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Focused Wealth Management, Inc.
11 Balmville Rd
Suite 2 North
Newburgh, NY 12550
Telephone: 845-691-4035
Facsimile: 845-691-4037
https://focusedwealthmgmt.com
July 18, 2025
FORM ADV PART 2A
BROCHURE
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Focused Wealth
Management, Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, contact us at 845-
691-4035. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Focused Wealth Management, Inc. is available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Focused Wealth Management, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain
level of skill or training.
Item 2 Material Changes
The purpose of this Item 2 is to disclose material changes that have been made to this Brochure since
the last annual update of this Brochure dated March 18, 2025.
• Securities America, Inc. is now Osaic Wealth, Inc.
• The firm's investment modules are reviewed weekly by a member of the Investment
Management Committee. (Item 13)
• On September 24, 2024, FWM consented to the entry of an administrative and cease-and-
Item 5 and 8 were updated regarding Margin Transactions.
desist order instituted by the SEC finding that FWM violated Section 204 of the Advisers Act
and Rule 204-2(a)(7) thereunder by failing to maintain and preserve certain off-channel
communications. (Item 9)
•
Item 4, 5, 8 and 10 were updated to include the addition of third-party managers.
• Zachary Manheim will become the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer in July 2025.
•
Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 2 Material Changes ........................................................................................................ 2
Item 3 Table of Contents ....................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 Investment Advisory Business .................................................................................... 4
Item 5 Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................. 6
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side by Side Management ....................................... 10
Item 7 Types of Clients ........................................................................................................ 10
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................. 10
Item 9 Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................ 14
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................. 14
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
............................................................................................................................................. 15
Item 12 Brokerage Practices ............................................................................................... 16
Item 13 Review of Accounts ................................................................................................ 18
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation .............................................................. 18
Item 15 Custody ................................................................................................................... 19
Item 16 Investment Discretion ............................................................................................. 19
Item 17 Voting Client Securities ........................................................................................... 20
Item 18 Financial Information .............................................................................................. 20
Item 4 Investment Advisory Business
Established in 2010 by Managing Director, Philip J. DeAngelo, Focused Wealth Management, Inc.
("FWM"), offers several different advisory services to Individuals, Charities, Municipal Entities,
Corporations, Trusts, Institutions, Not-for-Profits, Public and Private Endowments, Pension Funds,
Foundations and Contingency Funds.
Investment Management Services
FWM manages client investment portfolios on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. FWM
primarily allocates client assets among various exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and individual equity
securities, mutual funds and bonds in accordance with their stated investment objectives. Where
appropriate, the Firm also provides advice about any type of legacy position or other investment held in
client portfolios.
Financial Advisors Program
FWM provides investment advisory services for certain clients through the Financial Advisors Program
("FAP") offered by Osaic Wealth, Inc., ("Osaic"), a SEC registered investment adviser. Osaic's FAP is
a wrap-fee program providing investment advisory services and execution of client transactions for
which the specified fee (or fees) is not based directly upon transactions in a client's account. FWM will
assist the client in establishing an FAP Account with Osaic. Brokerage transactions in FAP Accounts
will then be cleared through either National Financial Services, LLC (NFS) or Pershing, LLC (Pershing)
pursuant to clearing arrangements established with NFS and Pershing. Osaic has also entered into
agreements with various insurance companies that allow for the management and valuation of client
variable annuity accounts within Osaic's FAP program. At no time will FWM, Osaic have possession or
act as custodian of client accounts. A complete description of the FAP investment services and related
fees are described in the FAP Wrap Fee Brochure, which will be presented to each client prior to or at
the time an FAP Account is established.
Focused Wealth Wrap Fee Program
The firm also provides similar portfolio management services as a sponsor and a portfolio manager of
a proprietary wrap fee program. Within the FWM Wrap Fee Program, accounts are continuously
monitored by Focused Wealth's Investment Management Committee.
Please refer to FWM's Wrap Fee Program Brochure (Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1) for complete
details on FWM's Wrap Fee Program.
FWM Wrap Fee Program
The program primarily consists of Exchange Traded Index Funds, mutual funds, individual equities,
individual bonds and similar types of investments. Focused Wealth's fee is based on a percentage of
the client's assets under firm management. Where the account incurs certain brokerage-related costs,
such costs are absorbed by FWM and paid to the brokerage firm from a specified portion of the Wrap
Fee Program fee. Participating accounts will be held with a qualified custodian and may be subject to
additional charges not covered by the wrap fee arrangement.
Other Investment Management Services
In addition to offering investment management via one of the wrap fee programs mentioned above,
FWM also offers investment advisory services outside of a wrap fee program to clients on a
discretionary and non-discretionary basis.
FWM will assist the client in establishing an account with the qualified custodian or variable annuity
company. Clients may place reasonable restrictions and investment guidelines on transactions in
certain types of securities or industries.
Selection of Other Advisers
FWM may direct clients to third-party investment advisers. Before selecting other advisers for clients,
FWM will verify that all recommended advisers are properly licensed, notice filed, or exempt in the
states where FWM is recommending the adviser to clients.
Recommendation of Type of Investment Management Service
Regardless of whether the client's assets are managed via one of the wrap fee programs mentioned
above or outside of a wrap fee program, the firm's investment management strategy is implemented in
conjunction with client's investment objectives, risk tolerance level, liquidity needs, tax and/or legal
implications and other concerns where applicable. FWM receives a portion of the wrap fee charged
through one of the wrap fee programs for the services it provides through the program.
