Overview
- Headquarters
- Blue Bell, PA
- Average Client Assets
- $4.1 million
- SEC CRD Number
- 134184
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 2.00% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $20,000 | 2.00% |
| $5 million | $100,000 | 2.00% |
| $10 million | $200,000 | 2.00% |
| $50 million | $1,000,000 | 2.00% |
| $100 million | $2,000,000 | 2.00% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 77.29%
- Total Client Accounts
- 2,249
- Discretionary Accounts
- 2,179
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 70
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients
Regulatory Filings
Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A (2026-03-09)
View Document Text
Item 1
Cover Page
Blue Bell Private Wealth
Management, LLC
SEC File Number: 801 – 64005
Form ADV Part 2A, Firm Brochure
Dated: March 9, 2026
Contact: Justin Capetola, Chief Compliance Officer
470 Norristown Road, Suite 305
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422
www.bluebellpwm.com
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Blue Bell
Private Wealth Management, LLC (“Blue Bell”). If you have any questions about the contents of
this Brochure, please contact us at (610) 825-3540 or Jcapetola@bluebellpwm.com. The information
in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Blue Bell Private Wealth Management, LLC also is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
References herein to Blue Bell Private Wealth Management, LLC as a “registered investment
adviser” or any reference to being “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
1
Item 2
Material Changes
There have been no material changes made to our Brochure since our last Annual Amendment filing made
on March 25, 2025.
Blue Bell’s Chief Compliance Officer, Justin Capetola, remains available to address any questions that an
existing or prospective client may have regarding this Brochure.
Item 3
Table of Contents
Item 1 Cover Page .................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 4 Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................ 3
Fees and Compensation .............................................................................................................. 10
Item 5
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management .......................................................... 11
Item 6
Item 7
Types of Clients .......................................................................................................................... 11
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................... 12
Item 9 Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................ 16
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 16
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading.............. 17
Item 12 Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 18
Item 13 Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 19
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 20
Item 15 Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 20
Item 17 Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 21
Item 18 Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 22
2
Item 4
Advisory Business
A. Blue Bell is a limited liability company formed on March 29, 2005 in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. Blue Bell became registered as an investment adviser firm in April 2005.
Blue Bell is principally owned by Jonathan Scott Miller, Sr. Jonathan Scott Miller, Sr.,
Justin Capetola, and Jonathan Scott Miller, Jr. are Blue Bell’s Managing Members.
B. As discussed below, Blue Bell offers investment advisory services to its clients (generally
comprised of individuals, high net worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans,
corporations, business entities, trusts, estates, and other investment advisers). However, to
the extent that the client specifically requests, Blue Bell may provide limited consulting
services. Blue Bell’s investment strategy and its universe of investments may not be
appropriate for all investors, and clients and prospective clients should consider whether
Blue Bell is an appropriate choice for them.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Blue Bell provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment management services.
Clients may also engage Blue Bell to provide financial planning and related consulting
services for an additional fee. Blue Bell relies primarily on its discussion with clients and
a Confidential Investment Questionnaire to determine a client’s investment profile, which
dictates a client’s investment strategy (discussed more fully below). It is important for
clients to understand that they must provide Blue Bell with updated information about their
financial situation and investment objectives so that Blue Bell can manage their account
appropriately. While Blue Bell generally makes efforts to meet with each of its clients
every year, and requests that clients update their Confidential Investment Questionnaire
from time to time, Blue Bell will manage a client’s account according to the client’s current
investment strategy. Clients and prospective clients should understand that if they do not
update their Confidential Investment Questionnaire on a regular basis, or communicate
with Blue Bell’s employees, Blue Bell may provide advice that is no longer appropriate for
the client.
Blue Bell’s investment philosophy involves allocating client assets to three primary
categories of investments—exchange traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds (CEFs), and
structured investments. Depending on the amount of assets in a client’s account, and the
client’s age, financial resources and investment profile, we will manage a portfolio
comprised of some or all of these investments.
Blue Bell makes investments (or recommends that the client make investments) that are
consistent with the client’s current investment objective. Blue Bell manages clients’
accounts on an ongoing basis by purchasing and selling investments as needed to keep a
client’s account consistent with the client’s investment objective.
A CEF is a type of registered, pooled investment fund. CEF's have a fixed number of shares
that are traded on a stock exchange throughout the day. Because CEFs trade on exchanges
(as opposed to being redeemed directly through the issuer at the close of business), they
can trade at a discount to their net asset value. Blue Bell generally seeks to purchase CEFs
that are trading at a discount (i.e., when their trading price is less than their net asset value.)
While CEFs have a wide array of investment strategies, Blue Bell seeks to invest in high
quality, diversified CEFs.
3
With respect to structured investments, Blue Bell typically recommends and selects
structured notes or similar vehicles, which are financial instruments that combine two
elements: a debt security and exposure to an underlying asset or assets. These instruments
are similar to notes in that they carry counter-party risk of the issuer. However, the return
on these instruments are linked to the return of an underlying asset or assets (such as the
S&P 500 Index or commodities). It is this latter feature that makes these instruments
unique, as Blue Bell believes that the payout can be used to provide some degree of
principal protection, leveraged returns (but usually with some ceiling on the maximum
return), and be tailored to a specific market or economic view. In addition, investors may
receive long-term capital gains tax treatment if certain underlying conditions are met and
the investment is held for more than one year. Blue Bell does not view these investments
as an alternative to traditional fixed income.
As a general matter, Blue Bell generally recommends that its clients complete and submit
options trading and margin authorizations for their accounts with the custodian. If a client
wants to restrict or prohibit Blue Bell from trading options in their account, then they
should notify our Chief Compliance Officer at the email address listed on the cover page
of this Brochure.
