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500 Old Forge Lane
Suite 501
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Telephone: 484-785-0050
Facsimile: 484-785-0049
https://www.brandywineoak.com
July 22, 2025
FORM ADV PART 2A
BROCHURE
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, contact us at 484-
785-0050. 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 Brandywine Oak Private Wealth LLC is available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth LLC's searchable IARD/CRD # is 297021.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain
level of skill or training.
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Item 2 Summary of Material Changes
In this Item, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is required to discuss any material changes that have
been made to the brochure since the last annual amendment.
Since the filing of our last annual updating amendment, dated March 20, 2025, we have made the
following material changes to our Brochure:
For investment and wealth management fees based on the amount of assets under the Firm's
management, if assets in excess of $50,000 are deposited into or withdrawn from an account
after the inception of a billing period, the fee payable with respect to such assets is adjusted to
reflect the interim change in portfolio value. (Item 5)
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not charge a separate fee for financial planning and
consulting. The fees for these services are included as part of Investment and Wealth
Management fees. (Item 5)
For certain clients, in lieu of a fee based on assets under management, Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth will charge an annual fixed fee. These fees are negotiable, but range from $5,000 -
$100,000 depending upon the scope and complexity of the services, time required to complete
and the client's financial situation and objectives. (Item 5)
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will charge certain clients performance-based fees based on a
share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of the assets in a client’s account. Performance-
based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to recommend an investment that
may carry a higher degree of risk to the client. (Item 6)
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Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 1 Cover Page
Page 1
Item 2 Summary of Material Changes
Page 2
Item 3 Table of Contents
Page 3
Item 4 Advisory Business
Page 4
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
Page 7
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Page 10
Item 7 Types of Clients
Page 10
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Page 10
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
Page 17
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Page 17
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Page 18
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
Page 19
Item 13 Review of Accounts
Page 22
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Page 22
Item 15 Custody
Page 22
Item 16 Investment Discretion
Page 23
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
Page 24
Item 18 Financial Information
Page 24
Additional Information
Page 25
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Item 4 Advisory Business
Description of Firm
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth LLC is a registered investment adviser based in Kennett Square,
Pennsylvania. We are organized as a limited liability company ("LLC") under the laws of the State of
Delaware. We have been providing investment advisory services since July 27, 2018. We are primarily
owned by Michael Henley and Alison C. Dorsman.
The following paragraphs describe our services and fees. Refer to the description of each
investment advisory service listed below for information on how we tailor our advisory services to
your individual needs. As used in this brochure, the words "we," "Firm," and "Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth" refer to Brandywine Oak Private Wealth LLC and the words "you," "your," and
"client" refer to you as either a client or prospective client of our firm.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth offers a variety of advisory services, which include financial planning,
consulting, and investment and wealth management services. Prior to Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
rendering any of the foregoing advisory services, clients are required to enter into one or more written
agreements with Brandywine Oak Private Wealth setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the
advisory relationship (the "Advisory Agreement").
While this brochure generally describes the business of Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, certain
sections also discuss the activities of its Supervised Persons, which refer to the Firm's officers,
partners, directors (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions),
employees or other persons who provide investment advice on Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's
behalf and are subject to the Firm's supervision or control.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth offers clients a broad range of financial planning and consulting
services, which include any or all of the following functions:
• Business Planning
• Cash Flow Planning
• Trust and Estate Planning
• Banking Services
• Educational Planning
Insurance Planning
•
• Retirement Planning
• Liability Management
• Charitable Planning
• Family Gifting
• Tax Planning
• Financial Reporting
Financial Planning and Consulting services are rendered in conjunction with investment portfolio
management as part of a comprehensive wealth management engagement (described in more detail
below).
In performing these services, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is not required to verify any information
received from the client or from the client's other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.,) and
is expressly authorized to rely on such information. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth recommends
certain clients engage the Firm for additional related services, its Supervised Persons in their individual
capacities as insurance agents and/or other professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients
are advised that a conflict of interest exists for the Firm to recommend that clients engage Brandywine
Oak Private Wealth or its affiliates to provide (or continue to provide) additional services for
compensation, including investment management services. Clients retain absolute discretion over all
decisions regarding implementation and are under no obligation to act upon any of the
recommendations made by Brandywine Oak Private Wealth under a financial planning or consulting
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engagement.
Financial plans are based on the client's financial situation at the time Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth present the plan to the client, and on the financial information the client provides to Brandywine
Oak Private Wealth. Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify the Firm of
any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating
or revising Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's recommendations and/or services.
Investment and Wealth Management Services
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth provides certain clients with investment and wealth management
services which include a broad range of financial planning and consulting services as well as
discretionary and/or non-discretionary management of investment portfolios.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth tailors its advisory services to meet the needs of its individual clients
and seeks to ensure, on a continuous basis, that client portfolios are managed in a manner consistent
with those needs and objectives. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth consults with clients on an initial and
ongoing basis to assess their specific risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity constraints and other
related factors relevant to the management of their portfolios. Clients are advised to promptly notify
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth if there are changes in their financial situation or if they wish to place
any limitations on the management of their portfolios. Clients can impose reasonable restrictions or
mandates on the management of their accounts if Brandywine Oak Private Wealth determines, in its
sole discretion, the conditions would not materially impact the performance of a management strategy
or prove overly burdensome to the Firm's management efforts.
If a client selects to participate in Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's discretionary investment and
wealth management services, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth requires clients to grant or firm
discretionary authority to manage the client account(s). Subject to a grant of discretionary
authorization, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will have the authority and responsibility to formulate
investment strategies on the client's behalf. Discretionary authorization will allow Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth to determine the specific securities, and the amount of securities, to be purchased or
sold for the client account(s) without obtaining the client's approval prior to each transaction.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will also have discretion over the broker or dealer to be used for
securities transactions in the client's account(s). Discretionary authority is typically granted through the
Advisory Agreement each client signs with Brandywine Oak Private Wealth or trading authorization
forms.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may also offer non-discretionary investment and wealth management
services. If a client select to enter into non-discretionary arrangements with Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth must obtain the client's approval prior to executing any
transactions on behalf of the client's account(s). Clients have an unrestricted right to decline to
implement any advice provided by Brandywine Oak Private Wealth on a non-discretionary basis.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may invest client assets according to one or more model portfolios
developed by Brandywine Oak Private Wealth. These models are designed for investors with varying
degrees of risk tolerance ranging from a more aggressive investment strategy to a more conservative
investment approach. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may use one or more independent investment
managers ("Independent Managers") to manage a portion of your account on a discretionary basis, as
described in more detail below.
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Use of Independent Managers
As mentioned above, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth selects or recommends certain Independent
Managers to actively manage all, or a portion of, its clients' assets. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
evaluates a variety of information about Independent Managers, which includes the Independent
Managers' public disclosure documents, materials supplied by the Independent Managers themselves
and other third-party analyses it believes are reputable. To the extent possible, the Firm seeks to
assess the Independent Managers' investment strategies, past performance and risk results in relation
to its clients' individual portfolio allocations and risk exposure. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth also
takes into consideration each Independent Manager's management style, returns, reputation, financial
strength, reporting, pricing and research capabilities, among other factors.