Financial Planning
FWM also offers financial planning services in the form of written or oral, comprehensive or modular
financial plans. A comprehensive plan can include, but is not limited to, the areas of retirement
planning, estate planning, insurance planning and analysis, education planning and analysis, long term
care planning and analysis and benefit plan analysis. Fees for financial plans can be either hourly or
fixed, at the client's discretion. At the initial meeting, for which there is no charge, FWM will gather
information from the client regarding his/her current financial situation, goals and objectives. If the
client elects to proceed with a written or oral plan and selects an hourly fee, FWM will inform the client
of the estimated hours it will take to complete the service. Terms and conditions will be agreed to in
writing.
Consultations/Ongoing Consultations
Clients not wishing to purchase a financial plan may also contract with the firm for consultations on any
topic of interest to them. Fees will be charged on an hourly basis. The client and FWM will jointly
determine how many hours are required to complete the requested consultation services.
Clients desiring more than two consultations on financial planning, investment or other matters may
contract with FWM for ongoing consultation services. These services will be provided on a semi-annual
basis, renewable on each six-month anniversary date if the client elects to do so. The associated
person will provide the client with an estimate of the hours needed during the six month contract period
to complete the requested services; the client will also assist in determining the time required.
Clients desiring ongoing consultations on 401(k), qualified or other benefit plans will be charged on a
percentage of assets under management. This fee is negotiable based upon the complexity of the
client's situation and the actual services provided.
Client Communications
Periodically FWM sends out commentary to clients regarding economic and market conditions and
other timely topics, which is typically posted to the Firm's website.
IRA Rollover Recommendations
Effective December 20, 2021 (or such later date as the US Department of Labor (“DOL”) Field
Assistance Bulletin 2018-02 ceases to be in effect), for purposes of complying with the DOL’s
Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02 (“PTE 2020-02”) where applicable, we are providing the
following acknowledgment to you.
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual
retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement
accounts. The way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a
special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under
this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give prudent
advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal
advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best
interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
We benefit financially from the rollover of your assets from a retirement account to an account that we
manage or provide investment advice, because the assets increase our assets under management
and, in turn, our advisory fees. As a fiduciary, we only recommend a rollover when we believe it is in
your best interest.
As of December 31, 2024, we provide continuous management services for $1,600,811,851 in client
assets managed on a discretionary basis and $290,108,051 on a non-discretionary basis
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FEES
Financial Advisors Program
The annual management fee charged for this service will be negotiated with each client, with 2% being
the maximum management fee charged to clients. Fees are based on the complexity and the amount
of service required for the client. Fees for fee-based accounts are calculated by Osaic and charged
monthly in arrears based on the month end value of the assets and are automatically deducted from
the client's account, as authorized by the client in writing. Assets in excess of $10,000 deposited into
or withdrawn from the account can be charged or refunded a prorated portion of the management fee
based on the number of days during the billing period that assets were held in the account. Osaic
retains up to 17 basis points (.17%) of the representative’s management fee for management,
administrative and support services Osaic provides with the balance of the management fee to
FWM. Osaic also charges FWM an administrative fee. FWM will qualify for a reduced administrative
and support services fee based on accounts your representative places within an Osaic advisory
program therefore creating a conflict of interest to put more assets into FAP account. For clients in
FAP under a management agreement with FWM, their ticket charges will be absorbed by
FWM. Clients who have opted not to use FWM to manage their account will pay the ticket charges for
non-discretionary trades made in their account. Clients in FAP are subject to additional fees charged
by mutual funds or exchange trade funds or custodial fees. FWM does not receive commissions or
12b-1 fees from client assets held in FAP.
Focused Wealth Wrap Fee Program
Equities
AUM Fee Rate
$0-$99,999
$100,000-$249,999
$250,000-$499,999
$500,000-$749,999
$750,000-$999,999
$1,000,000-$2,999,999
$3,000,000-$5,999,999
$6,000,000-$9,999,999
$10,000,000-$24,999,999
$25,000,000-$49,999,999
$50,000,000+
1.50%
1.40%
1.30%
1.20%
1.10%
1.00%
0.80%
0.60%
0.50%
0.40%
0.35%
CD's, Bonds, and Treasury Ladders
AUM Fee Rate
$0-$4,999,999
$5,000,000-$9,999,999
$10,000,000+
0.50%
0.40%
0.30%
Clients participating in the FWM Wrap Fee Program are charged according to the above fee schedule
annually. Fees are detailed in the client agreement and may be subject to negotiation. Fees are
charged monthly in arrears based on the month end value and are automatically deducted from the
client's account, as authorized by the client in writing. Wrap fee program fees include Focused
Wealth's management fee and cover certain brokerage-related costs. Clients are encouraged to review
Appendix 1 of this brochure for further information related to this program. Fees may be negotiable at
the discretion of the firm. Since fees are based on gross account value, there’s an incentive to
recommend more margin use, which raises both advisory fees and client risk exposure.
For linked 401k accounts, fees are charged monthly in advance based on the end of quarter value, and
may either be deducted from the client's account or be invoiced.
Fixed Fees
At the client request and subject to negotiation, clients can be charge an annual fixed fee. Annual
fixed fees are negotiated based on the size and complexity of the relationship and charged based on
the frequency stated in the client contract.
Other Investment Management Services (annuities)
The annual management fee charged for this service will be negotiated with each client based upon
the complexity of the client's financial situation, the complexity of the services provided and the dollar
amount of assets under management. The maximum annual fee charged for this service will be 2%
annually. FWM will quote an exact percentage to clients for services being provided. The fee will be
charged quarterly in advance based on the quarter end value and will be automatically deducted from
the client's account as authorized in writing by the client.