Not all investment advisers share the same investment philosophy as Blue Bell and Blue
Bell believes this is what sets it apart from other investment advisers. Blue Bell’s
Investments can be tailored to meet a client’s goals of preserving wealth, producing
income, or growing wealth, but generally a client will invest using ETFs, CEFs and
structured notes and similar investment vehicles, regardless of their investment profile and
their account strategy. Blue Bell generally recommends a current asset allocation that is
more concentrated in structured notes or similar investment vehicles that seek to preserve
their wealth or produce income and more titled towards ETFs and CEFs for clients that are
seeking to grow their wealth. However, a current asset allocation cannot guarantee that a
client will reach their investment objectives or financial goals. Clients are responsible for
notifying Blue Bell of any changes in their investment objectives or financial situation so
that Blue Bell can revisit the client’s investment profile, current asset allocation, and their
investment strategy, and make modifications, as needed.
RETIREMENT PLAN PARTICIPANT DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
Blue Bell uses a third-party platform to facilitate discretionary management of held away
assets such as defined contribution plan participant accounts. The platform allows Blue
Bell to avoid being considered to have custody of client funds since the firm does not
have direct access to client log-in credentials to affect trades. Blue Bell is not affiliated
with the platform in any way and receives no compensation for using their platform. A
link will be provided to the client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform.
Once the client account(s) is connected to the platform, Blue Bell will review the current
account allocations. When deemed necessary, Blue Bell will rebalance the account
considering client investment goals and risk tolerance, and any change in allocations will
consider current economic and market trends. The goal is to improve account
performance over time, minimize loss during difficult markets, and manage internal fees
that harm account performance. Client account(s) will be reviewed at least quarterly and
allocation changes will be made as deemed necessary. When providing this service, Blue
Bell will be limited to the investment alternatives provided by the retirement plan. Blue
Bell will not have, nor will it accept, any authority to engage in any other type of
4
transactions or changes to the client’s plan account, including but not limited to changing
beneficiaries or effecting account disbursements or transfers to any individual or entity.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Blue Bell also offers other various consulting services (i.e., estate consulting and
settlement, etc.) Blue Bell will provide consulting services in this manner on a fixed fee or
hourly basis open to reasonable negotiations with the client.
MISCELLANEOUS
Limitations Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation Services. If specifically
requested by the client, Blue Bell may provide consulting services regarding non-
investment related matters, such as estate planning, tax planning, insurance, etc. Blue Bell
does not serve as a law firm, accounting firm, or insurance agency, and no portion of its
services should be construed as legal, accounting, or insurance implementation services.
Accordingly, Blue Bell does not prepare estate planning documents, tax returns or sell
insurance products. To the extent requested by a client, Blue Bell may recommend the
services of other professionals for certain non-investment implementation purposes (i.e.,
attorneys, accountants, insurance, etc.). The client is under no obligation to engage the
services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion over
all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from
Blue Bell. If the client engages any such recommended professional, and a dispute arises
thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from
and against the engaged professional.
Non-Discretionary Service Limitations. Clients that determine to engage Blue Bell on a
non-discretionary investment advisory basis must be willing to accept that Blue Bell cannot
affect any account transactions without obtaining prior consent to such transaction(s) from
the client. Therefore, in the event that Blue Bell would like to make a transaction for a
client’s account (including in the event of an individual holding or general market
correction), and the client is unavailable, Blue Bell will be unable to affect the account
transaction(s) (as it would for its discretionary clients) without first obtaining the client’s
consent.
Sub-Advisory Engagements. Blue Bell may also serve as a sub-adviser to unaffiliated
registered investment advisers per the terms and conditions of a written Sub-Advisory
Agreement. With respect to its sub-advisory services, the unaffiliated investment advisers
that engage Blue Bell to provide sub-advisory services maintain the initial and ongoing
relationship with the underlying client, including the initial and ongoing determination of
suitability. Generally, Schwab will serve as the custodian for all sub-advised accounts. The
other adviser (and not Blue Bell) is responsible for negotiating custody charges and
commission rates for their clients’ accounts. As a result, the underlying client may pay
higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable
net prices, on transactions for the account.
Retirement Rollovers-Potential for Conflict of Interest. A client or prospective client
leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement plan (and
may engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in the former
employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is
available and rollovers are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement Account
(“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s age,
5
result in adverse tax consequences). If Blue Bell recommends that a client roll over their
retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by Blue Bell, such a recommendation
creates a conflict of interest if Blue Bell will earn new (or increase its current)
compensation as a result of the rollover. If Blue Bell provides a recommendation as to
whether a client should engage in a rollover or not (whether it is from an employer’s plan
or an existing IRA), Blue Bell is acting as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. No client is under any obligation
to roll over retirement plan assets to an account managed by Blue Bell, whether it is from
an employer’s plan or an existing IRA.
Cross Transactions. In limited circumstances, when determined to be in the best interest
of its clients, Blue Bell may engage in a cross-transaction pursuant to which Blue Bell may
effect transactions between two of its managed client accounts (i.e., arranging for the
clients’ securities trades by “crossing” these trades when Blue Bell believes that such
transactions [generally, thinly traded bonds] are beneficial to its clients). For all such
transactions, neither Blue Bell nor any affiliate will be acting as a broker. Blue Bell will
not receive any commission or transaction-based compensation, although Blue Bell has an
interest in the price at which the cross trades are conducted since Blue Bell’s asset-based
fees will be negatively impacted by lower bond values. This may present a conflict of
interest. These transactions will be generally effected through Fidelity, the account
custodian, or a prime broker. The client may revoke Blue Bell’s cross-transaction authority
at any time upon written notice to Blue Bell.
Structured Notes. A Structured Note is a financial instrument that combines two elements,
a debt security and exposure to an underlying asset or assets. It is essentially a note,
carrying counter party risk of the issuer. However, the return on the note is linked to the
return of an underlying asset or assets (such as the S&P 500 Index or commodities).
