Overview
Assets Under Management: $1.6 billion
High-Net-Worth Clients: 106
Average Client Assets: $5 million
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Pooled Investment Vehicles
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART II)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $10,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $10,000,001 | $20,000,000 | 0.80% |
| $20,000,001 | $50,000,000 | 0.70% |
| $50,000,001 | $100,000,000 | 0.60% |
| $100,000,001 | and above | 0.50% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $50,000 | 1.00% |
| $10 million | $100,000 | 1.00% |
| $50 million | $390,000 | 0.78% |
| $100 million | $690,000 | 0.69% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 106
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 28.36
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $5 million
Total Client Accounts: 349
Discretionary Accounts: 274
Non-Discretionary Accounts: 75
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 158348
Last Filing Date: 2024-10-03 00:00:00
Website: https://bellecapital-intl.com
Form ADV Documents
Additional Brochure: ADV PART II (2025-10-13)
View Document Text
Firm Brochure / ADV Part 2A
October 13, 2025
Bellecapital International AG
Limmatquai 1
CH-8001 Zurich
Phone: + 41 (0) 44 268 11 70
www.bellecapital.com
Item 1. Cover Page
This brochure (Form ADV Part 2A) provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Bellecapital’s International AG (“Bellecapital”). Bellecapital is a registered investment advisor (“RIA”) with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended (the “Advisers Act”).
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us by telephone at
+41 (0) 44 268 11 70 or by e-mail at info@bellecapital-intl.com.
information about Bellecapital
is available on
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC or by any state securities
the SEC’s website at
authority. Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. There is no specific level of skill or training required to register as an RIA with the
SEC. This Brochure provides information for U.S. clients of Bellecapital; most provisions of the Advisers Act
and of this Brochure do not apply to Bellecapital’s non-U.S. clients. The Code of Conduct applies for U.S.
resident clients and non-U.S. resident clients.
Item 2. Material Changes
Since the Form ADV Part 2A update in March 2024, the ad interim Chief Compliance Officer Valentina
Schwarz has stepped down and was replaced by Raquel Brito as Chief Compliance Officer. This change is
effective as of 1 October 2024. Furthermore Mr. Tobias Faes replaced per 1 July 2024 Mr. Curtis Childs as
the CEO of the firm, who remains at the firm as a Member of the Board and a Relationship Manager.
Since 27 July 2025, Bellecapital began providing investment management services as a sub-adviser to an
unaffiliated investment adviser. In this role, we manage specific investment strategies or model portfolios
on behalf of the primary adviser’s clients. These sub-advisory relationships do not involve direct client
interaction, and the primary adviser remains responsible for client communications, suitability, and
account administration. This disclosure has been added to Items 4, 10 and 12 of this brochure.
Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 1. Cover Page
2
Item 2. Material Changes
2
Item 3. Table of Contents
3
Item 4. Advisory Business
Firm Description
Principal Owners
Services
Wrap Fee Programs
Assets under Management and Advisement
- 1 -
- 1 -
- 1 -
- 1 -
- 1 -
Discretionary Portfolio Management
Non-Discretionary Services: Advisory Portfolio Management Service and Investment Advisory Service. - 1 -
- 2 -
- 2 -
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Investment in affiliated investment vehicles
Other fees and expenses you may incur
Fees for Discretionary Portfolio Management
Fees for Non-Discretionary Services
Other Types of Compensation
- 2 -
- 3 -
- 3 -
- 3 -
- 4 -
- 4 -
Item 6. Performance Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Performance Based Fee Scheme
Side-by-Side Management
- 4 -
- 4 -
- 5 -
Item 7. Types of Clients
- 5 -
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Investment Strategies
Types of Securities
Material Investment Risks
- 6 -
- 6 -
- 6 -
- 6 -
- 7 -
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
- 9 -
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Relationship within the Bellecapital Group
Relationship with other investment advisors
- 9 -
- 10 -
- 10 -
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
- 10 -
- 10 -
- 11 -
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Bellecapital Selection of Broker-Dealers
Brokers Selected by the Custodian Bank
Client Directed Brokerage
Brokerage in Sub-advisory Agreements
Favorable Employee Arrangements
Block Trades
Decision Making Process; Balancing the Interests of Multiple Client Accounts
Use of Soft Dollars
Trade Errors
- 11 -
- 12 -
- 12 -
- 13 -
- 13 -
- 13 -
- 13 -
- 14 -
- 14 -
- 15 -
Item 13. Review of Accounts
- 15 -
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
- 15 -
Item 15. Custody
- 16 -
Item 16. Investment Discretion
- 17 -
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
Class Actions
- 17 -
- 17 -
- 17 -
Item 18. Financial Information
- 18 -
Item 4. Advisory Business
Firm Description
to take advantage of conditions in the current
economic environment whilst being sensitive to
transaction costs and taxes, as applicable. Such
changes may involve underweight or overweight
positions designed to capitalize on current
economic conditions over the short-term.
forth
Bellecapital’s advice is limited to the types of
securities and transactions as set
in
Item 8.
Bellecapital International AG (“Bellecapital” or “the
Firm” or “we”), a Swiss corporation based in
Zurich, Switzerland, provides investment advisory
services to clients resident in the United States
(“US”). We also serve US taxpayers or dual citizens
living outside the US and clients who have no
connection to the US. Bellecapital commenced
operations in 2011.
Bellecapital does not render any legal or tax
advice.
Principal Owners
Discretionary Portfolio Management
International AG
a discretionary
Bellecapital
is owned by
Bellecapital Holding AG, which in turn principally
is owned by Beat Bass and Mark Eberle.
Services
to
Bellecapital provides investment management
solutions to high net worth and ultra-high net
worth clients, and it offers both discretionary
asset management
and non-discretionary
investment advisory services. Each client’s assets
are managed in a separate account (an “Account”)
maintained at a third-party financial institution.
Bellecapital offers
asset
management service designed for investors who
wish to have their assets fully managed by
Bellecapital. This service provides asset allocation,
investment
selection and active portfolio
management including portfolio rebalancing in
accordance with a client’s stated objectives,
investment time horizon, risk tolerance, and tax
situation. Bellecapital purchases and sells
securities for the client’s account without prior
consent of or notification
the client.
Bellecapital determines the securities that are
bought and sold for the client’s account and the
total amount of the purchases and sales.
income securities,
in the
Bellecapital’s authority may be subject
to
conditions imposed by individual clients as set
investment
forth and agreed upon
management agreement entered into between
Bellecapital and the client. For example, a client
may restrict or prohibit transactions in certain
types of securities.
Non-Discretionary Services: Advisory Portfolio
Investment Advisory
Management Service and
Service.
