Overview
Assets Under Management: $222 million
Headquarters: LITTLE ROCK, AR
High-Net-Worth Clients: 45
Average Client Assets: $6 million
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (04 03 2025 CFW FORM ADV PART 2A AND 2B FINAL)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $3,000,000 | 0.85% |
| $3,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 0.75% |
| $5,000,001 | and above | Negotiable |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $8,500 | 0.85% |
| $5 million | $40,500 | 0.81% |
| $10 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $50 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $100 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 45
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 98.59
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $6 million
Total Client Accounts: 52
Discretionary Accounts: 52
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 120286
Last Filing Date: 2024-11-19 00:00:00
Website: https://clientfirstwealthmanagement.com
Form ADV Documents
Additional Brochure: 04 03 2025 CFW FORM ADV PART 2A AND 2B FINAL (2025-04-03)
View Document Text
Item 1: Cover Page
ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Investment Adviser Brochure
1501 N. University Avenue, Suite 715
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501) 603-0406
www.clientfirstwealthmanagement.com
April 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of ClientFirst
Wealth Management, LLC (“we”, “us”, “our”). If you have any questions about the contents of
this Brochure, please contact Edward P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief
Compliance Officer at (501) 603-0406 or ed@clientfirstwealthmanagement.com.
Additional information about our Firm is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified
by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
We are a registered investment adviser. Please note that use of the term “registered
investment advisor” and a description of the Firm and/or our employees as “registered” does
not imply a certain level of skill or training. For more information on the qualifications of the
Firm and our employees who advise you, we encourage you to review this Brochure and the
Brochure Supplement(s).
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes
In this Item of ClientFirst Wealth Management’s (ClientFirst or the Firm) Form ADV 2, the Firm
is required to discuss any material changes that have been made to Form ADV since the last
Annual Amendment.
Material Changes since the Last Update
Since our last Annual Amendment filing on March 19, 2025, the Firm has the following material
change to report:
• This Form was updated to reflect revised fee schedules. Please see Item 5 (Fees and
Compensation).
Annual Update
You will receive a summary of any material changes to our Form ADV brochure within 120 days
of our fiscal year end. We may also provide updated disclosure information about material
changes on a more frequent basis. Any summaries of changes will include the date of the last
annual update of the ADV.
The Supplement to our Form ADV Brochure (Form ADV Part 2B) provides you with information
regarding our employees that provide investment advice.
Full Brochure Available
ClientFirst’s Form ADV may be requested at any time, without charge by contacting Edward P.
Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer at (501) 603-0406
or ed@clientfirstwealthmanagement.com. Additional information about our Firm is also
available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The information in this Brochure has
not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by
any state securities authority.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ........................................................................................................................ 1
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes .......................................................................................... 2
Item 4: Advisory Business ............................................................................................................. 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................... 7
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management............................................... 11
Item 7: Types of Clients ............................................................................................................... 12
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ......................................... 13
Item 9: Disciplinary Information.................................................................................................. 16
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ....................................................... 17
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .. 18
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................... 20
Item 13: Review of Accounts ....................................................................................................... 23
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................... 24
Item 15: Custody ......................................................................................................................... 25
Item 16: Investment Discretion ................................................................................................... 26
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................. 27
Item 18: Financial Information .................................................................................................... 28
Form ADV Part 2B – Investment Adviser Brochure Supplement ................................................. 29
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Firm Description
ClientFirst is an investment adviser providing investment advisory services to individuals and
high net worth individuals. ClientFirst was founded in 2002.
Principal Owners
ClientFirst is owned by its sole employee, Edward P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio
Manager and Chief Compliance Officer.
Types of Advisory Services
ClientFirst offers the following types of advisory services: Financial planning services and
portfolio management for individuals and/or small business.
Investment Advisory Services
ClientFirst provides fee-only investment advisory services, providing ongoing investment advice
and monitoring of securities holdings based on the individual needs of the client.
