions made for client accounts are subject to various
market, currency, economic, political, and business risks (including the many listed below) and will not always be profitable.
The outcome(s) described and any strategies or investments discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Further, there
can be no assurance that advisory services will achieve any particular result, tax, or legal consequence.
An investment could lose money over short or even long periods. Clients should expect their account value
and returns to fluctuate within a wide range, like the overall stock and bond market fluctuations.
Every method of analysis has its inherent risks. For example, to perform market analysis, GWA relies on historical, current,
and new market information. GWA has no control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore, unbeknownst
to us, certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information, limiting the value of our analysis. In addition, an
accurate market analysis can only produce a forecast of the direction of market values. There can be no assurances that a
forecasted change in market value will materialize into actionable or profitable investment opportunities.
Each of GWA's primary investment strategies - Asset Allocation, Tactical Investment Ideas and Funds/ETF Selection – can
have its own inherent risks and limitations. For example, longer-term investment strategies generally require a more extended
investment period to allow for the strategy to potentially develop. Short-term investment strategies can incur higher
transactional costs when compared to a longer-term investment strategy.
GWA's Investment Solutions allocates client investment assets primarily among various individual equity and fixed-income
securities, mutual funds, UCITs, and/or ETFs in accordance with the client's designated investment objectives and risk
tolerances. These securities have associated risks, as described below.
The following risks for the various types of investments used by GWA in clients’ investment portfolios, which are not
all-inclusive, are provided for careful consideration by a prospective client before retaining our services. The
common risks of loss described in this section are intended as a high-level overview. Clients should carefully review
other disclosure documents for a complete discussion of the risks attributable to an individual investment, including,
but not limited to, prospectuses, term sheets, pricing supplements, and structured note documentation.
Note: Items are presented alphabetically for ease of reading, not in order of importance.
Risks include, but are not limited to:
Private and Alternative Investments. The Adviser can invest assets in securities for which there is no ready market,
such as private or restricted securities, and which the Adviser, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. Such
investments are generally made directly in securities of issuers relying on an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act. Investing in Private Investment Funds (PIFs) and other alternative investments carries significant and
unique risks, including, but not limited to:
Liquidity Risk: Private and alternative investments are inherently illiquid. There is generally no secondary public
market for these securities, and one is not expected to develop. Clients may not be able to sell or transfer their
interests quickly, or at all, and may be required to hold their investments for an indefinite period. Furthermore, PIFs
often impose strict lock-up periods, withdrawal restrictions, and "gate" provisions that can significantly delay a client's
ability to access their capital.
Valuation Risk: Because there is no active market for private securities, determining their fair market value is
inherently difficult and often subjective. Valuations are typically provided by the fund’s manager or a third-party
administrator based on estimated models rather than easily observable market prices. As a result, the reported value
of the investment may not accurately reflect the price that could be obtained if the asset were sold today, potentially
impacting the calculation of advisory fees and performance reporting.
Lack of Transparency and Regulatory Oversight: Private investments are generally exempt from the stringent
registration, disclosure, and reporting requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on
public companies and mutual funds. Consequently, the Adviser and clients may have access to less frequent and
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less comprehensive financial information regarding the underlying investments, making it more difficult to monitor
performance and assess risk.
Complex Strategies and Leverage: PIFs often employ highly complex investment strategies, including the use of
short selling, derivatives, and significant leverage (borrowing). While leverage can magnify potential returns, it also
substantially increases the risk of loss and the volatility of the fund's net asset value.
Higher Fees and Expenses: Alternative investments typically involve a more complex fee structure than traditional
investments. Clients may be subject to multiple layers of fees, including management fees and performance-based
fees (carried interest) charged by the underlying fund managers, in addition to the advisory fees charged by the
Adviser. These aggregate fees will reduce the overall return on the investment.
Capital Call Risk: Many private funds require investors to commit a certain amount of capital, which is then "called" or
drawn down over time. If a client fails to meet a capital call, they may face severe penalties, including the forfeiture of
a significant portion of their existing investment in the fund
Equities - equity investment generally refers to buying shares of stocks in individual companies in return for receiving
a future payment of dividends and/or capital gains if the value of the stock increases. The value of equity securities
may fluctuate in response to specific situations for each company, industry conditions, and the general economic
environment. Exposure to equity securities may result in the following risks, among others:
Emerging Market Stocks - Emerging market stocks may have higher political risk, as sometimes
governments are less stable than in developed economies. Emerging market stocks can also be subject to
more volatile economic environments that could lead to earnings fluctuations and currency risks that could
lower the value of the investment.
Growth Stocks - Growth stocks may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to
reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits.
Initial Public Offerings - Initial public offerings ("IPOs") are subject to high volatility and limited availability.
Small-Capitalization ("Small-Cap") Companies - Small-cap stocks may exhibit erratic earnings patterns,
competitive conditions, limited earnings history, and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.
Value Stocks - Value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by
the market for an extended period.
ETFs - An ETF is a pooled investment fund, the shares of which trade on a stock exchange at market price in a
manner similar to shares of stock issued by individual companies. Investors in ETFs are exposed to the risks
associated with the ETF's underlying portfolio (i.e., equities or fixed-income risk, as described above). The market
price of an ETF may not always reflect the value of the underlying portfolio, and ETFs may trade at a premium or a
discount to the net asset value of the underlying portfolio.
