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Part 2A of Form ADV:
Firm Brochure
Brio Financial Group
19 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
Firm Contact:
Jay Zalewski
Chief Compliance Officer
April 14, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Brio Consultants,
LLC dba Brio Financial Group. If clients have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please
contact us at 415-623-2450. 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 our firm is also available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching
CRD #289889.
Please note that the use of the term “registered investment adviser” and description of our firm and/or
our associates as “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Clients are encouraged
to review this Brochure and Brochure Supplements for our firm’s associates who advise clients for more
information on the qualifications of our firm and our employees.
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES
Brio Financial Group is required to make clients aware of information that has changed since the last annual
update to the Firm Brochure (“Brochure”) and that may be important to them. Clients can then determine
whether to review the brochure in its entirety or to contact us with questions about the changes.
Since our last annual update in March 2025, there have been the following material changes:
Item 4 was updated to reflect that on March 16, 2025 ownership of Brio Consultants, LLC was transfered
into Brio Financial Holdings, LLC, which itself is majority owned by Brio Legacy Holdings, LLC, majority
owned by Brandon Miller.
Item 12 was updated to reflect the use of Altruist Financial LLC (“Altruist”) as a custodial option.
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ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 1: Cover Page .......................................................................................................................................................1
Item 2: Material Changes ............................................................................................................................................2
Item 3: Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................3
Item 4: Advisory Business ..........................................................................................................................................4
Item 5: Fees & Compensation ....................................................................................................................................6
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management ............................................................................8
Item 7: Types of Clients & Account Requirements .................................................................................................8
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss .....................................................................9
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................................19
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations ................................................................................19
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading ......................20
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................................................20
Item 13: Review of Accounts or Financial Plans ...................................................................................................23
Item 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation ................................................................................................24
Item 15: Custody ........................................................................................................................................................26
Item 16: Investment Discretion ...............................................................................................................................26
Item 17: Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................................26
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................27
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ITEM 4: ADVISORY BUSINESS
Our firm is dedicated to providing individuals and other types of clients with a wide array of investment advisory
services. Our firm is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of California in 2009 and has
been in business as an investment adviser since 2017. Our firm is majority owned by Brio Financial Holdings,
LLC, which itself is majority owned by Brio Legacy Holdings, LLC, majority owned by Brandon Miller.
Our firm provides asset management and investment consulting services for many different types of clients
to help meet their financial goals while remaining sensitive to risk tolerance and time horizons. As a fiduciary
it is our duty to always act in the client’s best interest. This is accomplished in part by knowing the client.
Our firm has established a service-oriented advisory practice with open lines of communication. Working
with clients to understand their investment objectives while educating them about our process, facilitates
the kind of working relationship we value.
Types of Advisory Services Offered
Financial Planning & Consulting:
Our firm provides a variety of standalone financial planning and consulting services to clients for the
management of financial resources based upon an analysis of current situation, goals, and objectives. Financial
planning services will typically involve preparing a financial plan or rendering a financial consultation
for clients based on the client’s financial goals and objectives. This planning or consulting may encompass
Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Charitable Planning, Education Planning, Corporate
and Personal Tax Planning, Cost Segregation Study, Corporate Structure, Real Estate Analysis, Mortgage/Debt
Analysis, Insurance Analysis, Lines of Credit Evaluation, or Business and Personal Financial Planning.
Written financial plans or financial consultations rendered to clients usually include general recommendations
for a course of activity or specific actions to be taken by the clients. Implementation of the recommendations
will be at the discretion of the client. Our firm provides clients with a summary of their financial situation,
and observations for financial planning engagements. Financial consultations are not typically accompanied
by a written summary of observations and recommendations, as the process is less formal than the planning
service. Assuming that all the information and documents requested from the client are provided promptly,
plans or consultations are typically completed within 6 months of the client signing a contract with our firm.
Retirement Plan Consulting:
Our firm provides retirement plan consulting services to employer plan sponsors on an ongoing basis.
Generally, such consulting services consist of assisting employer plan sponsors in establishing, monitoring
and reviewingtheir company’s participant-directed retirement plan. As the needs of the plan sponsor dictate,
areas of advising could include: investment options, plan structure and participant education. Retirement
Plan Consulting services typically include:
• Establishing an Investment Policy Statement – Our firm will assist in the development of a statement
that summarizes the investment goals and objectives along with the broad strategies to be employed
to meet the objectives.
•
Investment Options – Our firm will work with the Plan Sponsor to evaluate existing investment
options and make recommendations for appropriate changes.
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• Asset Allocation and Portfolio Construction – Our firm will develop strategic asset allocation models
to aid Participants in developing strategies to meet their investment objectives, time horizon, financial
situation and tolerance for risk.
•
Investment Monitoring – Our firm will monitor the performance of the investments and notify the
client in the event of over/underperformance and in times of market volatility.
In providing services for retirement plan consulting, our firm does not provide any advisory services with
respect to the following types of assets: employer securities, real estate (excluding real estate funds and publicly
traded REITS), participant loans, non-publicly traded securities or assets, other illiquid investments, or
brokerage window programs (collectively, “Excluded Assets”). All retirement plan consulting services shall
be in compliance with the applicable state laws regulating retirement consulting services. This applies to
client accounts that are retirement or other employee benefit plans (“Plan”) governed by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). If the client accounts are part of a Plan,
and our firm accepts appointment to provide services to such accounts, our firm acknowledges its fiduciary
standard within the meaning of Section 3(21) or 3(38) of ERISA as designated by the Retirement Plan
Consulting Agreement with respect to the provision of services described therein.
Referrals to Third Party Money Managers:
Our firm utilizes the services of a third-party money manager for the management of client accounts.
Investment advice and trading of securities will only be offered by or through the chosen third party money
manager. Our firm will not offer advice on any specific securities or other investments in connection with this
service. Prior to referring clients, our firm will provide initial due diligence on third party money managers
and ongoing reviews of their management of client accounts. In order to assist in the selection of a third-party
money manager, our firm will gather client information pertaining to financial situation, investment objectives,
and reasonable restrictions to be imposed upon the management of the account.
Our firm will periodically review third party money manager reports provided to the client at least annually. Our
firm will contact clients from time to time in order to review their financial situation and objectives; communicate
information to third party money managers as warranted; and, assist the client in understanding and evaluating
the services provided by the third-party money manager. Clients will be expected to notify our firm of any changes
in their financial situation, investment objectives, or account restrictions that could affect their financial standing.
Tailoring of Advisory Services
Our firm offers individualized investment advice to our Asset Management clients. General investment
advice will be offered to our Financial Planning & Consulting, Retirement Plan Consulting, Portfolio
Monitoring and Referrals to Third Party Money Management clients. Each Asset Management client has
the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the types of investments to be held in the portfolio.
Restrictions on investments in certain securities or types of securities may not be possible due to the level of
difficulty this would entail in managing the account.
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Participation in Wrap Fee Programs
Our firm offers and sponsors a wrap fee program. Asset Management services are only offered through
wrapped accounts, which are managed on an individualized basis according to the client’s investment
objectives, financial goals, risk tolerance, etc. Please see our Part 2A, Appendix 1 (the “Wrap Fee Program
Brochure”) for more information.
Regulatory Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, our firm manages approximately $842,643,716 of client assets, with $839,326,630
being managed on a discretionary basis.
ITEM 5: FEES & COMPENSATION
Compensation for Our Advisory Services
Asset Management:
BFG charges an annual advisory fee that is agreed upon with each client and set forth in an agreement
executed by BFG and the client. The maximum annual fee charged for this service will not exceed 2.00%.