After gathering information about its clients financial situation and objectives, Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth may select or recommend that you engage a specific Independent Manager or investment
program. On an ongoing basis, the Firm monitors the performance of those accounts being managed
by Independent Managers. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth seeks to ensure the Independent
Managers' strategies and target allocations remain aligned with its clients' investment objectives and
overall best interests. The Independent Managers will actively manage the client's portfolio and will
assume discretionary investment authority over the client's account. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
will assume discretionary authority to hire and fire Independent Managers and/or reallocate client
assets to other Independent Managers where the Firm deems such action appropriate.
Types of Investments
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth primarily allocates client assets among various exchange-traded funds
("ETFs"), individual debt and equity securities, in accordance with their stated investment objectives. In
addition, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth also recommends that certain eligible clients invest in
privately placed securities, which may include debt, equity and/or interests in pooled investment
vehicles (e.g., hedge funds), or structured products.
Where appropriate, the Firm also provides advice about any type of legacy position or other investment
held in client portfolios. Clients can engage Brandywine Oak Private Wealth to manage and/or advise
on certain investment products that are not maintained at their primary custodian, such as variable life
insurance and annuity contracts and assets held in employer sponsored retirement plans and qualified
tuition plans (i.e., 529 plans). In these situations, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth directs or
recommends the allocation of client assets among the various investment options available with the
product. These assets are generally maintained at the underwriting insurance company or the
custodian designated by the product's provider. Please refer to the Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies and Risk of Loss section below for additional disclosures on this topic.
Since Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's investment strategies and advice are based on each client's
specific financial situation, the investment advice our Firm provides to one client may be different or
conflicting with the advice we give to other clients regarding the same security or investment.
Rollover Recommendations
Effective December 20, 2021 (or such later date as the US Department of Labor ("DOL") Field
Assistance Bulletin 2018-02 ceases to be in effect), for purposes of complying with the DOL's
Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02 ("PTE 2020-02") where applicable, we are providing the
following acknowledgment to you. When we provide investment advice to you regarding your
retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries 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. The way we make money creates some conflicts with
your interests, so we operate under a special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not
put our interest ahead of yours. Under this special rule's provisions, we must:
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• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give prudent
advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal
advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best
interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
We benefit financially from the rollover of your assets from a retirement account to an account that we
manage or provide investment advice, because the assets increase our assets under management
and, in turn, our advisory fees. As a fiduciary, we only recommend a rollover when we believe it is in
your best interest.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, we provide continuous management services for $1,405,262,024 in client
assets managed on a discretionary basis. We also advise $274,095,532 in client assets on a non-
continuous basis.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth offers services on a fee basis, which includes fixed fees, as well as
fees based upon assets under management. Additionally, certain of the Firm's Supervised Persons, in
their individual capacities, offers securities brokerage services and/or insurance products under a
separate commission-based arrangement.
Financial Planning and Consulting Fees
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not charge a separate fee for financial planning and consulting.
The fees for these services are included as part of Investment and Wealth Management fees.
Investment and Wealth Management Fees
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth offers investment and wealth management services for an annual fee
based on the amount of assets under the Firm's management. This management fee is set forth in the
fee schedule below and is based upon the size and complexity of a client's account, as well as the
specific services such client will utilize. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may, in its sole discretion,
negotiate to charge a lesser fee based upon certain criteria, such as anticipated future earning
capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related
accounts, account composition, pre-existing/legacy client relationship, account retention and pro bono
activities.
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The annual fee is prorated and charged quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the
assets being managed by Brandywine Oak Private Wealth on the last business day of the previous
billing period. There may be immaterial differences between the quarter end market value reflected on
your custodial statement and the valuation as of the last business day of the calendar quarter used for
billing purposes, given timing and account activity. If assets in excess of $50,000 are deposited into or
withdrawn from an account after the inception of a billing period, the fee payable with respect to such
assets is adjusted to reflect the interim change in portfolio value.
Additionally, for asset management services the Firm provides with respect to certain client holdings
(e.g., held-away assets, accommodation accounts, alternative investments, etc.), Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth may negotiate a fee rate that differs from the range set forth above.
For certain clients, in lieu of a fee based on assets under management, Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth will charge an annual fixed fee. These fees are negotiable, but range from $5,000 - $100,000
depending upon the scope and complexity of the services, time required to complete and the client's
financial situation and objectives. This fee will be charged quarterly in advance and will be prorated
for partial quarters. At the beginning of each calendar year following the initial year in which services
are provided, if the gross performance of the assets in the previous year is greater than three percent
(3%), then the fee for the then current calendar year will be increased by three percent (3%). If the
gross performance of the assets in the previous calendar year does not exceed three percent (3%),
then the fees for the then current calendar year will not change from the previous year. This is
considered a performance-based fee arrangement. In order to be qualified for this type of fee
arrangement, a client must meet the “qualified client” standard from Rule 205-3 of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 as defined below in Item 6.
For the initial period of an engagement, the fee is calculated on a pro rata basis. In the event the
Advisory Agreement is terminated, the fee for the final billing period is prorated through the effective
date of the termination and the outstanding or unearned portion of the fee is charged or refunded to
the client, as appropriate.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will deduct the investment and wealth management fee directly from
the client account through the qualified custodian holding the client's funds and securities. Brandywine
Oak Private Wealth will deduct the investment and wealth management fee only when the client has
given our firm written authorization permitting the fees to be paid directly from the client's account.
Further, the qualified custodian will deliver an account statement to each client at least quarterly.
These account statements will show all disbursements from the account. Clients should review all
statements for accuracy.
The Advisory Agreement can be terminated upon written notice from either party. Clients will incur a
pro rata charge for services rendered prior to the termination of the Advisory Agreement, which means
clients will incur advisory fees only in proportion to the number of days in the quarter for which they
were a client. If clients have pre-paid advisory fees that Brandywine Oak Private Wealth have not yet
earned, clients will receive a prorated refund of those fees.
Use of Independent Managers
Advisory fees charged by Independent Managers are separate and apart from Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth's advisory fees. Assets managed by Independent Managers will be included in calculating our
advisory fee, which is based on the fee schedule set forth in the Investment and Wealth Management
Services Fees section above. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will not share in the advisory fee client
pay directly to the Independent Manager(s), which is separate from our advisory fee.
Advisory fees that clients pay to the Independent Manager(s) is established and payable in accordance
with the Form ADV Part 2 or other equivalent disclosure document, provided by each Independent
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Manager or by our Firm, to whom clients are referred. These fees may or may not be negotiable.
Clients should review the recommended Independent Manager's brochure and take into consideration
the Independent Manager's fees along with our fees to determine the total amount of fees associated
with this program.
Clients may be required to sign an agreement directly with the recommended Independent Manager.
Clients may terminate your advisory relationship with the Independent Manager according to the terms
of your agreement with the Independent Manager. Clients should review each Independent Manager's
brochure for specific information on how they may terminate the advisory relationship with the
Independent Manager and how they may receive a refund, if applicable. Clients should contact the
Independent Manager directly for questions regarding your advisory agreement with the Independent
Managers.
Use of Margin or Securities-Backed Lines of Credit
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth can recommend that certain clients utilize margin in the client's
investment portfolio or other borrowing such as non-purpose loans. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
can accomplish this recommendation through two ways, either a securities-back line of credit or a
margin loan; both have specific risks to consider. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth only recommends
such borrowing for non-investment needs, such as bridge loans and other financing needs. The Firm's
fees are determined based upon the value of the assets being managed net of any margin or
borrowing. The Firm will not, however, charge fees to accounts that, as a result of outstanding margin
or borrowing, reflect a negative balance. Please refer to the Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies and Risk of Loss section for additional details on the use of margin and securities-backed
lines of credit.