Structured notes do not pay interest, dividend payments, provide voting rights or guarantee
any return of principal at maturity unless specifically provided through products that are
designed with this purpose in mind. Most Structured Note payments are based on the
performance of an underlying index (i.e., S&P 500) and if the underlying index were to
decline 100% then the payment may result in a loss of a portion or all of a client’s
principal. Notes are not insured through any governmental agency or program and the
return of principal and fulfillment of the terms negotiated by Blue Bell on behalf of clients
is dependent on the financial condition of the third party issuing the note and the issuer’s
ability to pay its obligations as they become due.
Structured Notes will generally be subject to liquidity constraints, such that the sale thereof
before maturity can be limited. Structured Notes will not be listed on any securities
exchange. There may be no secondary market for Structured Notes held by the client. The
price, if any, at which an issuer will be willing to purchase Structured Notes from clients
in a secondary market transaction, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price
and any sale before the maturity date could result in a substantial loss. Structured Notes are
not designed to be short-term trading instruments so clients should be willing to hold any
notes to maturity.
The issuer can generally choose to redeem Structured Notes before maturity. In addition,
the maximum potential payment on Structured Notes will typically be limited to the
redemption amount applicable for a payment date, regardless of the appreciation in the
6
underlying index associated with the note. Since the level of the underlying index at various
times during the term of the Structured Notes held by clients could be higher than on the
valuation dates and at maturity, clients may receive a lower payment if redeemed early or
at maturity than if a client would have invested directly in the underlying index.
Structured Notes are not insured through any governmental agency or program and the
return of principal and fulfillment of the terms negotiated by Blue Bell on behalf of clients
is dependent on the financial condition of the third party issuing the note and the issuer’s
ability to pay its obligations as they become due. If the issuer of the Structured
Note defaults, the entire value of the investment could be lost.
Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, and Digital Assets. For clients who want exposure to Bitcoin,
cryptocurrencies, or digital assets, Blue Bell will advise the client to consider a potential
investment in corresponding exchange traded securities, or an allocation to separate
account managers and/or private funds that provide cryptocurrency exposure. Bitcoin and
cryptocurrencies are digital assets that can be used for various purposes, including
transactions, decentralized applications, and speculative investments. Most digital assets
use blockchain technology, an advanced cryptographic digital ledger to secure transactions
and validate asset ownership. Unlike conventional currencies issued and regulated by
monetary authorities, cryptocurrencies generally operate without centralized control, and
their value is determined by market supply and demand. While regulatory oversight of
digital assets has evolved significantly since their inception, they remain subject to variable
regulatory treatment globally, which may impact their risk profile and liquidity. Given that
cryptocurrency investments are speculative and subject to extreme price volatility, liquidity
constraints, and the potential for total loss of principal, Blue Bell does not exercise
discretionary authority to purchase cryptocurrency investments for client accounts. Any
investment in cryptocurrencies must be expressly authorized by the client.
Blue Bell does not recommend or advocate for the purchase of, or investment in, Bitcoin,
cryptocurrencies, or digital assets. Such investments are considered speculative and carry
significant risk. Clients who authorize the purchase of a cryptocurrency investment must
be prepared for the potential for liquidity constraints, extreme price volatility, regulatory
risk, technological risk, security and custody risk, and complete loss of principal.
Cash Positions. Blue Bell continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless
determined to the contrary by Blue Bell, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall
continue to be included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating
Blue Bell’s advisory fee. At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived or
anticipated market conditions/events (there being no guarantee that such anticipated market
conditions/events will occur), Blue Bell may maintain cash positions for defensive
purposes. In addition, while assets are maintained in cash, such amounts could miss market
advances. Depending upon current yields, at any point in time, Blue Bell’s advisory fee
could exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund.
Cash Sweep Accounts. Certain account custodians can require that cash proceeds from
account transactions or new deposits, be swept to and/or initially maintained in a
specific custodian designated sweep account. The yield on the sweep account will
generally be lower than those available for other money market accounts. When this
occurs, to help mitigate the corresponding yield dispersion Blue Bell shall (usually within
30 days thereafter) generally (with exceptions) purchase a higher yielding money market
fund (or other type security) available on the custodian’s platform, unless Blue Bell
7
reasonably anticipates that it will utilize the cash proceeds during the subsequent 30-day
period to purchase additional investments for the client’s account. Exceptions and/or
modifications can and will occur with respect to all or a portion of the cash balances for
various reasons, including, but not limited to the amount of dispersion between the sweep
account and a money market fund, the size of the cash balance, an indication from the client
of an imminent need for such cash, or the client has a demonstrated history of writing
checks from the account.
The above does not apply to the cash component maintained within a Blue Bell actively
managed investment strategy (the cash balances for which shall generally remain in the
custodian designated cash sweep account), an indication from the client of a need for access
to such cash, assets allocated to an unaffiliated investment manager and cash balances
maintained for fee billing purposes.
The client shall remain exclusively responsible for yield dispersion/cash balance decisions
and corresponding transactions for cash balances maintained in any Blue Bell unmanaged
accounts.
Artificial Intelligence. Blue Bell may use certain Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) tools in
connection with its investment advisory services. Blue Bell has adopted an AI Policy that
governs the appropriate use of AI tools to ensure that Blue Bell and its employees abide by
their fiduciary duty and comply with all applicable regulations. AI tools are not used by
Blue Bell as a substitute for professional judgment by Blue Bell or its employees, and all
AI generated output is reviewed by Blue Bell for accuracy. All investment decisions and
recommendations are made and approved by Blue Bell. The use of AI tools does not
guarantee the accuracy of analyses or the success of any investment strategy. Clients should
not assume that reliance on AI tools results in better performance or reduces risk. AI tools
involve limitations and risks that Blue Bell monitors and manages. These risks include, but
are not limited to, data security concerns, potential inaccuracies, and possible algorithmic
biases. To mitigate these risks, Blue Bell has implemented controls such as pre-approval
requirements for AI tools, restrictions on providing nonpublic personal information to
public AI systems, vendor due diligence, review of AI-generated materials, and employee
training on appropriate AI usage.
