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CONFLUENCE PART 2A DISCLOSURE
Confluence Financial Partners (CRD 311980), brochure dated September 15, 2026. Text extracted from the firm's SEC Form ADV Part 2 brochure.
View firm on SEC ↗ · Current Form ADV (PDF) ↗
ITEM 1: Cover Page
Registered as Confluence Wealth Services, LLC
732 E. McMurray Road
McMurray, PA 15317
T: 724.271.8801
TF: 844.500.4655
F: 724.271.8814
www.confluencefp.com
September 15, 2026
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Confluence Wealth Services, LLC d/b/a Confluence Financial Partners (“Confluence”). If you
have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (4 12-391-0377).
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority. Registration
with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about Confluence is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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ITEM 2: Material Changes
Below is a summary of material changes since the previous annual amendment file 03/31/2026.
•
Item 4: Sub-Advisors - The Firm may allocate a portion of a client's assets to one or more
independent investment managers or engage third-party sub-advisers to assist with
portfolio management, including fixed income management for certain accounts. In
selecting and monitoring these managers, the Firm considers factors such as the client's
investment objectives, investment style, performance, reputation, resources, reporting
capabilities, fees, and research. The Firm retains responsibility for ongoing oversight and
review of the account and continues to provide advisory services to the client. Fees
charged by independent managers, sub-advisers, and the client's custodian or broker-
dealer are separate from and in addition to the Firm's advisory fee unless otherwise
disclosed.
•
Item 5: Confluence removed its minimum fee requirement.
•
Item 14: This section was amended to disclose a revenue-sharing arrangement.
• Confluence underwent a corporate reorganization. The firm changed its name,
converted its legal form from a Pennsylvania corporation to a Delaware limited liability
company, and changed its state of organization from Pennsylvania to Delaware.
Confluence encourages each client to read this Brochure carefully and to contact their
investment advisor representative with any questions you may have. Pursuant to SEC rules,
Confluence will ensure that Clients will receive a summary of any material changes to this
Brochure within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year, along with a copy of this Brochure or an
offer to provide the Brochure. Additionally, as we experience material changes in the future, we
will send you a copy of this Brochure or a summary of our “Material Changes” along with an
offer to provide the Brochure under separate cover. For more information about Confluence,
please contact us at 412-391-0377
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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
11
ITEM 6: Performance Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
16
ITEM 7: Types of Clients
16
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, & Risk of Loss
17
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information
30
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
30
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics
30
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices
31
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts
37
ITEM 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
38
ITEM 15: Custody
39
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion
40
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities
40
ITEM 18: Financial Information
41
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ITEM 4: Advisory Business
Confluence History
Confluence Wealth Services, LLC d/b/a Confluence Financial Partners (“Confluence” or the
“Adviser”) was established in 2021 and is principally owned by Confluence Financial Partners,
LLC. (the “holding company”). As a wealth management firm, Confluence focuses on providing
holistic planning, objective-based investment solutions, and ongoing monitoring for clients.
Since inception in 2021, Confluence has been providing comprehensive wealth management
services (as further described below) to individuals, professionals, business owners, corporate
executives, retirement plans and businesses.
As a registered investment adviser subject to Section 206 of the Advisers Act, Confluence acts as
a fiduciary to its Clients and must act in the Client’s best interest when providing wealth
management services. As such, Confluence is guided by the core fiduciary duties of loyalty and
care. The firm works closely with its Clients to define each Client’s unique financial, life, and
legacy goals, and then structures a financial plan and investment management strategy
designed to achieve them. Confluence Financial Partners aims to impact clients through
thoughtful financial planning, intelligent investing, continual improvement, and professional
service. Refer to Insurance Services for detail on the standards applied, potential conflicts of
interest and commission structures.
Our Wealth Management Services
Financial Planning Services
Confluence’s Financial Planning Services are designed to provide the Client with an analysis of
steps the Client may wish to consider within their investment portfolio to help achieve their
long-term needs. To begin this process, we will interview the Client to gather certain necessary
information and request pertinent documentation in order to assess the Client’s current
financial situation.
Considering the Client’s goals, risk tolerance and long-term objectives, the Firm will then
analyze and recommend appropriate investment strategies and allocation of assets as necessary
and will seek to achieve optimum overall results for the long-term.
As part of Confluence’s Financial Planning Services, the Adviser also provides consulting services
related to general retirement readiness planning, tax planning, estate planning, and educational
savings. Typically, this will include general tax and estate planning, retirement income needs
analysis and/or college savings advisement; liaising with Client’s CPA, tax preparer or estate
planning attorney (as needed); and hosting family meetings to discuss Confluence’s analysis.
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The Client acknowledges that he/she/it is under no obligation to implement any
recommendations provided as part of Confluence’s Financial Planning Services. Should Client
decide to implement Confluence’s recommendations, Investment Management Services are
offered and available through the Firm. Clients should realize that such recommendations could
represent a potential conflict of interest since Confluence’s representatives may receive fees,
compensation or other concessions for these services.
Investment Management Services
The first stage of the Adviser’s investment management services typically involves the
completion of a Client Account Form. The Client Account Form sets forth the Client’s overall
investment objective, risk tolerance, investment guidelines, time horizons and other important
and necessary information relating to the Client’s assets to be managed by the Firm under this
Agreement. Once the necessary information is gathered, Adviser will commence performing its
investment management services which are provided on a discretionary or non-discretionary
basis.
Confluence manages Client accounts on an individualized basis in accordance with the Client’s
investment guidelines, including any reasonable restrictions requested by the Client in
accordance with normal industry practice. Based on the needs of the Client and the size of the
Client’s account(s), we generally offer either the Confluence Separately Managed Account
Services or the Confluence Compass Services, as further described below.
We encourage Clients to inform us in the event of any significant life changes, such as setting a
retirement date, having a child, etc., so that we can perform an assessment to determine the
proper investment strategy from that point forward. Typically, we review accounts internally
and periodically with our Clients, which should be sufficient given our long-term strategic
approach to money management. While generally Confluence’s investment strategies are
primarily long-term focused, we may buy, sell, or reallocate positions that have been held less
than one year to meet the objectives of a particular strategy or due to market conditions.
• Confluence Separately Managed Account Services: Generally, for Clients with larger
accounts who desire more personalized services, Adviser makes available four (4)
Separately Managed Account Services. Confluence will actively manage the Client’s
portfolios and typically incorporate both active and passive investment vehicles which
consist of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, allocation models and other
securities, including short-term money market instruments. Portfolios are generally
reviewed and rebalanced annually, with Client meetings generally occurring on an
annual basis. For its Separately Managed Account Services, Confluence offers the
following:
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o Target Allocation & Individually Managed Portfolios: Confluence offers
proprietary investment strategies and/or an individually designed, custom
portfolio based on the Client’s needs.
o Managed Stock Portfolios: Confluence offers internally managed stock portfolios
that are overseen by the firm’s Investment Advisory Committee. The strategies
are actively managed through quantitative analysis of historical fundamental
factors, with a focus on large-cap and mid-cap securities domiciled in the United
States. The strategies do not have a material cash allocation. The firm requires a
$100,000 account minimum.
o Third-Party Managers: Confluence offers asset management services involving
unaffiliated third-party money managers (collectively hereinafter, “Third-Party
Managers” or “TPMs”). Through these services, Confluence can provide access to
third-party money managers that can manage a portion or all of the Client’s
assets. These managers may employ a variety of investment strategies, including
the use of margin borrowing and short selling, which involve a high degree of
risk.
o Sub-Advisors: The Firm may allocate a portion of a client's assets to one or more
independent investment managers or engage third-party sub-advisers to assist
with portfolio management, including fixed income management for certain
accounts. In selecting and monitoring these managers, the Firm considers factors
such as the client's investment objectives, investment style, performance,
reputation, resources, reporting capabilities, fees, and research. The Firm retains
responsibility for ongoing oversight and review of the account and continues to
provide advisory services to the client.
• Confluence Pathways Program: Pathways is an optional extension to the traditional 401k
services provided through our RPS (Retirement Plan Services). Pathways provides a
solution for employers who want to offer the added benefit of direct email
communications with the firm via dedicated inbox for basic financial literacy type
questions. When applicable, a basic financial plan and recommendations will also be
offered. Pathways provides additional dedicated newsletters specific to enrolled plans.
Confluence Financial Partners is compensated a flat annual fee or a per employee fee
structure. The fee for this service is billed directly to the employer.
For individuals with more sophisticated financial needs, Confluence Financial Partners
may offer comprehensive financial planning and investment management at agreed
upon fee structures outside of the Pathways program and offerings. This fee is paid by
the individual client. By partnering directly with a Wealth Manager, additional tailored
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solutions may be provided including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning
guidance, and legacy planning, among other services. The fee for this service is billed to
the employer.
• Confluence Compass Services: Generally, for those Clients with smaller account sizes
who wish to have more systematic services, Confluence offers a basic financial planning
service and discretionary model portfolio solution. Each Client will be designated with a
Wealth Manager and Client Service Associate who can provide general planning
guidance, access to the managed stock portfolios and objective based portfolios, annual
rebalancing and more. Client meetings will be offered on an annual basis, and there is no
required account minimum.
• Assets Held Directly With Product Sponsors: In certain circumstances, the Firm may
recommend investment products that are held directly with an investment company,
insurance carrier, or other product sponsor rather than within the client’s primary
custodial investment account. These products may include, but are not limited to,
mutual funds, annuity contracts, and college savings plans established under Section 529
Plans. When clients invest in these products, the accounts are established and
maintained directly with the product sponsor or insurance carrier.