Account Additions and Withdrawals
Clients can make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to Brandywine
Oak Private Wealth's right to terminate an account. Additions can be in cash or securities provided that
the Firm reserves the right to liquidate any transferred securities or declines to accept particular
securities into a client's account. Clients can withdraw account assets on notice to Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth, subject to the usual and customary securities settlement procedures. However, the
Firm designs its portfolios as long-term investments and the withdrawal of assets may impair the
achievement of a client's investment objectives. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may consult with its
clients about the options and implications of transferring securities. Clients are advised that when
transferred securities are liquidated, they may be subject to transaction fees, short-term redemption
fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (e.g., contingent deferred sales charges) and/or tax
ramifications.
Additional Fees and Expenses
In addition to the advisory fees paid to Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, clients also incur certain
charges imposed by other third parties, such as broker-dealers, custodians, trust companies, banks
and other financial institutions (collectively "Financial Institutions"). These additional charges include
securities brokerage commissions, transaction fees, custodial fees, fees attributable to alternative
assets, fees charged by the Independent Managers, margin or interest costs, charges imposed directly
by a mutual fund or ETF in a client's account, as disclosed in the fund's prospectus (e.g., fund
management fees and other fund expenses), deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer
taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and
securities transactions. The Firm's brokerage practices are described at length in the Brokerage
Practices section below.
Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products
Persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm are licensed as independent insurance
agents. These persons will earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products,
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including insurance products they sell to clients. Insurance commissions earned by these persons are
separate and in addition to our advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest because
persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm who are insurance agents have an incentive
to recommend insurance products to clients for the purpose of generating commissions. Clients are
under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any person
affiliated with our firm.
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Performance-based fees are based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of the assets in a
client’s account. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to recommend
an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may
charge performance fees on the accounts of qualified clients only. The term qualified client means:
i.
a natural person or company who at the time of entering into such agreement has at least
$1,100,000 under the management of the investment adviser;
ii.
a natural person or company who the adviser reasonably believes at the time of entering into the
contract: (A) has a net worth of jointly with his or her spouse of more than $2,200,000 excluding the
value of the client’s primary residence; or (B) is a qualified purchaser as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, §2(a)(51)(A) (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(51)(A)); or
iii.
a natural person who at the time of entering into the contract is: (A) An executive officer, director,
trustee, general partner, or person serving in similar capacity of the investment adviser; or (B) An
employee of the in-vestment adviser (other than an employee performing solely clerical, secretarial,
or administrative functions with regard to the investment adviser), who, in connection with his or her
regular functions or duties, participates in the investment activities of such investment adviser,
provided that such employee has been performing such functions and duties for or on behalf of the
investment adviser, or substantially similar function or duties for or on behalf of another company
for at least 12 months.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth manages accounts that are billed on performance-based fees (a share of
capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a client) as well as accounts that are NOT billed on
performance-based fees. Managing both kinds of accounts at the same time presents a conflict of interest
because Brandywine Oak Private Wealth or its supervised persons have an incentive to favor accounts for
which Brandywine Oak Private Wealth and its supervised persons receive a performance-based fee.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth addresses the conflicts by ensuring that clients are not systematically
advantaged or disadvantaged due to the presence or absence of performance-based fees. Brandywine
Oak Private Wealth seeks best execution and upholds its fiduciary duty for all clients.
Clients that are paying a performance-based fee should be aware that investment advisers have an
incentive to invest in riskier investments when paid a performance-based fee due to the higher risk/higher
reward attributes.
Item 7 Types of Clients
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth offers services to individuals, trusts, estates, corporations and
business entities. We may also contract directly with third party broker-dealers to provide advisory
consulting services to their clients.
In general, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not require a minimum dollar amount to open and
maintain an advisory account; however, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has the right to terminate an
Account if it falls below a minimum size which, in our sole opinion, is too small to manage effectively.
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Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth employs a goal-oriented family financial wealth plan which serves as
the blueprint for the investment portfolio recommendations made to clients. Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth firmly believes that all successful investing is goal-focused and planning-driven, while all
unsuccessful investing is market-focused and timing-driven. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is
focused on responsibly managing a family's wealth in low-cost asset allocation strategies with a
significant emphasis on ongoing tax minimization and risk management. Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth utilizes behavioral finance and macroeconomic trends to create appropriate asset allocation
strategies in an effort to earn competitive risk-adjusted returns and minimize common and costly
behavioral investing mistakes.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth manage several discretionary portfolios for clients that seek to achieve
the objectives of their family's financial plan. These include multiple versions of core asset allocation
models using passive low-cost index funds. Additionally, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may use
separately managed accounts for a portion of the asset allocation both in equity or tax-exempt fixed
income where the Firm believes they are appropriate.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's investment philosophy is based on the following principles:
• To the extent it is possible, make an ongoing conscious effort to minimize the portfolio drag
from fees and taxes;
• Develop highly diversified low-cost index fund (using exchange traded fund or ETFs) portfolios
to access a broad range of asset classes and market sectors;
• Use asset-class based investments rather than manager-based security-selection investments;
• Strategically reallocate investments as market conditions warrant;
• Hold asset classes for extended periods of time and avoid chasing short-term trends; and
• Periodically rebalance as needed to maintain proper asset allocation targets.
Fundamental Analysis - involves analyzing individual companies and their industry groups, such as a
company's financial statements, details regarding the company's product line, the experience and
expertise of the company's management, and the outlook for the company and its industry. The
resulting data is used to measure the true value of the company's stock compared to the current
market value.
Risk: The risk of fundamental analysis is that information obtained may be incorrect and the
analysis may not provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock's
value. If securities prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not
result in favorable performance.
Modern Portfolio Theory - a theory of investment which attempts to maximize portfolio expected return
for a given amount of portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected return, by
carefully diversifying the proportions of various assets.
Risk: Market risk is that part of a security's risk that is common to all securities of the same
general class (stocks and bonds) and thus cannot be eliminated by diversification.
Long-Term Purchases - securities purchased with the expectation that the value of those securities will
grow over a relatively long period of time, generally greater than one year.
Risk: Using a long-term purchase strategy generally assumes the financial markets will go up in
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the long-term which may not be the case. There is also the risk that the segment of the market
that you are invested in or perhaps just your particular investment will go down over time even if
the overall financial markets advance. Purchasing investments long-term may create an
opportunity cost - "locking-up" assets that may be better utilized in the short-term in other
investments.
Securities-Back Lines of Credit ("SBLOCs") - A SBLOC is a loan that allows investors to borrow money
using securities held in their investment accounts as collateral. An SBLOC requires investors to make
monthly interest-only payments, and the loan remains outstanding until it is repaid.
Risk: If the value of the securities declines to an amount where it is no longer sufficient to support
the line of credit, investors will receive a "maintenance call", a notification that the investor must
post additional collateral or repay the loan within a specified period (typically two or three days). If
the investor is unable to add additional collateral to the account or repay the loan with readily
available cash, the firm can liquidate the securities satisfy the maintenance call, which may have
potential unintended tax consequences and could have a significant impact on an investors long-
term investment goals.
Margin Transactions or Margin Loans - a securities transaction in which an investor borrows money to
purchase a security, in which case the security serves as collateral on the loan. A margin loan can be
established on more than one account with the same ownership while maintaining a single margin
relationship for regulatory purposes.