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that Blue Bell and
its third-party service providers use to provide services to Blue Bell’s clients employ
various controls that are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from
intentional or unintentional actions that could cause significant interruptions in Blue Bell’s
operations and/or result in the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or
non-public personal information. Clients and Blue Bell are nonetheless subject to the risk
of cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or
other adverse consequences. Although Blue Bell has established processes to reduce the
risk of cybersecurity incidents, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be
successful, especially considering that Blue Bell does not control the cybersecurity
measures and policies employed by third-party service providers, issuers of securities,
broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental and other regulatory authorities,
exchanges and other financial market operators and providers.
Client Privacy and Confidentiality. Blue Bell maintains policies and procedures
designed to help protect the confidentiality and security of client nonpublic personal
information (“NPPI”). NPPI includes, but is not limited to, social security numbers, credit
8
or debit card numbers, state identification card numbers, driver’s license number and
account numbers. Blue Bell maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards
designed to protect such information from unauthorized access, use, loss, or destruction.
These safeguards include controls relating to data access, information security, and incident
response, and are reviewed to address changes in risk and business. Client information may
be disclosed in response to regulatory requests, legal obligations, or as otherwise permitted
by law, and any such disclosure is made in accordance with applicable privacy and
confidentiality requirements.
Blue Bell may engage non-affiliated service providers in connection with providing
advisory services, and such providers may have access to client NPPI, as necessary, to
perform their functions. Blue Bell confirms that service providers maintain safeguards
designed to protect client information from unauthorized access or use and provide notice
to Blue Bell in the event of a cybersecurity incident involving client information
maintained by the service provider. While Blue Bell maintains policies and procedures
designed to protect client information, such measures cannot eliminate all risk. Blue Bell
will notify clients in the event of a data breach involving their NPPI as may be required by
applicable state and federal laws.
the
Socially Responsible (ESG) Investing Limitations. Socially Responsible Investing
incorporation of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
involves
considerations into the investment due diligence process. ESG investing incorporates a set
of criteria/factors used in evaluating potential investments: Environmental (i.e., considers
how a company safeguards the environment); Social (i.e., the manner in which a company
manages relationships with its employees, customers, and the communities in which it
operates); and Governance (i.e., company management considerations). The number of
companies that meet an acceptable ESG mandate can be limited when compared to those
that do not, and could underperform broad market indices. Investors must accept these
limitations, including potential for underperformance. As with any type of investment
(including any investment and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken
by Blue Bell), there can be no assurance that investment in ESG securities or funds will be
profitable, or prove successful. Blue Bell does not maintain or advocate an ESG investment
strategy, but will seek to employ ESG if directed by a client to do so. If implemented, Blue
Bell shall rely upon the assessments undertaken by the unaffiliated mutual fund, exchange
traded fund or separate account manager to determine that the fund’s or portfolio’s
underlying company securities meet a socially responsible mandate.
C. Blue Bell provides investment advisory services based on the account’s strategy and the
client’s investment profile as described in greater detail in Item 4.B. Clients may impose
restrictions on investing in certain securities (e.g., a specific ETF or CEF) or types of
securities (e.g., CEFs and options in general). Clients imposing restrictions must make
their requests in writing or as part of their initial onboarding discussions with Blue Bell,
and Blue Bell will confirm with the client whether it accepts the client’s request.
D. Blue Bell does not participate in a wrap fee program.
E. As of December 31, 2025, Blue Bell had $951,239,417 in assets under management on a
discretionary basis and $169,976,304 in assets under management on a non-discretionary
basis.
9
Item 5
Fees and Compensation
A.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Blue Bell’s annual investment advisory fee is negotiable and varies from client to client.
However, the investment advisory fee does not exceed an annual rate of 2.00% of the total
assets placed under Blue Bell’s management. Blue Bell’s annual investment advisory fee
may include investment advisory services, and, to the extent specifically requested by the
client, financial planning and consulting services. In the event that the client requires
extraordinary planning and/or consultation services (to be determined in the sole discretion
of Blue Bell), Blue Bell may determine to charge for such additional services, the dollar
amount of which shall be set forth in a separate written notice to the client.
RETIREMENT PLAN PARTICIPANT DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
Blue Bell’s annual fee for discretionary retirement plan account management is negotiable
and varies from client to client. However, it does not exceed an annual rate of 1.00% of
the client’s retirement plan assets placed under Blue Bell’s management. Blue Bell bases
its proposed fee rates on various objective and subjective factors, including, but not limited
to, the amount and type of the assets placed under Blue Bell’s management, the level and
scope of consulting services to be rendered, and the complexity of the engagement.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Blue Bell also offers other various consulting services (i.e., estate consulting and
settlement, etc.) on a fixed fee or hourly basis. The fee is open to reasonable negotiation
with the client, which also depends upon the level and scope of service required and the
professional rendering the service. Blue Bell’s fees for such consulting services typically
range between $250 and $10,000 on a fixed fee basis and $250 - $500 on an hourly basis.
B. Clients may elect to have Blue Bell’s advisory fees deducted from their custodial account.
Both Blue Bell’s Investment Advisory Agreement and the custodial/clearing agreement
may authorize the custodian to debit the account for the amount of Blue Bell’s investment
advisory fee and to directly remit that management fee to Blue Bell in compliance with
regulatory procedures.
With respect to Retirement Plan Participant Discretionary Account Management, Blue Bell
will be unable to directly debit its fee from the client’s retirement plan account, but may
debit its fee from a different account under Blue Bell’s management, with the client’s
authorization. Blue Bell may also invoice clients directly, in which case, payment is due
upon receipt of Blue Bell’s invoice. Blue Bell shall deduct fees and/or bill clients quarterly
in arrears, based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous
quarter.
C. As discussed below, unless the client directs otherwise or an individual client’s
circumstances require, Blue Bell shall generally require that Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”) serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for client accounts. Broker-dealers such
as Schwab charge brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees for effecting certain
securities transactions (i.e., transaction fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds,
commissions are charged for individual equity and fixed income securities transactions).