The Firm may provide advice regarding these assets as part of a client’s overall financial
planning or investment strategy; the Firm generally has discretionary authority over
these accounts and may have the ability to implement transactions or monitor the
investments on an ongoing basis. Clients are responsible for reviewing the prospectus,
contract, or offering documents provided by the product sponsor for detailed
information regarding the product’s investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses.
In most cases, assets held directly with product sponsors will be included in the Firm’s
assets under management for billing or reporting purposes.
Insurance Services
Through its affiliated entity, Confluence Insurance Services, LLC (“CIS”), the Adviser makes
available to its advisory Client an insurance review. If it is determined that a life insurance policy
would be suitable for the Client, the Confluence Investment Adviser Representative (“IAR”) will
refer insurance business to a licensed insurance agent with CIS or an outside insurance broker.
To the extent a Confluence IAR who is insurance licensed refers insurance business to CIS’s
Insurance Agent or to an outside insurance broker, and the Client elects to purchase an
insurance product through CIS, that IAR will share in the insurance commissions or receive a
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referral fee to the extent permissible in accordance with applicable insurance regulations. This
creates a conflict of interest due to the fact that remuneration is received for such referral. In
addition, if you purchase an annuity product from a Confluence IAR or licensed insurance
professional, this may also represent a conflict of interest as some annuities involve
commissions payable to the selling agent. Confluence may, as appropriate, attempt to mitigate
this conflict by offering fee-based annuities which do not pay a commission, and instead the
annuity funds are assessed an advisory fee as noted in Item 5, Fees and Compensation.
Insurance and annuity products and services are not subject to the investment adviser
regulations. Investment advisory services are provided in accordance with a fiduciary duty of
care and loyalty that includes putting your interests first and disclosing conflicts. Insurance and
annuity services have a best interest standard which requires recommendations to be in your
best interest. Advisors may receive commission for the sale of insurance and annuity products.
Additional details including potential conflicts of interest are available in our firm's ADV Part 2A
and Form CRS (for advisory services) and the Insurance Agent Disclosure for Annuities form (for
annuity recommendations).
Any referral by a Confluence IAR to CIS or an outside broker, however, is a conflict of interest to
the extent that the IAR is receiving remuneration should the Client elect to purchase the
insurance or annuity policy. Clients are under no obligation to purchase an insurance policy
through CIS.
Other Services- Retirement Plan Consulting Services
Confluence provides retirement plan consulting services to sponsors of qualified retirement
plans as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(“ERISA”). The services provided by Confluence vary from Client to Client and will be tailored to
the specific needs of the plan sponsor. Although not intended to be all inclusive, the retirement
plan services provided may include plan design consulting, fiduciary best practices assessment,
basic compliance reviews, investment policy development, fund menu design, fund manager
search and selection, fund replacements, asset allocation modeling, investment monitoring and
review, plan committee meetings, provider fee and service reviews, provider management,
provider search and selection, transition services to a new provider, Section 404(c) consulting,
education program strategy, and employee meetings.
Confluence offers Wealth Management services to the participants in the ERISA plans it
manages. Each ERISA plan sponsor has the option to agree that this service be offered to its
participants.
IRA Rollovers- Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02 Disclosure
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When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are
laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money creates conflicts with your
interests, so we operate under a special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not
put our interest ahead of yours. Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give
prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give
loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your
best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest
Client considering rolling over assets from a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan
(“Employer Plan”) to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”) should review and consider the
advantages and disadvantages of an IRA rollover from their Employer Plan. A plan participant
leaving an employer typically has four options (and can engage in a combination of these
options):
(1) Leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if permitted;
(2) Rollover the assets to a new employer’s plan (if available and rollovers are
permitted);
(3) Rollover Employer Plan assets to an IRA; or,
(4) Cash out the Employer Plan assets and pay the required taxes on the distribution.
At a minimum, Client should consider fees and expenses, investment options, services, penalty-
free withdrawals, protection from creditors and legal judgments, required minimum
distributions, and employer stock. Confluence encourages you to discuss your options and
review the above listed considerations with an accountant, third-party administrator,
investment adviser to your Employer Plan (if available), or legal counsel, to the extent you
consider necessary.
By recommending that you rollover your Employer Plan assets to an IRA advised by Confluence,
we will earn fees as a result. In contrast, leaving assets in your Employer Plan or rolling the
assets to a plan sponsored by your new employer likely results in little or no compensation to
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Confluence, with the exception of circumstances in which Confluence is the investment advisor
to the plan that you are enrolled in, or if you hire Confluence to provide advice on your
individual Employer Plan assets. Confluence has an economic incentive to encourage investors
to rollover Employer Plan assets into an IRA managed by Confluence. Investors can face
increased fees when they move retirement assets from an Employer Plan to a Rollover IRA
account. Even if there are no costs associated with the IRA rollover itself, there will be costs
associated with account administration, investment management, or both. In addition to the
fees charged by Confluence, the underlying investment (mutual fund, ETF, annuity, or other
investment) can also include fees. Custodial and trading fees also apply. Investing in an IRA with
Confluence could be more expensive than an Employer Plan.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines designed to think
and learn like humans. AI encompasses a range of technologies that enable systems to perform
tasks such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and understanding complex ideas. AI tools
can be used to enhance our services, improve operational efficiency, and deliver overall better
outcomes. By integrating AI into our processes, we aim to stay at the forefront of technological
innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical practices and data privacy.
Confluence utilizes AI for real-time notetaking to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and productivity.
Our AI tool transcribes spoken content, generates summaries, and identifies key takeaways.
Participants are informed of AI usage and have the right to opt out of AI-generated notetaking.
Should a Client have any questions or concerns, please contact us at our email address, phone
number, or website. In addition to real-time notetaking, Confluence uses AI to gather general
insights and manage projects. By analyzing large volumes of data and identifying patterns, AI
helps us develop preliminary concepts, streamline research processes, and enhance decision-
making. This allows Confluence to focus on more complex and creative aspects of our work,
ultimately delivering more comprehensive and effective solutions for our Clients. Confluence
also uses vendors that utilize Traditional AI to provide a subscription-based service of tailored
recommendations from extracted data, which are provided by the client, to get actionable
output. We ensure that any use of AI is supervised and conducted with transparency,
maintaining the highest standards of data privacy and ethical practices. Each vendor the firm
uses goes through a Vendor Due Diligence assessment so the firm can evaluate any risks it may
face when utilizing a third-party vendor.
While artificial intelligence technologies aim to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and investment
outcomes, their use introduces specific risks that Clients should consider. Using AI in decision-
making can result in overreliance on technology, potentially reducing human oversight.
Unexpected system malfunctions, algorithmic errors, or misinterpretations of AI-generated
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insights could adversely affect investment outcomes. Confluence Financial Partners requires
human oversight of AI tools. Clients are encouraged to discuss any concerns about AI-related
risks.
Assets Under Management
As of June 30, 2026, Confluence had approximately $7.2 billion in discretionary regulatory
assets under management and $338 million of non-discretionary assets under management.
Assets Under Management
Discretionary: $7,266,260,610
Non-Discretionary: $338,591,261
Total: $7,604,851,871
ITEM 5: Fees & Compensation
Wealth Management Fees
For Confluence’s Wealth Management Services, we charge a quarterly fee in advance.
Separately Managed Accounts
For our Separately Managed Accounts, fees are assessed based on the value of the Client’s
accounts (including cash and equivalent).
Adviser’s Separately Managed Account Fees range up to 1.50% on an annualized basis. This
annualized fee rate includes financial planning services, unless otherwise noted in the Client’s
Agreement. Generally, annualized rates will be based on the aggregated value of all Accounts as
described in the Confluence Wealth Management Agreement.
In addition, our separately managed account Clients could be assessed the following additional
fees:
• Managed Stock Portfolios: The fee for Confluence Managed Stock Portfolios equals the
Annualized Fee Rate, plus an active management fee of 0.25%.
• Third-Party Managers: The fee for accounts with Third-Party Managers equals the
Annualized Fee Rate, plus an additional management fee that ranges up to 0.70%. This
fee is paid to the Third-Party Manager and Confluence does not share in this fee nor is
Confluence paid by the Third-Party Managers to participate in the program. Fees for
Third-Party Managers are detailed separately in their Form ADV.
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• Sub-Advisors: The fee for accounts with Sub-Advisors equals the Annualized Fee Rate,
plus an additional management fee that ranges up to .85%. This fee is paid to the Sub-
Advisor and Confluence does not share in this fee nor is Confluence paid by the Sub-
Advisor to participate in the program.
Confluence Compass Service Fees
Confluence’s Compass Service fee is 1.00% annually based on the Client’s non-aggregated assets
under management.
Unless otherwise noted in the Client’s Wealth Management Agreement, fees are invoiced to the
Custodian of record on a quarterly basis and debited from the Client's Account(s). Clients are
billed in advance. Advisory fees are prorated based on the number of days that the Account(s)
are open during the quarter. The first payment is due upon the end of the calendar quarter in
which the account is fully invested and will be prorated and calculated based upon the value of
the Client’s account at the end of that quarter. This payment will be in addition to the quarterly
payment in advance, which will be debited from Client’s account at the same time. Additional
deposits of cash and/or any securities made during a calendar quarter will not be invoiced until
the next billing cycle. In the event Client terminates their engagement with Confluence mid-
quarter, the Client’s investment management fees will be prorated through the date of
termination and timely refunded to the Client. For pre-existing accounts, CFP does not bill or
credit for asset additions or withdrawals during the billing quarter.