Fixed Income - Fixed income investments generally pay a return on a fixed schedule, though the amount of the
payments can vary. This type of investment can include corporate and government debt securities, leveraged loans,
high yield (or "junk") bonds, investment grade debt and structured products (including structured notes). In general,
the fixed-income market is volatile, and fixed-income securities carry interest rate risk. Fixed-income securities also
carry inflation risk, liquidity risk, call risk, and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties (all as
described below). Treasury inflation-protected/inflation-linked bonds are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the
U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk; however, they carry a potential risk of losing value. Risks
of investing in foreign fixed-income securities also include the general risk of non-U.S. investing described below in
the "Foreign Securities" section. Different types of fixed-income securities can have different characteristics and
associated risks:
Call Risk - Issuers of callable bonds have the option to redeem the bonds before maturity, which can leave
investors with reinvestment risk if the bonds are called in a declining interest rate environment.
Credit & Default Risks - Both issuers and counterparties of fixed-income securities carry credit risk, which
pertains to the issuer's ability to meet its debt obligations. Default risk is the potential that the issuer might
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fail to make interest or principal payments.
Corporate & Government Debt Securities - Corporate bonds offer the potential for higher yields compared to
government bonds, but they also carry higher credit risk. Government bonds, particularly those issued by
stable governments, are considered relatively safe, but they might offer lower yields. Both types of bonds
can be influenced by changes in interest rates, potentially affecting their market value.
Foreign Fixed Income Securities - Investing in fixed-income securities from foreign countries introduces
additional risks, including currency exchange rate fluctuations, political instability, and different regulatory
environments.
High-Yield & Investment Grade Debt - High-yield debt, often referred to as junk bonds, carries higher default
risk but can offer attractive returns. Investment-grade debt, on the other hand, includes bonds issued by
more creditworthy entities, providing more stability but generally lower yields. Economic factors, interest rate
changes, and market sentiment can impact both types of debt.
Inflation Risk - Fixed-income investments can be vulnerable to inflation, eroding the purchasing power of
future interest and principal payments. This risk is particularly relevant for longer-term bonds.
Interest Rate Risk - Fixed-income securities are susceptible to interest rate risk. That is, as interest rates
rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is typically more pronounced for longer-term
fixed-income securities.
Liquidity Risk - Some fixed-income securities may have limited market liquidity, making it challenging to buy
or sell them at favorable prices, especially in times of market stress.
Structured Products & Structured Notes - Structured products are complex securities whose value is derived
from their underlying assets. Typically, these are hybrid instruments consisting of a traditional security (e.g.,
a zero-coupon bond) and an embedded derivative (e.g., a call or put option). While they can offer
customizable risk and return profiles, they can be less transparent and more difficult to value. Structured
Products are generally not listed on any exchanges, and there are generally no secondary markets where
they can easily be liquidated. Structured products are typically not designed to be actively traded; thus,
clients should be prepared to hold them until maturity. Their value may be influenced by factors specific to
their underlying assets and the structure of the product. Structured notes – a particular type of structured
product – are typically issued by banks or brokerage firms and have interest and/or principal payments that
are linked to changes in the price level of certain assets or to the price performance of certain indices. The
value of a structured note will be influenced by the complexity of the product, time to maturity, level of supply
and demand for this type of note, interest rate, market volatility, liquidity, changes in the issuer's credit
quality rating, and economic, legal, political, or other events. In addition, there may be a lag between a
change in the value of the underlying reference asset and the value of the structured note. Structured notes
may also be subject to counterparty risk.
Treasury Inflation-Protected/Inflation-Linked Bonds - These bonds protect against inflation by adjusting their
principal value with changes in the consumer price index. Although the risk of default is unlikely due to the
backing of the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government, Treasury inflation-protected/inflation-linked
bonds can still experience minimal fluctuations in value.
Foreign Securities - Investing in non-U.S. securities presents certain risks in addition to those outlined above,
including:
Currency Risks - Investments in international securities expose a portfolio to fluctuations in currency
exchange rates, which may adversely affect the value of investments in international securities held in your
portfolio. Similarly, investments denominated in a global currency are subject to the risk that the value of a
particular currency will change in relation to one or more currencies.
Emerging Markets - Securities traded in certain emerging markets may be subject to risks due to the
inexperience of financial intermediaries, the lack of modern technology, the lack of a sufficient capital base
to expand business operations, and the possibility of temporary or permanent termination of trading. Political
and economic structures in many emerging markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid
development, and emerging markets may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of
more developed countries.
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Government Intervention & Market Disruptions - In recent years, the global financial markets have
undergone fundamental disruptions that have led to extensive and unprecedented government intervention
that could prove detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets and could adversely impact your
portfolio.
Liquidity in Financial Markets - Global financial markets can experience wide fluctuations in liquidity and be
subject to rapidly changing economic conditions, which could adversely impact portfolio asset value.
Margin Transactions - A securities transaction in which an investor borrows money to purchase a security, in which
case the security serves as collateral on the loan. Margin transactions carry risk because if the value of the shares
drops sufficiently, the investor will be required to either deposit more cash into the account or sell a portion of the
shares to maintain the margin requirements of the account. This is known as a "margin call." An investor's overall risk
includes the amount of money invested plus the amount that was loaned to them.
Mutual Funds - Investing in mutual funds carries the risk of capital loss, and thus, the client may lose money investing
in mutual funds. All mutual funds incur costs that lower investment returns. Additionally, funds will be subject to risks
based on the types of securities held by each fund. For example, fixed-income funds will primarily hold bonds and
other fixed-income securities and be subject to the kinds of risks outlined below under "Fixed-Income," while equity
funds will hold equity securities that are subject to the types of risks outlined below under "Equities." In addition,
actively managed funds may be subject to the risk that fund management fails to meet a fund's objective or, in the
case of a passive fund, will be subject to holding the securities that make up an underlying index and may not be able
to divest itself of such holdings at a time or price that the fund's manager may otherwise think appropriate. A mutual
fund may also make illiquid investments or may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse
investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more challenging to value.