Annualized fees are billed on a pro-rata basis monthly in advance based on the average daily average value
of the previous month, based on the value of the account(s) as provided by third-party sources, such as
pricing services, custodians, fund administrators, and client-provided sources when necessary. BFG may
include cash, accrued interest, accrued dividends, and securities purchased on margin (when applicable),
in determining the market value for billing purposes. Fees are negotiable and will be deducted from Client
account(s) by BFG and/or the chosen Sub-Adviser or SMA. Adjustments will be made for deposits and
withdrawals during the month. In rare cases, BFG will agree to directly invoice. As part of this process,
Clients understand the following:
a) The client’s independent custodian sends statements at least quarterly showing the market values
for each security included in the Assets and all account disbursements, including the amount of the
advisory fees paid to our firm;
b) Clients will provide authorization permitting our firm to be directly paid by these terms. Our firm
will send an invoice directly to the custodian; and
c) If our firm sends a copy of our invoice to the client, legend urging the comparison of information
provided in our statement with those from the qualified custodian will be included.
For the sub-advisory services rendered to our clients, our firm typically compensates third party investment
advisory firms or individual advisors a percentage of the overall investment advisory fee charged by our
firm. The advisory fee paid shall not exceed the fee published for this service. The terms and conditions
under which the client shall engage the third-party investment advisory firm or individual advisors shall be
set forth in a separate agreement between the client and the designated third party.
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to BFG’s right to
terminate an account. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that the Firm reserves the right
to liquidate transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities into a client’s account. Clients
may withdraw account assets at any time on notice to BFG, subject to the usual and customary securities
settlement procedures. However, the Firm generally designs its portfolios as long-term investments and
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the withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s investment objectives. BFG 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.
Financial Planning & Consulting:
Our firm charges on a flat fee basis for financial planning and consulting services. The total estimated fee,
as well as the ultimate fee charged, is based on the scope and complexity of our engagement with the client.
Certain clients may opt to use unaffiliated third parties for defined estate planning services under a separate
agreement for a set fee. Flat fees will not exceed $25,000. The fee-paying arrangements for will be determined
on a case-by-case basis and will be detailed in the signed consulting agreement. Our firm will not require a
retainer exceeding $1,200 when services cannot be rendered within 6 months.
Retirement Plan Consulting:
Our Retirement Plan Consulting services are based on the percentage of Plan assets under management.
The total estimated fee, as well as the ultimate fee charged, is based on the scope and complexity of our
engagement with the client. Fees based on a percentage of managed Plan assets will not exceed 1.00%. The
fee-paying arrangements for Retirement Plan Consulting service will be determined on a case-by-case basis
and will be detailed in the signed consulting agreement. Clients will be invoiced directly for the fees.
Referrals to Third Party Money Managers:
The total annual advisory fee for this service shall not exceed 2.00%. A portion of this fee will be paid to
our firm and will be outlined in the third-party money manager’s advisory agreement to be signed by the
client. Clients will be provided with a copy of the chosen third party money manager’s Form ADV Part 2,
all relevant Brochures, a solicitation disclosure statement detailing the fees to be paid to both firms and the
third-party money manager’s privacy policy. All fees that our firm receives from the third-party money
managers and the written separate disclosures made to clients regarding these fees comply with applicable
state statutes and rules. The billing procedures for this service vary based on the chosen third party money
manager. The total fee to be charged, as well as the billing cycle, will be detailed in the third-party money
manager’s ADV Part 2A and separate advisory agreement to be signed by the client. These fees may include
transaction charges and the fees/expenses charged by any custodian, subadvisor, mutual fund, ETF, separate
account manager (and the manager’s platform manager, if any), limited partnership, or other advisor, transfer
taxes, odd lot differentials, exchange fees, interest charges, ADR processing fees, and any charges, taxes
or other fees mandated by any federal, state or other applicable law, retirement plan account fees (where
applicable), margin interest, brokerage commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs and other transaction-related
costs, electronic fund and wire fees, and any other fees that reasonably may be borne by a brokerage account.
Other Types of Fees & Expenses
Non-Wrap Clients will incur transaction charges for trades executed by their chosen custodian. These
transaction fees are separate from our firm’s advisory fees and will be disclosed by the chosen custodian.
Clients may also pay holdings charges imposed by the chosen custodian for certain investments, charges
imposed directly by a mutual fund, index fund, or exchange traded fund, which shall be disclosed in the
fund’s prospectus (i.e., fund management fees, initial or deferred sales charges, mutual fund sales loads,
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12b-1 fees, surrender charges, variable annuity fees, IRA and qualified retirement plan fees, and other fund
expenses), mark-ups and mark-downs, spreads paid to market makers, fees for trades executed away from
custodian, wire transfer fees and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Our
firm does not receive a portion of these fees.
Wrap clients will not incur transaction costs for trades by their chosen custodian. More information about
this can be found in our separate Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
Termination & Refunds
Either party may terminate the advisory agreement signed with our firm for Asset Management services
in writing at any time. Upon notice of termination pro-rata advisory fees for services rendered to the point
of termination will be charged. If advisory fees cannot be deducted, our firm will send an invoice for due
advisory fees to the client.
Financial Planning & Consulting clients may terminate their agreement at any time before the delivery of
a financial plan by providing written notice. For purposes of calculating refunds, all work performed by us
up to the point of termination shall be calculated at the hourly fee currently in effect. Clients will receive a
pro-rata refund of unearned fees based on the time and effort expended by our firm.
Either party to a Retirement Plan Consulting Agreement may terminate at any time by providing written
notice to the other party. Full refunds will only be made in cases where cancellation occurs within 5 business
days of signing an agreement. After 5 business days from initial signing, either party must provide the other
party 30 days written notice to terminate billing. Billing will terminate 30 days after receipt of termination
notice. Clients will be charged on a pro-rata basis, which takes into account work completed by our firm
on behalf of the client. Clients will incur charges for bona fide advisory services rendered up to the point of
termination (determined as 30 days from receipt of said written notice) and such fees will be due and payable.
Commissionable Securities Sales
Our firm and representatives do not sell securities for a commission in advisory accounts.
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES & SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
Brio does not charge performance-based fees or participate in side-by-side management. Performance-
based fees are fees that are based on a share of a capital gains or capital appreciation of a client’s account.
Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing accounts that are charged performance-based
fees while at the same time managing accounts that are not charged performance-based fees. Brio’s fees are
calculated as described in Item 5 above.
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS & ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS
Our firm has the following types of clients:
Individuals and High Net Worth Individuals;
•
• Trusts, Estates or Charitable Organizations;
• Pension and Profit Sharing Plans;
• Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and/or Other Business Types.
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Our firm does not impose requirements for opening and maintaining accounts or otherwise engaging us.
However, Brio does reserve the right to accept or decline a potential client for any reason in its sole discretion.
ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES & RISK OF LOSS
The following methods of analysis and investment strategies may be utilized in formulating our investment
advice and/or managing client assets, provided that such methods and/or strategies are appropriate to the
needs of the client and consistent with the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons,
among other considerations.
General Risks of Owning Securities
The prices of securities held in client accounts and the income they generate may decline in response to
certain events taking place around the world. These include events directly involving the issuers of securities
held as underlying assets of mutual funds in a client’s account, conditions affecting the general economy,
and overall market changes. Other contributing factors include local, regional, or global political, social, or
economic instability and governmental or governmental agency responses to economic conditions. Finally,
currency, interest rate, and commodity price fluctuations may also affect security prices and income.