Adviser may, but is not obligated to, negotiate fees at any time with Client in its sole discretion.
Insurance Services
Insurance services are offered through an affiliated entity in accordance with a separate
engagement agreement which outlines the fees associated with this service.
Fixed fees for Financial Plan Reviews
Confluence offers Financial Plan Reviews on a fixed fee basis for those Clients who desire
financial planning as a standalone service. The standard fee associated with the preparation and
review of a Client’s plan starts at $5,000 but will vary per agreement. Fees are based on the
complexity and scope of the plan. Client will pay half of the stated fee upfront and the
remaining half at the time of delivery of the financial plan to the Client, which will occur within
six (6) months from the first date of service. If the financial plan review Client chooses to
become a Wealth Management Client of Adviser within 6 months of receiving and reviewing
their financial plan, the Financial Plan Review fees will be waived.
Fee Discretion
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As described above, Confluence, in its sole discretion, will negotiate to charge a lesser fee. We
base this upon certain criteria, such as anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future
additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, pre-existing/legacy Client relationship, employer-employee relationship, account
retention and pro bono activities. Fees are negotiable at the discretion of the Firm. In addition,
for certain family and friends of the Firm, the Firm has, and can do so again in the future,
negotiated reduced fees and in some cases waived fees in their entirety. Lower fees for
comparable services may be available from other sources.
Additional Fees & Expenses
In addition to Confluence’s advisory fees, Client will also incur certain charges or fees imposed
by third parties other than Confluence, such as Raymond James, Charles Schwab and/or SEI.
Such charges generally include but are not limited to: mutual fund 12b-1 fees, certain deferred
sales charges on previously purchased mutual funds transferred into the Account(s),
transactions on certain products within your investment accounts (which are assessed by the
Client’s qualified broker-dealer/custodian for trades in bonds & fixed income, foreign equity &
stock, options, prime brokerage accounts, transaction fee (“TF”) funds and orders requiring
special handling), IRA and qualified retirement plan fees, interest charged on margin borrowing,
bank service fees, interest charged on debit balanced, “spreads” imposed by brokers and
dealers representing implicit transaction costs, commissions and transfer taxes, small account
fee, wire fees, overnight fees, stop pay fee, special asset services fee, etc. Information regarding
fees or charges assessed by any mutual funds held in Client accounts is available in the
appropriate prospectus. Custodial fees are listed in the “Costs and Fees” section or at
RaymondJames.com/client fees, at Schwab.com/pricing for Charles Schwab and also in the “SEI
Wealth Platform Fee Schedule” section of the Account Application. The Firm’s brokerage
practices are described at length in Item 12, below.
Mutual Fund & ETF Fees
Confluence invests in mutual funds, including open-end funds, closed-end funds (mainly interval
funds) and ETFs in Client portfolios. Each mutual fund charges fees to shareholders, which are
described in their respective prospectus and usually include a management fee, administrative
and operations fees, and certain distribution (e.g., 12b-1 fees) and/or redemption fees. These
fees are generally referred to as a fund’s “expense ratio” and the fees are deducted at the
mutual fund level when calculating the fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and have a direct bearing
on the fund’s performance. Certain open-ended mutual funds also charge an up-front or back-
end sales charge. In addition, some open-end mutual funds offer different share classes of the
same fund and one share-class can have a higher expense ratio than another share class. The
most economical share class will depend on certain factors, including the amount of time the
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shares are held by a Client and the amount a Client will be investing. Also, closed-end interval
funds usually don’t have 12b-1 distribution fees, but they do charge redemption fees for each
redemption made by a shareholder. ETFs do not have 12b-1 distribution fees or redemption fees
but charge certain expenses including an operating expense ratio described as the annual rate
the fund charges on the total assets it holds to pay for administration and other costs. ETFs are
also subject to the bid-ask spread.
NOTE: Mutual fund expense ratios vary by mutual fund, so it is important to read the mutual
fund prospectus to fully understand all the fees charged. The fees charged by mutual funds and
ETFs, as well as transaction fees charged by your broker of record (if any) are in addition to the
advisory fees charged by Confluence.
Confluence will strive to invest our Clients in the lowest cost mutual fund share class for Clients.
Confluence monitors Client’s investments on an ongoing basis and reviews share class
availability for lower cost shares periodically throughout the year.
For new Clients that hold any mutual funds upon account opening, Confluence will determine
whether such mutual funds remain suitable for the client’s current investment objective. Should
Confluence believe the mutual funds remain suitable, we then will check to see if a lower cost
share class of a particular mutual fund is available. If a lower cost share class of that mutual
fund is available, Confluence will analyze and determine whether it is in the client’s best interest
to transfer, based on cost, transaction fees and other factors as discussed below.
There have been times in the past, and can be in the future, when Confluence does not have
access to lower cost share classes for the mutual funds the Firm is investing in for Clients. As an
example, this typically occurs when the investment amount at the time of purchase does not
meet the minimum investment requirement for the lower share class – such as for an I-share
class. There are times, when based on certain facts and circumstances, that Confluence believes
it would not be in the best interests of a Client to purchase or transfer into (as applicable) the
lowest share class available. For example, transaction fees play a role in the overall costs when
investing in mutual funds. Some custodians offer certain higher cost mutual fund share classes
for purchase at no transaction cost. Other times the Client is transferring an account into
Confluence and has a CDSC attached, and it would be cost prohibitive to sell. Therefore,
Confluence will have a client remain in a more expensive share class if we’ve determined, based
on facts and circumstances, that such transaction would be the most economical for a client at
the time of transfer.
Please note that neither Confluence nor any Confluence IAR receives any compensation,
including 12b-1 fees, from any mutual funds invested in by Confluence advisory Client in their
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managed accounts. If a client holds a share class that generates 12b-1 fees, the custodian will
receive these fees.
Fees charged to a Client’s account lower the overall performance of the account. Therefore,
Clients should review all applicable direct and indirect fees charged, including but not limited to
custodian fees, transaction fees, fees associated with investments (e.g., mutual funds and ETFs),
and advisory fees to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid by you.
Money Managers & Product Sponsors
Investment advisor representatives will, on occasion, have an opportunity to attend a training
event or participate in a due diligence visit where the Money Manager or Product Sponsor will
cover the associated travel expenses such as airfare, hotel and meals. Training opportunities are
often held at luxury resorts where amenities such as golf, spas and entertainment are provided.
Such accommodations represent a conflict of interest that can influence the evaluation of the
Money Manager or Product sponsor based on factors other than the quality of services. The
firm’s general policy is to cover the cost of employee participation.
Industry Professionals
When it is in the best interests of the Client, Adviser can introduce the services of other
professionals for certain non-investment purposes (i.e., lawyers & accountants). Introductions
represent a conflict of interest because they create a relationship where the other professional
has an implied obligation to introduce potential new Client to Advisor. Clients are under no
obligation to engage the services of any such professional. If the Client engages any such
professional, and a dispute arises, any recourse will be exclusively from and against the engaged
professional.
Third Party Trust Companies
Our firm does not act as a trustee, custodian, or trust company. In certain circumstances, we
provide investment advisory services to trusts administered by unaffiliated third-party trust
companies. Under this arrangement, the Trust Company serves as trustee and provides trust
administration services, while our firm provides investment management services to the trust
assets. Clients retain the right to select any trust company of their choosing, and our advisory
services are not contingent upon the selection of any particular trust company. The Trust
Companies are independent entities and are not affiliated with our firm. Clients are under no
obligation to engage these Trust Companies, and clients may select any trustee or trust
company of their choosing. Our advisory services are not contingent upon a client’s decision to
engage in these Trust Companies.
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Our firm does not receive any referral fees, compensation, or other economic benefit from the
Trust Companies for client referrals. Clients who engage the Trust Company will enter into a
separate agreement directly with the Trust Company, which will govern the terms, fees, and
scope of the trust services provided. Our firm does not supervise, control, or manage either
Trust Company’s operations or services.
Our firm’s advisory fees are separate and distinct from any fees charged by the Trust
Companies. Clients may pay both advisory fees to our firm and trust administration or custody
fees to the Trust Companies. These fees are disclosed separately and are not bundled.
Confluence does not vote proxies for assets held in these trust arrangements.
Certain Confluence Associates are Licensed Insurance Agents
Confluence Investment Advisor Representatives (IARs), each in his/her individual capacity holds
a PA insurance license and is eligible to receive/or share in insurance commissions. Confluence
IARs generally refer insurance business to the firm’s Insurance Specialist or outside brokers who
are responsible for fulfilling all suitability, disclosure, and other relevant requirements to meet
applicable insurance laws. The IARs will share in the insurance commissions on policies written
for referred Client. Please refer to Item 10 for associated conflicts of interest to consider.
Custodians
Confluence uses Raymond James, Charles Schwab and SEI (this agreement was instituted to
accommodate Client that are already established on the SEI Platform) as Custodians. In the
event a Client chooses a different custodial provider, custodial fees will be negotiated by the
Client and may be higher or lower than the fees that could have been obtained by Confluence.
Ultimately, the decision belongs with the Client on which custodian the Client chooses to use.
ITEM 6: Performance Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
Confluence does not charge performance-based fees.