UCITS & Alternative UCITS - UCITS are open-ended pooled or collective investment undertakings established in
accordance with the UCITS Directive adopted by European Union member states. Investing in UCITS carries similar
risks to those outlined under "Mutual Funds" above. Alternative UCITS are a type of UCITS that generally seek to
take advantage of certain investment techniques permitted by the UCITS III Directive to pursue strategies more
common in the alternative investment fund sector. Alternative UCITS typically seek to invest in a range of financial
derivative instruments and use such instruments to create both long and synthetic short exposures, and some may
also use a certain degree of leverage. Exposure to derivative instruments could effectively leverage the portfolio of
the alternative UCITS. As a result, small price movements in the asset underlying a derivative contract held by the
alternative UCITS can cause a significant difference in the value of the derivatives and result in large profits or losses
(depending on the direction of the change) for the alternative UCITS. Investments in UCITS (including alternative
UCITS) bear two layers of asset-based management fees and expenses (directly through GWA's advisory fees and
indirectly at the UCITS level) and, in some instances, a single layer of incentive fees (at the UCITS level).
Artificial Intelligence Risk
We may utilize artificial intelligence ("AI") in certain aspects of our business operations to enhance operational efficiency and
support client services. However, we currently do not use AI in our investment selection process or formulate the specific
investment advice provided to clients. Our use of AI is primarily focused on automating administrative and client
service-related tasks, such as meeting preparation, meeting notes, CRM updates, task management, and meeting recap
notes. We believe this technology helps reduce administrative time, streamline client engagement, and improve the overall
client experience.
It is important to note that AI models are highly complex, and their outputs may be incomplete, incorrect, or biased. While AI
is intended to enhance our operations, its use presents risks, including potential inaccuracies, errors in decision-making, and
the management challenges of implementing the technology effectively. Additionally, using AI could pose risks to the
protection of clients or proprietary information. These risks include the potential exposure of confidential information to
unauthorized recipients, violations of data privacy rights, or other data leakage events. For example, in the case of generative
AI, confidential information—such as material non-public information or personally identifiable information—input into an AI
application could become part of a dataset that is accessible to other users or AI applications, potentially compromising
confidentiality. Further, the regulatory landscape surrounding AI is rapidly evolving, which may require adjustments to our
approach to adopting and implementing AI technologies. Moreover, the use of AI could lead to litigation and regulatory risk
exposure.
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To mitigate these risks, our firm implements stringent data protection protocols, including encryption and access controls, to
safeguard client and proprietary information. We continually assess and monitor the performance of AI technologies, ensuring
that they are used in a manner consistent with our fiduciary duties and regulatory requirements. Our Staff is trained to handle
sensitive data responsibly, and we engage with trusted third-party vendors who adhere to industry best practices for data
security and compliance.
Risks of Specific Securities Utilized
While GWA seeks investment strategies that do not involve significant or unusual risk beyond the general domestic and
international equity markets, in some instances, methods that hold a higher risk of capital loss may be utilized. While all
investing involves risk, using such strategies is a material risk of loss. Clients are advised that investing in securities involves
the risk of losing the entire principal amount invested, including any gains; they should not invest unless they can bear these
losses.
Investing also risks missing out on more favorable returns that could be achieved by investing in alternative investments or
commodities. Any of the above investment strategies may lead to a loss of investments, especially if the markets move
against the client. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The outcomes described and any strategies or
investments discussed may not suit all investors, and there can be no assurance that advisory services will result in any
particular result, tax or legal consequence.
Before acting on GWA’s analysis, advice, or recommendation, clients should consult with their legal counsel, tax, and other
financial investment professionals, as necessary, to aid in due diligence as proper for their situation and decide the suitability
of the risk associated with any investment. Clients are encouraged to direct questions regarding risks, fees, and costs to their
applicable Financial Advisor.
Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
GWA will not ask for or accept voting authority for client securities and is not obligated to forward proxy notices to clients or
their agents. GWA will direct the Custodian to forward all shareholder-related materials directly to the client's address on
record. Clients maintain the responsibility for exercising their right to vote for proxies. While GWA can assist a client with
their proxy questions, it shall not be deemed to have proxy voting authority solely because of supplying client information
about a particular proxy vote in any of the above situations. It is the client's obligation to vote for their proxies. Clients should
contact the security issuer before making any final proxy voting decisions.
Class Action Suits, Claims, Bankruptcies, Other Legal Actions & Proceedings
A class action is a procedural device used in litigation to determine the rights and remedies for many people whose cases
involve common questions of law and fact. Class action suits often arise against companies that publicly issue securities,
including those recommended by investment advisers to clients. GWA has no duty or obligation to evaluate a client's
eligibility, advise, or submit claims to participate in the proceeds of securities class action settlements or other related legal
actions, determine if securities held by the client are subject to a pending or resolved class-action lawsuit, or act for the client
in any manner concerning legal proceedings involving securities currently or previously held by the client's account or
securities issuers.
GWA does not provide legal or tax advice, engage in any activity that might be deemed to constitute the practice of law or
accountancy, or act for the client in any manner concerning legal proceedings involving securities held or previously held by
the client's account or the issuers of such securities. GWA is not obligated to forward copies of written or electronic notices of
any legal actions, proceedings, or materials affecting such securities.
It is the client's responsibility to respond to any legal actions or proceedings involving the securities purchased or held in their
account and/or initiate litigation to recover damages if they may have been injured as a result of the actions, misconduct, or
negligence by the corporate management of issuers of such securities.