The prices of, and the income generated by, most debt securities held by a client’s account may be affected by
changing interest rates and by changes in the effective maturities and credit ratings of these securities. For
example, the prices of debt securities in the client’s account generally will decline when interest rates rise and
increase when interest rates fall. In addition, falling interest rates may cause an issuer to redeem, “call” or
refinance a security before its stated maturity, which may result in our firm having to reinvest the proceeds
in lower yielding securities. Longer maturity debt securities generally have higher rates of interest and may
be subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter maturity debt securities. Debt securities are also subject
to credit risk, which is the possibility that the credit strength of an issuer will weaken and/or an issuer of a
debt security will fail to make timely payments of principal or interest and the security will go into default.
The guarantee of a security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
only covers the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. This means that the current
market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates.
Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the United States may be subject to increased levels of
the risks described above. Currency fluctuations and controls, different accounting, auditing, financial reporting,
disclosure, regulatory and legal standards and practices could also affect investments in securities of foreign issuers.
Additional factors may include expropriation, changes in tax policy, greater market volatility, different securities
market structures, and higher transaction costs. Various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and
settling portfolio transactions, or in receiving payment of dividends can increase risk. Finally, investments in
securities issued by entities domiciled in the United States may also be subject to many of these risks.
Methods of Analysis
Securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the companies whose securities are purchased and/
or sold, the rating agencies that review these securities, and other publicly-available sources of information
about these securities, are providing accurate and unbiased data. While our firm is alert to indications that
data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that our firm’s analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or
misleading information.
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Charting: In this type of technical analysis, our firm reviews charts of market and security activity in an
attempt to identify when the market is moving up or down and to predict when how long the trend may last
and when that trend might reverse.
Cyclical Analysis: Statistical analysis of specific events occurring at a sufficient number of relatively predictable
intervals that they can be forecasted into the future. Cyclical analysis asserts that cyclical forces drive price
movements in the financial markets. Risks include that cycles may invert or disappear and there is no
expectation that this type of analysis will pinpoint turning points, instead be used in conjunction with other
methods of analysis.
Fundamental Analysis: The analysis of a business’s financial statements (usually to analyze the business’s
assets, liabilities, and earnings), health, and its competitors and markets. When analyzing a stock, futures
contract, or currency using fundamental analysis there are two basic approaches one can use: bottom
up analysis and top down analysis. The terms are used to distinguish such analysis from other types of
investment analysis, such as quantitative and technical. Fundamental analysis is performed on historical
and present data, but with the goal of making financial forecasts. There are several possible objectives: (a) to
conduct a company stock valuation and predict its probable price evolution; (b) to make a projection on its
business performance; (c) to evaluate its management and make internal business decisions; (d) and/or to
calculate its credit risk.; and (e) to find out the intrinsic value of the share.
When the objective of the analysis is to determine what stock to buy and at what price, there are two basic
methodologies investors rely upon: (a) Fundamental analysis maintains that markets may misprice a security
in the short run but that the “correct” price will eventually be reached. Profits can be made by purchasing the
mispriced security and then waiting for the market to recognize its “mistake” and reprice the security.; and
(b) Technical analysis maintains that all information is reflected already in the price of a security. Technical
analysts analyze trends and believe that sentiment changes predate and predict trend changes. Investors’
emotional responses to price movements lead to recognizable price chart patterns. Technical analysts also
analyze historical trends to predict future price movement. Investors can use one or both of these different
but complementary methods for stock picking. This presents a potential risk, as the price of a security can
move up or down along with the overall market regardless of the economic and financial factors considered
in evaluating the stock.
Mutual Fund and/or Exchange Traded Fund (“ETF”) Analysis: Analysis of the experience and track record
of the manager of the mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an
ability to invest over a period of time and in different economic conditions. The underlying assets in a mutual
fund or ETF are also reviewed in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the underlying
investments held in another fund(s) in the Client’s portfolio. The funds or ETFs are monitored in an attempt to
determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy. A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF
analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance does not guarantee future results. A manager
who has been successful may not be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as our firm does
not control the underlying investments in a fund or ETF, managers of different funds held by the Client may
purchase the same security, increasing the risk to the Client if that security were to fall in value. There is also
a risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which
could make the holding(s) less suitable for the Client’s portfolio.
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Technical Analysis: A security analysis methodology for forecasting the direction of prices through the
study of past market data, primarily price and volume. A fundamental principle of technical analysis is that
a market’s price reflects all relevant information, so their analysis looks at the history of a security’s trading
pattern rather than external drivers such as economic, fundamental and news events. Therefore, price
action tends to repeat itself due to investors collectively tending toward patterned behavior – hence technical
analysis focuses on identifiable trends and conditions. Technical analysts also widely use market indicators of
many sorts, some of which are mathematical transformations of price, often including up and down volume,
advance/decline data and other inputs. These indicators are used to help assess whether an asset is trending,
and if it is, the probability of its direction and of continuation. Technicians also look for relationships
between price/volume indices and market indicators. Technical analysis employs models and trading
rules based on price and volume transformations, such as the relative strength index, moving averages,
regressions, inter-market and intra-market price correlations, business cycles, stock market cycles or,
classically, through recognition of chart patterns. Technical analysis is widely used among traders and
financial professionals and is very often used by active day traders, market makers and pit traders. The risk
associated with this type of analysis is that analysts use subjective judgment to decide which pattern(s)
a particular instrument reflects at a given time and what the interpretation of that pattern should be.
Third-Party Money Manager Analysis: The analysis of the experience, investment philosophies, and past
performance of independent third-party investment managers in an attempt to determine if that manager
has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period of time and in different economic conditions. Analysis
is completed by monitoring the manager’s underlying holdings, strategies, concentrations and leverage as
part of our overall periodic risk assessment. Additionally, as part of the due-diligence process, the manager’s
compliance and business enterprise risks are surveyed and reviewed. A risk of investing with a third-party
manager who has been successful in the past is that they may not be able to replicate that success in the future.
In addition, as our firm does not control the underlying investments in a third-party manager’s portfolio,
there is also a risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the portfolio,
making it a less suitable investment for our clients. Moreover, as our firm does not control the manager’s daily
business and compliance operations, our firm may be unaware of the lack of internal controls necessary to
prevent business, regulatory or reputational deficiencies.
Sector Analysis: Sector analysis involves identification and analysis of various industries or economic sectors
that are likely to exhibit superior performance. Academic studies indicate that the health of a stock’s sector is
as important as the performance of the individual stock itself. In other words, even the best stock located in a
weak sector will often perform poorly because that sector is out of favor. Each industry has differences in terms
of its customer base, market share among firms, industry growth, competition, regulation and business cycles.
Learning how the industry operates provides a deeper understanding of a company’s financial health. One
method of analyzing a company’s growth potential is examining whether the amount of customers in the overall
market is expected to grow. In some markets, there is zero or negative growth, a factor demanding careful
consideration. Additionally, market analysts recommend that investors should monitor sectors that are nearing
the bottom of performance rankings for possible signs of an impending turnaround.
Investment Strategies & Asset Classes
Asset Allocation: The implementation of an investment strategy that attempts to balance risk versus reward
by adjusting the percentage of each asset in an investment portfolio according to the investor’s risk tolerance,
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goals and investment time frame. Asset allocation is based on the principle that different assets perform
differently in different market and economic conditions. A fundamental justification for asset allocation
is the notion that different asset classes offer returns that are not perfectly correlated, hence diversification
reduces the overall risk in terms of the variability of returns for a given level of expected return. Although
risk is reduced as long as correlations are not perfect, it is typically forecast (wholly or in part) based on
statistical relationships (like correlation and variance) that existed over some past period. Expectations for
return are often derived in the same way.
An asset class is a group of economic resources sharing similar characteristics, such as riskiness and return.
