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Firm Brochure
Form ADV Part 2A
Item 1 – Cover Page
SEC File No. 801-25803
6256 Greenwich Drive Suite 550
San Diego, CA 92122
Phone: 858-964-0500
Email: compliance@dunham.com
Website: www.dunham.com
March 28, 2025, as amended February 9, 2026
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Dunham &
Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please
contact us at compliance@dunham.com. 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.
Additional information about Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc., doing business as “Dunham,” is a registered investment
adviser. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.
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Item 2 — Material Changes
This publication of the Form ADV Part 2A contains highlights of the changes that have been made to this
brochure since the last update in March 2025. Some of these items may be deemed material changes from
our last filing.
The firm conducts business under the name Dunham, a registered fictitious business name of
Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc.
The sections titled “Advisory Business” and “Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of
Loss” have been updated to describe the addition of DunhamDC, the firm’s proprietary, algorithmic
rebalancing program and the DRIP feature to the Standard Asset Allocation Program.
The section titled “Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations” and “Client Referrals and
Other Compensation” have been updated to clarify that DAIC’s affiliate Dunham Trust Company
does business as “Dunham Trust” (Nevada) and “Dunham Private Trust” (Wyoming), and to provide
additional detail regarding certain third parties who hold non‑controlling minority interests in
Dunham Trust Company and receive referral compensation.
The section titled “Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations” has been updated as DAIC
now offers access to a third-party mortgage platform; DAIC does not receive referral fees or
economic benefits from this service.
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Item 3 — Table of Contents
Item 1 — Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................... i
Item 2 — Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... iii
Item 4 — Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 1
Item 5 — Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................. 2
Item 6 — Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................................. 5
Item 7 —Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................... 5
Item 8 — Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ....................................................... 7
Item 9 — Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................... 10
Item 10 — Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................... 11
Item 11 — Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Item 12 — Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 19
Item 13 — Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 19
Item 14 — Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................. 20
Item 15 — Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16 — Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................ 21
Item 17 — Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 21
Item 18 — Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 22
Item 19 — Requirements for State-Registered Advisers ............................................................................. 22
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Item 4 — Advisory Business
Founded in 1985, Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc., doing business as Dunham (“DAIC” or
“Dunham”) is a private wealth management firm, registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and
Broker-Dealer. DAIC is wholly-owned by Dunham & Associates Holdings, Inc. (“Dunham Holdings”), which
also owns Dunham Trust Company (“DTC”), a Nevada Trust Company. As of December 31, 2024, DAIC,
together with DTC, had approximately $5.59 billion of assets under administration. Of that amount, DAIC
had $3.84 billion in discretionary assets under management and $898 million in non-discretionary assets
under management.
The principal owner of Dunham Holdings is Jeffrey A. Dunham, Chief Executive Officer of DAIC.
DAIC currently offers four types of advisory services: mutual funds, wrap programs, separately
managed accounts (“SMAs”) and investment consulting services.
DAIC offers a proprietary family of sub-advised mutual funds (the “Dunham Funds”) that operate on
performance-based advisory fees, commonly known as fulcrum fees. DAIC is the investment adviser to the
Dunham Funds. DAIC selects sub-advisers based on its evaluation of their skills and investment results in
managing assets for specific asset classes, investment styles and strategies. The investment objectives of the
Dunham Funds range from current income to total return. The Dunham Funds represent unique asset
classes and are available individually or as part of wrap programs.
DAIC sponsors two wrap programs: (i) the Standard Asset Allocation Program (“Standard Program”); and (ii)
the Custom Asset Allocation Program (“Custom Program”) (collectively, the “Wrap Programs”). DAIC selects
the Dunham Funds, or other mutual funds that are offered in the Wrap Programs. DAIC also determines the
allocations and sector weights of the core asset allocation models (“Core Allocations”) for the Wrap
Programs. Clients choose from the Core Allocations and/or any combination of eligible Dunham Funds
available in their selected Wrap Program or the DunhamDC proprietary algorithm (“DunhamDC”, “Program”)
representing different asset classes. The Standard Program features seventeen Allocation models and the
DunhamDC proprietary algorithm. The Custom Program allows clients to invest in any combination of the
eligible Dunham Funds and/or Core Allocations or the DunhamDC proprietary algorithm. Clients may place
reasonable restrictions, or make reasonable modifications to existing restrictions, regarding the management
of their Wrap Program account.
DAIC provides SMAs for high-net-worth individuals. DAIC serves as investment adviser to the SMAs and
tailors its investment advice to each client based on the client’s investment profile/objectives. The SMAs
may invest in individual securities, ETFs and mutual funds, including Dunham Funds. Clients may place
reasonable restrictions, or make reasonable modifications to existing restrictions, regarding the management
of their SMAs.
To the extent specifically requested by a client, DAIC may determine to provide portfolio review and non-
discretionary investment consulting services. Prior to engaging DAIC to provide stand- alone consulting
services, clients are required to enter into a Consulting Agreement with DAIC setting forth the terms and
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conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided,
and the fee that is due from the client prior to DAIC commencing services.
In performing its portfolio review and investment consulting services, DAIC shall not be required to verify any
information received from the client or from the client’s other professionals, and it is expressly authorized to
rely thereon. Moreover, each client is advised that DAIC’s services do not include investment implementation
or ongoing investment supervision, monitoring, or reporting services. If requested by the client, DAIC may
recommend the services of other professionals for implementation purposes. The client is under no obligation
to engage the services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion over all
such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from DAIC.
Financial advisors may, as agreed from time to time with clients, provide financial planning or financial
consulting services to clients utilizing the Dunham Retirement Income Plan (“DRIP” or “Plan”). DRIP places
the focus on developing strategic investment plans that are based on the individual needs of clients. This
framework attempts to help investors understand the benefits of having an overall long-term investment
approach while segmenting their portfolio into two or more portfolios to budget for any combination of
short-, mid-, and long-term goals. The financial advisor may recommend DAIC’s Custom Asset Allocation
Program or Standard Asset Allocation Program as a means of implementing the different portfolio
strategies.
Item 5 — Fees and Compensation
Dunham Funds
As investment adviser to the Dunham Funds, DAIC receives investment advisory fees from the Dunham
Funds. Also, as distributor of Dunham Fund shares, DAIC may receive compensation in connection with the
sale of the Fund shares. DAIC may receive all or a portion of these fees. These payments can be significant.
This has the potential to create a conflict of interest, as it may provide an incentive for DAIC to recommend
the purchase of the Dunham Funds rather than other similarly-situated mutual funds. In addition, DAIC
may be incentivized to recommend clients to invest assets (cash) into Core Allocations, to the extent the
recommendation is suitable and in the best interest of the client. This potential conflict of interest is
addressed by DAIC through communications to, and training and supervision of, its representatives, and by
providing disclosure to the client of specific conflicts as part of the documentation provided to each client
at the time of sale.