Additional Fee Disclosure
Clients should be aware that all custodial and expense fees charged by mutual funds and ETFs, as
well as execution fees remain separate and distinct from those fees charged by FWM for its asset
management services.
All fees paid to FWM for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by mutual funds or variable annuities to their shareholders (FWM clients). These
fees and expenses are described in each fund's and annuity's prospectus. With respect to mutual fund
investments, these fees will generally include a management fee, other fund expenses, and a possible
distribution or trailer fee. With respect to variable annuities, these fees may include sales loads,
surrender charges, administrative expense charges, insurance charges for death benefits, guaranteed
lifetime withdrawal benefits and/or other insurance-related expenses as described in the variable
annuity's prospectus. If the fund or annuity imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or
deferred sales charge.
Clients should note that persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm are registered
representatives with Osaic, a securities broker-dealer, and a member of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. In their capacity as registered
representatives, these persons receive compensation in connection with the purchase and sale of
securities or other investment products, including asset-based sales charges, service fees or 12b-1
fees, or holding, of mutual funds. Compensation earned by these persons in their capacities as
registered representatives is separate and in addition to our advisory fees. This practice presents a
conflict of interest because persons providing investment advice to advisory clients on behalf of our
firm who are registered representatives have an incentive to recommend investment products based
on the compensation received rather than solely based on your needs. Persons providing investment
advice to advisory clients on behalf of our firm can select or recommend, and in many instances will
select or recommend, mutual fund investments in share classes that pay 12b-1 fees when clients are
eligible to purchase share classes of the same funds that do not pay such fees and are less
expensive. This presents a conflict of interest. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise,
to purchase securities products through any person affiliated with our firm who receives compensation
described above.
FWM firm receives 12b-1 fees in connection with mutual funds for certain advisory client accounts who
hold annuities. This compensation is separate and in addition to our advisory fees. This practice
presents a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend mutual funds for which we
receive 12b-1 fees rather than solely based on your needs. We can select or recommend, and in many
instances will select or recommend to our advisory clients, mutual fund investments in share classes
that pay 12b-1 fees when clients are eligible to purchase share classes of the same funds that do not
pay such fees and are less expensive. This presents a conflict of interest. You are under no
obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase securities products through our firm.
Clients should review both the fees charged by the mutual funds and variable annuities and the
advisory fees charged by FWM to fully appreciate the total amount of fees to be paid by the client. All
National Integrity contracts sold after July 1, 2011 cannot be charged a management fee, pursuant to
National Integrity Life Insurance Companies policy change.
Clients have the option to purchase investment products that FWM recommends through other brokers
or agents that are not affiliated with FWM at potentially lower costs; however, such purchases would
be made without the benefit of the extensive experience and tailored advice FWM provides to clients
through the various asset management services it offers. You are under no obligation, contractually or
otherwise, to purchase investment products through any person affiliated with our firm.
FWM and/or the client may terminate the account agreement, in whole or in part, at any time with
written notice. Upon termination, any fees paid in advance will be prorated to the date of termination
and any excess shall be refunded. The Client's advisory agreement with FWM is non-transferable
unless consented-to in writing by the client.
Payment of Selection of Other Advisers Fees
Generally, the third party manager’s fee will be on top of FWM’s fee and will not exceed 0.75%. The
timing, frequency, and method of paying fees for selection of third-party managers will depend on the
specific third-party adviser selected and will be disclosed to the client prior to entering into a
relationship with the third-party advisor.
Insurance
Certain persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm are licensed as independent
insurance agents. These persons will earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance
products, including insurance products they sell to you. Insurance commissions earned by these
persons are separate and in addition to our advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest
because persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm who are insurance agents have an
incentive to recommend insurance products to you for the purpose of generating commissions rather
than solely based on your needs. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase
insurance products through any person affiliated with our firm.
Financial Planning
If the client elects to proceed with a written or oral plan and selects an hourly fee, the representative of
record will inform the client of the estimated hours it will take to complete the service at a rate not to
exceed $150 per hour. The hourly rate is negotiable based upon the complexity of the client's situation
and the actual services provided. These factors are also considered when estimating the hours needed
to complete the requested services.
The firm's hourly fee will be negotiated and agreed upon by the parties in advance. Hourly fee-based
clients are billed on a monthly basis upon completion of the work performed.
FWM charges a fixed fee for comprehensive financial planning services that will range from $100 to
$1,000 per plan depending upon the complexity of the client's financial situation and the actual
services to be provided. Fixed fees may be negotiated in advance based on the sole discretion of the
firm.
Whether hourly or fixed, all fees will be disclosed to the client prior to any services being provided. For
hourly fees, clients will be billed for the actual time expended. If less time is needed than the original
estimate, the client will be charged for the actual time expended by the associated person. Either FWM
or the client may terminate services by providing written notice to the other party, and the notice will be
effective upon receipt. Upon termination, any fees paid in advance will be prorated to the date of
termination and any excess shall be refunded.
Consultations/Ongoing Consultations
The hourly rate for consultations/ongoing consultations will not exceed $150 per hour and is negotiable
based upon the complexity of the client's situation and the actual services to be provided. All fees will
be disclosed to the client prior to any services being provided. For consultation services that will be
completed with one or two meetings, payment is due at the time the agreement for services is signed.
Both parties may terminate services by providing written notice to the other party, and the notice will be
effective upon receipt. Upon termination, any fees paid in advance will be prorated to the date of
termination and any excess shall be refunded.