Bellecapital’s client portfolios usually are globally
diversified across multiple asset classes. Accounts
may include, without limitation: equity securities,
fixed
limited partnership
interests, mutual funds, exchange traded funds,
hedge
funds, options, structured product
investments and other alternative investments
consistent with a client’s objective, risk tolerance,
reference currency, tax situation, investment time
horizon and overall suitability. For the purpose
of diversification, client accounts will hold non-
dollar securities in markets outside the United
States.
Whilst generally Bellecapital makes investments
with a longer time horizon, Bellecapital may
recommend changes to allocations in an attempt
Bellecapital offers two non-discretionary asset
management services: an Advisory Portfolio
Management Service and an Investment Advisory
Service.
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is provided on
portfolio or large positions in single stocks or
precious metals are held for the client. No
in particular no overall risk
advisory and
monitoring
the underlying
positions. The client retains the responsibility for
determining the asset allocation.
Investment
decisions are at the sole discretion of the client.
a. The Advisory Portfolio Management Service is
similar to the Discretionary Portfolio Management
Service in terms of the investment approach;
however, Bellecapital requires client consent
before effecting any securities
transaction.
Bellecapital provides portfolio advice and trading
recommendations but all decisions regarding the
investment of the account reside with the client.
This service is designed for clients who desire
holistic management of their account but who
want to retain involvement in every investment
decision. As a result, clients under this service
offering may not be invested in the same manner
as those clients with the Discretionary Portfolio
Management Service.
In addition, Bellecapital may offer cash-only
supervisory services for the client’s investment
account. This service does not involve providing
the client with investment advice on securities,
nor does it include accepting or executing any
investment-related transactions.
securities or
Bellecapital does not charge any fee for cash-only
supervisory services.
Wrap Fee Programs
specific
Bellecapital does not participate in wrap fee
programs.
Assets under Management and Advisement
and
advice
to
responsibility
As of December 31, 2024, Bellecapital assets
totalled
under management
approximately USD 1,755,715,712. Within this
amount, USD 1,602,274,514 is managed on a
discretionary basis, USD 112,061,562 is managed
on an advisory basis, and USD 41,379,636 are
cash management. In addition, approximately
USD 70 Mio are invested in the Eiger Fund.
b. The Investment Advisory Service permits clients
to consult with Bellecapital from time to time on
the client’s
investment questions
pertaining to individual investment opportunities
as identified by the client. Bellecapital provides its
advice concerning
the merits of particular
investments (i.e., whether to purchase or sell a
security). This service offering is designed for
clients who wish to use Bellecapital as an advisory
resource when making investment decisions but
who desire
for
retain
determining the allocation of their investment
portfolio. Bellecapital does not monitor the
overall risk of the Accounts of clients selecting this
service. Ultimate responsibility for the investment
of the client’s Account rests solely with the client.
Bellecapital does not actively offers this service to
clients.
If explicitly required by a nondiscretionary client,
Bellecapital may implement investment ideas
which do not pertain to Bellecapital’s investment
universe. Bellecapital will disclose to the client if
an investment idea is not part of Bellecapital’s
investment universe.
Bellecapital also offers hold only services whereby
the portfolio is neither managed on an advisory
nor a discretionary basis. Instead, a fully invested
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Bellecapital generally charges fees for its services
as a percentage of the market value of assets
under management (“AUM”) or assets under
advisement (“AUA”). The asset management fee is
charged quarterly in arrears. AUM or AUA is
measured with reference to the last calendar day
of the month of the respective calendar quarter.
The fee generally is charged in Swiss Francs. If the
reference currency of the account is different
from Swiss francs, the fees will be converted into
Swiss francs by applying the closing FX rate of the
reference currency against Swiss franc at the end
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fee paid
of each quarter. The closing FX rate is based on
Bloomberg or any other recognized data source
deemed appropriate by Bellecapital. For Swiss
and Liechtenstein residents the VAT will be
invoiced in addition to the fees.
payment of its fee from each client’s account. The
statement from the custodian bank will reflect all
amounts disbursed from the account, including
the amount of any advisory
to
Bellecapital.
Other fees and expenses you may incur
fees,
fees
for
against Bellecapital’s
Bellecapital is a fee-only investment adviser and
does not receive undisclosed remuneration from
third parties in connection with its investment
advisory services. Discounts, finder’s fees or any
other remuneration received by Bellecapital from
third parties will be disclosed to the client and
credited
investment
advisory fees. Bellecapital does not manage or
advise accounts based on
commissions,
subscriptions fees, or hourly rate charges.
Investment in affiliated investment vehicles
Fees charged by Bellecapital do not include
custodian
trade settlement,
brokerage commissions, taxes or any other fee or
taxes imposed by the custodian bank or the
broker or National Authorities. Bellecapital’s fees
do not
include management or other fees
charged by funds or other products that client
accounts may be invested in from time to time. It
is Bellecapital’s philosophy to generally invest in
the most favorable share class with the least cost.
Fees for Discretionary Portfolio Management
The following fee schedule generally applies for
Bellecapital’s discretionary portfolio management
service:
The portion, which is invested in the affiliated
investment vehicle is excluded from the normal
fee calculation. With this procedure Bellecapital
ensures that the adviser does not earn two fees
for the same investment.
From USD
To USD
Annual Fee
5,000,000
10,000,000
1.00%
10,000,001
20,000,000
0.80%
20,000,001
50,000,000
0.70%
50,000,001
100,000,000
0.60%
100,000,001
250,000,000 +
0.50%
If Bellecapital invests client assets in an
investment vehicle affiliated with Bellecapital, we
may earn a higher fee than you normally pay. In
such case the fee is fully disclosed in the vehicle’s
documentation and is independent from the
separate managed account fee. The firm has a
policy prohibiting double charging.
Bellecapital, however, retains the right to charge
fixed or lower fees than the fees displayed in the
schedule.
Compensation owed to Bellecapital is not payable
in advance.
In all cases, Bellecapital may waive, discount or
negotiate fees at its discretion.
and Bellecapital
computes
fees based on
Bellecapital relies on custodian banks of its clients
to value the assets in the respective client
its
accounts,
investment advisory
these
valuations provided by the custodian bank. In
general, at the end of the quarter, Bellecapital
arranges with the custodian bank for the direct
Eligible clients have a choice either to pay
Bellecapital based on the above fee schedule, or
a fee with a performance-based component
(outlined below in Item 6) for discretionary asset
management services. Particularly in the context
of clients who choose to pay a management fee
with performance-based component, the fees
charged by Bellecapital may be higher than the
fees normally charged by other
investment
advisors offering similar investment management
services.
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Fees for Non-Discretionary Services
The following fee schedule generally applied for
Bellecapital’s Advisory Portfolio Management
Service:
relationships or recommendations that generate
such payments. Bellecapital addresses these
conflicts through internal compliance oversight,
internal policies and controls, and by adhering to
each agreement’s guidelines and
fiduciary
standards.