ITEM 7: Client Information Provided To Portfolio Managers
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sharing Client Information with Portfolio Managers
The Program does not use third-party portfolio managers; thus, GWA does not provide client information to such managers.
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GWA Financial Advisors have access to all of the information the client provides, including financial information, investment
objectives, risk tolerance level, tax status, investment experience, financial status, and other data relating to the client's
investment profile, trading activity, and account(s), among other information.
To provide Program services, GWA will share the client's private information with the Custodian. We can also provide client
private information to mutual fund companies, as needed, and with the client’s consent. GWA will only share the information
necessary to carry out our obligations to service Program accounts in accordance with our privacy practices and to the
extent required to conduct business.
including privacy,
for
GWA has adopted a written Privacy Policy in accordance with Regulation S-P under section 504 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act, which restricts the Adviser and its Associates from the use of and access to the client’s non-public personal information.
Clients can obtain a complete copy of GWA’s Privacy Policy and Code of Ethics, which also addresses our fiduciary
obligations
free by contacting us directly at 305-205-7752 or by email at
to clients,
gwacompliance.group@bbva.com.
ITEM 8: Client Contact With Portfolio Managers
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
As noted above, the Program does not use third-party portfolio managers. There are no restrictions on a client's ability to
contact their Financial Advisor or GWA directly with any questions regarding their Program account. GWA, through its
Financial Advisors, is available to clients on an ongoing basis to discuss client financial circumstances, their Program portfolio
and the securities therein, or to process instructions from clients concerning advisory assets. Clients are required to contact
their Financial Advisor with any questions they have regarding their account(s).
ITEM 9: Additional Information
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Legal or Disciplinary Event Disclosure
Registered investment advisers such as GWA must disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary events that
would be material to a client's or prospective client's evaluation of the investment adviser or the integrity of its management.
Neither GWA nor any of its management persons have any criminal or civil actions, administrative proceedings, or
self-regulatory organization proceedings to report material to a client's evaluation of our advisory business, except for the
following:
With respect to GWA's parent company, BBVA S.A., on December 19, 2016, BBVA S.A. and its subsidiary, BBVA Securities
Inc. ("BSI"), entered into a Consent Order of Assessment of a Civil Money Penalty (the "Consent Order") with the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Board"), under which the Board assessed a civil money penalty of $27
million against BBVA S.A. and BSI.
BBVA S.A., a U.S. bank holding company, engages in limited securities underwriting and dealing activities through BSI,
pursuant to authority granted by the Board under the Bank Holding Company Act ("BHC Act"), and subject to, among other
things, restrictions on the amount of gross revenues derived from those activities and certain other conditions and
requirements imposed by Board's order (the Operating Standards) or under Board regulations. The civil money penalty was
assessed jointly and severally against BBVA S.A. and BSI. The Consent Order related to the following findings of the Board,
which the Board determined resulted in unsafe and unsound practices, violations of Section 4 of the BHC Act, Section 5(c) of
the BHC Act, Board Operating Standard 8 (and related provisions of the Federal Reserve Act), the Board's Regulation K and
conditions and commitments applicable to BBVA S.A. under Board orders:
(A)(1) during the period from July 1, 2008, and continuing through March 31, 2013, BBVA S.A. and BSI improperly
classified certain types of revenues, resulting in violations of the applicable revenue limits on their securities
underwriting and dealing activities under federal banking laws; (2) for the period including at least July 1, 2008, until
June 30, 2012, BBVA and BSI filed inaccurate reports with the Board relating to its compliance with the revenue
limits; (3) BSI received several extensions of credit from BBVA S.A.'s New York Branch during 2010 and 2011 that
were not properly collateralized and BSI failed to pay intercompany fees on market terms; and (4) during the
foregoing periods, BBVA S.A. and BSI failed to have adequate management oversight, corporate governance, risk
management, and internal controls with respect to applicable revenue limits and the Board's Operating Standards;
and
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(B) BBVA S.A. directly engaged in impermissible underwriting and dealing activities in the United States between July
2011 and October 2011 without the required regulatory approval of the Board. As noted in the Consent Order, BBVA
S.A. and BSI took corrective action and restored compliance with the revenue limits and reporting requirements as of
April 1, 2013.
Clients can view our current disclosure documents at the SEC's IAPD website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching our
firm name, BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Inc. or CRD # 327326. The SEC's website also provides information about any
affiliated person registered or required to be registered as an Investment Adviser Representative of the Firm, including their
items (if any). Copies are also available by contacting us directly at 305-205-7752 or by email at
disclosure
gwacompliance.group@bbv a.com.
Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
GWA is an independent investment advisory firm that provides the investment advisory services indicated within this Form
ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure. We do not engage in business activities or offer services other than those described herein.
Broker-Dealer & Registered Representatives of a Broker-Dealer
Neither GWA nor any of its Financial Advisors is registered as or has pending applications to become a broker-dealer or a
registered representative of a broker-dealer.
Registration as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither GWA nor any management person is registered or intends to register as a futures commission merchant, commodity
pool operator, commodity trading adviser, or an associated person of the preceding entities.
BBVA Affiliated Entities
BBVA, S.A. Group Banking Services – Parent Company
GWA is wholly and directly owned by BBVA S.A., which owns other financial institutions throughout the world. Our advisory
services are separate and distinct from the banking services of BBVA S.A. and those of its other subsidiaries. We do not
provide recommendations regarding the banking services of BBVA S.A., its affiliates, or other banking entities.