Any fees that DAIC receives from the Dunham Funds or from investors in Dunham Funds, are disclosed in
the Prospectuses of the Dunham Funds.
Wrap Program Fees
Detailed advisory and expense fee information about the Wrap Program is available in the Wrap Fee Program
Brochure (Wrap Brochure). The Wrap Brochure is provided with this brochure and is prepared specifically for
prospective and current participants in the Wrap Program.
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SMAs
For SMAs, DAIC’s actual advisory fees, minimum fees and minimum account sizes may be negotiated and
may vary due to a variety of factors, including the particular circumstances of the client, specific investment
strategies mandated by the client, account size, or as otherwise may be agreed with specific clients. As a
result, DAIC may offer certain clients lower fees than other clients.
The specific fees that DAIC charges an SMA client are set forth in the client’s written investment
management agreement with DAIC. DAIC generally bills its advisory fees on a quarterly basis in arrears
unless otherwise stated in the written management agreement with a client. Clients also may be billed
directly for fees or authorize DAIC to directly debit fees from client accounts. Accounts initiated or
terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a prorated fee. Upon termination of any account, any
earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
Total fees charged to a SMA client range from 0.25% to 1.00%. A portion of this fee may be paid by DAIC to
DTC for providing custody and portfolio accounting services to SMA clients who elect such services. DAIC
compensates DTC for its services under a professional services agreement.
Participation in an SMA may cost a client more or less depending on the circumstances. For example, if
there is heavy trading activity in a SMA, the advisory fees may cost the client less than if the client were
charged brokerage commissions for each trade. Conversely, little trading activity could result in the advisory
fees exceeding the cost of the brokerage commissions charged for each trade.
Investment Consulting Services
To the extent specifically requested by a client, DAIC may determine to provide portfolio review and
investment consulting services on a stand-alone separate fee basis. DAIC’s portfolio review and investment
consulting service fees are negotiable, which may be higher depending upon the level and scope of the
service(s) required. Prior to engaging DAIC to provide stand-alone consulting services, clients are required to
enter into a Consulting Agreement with DAIC setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement
(including termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the fee that is due from the
client prior to DAIC commencing services. If the client terminates, the balance, if any, of DAIC’s fee shall be
paid by the client, including the fee due for services rendered by DAIC but not previously invoiced to the
client. Fees shall be prorated and charged upon termination.
Other Expenses Regarding Dunham Funds and SMAs
Dunham Funds. In addition to advisory fees, mutual fund clients may incur fees for 12b-1, custodian,
administrative services, transfer agent, state registration, SEC registration, ICI membership, state and city
taxes, audit, printing, mailing, legal, compliance, as well as directors expenses and a portion of the Chief
Compliance Officer’s compensation.
SMAs. Clients will typically pay fees to their custodian in addition to advisory fees. Depending on the
strategy in which the account invests, the account may incur brokerage fees for most equity trading, and the
effect of the difference with respect to the bid/ask spread for trading in fixed income investments.
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Solicitor Agreement
DAIC enters into solicitor agreements with individuals who refer investment advisory clients to DAIC from
time to time. Compensation is either based on a percentage of (i) the annual account balance; or (ii) the
fees earned and received, both paid quarterly. The solicitor agreement includes a representation that the
solicitor’s activities comply with applicable federal or state laws.
Rollover to IRAs
When DAIC’s investment advisors provide investment advice regarding a retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, the associated person is a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue Code section 4975(c) (1)
(IRC), as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts (“Qualified Account”). DAIC and its
investment advisors who act as a fiduciary by providing investment advice for such retirement accounts are
generally prohibited from receiving compensation unless in compliance with applicable prohibited
transaction exemptions under ERISA or the IRC as authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The way DAIC is compensated creates some conflicts of interests, so for retirement accounts, DAIC operates
under a special rule that requires DAIC to act in the client’s best interest and not put DAIC’s or DAIC’s
investment advisor’s interest ahead of the clients.
A conflict of interest exists to the extent that DAIC’s associated persons recommend that a client roll over
assets from a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan (“Employer Plan”) to an Individual Retirement
Account (“IRA”) that invests in the Wrap Programs. DAIC and its associated persons receive compensation as
a result of a client’s participation in the Wrap Programs and have a financial incentive to recommend the roll
over.
When considering rolling over assets from an Employer Plan to an IRA a client should review and consider
the advantages and disadvantages of an IRA rollover from the Employer Plan. A plan participant leaving an
employer typically has four options (and may 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, a client should consider fees and expenses,
investment options, services, penalty-free withdrawals, protection from creditors and legal judgments,
required minimum distributions, and employer stock. DAIC encourages clients to discuss their options and
review the above listed considerations with an accountant, third-party administrator, investment advisor to
your Employer Plan (if available), or legal counsel, to the extent necessary.
A client may face increased fees when he/she moves 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. Investing in an IRA that invests in the Wrap
Programs will typically be more expensive than an Employer Plan.
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By recommending that a client rollover his/her Employer Plan assets to an IRA, DAIC will earn program fees
and advisory fees as more fully described in the Wrap Brochure. In addition to these fees, the underlying
investment in the Wrap Programs, the Dunham Funds, may charge Rule 12b-1 and sub-transfer agent fees,
management fees and administrative expenses, and other charges required by law. DAIC may receive a
portion of these fees. These payments are significant. This has the potential to create a conflict of interest, as
it may provide an incentive for DAIC to recommend the purchase of the Dunham Funds rather than other
similarly situated mutual funds. While the Dunham Funds’ fees are competitive, they are not meant to be
low-cost investment options. Fees charged by comparable third-party funds may be lower.
As a result, DAIC has an economic incentive to encourage an individual to rollover Employer Plan assets into
an IRA that invests in the Wrap Programs. In contrast, leaving assets in the Employer Plan or rolling the
assets to a plan sponsored by the new employer results in no compensation to DAIC.
Item 6 — Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
DAIC offers a performance-based fee structure in its Custom Program. Detailed information about this fee
structure is available in the Wrap Brochure.
Item 7 —Types of Clients
Types of Clients
DAIC’s advisory services are generally provided to the following client types:
Investors utilizing the Wrap Programs;
Investors utilizing the SMAs; and
Registered investment companies, primarily Dunham Funds;
DTC and/or clients of DTC.
Account Requirements
Dunham Funds
The Dunham Funds require the stated minimum account sizes to open and maintain an account:
Account Requirements
Class A Shares
Class C Shares
Class N Shares
Tax-Deferred Accounts
$ 2,000
$ 2,000
$ 50,000
Regular Accounts (Taxable)
$ 5,000
$ 5,000
$ 100,000
These minimums may be waived at the discretion of DAIC.
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Wrap Programs
The Wrap Programs require the stated minimum account sizes to open and maintain an account:
Account Requirements
Standard Program
Custom Program
Qualified (Retirement) Account
Minimum
$ 5,000
$ 25,000
$ 10,000
Non-Qualified Account Minimum
$ 50,000
These minimums may be waived at the discretion of DAIC, the Wrap Program sponsor.