From USD
To USD
Annual Fee
5,000,000
10,000,000
1.00%
10,000,001
20,000,000
0.80%
Item 6. Performance Based Fees and Side-by-
Side Management
20,000,001
50,000,000
0.70%
50,000,001
100,000,000
0.60%
100,000,001
250,000,000 +
0.50%
Performance Based Fee Scheme
Bellecapital, however, retains the right to charge
fixed or lower fees than the fees displayed in the
schedule.
Other Types of Compensation
the
Bellecapital may serve as a sub-adviser to certain
investment advisers or financial institutions
(“Primary Advisers”) pursuant to sub-advisory
agreements. In these arrangements, Bellecapital
provides portfolio management services to the
clients of the Primary Adviser but does not
maintain a direct relationship with the end client.
individuals with more
As an alternative to the fixed asset management
fee for discretionary management, certain clients
may opt to compensate Bellecapital based on a
performance-based fee scheme described below.
In accordance with Rule 205-3 under the Advisers
following
Act, only clients who meet
requirements may opt for the performance based
fee scheme: (i) clients with at least $1,100,000
under management with Bellecapital; (ii) clients
with more than $2,200,000 of net worth; or (iii)
clients who are qualified purchasers under
Section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (which generally is defined to
include only
than
$5,000,000 in investments or an entity such as
corporations, trusts, partnerships, or institutional
investor that owns and invests on a discretionary
basis at least $25 million in investments).
Under the terms of each sub-advisory
agreement, Bellecapital is compensated by the
Primary Adviser, typically based on a percentage
of the assets managed or a fixed fee structure.
No client pays Bellecapital directly.
Bellecapital may also receive compensation for
services unrelated to portfolio management.
These services include: (i) participating as a
member of a client’s investment committee, for
which Bellecapital or
its personnel may be
compensated through a flat fee, hourly rate, or
retainer; and (ii) providing investment research,
trade ideas, or data analytics to third-party
platforms. Compensation for these services may
be structured as fixed payments, performance-
based incentives, or other arrangements.
interest, as
it could
For qualified clients, the performance fee scheme
fee calculated with
flat
comprises a base
reference to the client’s assets managed by
Bellecapital plus a 20% performance fee to the
extent the net performance of the assets in a
calendar year exceeds a hurdle rate of 5%. The
net performance for these purposes is calculated
by taking the gross performance (i.e., realized and
unrealized capital gains, dividends and interest)
and subtracting from that amount the flat base
fee. The flat base fee is charged quarterly in
arrears and is calculated on the basis of the value
of the assets under management at the last
business day of the respective calendar quarter.
This additional compensation creates a potential
incentivize
conflict of
to prioritize
Bellecapital or
its personnel
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that
closely
follow
The performance fee component is calculated
and charged
if applicable annually after
December 31 of each year. For accounts opened
during a calendar year, the flat base fee and the
hurdle rate is adjusted on a pro rata basis.
From USD
To USD
for other accounts, particularly
Hurdle
Rate
Annual
Base
Fee
Perfor
mance
Fee
respect to securities that have limited availability,
such as initial public offerings, and transactions in
related
one account
transactions in a different account. In addition,
the results of the investment activities for one
account may differ significantly from the results
if
achieved
Bellecapital individually tailors clients’ accounts.
5,000,000
10,000,000
0.50%
20%
5%
10,000,001
20,000,000
0.40%
20%
5%
20,000,001
50,000,000
0.35%
20%
5%
50,000,001
100,000,000
0.30%
20%
5%
100,000,001
250,000,000 +
0.25%
20%
5%
a performance-based
of
the
Account.
Bellecapital potentially can receive higher fees
with
compensation
structure than from those accounts that pay the
asset-based fee schedule described above. To
minimize this conflict, Bellecapital generally will
enter into a performance fee arrangement upon
the request of a client or in the case of specific
investment performance objectives.
results
Side-by-Side Management
Bellecapital has policies and procedures in place
aimed to ensure that all client accounts are
treated fairly and equitably. Bellecapital strives to
equitably allocate
investment opportunities
among relevant accounts over time. In addition,
investment decisions for each Account are made
with specific reference to the individual needs and
objectives
Accordingly,
Bellecapital may give advice or exercise
investment responsibility or take other actions for
some clients (including related persons) that may
differ from the advice given, or the timing and
for other clients.
nature of actions taken,
Investment
for different accounts,
including accounts that are generally managed in
a similar style, also may differ as a result of these
considerations. Some clients may not participate
at all in some investments in which other clients
participate or may participate to a different
degree or at a different time.
individuals and
families and
Bellecapital manages many client accounts and as
a result of differences in the fees charged on
various accounts, Bellecapital has conflicts
related to such side-by-side management of
different accounts. For example, Bellecapital
generally manages more than one account
according to the same or a substantially similar
investment strategy and yet have a different fee
schedule applicable to such accounts as a result
of the respective clients’ AUM with Bellecapital or
a client’s election to compensate Bellecapital on a
performance basis.
Item 7. Types of Clients
Bellecapital offers
investment management
services to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-
worth
their
foundations, trusts, estates, holding companies,
individual retirement accounts (Traditional IRA
and Roth IRA) and accounts for minors (UTMA)
and other estate planning structures.
In addition to serving US resident clients,
Bellecapital provides discretionary and non-
discretionary investment advisory services to
non-US resident clients. The provisions of the
Advisers Act do not apply to the management
services provided by Bellecapital to these non-US
Side-by-side management of different types of
accounts may raise conflicts of interest when two
or more accounts invest in the same securities or
pursue a similar although not identical strategy.
These potential conflicts include the favorable or
preferential treatment of an account or a group
of accounts, conflicts related to the allocation of
investment opportunities, particularly with
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Investment Strategies
clients. This brochure describes only the service
offering to US persons as defined under SEC Rule
902.
prefers
its
cycles:
productivity
Generally, Bellecapital
client
relationships to have a minimum of $5,000,000 of
assets under management. However, Bellecapital
retains the right to accept accounts below the
minimum requirements and will retain accounts
that have dropped below
the minimum
fluctuation or
to market
requirement due
investment performance. Related accounts can
be aggregated.
The investment strategies used to implement
investment advice given to clients by Bellecapital
include long and short-term securities purchases,
trading, margin transactions and option writing,
including covered options, uncovered options or
spreading strategies. Bellecapital’s investment
strategies seek to maximize investment return
potential by profiting from upswings in macro-
cycles,
economic
demographic cycles, business cycles, profit cycles,
interest rate cycles, valuation cycles and currency
cycles.
Investment
Item 8. Methods of Analysis,
Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
identifying
benchmarks.
research
Bellecapital
to complement
Investment selection also is based on the value to
from diversification, optimizing
be obtained
value and
risk/return profiles,
forecasting trends, and avoiding constraints
uses
arbitrary
fundamental
its
investment selection. Bellecapital’s own analysis
is supplemented with third-party independent
research.