There are many types of assets that may or may not be included in an asset allocation strategy. The “traditional”
asset classes are stocks (value, dividend, growth, or sector-specific [or a “blend” of any two or more of the
preceding]; large-cap versus mid-cap, small-cap or micro-cap; domestic, foreign [developed], emerging or
frontier markets), bonds (fixed income securities more generally: investment-grade or junk [high-yield];
government or corporate; short-term, intermediate, long- term; domestic, foreign, emerging markets), and
cash or cash equivalents. Allocation among these three provides a starting point. Usually included are hybrid
instruments such as convertible bonds and preferred stocks, counting as a mixture of bonds and stocks. Other
alternative assets that may be considered include: commodities: precious metals, nonferrous metals,
agriculture, energy, others.; Commercial or residential real estate (also REITs); Collectibles such as art,
coins, or stamps; insurance products (annuity, life settlements, catastrophe bonds, personal life insurance
products, etc.); derivatives such as long-short or market neutral strategies, options, collateralized debt, and
futures; foreign currency; venture capital; private equity; and/or distressed securities.
Debt Securities (Bonds): Issuers use debt securities to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic
interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity.
Alternatively, investors can purchase other debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, which do not pay
current interest, but rather are priced at a discount from their face values and their values accrete over time
to face value at maturity. The market prices of debt securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest
rates, credit quality, and maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest rates rise
and increase when interest rates fall. Bonds with longer rates of maturity tend to have greater interest rate risks.
Certain additional risk factors relating to debt securities include: (a) When interest rates are declining, investors
have to reinvest their interest income and any return of principal, whether scheduled or unscheduled, at lower
prevailing rates.; (b) Inflation causes tomorrow’s dollar to be worth less than today’s; in other words, it reduces
the purchasing power of a bond investor’s future interest payments and principal, collectively known as “cash
flows.” Inflation also leads to higher interest rates, which in turn leads to lower bond prices.; (c) Debt securities
may be sensitive to economic changes, political and corporate developments, and interest rate changes. Investors
can also expect periods of economic change and uncertainty, which can result in increased volatility of market
prices and yields of certain debt securities. For example, prices of these securities can be affected by financial
contracts held by the issuer or third parties (such as derivatives) relating to the security or other assets or indices.
(d) Debt securities may contain redemption or call provisions entitling their issuers to redeem them at a specified
price on a date prior to maturity. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a lower interest rate market, the
account would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in decreased income to
investors. Usually, a bond is called at or close to par value. This subjects investors that paid a premium for their
bond risk of lost principal. In reality, prices of callable bonds are unlikely to move much above the call price
if lower interest rates make the bond likely to be called.; (e) If the issuer of a debt security defaults on its
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obligations to pay interest or principal or is the subject of bankruptcy proceedings, the account may incur
losses or expenses in seeking recovery of amounts owed to it.; (f) There may be little trading in the secondary
market for particular debt securities, which may affect adversely the account’s ability to value accurately or
dispose of such debt securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and/or liquidity of debt securities.
Our firm attempts to reduce the risks described above through diversification of the client’s portfolio and by
credit analysis of each issuer, as well as by monitoring broad economic trends and corporate and legislative
developments, but there can be no assurance that our firm will be successful in doing so. Credit ratings
for debt securities provided by rating agencies reflect an evaluation of the safety of principal and interest
payments, not market value risk. The rating of an issuer is a rating agency’s view of past and future potential
developments related to the issuer and may not necessarily reflect actual outcomes. There can be a lag
between the time of developments relating to an issuer and the time a rating is assigned and updated.
Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”): An ETF is a type of Investment Company (usually, an open-end fund or
unit investment trust) whose primary objective is to achieve the same return as a particular market index.
The vast majority of ETFs are designed to track an index, so their performance is close to that of an index
mutual fund, but they are not exact duplicates. A tracking error, or the difference between the returns of a
fund and the returns of the index, can arise due to differences in composition, management fees, expenses,
and handling of dividends. ETFs benefit from continuous pricing; they can be bought and sold on a stock
exchange throughout the trading day. Because ETFs trade like stocks, you can place orders just like with
individual stocks - such as limit orders, good- until-canceled orders, stop loss orders etc. They can also be
sold short. Traditional mutual funds are bought and redeemed based on their net asset values (“NAV”) at
the end of the day. ETFs are bought and sold at the market prices on the exchanges, which resemble the
underlying NAV but are independent of it. However, arbitrageurs will ensure that ETF prices are kept very
close to the NAV of the underlying securities. Although an investor can buy as few as one share of an ETF,
most buy in board lots. Anything bought in less than a board lot will increase the cost to the investor.
Anyone can buy any ETF no matter where in the world it trades. This provides a benefit over mutual funds,
which generally can only be bought in the country in which they are registered.
One of the main features of ETFs are their low annual fees, especially when compared to traditional
mutual funds. The passive nature of index investing, reduced marketing, and distribution and accounting
expenses all contribute to the lower fees. However, individual investors must pay a brokerage commission to
purchase and sell ETF shares; for those investors who trade frequently, this can significantly increase the cost of
investing in ETFs. That said, with the advent of low-cost brokerage fees, small or frequent purchases of ETFs
are becoming more cost efficient.
Equity Securities: Equity securities represent an ownership position in a company. Equity securities typically
consist of common stocks. The prices of equity securities fluctuate based on, among other things, events
specific to their issuers and market, economic and other conditions. For example, prices of these securities
can be affected by financial contracts held by the issuer or third parties (such as derivatives) relating to
the security or other assets or indices. There may be little trading in the secondary market for particular
equity securities, which may adversely affect Our firm ‘s ability to value accurately or dispose of such equity
securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may
decrease the value and/or liquidity of equity securities. Investing in smaller companies may pose additional
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risks as it is often more difficult to value or dispose of small company stocks, more difficult to obtain
information about smaller companies, and the prices of their stocks may be more volatile than stocks of
larger, more established companies. Clients should have a long-term perspective and, for example, be able to
tolerate potentially sharp declines in value.
Fixed Income: Fixed income is a type of investing or budgeting style for which real return rates or periodic
income is received at regular intervals and at reasonably predictable levels. Fixed-income investors are
typically retired individuals who rely on their investments to provide a regular, stable income stream. This
demographic tends to invest heavily in fixed-income investments because of the reliable returns they offer.
Fixed-income investors who live on set amounts of periodically paid income face the risk of inflation eroding
their spending power.
Some examples of fixed-income investments include treasuries, money market instruments, corporate bonds,
asset-backed securities, municipal bonds and international bonds. The primary risk associated with fixed-
income investments is the borrower defaulting on his payment. Other considerations include exchange rate
risk for international bonds and interest rate risk for longer- dated securities. The most common type of fixed-
income security is a bond. Bonds are issued by federal governments, local municipalities and major corporations.
Fixed-income securities are recommended for investors seeking a diverse portfolio; however, the percentage
of the portfolio dedicated to fixed income depends on your own personal investment style. There is also an
opportunity to diversify the fixed-income component of a portfolio. Riskier fixed-income products, such as
junk bonds and longer-dated products, should comprise a lower percentage of your overall portfolio.
The interest payment on fixed-income securities is considered regular income and is determined based on
the creditworthiness of the borrower and current market rates. In general, bonds and fixed- income securities
with longer-dated maturities pay a higher rate, also referred to as the coupon rate, because they are considered
riskier. The longer the security is on the market, the more time it has to lose its value and/or default. At the
end of the bond term, or at bond maturity, the borrower returns the amount borrowed, also referred to as
the principal or par value.
Long-Term Purchases: Our firm may buy securities for your account and hold them for a relatively long time
(more than a year) in anticipation that the security’s value will appreciate over a long horizon. The risk of this
strategy is that our firm could miss out on potential short-term gains that could have been profitable to your
account, or it’s possible that the security’s value may decline sharply before our firm make a decision to sell.