BBVA Asset Management S.A. SGIIC
From time to time, GWA can advise clients to invest in a fund or funds advised or managed by BBVA Asset Management S.A.
SGIIC ("BBVA Asset Management"), another wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA S.A. Recommending funds managed by an
affiliated entity presents a conflict of interest because investing in a fund managed by BBVA Asset Management would benefit
not only that entity but ultimately BBVA S.A. (GWA's parent company), by generating additional revenues for both entities.
GWA mitigates this conflict of interest by only advising on strategies and products that are in the client's best interest based on
the client's financial goals, investment objectives and risk tolerance and by disclosing this conflict to you. GWA does not
receive compensation directly or indirectly from BBVA Asset Management when it recommends investments in funds
managed by BBVA Asset Management to GWA's clients.
BBVA Insurance Sales & Services
Certain subsidiaries of BBVA SA are insurance companies. While GWA does not recommend or sell insurance products, GWA
and GWA Financial Advisors may refer clients or prospects for insurance to its US-based affiliate, BBVA Global Wealth
Insurance Agency, Inc. Certain Financial Advisors are licensed insurance agents of BBVA Global Wealth Insurance Agency,
Inc.
BBVA Quality Funds
BBVA Quality Funds is a division of BBVA S.A., specializing in the research and due diligence of mutual funds, ETFs, and
pooled investment vehicles, among other investments. GWA has engaged BBVA Quality Funds to provide research and due
diligence services that GWA can consider when formulating certain investment recommendations for clients. GWA does not
receive any compensation directly or indirectly as a result of the recommendations we make based on this research and due
diligence, and non-discretionary clients are under no obligation to accept these recommendations.
BBVA S.A. Corporate Banking - N.Y. Branch
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GWA has entered into a services agreement with a corporate banking branch of BBVA S.A. whereby BBVA S.A. provides
GWA with certain support services, including insurance, human resources management, procurement, travel and expense
services, third-party risk management, internal audit, finance and tax services. Such services are not utilized by or
recommended to clients.
BBVA Securities Inc.
Certain subsidiaries of BBVA S.A. are engaged in financial services businesses, including BSI, an SEC-registered
Broker-Dealer. GWA does not currently have any relationships or arrangements with BSI that are material to our business.
BSI, however, serves as the underwriter for BBVA-issued or guaranteed Structured Notes, which GWA can recommend to
clients.
Other BBVA S.A. Financial Affiliates
Although certain BBVA S.A. subsidiaries act as investment advisers in other jurisdictions, GWA does not currently have any
relationships or arrangements with entities outside those disclosed in its ADV Part 1 that are material to GWA's business.
Promoter Relationships
GWA can enter into Promoter relationships with qualified individuals who are paid to refer clients to the Adviser, which can
result in the provision of investment advisory services. GWA’s policy is to ensure that any Promoters used are licensed when
required and otherwise qualified to provide investment advice. Unlicensed Promoters can only provide impersonal investment
advice by referring to our services and not commenting on using GWA’s services or portfolio construction. The terms of all
unaffiliated Promoter arrangements are defined by a contract between the Promoter and GWA, which sets forth the terms of
the Agreement and form of compensation to the Promoter, typically a percentage of the advisory fees received from referred
clients.
Referral arrangements inherently give rise to potential conflicts of interest, particularly when the person recommending an
Advisor receives an economic benefit, as the payment received could incentivize the Promoter's referral. Accordingly, GWA is
generally required to ensure that the following information is disclosed to referred clients in writing: (1) whether a Promoter is a
client or a non-client of GWA, (2) the material terms of any compensation arrangement for the referral, (3) the material
conflicts of interest arising from the relationship and/or compensation arrangement, and (4) all material terms of the
arrangement, including a description of the compensation to be provided for the referral.
Other Business Relationships
Third-Party Resources
GWA uses third-party resources to help run its business and provide services to its clients. In sourcing these service
providers, GWA strives to act in a client’s best interest and find the highest value-added providers to service clients. While the
Adviser has developed a network of professionals - accountants, lawyers, and otherwise - outside of the relationships
disclosed herein, neither GWA nor its Associates receive compensation for such use or referrals.
Bulltick, LLC
GWA has a relationship with a client that has elected to use Bulltick, LLC (“BT”), CRD#: 104005 / SEC#: 8-52493, a registered
broker-dealer and member of FINRA, SIPC, and NFA, to provide custodial and execution services to the client under
applicable regulatory oversight. BT is not affiliated with GWA or its parent company, BBVA S.A.
The client’s relationship with BT presents material conflicts of interest due to personal relationships between certain members
of BT’s management and certain personnel of GWA and its affiliates. Specifically, BT’s Miami, FL Managing Director and
Minority Partner, Adolfo Lazaro, is the brother of Jaime Lazaro, BBVA S.A.’s Global Head of Asset Management and Global
Wealth, who is also the supervisor of GWA’s Chief Executive Officer, Humberto Garcia de Alba Carrillo. Additionally, BT’s
Principal, CFO, Operations Officer and FINOP, William (“Bill”) A. Herrera, resides with GWA’s Chief Operating Officer and
Operations Manager, Catalina M. Cadavid.
These relationships can create material conflicts of interest, as they could influence GWA’s selection, recommendation or
advised usage of BT for client accounts. GWA addresses these conflicts by disclosing the relationships and potential conflicts
to clients, implementing policies and procedures to ensure that all recommendations are made in the client’s best interest,
consistent with its fiduciary duty, and conducting periodic reviews of best execution and due diligence for all broker-dealer
relationships. GWA has adopted policies and procedures to identify, mitigate, and monitor these conflicts, and will provide
additional disclosures as required under the Advisers Act, SEC rules, and applicable state regulations.