ClientFirst develops portfolios based upon a client’s goals, objectives, investment time horizon
and risk tolerance, as well as their core financial-related values. ClientFirst uses asset allocation
or spreading investments among a number of asset classes and sectors (corporate bonds vs.
government securities) for most client portfolios.
ClientFirst will allocate the client’s assets among various investments taking into consideration
the overall management style selected by the client. Client portfolios include, but are not
limited to, mutual funds, ETF’s, and Fixed Income securities. The mutual funds, if selected, will
be selected on the basis of any or all of the following criteria: the fund’s performance history;
the industry sector in which the fund invests; the track record of the fund’s manager; the fund’s
investment objectives; management style and philosophy; and fee structure. Portfolio
weighting between funds and market sectors will be determined by each client’s individual
needs and circumstances.
Financial planning may be offered as a component of the overall investment advisory services
and may include a review of a client’s current financial situation. A review may include the
following components: cash management, risk management, insurance, education funding,
goal setting, retirement planning, estate and charitable giving planning, tax planning, and
capital needs planning. ClientFirst generally does not charge a separate fee for financial
planning services.
Financial Planning
We offer financial planning services, which may include a review of all aspects of a client’s
current financial situation, including the following components: cash management, risk
management, insurance, education funding, goal setting, retirement planning, estate and
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charitable giving planning, tax planning, and capital needs planning. Clients understand that
when they are engaged to address only certain components, the client’s overall financial and
investment issues may not be taken into consideration.
We meet with the client to review risk tolerance, financial goals and objectives, and time
horizons. Additional meetings may include a review of additional financial information; sources
of income, assets owned, existing insurance, liabilities, wills, trusts, business agreements, tax
returns, investments, and personal and family obligations.
The financial plan may include both long and short-term considerations, depending upon the
individual scenario. Upon completion a plan is presented to the client and the client is provided
with recommendations that are deemed to be compatible with the client’s stated goals and
objectives. An implementation schedule is reviewed with the client to determine which steps
will be pursued, and with whom the steps may be accomplished. The client is under no
obligation to utilize the Firm to implement the advice or plan. Clients may choose all or certain
components of advice and recommendations and can implement the recommendations
through the service providers of their choice.
Tailored Relationships
ClientFirst tailor’s investment advisory services to the individual needs of the client. The goals
and objectives for each client are documented in our client relationship management system.
Client Questionnaires are created that reflect the stated goals and objectives. ClientFirst clients
are allowed to impose restrictions on the investments in their account. ClientFirst may accept
any reasonable limitation or restriction to discretionary authority on the account placed by the
client. All limitations and restrictions placed on accounts must be presented to ClientFirst in
writing.
Fiduciary Statement
We are fiduciaries under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and when we provide investment
advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we are
also fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act,
(“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue Code, (“IRC”), as applicable, which are laws governing
retirement accounts.
We have to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. At the same time,
the way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests. We must take into
consideration each client’s objectives and act in the best interests of the client. We are
prohibited from engaging in any activity that is in conflict with the interests of the client. We
have the following responsibilities when working with a client:
• To render impartial advice;
• To make appropriate recommendations based on the client’s needs, financial
circumstances, and investment objectives;
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• To exercise a high degree of care and diligence to ensure that information is presented
in an accurate manner and not in a way to mislead;
• To have a reasonable basis, information, and understanding of the facts in order to
provide appropriate recommendations and representations;
• Disclose any material conflict of interest in writing; and
• Treat clients fairly and equitably.
Regulations prohibit us from:
• Employing any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud a client
• Making any untrue statement of a material fact to a client or omitting to state a material
fact when communicating with a client;
• Engaging in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as
fraud or deceit upon a client; or
• Engaging in any manipulative act or practice with a client.
We will act with competence, dignity, integrity, and in an ethical manner, when working with
clients. We will use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgement when
conducting investment analysis, making investment recommendations, trading, promoting our
services, and engaging in other professional activities.