Mutual Funds: A mutual fund is a company that pools money from many investors and invests the money
in a variety of differing security types based the objectives of the fund. The portfolio of the fund consists of
the combined holdings it owns. Each share represents an investor’s proportionate ownership of the fund’s
holdings and the income those holdings generate. The price that investors pay for mutual fund shares is
the fund’s per share net asset value (“NAV”) plus any shareholder fees that the fund imposes at the time of
purchase (such as sales loads). Investors typically cannot ascertain the exact make-up of a fund’s portfolio at
any given time, nor can they directly influence which securities the fund manager buys and sells or the timing
of those trades. With an individual stock, investors can obtain real-time (or close to real-time) pricing
information with relative ease by checking financial websites or by calling a broker or your investment
adviser. Investors can also monitor how a stock’s price changes from hour to hour—or even second to
second. By contrast, with a mutual fund, the price at which an investor purchases or redeems shares will
typically depend on the fund’s NAV, which is calculated daily after market close.
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The benefits of investing through mutual funds include: (a) Mutual funds are professionally managed by an
investment adviser who researches, selects, and monitors the performance of the securities purchased by
the fund; (b) Mutual funds typically have the benefit of diversification, which is an investing strategy that
generally sums up as “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Spreading investments across a wide range of
companies and industry sectors can help lower the risk if a company or sector fails. Some investors find
it easier to achieve diversification through ownership of mutual funds rather than through ownership of
individual stocks or bonds.; (c) Some mutual funds accommodate investors who do not have a lot of money
to invest by setting relatively low dollar amounts for initial purchases, subsequent monthly purchases, or
both.; and (d) At any time, mutual fund investors can readily redeem their shares at the current NAV, less
any fees and charges assessed on redemption.
Mutual funds also have features that some investors might view as disadvantages: (a) Investors must pay
sales charges, annual fees, and other expenses regardless of how the fund performs. Depending on the timing
of their investment, investors may also have to pay taxes on any capital gains distribution they receive. This
includes instances where the fund went on to perform poorly after purchasing shares.; (b) Investors typically
cannot ascertain the exact make-up of a fund’s portfolio at any given time, nor can they directly influence
which securities the fund manager buys and sells or the timing of those trades.; and (c) With an individual
stock, investors can obtain real-time (or close to real-time) pricing information with relative ease by checking
financial websites or by calling a broker or your investment adviser. Investors can also monitor how a stock’s
price changes from hour to hour—or even second to second. By contrast, with a mutual fund, the price at
which an investor purchases or redeems shares will typically depend on the fund’s NAV, which the fund
might not calculate until many hours after the investor placed the order. In general, mutual funds must
calculate their NAV at least once every business day, typically after the major U.S. exchanges close.
When investors buy and hold an individual stock or bond, the investor must pay income tax each year on
the dividends or interest the investor receives. However, the investor will not have to pay any capital gains
tax until the investor actually sells and makes a profit. Mutual funds are different. When an investor buys and
holds mutual fund shares, the investor will owe income tax on any ordinary dividends in the year the investor
receives or reinvests them. Moreover, in addition to owing taxes on any personal capital gains when the
investor sells shares, the investor may have to pay taxes each year on the fund’s capital gains. That is because
the law requires mutual funds to distribute capital gains to shareholders if they sell securities for a profit, and
cannot use losses to offset these gains.
Short-Term Purchases: When utilizing this strategy, our firm may also purchase securities with the idea of
selling them within a relatively short time (typically a year or less). Our firm does this in an attempt to take
advantage of conditions that our firm believes will soon result in a price swing in the securities our firm
purchase. The potential risk associated with this investment strategy is associated with the currency or
exchange rate. Currency or exchange rate risk is a form of risk that arises from the change in price of one
currency against another. The constant fluctuations in the foreign currency in which an investment is
denominated vis-à-vis one’s home currency may add risk to the value of a security. Currency risk is greater
for shorter term investments, which do not have time to level off like longer term foreign investments.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. While the stock market
may increase and the account(s) could enjoy a gain, it is also possible that the stock market may decrease and
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the account(s) could suffer a loss. It is important that clients understand the risks associated with investing
in the stock market, and that their assets are appropriately diversified in investments. Clients are encouraged
to ask our firm any questions regarding their risk tolerance.
Capital Risk: Capital risk is one of the most basic, fundamental risks of investing; it is the risk that you may
lose 100% of your money. All investments carry some form of risk and the loss of capital is generally a risk
for any investment instrument.
Company Risk: When investing in stock positions, there is always a certain level of company or industry
specific risk that is inherent in each investment. This is also referred to as unsystematic risk and can be
reduced through appropriate diversification. There is the risk that the company will perform poorly or have
its value reduced based on factors specific to the company or its industry. For example, if a company’s
employees go on strike or the company receives unfavorable media attention for its actions, the value of the
company may be reduced.
Credit Risk: Credit risk can be a factor in situations where an investment’s performance relies on a borrower’s
repayment of borrowed funds. With credit risk, an investor can experience a loss or unfavorable performance if
a borrower does not repay the borrowed funds as expected or required. Investment holdings that involve forms
of indebtedness (i.e. borrowed funds) are subject to credit risk.
Currency Risk: Fluctuations in the value of the currency in which your investment is denominated may
affect the value of your investment and thus, your investment may be worth more or less in the future. All
currency is subject to swings in valuation and thus, regardless of the currency denomination of any particular
investment you own, currency risk is a realistic risk measure. That said, currency risk is generally a much
larger factor for investment instruments denominated in currencies other than the most widely used
currencies (U.S. Dollar, British Pound, German Mark, Euro, Japanese Yen, French Franc, etc.).
Cybersecurity Risk: The risk related to unauthorized access to the systems and networks of BFG and its
service providers. The computer systems, networks and devices used by BFG and service providers to us
and our clients to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent
damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures,
infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized, systems,
networks or devices potentially can be breached. A client could be negatively impacted as a result of a
cybersecurity breach. Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices;
infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable,
slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity
breaches cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses
to a client; impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers to transact business;
violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or other compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential
information. Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issues of
securities in which a client invests; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other
financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions; and other parties. In
addition, substantial costs may be incurred by those entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches
in the future.
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Economic Risk: The prevailing economic environment is important to the health of all businesses. Some
companies, however, are more sensitive to changes in the domestic or global economy than others. These types
of companies are often referred to as cyclical businesses. Countries in which a large portion of businesses are in
cyclical industries are thus also very economically sensitive and carry a higher amount of economic risk. If an
investment is issued by a party located in a country that experiences wide swings from an economic standpoint
or in situations where certain elements of an investment instrument are hinged on dealings in such countries,
the investment instrument will generally be subject to a higher level of economic risk.
Equity (Stock) Market Risk: Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to
volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. If
you held common stock, or common stock equivalents, of any given issuer, you would generally be exposed
to greater risk than if you held preferred stocks and debt obligations of the issuer.
ETF & Mutual Fund Risk: When investing in an ETF or mutual fund, you will bear additional expenses
based on your pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential
duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of
owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. Clients will also incur brokerage costs when
purchasing ETFs.
Financial Risk: Financial risk is represented by internal disruptions within an investment or the issuer of
an investment that can lead to unfavorable performance of the investment. Examples of financial risk can be
found in cases like Enron or many of the dot com companies that were caught up in a period of extraordinary
market valuations that were not based on solid financial footings of the companies.
Fixed Income Securities Risk: Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing
interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk
that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause your account value to
likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed income securities may react to changes in interest rates
will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit
risk, prepayment risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. Credit risk is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to
pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such
payments will cause the price of a bond to decline.