ITEM 7: Types of Clients
As noted in Item 4, Confluence provides wealth management services to individuals, non-profits
and businesses. Generally, the minimum account value for Confluence’s Separately Managed
Account Services is $250,000, which can be waived at the sole discretion of Confluence’s
management team, for certain clients. Factors considered may include related household
accounts, existing client relationships, anticipated future deposits, referrals, employee and
family accounts, legacy client relationships, charitable organizations, and other circumstances
the Firm deems appropriate. Clients receiving a waiver or reduction may receive services similar
to those provided to clients meeting the stated minimum. Confluence offers internally managed
stock portfolios that are overseen by the firm’s Investment Advisory Committee. The firm
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requires a $100,000 account minimum for these accounts. There is no account minimum for
Confluence’s Compass Services.
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, & Risk of Loss
We strive to understand the macro-economic environment, which is the condition that exists in
the economy as a whole, rather than in a particular sector or region. In general, the macro
environment includes trends in the gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, employment,
spending, and monetary and fiscal policy. The macro-environment is closely linked to the
general business cycle as opposed to the performance of an individual business sector.
We select investment managers by understanding the culture of the entity, communicating with
the firm/managers, understanding the public and private ownership of the fund company,
looking for repeatable investment processes, and analyze the process in context of how it
complements the other investments we advise on.
When investing in individual equities for our Clients, we seek to create broadly diversified
portfolios that provide exposure to companies across multiple sectors of the economy. We
utilize multiple 3rd party research providers when analyzing companies and are generally
looking to hold the companies in which we invest for multiple years. Ideally, we are seeking to
invest in companies whose stock prices reflect a lower expectation by the market of their future
success than we believe they will achieve. We attempt to understand the company’s
competitive strengths as well as its potential threats and weaknesses and try to gain an
understanding of the executive management team’s vision for the firm.
When establishing a portfolio for a Client, we start by understanding exactly the Client’s
objective(s) to ensure that the management of each portfolio is aimed at helping the Client
reach his/her goals. Our investment strategies and advice may vary depending upon each
Client's specific financial situation. As such, we determine investments and allocations based
upon your predefined objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, financial horizon, financial
information, liquidity needs, and other various suitability factors. Your restrictions and
guidelines may affect the composition of your portfolio.
We believe a diversified portfolio that is consistent with the Client's risk tolerance, time horizon
and goals and objectives is essential. Our financial professionals ensure the Client is educated
on their choices, and we personally engage with the Client to keep connected and ensure that
their portfolio is aligned with their financial plan. The Client's unique circumstances and
personal objectives dictate the method of investing, as well as the types of strategies chosen.
• Asset Allocation: Rather than focusing primarily on securities selection, we attempt to
identify an appropriate ratio of equities, fixed income, cash, and other investments
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suitable to the Client’s investment goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, we incorporate
an analysis of current market data and valuations of various market sectors and asset
categories to identify investment opportunities as well as pitfalls.
• Risks: All investments in securities include a risk of loss of your principal (invested
amount) and any profits that have not been realized. Stock markets and bond markets
fluctuate substantially over time. In addition, the performance of any investment is not
guaranteed.
Confluence does not guarantee the future performance of the Account or any specific level of
performance, the success of any investment decision or strategy that the Adviser may use, or
the success of the Adviser’s overall management of the Account. Client understands that
investment decisions made for Client’s account by the Adviser are subject to various market,
currency, economic, political, and business risks, and that such investment decisions will not
always be profitable. The price of securities can and will fluctuate and may become valueless.
There also may be loss or depreciation of the portfolio’s value due to market fluctuations.
Types of Risks
• Bond Risk: Rising interest rates will generally cause the prices of bonds and other debt
securities to fall. In addition, falling interest rates can result in an issuer redeeming,
calling, or refinancing a security before its stated maturity. Longer maturity debt
securities are subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter maturity debt securities.
Bonds and other debt securities are 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. Lower
quality debt securities generally have higher rates of interest and are subject to greater
price fluctuations than higher quality debt securities.
• Concentrated Position Risk: Clients may hold concentrated investment positions,
generally defined as allocations of 10% or more of a portfolio (measured by market
value) to a single security, issuer, sector, or asset class. Concentrated positions involve a
higher degree of risk than diversified portfolios and may expose clients to significant
losses if the concentrated holding experiences adverse market, issuer-specific, or sector-
specific events. Concentrated positions may also present liquidity risk. Certain securities
or assets may be difficult or impossible to sell in a timely manner, particularly during
periods of market stress, which could require selling at unfavorable prices or result in an
inability to access capital when needed. In certain circumstances, the Firm may
recommend the use of options strategies as a risk management tool in connection with a
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concentrated position. Options strategies are intended to help manage downside risk or
generate income while maintaining the underlying position; however, options involve
additional risks and costs and may not be suitable for all clients. Options strategies do
not eliminate risk and may result in losses, including the loss of premium paid, forgone
gains, or additional tax and transaction costs. Clients considering options strategies will
receive a disclosure document and should carefully review it prior to engaging in options
trading. The use of options, including whether discretionary authority is granted, is
based on the client’s individual circumstances, risk tolerance, objectives, and agreement
with the Firm. These strategies may be implemented by third-party managers we
recommend.
• Credit Risk: This is the risk that an investor could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of
a fixed income security is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations.
• Cybersecurity Risk: Confluence is dependent on the effectiveness of the information and
cybersecurity policies, procedures and capabilities it maintains to protect the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its computer and telecommunications
systems and the data that resides on or is transmitted through them. An externally
caused information security incident, such as a cyber-attack including a phishing scam,
malware, or denial-of-service attack, or an internally caused incident, such as failure to
control access to sensitive systems, could materially interrupt business operations or
cause disclosure or modification of sensitive or confidential client or competitive
information. The computer systems, networks and devices used by us and our service
providers employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption
from computer viruses, network and computer failures and cyberattacks. Despite such
protections, systems, networks and devices potentially can be breached.
Moreover, Confluence’s increased use of mobile and cloud technologies could heighten
these and other operational risks, as certain aspects of the security of such technologies
may be complex, unpredictable or beyond Confluence’s control. Confluence’s exposure
to the public Internet, as well as any reliance on mobile or cloud technology or any
failure by third-party service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and
prevent cyber-attacks, could disrupt its operations and result in misappropriation,
corruption or loss of personal, confidential or proprietary information.
In addition, there is a risk that encryption and other protective measures may be
circumvented, particularly to the extent that new computing technologies increase the
speed and computing power available. Moreover, due to the complexity and
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interconnectedness of Confluence’s systems, the process of upgrading existing
capabilities, developing new functionalities and expanding coverage into new markets
and geographies, including to address client or regulatory requirements, may expose
Confluence to additional cyber- and information-security risks or system disruptions, for
Confluence, as well as for clients who rely upon, or have exposure to, Confluence’s
systems. Although Confluence has implemented policies and controls, and takes
protective measures, to strengthen its computer systems, processes, software,
technology assets and networks to prevent and address potential data breaches,
inadvertent disclosures, cyber-attacks and cyber-related fraud, there can be no
assurance that any of these measures prove effective. In addition, due to Confluence’s
interconnectivity with third-party vendors, advisers, custodians, exchanges, clearing
houses and other financial institutions, Confluence may be adversely affected if any of
them are subject to a successful cyber-attack or other information security event,
including those arising due to the use of mobile technology or a third-party cloud
environment.
Confluence also transmits and receives personal, confidential, or proprietary information
by email and other electronic means. Confluence collaborates with clients, vendors and
other third parties to develop secure transmission capabilities and protect against cyber-
attacks. However, Confluence cannot ensure that it or such third parties have all
appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of such information. Any
information security incident or cyber-attack against Confluence or third parties with
whom it is connected, or issuers of securities or instruments in which client portfolios
invest, including any interception, mishandling or misuse of personal, confidential or
proprietary information, has the ability to cause disruptions and impact business
operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability to transact business,
violations of applicable privacy and other laws, loss of competitive position, regulatory
fines and/or sanctions, breach of client contracts, reputational harm or legal liability.
Furthermore, many jurisdictions in which Confluence operates have laws and regulations
relating to data privacy, cybersecurity and protection of personal information. Any
determination of a failure to comply with any such laws or regulations could result in
fines and/or sanctions against Confluence.
• Equity Investment Risk: Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks,
convertible securities, and mutual funds that invest in these securities. Equity markets
can be volatile. Stock prices rise and fall based on changes in an individual company’s
financial condition and overall market conditions. Stock prices can decline significantly in
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response to adverse market conditions, company-specific events, and other domestic
and international political and economic developments.
• General Economic, Geopolitical, & Market Disruption Risks: The success of Confluence’s
investment strategies, processes, and methods of analysis, as
well as any client portfolio activities, will likely be affected by general economic,
geopolitical, and market conditions, such as changes in interest rates, availability of
credit, inflation rates, market liquidity, global demand for particular products or
resources, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity events, economic
uncertainty, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, social and political discord, war, debt
crises and downgrades, regulatory events, governmental or quasigovernmental actions,
changes in laws, and national and international political circumstances. These factors
create uncertainty, and can adversely impact the volatility, value and performance of the
securities held in client accounts.
•
Interest Rate Risk: This is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value
because of an increase in interest rates; a bond or a fixed income fund with a longer
duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a bond or bond fund
with a shorter duration.