Wrap Fee Programs
ClientFirst does not participate in a Wrap Fee Program.
Client Assets
As of February 3, 2025, ClientFirst manages $264,742,747 in assets all on a discretionary basis.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Compensation
ClientFirst bases its fees on a percentage of assets under management, hourly charges, and
fixed fees. ClientFirst’s fee schedules are described below.
Compensation – Investment Advisory Services
Fees for investment advisory services are billed as a percentage of assets under management as
follows:
Comprehensive Wealth Management
Annual Fee
Client Account Balance
Minimum $1,000,000
$1,000,000 to $3,000,000
$3,000,000 to $5,000,000
Over $5,000,000
0.85
0.75
Negotiable
Managed Accounts of Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds
Annual Fee
Client Account Balance
Minimum $1,000,000
$1,000,000 to $1,500,000
$1,500,000 to $3,000,000
$3,000,000 to $5,000,000
Over $5,000,000
0.45%
0.40%
0.38%
Negotiable
Investment advisory fees are due and payable quarterly in arrears. Fees are generally calculated
using the value of the client’s portfolio on the last trading day of the quarter.
Compensation – Financial Planning
Financial Planning fees will be charged in one of two ways:
• As a fixed fee, typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the nature and
complexity of each client’s circumstances, or
• On an hourly basis of $250 per hour.
Financial planning fees are payable either in advance or arrears depending on the engagement;
in no instance will more than $1,200 be collected more than six-months in advance.
Calculation and Payment
The specific manner in which fees are charged by ClientFirst is established in a client’s
investment advisory agreement with ClientFirst. ClientFirst will generally calculate fees in
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arrears on a quarterly basis. Clients may elect to be invoiced directly for fees or authorize
ClientFirst to directly debit fees from client accounts.
Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter may be charged a prorated fee.
Agreement Terms
A client may terminate the client agreement at any time by notifying ClientFirst in writing and
paying the rate for the time spent on the investment advisory engagement prior to notification
of termination.
Cash Balances
Some of your assets may be held as cash and remain uninvested. Holding a portion of your
assets in cash and cash alternatives, i.e., money market fund shares, may be based on your
desire to have an allocation to cash as an asset class, to support a phased market entrance
strategy, to facilitate transaction execution, to have available funds for withdrawal needs or to
pay fees or to provide for asset protection during periods of volatile market conditions. Your
cash and cash equivalents will be subject to our investment advisory fees unless otherwise
agreed upon. You may experience negative performance on the cash portion of your portfolio if
the investment advisory fees charged are higher than the returns you receive from your cash.
Retirement Plan Rollover Recommendations
As part of our investment advisory services to our clients, we may recommend that clients roll
assets from their employer’s retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 457, or ERISA 403(b) account
(collectively, a “Plan Account”), to an individual retirement account, such as a SIMPLE IRA, SEP
IRA, Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA (collectively, an “IRA Account”) that we will advise on the
client’s behalf. We may also recommend rollovers from IRA Accounts to Plan Accounts, from
Plan Accounts to Plan Accounts, and from IRA Accounts to IRA Accounts.
If the client elects to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our advisement, we will charge
the client an asset-based fee as set forth in the advisory agreement the client executed with our
firm. This creates a conflict of interest because it creates a financial incentive for our firm to
recommend the rollover to the client (i.e., receipt of additional fee-based compensation).
Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover. Moreover,
if clients do complete the rollover, clients are under no obligation to have the assets in an IRA
advised on by our firm. Due to the foregoing conflict of interest, when we make rollover
recommendations, we operate under a special rule that requires us to act in our clients’ best
interests and not put our interests ahead of our clients’.
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 our clients’ when making recommendations
(give loyal advice);
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• avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
•
follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in our
clients’ best interests;
• charge no more than a reasonable fee for our services; and
• give clients basic information about conflicts of interest.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company
plan. Also, current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before
they retire or change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to
the extent the following options are available, clients should consider the costs and benefits of
a rollover. Note that an employee will typically have four options in this situation:
1. leaving the funds in the employer’s (former employer’s) plan;
2. moving the funds to a new employer’s retirement plan;
3. cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan; or
4. rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account.