Foreign Exposure Risk: Our firm may have exposure to foreign markets, including emerging markets,
which can be more volatile than the U.S. markets. As a result, returns and net asset value may be affected to
a large degree by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or political or economic conditions in a particular
country. Any investments in emerging market countries may involve risks greater than, or in addition to, the
risks of investing in more developed countries.
Inflation Risk: Inflation risk involves the concern that in the future, your investment or proceeds from your
investment will not be worth what they are today. Throughout time, the prices of resources and end-user
products generally increase and thus, the same general goods and products today will likely be more
expensive in the future. The longer an investment is held, the greater the chance that the proceeds from that
investment will be worth less in the future than what they are today. Said another way, a dollar tomorrow
will likely get you less than what it can today.
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Interest Rate Risk: Certain investments involve the payment of a fixed or variable rate of interest to the
investment holder. Once an investor has acquired or has acquired the rights to an investment that pays a
particular rate (fixed or variable) of interest, changes in overall interest rates in the market will affect the
value of the interest-paying investment(s) they hold. In general, changes in prevailing interest rates in the
market will have an inverse relationship to the value of existing, interest paying investments. In other words,
as interest rates move up, the value of an instrument paying a particular rate (fixed or variable) of interest
will go down. The reverse is generally true as well.
Legal/Regulatory Risk: Certain investments or the issuers of investments may be affected by changes in state
or federal laws or in the prevailing regulatory framework under which the investment instrument or its issuer is
regulated. Changes in the regulatory environment or tax laws can affect the performance of certain investments or
issuers of those investments and thus, can have a negative impact on the overall performance of such investments.
Liquidity Risk: Certain assets may not be readily converted into cash or may have a very limited market in
which they trade. Thus, you may experience the risk that your investment or assets within your investment
may not be able to be liquidated quickly, thus, extending the period of time by which you may receive the
proceeds from your investment. Liquidity risk can also result in unfavorable pricing when exiting (i.e. not
being able to quickly get out of an investment before the price drops significantly) a particular investment
and therefore, can have a negative impact on investment returns.
Manager Risk: There is always the possibility that poor security selection will cause your investments to
underperform relative to benchmarks or other funds with a similar investment objective.
Market Risk: The value of your portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual company or multiple
companies in the portfolio decreases or if our belief about a company’s intrinsic worth is incorrect. Further,
regardless of how well individual companies perform, the value of your portfolio could also decrease if there are
deteriorating economic or market conditions. It is important to understand that the value of your investment
may fall, sometimes sharply, in response to changes in the market, and you could lose money. Investment risks
include price risk as may be observed by a drop in a security’s price due to company specific events (e.g. earnings
disappointment or downgrade in the rating of a bond) or general market risk (e.g. such as a “bear” market when
stock values fall in general). For fixed-income securities, a period of rising interest rates could erode the value of a
bond since bond values generally fall as bond yields go up. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
Market Timing Risk: Market timing can include high risk of loss since it looks at an aggregate market versus
a specific security. Timing risk explains the potential for missing out on beneficial movements in price due
to an error in timing. This could cause harm to the value of an investor’s portfolio because of purchasing too
high or selling too low.
Mid-Sized Companies Risk: Investments in securities issued by mid-sized companies may involve greater
risks than are customarily associated with larger, more established companies. Securities issued by mid-
sized companies tend to be more volatile than securities issued by larger or more established companies and
may underperform as compared to the securities of larger companies.
Money Market Risk: An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although a
money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose
money by investing in a money market fund.
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Operational Risk: Operational risk can be experienced when an issuer of an investment product is unable
to carry out the business it has planned to execute. Operational risk can be experienced as a result of human
failure, operational inefficiencies, system failures, or the failure of other processes critical to the business
operations of the issuer or counter party to the investment.
Options Risk: Options on securities may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than an investment in
the underlying securities. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and
entail greater than ordinary investment risks.
Past Performance: Charting and technical analysis are often used interchangeably. Technical analysis generally
attempts to forecast an investment’s future potential by analyzing its past performance and other related
statistics. In particular, technical analysis often times involves an evaluation of historical pricing and volume
of a particular security for the purpose of forecasting where future price and volume figures may go. As with
any investment analysis method, technical analysis runs the risk of not knowing the future and thus, investors
should realize that even the most diligent and thorough technical analysis cannot predict or guarantee the
future performance of any particular investment instrument or issuer thereof.
Clients are advised that they should only commit assets for management that can be invested for the long
term, that volatility from investing can occur, and that all investing is subject to risk. BFG does not guarantee
the future performance of a client’s portfolio, as investing in securities involves the risk of loss that clients
should be prepared to bear.
Past performance of a security or a fund is not necessarily indicative of future performance or risk of loss.
Description of Material, Significant or Unusual Risks
Our firm generally invests client cash balances in money market funds, FDIC Insured Certificates of Deposit,
high-grade commercial paper and/or government backed debt instruments. Ultimately, our firm tries to
achieve the highest return on client cash balances through relatively low-risk conservative investments. In
most cases, at least a partial cash balance will be maintained in a money market account so that our firm may
debit advisory fees for our services related to our Asset Management services, as applicable.
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
There are no legal or disciplinary events that are material to the evaluation of our advisory business or the
integrity of our management.
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
Licensed Insurance Professionals
Advisory persons of BFG are licensed as insurance professionals. Such persons earn commission-based
compensation for selling insurance products to clients. Insurance commissions earned by advisory
persons who are insurance professionals are separate from and in addition to BFG’s advisory fee. This practice
presents a conflict of interest as an advisory person who is an insurance professional has an incentive to
recommend insurance products for the purpose of generating commissions rather than solely based on client
needs. BFG addresses this conflict through disclosure and strives to make recommendations which are in
the best interests of its clients. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products through any
person affiliated with BFG.
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Please see Item 4 above for more information about the selection of third party money managers. The
compensation paid to our firm by third party managers may vary, and thus, creates a conflict of interest in
recommending a manager who shares a larger portion of its advisory fees over another manager. Prior to
referring clients to third party advisors, our firm will ensure that third party advisors are licensed or notice
filed with the respective authorities. A potential conflict of interest in utilizing third party advisors may be an
incentive to us in selecting a particular advisor over another in the form of fees or services. In order to
minimize this conflict our firm will make our recommendations/selections in the best interest of our clients.
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS
& PERSONAL TRADING
As a fiduciary, it is an investment adviser’s responsibility to provide fair and full disclosure of all material facts and
to act solely in the best interest of each of our clients at all times. Our fiduciary duty is the underlying principle for
our firm’s Code of Ethics, which includes procedures for personal securities transaction and insider trading. Our
firm requires all representatives to conduct business with the highest level of ethical standards and to comply with
all federal and state securities laws at all times. Upon employment with our firm, and at least annually thereafter,
all representatives of our firm will acknowledge receipt, understanding and compliance with our firm’s Code of
Ethics. Our firm and representatives must conduct business in an honest, ethical, and fair manner and avoid all
circumstances that might negatively affect or appear to affect our duty of complete loyalty to all clients.
Personal securities transactions of supervised persons present potential conflicts of interest with the price
obtained in client securities transactions or the investment opportunity available to clients. The Code
addresses these potential conflicts by prohibiting securities trades that would breach a fiduciary duty
to a client and requiring, with certain exceptions, supervised persons to report their personal securities
holdings and transactions to BFG for review by the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Code also requires
supervised persons to obtain pre-approval of certain investments, including initial public offerings and
limited offerings.
BFG will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
Compliance with Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule
Our firm provides investment advice to assets affected by the Department of Labor (“DOL”) Fiduciary Rule
for a level fee. When Brio provides investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, Brio is 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 Brio
operates under a special rule that requires Brio to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of
yours. As a level-fee fiduciary, we maintain a non-variable compensation structure that is provided on the
basis of a fixed percentage of the value of assets or a set fee that does not vary with the particular investment
recommended, as opposed to a commission or other transaction based fee.