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Conflicts of Interest
Making clients aware of other financial activities, affiliations, relationships, and services presents a conflict of interest since
GWA and its Associates can have a financial incentive to submit advisory clients to specific companies or services over others
due to compensation received in connection with the transaction rather than client needs (if any). GWA addresses other
financial industry activities and affiliation conflicts of interest by requiring Associates to always act in each client's best
interests. GWA makes no assurances that another entity's products or services are at the lowest available cost. Clients could
obtain the same products or services at a lower price from other providers. The ultimate decision to retain products or
services remains at the client's sole discretion. Outside of the information referenced herein, neither the Adviser nor its
management persons have any other material relationships or conflicts of interest with other financial industry participants.
GWA has adopted and implemented compliance policies and procedures and its Code to mitigate conflicts of interest. GWA’s
Code is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading
Description of Our Code of Ethics
Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires all investment advisers registered with the SEC to adopt a Code of Ethics that
sets forth standards of conduct and requires the investment adviser’s Supervised Persons to comply with federal securities
laws. GWA takes its regulatory and compliance obligations seriously and recognizes its statutory duty to oversee the
advisory activities of the Supervised Persons who act on its behalf. The Adviser believes each of its advisory clients is owed
the highest level of trust and fair dealing and holds Associates to a very high standard of business practices and integrity. To
that end, GWA has adopted its Code that sets forth the Firm’s conduct standards in keeping with its fiduciary obligation.
GWA strives to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our practices. GWA’s Code requires all Associates to
exercise a fiduciary duty by acting in each client's best interest while consistently placing the client's interests first and
foremost. The Code applies to all Associates, including individuals registered with the Adviser as Financial Advisors or
considered 'Supervised Persons' under the Advisers Act. The Code can also be applied to any other person the Chief
Compliance Officer designates.
GWA's Code outlines and prohibits certain activities deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the
appearance of such a conflict) and specifies reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. Associates are required to
abide fully by all applicable industry regulations and the Firm's guiding principles as outlined in its written supervisory Policies
& Procedures Manual and Code, including any updates.
GWA's Code of Ethics is distributed to each Associate at the time of hire, annually, and periodically thereafter. Our Code
requires an affirmative commitment by Associates that they will abide by all state and federal securities laws and provisions
relating to client information confidentiality, a prohibition on insider trading, restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts,
outside activities reporting, and personal securities trading procedures for Access Persons, among others. Associates are
required to attest no less than annually to their compliance with and understanding of the above matters - including
confirmation and acknowledgment by every Financial Advisor of the Firm's expectations regarding their conduct, given the
duties, responsibilities, and principles required of them.
In addition, GWA provides annual training related to the Code of Ethics and monitors the activities of its Supervised Persons
on an ongoing basis. Our Code of Ethics is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon
request.
Buying & Selling for Client Accounts Securities in Which GWA or a Related Person has a Material Financial Interest
In the event GWA recommends that clients buy or sell any security in which a related person of GWA has a material financial
interest, or if a Supervised Person seeks to invest in the same securities that GWA recommends to its clients, we will
manage conflicts of interest by adhering to BBVA S.A.'s "Conflicts of Interests" Policy in addition to GWA's own Code of
Ethics and conflicts of interest policies and procedures. These policies establish the general principles and guidelines of
action to identify, prevent, manage and, where appropriate, inform the client of conflicts of interest that can arise in the
provision of investment and auxiliary services, with a view to complying with the regulations on the protection of the client.
Our Code of Ethics is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon request. (Please also see
Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations above for a discussion of how GWA addresses conflicts of interest with
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respect to recommendations of funds managed by BBVA Asset Management.)
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading
In most cases, GWA neither participates nor has an interest in our client's transactions. We allow Supervised Persons to, at
times, participate in or have an interest in financial products or strategies also recommended to clients. As such, it is possible
that an Access Person (1) could invest in the same securities (or related securities) that such a person recommends to
clients or (2) could recommend securities to clients at or about the same time that such a person buys or sells the same
securities for their own account. This presents a potential conflict in that the Access Person might seek to benefit themselves
from this type of trading activity in the same securities, either by trading for personal accounts in advance of client trading
activity or otherwise. GWA monitors the personal trading of its Access Persons to ensure trades are consistent with the
fiduciary obligations owed to our clients. GWA's Financial Advisors and other "Access Persons" must have written clearance
for all personal securities transactions (subject to certain exceptions, such as, for example, shares of mutual funds) before
completing the transactions. GWA can disapprove any proposed personal securities transaction by such persons, particularly
if the transaction appears to pose a conflict of interest or otherwise appears improper.
GWA does not permit insider trading and has implemented procedures to ensure that Associates are observing its policy
regarding insider trading. Associates know the rules regarding material non-public information and insider trading and seek
to ensure they do not benefit personally from the short-term market effects of their client recommendations. Associates can
buy or sell specific securities for their accounts based on personal investment considerations, which the adviser does not
deem appropriate to buy or sell for clients. In all cases, transactions are affected based on the client's best interests.
Agency Cross-Trades
An agency cross-trade occurs when an investment adviser executes a trade between two or more of its advisory clients’
accounts. GWA does not currently engage in agency cross-trades.
Principal Trades
A principal trade is one in which an investment adviser, acting as principal for its own account, buys securities from a client
or sells securities to a client. GWA does not currently engage in principal trades.