For the Standard Program, accounts below the applicable minimum will be charged an annual $50 below
minimum fee. For the Custom Program, accounts below the applicable minimum will be charged an annual
$65 below minimum fee. Accounts will be assessed this fee on the anniversary date of the account. These
minimums may be waived at the discretion of DAIC, the Wrap Program sponsor.
SMAs
The SMAs require the stated minimum account sizes to open and maintain an account:
Account Requirements
SMAs
Qualified (Retirement) Account
Minimum
$ 500,000
$1,000,000
Non-Qualified Account Minimum
These minimums may be waived at the discretion of DAIC.
Item 8 — Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
General
Diversification via asset allocation remains at the forefront of DAIC’s investment strategies. DAIC’s asset
allocation process seeks to optimize returns by allocating funds among different asset classes given various
levels of risk tolerance. The investment process relies upon analysis of global, fundamental macroeconomic
data (central bank decision-making, fixed income credit spreads, industrial output, etc.) and asset class risk-
frontier research. The theory behind asset allocation is that diversification among asset classes can help
reduce volatility over the long- term.
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DAIC believes that investment decisions should be made in light of the longer-term scope of a full market
cycle, often 3 to 5 years. DAIC’s investment committee primarily decides the quarterly rebalancing of asset
class-based strategic allocations, while the day-to-day investment decision-making within each mutual fund
is left at the discretion of the Dunham Funds’ sub- advisers.
Dunham Funds
For descriptions of the strategies, methods of analysis, and risks of loss of any of the Dunham Funds, please
refer to the respective Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Wrap Programs
For descriptions of the strategies, methods of analysis, and risks of loss of the Wrap Programs, please refer
to the Wrap Brochure.
SMAs
The following are general descriptions of current SMA investment strategies and their associated principal
risks. Investing in these strategies involves a risk of loss of capital as markets can be volatile and can go
down.
ETF Asset Allocation Philosophy. The ETF Asset Allocation Strategy is based on the premise that
superior total returns can be achieved by investing in ETFs that provide exposure to four primary asset
classes: (i) U.S. equity securities; (ii) alternative/hybrid securities; (iii) fixed income securities; and (iv)
non-U.S. equity securities. The allocation among those asset classes will be in proportions consistent
with DAIC’s evaluation of the expected returns and risks of each asset class as well as the allocation
that, in DAIC’s view, will best meet the client’s investment objective.
You should be aware that there are certain material risks associated with investing in the strategy noted
above. These risks include (without limitation):
Market Risk. The prices of the securities are subject to the risks associated with investing in the stock market,
including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. Overall securities values
could decline generally or could underperform other investments. An investment may lose money.
Natural Disaster/Epidemic Risk. Natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods,
hurricanes, tsunamis, and other severe weather-related phenomena generally, and widespread disease and
illness, including pandemics and epidemics (such as the coronavirus), have been and can be highly disruptive
to economies and markets.
Currency Risk. Adverse changes in currency exchange rates (relative to the U.S. dollar) may erode or reverse
any potential gains from investments denominated in a foreign currency or may widen existing losses.
Exchange rate movements are volatile and it may not be possible to effectively hedge the currency risks of
many countries.
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Emerging Markets Risks. Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker
economies, and less-developed legal systems which do not protect securities holders. Emerging market
economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic
weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid.
Foreign Investing. Investments in foreign countries are subject to currency risk and country-specific risks such
as political, diplomatic, regional conflicts, terrorism, war, social and economic instability and policies that
have the effect of decreasing the value of foreign securities. Foreign countries may be subject to different
trading settlement practices, less government supervision, less publicly available information, limited trading
markets and greater volatility than U.S. investments.
Asset Allocation Risk. In allocating assets, DAIC may favor markets or asset classes that perform poorly
relative to other markets and asset classes. DAIC’s investment analysis, its selection of investments, and its
assessment of the risk/return potential of asset classes and markets may not produce the intended results
and/or can lead to an investment focus that results in underperforming other investment strategies.
ETF Risk. ETFs are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by
investors. As a result, the cost of investing in the strategy will be higher than the cost of investing directly
in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds. The ETFs in which the strategy invests will not be able
to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track and the market value of ETF shares may
differ from their net asset value. ETFs are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.
Lower-Rated Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment-grade, sometimes called “high-yield” or “junk”
bonds, are speculative investments that generally have more credit risk than higher-rated securities. Companies
issuing high-yield fixed-income securities are not as strong financially as those issuing securities with higher
credit ratings and are more likely to encounter financial difficulties. Lower rated issuers are more likely to
default and their securities could become worthless.
Changing Fixed Income Market Conditions Risk. During periods of sustained rising rates, fixed income risks
will be amplified. If the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raises the
federal funds interest rate target, interest rates across the U.S. financial system may rise. Rising rates tend
to decrease liquidity, increase trading costs, and increase volatility, all of which make portfolio
management more difficult and costly.
DunhamDC Program
DAIC offers a proprietary, algorithmic rebalancing program, the DunhamDC that is part of the Custom Program
and Standard Program.
The DunhamDC algorithm is a systematic and unemotional investment strategy that generally increases equity
exposure as global stock prices decrease and reduces equity exposure when global stock prices increase,
except if invested in the U.S. variant as further described below. With DunhamDC, the client, with his or her
financial advisor is selecting the level of risk the client is willing to take within this strategy and whether the
client is selecting the U.S. variant. The U.S. variant generally increases equity exposure as domestic stock prices
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decrease and reduces equity exposure when domestic stock prices increase. There are different portfolios for
different risk tolerance and investment objectives which are tailored to the clients’ specific needs.
Rebalancing is initiated based on the investment criteria set forth in the investor’s application and is further
influenced by the DunhamDC algorithm. Accounts invested in DunhamDC are subject to a quarterly rebalance
to its target allocation at the time based on the DunhamDC Program in addition to the signals provided by the
DunhamDC Program at any given time.
DunhamDC allocation and Core Allocation changes are made only if they result in an allocation value shift at
the fund level of 1% or greater of the total account value. This includes if non-Dunham fund investments are in
the Dunham account and the allocation value shift per fund is more than 1%.
Due to the large deviation in equity to fixed income ratio at any given time, a large deviation in equity to fixed
income ratio can have significant implications for the risk and return profile of the account. Accordingly, during
periods of strong market growth the account may underperform accounts that do not have the DunhamDC
feature. Conversely, during periods of strong market declines, the account may also be underperforming, as
the account continues to decline, due to the higher exposure in equities. Similarly, if the fixed income
investments underperform the equity investments, it is possible that the accounts using the DunhamDC
feature may underperform accounts that do not have the DunhamDC feature, even though they may have
adjusted the exposure to equity investment before a decline.