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES
Selecting a Brokerage Firm
Our firm seeks to recommend a custodian who will hold client assets and execute transactions on terms that
are overall most advantageous when compared to other available providers and their services. The factors
considered, among others, are these:
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• Timeliness of execution
• Timeliness and accuracy of trade confirmations
• Research services provided
• Ability to provide investment ideas
• Execution facilitation services provided
• Record keeping services provided
• Custody services provided
• Frequency and correction of trading errors
• Ability to access a variety of market venues
• Expertise as it relates to specific securities
• Financial condition
• Business reputation
• Quality of services
BFG generally recommends that its investment management clients utilize the custody and brokerage
services of an unaffiliated broker/dealer custodians (a “BD/Custodian”) with which BFG has an institutional
relationship. Each BD/Custodian provides custody of securities, trade execution, and clearance and settlement
of transactions placed on behalf of clients by the Firm. We currently recommend clients use Schwab Advisor
Services, a division of Charles Schwab & Co. (“Schwab”) or Altruist Financial LLC (“Altruist”). These firms
are “qualified custodians” as that term is described in Rule 206(4)-2 of the Advisors Act and are nationally
recognized discount broker-dealers that offer custody, record keeping, and reporting services. Clients are able
to choose one or more of these institutions depending on their financial needs, preferences, and other factors
listed above. Advisor also participates in Schwab Advisor Network® (“the Service”). Please see the disclosure
under Item 14 below. Schwab enables us to obtain many no- load mutual funds without transaction charges
and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges. Schwab does not charge client accounts separately for
custodial services. Client accounts will be charged transaction fees, commissions or other fees on trades that are
executed or settle into the client’s custodial account. Transaction fees are negotiated with each Custodian and
are generally discounted from customary retail commission rates. This benefits clients because the overall fee
paid is often lower than would be otherwise.
Custodians may make certain research and brokerage services available at no additional cost to our firm.
Research products and services provided by the Custodians may include: research reports on recommendations
or other information about particular companies or industries; economic surveys, data and analyses; financial
publications; portfolio evaluation services; financial database software and services; computerized news and
pricing services; quotation equipment for use in running software used in investment decision-making; and
other products or services that provide lawful and appropriate assistance by the Custodians to our firm in the
performance of our investment decision-making responsibilities. The aforementioned research and brokerage
services qualify for the safe harbor exemption defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Schwab and Altruist do not make client brokerage commissions generated by client transactions available for
our firm’s use. The aforementioned research and brokerage services are used by our firm to manage accounts
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for which our firm has investment discretion. Without this arrangement, our firm might be compelled to
purchase the same or similar services at our own expense.
As part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, our firm will endeavor at all times to put the interests of our clients
first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by our firm or our related persons
creates a potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence our firm’s choice of Schwab or Altruist as a
custodial recommendation. We endeavor to recommend brokerage firms that we believe are in a position to
offer our clients the best array of services appropriate for the client situation at a reasonable and competitive cost.
Our non-wrap fee clients may pay a transaction fee or commission to Schwab or Altruist that is higher than
another qualified broker dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where our firm determines in
good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided to the client as a whole.
In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction
represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s
services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness.
Although our firm will seek competitive rates, to the benefit of all clients, our firm may not necessarily
obtain the lowest possible commission rates for specific client account transactions.
Soft Dollars
Our firm does not receive soft dollars in excess of what is allowed by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. The safe harbor research products and services obtained by our firm will generally be used to
service all of our clients but not necessarily all at any one particular time.
Client Brokerage Commissions
Our firm does not direct client transactions to a particular broker-dealer in return for soft dollar benefits.
Our firm does not receive brokerage for client referrals.
Directed Brokerage
In certain instances, clients may seek to limit or restrict our discretionary authority in making the determination
of the brokers with whom orders for the purchase or sale of securities are placed for execution, and the
commission rates at which such securities transactions are effected. Clients may seek to limit our authority
in this area by directing that transactions (or some specified percentage of transactions) be executed through
specified brokers in return for portfolio evaluation or other services deemed by the client to be of value. Any such
client direction must be in writing (often through our advisory agreement), and may contain a representation
from the client that the arrangement is permissible under its governing laws and documents, if this is relevant.
Our firm provides appropriate disclosure in writing to clients who direct trades to particular brokers, that
with respect to their directed trades, they will be treated as if they have retained the investment discretion
that our firm otherwise would have in selecting brokers to effect transactions and in negotiating commissions
and that such direction may adversely affect our ability to obtain best price and execution. In addition, our
firm will inform clients in writing that the trade orders may not be aggregated with other clients’ orders and
that direction of brokerage may hinder best execution.
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Special Considerations for ERISA Clients
A retirement or ERISA plan client may direct all or part of portfolio transactions for its account through
a specific broker or dealer in order to obtain goods or services on behalf of the plan. Such direction is
permitted provided that the goods and services provided are reasonable expenses of the plan incurred in
the ordinary course of its business for which it otherwise would be obligated and empowered to pay. ERISA
prohibits directed brokerage arrangements when the goods or services purchased are not for the exclusive
benefit of the plan. Consequently, our firm will request that plan sponsors who direct plan brokerage provide
us with a letter documenting that this arrangement will be for the exclusive benefit of the plan.
Client-Directed Brokerage
Our firm allows clients to direct brokerage outside our recommendation. Our firm may be unable to achieve
the most favorable execution of client transactions. Client directed brokerage may cost clients more money. For
example, in a directed brokerage account, clients may pay higher brokerage commissions because our firm may
not be able to aggregate orders to reduce transaction costs, or clients may receive less favorable prices.
Trade Errors
BFG’s goal is to execute trades seamlessly and in the best interests of the client. In the event a trade error
occurs, BFG endeavors to identify the error in a timely manner, correct the error so that the client’s account
is in the position it would have been had the error not occurred, and, after evaluating the error, assess what
action(s) might be necessary to prevent a recurrence of similar errors in the future.
Trade errors generally are corrected through the use of a “trade error” account or similar account at Schwab,
or another BD, as the case may be. In the event an error is made in a client account custodied elsewhere,
our firm works directly with the broker in question to take corrective action. In all cases, BFG will take the
appropriate measures to return the client’s account to its intended position.
Aggregation of Purchase or Sale
To the extent that the Firm determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of securities,
including securities in which the Firm’s supervised persons may invest, the Firm will generally do so in a
fair equitable manner in accordance with applicable rules promulgated under the Advisers Act and guidance
provided by the staff of the SEC and consistent with policies and procedures established by the Firm.
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS OR FINANCIAL PLANS
Our management personnel or financial advisors review accounts on at least an annual basis for our Asset
Management clients. The nature of these reviews is to learn whether client accounts are in line with their
investment objectives, appropriately positioned based on market conditions, and investment policies, if
applicable. Our firm does not provide written reports to clients, unless asked to do so. Verbal reports
to clients take place on at least an annual basis when our Asset Management, and Third Party Money
Management clients are contacted. Our firm may review client accounts more frequently than described
above. Among the factors which may trigger an off-cycle review are major market or economic events, the
client’s life events, requests by the client, etc.
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Financial Planning clients do not receive reviews of their written plans unless they take action to schedule a
financial consultation with us. Our firm does not provide ongoing services to financial planning clients, but
are willing to meet with such clients upon their request to discuss updates to their plans, changes in their
circumstances, etc. Financial Planning clients do not receive written or verbal updated reports regarding
their financial plans unless they separately engage our firm for a post-financial plan meeting or update to
their initial written financial plan.