Risk: If the value of the shares drops sufficiently, the investor will be required to either deposit
more cash into the account or sell a portion of the stock in order to maintain the margin
requirements of the account. This is known as a "margin call." An investor's overall risk includes
the amount of money invested plus the amount that was loaned to them.
Our investment strategies and advice may vary depending upon each client's specific financial
situation. As such, we determine investments and allocations based upon your predefined objectives,
risk tolerance, time horizon, financial information, liquidity needs and other various suitability factors.
Your restrictions and guidelines may affect the composition of your portfolio. It is important that you
notify us immediately with respect to any material changes to your financial circumstances,
including for example, a change in your current or expected income level, tax circumstances, or
employment status.
Tax Considerations
Our strategies and investments may have unique and significant tax implications. However, unless we
specifically agree otherwise, and in writing, tax efficiency is not our primary consideration in the
management of your assets. Regardless of your account size or any other factors, we strongly
recommend that you consult with a tax professional regarding the investing of your assets.
Custodians and broker-dealers must report the cost basis of equities acquired in client accounts. Your
custodian will default to the First-In First-Out ("FIFO") accounting method for calculating the cost basis
of your investments. You are responsible for contacting your tax advisor to determine if this accounting
method is the right choice for you. If your tax advisor believes another accounting method is more
advantageous, provide written notice to our firm immediately and we will alert your account custodian
of your individually selected accounting method. Decisions about cost basis accounting methods will
need to be made before trades settle, as the cost basis method cannot be changed after settlement.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that you should be prepared to bear. We do not represent or
12
guarantee that our services or methods of analysis can or will predict future results, successfully
identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate clients from losses due to market corrections or declines.
We cannot offer any guarantees or promises that your financial goals and objectives will be met. Past
performance is in no way an indication of future performance.
Recommendation of Particular Types of Securities
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may advise on other types of investments as appropriate for clients
since each client has different needs and different tolerance for risk. Each type of security has its own
unique set of risks associated with it and it would not be possible to list here all of the specific risks of
every type of investment. Even within the same type of investment, risks can vary widely. However, in
very general terms, the higher the anticipated return of an investment, the higher the risk of loss
associated with the investment. Clients should consult with their legal, tax, and other advisors before
engaging the Firm to provide investment management services on their behalf.
Market Risks
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and all investors should be guided
accordingly. The profitability of a significant portion of Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's
recommendations and/or investment decisions may depend to a great extent upon correctly assessing
the future course of price movements of stocks, bonds and other asset classes. In addition,
investments may be adversely affected by financial markets and economic conditions throughout the
world. There can be no assurance that Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will be able to predict these
price movements accurately or capitalize on any such assumptions.
Volatility Risks
The prices and values of investments can be highly volatile, and are influenced by, among other
things, interest rates, general economic conditions, the condition of the financial markets, the financial
condition of the issuers of such assets, changing supply and demand relationships, and programs and
policies of governments.
Cash Management Risks
The Firm may invest some of a client's assets temporarily in money market funds or other similar types
of investments, during which time an advisory account may be prevented from achieving its investment
objective.
Use of Independent Managers
As stated above, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth selects certain Independent Managers to manage a
portion of its clients' assets. In these situations, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth continues to conduct
ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such recommendations rely to a great extent on the
Independent Managers' ability to successfully implement their investment strategies. In addition,
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not have the ability to supervise the Independent Managers on a
day-to-day basis.
Management through Similarly Managed "Model" Accounts
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth manages certain accounts through the use of similarly managed
"model" portfolios, whereby the Firm allocates all or a portion of its clients' assets among various
mutual funds and/or securities on a discretionary basis using one or more of its proprietary investment
strategies. In managing assets through the use of models, the Firm remains in compliance with the
safe harbor provisions of Rule 3a-4 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The strategy used to manage a model portfolio may involve an above average portfolio turnover that
could negatively impact clients' net after tax gains. While the Firm seeks to ensure that clients' assets
are managed in a manner consistent with their individual financial situations and investment objectives,
securities transactions effected pursuant to a model investment strategy are usually done without
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regard to a client's individual tax ramifications. Clients should contact the Firm if they experience a
change in their financial situation or if they want to impose reasonable restrictions on the management
of their accounts.
Equity-Related Securities and Instruments
The Firm may take long positions in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers traded on national
securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The value of equity securities varies in response
to many factors. These factors include, without limitation, factors specific to an issuer and factors
specific to the industry in which the issuer participates. Individual companies may report poor results or
be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments, and the stock prices of
such companies may suffer a decline in response. In addition, equity securities are subject to stock
risk, which is the risk that stock prices historically rise and fall in periodic cycles. U.S. and non-U.S.
stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again
in the future. In addition, investments in small-capitalization, mid-capitalization and financially
distressed companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements and may lack
sufficient market liquidity, and these issuers often face greater business risks.
Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer's or a guarantor's inability to meet principal
and interest payments on its obligations and to price volatility.
Mutual Funds and ETFs
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual fund and
ETF shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers of the
fund's underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-level
capital gains, as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains in the event they
sell securities for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the fund itself
or a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is equal to a fund's
stated daily per share net asset value ("NAV"), plus any shareholders fees (e.g., sales loads, purchase
fees, redemption fees). The per share NAV of a mutual fund is calculated at the end of each business
day, although the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday changes to the market value of the fund's
holdings. The trading prices of a mutual fund's shares may differ significantly from the NAV during
periods of market volatility, which may, among other factors, lead to the mutual fund's shares trading at
a premium or discount to actual NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is generally
calculated at least once daily for indexed based ETFs and potentially more frequently for actively
managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a premium or
discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also no guarantee that an active secondary market for such
shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as
creation units (usually 20,000 shares or more). Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist
for shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have no way to dispose of such shares. ETFs may
have tracking error risks. For example, the ETF investment adviser may not be able to cause the ETF's
performance to match that of its underlying index or other benchmark, which may negatively affect the
ETF's performance.
Cryptocurrency/Digital Asset ETFs – In addition to the description above, while ETFs generally provide
diversification, risks can be significantly increased if the fund is concentrated in a particular sector of
the market, primarily invests in small cap or speculative companies, uses leverage (i.e., borrows
money) to a significant degree, or concentrates in a particular type of security (i.e., equities) rather than
balancing the fund with different types of securities.
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Digital Assets generally refers to an asset that is issued and/or transferred using distributed ledger or
blockchain technology, including, "virtual currencies (also known as crypto-currencies)," "coins," and
"tokens". We may invest in and/or advise clients on the purchase or sale of digital assets through an
ETF. The investment characteristics of Digital Assets generally differ from those of traditional
securities, currencies, commodities. Digital Assets are not backed by a central bank or a national,
international organization, any hard assets, human capital, or other form of credit and are relatively
new to the market place. Rather, Digital Assets are market-based: a Digital Asset's value is determined
by (and fluctuates often, according to) supply and demand factors, its adoption in the traditional
commerce channels, and/or the value that various market participants place on it through their mutual
agreement or transactions. The lack of history to these types of investments entail certain unknown
risks, are speculative and are not appropriate for all investors.