•
Investment Company Risk: Investment companies include open-end and closed-end
investment companies. Shares in investment companies represent interests in
professionally managed portfolios. These investments involve substantially the same
risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments; in addition, the return from such
an investment will be reduced by the operating expenses and fees of the investment
company, including applicable advisory fees.
•
Issuer-Specific Risk: This is the risk that the value of an individual security or particular
type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole.
• Market Risk: This is the risk that the value of securities owned by an investor goes up or
down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting securities markets
generally or particular industries.
• Pandemic Risk: Large-scale outbreaks of infectious disease can greatly increase
morbidity and mortality over a wide geographic area, crossing international boundaries,
and causing significant economic, social, and political disruption.
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• Restrictions on the Transferability of Certain Mutual Funds: Certain mutual funds are
generally only available through Registered Investment Advisors. If a Client terminates
Advisor’s services, they may be unable to transfer their securities to a retail account or
to another broker/dealer, and they may be unable to purchase additional shares of
those mutual funds they currently own. If they determine to sell their mutual funds,
they may be subject to tax consequences.
• Sector Risk: To the extent a Client account invests more heavily in particular sectors,
industries, or sub-sectors of the market, its performance will be especially sensitive to
developments that significantly affect those sectors, industries, or sub-sectors. An
individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market can be more volatile, and perform
differently, than the broader market. The several industries that constitute a sector can
all react in the same way to economic, political, or regulatory events. A Client account’s
performance could be affected if the sectors, industries, or sub-sectors do not perform
as expected. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries can
adversely affect performance.
• Tax Harvesting Risk: The trading strategy employed in some Client accounts is tax
harvesting. The intent of this trade is to sell an ETF or mutual fund at a taxable loss and
replace that position with a holding whose historical performance and expected future
performance are similar, thereby having little impact on the overall strategic allocation,
but capturing the tax loss. Because past performance is no indication of future
performance, there is potential for the future performance of the replacement position
to deviate from that of the initial holding. This type of strategy may also incur an
increase in the frequency of trading and amount of transaction costs.
• Taxability Risk: The risk that a security that was issued with tax-exempt status could
potentially lose that status prior to maturity. Since municipal bonds carry a lower
interest rate than fully taxable bonds, the bond holders would end up with a lower after-
tax yield than originally planned.
It is important to note that no methodology or investment strategy is guaranteed to be
successful or profitable. Investing in securities involves the risk of loss that Client should
be prepared to bear.
Types of Investments
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Advisor generally manages Client portfolios that consist of mutual funds, Exchange Traded
Equities (ETFs) and individual securities.
• Alternative Investments: Alternative investment products, including real estate
investments, notes and debentures, hedge funds, and private equity are considered
highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. They often engage in leveraging and
other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss, can
be highly illiquid, are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to
investors, may involve complex tax structures and delays in distributing important tax
information, are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds, often
charge high fees which may offset any trading profits, and in many cases the underlying
investments are not transparent and are known only to the investment manager.
Performance can be volatile. Investors could lose all or a substantial amount of their
investment. These strategies may be implemented by third-party managers we
recommend.
• Annuities: Retirement products for those who may have the ability to pay a premium
now and want to guarantee they receive certain monthly payments or a return on
investment later in the future. Annuities are contracts issued by a life insurance
company designed to meet requirement or other long-term goals. An annuity is not a life
insurance policy. Variable annuities are designed to be long-term investments, to meet
retirement and other long-range goals. Variable annuities are not suitable for meeting
short-term goals because substantial taxes and insurance company charges may apply if
you withdraw your money early. Variable annuities also involve investment risks, just as
mutual funds do.
• Cash Positions & Cash Balances: Confluence generally manages client portfolios using
investment models that are intended to remain substantially invested in the market.
However, based on perceived or anticipated market conditions or events, Confluence
may temporarily allocate a portion of a client’s portfolio to cash or cash equivalents as a
defensive strategy. In such circumstances, assets may be invested in money market
funds, FDIC-insured certificates of deposit, high-grade commercial paper, and/or
government-backed debt instruments. These cash positions are typically temporary and
are implemented as part of Confluence’s overall portfolio management process.
Client accounts may also hold smaller operational cash balances that result from
dividend and interest payments, security transactions, or to facilitate the payment of
advisory fees and other account expenses. Cash held in client accounts is typically swept
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by the client’s custodian into money market funds or interest-bearing bank sweep
accounts. The interest rate earned on these sweep vehicles is generally lower than rates
available through other cash investment alternatives, and sweep rates may vary
depending on the custodian.
Confluence includes cash and cash equivalents when calculating a client’s assets under
management for purposes of billing advisory fees unless the client has negotiated a
different arrangement, such as an asset carve-out agreement. As a result, Confluence
has a financial incentive to include cash balances when calculating advisory fees. During
periods of very low short-term interest rates, the advisory fees charged on cash balances
may exceed the yield earned on money market or sweep investments.
During periodic portfolio reviews, Confluence discusses anticipated liquidity and cash
flow needs with clients and seeks to plan portfolio allocations accordingly.
• Closed-End Mutual Funds: A type of mutual fund that raises a fixed amount of capital
through an initial public offering (IPO). The fund is then structured, listed and traded like
a stock on a stock exchange. Client should be aware that closed-end funds available
within the program are not readily marketable. In an effort to provide invest or liquidity,
the funds may offer to repurchase a certain percentage of shares at net asset value on a
periodic basis. Thus, Client may be unable to liquidate all or a portion of their shares in
these types of funds.
• Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies refer to the actual virtual currency (decentralized
digitized money) that allows individuals or entities to transfer funds online without the
need for a bank or credit card company, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardona, and
Litecoin. Cryptocurrencies were not designed to be investments and have not been
deemed to be a security. They were designed to be mediums of exchange and seen as an
alternative to traditional sovereign currencies. Cryptocurrency-related products refer to
securities that either directly purchase cryptocurrencies or are involved in the
cryptocurrency space, such as through mining cryptocurrency, investing in companies
that develop and use blockchain technology, etc. The SEC, CFTC, NFA, and FINRA have
issued investor alerts and advisories on the risks of cryptocurrencies and initial coin
offerings (ICOs). These regulators continue to warn investors to keep in mind that actual
cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency-related products continue to be speculative and
extremely volatile investments. Due to the unregulated nature and lack of transparency
surrounding the operations of crypto exchanges, they may experience fraud, market
manipulation, security failures or operational problems, which can adversely affect the
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value of cryptocurrencies and, consequently, the value of the shares of cryptocurrency-
related products. Confluence doesn’t recommend cryptocurrency to clients. If a client
has an unsolicited request to purchase cryptocurrency, Confluence will follow its
custodian’s practices which is purchasing in an ETF structure.
• Emerging Markets: The risks of foreign investments typically are greater in less
developed countries, sometimes referred to as emerging markets. For example, political
and economic structures in these countries may be less established and may change
rapidly. These countries also are more likely to experience high levels of inflation,
deflation, or currency devaluation, which can harm their economies and securities
markets and increase volatility. Restrictions on currency trading that may be imposed by
emerging market countries will have an adverse effect on the value of the securities of
companies that trade or operate in such countries.
• Equity: Investment generally refers to buying shares of stocks in return for receiving a
future payment of dividends and/or capital gains if the value of the stock increases. The
value of equity securities may fluctuate in response to specific situations for each
company, industry conditions and the general economic environment.
• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are investment companies
typically structured as open-end mutual funds or unit investment trusts that hold a
portfolio of securities designed to track a market index, similar to index mutual funds,
but with shares that trade on a securities exchange like individual stocks. ETF share
prices fluctuate throughout the trading day based on market conditions and may trade
at a premium or discount to their net asset value (NAV), with the difference between bid
and ask prices known as the spread, which varies depending on trading volume and
liquidity. ETF share supply is managed through a creation and redemption process
conducted by large institutional investors known as authorized participants, which helps
maintain liquidity and price stability; however, if this mechanism is disrupted, ETFs may
trade at significant premiums or discounts and could face trading halts or delisting. ETFs
also carry market risk, including the potential loss of principal, as well as trading and
liquidity risks, particularly for funds with low trading volume or wide spreads, and
investors may incur brokerage commissions when buying or selling shares in the
secondary market. Additionally, ETFs may be closed or liquidated at the discretion of the
issuing company.
• Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs): An ETN is a senior unsecured debt obligation designed to
track the total return of an underlying market index or other benchmark. ETNs may be
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linked to a variety of assets, for example, commodity futures, foreign currency and
equities. ETNs are similar to ETFs in that they are listed on an exchange and can typically
be bought or sold throughout the trading day. However, an ETN is not a mutual fund and
does not have a net asset value; the ETN trades at the prevailing market price. Some of
the more common risks of an ETN are as follows. The repayment of the principal,
interest (if any), and the payment of any returns at maturity or upon redemption are
dependent upon the ETN issuer’s ability to pay. In addition, the trading price of the ETN
in the secondary market may be adversely impacted if the issuer’s credit rating is
downgraded. The index or asset class for performance replication in an ETN may or may
not be concentrated in a specific sector, asset class or country and may therefore carry
specific risks.
• Fixed Income: Investments generally pay a return on a fixed schedule, though the
amount of the payments can vary. This type of investment can include corporate and
government debt securities, leveraged loans, high yield, and investment grade debt and
structured products, such as mortgage and other asset-backed securities, although
individual bonds may be the best-known type of fixed income security. In general, the
fixed income market is volatile and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As
interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more
pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk,
liquidity risk, call risk, and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties.