Clients desiring ongoing consultations on 401(k), qualified or other benefit plans will be charged on a
percentage of assets under management. This fee is negotiable based upon the complexity of the
client's situation and the actual services provided. The fee will be billed quarterly in arrears and will
generally not exceed $25,000 per quarter. Fees will be disclosed to clients prior to any services being
provided. Both parties may terminate services by providing written notice to the other party, and the
notice will be effective upon receipt. Upon termination, any fees paid in advance will be prorated to the
date of termination and any excess shall be refunded.
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side by Side Management
As FWM's advisory services do not incorporate performance fees or the offering of any additional
investment services, side-by-side management does not apply to those services rendered by FWM.
Item 7 Types of Clients
FWM provides investment advisory services to Individuals, High Net Worth Individuals, Charities,
Municipal Entities, Corporations, Trusts, Institutions, Not-for-Profits, Public and Private Endowments,
Pension Funds, Foundations and Contingency Funds.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
FWM utilizes a fully integrated and comprehensive Investment Manager and Investment Product
search to identify, select, and monitor asset managers, exchange traded funds (ETF's) for each asset
class and style to be represented. This is conducted quarterly.
The process begins by utilizing proprietary and quantitative screening methodology designed to narrow
the field of investment choices to only those Funds and ETF's meeting standards set by the firm's
Investment Selection and Monitoring Committee. Factors considered in this analysis may include:
• Inception date: The investment must have at least a three (3) year track record.
• Composition: The investment’s allocation to its primary asset class should be greater than 80%.
• Style: The investment’s current style box should match the peer group. (i.e. Large Growth,
Large Value, Large Blend, etc.)
• Net expense ratio: The investment must place in the top 75% of its peer group.
• Alpha and Sharpe Ratio: The investment must place in the top 50% of its peer group.
The Committee then further reviews the funds, ETFs or asset managers by applying additional
analytical and subjective measures to narrow its investment recommendations for each investment
style.
Other variables considered in this analysis may include:
• Growth in assets the previous two quarters and one year
• Shifting from its designated style
• Name recognition
• Other statistical risk measurements
• Review of analyst's commentary
Recommended funds, ETF's, Mutual Funds, Equities, Bonds or other securities are placed on a formal
Investment Product Selection List outlining all the statistical data utilized in the selection of those
securities. It is then distributed to FWM for use in the selection of securities for their clients.
The Suitability of the investment products and investment managers will be monitored on a quarterly
basis and it is at the Committee's discretion to take corrective action by replacing a manager, ETF or
security if deemed appropriate.
FWM utilizes a fully integrated and comprehensive Investment Holding search to identify, select, and
monitor individual equity, fixed income, and options positions. This is conducted quarterly. Both
proprietary and quantitative screening methodology is used to identify investment choices to only those
equity and fixed income holdings meeting standards set by the firm's Investment Selection and
Monitoring Committee. Factors considered in this analysis may include quantitative analysis of a
company's balance sheet, income statement, management effectiveness, liquidity and solvency,
profitability, price volatility, credit rating, and review of analyst's commentary. Other factors considered
include an overall macro environment risk assessment including market and economic conditions,
legislative risks, and competition evaluation. In the evaluation of fixed income holdings, factors
considered include evaluations of the underlying company, credit ratings provided by various rating
agencies, and maturity of issuance including duration or interest rate sensitivity assessment.
The Suitability of the equity, fixed income, and options holdings will be monitored on a quarterly basis
and it is at the Committee's discretion to take corrective action by replacing a security if deemed
appropriate.
Risk of Loss: Investing in securities involves a certain amount of risk of loss that clients should be
prepared to bear. Where short term trading methods are employed, the cost of more frequent trades
often incur more expense than that of a more conservative or long term purchase approach. Questions
regarding these risks and/or increased costs should be directed to the firm and its representatives.
Selection of Other Advisers: Although FWM will seek to select only money managers who will invest
clients' assets with the highest level of integrity, FWM's selection process cannot ensure that money
managers will perform as desired and FWM will have no control over the day-to-day operations of any
of its selected money managers. FWM would not necessarily be aware of certain activities at the
underlying money manager level, including without limitation a money manager's engaging in
unreported risks, investment “style drift” or even regulator breach or fraud. In monitoring and analyzing
the third-party advisers, FWM uses benchmarking analysis, assessing whether the adviser’s
performance has met, exceeded, or fallen short of comparable benchmarks (e.g., Russell 2000, S&P
500, etc.), together with comparison against any stated benchmarks the adviser has set for itself.
Margin Transactions: FWM may purchase stocks, mutual funds, and/or other securities for your
portfolio with money borrowed from your brokerage account. This allows you to purchase more stock
than you would be able to with your available cash and allows us to purchase stock without selling
other holdings. Margin accounts and transactions are risky and not necessarily appropriate for every
client. The potential risks associated with these transactions are (1) You can lose more funds than are
deposited into the margin account; (2) the forced sale of securities or other assets in your account; (3)
the sale of securities or other assets without contacting you; and (4) you may not be entitled to choose
which securities or other assets in your accounts are liquidated or sold to meet a margin call.
Municipal Securities: Municipal securities, while generally thought of as safe, can have significant
risks associated with them including, but not limited to: the credit worthiness of the governmental entity
that issues the bond; the stability of the revenue stream that is used to pay the interest to the
bondholders; when the bond is due to mature; and whether or not the bond can be "called" prior to
maturity. When a bond is called, it may not be possible to replace it with a bond of equal character
paying the same amount of interest or yield to maturity.