Retirement Plan Consulting clients receive reviews of their retirement plans for the duration of the service.
Our firm also provides ongoing services where clients are met with upon their request to discuss updates to
their plans, changes in their circumstances, etc. Retirement Plan Consulting clients do not receive written
or verbal updated reports regarding their plans unless they choose to engage our firm for ongoing services.
Regular Reports
Written brokerage statements are generated no less than quarterly and are sent directly from the qualified
custodian. These reports list the account positions, activity in the account over the covered period, and other
related information. Clients are also sent confirmations following each brokerage account transaction unless
confirmations have been waived.
BFG may also determine to provide account statements and other reporting to clients on a periodic basis.
BFG may also provide account reports during client meetings.
Clients are urged to carefully review all custodial account statements and compare them to any statements
and reports provided by BFG. BFG statements and reports may vary from custodial statements based on
accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS & OTHER COMPENSATION
Schwab
As disclosed under Item 12 above, Advisor participates in Schwab’s institutional customer programs and
Advisor may recommend Schwab to Clients for custody and brokerage services. There is no direct link
between Advisor’s participation in the programs and the investment advice it gives to its Clients, although
Advisor receives economic benefits through its participation in the programs that are typically not available
to Schwab retail investors. These benefits include the following products and services (provided without
cost or at a discount): receipt of duplicate Client statements and confirmations; research related products
and tools; consulting services; access to a trading desk serving Advisor participants; access to block trading
(which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions for execution and then allocate the appropriate
shares to Client accounts); the ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from Client accounts; access
to an electronic communications network for Client order entry and account information; access to mutual
funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers; and discounts on compliance,
marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or services provided to Advisor by
third party vendors. Schwab may also have paid for business consulting and professional services received by
Advisor’s related persons. Some of the products and services made available by Schwab through the programs
may benefit Advisor but may not benefit its Client accounts. These products or services may assist Advisor in
managing and administering Client accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. Other services
made available by Schwab are intended to help Advisor manage and further develop its business enterprise.
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The benefits received by Advisor or its personnel through participation in the program do not depend on
the amount of brokerage transactions directed to Schwab. As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, Advisor
endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt
of economic benefits by Advisor or its related persons in and of itself creates a potential conflict of interest and
may indirectly influence the Advisor’s choice of Schwab for custody and brokerage services.
Additional Services
Advisor’s receipt of additional services, if any, does not diminish its duty to act in the best interest of its
Clients, including to seek best execution of trades for Client accounts. In addition, in connection with
offering additional services to clients, third parties may compensate us and our affiliates for providing
expanded services. BFG has an incentive to recommend the use of these additional services, including
estate planning services, because they generate additional revenue for the firm. BFG mitigates this conflict
of interest through disclosure and by only recommending services or products if we believe that they would
meet client needs and that they would be in clients’ best interest. These products and services will only be
provided to clients who wish to take advantage of them and clients have no obligation to participate in any
additional product or service recommended by BFG.
Schwab Advisor Network® (“the Service”)
Currently, BFG receives client referrals from Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) through BFG’s
participation in Schwab Advisor Network® (“the Service”). The Service is designed to help investors find
an independent investment advisor. Schwab is a broker-dealer independent of and unaffiliated with BFG.
Schwab does not supervise Advisor and has no responsibility for BFG’s management of clients’ portfolios
or Advisor’s other advice or services. BFG pays Schwab fees to receive client referrals through the Service.
BFG’s participation in the Service raises potential conflicts of interest described below. BFG pays Schwab a
Participation Fee on all referred clients’ accounts that are maintained in custody at Schwab and a separate
one-time Transfer Fee on all accounts that are transferred to another custodian. The Transfer Fee creates a
conflict of interest that encourages BFG to recommend that client accounts be held in custody at Schwab.
The Participation Fee paid by BFG is a percentage of the value of the assets in the client’s account. BFG
pays Schwab the Participation Fee for so long as the referred client’s account remains in custody at Schwab.
The Participation Fee and any Transfer fee is paid by BFG and not by the client. BFG has agreed not to
charge clients referred through the Service fees or costs greater than the fees or costs BFG charges clients
with similar portfolios who were not referred through the Service. The Participation and Transfer Fees
are based on assets in accounts of BFG clients who were referred by Schwab and those referred clients’
family members living in the same household. Thus, BFG will have incentives to recommend that client
accounts and household members of clients referred through the Service maintain custody of their accounts
at Schwab.
Referral Fees
BFG seeks to enter into agreements with individuals and organizations for the referral of clients to us. All
such agreements will be in writing and will comply with the applicable state and federal regulations. If a client
is introduced to BFG by a solicitor, BFG will pay that solicitor a fee in accordance with the applicable federal
and state securities law requirements. While the specific terms of each agreement may differ, generally, the
compensation will be based upon BFG’s engagement of new clients and the retention of these clients and
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would be calculated using a varying percentage of the fees paid to BFG by such clients until the account is
closed by written authorization from the client. Any such fee shall be paid solely from BFG’s fees, and shall
not result in additional charges to the client.
Each prospective client who is referred to BFG under such an agreement will receive a copy of this Brochure
and a separate written disclosure document disclosing the nature of the relationship between the third party
solicitor and BFG and the compensation that will be paid to the us by the third party.
ITEM 15: CUSTODY
All clients must utilize a “qualified custodian” as detailed in Item 12. Clients are required to engage the
custodian to retain their funds and securities and direct BFG to utilize the custodian for the client’s
securities transactions. BFG’s agreement with clients and/or the clients’ separate agreements with the B/D
Custodian may authorize BFG through such BD/Custodian to debit the clients’ accounts for the amount of
BFG’s fee and to directly remit that fee to BFG in accordance with applicable custody rules.
The account custodian has physical custody of client assets, but the SEC deems BFG to have legal custody
over these assets if the Firm is authorized to instruct the custodian to deduct Firm advisory fees directly
from clients’ custodial accounts, when BFG personnel serve as trustee for advisory clients, general partner
of a private investment fund, and when the Firm has the authority to instruct the custodian to transfer assets
to third parties pursuant to standing letters of authorization (“SLOA”). BFG reports having custody of client
assets under Item 9 Part 1 of Form ADV, and is required under Rule 206(4)-2 to obtain a custody audit to
verify client assets over which they have authority as general partner or trustee. For the remaining assets,
the SEC has exempted advisers from the custody audit requirement by rule or no-action relief. Clients will
receive account statements directly from the custodian at least quarterly. They will be sent to the email or
postal mailing address clients provide to the custodian. Clients should carefully review those statements
promptly upon receipt, and to compare them with any reports they receive from BFG. Clients are encouraged
to note that the account custodian does not verify the accuracy of BFG’s advisory fee calculation. For more
information about custodians and brokerage practices, see “Item 12 - Brokerage Practices.”
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Clients have the option of providing our firm with investment discretion on their behalf, pursuant to an executed
investment advisory client agreement. By granting investment discretion, our firm is authorized to execute
securities transactions, determine which securities are bought and sold, and the total amount to be bought
and sold. Should clients grant our firm non-discretionary authority, our firm would be required to obtain the
client’s permission prior to effecting securities transactions. Limitations may be imposed by the client in the
form of specific constraints on any of these areas of discretion with our firm’s written acknowledgment.
ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Our firm does not accept the proxy authority to vote client securities. Clients retain the responsibility for
receiving and voting proxies for all and any securities maintained in client portfolios. Clients may call, write
or email us to discuss questions they may have about particular proxy votes or other solicitations.
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ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
BFG is not required to disclose any financial information pursuant to this item due to the following:
a) BFG does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months or more in
advance of rendering services;
b) BFG 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; and
c) BFG has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition
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