• Price Volatility of Digital Assets – A principal risk in trading Digital Assets is the rapid fluctuation
of market price. The value of client portfolios relates in part to the value of the Digital Assets
held in the client portfolio and fluctuations in the price of Digital Assets could adversely affect
the value of a client's portfolio. There is no guarantee that a client will be able to achieve a
better than average market price for Digital Assets or will purchase Digital Assets at the most
favorable price available. The price of Digital Assets achieved by a client may be affected
generally by a wide variety of complex factors such as supply and demand; availability and
access to Digital Asset service providers (such as payment processors), exchanges, miners or
other Digital Asset users and market participants; perceived or actual security vulnerability; and
traditional risk factors including inflation levels; fiscal policy; interest rates; and political, natural
and economic events.
• Digital Asset Service Providers – Service providers that support Digital Assets and the Digital
Asset marketplace(s) may not be subject to the same regulatory and professional oversight as
traditional securities service providers. Further, there is no assurance that the availability of and
access to virtual currency service providers will not be negatively affected by government
regulation or supply and demand of Digital Assets. Accordingly, companies or financial
institutions that currently support virtual currency may not do so in the future.
• Custody of Digital Assets – Under the Advisers Act, SEC registered investment advisers are
required to hold securities with "qualified custodians," among other requirements. Certain
Digital Assets may be deemed to be securities. Some Digital Assets do not currently fall under
the SEC definition of security and therefore many of the companies providing Digital Assets
custodial services fall outside of the SEC's definition of "qualified custodian". Accordingly,
clients seeking to purchase actual digital coins/tokens/currencies may need to use nonqualified
custodians to hold all or a portion of their Digital Assets.
• Government Oversight of Digital Assets – Regulatory agencies and/or the constructs
responsible for oversight of Digital Assets or a Digital Asset network may not be fully developed
and subject to change. Regulators may adopt laws, regulations, policies, or rules directly or
indirectly affecting Digital Assets their treatment, transacting, custody, and valuation.
Structured Products
A structured product, also known as a market-linked product, is generally a pre-packaged investment
strategy based on derivatives, such as a single security, a basket of securities, options, indices,
commodities, debt issuances, and/or foreign currencies, and to a lesser extent, swaps. Structured
products are usually issued by investment banks or affiliates thereof. They have a fixed maturity, and
have two components: a note and a derivative. The derivative component is often an option. The note
provides for periodic interest payments to the investor at a predetermined rate, and the derivative
component provides for the payment at maturity. Some products use the derivative component as a
put option written by the investor that gives the buyer of the put option the right to sell to the investor
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the security or securities at a predetermined price. Other products use the derivative component to
provide for a call option written by the investor that gives the buyer of the call option the right to buy the
security or securities from the investor at a predetermined price. A feature of some structured products
is a "principal guarantee" function, which offers protection of principal if held to maturity. However,
these products are not always Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured; they may only be
insured by the issuer, and thus have the potential for loss of principal in the case of a liquidity crisis, or
other solvency problems with the issuing company. Investing in structured products involves a number
of risks including but not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying instruments,
interest rates, currency values and credit quality; substantial loss of principal; limits on participation in
any appreciation of the underlying instrument; limited liquidity; credit risk of the issuer; conflicts of
interest; and other events that are difficult to predict.
Use of Private Collective Investment Vehicles
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth recommends that certain clients invest in privately placed collective
investment vehicles (e.g., hedge funds, private equity funds, etc.). The managers of these vehicles
have broad discretion in selecting the investments. There are few limitations on the types of securities
or other financial instruments which may be traded and no requirement to diversify. Hedge funds may
trade on margin or otherwise leverage positions, thereby potentially increasing the risk to the vehicle.
In addition, because the vehicles are not registered as investment companies, there is an absence of
regulation. There are numerous other risks in investing in these securities. Clients should consult each
fund's private placement memorandum and/or other documents explaining such risks prior to investing.
Limited Partnerships
A limited partnership is a financial affiliation that includes at least one general partner and a number of
limited partners. The partnership invests in a venture, such as real estate development or oil
exploration, for financial gain. The general partner has management authority and unlimited liability.
The general partner runs the business and, in the event of bankruptcy, is responsible for all debts not
paid or discharged. The limited partners have no management authority and their liability is limited to
the amount of their capital commitment. Profits are divided between general and limited partners
according to an arrangement formed at the creation of the partnership. The range of risks are
dependent on the nature of the partnership and disclosed in the offering documents if privately placed.
Publicly traded limited partnership have similar risk attributes to equities. However, like privately placed
limited partnerships their tax treatment is under a different tax regime from equities. You should speak
to your tax adviser in regard to their tax treatment.
Variable Annuities
A variable annuity is a form of insurance where the seller or issuer (typically an insurance company)
makes a series of future payments to a buyer (annuitant) in exchange for the immediate payment of a
lump sum (single-payment annuity) or a series of regular payments (regular-payment annuity). The
payment stream from the issuer to the annuitant has an unknown duration based principally upon the
date of death of the annuitant. At this point, the contract will terminate and the remainder of the funds
accumulated forfeited unless there are other annuitants or beneficiaries in the contract. Annuities can
be purchased to provide an income during retirement. Unlike fixed annuities that make payments in
fixed amounts or in amounts that increase by a fixed percentage, variable annuities, pay amounts that
vary according to the performance of a specified set of investments, typically bond and equity mutual
funds. Many variable annuities typically impose asset-based sales charges or surrender charges for
withdrawals within a specified period. Variable annuities may impose a variety of fees and expenses, in
addition to sales and surrender charges, such as mortality and expense risk charges; administrative
fees; underlying fund expenses; and charges for special features, all of which can reduce the return.
Earnings in a variable annuity do not provide all the tax advantages of 401(k)s and other before-tax
retirement plans. Once the investor starts withdrawing money from their variable annuity, earnings are
taxed at the ordinary income rate, rather than at the lower capital gains rates applied to other non-tax-
deferred vehicles which are held for more than one year. Proceeds of most variable annuities do not
receive a "step-up" in cost basis when the owner dies like stocks, bonds and mutual funds do. Some
16
variable annuities offer "bonus credits." These are usually not free. In order to fund them, insurance
companies typically impose mortality and expense charges and surrender charge periods. In an
exchange of an existing annuity for a new annuity (so-called 1035 exchanges), the new variable
annuity may have a lower contract value and a smaller death benefit; may impose new surrender
charges or increase the period of time for which the surrender charge applies; may have higher annual
fees; and provide another commission for the broker.
Other Risk Considerations
When evaluating risk, financial loss may be viewed differently by each client and may depend on many
different risks, each of which may affect the probability and magnitude of any potential loses. The
following risks may not be all-inclusive, but should be considered carefully by a prospective client
before retaining our services.
Liquidity Risk
The risk of being unable to sell your investment at a fair price at a given time due to high volatility or
lack of active liquid markets. You may receive a lower price or it may not be possible to sell the
investment at all.
Credit Risk
Credit risk typically applies to debt investments such as corporate, municipal, and sovereign fixed
income or bonds. A bond issuing entity can experience a credit event that could impair or erase the
value of an issuer's securities held by a client.
Inflation and Interest Rate Risk
Security prices and portfolio returns will likely vary in response to changes in inflation and interest
rates. Inflation causes the value of future dollars to be worth less and may reduce the purchasing
power of a client's future interest payments and principal. Inflation also generally leads to higher
interest rates which may cause the value of many types of fixed income investments to decline.