Bonds: Corporate debt securities (or "bonds") are typically safer investments than equity securities,
but their risk can also vary widely based on: the financial health of the issuer; the risk that the issuer
might default; when the bond is set to mature; and whether or not the bond can be "called" prior to
maturity. When a bond is called, it may not be possible to replace it with a bond of equal character
paying the same rate of return.
Stocks: There are numerous ways of measuring the risk of equity securities (also known simply as
"equities" or "stock"). In very broad terms, the value of a stock depends on the financial health of the
company issuing it. However, stock prices can be affected by many other factors including, but not
limited to the class of stock (for example, preferred or common); the health of the market sector of the
issuing company; and the overall health of the economy. In general, larger, better established
companies ("large cap") tend to be safer than smaller start-up companies ("small cap") are but the
mere size of an issuer is not, by itself, an indicator of the safety of the investment.
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds: Mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETF") are
professionally managed collective investment systems that pool money from many investors and invest
in stocks, bonds, short-term money market instruments, other mutual funds, other securities, or any
combination thereof. The fund will have a manager that trades the fund's investments in accordance
with the fund's investment objective. While mutual funds and ETFs generally provide diversification,
risks are increased if the fund is concentrated in a particular sector of the market, primarily invests in
small cap or speculative companies, uses leverage (i.e., borrows money) to a significant degree, or
concentrates in a particular type of security (i.e., equities) rather than balancing the fund with different
types of securities. ETFs differ from mutual funds since they are bought and sold throughout the day
like stock and their price can fluctuate throughout the day. The returns on mutual funds and ETFs can
be reduced by the costs to manage the funds. Also, while some mutual funds are "no load" and charge
no fee to buy into, or sell out of, the fund, other types of mutual funds do charge such fees which can
also reduce returns. Mutual funds can also be "closed end" or "open end". So-called "open end" mutual
funds continue to allow in new investors indefinitely whereas "closed end" funds have a fixed number
of shares to sell which can limit their availability to new investors.
ETFs may have tracking error risks. For example, the ETF investment adviser may not be able to
cause the ETF’s performance to match that of its underlying index or other benchmark, which may
negatively affect the ETF's performance. In addition, for leveraged and inverse ETFs that seek to track
the performance of their underlying indices or benchmarks on a daily basis, mathematical
compounding may prevent the ETF from correlating with performance of its benchmark. In addition, an
ETF may not have investment exposure to all of the securities included in its Underlying Index, or its
weighting of investment exposure to such securities may vary from that of the underlying index. Some
ETFs may invest in securities or financial instruments that are not included in the underlying index, but
which are expected to yield similar performance.
Options Contracts: Options are complex securities that involve risks and are not suitable for
everyone. Option trading can be speculative in nature and carry substantial risk of loss. It is generally
recommended that you only invest in options with risk capital. An option is a contract that gives the
buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specific price on or before
a certain date (the "expiration date"). The two types of options are calls and puts.
A call gives the holder the right to buy an asset at a certain price within a specific period of time. Calls
are similar to having a long position on a stock. Buyers of calls hope that the stock will increase
substantially before the option expires.
A put gives the holder the right to sell an asset at a certain price within a specific period of time. Puts
are very similar to having a short position on a stock. Buyers of puts hope that the price of the stock
will fall before the option expires.
Selling options is more complicated and can be even riskier.
The option trading risks pertaining to options buyers are:
• Risk of losing your entire investment in a relatively short period of time.
• The risk of losing your entire investment increases if, as expiration nears, the stock is below the
strike price of the call (for a call option) or if the stock is higher than the strike price of the put
(for a put option).
• European style options which do not have secondary markets on which to sell the options prior
to expiration can only realize their value upon expiration.
• Specific exercise provisions of a specific option contract have inherent risks.
• Regulatory agencies may impose exercise restrictions, which stops you from realizing value.
The option trading risks pertaining to options sellers are:
• Options sold may be exercised at any time before expiration.
• Covered Call traders forgo the right to profit when the underlying stock rises above the strike
price of the call options sold and continue to risk a loss due to a decline in the underlying stock.
• Writers of Naked Calls risk unlimited losses if the underlying stock rises.
• Writers of Naked Puts risk unlimited losses if the underlying stock drops.
• Writers of naked positions run margin risks if the position goes into significant losses. Such
risks may include liquidation by the broker.
• Writers of call options could lose more money than a short seller of that stock could on the
same rise on that underlying stock. This is an example of how the leverage in options can work
against the option trader.
• Writers of Naked Calls are obligated to deliver shares of the underlying stock if those call
options are exercised.
• Call options can be exercised outside of market hours such that effective remedy actions
cannot be performed by the writer of those options.
• Writers of stock options are obligated under the options that they sold even if a trading market
is not available or they are unable to perform a closing transaction.
• The value of the underlying stock may surge or ditch unexpectedly, leading to automatic
exercises.
Other option trading risks are:
• The complexity of some option strategies is a significant risk on its own.
• Option trading exchanges or markets and option contracts themselves are open to changes at
all times.
• Options markets have the right to halt the trading of any options, thus preventing investors from
realizing value.
• Risk of erroneous reporting of exercise value.
• If an options brokerage firm goes insolvent, investors trading through that firm may be affected.
• Internationally traded options have special risks due to timing across borders.
Risks that are not specific to options trading include market risk, sector risk and individual stock risk.
Option trading risks are closely related to stock risks, as stock options are a derivative of stocks.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
Rule 206(4)-4 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 requires investment advisers to provide clients
with disclosures as to any legal or disciplinary activities deemed material to the client's evaluation of
the adviser.