10
However, Schwab no longer charges on transactions in U.S. equities and ETFs. Clients will
also bear their proportionate share of ETF and CEF fees that are charged by those funds
(e.g., management fees and other fund expenses). These fees and expenses are outlined in
the fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, which clients will receive
directly from the fund.
Tradeaway/Prime Broker Fees. Relative to its discretionary investment management
services, when beneficial to the client, individual fixed income transactions may be
effected through broker-dealers other than the account custodian, in which event, the client
generally will incur both the fee (commission, mark-up/mark-down) charged by the
executing broker-dealer and a separate “trade away” and/or prime broker fee charged by
the account custodian (Schwab).
D. Blue Bell’s annual investment advisory fee shall be pro-rated and paid quarterly, in arrears,
based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter.
For the initial quarter of investment management services, the first quarter’s fees shall be
calculated on a pro rata basis.
Blue Bell makes adjustments for withdrawals and contributions that occur during the
previous quarter and relies on the market value of the assets on the last business day of the
previous quarter. For example, if a client withdraws assets midway through a calendar
quarter, Blue Bell will calculate the client’s advisory fee at the end of the quarter and charge
the client a pro rata portion of its advisory fee on the withdrawn amount.
Blue Bell does not generally require an annual minimum fee or asset level for investment
advisory services. However, Blue Bell, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive a client
or prospective client’s fee.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between Blue Bell and the client will continue in
effect until terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement. Upon termination, Blue Bell shall debit the account for
the pro-rated portion of the unpaid advisory fee based upon the number of days services
were provided during the billing quarter.
E. Neither Blue Bell, nor its representatives accept compensation from the sale of securities
or other investment products.
Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Neither Blue Bell nor any supervised person of Blue Bell accepts performance-based fees.
Item 7
Types of Clients
Blue Bell’s clients shall generally include individuals, high net worth individuals, pension
and profit sharing plans, corporations, business entities, trusts, estates, and other
investment advisers.
11
Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. Blue Bell typically uses either fundamental or cyclical analysis or a combination of both
in analyzing securities. Fundamental analysis involves the study of historical and present
data, with the goal of making financial forecasts. Cyclical analysis involves the study of
historical relationships between price and market trends to forecast the direction of prices.
Blue Bell believes strongly in uncovering hidden value, and as such, takes a unique
approach to wealth management and wealth preservation. Clients and prospective clients
are reminded that they are responsible for determining whether strategies are appropriate
for their investment objectives and financial needs, but Blue Bell can tailor its investment
strategy to fit a wide array of investment objectives and financial needs.
As described in greater detail in Item 4.B, Blue Bell’s investment strategies involves three
primary categories of investments—ETFs, CEFs, and structured investments. Depending
on the amount of assets placed under Blue Bell’s management and their corresponding
investment strategy, we will recommend or manage a portfolio comprised of some or all
of these investments. In certain instances, Blue Bell will engage in covered call writing
and potentially other options trading strategies. Each of these types of investments and
their risks are discussed in greater detail below.
Blue Bell will make investments (or recommend that the client make investments) that are
consistent with the client’s investment strategy. Because Blue Bell makes investments in
structured notes on a laddered basis, it will take time for the current asset allocation to be
reached and other asset classes (i.e., ETFs and CEFs) may have proportionally higher
allocations initially and at other times.
Blue Bell manages clients’ accounts on an ongoing basis by purchasing and selling
investments as needed to keep a client’s account consistent with the client’s investment
strategy.
The primary factor considered by Blue Bell in conducting due diligence on structure
investment issuers is their financial stability. In general, Blue Bell’s universe of structured
investment issuers is limited to extremely large and historically reputable financial
institutions, although Blue Bell is free to consider the entire universe of issuers.
Blue Bell may purchase and sell ETFs and CEFs for periods less than one year or greater
than one year, and Blue Bell typically recommends that clients hold structured investments
until maturity.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be
assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be
profitable or equal any specific performance level.
B. Blue Bell’s methods of analysis do not present any significant or unusual risks. However,
every method of analysis has its own inherent risks. To perform an accurate market analysis
Blue Bell must have access to current/new market information. Blue Bell has no control
over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore, unbeknownst to Blue Bell,
certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information, severely limiting the
12
value of Blue Bell’s analysis. Furthermore, 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 and/or profitable investment
opportunities.
Blue Bell’s investment strategies on the other hand has material risks, much like all forms
of investing. The below risks apply to Blue Bell’s investment strategy.
Asset Allocation Risk. The risk that an account’s assets may be out of balance with the
current asset allocation. Any rebalancing of such assets may be infrequent and, even if
achieved, may have an adverse effect on the performance of a client’s account.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates may fluctuate significantly, causing price volatility with
respect to securities or instruments held by a client’s account.
Liquidity Risk. The risk that a client’s account may not be able to monetize investments
and may have to hold to maturity or may only be able to obtain a lower price for
investments either because those investments have become less liquid or illiquid in
response to market developments including adverse investor perceptions. This includes,
CEFs and structured investments, which are two major types of securities recommended
by Blue Bell.
Market/Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the assets in which an account invests
may decrease (potentially dramatically) in response to the prospects of individual
companies, particular industry sectors or governments, changes in interest rates and
national and international political and economic events due to increasingly interconnected
global economies and financial markets.
C. In addition to the general risks associated with Blue Bell’s investment strategy, its
investment strategies involve three primary categories of investments—ETFs, CEFs, and
structured investments. In certain instances, Blue Bell will engage in covered call writing
and potentially other options trading strategies. Each of these securities have material risks,
which are described in greater detail below. This list is not an exhaustive list of risks and
clients should review the entire prospectus or offering document for an investment for a
more detailed description of each risk associated with their investment.