Each of these options has positives and negatives. Because of that, along with the importance
of understanding the differences between these types of accounts, we will provide clients with
an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of both account types and document the
basis for our belief that the rollover transaction we recommend is in your best interests.
Other Fees and General Information on Compensation
ClientFirst’s fees may be negotiable depending on client’s unique situation – such as the size of
the aggregate related party portfolio size, family holdings, low-cost basis securities, fixed
income holdings, or certain passively advised investments and pre- existing relationships with
clients. Certain clients may pay more or less than others depending on the amount of assets,
type of portfolio, or the time involved, the degree of responsibility assumed, complexity of the
engagement, special skills needed to solve problems, the application of experience and
knowledge of the client’s situation. Lower fees for comparable services may be available from
other sources.
Neither ClientFirst nor any of its supervised persons (employees) accept compensation
(including commissions or 12b-1 fees) for the sale of securities or other investment products in
client portfolios.
In addition to ClientFirst investment advisory fees, custodians may charge transaction fees on
purchases or sales of certain mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. These transaction
charges are usually small and incidental to the purchase or sale of a security. The selection of
the security is more important than the nominal fee that the custodian charges to buy or sell
the security.
Mutual funds charge investment advisory fees and other fees which are described in each
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prospectus. ClientFirst is not compensated by mutual fund companies. Clients could generally
avoid paying ClientFirst’s investment advisory fees by purchasing mutual funds directly from
the mutual fund companies.
Clients should note that similar advisory services may (or may not) be available from other
registered investment advisers for similar or lower fees.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Neither ClientFirst nor any of its Supervised Persons (employees) accepts performance-based
fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a client).
ClientFirst does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential conflict of
interest. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to
recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client.
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Item 7: Types of Clients
Types of Clients
As described in Item 4, ClientFirst‘s clients include individuals and high net worth individuals.
Account Minimums
ClientFirst requires a minimum account of $100,000,000 for investment advisory services.
Waivers or exceptions from the minimum may be granted at the exclusive discretion of Edward
P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer. ClientFirst may
group certain related client accounts for the purposes of achieving the minimum account size.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
ClientFirst may employ several security analysis methods including charting; fundamental
analysis; technical analysis; and cyclical analysis.
Fundamental Analysis: ClientFirst attempts to measure the intrinsic value of a security by
looking at economic and financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions,
and the financial condition and management of the company itself) to determine if the
company is underpriced (indicating it may be a good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it
may be time to sell).
Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a
potential risk, as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall market
regardless of the economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the stock.
Charting/Technical Analysis: The terms “charting” and “technical” analysis are generally used
synonymously and therefore, for the purpose of this document, we will use the term, “technical
analysis.” ClientFirst analyzes past market movements and apply that analysis to the present in
an attempt to recognize recurring patterns of investor behavior and potentially predict future
price movement.
Technical analysis does not consider the underlying financial condition of a company. This
presents a risk in that a poorly managed or financially unsound company may underperform
regardless of market movement.
Cyclical Analysis: In this type of technical analysis, we measure the movements of a particular
stock against the overall market in an attempt to predict the price movement of the security.
Investment Strategies
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the client
during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time. Each client executes a
Client Questionnaire that documents their objectives and their desired investment strategy.
Other strategies may include long-term and short-term purchases.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
All investments involve the risk of loss, including (among other things) loss of principal, a
reduction in earnings (including interest, dividends, and other distributions), and the loss of
future earnings. Although we manage assets in a manner consistent with your investment
objectives and risk tolerance, there can be no guarantee that our efforts will be successful.
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You should be prepared to bear the following risk of loss:
•
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to
fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less
attractive, causing their market values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
•
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external
factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For example,
political, economic, and social conditions may trigger market events.