On September 24, 2024, FWM consented to the entry of an administrative and cease-and-desist order
instituted by the SEC finding that FWM violated Section 204 of the Advisers Act and Rule 204-2(a)(7)
thereunder by failing to maintain and preserve certain off-channel communications. The order further
found that FWM failed to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to
prevent the firm and its supervised persons from violating recordkeeping requirements under the
Advisers Act relating to off-channel communications, in violation of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act
and Rule 206(4)-7 thereunder. The order stated that the SEC considered the steps promptly
undertaken and cooperation afforded the SEC staff by FWM. Before being approached by the staff,
FWM began remediating the deficiencies in its compliance policies and procedures in 2021, and
continued its remediation efforts throughout the relevant period. As part of this remediation, FWM hired
a compliance consultant and upgraded its methods for archiving and reviewing text messages. In
connection with the entry of the order, FWM agreed to (1) a censure, (2) cease and desist from
committing or causing any future violations of Sections 204 and 206(4) of the Advisers Act and Rules
204-2 and 206(4)-7 thereunder, and (3) pay a $325,000 civil money penalty. No portion of the penalty
will be borne by FWM’s clients.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
FWM's investment adviser representatives are also registered representatives with Osaic Wealth, Inc.,
a FINRA registered broker/dealer. Through this arrangement, registered representatives have the
ability to purchase or sell securities for Osaic client accounts for additional commission based
compensation.
Clients should note that the firm and its registered representatives receive additional compensation
from mutual fund sales loads and 12(b)-1 distribution fees made through Osaic. Additionally, they have
the ability to receive additional compensation from variable annuity sales or trail commissions made
through Osaic or other firms for various variable annuity investments. Please refer to Item 5 - Fees and
Compensation for more information around this practice and the conflict of interest it creates.
Investment adviser representatives serve as separately licensed insurance agents and, as such, are
involved with the sale and servicing of life and health insurance products on behalf of various
insurance providers. If a client elects to purchase insurance products through representatives
associated with FWM, these individuals will be compensated by the provider on a commission basis.
Clients can engage FWM to effect insurance transactions on a commission basis. The
recommendation that a Client purchase an insurance commission product presents a conflict
of interest, as the receipt of commissions may provide an incentive to recommend investment
products based on commissions received, rather than on a particular Client's need. No Client is under
any obligation to purchase any commission products. Clients are reminded that they may purchase
insurance products recommended by FWM through other, non-affiliated insurance agents.
The firm maintains a fiduciary obligation to place its clients' interests first. However, clients should be
aware that the receipt of additional compensation itself creates a conflict of interest, and may affect the
judgment of this individual when making investment recommendations. In order to properly handle
such potential conflicts of interest, the firm has adopted a Code of Ethics. Please see Item 11 (below)
for further discussion related to the firm's Code of Ethics.
Philip DeAngelo, Managing Director of FWM, serves on the Schwab Advisor Services Advisory Board
(the “Advisory Board”). As described under Item of this Form ADV, FWM may recommend that clients
establish brokerage accounts with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) to maintain custody of the
clients’ assets and effect trades for their accounts. The Advisory Board consists of representatives of
independent investment advisory firms who have been invited by Schwab management to participate
in meetings and discussions of Schwab Advisor Services’ services for independent investment
advisory firms and their clients. Generally, Board members serve for two-year terms. Mr.DeAngelo’s
term ends January 1,2026. Advisory Board members enter into a nondisclosure agreement with
Schwab under which they agree not to disclose confidential information shared with them. This
information generally does not include material nonpublic information about the Charles Schwab
Corporation, whose common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol
SCHW). The Advisory Board meets in person or virtually approximately twice per year and has
periodic conference calls scheduled as needed. Advisory Board members are not compensated by
Schwab for their service, but Schwab does pay for or reimburse Advisory Board members’ travel,
lodging, meals, and other incidental expenses incurred in attending Advisory Board meetings. Schwab
may also provide members of the Advisory Board a fee waiver for attendance at Schwab conferences
such as IMPACT.
FWM may direct clients to third-party investment advisers. FWM will be compensated via a fee share
from the advisers to which it directs those clients. The fees shared will not exceed any limit imposed by
any regulatory agency. This creates a conflict of interest in that FWM has an incentive to direct clients
to the third-party investment advisers that provide FWM with a larger fee split. FWM will always act in
the best interests of the client, including when determining which third-party investment adviser to
recommend to clients. FWM will verify that all recommended advisers are properly licensed, notice
filed, or exempt in the states where FWM is recommending the adviser to clients.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Pursuant to Rule 204(A)-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, FWM has adopted a Code of Ethics
that sets forth the basic policies of ethical conduct for all managers, officers, and employees of the
firm. The Code of Ethics describes the firm's fiduciary duties and obligations to clients, and sets forth
its practice of supervising the personal securities transactions of employees who maintain access to
client information.
The firm, and related persons of the firm, including but not limited to, FWM's investment adviser
representatives, may invest in the same securities (or related securities, e.g., warrants, options or
futures) that FWM or any of its related persons recommend to clients. Some of these investments may
be placed at, or about the same time as, the placement of client securities transactions. This presents
a conflict of interest, as the firm and its related persons may be incented to benefit from client
transactions by placing their own interests ahead of those of the firm's clients. FWM requires that client
transactions in Reportable Securities (as this term is defined in the Code of Ethics) be placed ahead of
those of the firm or its related persons. Such transactions remain under strict supervision and subject
to regular review by the firm's compliance staff.
The firm's investment adviser representatives are also registered representatives of Osaic Wealth, Inc.,
FINRA member broker-dealer. In their capacity as registered representatives, these personnel may sell
securities and receive commissions for the sale of such securities. This creates an incentive for the
representative, in his or her capacity as an investment adviser representative, to recommend securities
products based on the compensation received rather than on the client's needs. The representative
may also be incented to trade heavily in client accounts. However, all trading is supervised to ensure
adherence to each client's investment objectives and goals.