The Program uses simplified assumptions based primarily on historical data. The program operates within
predefined parameters and rules and can make frequent purchases and redemptions at times which can result
in a taxable event in the client’s account and may cause undesired tax-related consequences such as wash
sales.
While this approach can reduce emotional biases and enhance consistency, it limits adaptability to changing
market conditions, economic considerations, or unforeseen events. Unforeseen changes in the markets or
market expectations may require deviations from the Program’s prescribed approach, and such adaptability
may be challenging to incorporate.
While the DunhamDC algorithm is programmed based on specific criteria and rules, it cannot capture certain
qualitative or contextual factors that can impact investment decisions or movement in the markets. Beyond
the simplistic initial assumptions used to develop the algorithm, it lacks other inputs or considerations that
human judgement and discretion may be necessary to evaluate.
The algorithm does not use complex formulas and is designed to create a consistent process with limited
assumptions based on historical data. It does not make any predictions and may add to certain investments
before they perform poorly or may divest from other investments before they perform well. There is no
guarantee that any investment strategy will meet its stated objectives. There may be economic times where all
investments are unfavorable and depreciate in value. Market conditions and factors that influence investment
outcomes are subject to change, and no program can fully account for all variables and events. No investment
strategy or risk management technique can guarantee returns or eliminate risk in any market environment.
There are no additional fees and expenses to use DunhamDC other than the advisory and expense fees for the
Wrap Fee Program as described in the Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
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Dunham Retirement Income Plan (“DRIP”)
DAIC offers a Dunham Retirement Income Plan (“DRIP” or “Plan”). DRIP seeks to help retirees by investing
principal to establish regular, inflation-adjusted withdrawals of cash during retirement. The Plan seeks to set
aside a thirteen to fifteen months reserve of liquid assets in the Distribution Portfolio allocated in the Dunham
Insured Deposit Marketplace seeking to satisfy monthly distributions for current spending based on the
client’s specific circumstances as part of the client’s overall financial plan. This reserve is funded by assets
invested in an algorithmic rebalancing program DunhamDC) or another Dunham Custom Asset Allocation
Program for the Customer Program accounts, or through Allocation models used in the Standard Program. This
investment approach is designed to generate inflation-adjusted returns to replenish the reserve.
The DRIP feature is available in both the Custom and Standard Program.
The Plan invests the remaining capital to fund future spending in one or more portfolios, which can include the
Flex Portfolio, Healthcare Portfolio and/ or Legacy Portfolio. These portfolios can be invested in the
proprietary algorithmic rebalancing program DunhamDC or another Allocation of the Custom Program, or
through Allocation models used in the Standard Program. DRIP was created to address risks common to those
seeking retirement income, including inflation risk, market risk and longevity risk. DRIP is not an insurance
product and is not guaranteed. Clients may lose money.
Item 9 — Disciplinary Information
There are no legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of our
investment advisory business or integrity of our management.
Item 10 — Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
DAIC is a dually registered Broker-Dealer and investment adviser. DAIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
parent company Dunham Holdings and an affiliate of Dunham Trust Company, and Dunham & Associates
Securities, Inc. (“DASI”). Jeffrey Dunham is an officer, director, and principal shareholder of Dunham
Holdings. As a registered representative, Mr. Dunham does not receive directly, sales commissions from
sales of the Dunham Funds, however, DAIC may as disclosed in this brochure.
Dunham Trust Company (‘DTC”), doing business as “Dunham Trust” and “Dunham Private Trust” is a privately
held trust company. When operating as Dunham Trust, DTC is licensed by the Nevada Department of Business
& Industry, Financial Institutions Division (“FID”). When operating as Dunham Private Trust, DTC is licensed
and regulated in the State of Wyoming by the Wyoming Division of Banking.
DTC provides a variety of trust and custodial services, including serving as administrator, trustee and/or
investment manager of a trust. DTC generally provides investment management services through DAIC,
however, may also delegate investment management to other approved financial advisors. A conflict of
interest exists to the extent that DAIC’s associated persons recommend that a client utilize the trust services
provided by DTC.
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By recommending that a client utilize the trust services and such client agreeing or selecting DTC as trustee,
DAIC may receive advisory fees and DTC will receive trustee and/or administration fees. These payments may
be significant. In contrast, recommending that a client use another trust company results in no compensation
to DAIC or DTC. DTC and DAIC mitigate any potential conflicts by providing adequate disclosures and other
information to clients. DTC may also pay a portion of its administration fees to non-affiliated financial services
firm(s). These payments relate to DTC’s inclusion as a featured exhibitor on the financial services firm’s
wealth management platform. Clients pay no additional fees to DTC or to the financial advisors at these
firm(s) who utilize the platform. However, these payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing
the financial services firm(s) to promote DTC’s trust and custodial services over another trust company. DTC
also serves as custodian for certain DAIC clients.
Certain board members who serve on the board of Dunham Private Trust hold non-controlling minority
ownership interests (each less than five percent) in Dunham Trust Company. These individuals also maintain
referral agreements with DAIC, Dunham Trust Company, under which they receive referral fees. Because
these individuals both receive referral compensation and hold ownership interests in an affiliated trust
company, they have a financial incentive to recommend services provided by DAIC and its affiliated trust
company. The firm addresses this conflict through written disclosures. Clients are not required to use DTC and
may select any trust provider.
DTC and DAIC have an agreement in place where DTC employs DAIC to provide or arrange certain
administrative, support, and investment advisory services, either directly or through affiliates. Under this
agreement DTC pays DAIC a fixed monthly fee for administrative, support, and investment advisory services,
either directly or through affiliates. Under this agreement, DTC pays DAIC a fixed monthly fee for the
administrative and support services it provides. Additionally, DAIC charges its standard fees for investment
advisory services it performs.
DAIC also has a separate agreement with DTC. Under this agreement, DAIC engages DTC to assist with
professional services necessary for DAIC to deliver investment advisory services to clients of DTC who are also
DAIC’s clients. For these professional services, DAIC pays DTC a fee as set forth in the Professional Services
Agreement.
DAIC offers a donor-advised fund to help clients with charitable giving. The Dunham Donor-Advised Fund
(“Dunham DAF”), is a charitable fund that may be used for philanthropy and impact investing and is powered
by University Impact (“UI”), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. DAIC can facilitate the
opening and management of the Dunham DAF account with UI. A donor-advised fund account allows clients
to contribute cash or other assets to a charitable account to realize potential, immediate tax benefits and
then support their charities over time. UI charges fees to the Dunham DAF for administrative services in
accordance with the Fee Schedule as outlined in the UI Donor Advised Fund Agreement (“Agreement”).
Accounts are required to maintain a $1,000 minimum balance to support investment fees as explained in the
Agreement. There may be additional fees charged by the financial advisor that are separate from UI’s
administrative and impact investment fees. Contributions to the Dunham DAF are irrevocable contributions
made to UI, a public charity.