Types of Securities
For its separately managed accounts, Bellecapital
invests using a long-only investment approach
long-term
aimed at generating sustainable,
results, where capital preservation is as important
as capital growth. For the Eiger Fund advised by
Bellecapital, Bellecapital employs a systematic
approach to risk management and active hedging
via equity shorts and option strategies.
paper),
investment
Bellecapital invests based on its views of market
trends, which are reflected in its asset allocations
in
its discretionary mandates. Bellecapital
manages assets by using a top-down, macro-
economic analysis in combination of bottom-up
analysis of both market timing and specific
security selection. Generally, Bellecapital seeks to
obtain broad diversification across countries,
industries, company size, long-term themes and
short-term opportunities.
fund
investments.
is able to
Bellecapital uses both proprietary and third-party
research to inform its investment decisions.
Third-party research may
include economic
forecasts, market, data and sector-specific
reports.
Bellecapital offers investment management and
advisory services on the following types of
securities and
transactions: exchange-listed
securities, securities traded over-the-counter,
securities issued by non-US issuers, corporate
debt securities, certificates of deposit (and other
commercial
company
securities such as mutual funds, U.S. or foreign
government securities, exchange traded funds,
foreign exchange transactions, certain derivatives
or structured products, and in certain cases
private
Some of these
securities, particularly those issued outside of the
US, may not be registered with the SEC.
Bellecapital
invest clients on a
discretionary basis in securities offered outside
the US to non-US investors in reliance on
Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933.
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in private
involving movements
in the currency
risks
markets.
inflation
rates,
in
illiquidity could
Market Risk. Market risk refers to the risk of loss
arising
from general economic and market
conditions, such as interest rates, availability of
commodity prices,
credit,
economic uncertainty, changes
laws and
national and international political circumstances.
Each Account is subject to market risk, which will
affect volatility of securities prices and liquidity.
Such
impair
volatility or
profitability or result in losses.
Investments
funds or structured
products may be limited to “accredited investors”
“qualified purchasers,” and may require
or
investors to lock-up their assets for a period of
time. These investments may have limited or no
liquidity, and they may involve different risks than
investing in registered funds and other publicly
offered and traded securities. In the context of a
discretionary mandate, Bellecapital may invest
client Accounts into such securities without client
consent. Bellecapital relies on the valuation and
performance data provided directly from the
private funds. Private funds may often be delayed
in providing Bellecapital with the valuation
information; therefore, Bellecapital may likewise
be delayed in reporting this information to the
client.
the
Risk Related to Equity Investments. Investments in
equity securities generally involve a high degree
of risk. Prices are volatile and market movements
are difficult to predict. These price movements
may result from factors affecting
individual
companies or industries. Price changes may be
temporary or last for extended periods. The value
of specific equity investments generally correlates
to the fundamentals of each particular security,
but prices of equity investments may raise or fall
regardless of fundamentals due to movements in
securities markets.
Bellecapital will rely on the accuracy of a client’s
corresponding
in making
representations
investment
regarding
representations
restrictions on behalf of a client’s account in
connection with certain derivative, private fund or
other similar
investments with qualification
restrictions. Bellecapital requires notification by
the client if the client’s representations become
inaccurate.
to Fixed
Income
In certain cases, Bellecapital will recommend and
invest in real estate securities. Bellecapital does
not invest in real properties.
Material Investment Risks
Clients should bear in mind that investing in
securities involves a risk of loss. Clients should be
losing their
prepared to bear the risk of
investment in securities. Past performance is not
an indication as to future results.
Risks Related
Investments.
Investments in fixed income securities (i.e., bills,
notes, bonds, preferred, convertibles, ETFs and
funds) involve a number of risks such as credit,
interest rate, reinvestment, and prepayment risk,
all of which affect the value of the security and
volatility of such value. In general, fixed income
securities with longer maturities are more volatile.
Additionally, the prices of below investment grade
(lower credit quality) securities fluctuate more
than investment grade issues. Prices are sensitive
to developments affecting
the company’s
business and to changes in the ratings assigned
by rating agencies. Prices are often closely linked
with the company’s stock prices. High yield
securities can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions,
large sales by major
stock market activity,
Among other risks, all investments made by
Bellecapital will be subject to market risk, liquidity
risk, and interest rate risk, and may be subject to
credit and counterparty risk, risk in fluctuations of
commodity pricing, risk of loss due to political and
economic developments in foreign markets, and
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default,
or
other
investors,
factors.
Developments in the credit market may have a
substantial impact on the companies we may
invest in and will affect the success of such
investments. In the event of a default, the
investment may suffer a partial or total loss.
investments in structured products or derivatives.
In addition to the risks that apply to all
investments in securities, investing and engaging
in derivative instruments and transactions may
involve different types of risk and possibly greater
levels of risk. These risks include, but are not
limited to the following:
a. Leverage. Certain
investment
impact of successful
the negative
instruments
such as derivatives may use leverage to
achieve returns. The use of leverage may
have
the effect of disproportionately
increasing an account’s exposure to the
market for the securities or other assets
underlying the derivative position and the
sensitivity of an account’s portfolio
to
changes in market prices for those assets.
Leverage will tend to magnify both the
investment
positive
decisions and
impact of
unsuccessful
investment decisions by
Bellecapital on an account’s performance.
loss as described
becomes
b. Counterparty Credit Risk. When a derivative is
purchased, a client’s account will be subject
to the ability and willingness of the other
party to the contract (a “counterparty”) to
perform its obligations under the contract.
Although exchange-traded
futures and
options contracts are generally backed by a
guarantee from a clearing corporation, an
account could lose the benefit of a contract
in the unlikely event that the clearing
insolvent.
corporation
Counterparty’s obligations under a forward
contract, over-the-counter option, swap or
other over-the-counter derivative contract
are not so guaranteed. If the counterparty to
an over-the-counter contract fails to perform
its obligations, an account may lose the
benefit of the contract and may have difficulty
reclaiming any collateral that an account may
have deposited with the counterparty.
Risks Related to Investments in Funds. For purposes
of this discussion, the term “Fund” includes, but is
not limited to, a U.S. or non-U.S. unit investment
trusts, open-end and closed-end mutual funds,
hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital
funds, real estate investment trusts, exchange
traded funds (“ETFs”) and any other private
alternative or investment fund. Investments in
Funds carry risks associated with the particular
Fund. Each Fund and the respective manager will
charge their own management and other fees,
which will result in a client bearing an additional
level of fees and expenses. U.S. mutual funds
generally must distribute all gains to investors,
including
investors who may not have an
economic gain from investing in the fund, which
can lead to negative tax effects on investors,
particularly non-U.S. persons. Investments in
certain non-U.S. funds by U.S. person result in
U.S. tax and reporting obligations and failing to
comply with such requirements can result in
significant penalties. Funds generally have unique
risks of
in their offering
documents. Funds can make use of leverage to
enhance returns, which raise the risk of default,
interest rate risk, and increase volatility. Certain
Funds invest in derivatives, which can raise
specific counter-party risks. Funds that are not
traded can have illiquidity and valuation risks
resulting in the inability to redeem or sell the Fund
on demand. See the discussion below relating to
risks in structured products and derivatives for
more information on the risks of investing in
Funds.
c.