Trade Errors
Even with the best efforts and controls, trade errors can happen. A "trade error" can include, among other things, the
purchase or sale of an incorrect security, an incorrect amount of a security, or a failure to purchase or sell an intended
security. GWA has internal controls in place to strive to prevent trade errors from occurring. We endeavor to detect trade
errors prior to settlement and correct or mitigate them expeditiously. If a trade is placed for a client's account, which causes a
breach of any regulatory, contractual, investment objective or restriction parameters, our policy is to restore the account to
the position it should have been in had the trading error not occurred. Depending on the circumstances, corrective actions
can include canceling the trade, adjusting an allocation, and/or reimbursing the account. The goal of error correction is to
make the client "whole." To the extent an error is caused by a counterparty, such as a broker, we aim to recover any loss
associated with such error from such counterparty. Generally, the client will be reimbursed for any loss incurred due to a
GWA trade error. Any gains from GWA's trade error will remain with the client. In cases where trade errors result from the
client's inaccurate instructions, the trading error will remain the client's financial responsibility. GWA maintains, within its
books and records, an accounting of each trade error, including information about the trade and how such error was
corrected.
Review of Accounts
Financial Advisors monitor and supervise all client accounts on an ongoing basis, using automated tools/systems, through
periodic meetings with clients and internally at GWA. Accounts and account holdings are also reviewed for accuracy from an
administrative, accounting and investment viewpoint.
No less than annually, as indicated herein and within each client's executed IAA, client accounts are reviewed by the
Financial Advisor responsible for the account, who will convene with clients to evaluate their accounts and discuss, at a
minimum, the client's investment objectives, financial situation, suitability of investments and portfolio exposures to ensure
the advisory services provided to clients are consistent with investment needs and objectives.
More frequent reviews are triggered by material market, economic or political events, client requests, changes in a client's
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investment objectives or guidelines, changes in a client's financial situation (such as retirement, termination of employment,
physical move, or inheritance), or expected or unexpected material cash flow in an account. Changes in tax laws, new
investment information, and other changes in the client's financial or personal situation can also prompt a review. GWA
determines the frequency, depth and nature of reviews based on the terms of each client's IAA and particular needs as they
can be communicated to us by the client. We use technological tools (as noted above) to assist with our reviews on both an
account-by-account basis and on a securities holdings basis, as well as performance exceptions and other bases. We
conduct reviews to determine if an account's holdings are consistent with the investment objectives and restrictions imposed
by the client. Financial Advisors typically manage and review portfolios based on individualized parameters.
Clients should promptly communicate any changes in investment objectives and restrictions, as well as changes in financial
conditions, to their Financial Advisor.
Client Account Reporting
GWA will not typically provide clients with regular reports on their accounts. The Custodian will send the client written
account statements, at least quarterly, itemizing activity and account transactions, specific investments held in the account,
the value of the portfolio, deposits, withdrawals, and advisory fees that occurred during the period of the statement. These
statements will be delivered by postal mail or electronically, as selected by the client.
GWA urges clients to promptly review any statements they receive directly from the Custodian or otherwise upon
receipt to ensure account transaction accuracy. Clients should also compare their account(s) ’ investment
performance against the appropriate benchmark applicable to the type of investments held in the account and any
periodic information from us.
GWA cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any report or any other information provided to the client by the
Custodian or another service provider to the client. GWA encourages clients to ask questions about their assets' custody,
safety, security, or any statements received and report inconsistencies. If a client believes there are any inaccuracies or
discrepancies in any reports received, whether from the Custodian or us directly, or if they do not understand the information in
any report, document or statement received, the client should promptly and in all cases before the next statement cycle, report
any items of concern to their Financial Advisor or GWA directly at 305-205-7752 or gwacompliance.group@bbva.com. Unless
the client indicates otherwise, by promptly notifying GWA in writing of concerns regarding statements received, investments
GWA makes at their direction and in line with their stated investment objectives or on their behalf shall be deemed to conform
with the client's investment objectives.
Any verbal communications, inquiries, or concerns about their account statements should be reconfirmed in writing.
If clients are not receiving statements, at least quarterly, from the Custodian, they should promptly inform the Custodian
directly and their Financial Advisor.
Client Referrals & Other Compensation
Client Referrals
GWA does not presently have any arrangements with and does not compensate unaffiliated third parties to act as Promoters
for our investment advice and management services, but reserves the right to do so in the future. In the event GWA enters
into such an arrangement, we will disclose such relationship(s) to each client to the extent required by applicable law and
comply with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 under the Advisers Act pertaining to compensated "endorsements." Upon
request by a client, employees of certain affiliates of BBVA S.A. can refer that client to GWA. The incentive compensation
paid by such BBVA S.A. affiliate to its local employees may incorporate such referrals as a component of discretionary bonus
programs. However, no fees or compensation are payable or will be paid by GWA (directly or indirectly) to the referring
employee or their employer, and there will be no impact on the advisory fee charged by GWA to the client.
Other Compensation
GWA receives an economic benefit from the Custodian in the form of the support products and services it makes available to
us for maintaining client accounts at such a Custodian. Custodians such as PAS serve independent investment advisory
firms, providing advisers and their clients access to institutional brokerage services – e.g., trading, custody, reporting, and
related services – many of which are not typically available to retail customers. Custodial support services are generally
available unsolicited; advisory firms do not have to request them, and the availability to GWA of custodial products and
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services is not based on the Adviser giving particular investment advice, such as buying particular securities for our clients.
These various support services help an investment adviser manage or administer client accounts and grow the advisory
business. The Adviser is offered these services at no charge if qualifying amounts of client account assets are maintained
with the Custodian. (Please contact us directly for current qualifying amount numbers from the Custodians.)