The risk of default on treasury inflation protected/inflation linked bonds is dependent
upon the U.S. Treasury defaulting (extremely unlikely); however, they carry a potential
risk of losing share price value, albeit rather minimal. Risks of investing in foreign fixed
income securities also include the general risk of non-U.S. investing described below.
• Hedge Funds & Managed Futures: Hedge and managed futures funds are available for
purchase in the program by Client meeting certain qualification standards. Investing in
these funds involves additional risks including, but not limited to, the risk of investment
loss due to the use of leveraging and other speculative investment practices and the lack
of liquidity and performance volatility. In addition, these funds are not required to
provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors and may involve complex
tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information. Clients should be
aware that these funds are not liquid as there is no secondary trading market available.
At the absolute discretion of the issuer of the fund, there may be certain repurchase
offers made from time to time. However, there is no guarantee that Clients will be able
to redeem the fund during the repurchase offer.
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• Margin Accounts: Clients should be aware that margin borrowing involves additional
risks. Margin borrowing will result in increased gain if the value of the securities in the
account go up, but will result in increased losses if the value of the securities in the
account goes down. The custodian, acting as the Client’s creditor, will have the authority
to liquidate all or part of the account to repay any portion of the margin loan, even if the
timing would be disadvantageous to the Client. For performance illustration purposes,
the margin interest charge will be treated as a withdrawal and will, therefore, not
negatively impact the performance figures reflected on the quarterly advisory reports.
These strategies may be implemented by third-party managers we recommend.
• Mutual Funds: A pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of
investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments and similar
assets.
• Open-End Mutual Funds: A type of mutual fund that does not have restrictions on the
amount of shares the fund will issue and will buy back shares when investors wish to
sell. Investing in mutual funds carries the risk of capital loss and thus you may lose
money investing in mutual funds. All mutual funds have costs that lower investment
returns. The funds can be of bond “fixed income” nature (lower risk) or stock “equity”
nature.
• Options: A contract granting the right to either buy or sell a specific amount or value of a
particular underlying interest at a fixed exercise price by exercising the option by or
before its specific expiration date. The purchase or sale of an option involves the
payment or receipt of a premium by the investor and the corresponding right or
obligation, as the case may be, to either purchase or sell the underlying security, basket
of securities, commodity or other instrument for a specific price at a certain time or
during a certain period. Purchasing options involves the risk that the underlying
instrument will not change price in the manner expected, so that the investor loses the
premium paid. Selling options, on the other hand, involves potentially greater risk
because the investor is exposed to the extent of the actual price movement in the
underlying security (which could result in a potentially unlimited loss) rather than only
the loss of the premium payment received. Prior to buying or selling an option, investors
must read a copy of the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options, also known as
the options disclosure document (ODD). It explains the characteristics and risks of
exchange traded options.
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• Precious Metal ETFs: Metals such as Gold, Silver, or Palladium Bullion backed “electronic
shares” not physical metal) specifically may be negatively impacted by several unique
factors, among them (1) large sales by the official sector which own a significant portion
of aggregate world holdings in gold and other precious metals, (2) a significant increase
in hedging activities by producers of gold or other precious metals, (3) a significant
change in the attitude of speculators and investors.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company
that owns, operates, or finances income-generating real estate. Modeled after mutual
funds, REITs pool the capital of numerous investors. This makes it possible for individual
investors to earn dividends from real estate investments—without having to buy,
manage, or finance any properties themselves. REITs are designed to generate a steady
income stream for investors but offer little in the way of capital appreciation. Most REITs
are publicly traded like stocks, which makes them highly liquid (unlike physical real
estate investments). REITs invest in most real estate property types, including apartment
buildings, cell towers, data centers, hotels, medical facilities, offices, retail centers, and
warehouses. In general, REITs specialize in a specific real estate sector. However,
diversified and specialty REITs may hold different types of properties in their portfolios,
such as a REIT that consists of both office and retail properties.
• Regulation D Private Placements: Under the federal securities laws, any offer or sale of a
security must either be registered with the SEC or meet an exemption. Regulation D
under the Securities Act provides a number of exemptions from the registration
requirements, allowing some companies to offer and sell their securities without having
to register the offering with the SEC. However, a "Form D" must be electronically filed
with the SEC after they first sell their securities. Form D is a brief notice that includes the
names and addresses of the company’s promoters, executive officers and directors, and
some details about the offering, but contains little other information about the
company.
• Short Sales: A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Client does not own in
the hope of purchasing the same security at a later date at a lower price. To make
delivery to the buyer, the Client must borrow the security and is obligated to return the
security to the lender, which is accomplished by a later purchase of the security. The
Client realizes a profit or a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security
decreases or increases respectively between the date of the short sale and the date on
which the Client covers its short position, i.e., purchases the security to replace the
borrowed security. A short sale involves the theoretically unlimited risk of an increase in
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the market price of the security that would result in a theoretically unlimited loss. These
strategies may be implemented by third-party managers we recommend.
• Structure Products: Structured products are securities derived from another asset, such
as a security or a basket of securities, an index, a commodity, a debt issuance, or a
foreign currency. Structured products frequently limit the upside participation in the
reference asset. Structured products are senior unsecured debt of the issuing bank and
subject to the credit risk associated with that issuer. This credit risk exists whether or not
the investment held in the account offers principal protection. The creditworthiness of
the issuer does not affect or enhance the likely performance of the investment other
than the ability of the issuer to meet its obligations. Any payments due at maturity are
dependent on the issuer’s ability to pay. In addition, the trading price of the security in
the secondary market, if there is one, may be adversely impacted if the issuer’s credit
rating is downgraded. Some structured products offer full protection of the principal
invested, others offer only partial or no protection. Investors may be sacrificing a higher
yield to obtain the principal guarantee. In addition, the principal guarantee relates to
nominal principal and does not offer inflation protection. An investor in a structured
product never has a claim on the underlying investment, whether a security, zero
coupon bond, or option. There may be little or no secondary market for the securities
and information regarding independent market pricing for the securities may be limited.
This is true even if the product has a ticker symbol or has been approved for listing on an
exchange. Tax treatment of structured products may be different from other investments
held in the account (e.g., income may be taxed as ordinary income even though
payment is not received until maturity). Structured CDs that are insured by the FDIC are
subject to applicable FDIC limits.
• Unit Investment Trust (UIT): An investment company that offers a fixed, unmanaged
portfolio, generally of stocks and bonds, as redeemable "units" to investors for a specific
period of time. It is designed to provide capital appreciation and/or dividend income.
UITs can be resold in the secondary market. A UIT may be either a regulated investment
corporation (RIC) or a grantor trust. The former is a corporation in which the investors
are joint owners; the latter grants investors proportional ownership in the UIT's
underlying securities.
• Use of Third-Party Managers: Confluence recommends the use of Independent
Managers for certain clients. Confluence will continue to do ongoing due diligence of
such managers, but such recommendations rely, to a great extent, on the Third-Party
Managers ability to successfully implement their investment strategy. In addition,
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Confluence does not have the ability to supervise the Third-Party Managers on a day-to-
day basis other than as previously described above.
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information
Confluence has no legal or disciplinary events to report that would impact the evaluation by a
Client or investor (or potential Client or investor) of Confluence’s advisory business or the
integrity of our management.
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
Certain Confluence Employees are Licensed Insurance Agents
As disclosed in Item 5, through its affiliated entity Confluence Insurance Services, LLC (“CIS”),
the Adviser makes available to its advisory Clients an insurance review. If it is determined that
an insurance policy would be suitable for the Client, the Confluence IAR will refer insurance
business to CIS or an outside insurance broker. To the extent a Confluence IAR who is insurance
licensed refers insurance business to CIS’s Insurance Specialist or to an outside insurance broker,
and the Client elects to purchase an insurance product through CIS, that IAR will share in the
insurance commissions to the extent permissible in accordance with applicable insurance
regulations. This creates a conflict of interest due to the fact that remuneration is received for
such referral. These conflicts of interest are mitigated by Confluence IARs making
recommendations to insurance providers only if they believe that to be in the Client’s best
interest. Clients are under no obligation to purchase an insurance policy through CIS.
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics
Confluence has adopted a Code of Ethics for all supervised persons of the Firm describing its
high standards of business conduct and fiduciary duty to its Clients. The Code includes
provisions relating to the confidentiality of Client information, a prohibition on insider trading,
guidelines surrounding gifts and business entertainment, personal securities trading, and
conflicts of interest, among other things. All supervised persons must acknowledge the terms of
the Code initially upon hire as well as annually, or as amended.
Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities, and
interests of our employees will not interfere with making decisions in the best interest of the
Client.
• Personal Trading with Material Interest: Confluence does not act as principal in any
transactions. In addition, the firm does not act as the general partner of a fund or advise
an investment company. Confluence does not have a material interest in any securities
traded in Client accounts.
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• Personal Trading in Same Securities as Client: Confluence allows our Supervised Persons
to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended to and purchased on
behalf of Clients. Owning the same securities, we recommend (purchase or sell) to you
presents a conflict of interest that, as fiduciaries, we must disclose to you and mitigate
through policies and procedures. As noted above, we have adopted a Code of Ethics to
address insider trading (material non-public information controls); gifts and
entertainment; outside business activities and personal securities reporting.
• Personal Trading at Same Time as Client: Supervised Persons may not purchase or sell
any security immediately prior to or immediately after a transaction being implemented
for an advisory account, thereby preventing an employee from benefiting from
transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts.