Lack of Correlation. The market value of a
derivative position may correlate imperfectly
with the market price of the asset underlying
Risks related to Structured Products & Derivatives.
Bellecapital may invest in structured products or
that hold
derivatives or
invest
in Funds
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the derivative position. To the extent that a
derivative position is being used to hedge
against changes in the value of assets in an
account, a lack of price correlation between
the derivative position and the hedged asset
may result in an account’s assets being
incompletely hedged or not completely
offsetting price changes in the derivative
position.
exchange
taxes, potential
d.
currency exposure, such hedging strategies may
not necessarily be available or effective.
Non-U.S. Investments. Investments in non-U.S.
securities expose a client’s portfolio to a number
of risks not always evident in U.S. markets. Such
risks include, among other things, trade balances
and imbalances, economic policies of various
control
foreign
governments,
regulations, withholding
for
industries, and
nationalization of assets or
political instability.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Bellecapital has not been involved in any legal or
disciplinary events.
as,
broker-dealers,
derivative
Over-the-counter
Illiquidity.
contracts are usually subject to restrictions
on transfer, and there is generally no liquid
market for these contracts. Although it is
often possible to negotiate the termination of
an over-the-counter contract or enter into an
offsetting contract, a counterparty may be
unable or unwilling to terminate a contract
with an account, especially during times of
market instability or disruption. The markets
for many exchange traded futures, options
and other instruments are quite liquid during
normal market conditions, but this liquidity
may disappear during times of market
instability or disruption.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and
Affiliations
Bellecapital Management personnel are neither
registered, nor have an application pending to
registered
register
future
representatives of a broker-dealer,
commodity pool
commissions merchants,
operators, commodity
trading advisors, or
associated persons of the foregoing entities.
e.
Less Accurate Valuation. The absence of a
liquid market for over-the-counter derivatives
increases the likelihood that Bellecapital will
not be able to correctly value these interests.
Bellecapital is licensed as manager of collective
assets in accordance with article 24 et seq. of the
Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), by the Swiss
Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Bellecapital's ombudsman office
is OFS
Ombudsstelle Finanzen Schweiz. Bellecapital is
furthermore a member of the Swiss Association
of Wealth Managers.
investments that are denominated
Bellecapital’s owners also own an interest in
Bellecapital AG, a Swiss based investment adviser
that is not registered with the SEC. Bellecapital AG
is an affiliate and provides services to clients
without a U.S. connection. Bellecapital AG is
based in Zurich and registered with FINMA.
the
Risks Relating to Foreign Currency Exposure.
Accounts managed by Bellecapital are routinely
subject to foreign currency risks and bear a
potential risk of loss arising from fluctuations in
value between the U.S. Dollar and such other
currencies. Bellecapital invests in securities and
other
in
currencies other than U.S. Dollars. Some client’s
accounts may hold significant non-dollar cash
positions. Accordingly, the value of such assets
may be affected favorably or unfavorably by
fluctuations in currency rates. Often clients are
seeking this foreign currency exposure. Thus,
Bellecapital generally does not seek to hedge the
foreign currency exposure. Even to the extent
that Bellecapital does seek to hedge the foreign
Bellecapital AG manages various funds which are
offered to the public. Due to the fact that these
funds are not subject to the Investment Company
Act of 1940, because
funds operate
exclusively outside the U.S. and are not offered to
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vehicles
such
as
U.S. residents, Bellecapital does not believe these
funds constitute a “private fund” within the
meaning of Item 7.B of Form ADV Part 1A.
Bellecapital’s owners also own an interest in
Bellecapital UK Ltd, registered by the Financial
Conduct Authority (FCA).
these sub-advisory
roles,
its
Relationship within the Bellecapital Group
investment
registered
investment companies (mutual funds), private
funds, or hedge funds. These affiliations do not
involve shared ownership or control but may
involve coordination on trading strategies or
reporting. While Bellecapital does not solicit or
maintain direct relationships with the end clients
in
fiduciary
responsibilities extend to the assets under
management per each sub-advisory contract.
shares
joint
some personnel with
Bellecapital
Bellecapital AG. Bellecapital and Bellecapital AG
regularly hold
investment meetings to
discuss macro-economic developments, general
strategic and tactical allocations, as well as
preferred equities list. The final decision on how,
when and in what to invest is taken independently
by Bellecapital and Bellecapital AG.
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Bellecapital seeks to minimize conflicts of interest
and resolve those conflicts of interests in favor of
its clients to the extent it determines reasonable
and necessary in accordance with its Code of
Ethics.
Code of Ethics
In addition, Bellecapital has outsourced the risk
management function of the Eiger Fund to
specialized personnel of Bellecapital AG.
Relationship with other investment advisors
this brochure,
Bellecapital does not recommend or select other
investment advisers for its clients.
(the Primary Advisor) with
its clients.
the
Bellecapital treats all clients equitably and has a
duty to act in its clients’ best interests. Except as
otherwise described
the
in
interests of clients will be placed above
Bellecapital’s interests in case of any conflict.
Bellecapital has adopted a Code of Ethics (the
“Code”) and maintains a written policy covering
General Principles of Professional Conduct.
Covered in this policy are procedures governing
personal securities transactions by Bellecapital
and
its personnel. The Code also provides
guidance and instruction to Bellecapital and its
personnel on their ethical obligations in fulfilling
its duties of loyalty, fairness and good faith
towards the clients.
From time-to-time Bellecapital may engage with
other advisors by means of sub-advisory
the purpose of assisting
agreements with
Bellecapital
the
necessary knowledge and expertise in making
investment decisions on specific securities, when
Bellecapital determines that it is necessary to fulfil
In all cases,
its obligations with
Bellecapital will disclose
sub-advisory
relationship to the client prior to engaging with
such sub-advisor.
arrangements
under
Bellecapital may also act as a sub-adviser to other
investment advisers. These relationships involve
contractual
which
Bellecapital provides portfolio management or
investment recommendations on behalf of the
Primary Adviser’s clients. These clients may
institutions, or pooled
include
individuals,
The overriding principle of Bellecapital’s Code of
Ethics is that all employees of Bellecapital owe a
fiduciary duty to clients for whom Bellecapital acts
as investment adviser or sub-adviser. Accordingly,
employees of Bellecapital are responsible for
conducting personal trading activities in a manner
that does not interfere with a client’s portfolio
transactions or take improper advantage of a
relationship with any client.
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disgorgement of profits, restrictions on future
personal trading, and, in the most severe cases,
the possibility of dismissal.