Horizon and Longevity Risk
The risk that your investment horizon is shortened because of an unforeseen event, for example, the
loss of your job. This may force you to sell investments that you were expecting to hold for the long
term. If you must sell at a time that the markets are down, you may lose money. Longevity Risk is the
risk of outliving your savings. This risk is particularly relevant for people who are retired, or are nearing
retirement.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has not been involved in any legal or disciplinary events that are
material to a client's evaluation of its advisory business or the integrity of its management.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
This item requires investment advisers to disclose certain financial industry activities and affiliations.
Licensed Insurance Agents
A number of the Firm's Supervised Persons are independent licensed insurance agents and offer
certain insurance products on a fully-disclosed commissionable basis. A conflict of interest exists to the
extent that persons providing investment advice on behalf of our Firm recommends the purchase of
insurance products where they are entitled to insurance commissions or other additional
compensation. Insurance commissions earned by these persons are separate from our advisory fees.
The Firm has procedures in place whereby it seeks to ensure that all recommendations are made in its
clients' best interest regardless of any such affiliations. See the Fees and Compensation section in this
17
brochure for more information on the compensation received by insurance agents who are affiliated
with our Firm.
Arrangements with Affiliated Entities
We are affiliated with Brandywine Oak Private Tax Advisory through common control and ownership. If
you require accounting services, we will recommend that you use the services of our affiliate. Our
advisory services are separate and distinct from the compensation paid to our affiliate for their
services. This affiliated firm is otherwise regulated by the professional organizations to which it belongs
and must comply with the rules of those organizations. These rules may prohibit paying or receiving
referral fees to or from investment advisers that are not members of the same organization. Certain
legacy clients that received tax return preparation services from our firm prior to the opening of
Brandywine Oak Private Tax Advisory are not charged for the continuation of the services provided.
Referral arrangements with an affiliated entity present a conflict of interest for us because we have a
direct or indirect financial incentive to recommend an affiliated firm's services. While we believe that
compensation charged by an affiliated firm is competitive, such compensation may be higher than fees
charged by other firms providing the same or similar services. You are under no obligation to use the
services of any firm we recommend, whether affiliated or otherwise, and may obtain comparable
services and/or lower fees through other firms.
Use of Independent Managers
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may recommend that you use an Independent Manager based on
your needs and suitability. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will not receive separate compensation,
directly or indirectly, from the Independent Manager for recommending that you use their services.
Moreover, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not have any other business relationships with the
recommended Independent Manager(s). Refer to the Advisory Business and Fees and
Compensation sections above for additional disclosures on this topic.
Insurance Consulting
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has a relationship with third-party insurance networking agencies
that provide insurance and annuity education, comparisons, and solutions. These third-party
insurance networking agencies have relationships with third party broker-dealers who
facilitate variable annuities and insurance products.
For an asset-based fee, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may contract directly with third party
broker-dealers to provide advisory consulting services to their clients. The services provided by
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth under these third-party relationships are limited to a) serving as the
client relationship manager, b) providing advice based on client relationship summaries, c)
providing investment analysis based on disclosed client assets. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
does not receive nor share in commissions in these relationships. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
does not assume discretionary authority over any brokerage accounts. Through these same
relationships, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may recommend non variable life an annuity
products and receive compensation in the form of commissions or advisory fees directly from
insurance carriers.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Description of Our Code of Ethics
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth strives to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our
practices. Therefore, our Code of Ethics includes guidelines for professional standards of conduct
for Supervised Persons with our firm. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's goal is to protect client
interests at all times and to demonstrate our commitment to our fiduciary duties of honesty, good faith,
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and fair dealing with clients. Supervised Persons are expected to adhere strictly to these
guidelines. Supervised Persons are also required to report any violations of our Code of Ethics.
Additionally, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth maintains and enforces written policies reasonably
designed to prevent the misuse or dissemination of material, non-public information about clients or
client's account holdings by persons associated with our firm.
Clients or prospective clients may obtain a copy of our Firm's Code of Ethics by contacting us at the
telephone number on the cover page of this brochure.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Neither our firm nor Supervised Person with our firm has any material financial interest in client
transactions beyond the provision of investment advisory services as disclosed in this brochure.
Personal Trading Practices
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth or Supervised Persons may buy or sell the same securities that we
recommend to clients or securities in which clients are already invested. A conflict of interest exists in
such cases because Brandywine Oak Private Wealth or Supervised Persons have the ability to trade
ahead of clients and potentially receive more favorable prices than clients will receive. To mitigate this
conflict of interest, it is our Firm's policy that neither our Firm nor Supervised Persons shall have
priority over client accounts in the purchase or sale of securities.
Aggregated Trading
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth or Supervised Persons may buy or sell securities for clients at the
same time our Firm or Supervised Persons buy or sell such securities for our own
account. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may also combine our orders to purchase securities with
client orders to purchase securities ("aggregated trading"). Refer to the Brokerage Practices section in
this brochure for information on our aggregated trading practices.
A conflict of interest exists in such cases because Brandywine Oak Private Wealth have the ability to
trade ahead of clients and potentially receive more favorable prices than clients will receive. To
mitigate this conflict of interest, it is our policy that neither our Firm nor Supervised Persons shall have
priority over client accounts in the purchase or sale of securities.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
Recommendation of Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth recommends that clients utilize the custody, brokerage and clearing
services of National Financial Services LLC and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (together with
affiliates, "Fidelity") for investment management accounts. The final decision to custody assets with
Fidelity is at the discretion of the client, including those accounts under ERISA or IRA rules and
regulations, in which case the client is acting as either the plan sponsor or IRA account holder.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Fidelity.
Fidelity provides Brandywine Oak Private Wealth with access to its institutional trading and custody
services, which are typically not available to retail investors.
Factors which Brandywine Oak Private Wealth considers in recommending Fidelity or any other
broker-dealer to clients include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing,
research, and the cost of services provided to our clients, which includes the yield on cash sweep
choices, commissions, custody fees and other fees or expenses. Fidelity enables the Firm to obtain
many mutual funds without transaction charges and other securities at nominal transaction charges.
Fidelity's commission rates applicable to our client accounts were negotiated based on the condition
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that our clients collectively maintain a total of at least $25 million of their assets in accounts at Fidelity.
If the asset fall below the required minimum, Fidelity can charge Brandywine Oak Private Wealth an
additional platform fee of $2,500 on a quarterly basis. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has an a
financial incentive to recommend Fidelity as your custodian which is a conflict of interest. However,
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has a fiduciary duty to clients. Although Brandywine Oak Private
Wealth is not required to execute all trades through Fidelity, we have determined that having Fidelity
execute most trades is consistent with our Firm's duty to seek "best execution" of your trades. Best
execution means the most favorable terms for a transaction based on all relevant factors, including
those listed above. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is not required to select the broker or dealer that
charges the lowest transaction cost, even if that broker provides execution quality comparable to other
brokers or dealers.
Fidelity has also agreed to reimburse clients for exit fees associated with moving accounts to Fidelity.
The reimbursement is only available up to a certain amount for all of the Firm's clients over a twelve
month period. Fees are reimbursed on a first-come-first-served basis so that no clients are favored.
The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Fidelity may be higher or lower than those
charged by other Financial Institutions.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not have any soft dollar arrangements.