• Charitable Contributions: In its sole discretion, Confluence in certain cases may support
a non-profit Client by participating and contributing to specific fundraising events that
are believed to further the Client’s mission. All such actions are performed
independently, and the Firm believes they do not affect the fiduciary relationship or the
terms of the Client Agreement.
We will provide a copy of our Code of Ethics to any Client or prospective Client upon request.
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices
It is the policy and practice of the Adviser to strive for the best price and execution that are
competitive in relation to the value of the transaction (“best execution”). In selecting a broker,
dealer or other intermediary, the Adviser will consider such factors as financial strength,
reputation, execution, pricing, research, and service, that in good faith and judgment it deems
reasonable under the circumstances.
In the course of providing wealth management services, the Adviser may transact in the same
security for multiple Client accounts. Generally, Confluence transacts on an individual account
basis and does not aggregate securities for purposes of block trading. This could result in one
Client receiving a better price than another Client for the same security transacted on the same
day. In addition, in rare instances when an order cannot be executed in full, we will allocate the
transaction in accordance with our random allocation method in order to not favor any one
Client over another.
In select cases for our Separately Managed Accounts and for our model groupings only,
Confluence could aggregate trades in certain circumstances and Client would receive an
average-share price. There will be times that Confluence is unable to aggregate and execute
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orders across model groupings of accounts, necessitating the execution of orders over time. In
such cases, Confluence will use a trade rotation methodology by model grouping designed to
avoid favoring one group of accounts over another and to treat Client equitably over time.
There may be reasons Confluence deviates from this approach, including but not limited to
market liquidity constraints and investment manager redemption/purchase demands.
Confluence seeks to implement model changes as quickly, at the best price, and most equitably
as possible.
The Custodians & Brokers We Use
Confluence generally recommends Client use as their custodians Raymond James & Associates
Inc. and/or Charles Schwab, both members New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, and SEI is member
SIPC. Factors which Confluence considers in recommending custodians, or any other broker-
dealer to Client include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing,
research, and service. The transaction fees charged by our custodians may be higher or lower
than those charged by other Financial Institutions.
Confluence may receive support services and/or products from these custodians which consists
of:
investment-related research
•
• pricing information and market data
• software and other technology that provide access to Client account data
• consulting services
• attendance at conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events
• marketing support
These support services are provided to Confluence based on the overall relationship between
Confluence and our Custodians. These services are a result of non-soft dollar economic benefits
provided by custodians and other arrangements under which the execution of Client
transactions is a condition of receiving such benefits. Clients do not pay more for services as a
result of this arrangement. The receipt of these benefits from our Custodians create a conflict of
interest. The receipt of these products and services presents a financial incentive for Confluence
to recommend that its Clients use Raymond James’, Charles Schwab’s and/or SEI’s custodial
platforms rather than another custodian’s platform.
Confluence does not maintain custody of your assets that we manage/on which we advise,
although we may be deemed to have custody of your assets if you give us authority to withdraw
fees from your account (see Item 15-Custody, below). Your assets must be maintained in an
account at a "qualified custodian," generally a broker-dealer or bank.
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We are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with Raymond James, Charles
Schwab, or SEI. These custodians will hold your assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell
securities when we/you instruct them to. While we may recommend that you use one or more
of these custodians as custodian/broker, you will decide whether to do so and will open your
account with these custodian(s) by entering into an account Agreement directly with them.
Conflicts of interest associated with this arrangement are described below as well as in Item 14
(Client referrals and other compensation). You should consider these conflicts of interest when
selecting your custodian.
The client must initiate the custodial account opening process although Confluence may assist
you in doing so. If you do not wish to place your assets with these custodians, then we cannot
manage your account.
While your account is maintained at one or more of these custodians, we anticipate that most
trades will be executed through that appointed custodian, but we can still use other brokers to
execute trades for your account as described below (see "Your brokerage and custody costs").
How we Select Brokers & Custodians
We may recommend any of these Custodians to hold your assets and execute transactions.
When considering whether the terms provided are, overall, most advantageous to you when
compared with other available providers and their services, we take into account a wide range
of factors, including:
• Combination of transaction execution services and asset custody services (generally
without a separate fee for custody)
• Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account)
• Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers,
check requests, bill payment, etc.)
• Breadth of available investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded
funds (ETFs), etc.)
• Breadth of the availability of share classes
• Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions
• Quality of services
• Competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates,
other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate the prices
• Reputation, financial strength, security and stability
• Prior service to us and our clients
• Services delivered or paid for by the Custodian
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• Availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below
Your Brokerage & Custody Costs
For our clients' accounts that our Custodians maintain, they generally do not charge you
separately for custody services but are compensated by charging you commissions or other fees
on trades that it executes or that settle into your account. Certain trades (for example, mutual
funds and ETFs) do not incur commissions or transaction fees. Custodians are also compensated
by earning interest on the uninvested cash in your account. Custodian fees applicable to our
client accounts were negotiated based on the conditions of our negotiated contract. This
commitment benefits you because the overall fees you pay are lower than they would be
otherwise. In addition to asset-based fees, Custodians charge you a flat dollar amount as a
"prime broker" or "trade away" fee for each trade that we have executed by a different broker-
dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited
(settled) into your account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or other
compensation you pay the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to minimize your
trading costs, we have the Custodian where your accounts are located execute most trades for
your account.
We are not required to select the broker or dealer that charges the lowest transaction cost,
even if that broker provides execution quality comparable to other brokers or dealers. Although
we are not required to execute all trades through a specific Custodian, we have determined that
if your accounts are custodied at one Custodian, having that Custodian execute most trades is
consistent with our duty to seek "best execution" of your trades. Best execution means the
most favorable terms for a transaction based on all relevant factors, including those listed above
(see "How we select brokers/custodians"). By using another broker or dealer you may pay lower
transaction costs.
Products & Services Available to us from our Custodians
Confluence and our Clients are provided access to institutional brokerage services (trading,
custody, reporting and related services), many of which are not typically available to retail
customers.
Various support services that help us manage or administer our clients' accounts, while others
help us manage and grow our business. Support services are generally available on an
unsolicited basis (we don't have to request them) and at no charge to us.
Services That Benefit You
Institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment products
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available through our custodians include some to which we might not otherwise have access or
that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients.
Services That Do Not Directly Benefit You
Available are other products and services that benefit us but do not directly benefit the Client or
their account. These products and services assist Confluence in managing and administering our
clients' accounts and operating our firm. They include investment research, both that of the
Custodian’s and that of third parties. We use this research to service all or a substantial number
of our clients' accounts. In addition to investment research, our Custodians also make available
software and other technology that:
• provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
•
statements)
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts
facilitate payment of our fees from our clients' accounts
• provide pricing and other market data
•
• assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting
Services That Generally Benefit Only Us
Our Custodians may also offer other services intended to help us manage and further develop
our business enterprise. These services include:
• Educational conferences and events
• Consulting on technology and business needs
• Consulting on legal and compliance related needs
• Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
• Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance
providers
• Marketing consulting and support
• Recruiting and custodial search consulting
Some of our Custodians provide some of these services themselves. In other cases, third-party
vendors are arranged to provide the services to us. Some custodians may discount or waive its
fees for some of these services or pay all or a part of a third party's fees.
It’s Confluence’s policy to not favor one custodian over the other. Should Confluence engage in
any of the bullet point items above, the firm would seek to obtain that information from all
other custodians in order to determine what would be in the client’s best interest.
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Additional Benefits
Confluence may receive certain benefits from our Custodians pursuant to a Client Benefit
Confirmation Agreement, whereby our custodians will provide Confluence with a Client benefit
in consideration for Confluence introducing and custody with our custodians a pre-specified
amount of assets under management (AUM). These benefits include transition assistance and
reimbursement of the cost of account termination fees (ACAT fees) for accounts transferred to
the custodian. Confluence is also offered payment for eligible third-party vendor services and
services provided by the Custodian, like Marketing, Technology, Consulting or Research
Expenses. Confluence’s receipt of these benefits presents a conflict of interest as it creates an
incentive for us to recommend that you transition, open, and maintain accounts with our
custodians over other qualified custodians.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Confluence does not recommend broker-dealers to Client based on our interest in receiving
Client referrals.
Trade Allocation
In the course of providing trade aggregation, in rare instances when an order cannot be
executed in full, we will allocate the transaction in accordance with our random allocation
method in order to not favor any one Client over another.
Fund Share Class Selection
Confluence invests in mutual funds, including open-end funds, closed-end funds (mainly interval
funds) in Client portfolios. Confluence will strive to invest our Client in the lowest cost mutual
fund share class for Client based on that Client’s needs. Confluence monitors Client’
investments on an ongoing basis.
For new Clients that hold any mutual funds upon account opening, Confluence will determine
whether such mutual funds remain suitable for the Client’s current investment objective. Should
Confluence believe the mutual funds remain suitable, we then will check to see if a lower cost
share class of a particular mutual fund is available across our Custodians. If a lower cost share
class of that mutual fund is available, and it’s in the Client’s best interest, Confluence will then
exchange to the lower share class.
There have been times in the past, and can be in the future, when Confluence may not have
access to lower cost share classes for the mutual funds the Firm is investing in for Client. This
typically occurs when the Client’s custodian(s) does not offer a lower cost share class, or the
investment amount at time of purchase does not meet the minimum investment requirement
for the lower share class (such as for an I-share class). Confluence will review its Custodian(s)
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availability for the lowest cost share class to determine what will be in the Client’s best interest
to obtain the lower cost share class.