Bellecapital will provide a copy of its General
Principles of Professional Conduct to any client or
prospective client upon request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
transactions
and
holdings
The Code contains provisions designed to try to:
(i) prevent, among other things, improper trading
by Bellecapital’s employees; (ii) identify conflicts of
interest; and (iii) provide a means to resolve any
actual or potential conflicts of interest in favor of
the clients. The Code attempts to accomplish
these objectives by, among other things: (i)
requiring pre-clearance of specific trades, which
includes documenting any exceptions to such
pre-clearance requirement; (ii) restricting trading
in certain securities that may cause a conflict of
(iii) periodic reporting
interest, as well as
regarding
of
employees.
Although Bellecapital does not hold proprietary
positions, Bellecapital’s related persons may own,
buy, or sell for themselves the same securities
that they or Bellecapital have recommended to
clients. Thus, from time to time, a client account
may purchase or hold a security in which a related
person of Bellecapital has financial interest or an
ownership position, or a related person may
purchase a security that is held in a client account.
The Code contains sections including, but not
limited to, the following key areas: (i) restrictions
on personal investing activities; (ii) gifts and
business entertainment; and (iii) outside business
activities.
for Bellecapital’s
The Code also provides
execution of supervisory policies and procedures,
and the review and enforcement processes of
such policies and procedures. Bellecapital has
a Chief Compliance Officer
designated
responsible
for maintaining, reviewing and
enforcing Bellecapital’s Code of Ethics and
corresponding policies and procedures.
that,
Also, from time to time, Bellecapital employees or
related persons may invest alongside the firm’s
clients, both to align the interest of firm and
personnel and firm clients and as an expression
of confidence
in our portfolio management
efforts. In order to ensure that Bellecapital
personnel never trade ahead of their clients, the
firm requires all trading in specific positions for
officer and employee accounts to come after the
for client
trades are executed
analogous
accounts. Firm personnel communicate freely
and frequently among themselves in order to
ensure the application of these fundamental
restrictions.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Most of Bellecapital’s clients have existing
accounts or open new accounts at custodial
banks. Each client may select the bank for his or
her account.
Bellecapital does not select
custodial banks on a client’s behalf.
The fundamental position of Bellecapital Advisors
is
securities
in effecting personal
transactions, personnel of Bellecapital must place
at all times the interests of clients ahead of their
own pecuniary interests. All personal securities
transactions by
these persons must be
conducted in accordance with the Code of Ethics
and in a manner to avoid any actual or potential
conflict of interest or any abuse of any person’s
position of trust and responsibility. Further, these
persons should not take inappropriate advantage
of their positions with or on behalf of a client.
If a person subject to the Code of Ethics fails to
comply with the Code, such person may be
subject to sanctions, which may include warnings,
Each custodian bank has its own policies and
procedures relating to brokerage. In cases where
the custodial bank requires Bellecapital to route
securities orders through the trading desk of the
bank, then Bellecapital will not have discretion in
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than
the
generally
prevailing
higher
competitive range).
- The extent of coverage of the various markets
Bellecapital trades in.
- The broker’s ability to communicate effectively
with Bellecapital.
- The broker’s ability to execute and settle
difficult trades.
selecting the broker-dealer and the client should
be aware of the incumbent risks associated with
such arrangement. In cases where the custodial
bank will settle with third-party broker-dealers,
then Bellecapital will select the broker-dealer as
described in this Item 12. In such cases, the
custodian bank will settle trades with delivery-
against-payment model.
- Whether or not the broker offers lower cost
electronic trading.
Bellecapital Selection of Broker-Dealers
- The broker’s clearance and settlement
efficiency.
- Whether or not the broker can handle
Bellecapital’s range of order sizes.
- The broker’s ability to maintain confidentiality
and anonymity.
When the custodian bank permits Bellecapital to
select the broker-dealer, Bellecapital will route
securities orders to purchase and sell securities
for those client accounts held at the bank to
independent brokers and dealers.
- The reputation of the broker.
- The stability and financial strength of the
broker.
(i)
Due to the fact Bellecapital is based in Switzerland
and many of the securities purchased are non-US
securities, the brokers used by Bellecapital may
not be registered with the SEC under the U.S.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”).
the approved brokers,
limited number of brokers
Bellecapital’s Chief Compliance Officer reviews
the due diligence performed and approves or
rejects the selection of each broker. On a regular
basis, Bellecapital monitors the services provided
by
the quality of
executions and research, commission rates, the
overall brokerage relationship, and any other
issues. Bellecapital will periodically reconsider
whether placing a large portion of client trades
through a particular broker continues to be in the
best interest of our clients.
Brokers Selected by the Custodian Bank
In selecting brokers and dealers to effect client
transactions, Bellecapital attempts to obtain for
clients:
the prompt execution of client
transactions while market conditions still favor
the transaction, and (ii) the most favorable net
prices reasonably obtainable. This is called “best
execution.” In placing orders to purchase and sell
equity securities, Bellecapital selects brokers that
it believes will provide the best overall qualitative
execution given the particular circumstances. A
broker may provide more favorable terms and a
higher quality of service to customers who place
a higher volume of transactions through that
broker. Accordingly, to obtain the benefits of
higher volume trading for clients, we may place a
large portion of client equity transactions through
a
that meet
Bellecapital’s quality standards. When selecting a
new equity broker, Bellecapital conducts a due
diligence review of the broker to evaluate whether
the broker is likely to provide best execution. We
may consider any of the following factors:
- The ability of the custodian bank to settle
transactions with the broker.
- The quality of services provided (including
commissions, which may not be the lowest
available, but which ordinarily will not be
Brokerage for transactions involving assets held
at custodian banks generally must be made
through the broker-dealer specified by the
custodian bank and Bellecapital will have no
ability to select the broker-dealer. In most cases,
custodian banks act as a broker-dealer and/or
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client that requires the use of a specified broker-
dealer.
Brokerage in Sub-advisory Agreements
Bellecapital
effectuates
In sub-advisory arrangements where Bellecapital
(the sub-advisor), has trading discretion,
brokerage and execution decisions are generally
governed by the sub-advisory agreement. In
some cases, the Primary Adviser may direct
brokerage or impose restrictions on trading
counterparties. Bellecapital seeks best execution
in accordance with its trading policies and the
parameters set by the Primary Adviser.
maintain relationships with designated broker-
dealers (including potentially an affiliate of the
custodian bank). If required by the custodian
bank,
security
transactions through the custodian bank, or the
broker or dealer designated by the custodian
bank selected by the client. In such cases,
Bellecapital cannot guarantee that the client will
receive best execution or the best commissions
because Bellecapital does not control these
factors. Clients should be aware of the potential
that the broker-dealer used for transactions may
not be a registered broker-dealer under the
Exchange Act.