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar next year will not buy as
much as a dollar today, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the
dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred
to as exchange rate risk.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to
be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e., interest rate). This primarily
relates to fixed income securities.
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil
and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a
higher risk of profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from a
steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic
environment is like.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized
product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are
not.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk
of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good
times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations
may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Cybersecurity Risk: A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and
unintentional events that may cause an account to lose proprietary information, suffer
data corruption, or lose operational capacity. This in turn could cause an account to
incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and additional compliance costs
associated with corrective measures, and/or financial loss.
• 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.
• Custodial Risk: This risk is the probability that a party to a transaction will be unable or
unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligations either due to technological errors, control
failures, malfeasance, or potential regulatory liabilities.
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ClientFirst reserves the right to advise clients on any other type of investment that it deems
appropriate based on the client’s stated goals and objectives. ClientFirst may also provide
advice on any type of investment held in a client’s portfolio at the inception of the advisory
relationship or on any investment on which the client requests advice.
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of ClientFirst or the integrity of
ClientFirst’s management. ClientFirst has no information to disclose applicable to this Item.
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
ClientFirst is not registered as a broker-dealer, and none of its management persons are
registered representatives of a broker-dealer.
Neither ClientFirst nor any of its management persons is registered as (or associated with) a
futures commissions merchant, commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading advisor.
Affiliations
Edward P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer is the co-
owner of another registered investment adviser, Fiduciary Wealth Management, LLC. Mr.
Mahaffy is also an Investment Adviser Representative of Fiduciary Wealth Management, LLC.
This affiliation is for succession planning only.
Other Investment Advisors
ClientFirst does not recommend or select other investment advisors for its clients.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
ClientFirst employees must comply with a Code of Ethics and Statement for Insider Trading. The
Code describes the Firms’ high standard of business conduct, and fiduciary duty to its clients.
The Code’s key provisions include:
• Statement of General Principles
• Policy on and reporting of Personal Securities Transactions
• A prohibition on Insider Trading
• Restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts
• Procedures to detect and deter misconduct and violations
• Requirement to maintain confidentiality of client information
Edward P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer, reviews
all trades each quarter. These reviews ensure that personal trading does not affect the markets,
and that clients of ClientFirst receive preferential treatment. Since most employee trades are
small mutual fund trades or exchange-traded fund trades, the trades do not affect the
securities markets.
As the sole employee, Edward P. Mahaffy maintains records on all personal trading.
Our employees must acknowledge the terms of the Code at least annually, and any employee
not in compliance with the Code may be subject to termination. We will provide a copy of our
Code upon request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions – Financial Interest and Principal/Agency Cross
ClientFirst and its employees do not recommend to clients, or buy or sell for client accounts,
securities in which they have a material financial interest.
It is ClientFirst’s policy that the Firm will not affect any principal or agency cross securities
transactions for client accounts. ClientFirst will also not cross trades between client accounts.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions – Personal Securities Transactions
ClientFirst and its employees may buy or sell securities identical to those recommended to
clients for their personal accounts. The Code of Ethics, described above, is designed to assure
that the personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of the employees of ClientFirst
will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii)
implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their
own accounts. Under the Code certain classes of securities, primarily mutual funds, have been
designated as exempt transactions, based upon a determination that these would materially
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not interfere with the best interest of ClientFirst’s clients. In addition, the Code requires pre-
clearance of many transactions. Nonetheless, because the Code of Ethics in some
circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same securities as clients, there is a
possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by an
employee. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics and designed to
reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between ClientFirst and its clients.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
ClientFirst does not receive formal soft dollar benefits other than execution from
broker/dealers in connection with client securities transactions. See disclosure below in
“Directed Brokerage – Other Economic Benefits”.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
ClientFirst does not receive client referrals from broker/dealers.