A copy of the firm's Code of Ethics is available upon request.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
FWM maintains the investment discretion to place transactions and select brokers without prior
approval of clients. Accordingly, the firm seeks to obtain the most favorable net results for client's price,
execution quality, services and commissions. FWM does not allow clients to direct brokerage to
broker-dealers other than the custodians typically used by the firm for trade execution. Not all advisers
require clients to direct brokerage to the brokerage firm typically used by the adviser. As discussed
below, the firm has a fiduciary duty to seek best execution and act in the clients' best interests.
FWM maintains a fiduciary duty to seek best execution pricing for client transactions. While best
execution is difficult to define and challenging to measure, there is some consensus that it does not
solely mean the achievement of the best price on a given transaction. Rather, it appears to be a
collective consideration of factors concerning the trade in question. Such factors include the security
being traded, the price of the trade, the speed of the execution, apparent conditions in the market, and
the specific needs of the client. FWM evaluates on a quarterly basis whether clients are receiving best
execution with the broker-dealers currently being used when placing client securities transactions.
FWM is able to aggregate client orders in equities including ETFs, fixed income, funds, and options
trades held within a certain custodian. FWM seeks to always aggregate orders when it has the
opportunity to do so within each respective custodian. FWM also seeks to enter trades in a single
"block trade" when it has the opportunity to do so seeking uniform pricing within executions in a same
security trade. Not doing so may result in the client obtaining less favorable execution price than if
multiple orders for shares of the same security were combined into a single "block trade". As stated
above, FWM maintains a fiduciary duty to seek best execution for client transactions and conducts
periodic reviews of the execution it receives in placing client securities transactions.
FWM may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with the Schwab Advisor Services
division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, or Fidelity
Investments Institutional Services Company, LLC to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to effect
trades for their accounts. The final decision to custody assets with Schwab is at the discretion of the
Advisor’s clients. Schwab provides FWM with access to its institutional trading and custody services,
which are typically not available to Schwab retail investors. These services generally are available to
independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so long as a total of at
least $10 million of the advisor’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at Schwab Advisor
Services. Compared to Schwab's retail client services, Schwab's Advisor Services Division's services
include brokerage services that are related to the execution of securities transactions, custody,
research, including that in the form of advice, analyses and reports, and access to mutual funds and
other investments that are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require
a significantly higher minimum initial investment than Schwab's retail clients.
For FWM client accounts maintained at Schwab, Schwab generally does not charge separately for
custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions or other transaction-
related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through Schwab or that settle into
Schwab accounts.
Schwab also makes available to FWM other products and services that benefit FWM but may not
benefit its clients’ accounts. These benefits include national, regional or FWM specific educational
events organized or sponsored by Schwab Advisor Services. Other products and services assist FWM
in managing and administering clients' accounts. These include software and other technology (and
related technological training) that provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations
and account statements), facilitate trade execution (and allocation of aggregated trade orders for
multiple client accounts), provide research, pricing information and other market data, facilitate
payment of FWM fees from its clients’ accounts, and assist with back-office training and support
functions, recordkeeping and client reporting. Many of these services generally may be used to service
all or some substantial number of FWM accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab
Advisor Services. Schwab Advisor Services also makes available to FWM other services intended to
help FWM manage and further develop its business enterprise. These services may include
professional compliance, legal and business consulting, publications and conferences on practice
management, information technology, business succession, regulatory compliance, employee benefits
providers, human capital consultants, insurance and marketing. In addition, Schwab may make
available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these types of services rendered to FWM by independent
third parties. Schwab Advisor Services may discount or waive fees it would otherwise charge for some
of these services or pay all or a part of the fees of a third-party providing these services to FWM.
While, as a fiduciary, FWM endeavors to act in its clients’ best interests, FWM may recommend that
clients maintain their assets in accounts at Schwab which may be based in part on the benefit to
FWM of the availability of some of the foregoing products and services and other arrangements and
not solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab, which
may create a potential conflict of interest.
The firm generally executes trades through National Financial Services, ("NFS"), or Charles Schwab,
with whom clients also custody assets. The firm may also recommend that clients hold accounts with
other broker-dealers, as appropriate, based on the client's specific needs. Not all advisers recommend
the use of a particular broker-dealer. By directing brokerage to NFS, or Charles Schwab, the firm may
be unable to achieve most favorable execution of client transactions, and this practice may cost the
clients more money.
Trade Errors & Corrections
From time-to-time FWM may make an error in submitting a trade order on your behalf. When trade
errors are identified and corrected after settlement, the client will be "made whole" (i.e. the client is in
as good or better position than prior to the trade), which includes the payment of interest or
reimbursement for margin interest for the time period the client's funds were tied up. Trade errors
resulting in a loss or unfavorable result for the client will, to the extent possible, be "undone" and then
re-billed correctly. However, in many instances this is not possible due to the nature of the account
type. In those situations, generally the client is awarded a billing credit, which reduces the next
invoice(s) for the amount of the error.