The following is a description of some standard support services GWA can receive from the Custodian:
Services That Benefit You
Custodial services include access to various institutional investment products, securities transaction execution, and custody
of client assets. The investment products available include some that the Adviser might not otherwise have access to or
some that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. The services available are subject to
change at the discretion of the Custodian.
Services That Will Not Always Directly Benefit You
The Custodian makes other products and services available to GWA that benefit us but do not directly benefit our clients or
their accounts. These products and services assist GWA with managing and administering client accounts. These can
include software and other technology, both a Custodian’s own and that of third parties, which can be used to service all,
some, or a substantial number of our client accounts and assist with the following:
● Providing access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements).
● Facilitating trade execution and allocating aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts.
● Pricing and other market data.
● Facilitating the payment of our fees from our client's accounts.
● Assisting with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
Services that Generally Benefit Only Us
The Custodian also offers other services to help us further manage and develop our business enterprise. These services can
include:
● Educational conferences and events.
● Technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting.
● Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession.
The Custodian provides some of the above services themselves. In other cases, they will arrange for third-party vendors to
deliver the services.
Research & Soft Dollar Benefits
An investment adviser receives soft dollar benefits when obtaining research or other products and services in exchange for
client securities transactions or maintaining account balances with a Custodian. The Custodian will offer various brokerage
services to us, as indicated previously, including the custody of client securities, effecting securities transactions and
performing services incidental to it, platform systems access, duplicate client statements, the ability to direct debit advisory
fees directly from client accounts, access to an electronic communications network for order entry and account information,
access to no-transaction-fee mutual funds, and the use of overnight courier services.
Receipt of these benefits creates a conflict of interest that influences GWA to continue offering the Program through the
Custodian because the Custodian will provide these products or services to GWA for free. Further, certain client accounts
can benefit from the receipt of any research services received, for which they did not pay any commissions.
GWA has no formal soft dollar program in which soft dollars are used to pay for third-party services. And, while the receipt of
brokerage and research services from any broker executing transactions for GWA’s clients does not reduce the Adviser’s
customary and usual research activities, the receipt of such research can be deemed to be the receipt of an economic
benefit. Although customary, this can create a conflict of interest between GWA and its clients since services received from
the Custodian benefit GWA because the firm does not have to produce or pay for them if a required minimum of client
assets is maintained in Custodial accounts. This required minimum incentives GWA to continue to offer the Program
through the Custodian based on our interest in receiving services that benefit our business, rather than based on a client’s
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interest in receiving the best value in services and the most favorable execution of their transactions.
To address this conflict, GWA’s policy is that the Adviser will only participate in soft-dollar arrangements consistent with the
safe harbor contained in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There can be no assurance that
any particular client will benefit from soft dollar arrangements, whether or not the client’s transactions pay for it. GWA does
not seek to allocate benefits to client accounts proportional to any soft dollar credits generated by the accounts. Clients
should be aware that GWA’s acceptance of soft dollar benefits can result in higher commissions charged to the client.
Beneficial Interest in Custodial Services
GWA chose PAS/Pershing LLC as the Custodian for the Program, recognizing the value of the services the broker provides.
We believe it is imperative for our advisory services to our clients to access the type of support offered by the Custodian.
Only a few possible firms meet GWA's sourcing criteria for providing our clients with a reliable and satisfactory custodial
platform. The Custodian offers soft dollar benefits similar to those of the other firms considered by GWA, and as such, we
mitigate conflicts of interest by not only considering this factor in our selection of the Custodian. Furthermore, the clients
receive greater access to advanced services and portfolio management tools that improve their overall advisory services
from us. Soft dollar benefits are used to service all client accounts, not only those that pay for the benefits.
The Custodian
GWA receives benefits from the Custodian through the support products and services that the Custodian makes available to
GWA and can also make available to other independent investment advisers who also recommend their clients maintain
accounts with the Custodian. GWA benefits from this arrangement because the cost of the products and services it receives
from the Custodian would otherwise be borne directly by GWA.
While clients do not pay more for assets maintained at the Custodian, clients should consider these conflicts: the products
and services provided by the Custodian, their benefits to us, and any related conflicts of interest described herein.
Conflicts of Interest
Referral arrangements and the receipt of other benefits inherently give rise to potential conflicts of interest, particularly when
the person recommending an investment adviser receives an economic benefit, as this could incentivize a referral. As noted
above, upon request by a client, employees of certain affiliates of BBVA S.A. can refer that client to GWA. The incentive
compensation paid by such BBVA S.A. affiliate to its local employees may incorporate such referrals as a component of
discretionary bonus programs. However, no fees or compensation are payable or will be paid by GWA (directly or indirectly)
to the referring employee or their employer, and there will be no impact on the advisory fee charged by GWA to the client.
GWA mitigates this conflict of interest by fully disclosing its referral practices and any compensation or benefit earned in this
brochure and only making recommendations believed to be in the client's best interests.
Apart from the items disclosed herein, GWA does not receive any additional economic benefits for client referrals or other
compensation for this topic. GWA has adopted and implemented compliance policies and procedures and its Code to
mitigate conflicts of interest. GWA’s Code is available for review free of charge to any client or prospective client upon
request.
Financial Information
Balance Sheet
GWA neither requires nor solicits prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six months or more in advance and
therefore is not required to include a balance sheet with this brochure.
Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Ability to Meet Contractual Commitments to Clients
GWA does not have any financial conditions that will likely impair its ability to meet contractual commitments with clients.
GWA has no additional financial circumstances to report.
Bankruptcy Petitions in The Previous Ten Years
GWA has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition in the last ten years.
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