Directed Brokerage
Clients may come to ClientFirst with an existing brokerage relationship and direct ClientFirst to
execute their trades through that broker. This brokerage direction must be requested by the
client in writing. Clients normally negotiate their commission rate directly with their broker.
ClientFirst will not seek better execution services or prices from other brokers or dealers and as
a result, client could pay higher commissions, other transaction costs, greater spreads, or
receive less favorable net prices on transactions for the client’s portfolio than would otherwise
be the case. Not all advisers require or allow their clients to direct brokerage. Subject to its duty
of best execution, ClientFirst may decline a client’s request to direct brokerage if, in ClientFirst’s
sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would result in additional operational
difficulties.
If a client does not have an existing relationship with a broker, ClientFirst may suggest the use
of and request the client to authorize discretion on an account established through a variety of
brokerage firms.
When ClientFirst recommends a broker, it has considered the broker's ability to offer best
execution, including the costs of trades of listed securities, the costs of trades of securities in
which other brokers may make a market, and the ability to execute trades as well as the full
range and quality of the broker's services. ClientFirst periodically evaluates brokers/dealers or
custodian based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, commission rates, the
ability to negotiate commissions, execution capability, the financial condition of the
broker/dealer, responsiveness, and the value and quality of custodial services provided to the
client, if any.
In the case where a client has not directed his portfolio to a specific broker and ClientFirst has
discretion to select the broker, ClientFirst negotiates brokerage fees on a case-by-case basis.
Any negotiated discount is dependent upon the value of the services provided by the broker
and transaction execution. ClientFirst does not adhere to any fixed guideline or formula.
ClientFirst does not transact brokerage business based solely upon negotiated discount but also
any discount negotiated is relative to the value of services provided. The clients of ClientFirst
may pay commissions higher than those obtainable from other brokers as a result of this
analysis.
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ClientFirst’s fundamental policy is to seek for its clients what, in its judgment, will be the best
overall execution of purchase or sale orders and most favorable net prices in securities
transactions consistent with its judgment as to the business qualifications of the various
brokers with which ClientFirst may do business. Decisions with respect to the market in which
the transaction is to be completed, the form of transaction, and the allocation of orders among
brokers or dealers are made in accordance with this policy.
With respect to any brokerage commissions charged by executing brokers, for investment
advisory portfolios, ClientFirst will continually review the commission charges to ensure they
are reasonable within the current marketplace. The amount of commission paid for by each
client for a transaction placed by ClientFirst may be higher than the cost if executed by an
alternative broker/dealer. In such cases, ClientFirst will use its best efforts to determine that
the higher commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by the executing broker- dealer viewed in terms of either a particular
transaction or ClientFirst’ overall responsibilities to its other clients.
Directed Brokerage – Other Economic Benefits
ClientFirst may have the opportunity to receive traditional “non-cash benefits” from brokers
such as customized statements; receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate
statements; access to a trading desk servicing a broker’s advisers exclusively; access to block
trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate the
appropriate shares to client portfolios; ability to have investment advisory fees deducted
directly from client portfolios; access to an electronic communication network for client order
entry and portfolio information; access to mutual funds which generally require significantly
high minimum initial investments or those that are otherwise only generally available to
institutional investors; reporting features; receipt of industry communications; and perhaps
discounts on business-related products.
Brokers may also provide general access to research and perhaps discounts on research
products. Any research received is used for the benefit of all clients. ClientFirst has no written
or verbal arrangements whereby it receives soft dollars. While ClientFirst endeavors at all times
to put the interest of the clients first as part of its fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that
the receipt of any additional compensation itself creates a conflict of interest and may affect
the judgment of these individuals when making recommendations.