Clients also should be aware of the following
disadvantages associated with Bellecapital not
having the ability to select the broker-dealer:
In sub-advisory agreement where Bellecapital is
the Primary Advisor, neither Bellecapital nor its
sub-Advisers use client commissions to pay for
research or other soft dollar benefits.
Favorable Employee Arrangements
commission
rates with
Some of Bellecapital’s custodians may provide
special custody fee conditions to employees of
Bellecapital. Bellecapital does not believe that
such practice causes a conflict of interest to its
employees due to the brokerage practices
outlined above.
Block Trades
- Clients are solely responsible for negotiating
the commission rates and fees paid to the
custodian bank where such custodian bank
requires Bellecapital to trade through its
broker-dealer. Bellecapital will not be able to
negotiate
the
designated broker, and we will not have any
negotiating leverage that results from the
ability to trade away from a designated broker.
- Clients may pay higher commission rates than
those paid by other clients whose trades are
placed with a broker-dealer chosen by
Bellecapital, may receive less favorable trade
executions, and/or may not obtain best
execution on their transactions.
funds will be
taken
- Accounts will not be able to participate in
aggregated or block transactions with other
clients who maintain their accounts at other
custodian banks. This can limit the ability to
benefit from volume discounts or more
favorable terms that might be available from
aggregated transactions.
Client Directed Brokerage
Bellecapital generally will combine orders into
block trades when purchasing the same security
for multiple client accounts. Such aggregated
orders
(“block trades”) will be pre-allocated
among the participating client accounts. When
selecting the participating accounts, a variety of
factors such as suitability, investment objectives
and strategy, risk tolerance and / or the ability to
invest additional
into
consideration. In determining the portion for
each participating account further factors such as
account’s size, diversification, asset allocation and
position weightings as well as any other
factors might be of relevance.
appropriate
Participating accounts in a block trade placed with
Generally, Bellecapital does not permit clients to
direct brokerage other than as outlined above in
the context of a custodian bank selected by the
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periodic review of the asset allocation through an
internal peer review. These general guidelines
cover such matters as the relative proportion of
debt and equity securities to be held in the
portfolio, the degree of risk that the client wishes
to assume and the types and amounts of
securities to be held in the portfolio. Bellecapital’s
authority may be further limited by specific
instructions from the client, which may restrict or
prohibit transactions in certain securities.
the same broker or the same custodian bank
generally will receive an average price and
shared on a
transaction costs will be
proportionate basis and as determined in the
agreement with the custodian. This can either be
a sharing on a pro rata basis, or covered with a
implemented
“ticket fee”, or based on the
degression model, whereas costs decrease in
relation to the purchased quantity and include
the application of a minimum rate, when shared
costs are below a defined amount. Partial fills of
transactions will be allocated on a pro rata share
basis.
less
Bellecapital may manage numerous accounts
with similar or identical investment objectives or
may manage accounts with different objectives
that may trade in the same securities. Despite
such similarities, portfolio decisions relating to
client investments and the performance resulting
from such decisions may differ from client to
client. Bellecapital will not necessarily purchase
or sell the same securities at the same time or in
the same proportionate amounts for all eligible
if different clients have
clients, particularly
selected different
investment profiles, have
materially different amounts of capital under
management with Bellecapital or different
amounts of investable cash available. In certain
instances, such as purchases of
liquid
publicly traded securities or oversubscribed
public offerings, it may not be possible or feasible
to allocate a transaction pro rata to all eligible
clients, especially
if clients have materially
different sized portfolios. Therefore, not all
clients will necessarily participate in the same
investment opportunities or participate on the
same basis.
Because Bellecapital’s clients maintain accounts
at different custodian banks and because many of
these custodian banks mandate the use of a
specific broker (see description above), often
Bellecapital places more than one block trade for
the same security with more than one broker.
Bellecapital transmits such block trades to more
than one broker in a random pattern (i.e.,
Bellecapital does not favor one custodian bank or
broker over another with respect to the order in
which block trade orders are sent). The average
price realized on a securities order placed with
different brokers will vary broker to broker, and
clients generally will receive different average
prices and transaction costs for the same security
order depending upon the custodian bank and
the respective broker used in the block trade.
Also note, since most custodian banks warehouse
securities orders until filled, there may be delays
in settlement between client accounts depending
on the practice of the respective custodian bank
and/or broker.
Use of Soft Dollars
Decision Making Process; Balancing the Interests of
Multiple Client Accounts
the
inception of
In making the decision as to which securities are
to be purchased or sold and the amounts thereof,
Bellecapital is guided by the general guidelines set
the adviser-client
up at
relationship in cooperation with the client and a
Bellecapital currently does not make use of soft
dollar arrangements, and to the extent it does, it
will only do so in accordance with the conditions
of the safe harbor provided by Section 28(e) of the
Exchange Act. Section 28(e) is a “safe harbor” that
permits an investment manager to use brokerage
commissions or “soft dollars” to obtain research
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in
the
and brokerage services that provide lawful and
appropriate assistance
investment
decision-making process.
- Identify any errors in a timely manner.
- Correct all errors so that any affected account
is placed in the same position it would have
been, had the error not occurred.
- The party responsible for the error will bear
the gain or the loss resulting of the error and
all associated costs to reverse the error.
journals;
- Evaluate how the error occurred and assess if
any changes in any processes are warranted
or if any continuing education is required.
The consequences and the required corrective
measures may be different depending upon the
nature of the error or the account affected.
Research services within Section 28(e) may
include, but are not limited to, research reports
(including market research); certain financial
newsletters and
software
trade
providing analysis of securities portfolios;
corporate governance research and rating
services; attendance at certain seminars and
conferences; discussions with research analysts;
meetings with corporate executives; consultants’
advice on portfolio strategy; data services
(including services providing market data,
company financial data, certain valuation and
pricing data and economic data); and advice from
brokers on order execution.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Discretionary Portfolio Mandates are reviewed at
least quarterly; Portfolio Advisory Mandates are
reviewed at least semi-annually; and Investment
Advisory Service Accounts are reviewed at least
annually by a peer review in an effort to ensure
that they remain aligned with the client’s
investment plan and are positioned appropriately
given current market conditions as part of
Bellecapital’s general investment process.
instructions;
routing
trade matching of
electronic
confirms
or
Brokerage services within Section 28(e) may
include, but are not limited to, services related to
the execution, clearing and settlement of
securities transactions and functions incidental
thereto (i.e., connectivity services between an
investment adviser and a broker-dealer and other
relevant parties such as custodians); trading
software operated by a broker-dealer to route
orders; software that provides trade analytics and
trading strategies; software used to transmit
orders; clearance and settlement in connection
trade; electronic communication of
with a
allocation
settlement
trade
instructions; post
information; and services required by the SEC or
a self-regulatory organization such as comparison
trade
services,
affirmations.