Software, Support and Economic Benefits Provided by Financial Institutions
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth receives without cost from Fidelity administrative support, computer
software, related systems support, as well as other third party support as further described below
(together "Support") which allow Brandywine Oak Private Wealth to better monitor client accounts
maintained at Fidelity and otherwise conduct its business. Brandywine Oak Private Wealth receives
the Support without cost because the Firm renders investment management services to clients that
maintain assets at Fidelity. The Support is not provided in connection with securities transactions of
clients (i.e., not "soft dollars"). The Support benefits Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, but not its clients
directly. Clients should be aware that Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's receipt of economic benefits
such as the Support from a broker-dealer creates a conflict of interest since these benefits may
influence the Firm's choice of broker-dealer over another that does not furnish similar software,
systems support or services. In fulfilling its duties to its clients, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first and has determined that the
recommendation of Fidelity is in the best interest of clients and satisfies the Firm's duty to seek best
execution.
Specifically, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth receives the following benefits from Fidelity: i) receipt of
duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; ii) access to a trading desk that
exclusively services its institutional traders; iii) access to block trading which provides the ability to
aggregate securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts; and iv)
access to an electronic communication network for client order entry and account information.
Fidelity also makes available to the Firm, at no additional charge, certain research and brokerage
services, including research services obtained by Fidelity directly from independent research
companies, as selected by Brandywine Oak Private Wealth (within specified parameters). These
research and brokerage services are used by the Firm to manage accounts for which it has investment
discretion. Without this arrangement, the Firm might be compelled to purchase the same or similar
services at its own expense.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may receive payments from Fidelity in the form of credits to be
applied toward qualifying third party service provider expenses incurred in relation to transition costs
or the provision of core services. This may include, but is not limited to, support of Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth's research, marketing, technology or software platforms.
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Trade Away Transactions
The Firm may execute trades with a broker-dealer other than the client's primary custodian that
nonetheless settle at and are held at the client's primary custodian ("trade away transactions"). Trade
away transactions can be entered into on behalf of clients that have entered into agreements for prime
brokerage clearing services with their custodian. Because clients are not required to execute a
separate agreement with the other broker-dealer to enter into trade away transactions, the Firm and its
Supervised Persons have discretion in selecting the broker-dealer to use to effect client transactions.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not consider, in selecting or recommending broker-dealers,
whether the Firm receives client referrals from the Financial Institutions or other third party.
Directed Brokerage
In limited circumstances, a client may request Brandywine Oak Private Wealth use a particular
Financial Institution to execute some or all transactions for the client. This request should be made in
writing and is subject to Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's approval. In that case, the client will
negotiate terms and arrangements for the account with that Financial Institution and the Firm will not
seek better execution services or prices from other Financial Institutions or be able to "aggregate"
client transactions for execution through other Financial Institutions with orders for other accounts
managed by Brandywine Oak Private Wealth (as described above). As a result, the client may pay
higher commissions or other transaction costs, greater spreads or may receive less favorable net
prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best
execution, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may decline a client's request to direct brokerage if, in the
Firm's sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would result in additional operational
difficulties or violate restrictions imposed by other broker-dealers (as further discussed below).
Trade Aggregation
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth combine multiple orders for shares of the same securities purchased
for discretionary advisory accounts we manage whenever deemed in our client's best interest (this
practice is commonly referred to as "aggregated trading"). We will then distribute a portion of the
shares to participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner. Generally, participating accounts will
pay a fixed transaction cost regardless of the number of shares transacted. In certain cases, each
participating account pays an average price per share for all transactions and pays a proportionate
share of all transaction costs on any given day. In the event an order is only partially filled, the shares
will be allocated to participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner, typically in proportion to the
size of each client's order. Accounts owned by our firm or persons associated with our firm may
participate in aggregated trading with your accounts; however, they will not be given preferential
treatment nor inferior treatment versus other client accounts.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not aggregate trades for non-discretionary accounts.
Accordingly, non-discretionary accounts may pay different costs than discretionary accounts pay. If
clients enter into non-discretionary arrangements with our Firm, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may
not be able to buy and sell the same quantities of securities under non-discretionary arrangements and
clients may pay higher commissions, fees, and/or transaction costs than clients who enter into
discretionary arrangements with our Firm.
Mutual Fund Share Classes
Mutual funds are sold with different share classes, which carry different cost structures. Each available
share class is described in the mutual fund's prospectus. When we purchase, or recommend the
purchase of, mutual funds for a client, we select the share class that is deemed to be in the client's
best interest, taking into consideration the availability of advisory, institutional or retirement plan share
classes, initial and ongoing share class costs, transaction costs (if any), tax implications, cost
21
basis and other factors. We also review the mutual funds held in accounts that come under our
management to determine whether a more beneficial share class is available, considering cost, tax
implications, and the impact of contingent or deferred sales charges.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
Account Reviews
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth monitors client portfolios on a continuous and ongoing basis while
regular account reviews are conducted on at least annually. Such reviews are conducted by one or
more of the Firm's Principals and/or investment adviser representatives. All investment advisory clients
are encouraged to discuss their needs, goals and objectives with Brandywine Oak Private Wealth and
to keep the Firm informed of any changes thereto. Additional reviews may be conducted based on
various circumstances, including, but not limited to: contributions and withdrawals; year-end tax
planning; market moving events; security specific events; and/or changes in your risk/return objectives.
Account Statements and Reports
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account statements
directly from the Financial Institutions where their assets are custodied. From time-to-time or as
otherwise requested, clients may also receive written or electronic reports from Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth and/or an outside service provider, which contain certain account and/or market-related
information, such as an inventory of account holdings or account performance. Clients should compare
the account statements they receive from their custodian with any documents or reports they receive
from Brandywine Oak Private Wealth or an outside service provider.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may receive payments from Fidelity in the form of credits to be applied
toward qualifying third-party service provider expenses incurred in relation to transition costs or the
provision of core services. This may include, but is not limited to, support of our research, marketing,
technology or software platforms.
Other Compensation
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not currently provide compensation to any third-party solicitors
for client referrals.
Refer to the Brokerage Practices section above for disclosures on research and other benefits
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may receive resulting from our relationship with the client's account
custodian.
Item 15 Custody
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is deemed to have custody of client funds and securities because the
Firm is given the ability to debit client accounts for payment of the Firm's fees and has standing letters
of authorization from clients that authorize the Firm to disburse funds from client accounts. With
respect to any standing letters of authorization, the Firm relies upon the exemptive relief granted by the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the no-action letter granted to the Investment Advisers
Association on February 21, 2017 and therefore need not conduct an annual surprise examination
relating to such assets.
Client funds and securities are maintained at one or more Financial Institutions that serve as the
qualified custodian with respect to such assets. Such qualified custodians will send account statements
to clients at least once per calendar quarter that typically detail any transactions in such account for the
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relevant period.
In addition, as discussed in the Review of Accounts section, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will also
send, or otherwise make available, periodic supplemental reports to clients. Clients should carefully
review the statements sent directly by the Financial Institutions and compare them to those received
from Brandywine Oak Private Wealth.
Wire Transfer and/or Standing Letter of Authorization
Our Firm, or persons associated with our firm, may effect wire transfers from client accounts to one or
more third parties designated, in writing, by the client without obtaining written client consent for each
separate, individual transaction, as long as the client has provided us with written authorization to do
so. Such written authorization is known as a Standing Letter of Authorization. An adviser with authority
to conduct such third party wire transfers has access to the client's assets, and therefore has custody
of the client's assets in any related accounts.