Closed End Fund and Exchange Traded Fund Risk. ETFs and CEFs are subject to
investment advisory fees and other expenses, which will be paid by the fund and indirectly
borne by all shareholders. ETFs and some CEFs are listed on national stock exchanges and
are traded like stocks listed on an exchange. ETF and CEFs shares may trade at a discount
to or a premium above net asset value if there is a limited market in such shares. ETFs and
CEFs are also subject to brokerage and other trading costs, which result in indirect expenses
for an investor. Additional risks of investing in ETFs and CEFs are described below:
Net Asset Value and Market Price Risk. The market value of ETF shares and CEFs
may differ from their net asset value. This difference in price may be due to the
fact that the supply and demand in the market at any point in time is not always
identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of
securities. Accordingly, there may be times when shares trade at a premium or
discount to its net asset value.
13
Strategy Risk. Each ETF or CEF is subject to specific risks, depending on the
nature of the fund. These risks could include liquidity risk, sector risk, foreign and
emerging market risk, as well as risks associated with real estate investments and
commodities.
Tracking Risk. ETFs may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that
underlies their investment objective.
Structured Investment Risk. Structured investments are subject to numerous risks, which
are described in greater detail below.
Principal Risk. Unlike ordinary debt securities, structured investments do not pay
interest and do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity unless specifically
provided in notes that are designed with this purpose in mind. Most structured note
payments are based on the performance of an underlying index (i.e., S&P 500) and
if the underlying index were to decline 100% then the payment may result in a loss
of all principal.
Call Risk. Some structured investments are callable by the issuer, meaning the
issuer (not the investor) can choose to call in the investment and redeem them
before maturity.
Issuer Risk. Because any structured investment that may be issued by an issuer
(e.g., JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse) would be its senior unsecured
obligations, payment of any amount at maturity is subject to an issuer’s ability to
pay its obligations as they become due.
Limited Return Risk. The maximum potential payment on a structured investment
will be limited to the redemption amount applicable for a payment date, as
disclosed, regardless of the appreciation in the underlying index, which may be
significant. Because the level of the underlying index at various times during the
term of the notes could be higher than on the valuation dates and at maturity, you
may receive a lower payment if redeemed early or at maturity, as the case may be,
than you would have if you had invested directly in the underlying index.
Liquidity Risk. The structured investments purchased will not be listed on any
securities exchange. There will likely be no secondary market for such securities,
and the issuer is not required to re-purchase these securities in the secondary
market.
Uninsured Risk. Structured investments are not deposit liabilities of a bank and
are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
governmental agency or program of the United States or any other jurisdiction. An
investment is subject to the credit risk of the issuer, and in the event that the issuer
is unable to pay its obligations as they become due, you may not receive the full
payment at maturity of the notes. These products are not guaranteed under the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee
Program.
14
Tax Characterization Risk. These investments are structured in most cases to have
the gains treated as long-term capital gains. This long-term capital gains treatment
depends on investor capital being at risk. The risk that the investment would be re-
characterized as debt instruments giving rise to ordinary income, rather than as an
open transaction, is higher whenever the risk of loss is reduced with principal
“guarantees” or “downside protection.” If the notes are treated as debt, they would
be accounted for under the contingent payment debt instrument rules. These rules
require investors to accrue taxable income each year, even though investors will
not receive any cash with respect to the notes prior to maturity. Furthermore, any
gain recognized upon sale or other disposition of the notes would generally be
treated as ordinary income. If the notes are treated as an open transaction, investors
should not be required to recognize taxable income over the term of the notes prior
to maturity. Upon a sale or exchange of a note (including redemption of the notes
at maturity), investors should recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount realized and the investor’s tax basis in the note, which should
equal the amount paid for the note. If the investor held the note for at least one year
and one day, the gain or loss will be capital. Alternative treatments could also treat
all or a portion of the gain or loss on sale or settlement as short term gain or loss,
regardless of the length of time an investor has held the notes. Please consult your
tax professional.
Options Risk. Option transactions establish a contract between two parties
concerning the buying or selling of an asset at a predetermined price during a
specific period of time. During the term of the option contract, the buyer of the
option gains the right to demand fulfillment by the seller. Fulfillment may take the
form of either selling or purchasing a security depending upon the nature of the
option contract. Generally, the purchase or the recommendation to purchase an
option contract by Blue Bell shall be with the intent of offsetting or “hedging” a
potential market risk in a client’s portfolio. In particular, Blue Bell may engage in
“covered call writing,” which is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of- the money call option
against a long security position held in a client portfolio. This type of transaction
is intended to generate income. It also serves to create downside protection in the
event the security position declines in value. Income is received from the proceeds
of the option sale. Such income may be reduced to the extent it is necessary to buy
back the option position prior to its expiration. This strategy may involve a degree
of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses if the underlying
security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally suited
for companies with little price volatility.
Although the intent of the options-related transactions that may be implemented
by Blue Bell is to hedge against principal risk, certain of the options-related
strategies (i.e., straddles or short positions), may, in and of themselves, produce
principal volatility and/or risk. Therefore, a client must be willing to accept these
enhanced volatility and principal risks associated with such strategies. In light of
these enhanced risks, client may direct Blue Bell, in writing, not to employ any or
all such strategies for their accounts.
15
Borrowing Against Assets/Risks. A client who has a need to borrow money could
determine to do so by using:
Margin-The account custodian or broker-dealer lends money to the client. The
custodian charges the client interest for the right to borrow money, and uses the
assets in the client’s brokerage account as collateral; and,
Pledged Assets Loan- In consideration for a lender (i.e., a bank, etc.) to make a
loan to the client, the client pledges investment assets held at the account custodian
as collateral.