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Assets contributed to the Dunham DAF (once liquidated, if applicable) will be invested in the Dunham Asset
Allocation Program sponsored by DAIC. Investment allocations may be changed according to Dunham’s
standard policies and procedures. UI may hold up to 5% of the Dunham DAF assets in cash or cash
equivalent at any time.
As the Program Sponsor, DAIC charges each donor a single service program fee (“Program Fee”) not
exceeding 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the account. In addition, a Financial Advisor may
charge a donor an asset-based advisory fee (“Advisory Fee”) as specified in the Advisory Agreement.
If a Financial Advisor is no longer willing or able to advise on distributions for charitable giving and no
successor financial advisor is named, provided that certain conditions are met, DAIC’s affiliate DTC will
assume responsibility for grant making as outlined in the DAF Agreement. A conflict of interest exists to the
extent that donated assets may stay longer in the Dunham DAF absent of specific instructions on file,
resulting in compensation to DAIC as described above. DAIC mitigates any potential conflicts by providing
adequate disclosures and other information to clients.
As investment adviser to the Dunham Funds, DAIC receives the investment advisory compensation described
in the Dunham Funds’ prospectuses and such fees are borne by all shareholders in the Dunham Funds,
including the donor. These payments may be significant. A conflict of interest exists to the extent that DAIC’s
associated persons recommend that a client utilize the Dunham DAF. In contrast, recommending that a client
use another donor advised fund results in no compensation to DAIC. DAIC mitigates any potential conflicts by
providing adequate disclosures and other information to clients.
DASI may have previously identified proprietary opportunities to invest in securities products, either directly
or through Dunham Holdings. In addition, clients of DAIC may have invested along with DASI in such
securities products. As a result, DAIC or its associated persons may have access to insider information or to
non-public information that is not generally available to other investors. In an effort to reduce any possible
conflict of interest, Mr. Dunham is subject to a Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy that prevents him
from using this information to his advantage. Mr. Dunham may operate in various capacities including, but
not limited to, as an investment advisor recommending the purchase or sale of securities products, which
poses a conflict of interest. DAIC addresses this potential conflict by providing adequate disclosures.
Closed to New Investors - DAIC, in its capacity as a Broker-Dealer, may recommend that a client invest in a
trust deed. DAIC previously served as investment adviser and distributor for four private funds (the “Private
Funds”). The Private Funds invested in first and second trust deeds. Individuals who are also clients of DAIC
may acquire a smaller interest in a trust deed (“fractionalized trust deed”) from a Private Fund in private
transactions. This may result in a conflict of interest because DAIC must act in the best interests of both the
Private Fund and the individual purchasing the fractionalized trust deed, which may have competing interests.
The Private Funds have now liquidated, however, DAIC and its affiliates (including Mr. Dunham) may be
incentivized to facilitate investment in fractionalized trust deeds in order to quicken the pace of liquidation
and distributions to AMI, a former affiliate of DAIC, or other affiliates. DAIC is conflicted in the following ways:
(i) recommending that a client liquidate lower risk investments (such as Dunham Funds, third-party mutual
funds or other assets) to raise funds to invest in the trust deed; and (ii) foregoing the opportunity to invest in
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an alternative trust deed or other investment that has more attractive terms (e.g., interest rate,
collateralization, etc.) to the client than the trust deed. Finally, the Private Funds may have access to insider
information or non-public information that is not generally available to other investors about the
fractionalized trust deeds. DAIC mitigates any potential conflicts by providing adequate disclosures and other
information to clients.
DAIC may also pay a portion of its compensation to non-affiliated registered investment advisers. This
compensation varies from 5 basis points to 25 basis points and is based on the total dollar amount of client
assets in the flat and performance-based fee options of the Custom Program.1 Clients pay no additional fees
to DAIC or to the advisors who participate in this program. However, these payments may create a conflict of
interest by influencing the advisor to invest in the Custom Program over another investment.
DAIC, in its capacity as a Broker-Dealer, may recommend that a client invest in interests in limited liability
companies (“LLCs”) investing in real estate. Such investments are illiquid and have not been registered
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933. Prior to investing, a client must qualify as a “qualified” investor (as
defined by applicable law and rules and regulations) and acknowledge that he or she is aware of the various
risk factors and conflicts associated with such an investment. Mr. Dunham and certain related parties may in
the future or currently have personally invested in a LLC they also recommend to a client. Chad Dunham and/
or Rex Dunham (Mr. Dunham’s son(s)) receive a membership interest in the LLC or a fee, which represents a
percentage of the cost of purchase of the property(s) or equity raised, for identifying the property,
negotiating the purchase of the property and negotiating the leases with tenants. Chad Dunham and/ or Rex
Dunham also serve as Manager of the LLC and receive a management fee based on a certain percentage of
the gross rents for on-going management of the property and LLC. An affiliate of DAIC receives a membership
interest in the LLC or a fee, representing a percentage of the cost of purchase of the property(s) or equity
raised, for conducting due diligence on the property, assisting with bridge loan financing, loan servicing and
resolving any issues that arise as a result. This creates a natural conflict of interest in that their personal
investment may motivate them to recommend the LLC over other private placement investments they have
not personally invested in but may be better suited for the client.
In addition, DAIC is conflicted in the following ways: (i) recommending that a client liquidate lower risk
investments (such as Dunham Funds, third-party mutual funds or other assets) to raise funds to invest in the
LLC; and (ii) foregoing the opportunity to invest in an alternative LLC or other investment that has more
attractive terms (e.g., distributions) to the client than the LLC. DAIC mitigates any potential conflicts by
providing adequate disclosures and other information to clients.
DAIC’s affiliate, DTC, offers the following cash sweep arrangement; a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(“FDIC”) insured cash program, the Dunham Insured Deposit Marketplace (“IDM”, “Bank Program”). DTC does
not directly provide these services; they are provided to DTC clients through third-party providers, and DTC is
compensated by the third parties. Please refer to the IDM Disclosure Booklet for more information. The
following is a summary of those disclosures.
1 For client assets in the Custom Program prior to October 1, 2019, the compensation is based only on the total dollar amount in the
performance-based fee option.
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DTC will automatically transfer (“sweep”) available cash balances, including proceeds of securities
transactions, dividend and interest payments, cash deposits, and other monies into interest-bearing deposit
accounts (“Deposit Accounts”) at banks insured by the FDIC.