Also, a Client could invest in a mutual fund directly, without our services. In that case, the Client
would not receive the services provided by our firm which are designed, among other things, to
assist the Client in determining which mutual fund or funds are most appropriate to each
Client's financial condition and objectives.
Cash Sweep Program
Each investment strategy involves a cash allocation (“Cash Allocation”) that will be held in a
sweep program (the “Sweep Program”). The Cash Allocation will depend on the investment
strategy chosen for a Client. The Cash Allocation will be accomplished through enrollment in the
Sweep Program. By enrolling in the Program, Client consent to having the free credit balances in
their brokerage accounts swept into deposit accounts (Deposit Accounts) through the Sweep
Program.
The Bank is an FDIC-insured depository institution that is an affiliate of the custodian. The
Sweep Program is a required feature of the Program. If the Deposit Account balances exceed
the Cash Allocation for a Client’s investment strategy, the excess over the rebalancing parameter
will be used to purchase securities as part of rebalancing. If Client request cash withdrawals
from their accounts, this likely will require the sale of positions in their accounts to bring their
Cash Allocation in line with the target allocation for their chosen investment strategy. If those
Client have taxable accounts, those sales may generate capital gains (or losses) for tax purposes.
In accordance with an agreement with Schwab, Schwab Bank has agreed to pay an interest rate
to depositors participating in the Sweep Program that will be determined by reference to an
index. Raymond James reviews a variety of factors to determine rate tiers but sweep rates are
not directly indexed to anything. The firm has the right to change the rate at anytime without
notice.
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts
While the underlying securities within Wealth Management Services accounts are continually
monitored, these accounts are reviewed periodically. Accounts are reviewed in the context of
each Client's stated investment objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be
triggered by material changes in variables such as the Client's individual circumstances, or the
market, political or economic environment. The Confluence investment adviser representative
for your account will perform the review.
Clients receive written monthly statements (or quarterly if there is no monthly activity) and
confirmations of transactions directly from the custodian detailing account holdings and all
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activity within the account, including all contributions, withdrawals, and purchase/sell
transactions.
ITEM 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
Confluence pays one or more employees for referring a Client. In each case, this internal referral
arrangement is governed by a legal agreement between the Firm and the employee to ensure
compliance with applicable federal and state statutes. If a Client is introduced to Confluence by
this internal Promoter, the Firm pays that Promoter a referral fee. Any such referral fee shall be
paid solely from Confluence’s investment management fee and shall not result in any additional
charge to the Client. At the time of the referral, the internal Promoter shall provide the Client
with all relevant disclosures related to the nature of the referral arrangement with Confluence
in accordance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 of the Advisers Act.
No compensation (cash or non-cash) is paid to a Client that refers a prospective Client to
Confluence.
Confluence receives an economic benefit (Client Benefit Agreement) from both Raymond James
and Schwab in the form of the support products and services it makes available to us and other
independent investment advisors whose clients maintain their accounts at Raymond James or
Schwab. In addition, Custodians have also agreed to pay for certain products and services for
which we would otherwise have to pay once the value of our clients' assets in accounts reach a
certain size. Clients do not pay more for assets maintained at the Custodians as a result of these
arrangements. However, Confluence benefits from the arrangement because the cost of these
services would otherwise be borne directly by us. You should consider these conflicts of interest
when selecting a custodian.
Confluence has entered into agreements to compensate third parties ("Promoters”) for client
referrals, which are compensated endorsements under Rule 206(4)-1 of the Advisers Act. Under
these arrangements, Confluence will pay a fee per referral. Clients referred by the Promoters
will not be charged more than similarly situated clients who were not referred. The Promoters
will not provide investment advisory services to Confluence clients. The referral arrangements
are governed by a written agreement between Confluence and the Promoters that (i) complies
with Rule 206(4)-1 and Rule 204-2 and (ii) requires that clients be provided with clear and
prominent disclosure that the referral arrangement is paid and a conflict of interest exists.
Revenue Sharing
Confluence has entered into revenue-sharing arrangements with certain unaffiliated service
providers. Under these arrangements, Advisor, or an affiliate, receives compensation from the
provider when a client invests in or engages that provider's services. Because Advisor receives
this compensation, it has a financial incentive to favor these products or providers over other
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investment options or providers that do not offer such compensation. For example, Confluence
can introduce clients to an insurance broker or independent consultant where it receives 20% to
25% of commissions generated. This creates a conflict of interest, as it can influence investment
recommendations or allocation decisions. Advisor seeks to mitigate this conflict by maintaining
an investment selection process that considers a variety of factors, including investment
performance, cost, liquidity, and the appropriateness of the investment for meeting client
objectives. Nonetheless, the receipt of revenue-sharing compensation provides an economic
benefit that would not exist absent such arrangements.
• Client advisory fees and expenses are not increased as a result of these revenue-sharing
arrangements; the compensation is paid directly by the provider, not the client.
• Clients are encouraged to ask whether their investment plan includes products or
services subject to revenue-sharing arrangements and whether comparable investment
alternatives not subject to such arrangements are available.
ITEM 15: Custody
Confluence is deemed to have custody because it can debit advisory fees pursuant to the
authority granted by the Client in the Wealth Management Agreement. Custody of Account
assets are maintained with an independent qualified custodian under Rule 206(4) -2 of the
Advisers Act (“Custodian”). Confluence Financial Partners uses Raymond James, Charles Schwab
and SEI as its Custodian(s). Our firm's agreement requires the Client to appoint a qualified
custodian to receive and have possession of the assets of the Account. In accordance with
applicable custody rules, custodians are required to send a statement to Client, not less than
quarterly, indicating all amounts paid to our firm. Confluence also sends periodic reports to
Clients. Clients are advised to carefully review the statements and confirmations sent directly by
the custodian and to compare them with any reports received from our firm. Client has sole
responsibility to verify the accuracy of the calculation of the investment management fees as
the Custodian will not determine whether the fees charged to the Account are accurate or have
been properly calculated. Please contact Confluence with any questions.
From a regulatory perspective, Confluence is deemed to have constructive custody over client
assets as a result of any arrangement under which you authorize us to instruct Raymond James
or Schwab to deduct our advisory fees directly from your account, withdraw client funds or
securities pursuant to a standing letter of instruction, or other similar asset transfer
authorization established by a client with a Financial Institution. In this instance, however,
Confluence would
be excused from the requirement of an annual surprise examination because it complies with
certain processes and procedures mandated by applicable law.
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ITEM 16: Investment Discretion
Confluence provides management services on either a discretionary or non-discretionary basis.
Discretionary basis means that we will be authorized by you to make investment decisions, and
we will buy and sell the securities we have recommended to you. Non-discretionary basis
means you as the investor make the ultimate decision whether to purchase or sell the securities
recommended to you.
A discretionary or non-discretionary election is formalized in the Wealth Management
Agreement and when the account is elected to be non-discretionary, the client must authorize
prior to trading. Confluence is not authorized to place trades without the client’s express
permission and confirmation. Potential risks are inherent in this scenario, for example, if
Confluence is unable to reach the Client, the Client's account may not be traded on a timely
basis which could disadvantage the Client depending upon market action.
Confluence may retain discretionary authority and fiduciary responsibility for client accounts. If
a Client initiates a trade, it may not be consistent with the client’s stated investment objectives,
risk tolerance, or investment strategy and such trades are not considered recommendations by
the Adviser unless explicitly stated. Clients who wish to place trades directly may be asked to
transition their account to a non-discretionary arrangement.
Confluence does not, however, exercise day-to-day discretion over any assets managed by the
Third-Party Managers but does have discretion over selecting the manager, strategy and
investment line up. Furthermore, Confluence provides advice to certain ERISA Plans which are
deemed non-discretionary per the terms of the Agreement.
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities
The Client understands that it is the Adviser’s policy to not vote proxies on behalf of Client
accounts. The Adviser and/or the Client will direct the Custodian to forward all shareholder-
related materials directly to the Client’s address on record. Client understands that for any
mutual funds held in Client’s account, the mutual fund is responsible for voting proxies on
securities held in the mutual fund portfolio and not the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser does
not advise or act for the Client with respect to any legal matters, including bankruptcies and
class actions, for the securities held in the Client’s Account. In the case of ERISA Client, the
Adviser generally does not vote proxies for ERISA Client accounts. Should proxy materials be
forwarded on to the Adviser at the request of the plan sponsor, the Adviser will strive to vote
proxies in the best interest of the Client. A copy of the Adviser’s proxy voting record and policies
are available upon written request by the plan sponsor.
Corporate Actions
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Confluence does not monitor or take action on behalf of clients with respect to corporate
actions involving securities held in client accounts. Corporate actions include, but are not
limited to, mergers, tender offers, rights offerings, reorganizations, proxy votes, or class action
litigation. Clients are responsible for reviewing and responding to any notices related to such
events. Holders should consult their tax advisor for any tax consequences that may arise from
participating in these offers. We encourage clients to consult with their advisor for guidance
regarding corporate actions and how to respond appropriately.
ITEM 18: Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required to provide you with certain financial information or
disclosures about the firm’s financial condition. Confluence does not require or solicit
prepayment of fees more than six months in advance. Additionally, Confluence has no financial
commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to Client
and has not been subject to a bankruptcy proceeding.
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