Trade Errors
funds,
to Bellecapital
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
Bellecapital is a fee-only adviser. Bellecapital’s
policy is not to accept compensation from third
parties relating to the investment advice it gives
to its clients. In case Bellecapital receives a
referral fee for an investment it recommends, it
will reduce the fees owed by the respective client
to Bellecapital or will credit the respective client’s
account for the applicable amount. For these
purposes, referral fees include marketing fees,
discounts, finder’s fees, service fees, including
shareholder service fees, referral fees, 12b-1 fees
or bonus commissions paid by mutual funds,
privately offered
insurance products,
variable annuities or other investment products
paid
for recommending an
investment, for investing client funds in such
product or for marketing assistance or the
performance of certain administrative tasks
associated with making an investment.
Although Bellecapital’s goal is to execute trades
seamlessly in the manner intended by the client
and consistent with its investment decisions,
Bellecapital recognizes that errors can occur for a
variety of reasons. Bellecapital’s policy in dealing
with such errors is to:
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In select circumstances Bellecapital may pay
affiliated entities within the Bellecapital Group
and/or unrelated third parties for client referrals.
Such arrangements comply with the conditions
and requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
raised. Such arrangements may create a conflict
of interest by incentivizing the marketer to
recommend the fund. All such activities are
conducted in accordance with Rule 206(4)-1
under the
Investment Advisers Act, and all
required disclosures are made to prospective
investors.
Bellecapital’s employees or associated persons
may be invited to attend seminars and meetings
with the costs associated with such meetings
borne by a sponsoring brokerage firm or other
party extending the invitation.
remuneration
can
reflect
Item 15. Custody
Bellecapital typically is given authority to have its
fees directly deducted from a client’s account.
Consequently, Bellecapital is deemed to have
custody of such
Bellecapital has
funds.
established procedures to ensure the client’s
account is held at a qualified custodian in a
separate account for each client. The client
establishes
the bank account directly and
therefore is aware of the qualified custodian’s
name, address and the manner
in which
investments are maintained. Account statements
are prepared by the custodian bank and delivered
directly to the client or the client’s representative
at least quarterly. Generally, these statements
include a
listing of all valuations and all
transactions occurring during the period. Clients
should carefully review these statements and
when
they have questions contact either
Bellecapital or the custodian bank. The custodian
also provides the client with all required year-end
tax information.
Under certain circumstances, Bellecapital may
also be deemed to have custody of client assets
as defined by Rule 206(4)-2 under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940. Specifically, Bellecapital may
be deemed to have custody in the following
limited situations:
Pursuant to the remuneration policies and
intercompany referral agreements of Bellecapital
and its affiliates (including, but not limited to,
Bellecapital AG (an investment advisory firm
in Zurich serving non-U.S. clients),
based
Bellecapital UK Ltd. (an investment advisory firm
based in London) (collectively, the “Bellecapital
Group”), an employee may be rewarded for
contributions he or she makes to the overall
performance of the Bellecapital Group, including,
specifically, business introductions made to other
Bellecapital Group companies. The fact that an
the
employee’s
contribution of such employee to the Bellecapital
Group as a whole may result in a conflict of
interest between the employee of Bellecapital or
introducing the services of an
its affiliates
affiliated Bellecapital Group company, on the one
hand, and the person to whom such employee
makes an introduction, on the other. Generally,
introductions of such nature are made only when
the services needed or requested by the client
customarily are provided by
the affiliated
Bellecapital Group entity instead of the entity
employing the introducing employee, and in this
regard, Bellecapital believes that the effect of this
conflict of interest generally is insubstantial for
the client.
Trustee Services: In select, exceptional cases and
only upon express agreement, a principal of the
firm may serve as trustee for a client’s trust.
Serving as trustee gives Bellecapital the ability to
withdraw funds or securities, which constitute
custody under SEC rules.
firm. These marketers may
From time to time, Bellecapital may engage
placement agents to assist in the offering of
interests in private funds managed or advised by
the
receive
compensation based on the amount of capital
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16 ǀ 18
discretionary authority to select a qualified
custodian for a client’s account.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
For
these accounts, surprise audits are
conducted annually by a PCAOB registered
accounting firm in order to verify all assets held at
the qualified custodian.
Proxy Voting
audits by
a PCAOB
Bellecapital does not have the authority to vote
client proxies. Clients make arrangements directly
with their custodian to vote proxies for securities
or where proxy or other solicitation materials
have to be sent to. If Bellecapital inadvertently
receives any proxy materials on behalf of a client,
Bellecapital will promptly forward such materials
to the client.
Investment Manager of a Fund: Bellecapital
serves as the investment manager and general
partner to the Eiger Funds, which may also be
deemed to give Bellecapital custody of the Fund’s
assets. In such cases, the Funds are subject to
registered
annual
independent public accountant in accordance
with SEC Rule 206(4)-2 requirements, and audited
financial statements are distributed to investors
within 120 days of the Funds’ fiscal year-end.
Bellecapital will exercise investment authority for
certain corporate actions (such as, but not limited
in
tenders, rights offerings, splits etc.)
to
connection with discretionary accounts. For
advisory clients, corporate actions are discussed
with them prior to the event taking place.
them
Clients who have questions about proxies may
contact Bellecapital for further information.
Although Bellecapital may be deemed to have
custody in the limited circumstances described
above, client assets are held by qualified
custodians. All client separate accounts have
account statements sent directly to clients from
the qualified custodian at least quarterly. Clients
to carefully review
are encouraged
these
statements and
to any
compare
information or reports received from Bellecapital.
Class Actions
investors
receive periodic account
Fund
statements directly from the fund administrator.
any
return
received
regarding
to communicate any
Bellecapital does not direct client participation in
class action lawsuits. Bellecapital will determine
documentation
whether
to
inadvertently
clients’
participation in class actions to the sender, or to
forward such information to the appropriate
clients.
in writing.
in any
legal proceeding,
litigation
forwarding
Bellecapital will not advise or act on behalf of
including
clients
bankruptcies or securities shareholder class
action
involving securities held or
previously held in client accounts. Accordingly,
Bellecapital is not responsible for responding to,
or
to clients, any class action
settlement offers relating to securities currently
or previously held in the client account.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
Bellecapital accepts discretionary authority to
manage client accounts as described above.
Clients rarely restrict the authority by which
Bellecapital may act; however, each client has the
opportunity
form of
limitation
In the context of a
discretionary mandate, Bellecapital makes
investment decisions without consulting the client
by utilizing its limited power of attorney for the
management of the account maintained at the
custodian bank selected by the client. In the
context of a non-discretionary mandate,
Bellecapital’s investment discretion is limited to
an advisory role and Bellecapital does not
investment decisions without the
implement
approval of the client. Bellecapital never has
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Item 18. Financial Information
Bellecapital has not been the subject of a
bankruptcy petition at any time. As of the date of
this brochure we do not believe it is reasonably
likely that any future liability will impact our ability
to meet our contractual commitments to our
clients.
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