Client participation in the IDM results in financial benefits for DTC that create conflicts of interest. DTC
receives compensation from the program banks (“Program Banks”) for the record keeping and administrative
services it provides in connection with maintaining the Bank Program (the “Program Fee”). The interest rates
paid to clients participating in the IDM are essentially determined by DTC, based on the interest rates paid by
the Program Banks, less the Program Fees paid to DTC by the Program Banks, which can be up to 4.00% on an
annualized basis as applied to deposits across all Deposit Accounts. Individuals that serve as DAIC and DTC
officers set the Program Fee, and thus DAIC and DTC directly determine how much of the total payment made
by the Program Banks DTC retains as compensation. The amount of the Program Fee paid to DTC and the
administrative fee paid to the third-party program administrator reduce the interest rate paid on client
Deposit Accounts. DTC has discretion over the amount of its Program Fee, and DTC reserves the right to
modify the Program Fees it receives from Program Banks. This discretion in modifying the Program Fee
creates a conflict of interest on the part of DTC; the greater the Program Fee DTC receives, which may be up
to 4.00% on an annualized basis, the lower the interest paid by Program Banks to DTC clients. In certain
interest rate environments, the Program Fee, is a substantial source of revenue to DTC. DTC can reduce its
Program Fees and can vary the amount of the reductions between clients and the amount of interest paid by
Program Banks to DTC. The Program Fees paid by each Program Bank, which affects the interest rates paid by
the Program Banks in the Bank Program, do and are expected to vary from Program Bank to Program Bank;
this creates a conflict for DTC when selecting Program Banks in that it incentivizes DTC to select the banks that
pay higher Program Fees. No part of the Program Fee is paid to any financial advisor.
If the client is investing through an advisory account, such as in the Custom Program, the fees that DTC
receives from the banks are in addition to the program fee the client pays DAIC as program sponsor of the
Wrap Fee Program (0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the client’s account if choosing an asset-
based fee or ½ of the performance-based fee if the client is a “qualified client” (as defined in the Investment
Advisers Act) covering shareholder servicing and distribution, and client communications, limited
discretionary investment management, brokerage and custodial services related to the Dunham Funds) and
the advisory fee that the client pays the Advisor. This means that DTC and its affiliate DAIC earn two types of
fees on the same cash balances in the client’s account, which may be higher than if the cash balance is held in
a brokerage account. It is important that the client understands the difference between investment advisory
services, brokerage services and fees and how they differ to select the right account type depending on the
client’s needs and objectives. Please refer to the Regulation Best Interest Disclosures and Client Relationship
Summary for more information.
The interest rates paid by a bank may be higher or lower than the interest rates available to depositors
making deposits directly with the bank or other depository institutions in comparable accounts.
Program Banks have a conflict of interest with respect to setting interest rates and do not have a duty to
provide the highest rates available on the market and can instead seek to pay a low rate; lower rates are more
financially beneficial to a Program Bank. This is in contrast to money market mutual funds, which have a
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fiduciary duty to seek to maximize the rates they pay investors consistent with the funds’ investment
strategies. There is no necessary linkage between the bank rates of interest and other rates available in the
market, including money market mutual fund rates.
For deposits that don’t meet the eligibility requirements2, 3, 4 of the participating Program Banks to accept
deposits, DTC has discretion to sweep program balances into a secondary sweep option, an unaffiliated
money market mutual fund(s).
DTC expects the Program Fees it receives from Program Banks in the IDM to be at a higher rate than any
service fee DAIC will receive from unaffiliated money market mutual fund(s) or their service providers. This is
a conflict of interest for DTC in that it expects to receive a higher Program Fee from Program Banks than the
service fee DAIC receives from unaffiliated money market mutual fund(s).
DTC also offers the DTC Cash program (“DTC Cash”). This program is self-directed and exists outside of and
independent from the DAIC Asset Allocation Program. The DTC Cash program is available (but not limited to)
clients of DTC’s partner platform providers through platform provider’s proprietary financial dashboard. DTC
Cash enables clients of partner platforms to direct DTC to deposit client’s funds it holds as a custodian with
banks insured by FDIC. For clients that participate in DTC Cash, DTC is acting as the agent. DTC will
automatically transfer (“sweep”) available cash balances in the custodial accounts of each client into interest-
bearing deposit accounts in DTC’s name as account holder for the benefit of its clients at banks insured by the
FDIC. The deposit accounts will be held in DTC’s name for the benefit of its clients at one or more banks
identified on the bank list maintained by DTC. DTC manages the FDIC insured banks participating in the
program.
DTC receives compensation from the Program Banks for the services it provides in connection with
maintaining DTC Cash (the “DTC Cash Program Fee”), which may be up to 4.00% on an annualized basis as
applied to deposits across all program accounts.
This compensation may be higher than compensation DTC receives for services it provides in connection with
IDM as DTC may incur different costs associated with running DTC Cash including but not limited to services
rendered by DTC and paying third-party platform providers fees for assisting in the administration of DTC
Cash. In addition, a third-party serves as program administrator and facilitates the ability to provide DTC Cash
and receives a fee for its services.
Additionally, the program administrator is paid fees by Program Banks. Individuals that serve as DTC officers,
who are also DAIC officers set the DTC Cash Program Fee, and thus DTC directly determines how much of the
total payment made by the Program Banks DTC retains as compensation. The amount of the fee paid to DTC
and the fees paid to the program administrator reduce the interest paid to you by the Program Banks on
deposits of your funds made by DTC in its accounts. DTC has discretion over the amount of its DTC Cash
2 The Bank Program is not available for the accounts participating in the Standard Asset Allocation Program (“SAAP”).
3 Cash balances derived from the involvement in the growing, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution or sale of cannabis (also referred to as
to a ‘Marijuana related business” or “MRB”) are not eligible to participate in the Bank Program.
4 Cash balances exceeding the IDM limit, which is subject to change will be placed into a money market mutual fund.
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Program Fee, and DTC reserves the right to modify the DTC Cash Program Fees it receives from Program
Banks at any time and without advance notice.
This discretion in modifying the DTC Cash Program Fee creates a conflict of interest on the part of DTC; the
greater the DTC Cash Program Fee DTC receives, which may be up to 4.00% on an annualized basis, the lower
the interest paid by Program Banks to clients. In certain interest rate environments, the DTC Cash Program
Fee is a substantial source of revenue to DTC. DTC can reduce its DTC Cash Program Fees and can vary the
amount of the reductions between clients and the amount of interest paid by Program Banks to DTC.
Clients in DTC Cash will receive the same interest rate on all DTC Cash Account assets regardless of the bank in
which such assets are held. Interest will be accrued daily and credited monthly. DTC Cash interest rates may
vary and are impacted by several factors, including the total amount paid on deposits by the banks, fees paid
to DTC, fees paid to a third party that assists in operating the Program, and additional factors, including the
current Federal Funds Rate, as set by the Federal Open Market Committee. The rate of interest accruing on
program account balances may change as frequently as daily without prior notice. The fee paid to DTC may
exceed the amounts paid to clients in the form of interest. The interest rates paid by a bank may be higher or
lower than the interest rates available to depositors making deposits directly with the bank or other
depository institutions in comparable accounts. For example, you may earn a lower interest rate through DTC
Cash than you would earn by making a deposit or purchasing a certificate of deposit directly through that
bank. None of the Program Banks have an obligation to offer the highest rates available, and each of the
service providers, including DTC, facilitating DTC Cash will charge such fees for their services as they
determine in their discretion.