Except as described below, erroneous trades that result in a benefit to the client (for example, failed to
sell a security in a timely manner, security price subsequently increases and then position is sold,
resulting in more gain for the client) will generally not be "undone". However, because this could result
in undesirable tax consequences for the client, each such case will be reviewed with the client. When
trade errors are identified and corrected prior to settlement (i.e. no Client funds were at risk), FWM will
work with the executing broker and their custodian to determine whether they or the executing broker
will retain any resulting gain or absorb any resulting loss as a result of the correction of the trade
error. Generally, if related trade errors result in both gains and losses in your account, they may be
netted.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
FWM does not have any soft dollar arrangements.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
The firm's investment modules are reviewed weekly by a member of the Investment Management
Committee. Investment Accounts are monitored on a quarterly or annual basis depending on the
Client. Reviews are completed by FWM's Investment Management Committee. Accounts will be
reviewed more frequently as necessary to respond to significant changes in client circumstances or
changes in market conditions. Triggering factors to warrant more in depth review could include the
following;
• Awareness of a change in investment objective
• Change in market conditions
• Change in liquidity status
• Re-balancing of assets to maintain proper asset allocation
• Other activity discovered as the account is normally reviewed.
FWM periodically reviews reports provided to the client and contacts the client at least annually to
review the client's financial situation and objectives. As a result of this contact, the firm may
communicate information to the third party investment adviser as necessary. Clients are encouraged to
notify FWM of any changes in their financial situation, investment objective or account restrictions.
Clients will receive written brokerage or custodial statements each month.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
FWM has entered into written agreements with a third-party for the promotion of advisory clients,
through which FWM compensates the third party for client referrals. The terms of these written
arrangements are disclosed to the referred client by the Promoter at the time of solicitation, in
compliance with Rule 206(4)-1 of the Advisers Act. FWM has an agreement with Vision Consultants,
LLC. Individuals associated with this Promoter may provide client referrals to FWM for a fee.
FWM may enter into arrangements with employees of our firm, under which the individual receives
compensation from our firm for the establishment of new client relationships. Employees who refer
clients to our firm must comply with the requirements of the jurisdictions where they operate. The
compensation consists of a percentage of the annual fee for the first year of the agreement upon your
signing an advisory agreement with our firm. You will not be charged additional fees based on this
compensation arrangement. Incentive based compensation is contingent upon you entering into an
advisory agreement with our firm. Therefore, the individual has a financial incentive to recommend our
firm to you for advisory services. This creates a conflict of interest; however, you are not obligated to
retain our firm for advisory services. Comparable services and/or lower fees may be available through
other firms.
Our firm receives economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the support products and services
made available to our firm and other independent investment advisors that have their clients maintain
accounts at Schwab. These products and services, how they benefit our firm, and the related conflicts
of interest are described above in Item 12 – Brokerage Practices. The availability of Schwab’s products
and services is not based on our firm giving particular investment advice, such as buying particular
securities for our clients.
Item 15 Custody
As paying agent for our firm, your independent custodian will directly debit your account(s) for the
payment of our advisory fees. This ability to deduct our advisory fees from your accounts causes our
firm to exercise limited custody over your funds or securities. We do not have physical custody of any
of your funds and/or securities. Your funds and securities will be held with a bank, broker-dealer, or
other qualified custodian. You will receive account statements from the qualified custodian(s) holding
your funds and securities at least quarterly. The account statements from your custodian(s) will
indicate the amount of our advisory fees deducted from your account(s) each billing period. You should
carefully review account statements for accuracy.
Standing Letters of Authorization (“SLOA”)
Our firm is deemed to have custody of clients’ funds or securities when clients have standing
authorizations with their custodian to move money from a client’s account to a third-party (“SLOA”)
and, under that SLOA, it authorizes us to designate the amount or timing of transfers with the
custodian. The SEC has set forth a set of standards intended to protect client assets in such situations,
which we follow. We do not have a beneficial interest on any of the accounts we are deemed to have
Custody where SLOAs are on file. In addition, account statements reflecting all activity on the
account(s), are delivered directly from the qualified custodian to each client or the client’s independent
representative, at least quarterly. You should carefully review those statements and are urged to
compare the statements against reports received from us. When you have questions about your
account statements, you should contact us, your Advisor or the qualified custodian preparing the
statement.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
FWM maintains discretionary authority limited to the selection and amount of securities to be bought or
sold in client accounts, as well as the broker or dealer to be used to place such transactions, without
obtaining prior consent or approval from clients. However, these purchases or sales may be subject to
specified investment objectives, guidelines, or limitations previously set forth by the client and agreed
to by the firm.
Discretionary authority will only be authorized upon full disclosure to the client. The granting of such
authority will be evidenced by the client’s execution of an agreement containing all applicable
limitations to such authority. All discretionary trades made by FWM will be in accordance with each
client’s investment objectives and goals.
FWM can maintain client accounts in which they do not exercise discretion and all recommendations
can only be executed with the consent or approval of the client. These purchases and/or sales are
also subject to specified investment objectives, guidelines, or limitations previously set forth by the
client and agreed to by the firm.
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
FWM will not vote, nor advise clients how to vote, proxies for securities held in client accounts. Clients
may contact FWM with questions regarding a particular solicitation; however, the client maintains the
authority and responsibility for the voting of these proxies. The firm and its clients agree to this by
contract. Clients will receive such proxies or other similar solicitations directly from the transfer agent
or other third party designee where applicable.
Item 18 Financial Information
Under Rule 206(4)-4 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, investment advisers are required to disclose
certain information about their business practices that might serve as material to the client’s decision in
choosing an investment adviser. Our firm does not have any financial condition or impairment that would
prevent us from meeting our contractual commitments to you. We do not take physical custody of client
funds or securities, or serve as trustee or signatory for client accounts, and, we do not require the
prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six or more months in advance. Therefore, we are not required
to include a financial statement with this brochure.
We have not filed a bankruptcy petition at any time in the past ten years.