These above-described collateralized loans are generally utilized because they typically
provide more favorable interest rates than standard commercial loans. These types of
collateralized loans can assist with a pending home purchase, permit the retirement of more
expensive debt, or enable borrowing in lieu of liquidating existing account positions and
incurring capital gains taxes. However, such loans are not without potential material risk
to the client’s investment assets. The lender (i.e., custodian, bank, etc.) will have recourse
against the client’s investment assets in the event of loan default or if the assets fall below
a certain level. For this reason, Blue Bell does not recommend such borrowing unless it is
for specific short-term purposes (i.e., a bridge loan to purchase a new residence). Blue Bell
does not recommend such borrowing for investment purposes (i.e., to invest borrowed
funds in the market). Regardless, if the client was to determine to utilize margin or a
pledged assets loan, the following economic benefits would inure to Blue Bell:
by taking the loan rather than liquidating assets in the client’s account, Blue Bell
continues to earn a fee on such Account assets; and,
if the client invests any portion of the loan proceeds in an account to be managed
by Blue Bell, Blue Bell will receive an advisory fee on the invested amount; and,
if Blue Bell’s advisory fee is based upon the higher margined account value, Blue
Bell will earn a correspondingly higher advisory fee. This could provide Blue Bell
with a disincentive to encourage the client to discontinue the use of margin.
The Client must accept the above risks and potential corresponding consequences
associated with the use of margin or a pledged assets loan.
Item 9
Disciplinary Information
Blue Bell has not been the subject of any disciplinary actions.
Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Neither Blue Bell, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to
register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Neither Blue Bell, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to
register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading
advisor, or a representative of the foregoing.
16
C. Blue Bell has no other relationship or arrangement with a related person that is material to
its advisory business.
D. Blue Bell does not receive, directly or indirectly, compensation from investment advisors
that it recommends or selects for its clients.
Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
A. Blue Bell maintains an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions. This
investment policy is part of Blue Bell’s overall Code of Ethics, which serves to establish a
standard of business conduct for all of Blue Bell’s Associated Persons that is based upon
fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is
available upon request.
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Blue Bell also
maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of
material non-public information by Blue Bell or any person associated with Blue Bell.
B. Neither Blue Bell nor any related person of Blue Bell recommends, buys, or sells for client
accounts, securities in which Blue Bell or any related person of Blue Bell has a material
financial interest.
C. Blue Bell and/or representatives of Blue Bell may buy or sell securities that are also
recommended to clients. This practice may create a situation where Blue Bell and/or
representatives of Blue Bell are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or purchase
of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of interest. Practices such as
“scalping” (i.e., a practice whereby the owner of shares of a security recommends that
security for investment and then immediately sells it at a profit upon the rise in the market
price which follows the recommendation) could take place if Blue Bell did not have
adequate policies in place to detect such activities. In addition, this requirement can help
detect insider trading, “front-running” (i.e., personal trades executed prior to those of Blue
Bell’s clients) and other potentially abusive practices.
Blue Bell has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal
securities transactions and securities holdings of each of Blue Bell’s “Access Persons”.
Blue Bell’s securities transaction policy requires that an Access Person of Blue Bell must
provide the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee with a written report of their
current securities holdings within ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person.
Additionally, each Access Person must provide or make available to the Chief Compliance
Officer or his/her designee a list of reportable transactions each calendar quarter as well as
a written annual report of the Access Person’s securities holdings; provided, however that
at any time that Blue Bell has only one Access Person, he or she shall not be required to
submit any securities report described above.
D. Blue Bell and/or representatives of Blue Bell may buy or sell securities, at or around the
same time as those securities are recommended to clients. This practice creates a situation
where Blue Bell and/or representatives of the firm are in a position to materially benefit
from the sale or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of
interest. As indicated above in Item 11.C, Blue Bell has a personal securities transaction
17
policy in place to monitor the personal securities transaction and securities holdings of each
of Blue Bell’s Access Persons.
Item 12
Brokerage Practices
A. In the event that the client requests that Blue Bell recommend a broker-dealer/custodian
for execution and/or custodial services (exclusive of those clients that may direct Blue Bell
to use a specific broker-dealer/custodian), Blue Bell generally recommends that investment
management accounts be maintained at Schwab. Prior to engaging Blue Bell to provide
investment management services, the client will be required to enter into a formal
Investment Advisory Agreement with Blue Bell setting forth the terms and conditions
under which Blue Bell shall manage the client’s assets, and a separate custodial/clearing
agreement with each designated broker-dealer/custodian.
Factors that Blue Bell considers in recommending Schwab (or any other broker-
dealer/custodian to clients) include historical relationship with Blue Bell, financial
strength, reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. Although the
commissions and/or transaction fees paid by Blue Bell’s clients shall comply with Blue
Bell’s duty to seek best execution, a client may pay a commission that is higher than
another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where Blue Bell
determines, in good faith, that the commission/transaction fee is reasonable in relation to
the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the
determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents
the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s
services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates,
and responsiveness. Accordingly, although Blue Bell will seek competitive rates, it may
not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client account transactions.
The brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by the designated broker-
dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in addition to, Blue Bell’s investment management
fee.
1. Non-Soft Dollar Research and Support Benefits
Blue Bell receives from Schwab (and potentially other broker-dealers, custodians,
investment platforms, unaffiliated investment managers, vendors, or fund sponsors)
free or discounted support services and products. Blue Bell may also purchase other
services or products from Schwab at full price. Certain of these products and services
assist Blue Bell to better monitor and service client accounts maintained at these
institutions. The support services that Blue Bell obtains can include investment-related
research; pricing information and market data; compliance or practice management-
related publications; discounted or free attendance at conferences, educational or
social events; or other products used by Blue Bell to further its investment
management business operations.
Certain of the support services or products received may assist Blue Bell in managing
and administering client accounts. Others do not directly provide this assistance, but
rather assist Blue Bell to manage and further develop its business enterprise.
There is no corresponding commitment made by Blue Bell to any broker-dealer or
custodian or any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client
18
assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products because of
the above arrangements.
Blue Bell’s Chief Compliance Officer, Justin Capetola, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
arrangement and the conflict of interests this arrangement creates.
2. Blue Bell does not receive referrals from broker-dealers.
3. Directed Brokerage. Blue Bell does not generally accept directed brokerage
arrangements (when a client requires that account transactions be affected through a
specific broker-dealer). In such client directed arrangements, the client will negotiate
terms and arrangements for their account with that broker-dealer, and Blue Bell will
not seek better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to
“batch” the client’s transactions for execution through other broker-dealers with orders
for other accounts managed by Blue Bell. As a result, client may pay higher
commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net
prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case.