Prior to using DTC Cash, you should compare the terms, interest rates, required minimum amounts, and other
features of DTC Cash with other accounts and alternative investments or savings options to determine the
best option for you.
DTC expects interest rates in the client self-directed DTC Cash to be generally lower than interest rates in IDM,
offered as part of the Custom Program, after deduction of DAIC program fee, as DTC may incur different costs
associated with running DTC Cash including but not limited to services rendered by DTC and paying third-party
platform providers fees for the administration of DTC Cash. DTC Cash is subject to lower account minimums
than IDM as part of the Custom Program.
DTC has also partnered with certain bank(s) to help facilitate clients’ access to securities-based lending
services collateralized by their investment accounts. Because of DTC’s arrangements with the bank(s)
participating in the program, the client may be limited in its ability to negotiate the most favorable loan
terms. The client is not required to use the bank(s) in DTC’s program and may work directly with other banks
to negotiate loan terms or obtain other, potentially more favorable, financing arrangements. The client should
understand that the interest and additional fees paid to the bank in connection with the loan are separate
from and in addition to the advisory fees the client pays DAIC for its advisory services on the account.
For the existing program, DTC may receive compensation from participant bank(s) equal to 0.25% of the
percentage interest earned on the outstanding loan balance.
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For the streamlined, Dunham Easy Access Loans (“DEAL”) securities-based lending program, beginning upon
the earlier of i) the date on which the total aggregate outstanding balance of all referred loans is $10,000,000
or ii) the date that is 12 months from the date the first loan is approved, the participating bank(s) pays DTC a
quarterly referral fee equal to the sum of the daily referral fee for each day during the calendar quarter for
which the fee calculation is made. The daily referral fee is the total aggregate balance of referred loans
outstanding as of the close of business of the applicable day multiplied by 0.15% (the “Fee Rate”) divided by
365. Individuals that serve as DAIC and DTC officers negotiate the terms and conditions of the program,
including the referral fee.
The receipt of compensation poses a conflict of interest for DTC because DTC has a financial incentive for the
client to participate in the program, rather than working directly with other banks. However, DTC does not
share this compensation with financial advisors, and therefore, an advisor does not have a financial incentive
for the client to select the lines of credit through the program.
DAIC and the financial advisor(s) has an interest in continuing to receive investment advisory fees, which gives
DAIC and the advisor(s) an incentive to recommend that the client borrows money rather than liquidate some
of its assets in the Asset Allocation Program. This incentive creates a conflict of interest for DAIC and the
advisors when advising clients seeking to access funds on whether they should liquidate assets or instead hold
their securities investments and utilize a line of credit secured by assets in their account.
Because the advisor(s) are compensated through advisory fees paid on the client’s account and DAIC receives
a Program Fee, DAIC and the advisor(s) also have an interest in managing an account serving as collateral for a
loan in a manner that will preserve sufficient collateral value to support the loan and avoid a bank call. This
may present a conflict of interest with the client because it could incentivize DAIC and the advisor(s) to invest
in more conservative, lower performing investments to maintain the stability of the account. DTC and DAIC
mitigate any potential conflicts by providing adequate disclosures and other information to the client.
DAIC makes available to clients access to a third‑party mortgage platform provided by Lender, which is
designed to facilitate mortgage services. DAIC does not provide mortgage brokerage, lending, or underwriting
services and does not receive any compensation, referral fees, or other direct or indirect economic benefits
from Lender in connection with client use of the platform. Clients are under no obligation to use Lender and
may obtain mortgage services from any lender of their choosing.
Item 11 — Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
DAIC takes issues of regulatory compliance, fiduciary responsibility and public trust seriously. DAIC seeks
the highest standards of ethics and conduct in all of its business relationships. DAIC’s Code of Ethics
(“Code”) seeks to deter wrongdoing and (1) promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules
and regulations, (2) provide standards of honest and ethical conduct, including ethical handling of actual or
apparent conflicts of interest, (3) require all access persons to promptly report for review, personal
transactions and holdings, (4) facilitate prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code, and
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(5) providing accountability for adherence to this Code. DAIC will provide a copy of its full Code to any
client or prospective client upon request.
No employee or registered personnel of DAIC or its affiliates shall take action with regard to securities
for themselves, DAIC, or any client account unless they are certain that the information in their
possession is available to the investing public.
The Code imposes restrictions on the purchase or sale by access persons of securities for their own accounts
and accounts in which he/she has a beneficial interest. Subject to the Code, certain employees of DAIC may
recommend to clients the discretionary purchase or sale of securities in which DAIC’s employees may have a
beneficial interest. The Code includes preclearance of personal trades and reporting requirements.
In addition, the Code prohibits employees from investing in initial public offerings and limits their ability to
invest in private placements by requiring the preapproval of the Chief Compliance Officer. Finally, all DAIC
access persons must certify annually their acknowledgment of and adherence to the Code and DAIC’s policy
on insider trading.
Item 12 — Brokerage Practices
Dunham Funds and Wrap Programs
This item is generally not applicable to the Dunham Funds or the Wrap Programs. As DAIC utilizes a manager-
of-managers asset allocation process, it does not directly decide the selection of securities or cash within a
given mutual fund. Rather, it utilizes the expertise of each Fund’s sub-adviser, with each being uniquely
knowledgeable in its respective asset class. DAIC monitors each sub-adviser’s investment process and results
and may replace a sub-adviser should it find extended style drift or lacking performance (relative to both
peers and the applicable benchmark). However, sub-advisers are required to submit quarterly reports
respecting commissions on portfolio transactions, soft dollar arrangements and best execution procedures to
ensure that they are executing trades in a timely and cost-effective manner.
SMAs
When DAIC selects or recommends a Broker-Dealer for transactions, DAIC considers a number of factors
regarding the Broker-Dealer and the reasonableness of its compensation. The factors DAIC considers in
selecting a Broker-Dealer and determining the reasonableness of its compensation include:
Security price and spreads;
Commission rates, if applicable;
Size of the order;
Nature and extent of services and frequency of coverage;
Integrity, reputation, financial responsibility and stability;
Market knowledge and ability to understand trading characteristics of the security an overall
performance;
Ability to execute in desired volume and to act on a confidential basis;
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Willingness to commit capital;
Access to underwritten offerings and secondary markets; and
Operational efficiency and facilities made available including trading networks, access to multiple
brokers and markets, and significant resources for positioning as principals.
For clients that invest through the SMAs, the fee charged covers trade and execution services.
Item 13 — Review of Accounts
General
DAIC reviews client accounts on a periodic basis. Reviewers include members of the portfolio management
team, authorized persons, the Investment Committee, and/or the compliance department.
Dunham Funds
The Board of Trustees of Dunham Funds receives regular reports in addition to the information included in the
annual and semi-annual shareholder reports.