ClientFirst has been provided with a one-time credit from a broker/dealer to be used towards
technology and/or other economic benefits. ClientFirst may receive these benefits without cost
because ClientFirst renders investment management services to clients that maintain assets
with that broker/dealer. ClientFirst is not required to send a certain amount of business to the
broker/dealer to receive this benefit. These economic benefits may benefit ClientFirst, but not
its clients directly. In fulfilling its duties to its clients, ClientFirst endeavors at all times to put the
interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that ClientFirst’s receipt of
economic benefits from a broker-dealer creates a conflict of interest since these benefits may
influence ClientFirst’s choice of broker-dealer over another broker-dealer that does not furnish
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similar technology or other economic benefits. ClientFirst does not believe this benefit impairs
its fiduciary duty to clients.
Trade Aggregation
Trade aggregation is the act of trading a large block of a security in a single order. Shares of a
purchased security are then allocated to the appropriate accounts in the appropriate
proportion. The main purposes of order aggregation are (i) for ease of trading and (ii) to obtain
a lower transaction cost associated with trading a larger quantity. ClientFirst does not
aggregate Equity trades. As a result, clients purchasing securities around the same time may
receive a less favorable price than other clients. In addition, not aggregating trades may result
in higher transaction costs, as a client will not benefit from lower transaction costs which might
be achieved if the trade was aggregated.
Occasionally, ClientFirst will aggregate Fixed Income purchases, which are then allocated on an
average cost basis. Accounts for the Firm or Employees will not be included in a block trade
with client accounts.
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Reviews
We monitor client portfolios as part of an ongoing process, and regular account reviews are
generally conducted on a quarterly basis. Reviews could also occur at the time of new deposits,
material changes in the client’s financial information, changes in economic cycles, at our
discretion or as often as the client directs. Reviews entail analyzing securities, sensitivity to
overall markets, economic changes, investment results, asset allocation, etc., to ensure the
investment strategy and expectations are structured to continue to meet the client’s objectives.
These reviews are conducted by one of our Investment Advisor Representatives.
Clients are encouraged to discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with us and to inform us of
any changes.
Reporting
At least quarterly, the custodian provides clients with an account statement for each client
account, which may include individual holdings, cost basis information, deposits, and
withdrawals, accrued income, dividends, and performance. We may also provide clients with
periodic reports regarding their holdings, allocations, and performance.
Financial Planning – Reviews and Reporting
The initial financial plan is included as a component of the financial planning service. Clients
may receive updated financial plans for a separate fee.
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Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Other Compensation
ClientFirst does not receive any formal economic benefits (other than normal compensation
and benefits described in Item 12) from any firm or individual for providing investment advice.
Other Compensation – Brokerage Arrangements
See disclosure in Item 12 regarding compensation, including economic benefits received in
connection with giving advice to clients.
Compensation – Client Referrals
Affiliated and Unaffiliated persons or entities (“Promoters”) may occasionally refer, solicit, or
introduce clients to our Firm. In return, we may agree to compensate the Promoter for the
referral. This compensation will be made consistent with the requirements of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 and applicable state/local laws and regulations. Compensation to the
Promoter is dependent on the prospective client entering into an advisory agreement with us
for advisory services. Compensation to the Promoter will be an agreed-upon percentage of our
advisory fee which can be a one-time fee or recurring, pursuant to a written agreement
retained by both our Firm and the Promoter.
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Item 15: Custody
Custody – Fee Debiting
ClientFirst has one form of custody. Clients may authorize ClientFirst (in the investment
advisory agreement) to debit fees directly from the client’s account at the broker dealer, bank,
or other qualified custodian (custodian). ClientFirst’s investment assets will be held with a
custodian agreed upon by the client and Client. The custodian is advised in writing of the
limitation of ClientFirst’s access to the account. The custodian sends a statement to the client,
at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including the amount of
advisory fees paid directly to ClientFirst.
Custody – Account Statements
As described in Item 13, clients receive at least quarterly statements from the broker dealer,
bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains client’s investment assets. Clients
are urged to carefully review such statements and compare such official custodial records to
the account statements or other reports that ClientFirst provides. ClientFirst statements may
vary from custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation
methodologies of certain securities.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Through the investment management agreement, ClientFirst may accept limited power of
attorney to act on a discretionary basis on behalf of clients. A limited power of attorney allows
ClientFirst to execute trades on behalf of clients.