In the event that the client directs Blue Bell to effect securities transactions for the
client’s accounts through a specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly
acknowledges that such direction may cause the accounts to incur higher commissions
or transaction costs than the accounts would otherwise incur had the client determined
to effect account transactions through alternative clearing arrangements that may be
available through Blue Bell. Higher transaction costs adversely impact account
performance. Transactions for directed accounts will generally be executed following
the execution of portfolio transactions for non-directed accounts.
Blue Bell’s Chief Compliance Officer, Justin Capetola, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
arrangement.
B. To the extent that Blue Bell provides investment management services to its clients, the
transactions for each client account generally will be affected independently, unless Blue
Bell decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the
same time. Blue Bell may (but is not obligated to) combine or “bunch” such orders to seek
best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates or to allocate equitably
among Blue Bell’s clients differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs
that might have been obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this
procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and will be allocated among clients in
proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client account on any given day.
Blue Bell shall not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of such
aggregation. Blue Bell generally purchases structured investments on an aggregate basis
and does so typically when a current structured investment held by its clients has come
due or is about to come to maturity.
Item 13
Review of Accounts
A. For those clients to whom Blue Bell provides Investment Advisory Services, account
reviews are conducted on a periodic basis by Blue Bell’s Managing Members. As part of
19
these reviews, Blue Bell reviews the client’s current investment strategy to ensure it is
consistent with their current portfolio.
All Investment Advisory Services and consulting clients are encouraged to discuss with
Blue Bell their investment objectives needs and goals and to keep Blue Bell informed of
any changes. All clients are encouraged to meet, at least annually, with Blue Bell to review
their responses to the Confidential Investment Questionnaire and discuss their current
invesmtent objectives.
B. Blue Bell may conduct account reviews on other than a periodic basis upon the occurrence
of a triggering event, such as a change in client investment objectives and/or financial
situation, market corrections and client request.
C. Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account
statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian for the client accounts. Those clients
to whom Blue Bell provides Investment Advisory Services will also receive a quarterly
report from Blue Bell summarizing account positions and valuations.
Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. As referenced in Item 12.1 above, Blue Bell receives certain economic benefits from
Schwab.
B. Blue Bell does not compensate, directly or indirectly, any person, other than its related
persons, for client referrals.
Item 15
Custody
Blue Bell has the ability to have its advisory fee for each client debited by the custodian on
a quarterly basis. Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular
summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian for the client
accounts. Those clients to whom Blue Bell provides Investment Advisory Services will
also receive a quarterly report from Blue Bell summarizing account positions and
valuations.
To the extent that Blue Bell provides clients with periodic account statements or reports,
the client is urged to compare any statement or report provided by Blue Bell with the
account statements received from the account custodian. The account custodian does not
verify the accuracy of Blue Bell’s advisory fee calculation.
Blue Bell provides other services on behalf of its clients that require disclosure at ADV
Part 1, Item 9. In particular, certain clients have signed asset transfer authorizations that
permit the qualified custodian to rely upon instructions from Blue Bell to transfer client
funds to “third parties.” In accordance with the guidance provided in the SEC Staff’s
February 21, 2017 Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter, the affected
accounts are not subjected to an annual surprise CPA examination.
20
Item 16
Investment Discretion
The client can determine to engage Blue Bell to provide Investment Advisory Services on
a discretionary basis. Prior to Blue Bell assuming discretionary authority over a client’s
account, the client shall be required to execute Investment Advisory Agreement granting
Blue Bell full authority to buy, sell, or otherwise effect investment transactions involving
the assets in the client’s name found in the discretionary account.
Clients who engage Blue Bell on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions,
in writing, on Blue Bell’s discretionary authority, which is described in greater detail in
Item 4.C.
Item 17
Voting Client Securities
In accordance with its fiduciary duty to clients and Rule 206(4)-6 of the Investment
Advisers Act, Blue Bell has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures
governing the voting of client securities. All proxies that Blue Bell receives will be treated
in accordance with these policies and procedures.
Blue Bell has engaged the services of Broadridge’s ProxyEdge platform to vote and
maintain records of all proxies.
Blue Bell complete proxy voting policy, procedures, and those of its proxy voting service
providers, are available for client review. In addition, our complete proxy voting record is
available to our clients, and only to our clients.
In addition, Blue Bell has also contracted with Broadridge as provider to file Class Actions
“Proof of Claim” forms.
Occasionally, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. Blue Bell has retained the services of Broadridge to provide a comprehensive
review of our clients’ possible claims to a settlement throughout the class action lawsuit
process. Broadridge actively seeks out any open and eligible class action lawsuits.
Additionally, Broadridge files, monitors and expedites the distribution of settlement
proceeds in compliance with SEC guidelines on behalf of our clients.
Broadridge and Blue Bell have also entered into an agreement where Broadridge will, on
behalf of clients, seek to recover assets as part of global securities class action lawsuits,
bankruptcies and disgorgements on securities owned by clients. Clients are also obligated
to pay Broadridge a contingency fee of 20% of the total reimbursement of asset settlements
collected by Broadridge for partaking in this service. Clients agree to this in Blue Bell’s
investment advisory agreement.
Clients should contact Justin Capetola at the phone number on the front of this document
if they have any questions or if they would like to review any of these documents. In
addition, information pertaining to how Blue Bell voted on any specific proxy issue is also
available upon written request. Requests should be made by contacting Blue Bell’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Justin Capetola.
21
Item 18
Financial Information
A. Blue Bell does not solicit fees of more than $1,200, per client, six months or more in
advance.
B. Blue Bell is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability
to meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain
client accounts.
C. Blue Bell has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
Blue Bell’s Chief Compliance Officer, Justin Capetola, remains available to address any
questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above disclosures and
arrangements.
22