However, we do not have to obtain a surprise annual audit, as we otherwise would be required to by
reason of having custody, as long as we meet the following criteria:
1. You provide a written, signed instruction to the qualified custodian that includes the third party's
name and address or account number at a custodian;
2. You authorize us in writing to direct transfers to the third party either on a specified schedule or
from time to time;
3. Your qualified custodian verifies your authorization (e.g., signature review) and provides a
transfer of funds notice to you promptly after each transfer;
4. You can terminate or change the instruction;
5. We have no authority or ability to designate or change the identity of the third party, the
address, or any other information about the third party;
6. We maintain records showing that the third party is not a related party to us nor located at the
same address as us; and
7. Your qualified custodian sends you, in writing, an initial notice confirming the instruction and an
annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
We hereby confirm that we meet the above criteria.
Trustee Services
Certain persons associated with our firm serve as trustees to certain accounts for which we also
provide investment advisory services. In all cases, the persons associated with our firm have been
appointed trustee as a result of a family or personal relationship with the trust grantor and/or
beneficiary and not as a result of employment with our firm. Therefore, we are not deemed to have
custody over the advisory accounts for which persons associated with our firm serve as trustee.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is given the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of clients.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth is considered to exercise investment discretion over a client's account
if it can effect and/or direct transactions in client accounts without first seeking their consent. Before
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth can buy or sell securities on behalf of clients, clients must first sign our
discretionary management agreement and the appropriate trading authorization forms. Clients may
request a limitation on this authority (such as certain securities not to be bought or sold). Brandywine
Oak Private Wealth takes discretion over the following activities:
• The securities to be purchased or sold;
• The amount of securities to be purchased or sold;
• When transactions are made; and
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• The Independent Managers to be hired or fired.
If clients enter into non-discretionary arrangements with our Firm, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will
obtain the client's approval prior to the execution of any transactions for the account(s). Clients have
an unrestricted right to decline to implement any advice provided by our Firm on a non-discretionary
basis.
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will determine how to vote proxies based on the Firm's reasonable
judgment of the vote most likely to produce favorable financial results for clients. Proxy votes generally
will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and
management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the issuer's
board of directors and management, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders. Generally,
proxy votes will be cast against proposals having the opposite effect. However, Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth will consider both sides of each proxy issue. Unless Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
receive specific instructions from a client, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will not base votes on social
considerations.
In the event a client wishes to direct our firm on voting a particular proxy, they should contact our main
office at the phone number on the cover page of this brochure with the instructions.
Conflicts of interest between clients and Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, or a principal of our firm,
regarding certain proxy issues could arise. If Brandywine Oak Private Wealth determines that a
material conflict of interest exists, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will take the necessary steps to
resolve the conflict before voting the proxies. For example, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may
disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to clients, and seek direction from clients as to how to
vote on a particular issue; Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may abstain from voting, particularly if there
are conflicting interests for clients (for example, where client account(s) hold different securities in a
competitive merger situation); or, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will take other necessary steps
designed to ensure that a decision to vote is in each client's best interest and was not the product of
the conflict.
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth keep certain records required by applicable law in connection with
client proxy voting activities. Clients may obtain information on how Brandywine Oak Private Wealth
voted proxies and/or obtain a full copy of Brandywine Oak Private Wealth proxy voting policies and
procedures by making a written or oral request to our firm.
Item 18 Financial Information
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has not filed a bankruptcy petition at any time in the past ten years.
Additionally, our Firm does not have any financial condition or impairment that would prevent us from
meeting our contractual commitments to you.
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Additional Information
Trade Errors
In the event a trading error occurs in a client's account, our Firm's policy is to restore the client's
account to the position it should have been in had the trading error not occurred. Depending on the
circumstances, corrective actions may include canceling the trade, adjusting an allocation, and/or
reimbursing the account. Trade errors that result in a benefit to the client (for example, failed to sell a
security in a timely manner, security price subsequently increases and then the position is sold,
resulting in more gain for the client) are generally left in the client's account. If a trade error results in a
gain through Brandywine Oak Private Wealth's error account, it is not credited to the client account. On
a quarterly basis, the custodian will net the trade error gains and losses. Any residual gain is then
donated to charity. This presents a conflict of interest as Brandywine Oak Private Wealth has an
incentive to transact to produce trade errors that result in a gain to offset the trade errors that result in
a loss. However, all net gains are ultimately donated to charity and not retained by Brandywine Oak
Private Wealth.
Class Action Lawsuits
Brandywine Oak Private Wealth does not determine if securities held by clients are the subject of a
class action lawsuit or whether clients are eligible to participate in class action settlements or litigation
nor does Brandywine Oak Private Wealth initiate or participate in litigation to recover damages on a
client's behalf for injuries as a result of actions, misconduct, or negligence by issuers of securities held
by clients.
IRA Rollover Considerations
As part of our Firm's investment advisory services to clients, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth may
recommend that clients withdraw the assets from your employer's retirement plan and roll the assets
over to an individual retirement account ("IRA") that Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will manage on a
client's behalf. If a client elects to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our
management, Brandywine Oak Private Wealth will charge clients an asset based fee as set forth in the
Advisory Agreement the client executed with our Firm. This practice presents a conflict of interest
because persons providing investment advice on our Firm's behalf have an incentive to recommend a
rollover to clients for the purpose of generating fee based compensation rather than solely based on
client needs. Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover.
Moreover, if a client does complete the rollover, clients are under no obligation to have the assets in an
IRA managed by our Firm.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company plan. Also,
current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before they retire or change
jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to the extent the following options
are available, clients should consider the costs and benefits of:
1. Leaving the funds in your employer's (former employer's) plan.
2. Moving the funds to a new employer's retirement plan.
3. Cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan.
4. Rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account.
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages and before making a change we encourage
you to speak with your CPA and/or tax attorney.
If you are considering rolling over your retirement funds to an IRA for us to manage here are a few
points to consider before you do so:
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1. Determine whether the investment options in your employer's retirement plan address your
needs or whether you might want to consider other types of investments.
a. Employer retirement plans generally have a more limited investment menu than IRAs.
b. Employer retirement plans may have unique investment options not available to the
public such as employer securities, or previously closed funds.
2. Your current plan may have lower fees than our fees.
a. If you are interested in investing only in mutual funds, you should understand the cost
structure of the share classes available in your employer's retirement plan and how the
costs of those share classes compare with those available in an IRA.
b. You should understand the various products and services you might take advantage of
at an IRA provider and the potential costs of those products and services.
3. Our strategy may have higher risk than the option(s) provided to you in your plan.
4. Your current plan may also offer financial advice.
5. If you keep your assets titled in a 401k or retirement account, you could potentially delay your
required minimum distribution beyond age 73.
6. Your 401k may offer more liability protection than a rollover IRA; each state may vary.
a. Generally, federal law protects assets in qualified plans from creditors. Since 2005, IRA
assets have been generally protected from creditors in bankruptcies. However, there
can be some exceptions to the general rules so you should consult with an attorney if
you are concerned about protecting your retirement plan assets from creditors.
7. You may be able to take out a loan on your 401k, but not from an IRA.
8. IRA assets can be accessed any time; however, distributions are subject to ordinary income tax
and may also be subject to a 10% early distribution penalty unless they qualify for an exception
such as disability, higher education expenses or the purchase of a home.
9. If you own company stock in your plan, you may be able to liquidate those shares at a lower
capital gains tax rate.
10. Your plan may allow you to hire us as the manager and keep the assets titled in the plan name.
It is important that clients understand the differences between these types of accounts and to decide
whether a rollover is best for them. Prior to proceeding, if clients have questions contact your
investment adviser representative, or call our main number as listed on the cover page of this
brochure.
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