Wrap Programs
For the Wrap Programs, clients receive monthly and/or quarterly account statements which include
current valuation of assets. Clients may request special reports (i.e., performance reviews) to be
delivered on a regular basis or as needed or may access such information themselves on the Dunham
Portal.
SMAs
Clients receive quarterly reports. These reports typically contain the total return for each account held by the
client which is calculated on the basis of net asset value plus dividend and interest income, and in cases
where required by clients, comparisons to appropriate benchmark indices.
Investment Consulting Services
DAIC will meet on a periodic basis, but no less frequently than annually, with clients who receive
portfolio review and investment consulting services.
Item 14 — Client Referrals and Other Compensation
DAIC enters into solicitor agreements with non-affiliated third parties (“Solicitors”) from time to time, who
refer investment advisory clients to DAIC (“Referral Services”). Compensation is either based on a
percentage of (i) the annual account balance; or (ii) the fees earned and received, both paid quarterly.
Because of this cash compensation, the Solicitors and/ or their personnel may be incentivized to endorse
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DAIC or provide testimonials, which may create a conflict of interest. The Solicitors are required to provide
prospective clients with the Solicitor’s disclosure statement (orally or in writing). The Solicitor’s statement
will disclose the particulars of the referral relationship and the compensation DAIC will pay to the Solicitor.
DTC enters into referral agreements with broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, CPAs or other
professionals (“Financial Professionals”) for the referral of potential clients for trust services. In all cases
there will be a written agreement between DTC and the Financial Professionals making the referral which
shall stipulate the compensation payable, and the activities permitted, among other specifics. In addition,
associated persons at DAIC generally receive between $500 and $5,000 and potentially additional
compensation based on the estimated annual fees for account referrals over a certain fee threshold, subject
to the annual compensation plan, for each trust they help establish at DTC for clients of these Financial
Professionals. This creates a conflict of interest, as it provides an incentive for both the associated persons at
DAIC and the Financial Professionals to recommend DTC rather than another trust company. DTC mitigates
any potential conflicts by providing adequate disclosures and other information to clients.
In addition, certain third parties who refer clients for trust services also hold non controlling minority
ownership interests (each less than five percent) in Dunham Trust Company (doing business as Dunham Trust
and Dunham Private Trust). Because these individuals receive referral compensation and hold ownership
interests in an affiliated trust company, they have a financial incentive to recommend DTC or DAIC.
Additional details are provided in Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations.
DAIC as program sponsor from time to time pays compensation to unaffiliated RIAs as a result of the
client’s participation in the program. For example, this compensation may include administrative and
financial advisor support fees, a portion of assets under management on the platform and fees for ongoing
due diligence, training and operational oversight of the platform. This may include additional payments to
unaffiliated RIAs, their employees and or/ advisors to cover fees to attend conferences or reimbursement
of client events. The amount of this compensation may be more or less than what the advisor would
receive if the client participated in programs of other investment advisors or paid separately for
investment advice. Clients participating in the program do not pay more or less in fees as a result of this
compensation. DAIC mitigates any potential conflicts by providing adequate disclosures and other
information to clients.
Item 15 — Custody
Dunham Funds
The assets of the Dunham Funds are custodied at US Bank, N.A.
Wrap Programs
For the Standard Program, the Dunham Funds’ transfer agent, Gemini, serves as the custodian for
Funds’ shares held in a client account. For the Custom Program, DTC serves
as the custodian for Funds’ shares held in a client account. Clients shall be responsible for paying any
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additional (non-Program) fees or charges of the custodian, including transaction fees, IRA custodial fees
and trading costs, if applicable. Clients will receive, at least quarterly, statements from the client
selected, non-affiliated broker-dealer or financial institution custodian or DTC, as applicable.
SMAs
DTC serves as custodian of accounts. Account assets are custodied at an approved custodian. Clients shall be
responsible for paying any additional fees or charges of the custodian, including transaction fees, IRA
custodial fees and trading costs, if applicable. Clients will receive quarterly statements from DTC.
Interests in LLCs
Because a related party serves as manager of the LLCs, DAIC is deemed to have indirect “custody” of the LLCs
within the meaning of Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act. For these LLCs, investors receive audited
financial statements that comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting practices within 120 days following
the LLC’s fiscal year end.
Item 16 — Investment Discretion
DAIC manages securities accounts on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis as instructed by the client.
Prior to assuming management over a client’s assets, DAIC enters into an investment management agreement
or other agreement that explains the scope of DAIC’s authority.
Item 17 — Voting Client Securities
Dunham Funds
The Board of Trustees of the Dunham Funds has delegated responsibilities for decisions regarding proxy
voting for securities held by each Fund to the Fund’s respective Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Advisers will vote such
proxies in accordance with their proxy voting policies and procedures. Each Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting
policies and procedures are attached as Appendix B to the Dunham Funds’ SAI. The actual voting records
relating to portfolio securities for each Fund during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is
available without charge, upon request by calling toll-free, (888) 3DUNHAM, by accessing the Funds’ website
at www.dunham.com, or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
SMAs
DAIC will accept proxy voting authority from its clients, and follow its Proxy Voting Policy, which is
summarized below. If DAIC has accepted proxy voting authority from the client, DAIC does not provide the
client the option to direct a proxy vote with respect to a particular solicitation. DAIC does, however, agree
with some clients to use their general proxy voting guidelines when voting proxies on their behalf.
Some of DAIC’s clients do not give DAIC the authority to vote proxies on their behalf, choosing to vote proxies
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themselves. Those clients will likely receive proxy solicitations from a custodian and transfer agent, and not
through DAIC.
DAIC has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy. This Policy is designed to ensure that all proxies are voted in the
best interest of clients without regard to DAIC’s interests or the interests of its affiliates.
To assist DAIC in researching and voting proxies, DAIC has engaged ProxyEdge which is a third-party
proxy service provider. Where a client has contractually delegated proxy voting authority to DAIC, DAIC
votes proxies in accordance with management unless a conflict of interest exists or an issue of unusual
circumstance is raised with a proxy. In these circumstances, the proxy will be presented to the
Investment Portfolio Manager and/or Investment Committee for instruction.
All clients may obtain a copy of DAIC’s Proxy Voting Policy by contacting the Chief Compliance Officer at 858-
964-0500.
Other
From time to time, DAIC may receive proxies and notices of corporate actions on non-Dunham assets held
in a client’s account. In these instances, DAIC reaches out and contacts the client to seek voting instructions
pursuant to its internal Proxy Voting Operating Procedures.
Item 18 — Financial Information
DAIC does not require the prepayment of fees six months or more in advance.
DAIC has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition and there is no condition that is reasonably
likely to impair our ability to meet contractual commitments to clients.
Item 19 — Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
Not applicable.
Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser and Broker/ Dealer. Member FINRA/ SIPC
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6256 Greenwich Dr. Ste. 550, San Diego, CA 92122 | 800.442.4358 | www.dunham.com