When such limited powers exist between the ClientFirst and the client, ClientFirst has the
authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, both the amount and type of
securities to be bought to satisfy client account objectives. Additionally, ClientFirst may accept
any reasonable limitation or restriction to such authority on the account placed by the client.
All limitations and restrictions placed on accounts must be presented to ClientFirst in writing.
However, ClientFirst consults with the client prior to each trade to obtain concurrence if a
blanket trading authorization has not been given.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
We do not have any authority to and do not vote proxies on behalf of clients, nor do we make
any express or implied recommendation with respect to voting proxies. Clients retain the sole
responsibility for receiving and voting proxies that they receive directly from either their
custodian or transfer agents. Clients may contact us for information about proxy voting.
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Item 18: Financial Information
ClientFirst is not required to provide a balance sheet; ClientFirst does not require prepayment
of fees of more than $1,200 per client, and six months or more in advance.
ClientFirst has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary
commitments to clients and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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Form ADV Part 2B – Investment Adviser Brochure Supplement
ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC
Form ADV Part 2B
Investment Adviser Brochure Supplement
1501 N. University Avenue, Suite 715
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501) 603-0406
www.clientfirstwealthmanagement.com
Edward P. Mahaffy
April 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about the Firm’s (“we”, “us”, “our”) employees
that supplements our Brochure. You should have received a copy of that Brochure. Please
contact Edward P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer
at (501) 603-0406 or ed@clientfirstwealthmanagement.com if you did not receive our Brochure
or if you have any questions about the contents of this Supplement.
Additional information about our employee(s) referenced above is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You may search this site using a unique identifying
number, known as a CRD number for each employee.
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Item 2: Educational Background and Business Experience
We generally require that employees involved in making investment decisions and providing
investment advice have a college degree and/or significant experience in the investment
management or financial services industries.
Born 1959
Edward P. Mahaffy
CRD #: 1259126
Business Background:
2002 to Present
ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC
President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer
1995 to 2001
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
2001 to 2007
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Financial Adviser, Registered Principal and Portfolio Manager
1984 to 1995
Stephens, Inc.
Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager
Formal Education after High School:
University of Arkansas
Master’s in Business Administration
The Citadel
Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration
Professional Designations:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
Member of National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
Professional Certifications
Edward P. Mahaffy maintains professional designations, which requires the following minimum
requirements:
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
Issued By
Prerequisites
The American College
Candidate must meet the following requirements:
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• 3 years of full-time business experience within the five years
preceding the awarding of the designation
6 core and 2 elective courses
Final proctored exam for each course
30 CE credits every 2 years
Education
Requirements
Exam Type
Continuing Education
Requirements
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Issued By
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Candidate must meet the following requirements:
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college
Prerequisites
or university, and
• 3 years of full-time personal financial planning experience
Candidate must complete a CFP®-board registered program, or hold
one of the following:
Education
Requirements
• CPA
• ChFC
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
• CFA
• Ph.D. in business or economics
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Attorney's License
CFP® Certification Examination
30 hours every 2 years
Exam Type
Continuing Education
Requirements
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
Edward P. Mahaffy has not been involved in any activities resulting in a disciplinary disclosure.
Item 4: Other Business Activities
As disclosed in Form ADV Part 2A Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations,
Edward P. Mahaffy, President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer, is the co-
owner and Investment Advisor Representative of another Registered Investment Adviser,
Fiduciary Wealth Management, LLC.
Item 5: Additional Compensation
Edward P. Mahaffy does not receive any economic benefit outside of regular salaries or
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bonuses.
Item 6: Supervision
Edward P. Mahaffy. President, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer, is the
sole employee named in this Form ADV Part 2B Investment Adviser Brochure Supplement.
Edward P. Mahaffy may be reached at (501) 603-0406.
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