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GeoWealth Management, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
CRD # 148222
444 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3150
Chicago, IL 60611
November 2025
This Form ADV Part 2A (the “Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business practices
of GeoWealth Management, LLC (“GeoWealth” or “Firm” or “we”). If you have any questions about the
contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (312) 219-9160 or by email at evan.lieberman@geowealth.com.
You may also visit our website at www.geowealth.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.
GeoWealth is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply that
GeoWealth or any of its principals or employees possess a particular level of skill or training in the investment
advisory business or any other business.
Additional information about GeoWealth is also available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Material Changes
In March 2025, GeoWealth filed with the SEC the last update of its Brochure in an annual amendment
with material changes outlined.
This amended brochure contains the following material changes.
Item 10 has been updated to disclose that Apollo Management Holdings, L.P., has made an
investment in GeoWealth. Further, GeoWealth, LLC, GeoWealth’s parent company, has entered into
commercial partnerships with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Apollo Management Holdings, L.P.,
Blackrock Investment Management..
Item 14 has been updated to disclose that GeoWealth has entered into arrangements with certain
third-party model managers, money managers, and alternative investment providers (“Third-
Parties”) that allow advisors to access certain GeoWealth services either at no cost or at a reduced
cost. For other Third Parties, GeoWealth receives compensation solely based on the assets invested
in their products. This creates a conflict of interest which is further disclosed in Item 14.
Item 14 has been updated to remove a disclosure about promoter agreements which is no longer
applicable.
Item 17 has been updated to clarify that GeoWealth uses a proxy advisory firm to assist in voting
proxies. When GeoWealth votes proxies for a client account, GeoWealth votes on all securities in the
client account regardless of whether the securities are in a managed model.
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 2 – Material Changes ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 – Advisory Business .................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation......................................................................................................................... 5
Item 6 – Performance Fees .................................................................................................................................... 7
Item 7 – Types of Clients ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Sources of Information, Investment Strategies, Risk of Loss ................ 8
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ...................................................................................................................... 13
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ..................................................................... 13
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation/Interest in Client Transactions, Personal Trading ................ 14
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ............................................................................................................................ 15
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ............................................................................................................................ 17
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 18
Item 15 – Custody ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ....................................................................................................................... 19
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ..................................................................................................................... 19
Item 18 – Financial Information .......................................................................................................................... 21
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
GeoWealth Management, LLC (“GeoWealth”) is a limited liability company organized in 2004 under
the laws of the State of Delaware. The Firm is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC
pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). GeoWealth Holdings, LLC is the
majority owner of GeoWealth through the subsidiaries GeoWealth Enterprises and GeoWealth, LLC.
GeoWealth operates a Turnkey Asset Management Platform (“TAMP”) and provides digital advisory
tools that investment advisers rely on for managing their client accounts. In a TAMP, clients typically
work directly with their primary investment adviser to determine their investment needs given their
unique circumstances. The primary investment adviser then relies on GeoWealth to purchase and
sell securities through the use of model portfolios and perform various other functions. This enables
investment advisers to focus their efforts on the individual needs of their clients. Typically, advisers
will engage with GeoWealth in a sub-advisory or co-advisory capacity, however in certain
circumstances clients will work directly with GeoWealth.
GeoWealth is able to provide not only investment management services, but GeoWealth can also
handle the operational aspects of account opening and administration. These services include but
are not limited to account opening and closing, interactions with the custodian, maintenance of
account paperwork, processing of contributions and withdrawals, Roth conversions/IRA
recharacterizations, account transfers, quarterly billing and performance reporting. These services
are typically provided to advisers under a co-advisory relationship.
In a direct advisory relationship, GeoWealth, as an SEC Registered Investment Adviser, offers
consulting and investment supervisory services on managed investment accounts to individuals,
pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, business entities and
corporations (the “client” or “client account” or “end-client). For the small number of end-clients
working directly with GeoWealth, the investment supervisory services include regular analysis and
review of portfolios and advice concerning acquisition, retention, management, reinvestment and
disposition of cash, securities and other assets of the client’s portfolios. When investing model
portfolios, GeoWealth generally has the discretion to determine when to purchase or sell securities
and whether to accept the recommendation of the model provider. It is GeoWealth’s standard
practice to invest all model portfolios in accordance with the recommendation of the model provider.
For end-clients who work directly with GeoWealth, we will work with the client to understand the
client’s financial condition, investment objectives, liquidity requirements, risk tolerance, time
horizons, and any restrictions on investing. Once the client’s investment portfolio has been designed
and investments have been allocated, we will provide ongoing portfolio review and management
services. Clients can place reasonable restrictions on their investment portfolio such as transferring
in securities to be held long-term and not sold. Such restrictions must be provided in writing to, and
accepted by, GeoWealth.
Our model marketplace offers risk-based, thematic and outcome-based third-party models from
industry-leading providers. Our model marketplace also offers access to alternatives and fixed
income products which typically require additional enrollment paperwork. Through our TAMP and
model universe, we ensure advisers have scalable solutions to respond to client needs. Additionally,
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we offer our own proprietary models and provide advisers with the ability to offer their own
proprietary models which GeoWealth services on their behalf.
GeoWealth, in certain relationships with ERISA accounts, is section 3(38) “investment manager”.
GeoWealth provides its 3(38) investment management services to ERISA Plans of advisers that it
works with, that are on various record-keeping platforms. These services are not open to new clients.
The 3(38) investments provided include, but are not limited to, certain of GeoWealth’s Model
Portfolios, an investment line-up using securities representing a spectrum of asset classes and risk
levels, and a qualified default investment alternative (or “QDIA") for the Plan, if required.
We provide investment advice on either a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. As of December
31, 2024, GeoWealth managed approximately 4.8 billion of regulatory assets on a discretionary basis
and approximately 8.8 billion of regulatory assets on a non-discretionary basis.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
In a sub-advisory relationship, fees are determined by an agreement between the primary
investment adviser and GeoWealth. In a direct advisory relationship with GeoWealth, the fees
charged are determined by an agreement between GeoWealth and the end client. Fees charged are
negotiable.
GeoWealth offers several different products/services for investment advisers and their clients. Each
product/service provided can be billed separately (“à al carte”), using a maximum fee model (“Flat
Fee”), or at a single enterprise-level fee. GeoWealth does not offer a wrap fee program where clients
are charged a single, bundled fee. Therefore, clients may be charged separate fees for investment
advice, brokerage services, administrative expenses, and other fees and expenses.
When billed separately, fees include but are not limited to: platform fees, money manager fees, and
per account fees. The maximum platform fee is 0.5% and the maximum per account fee is $100 per
account per year. The money manager fee rate is dependent on the fee rate set by the money
manager and will vary.
When billed a Flat Fee, GeoWealth is compensated at an annual fee of up to 0.35% per account with
a maximum client annual household flat dollar fee depending on the services provided. Fees for
households that are in excess of $3 million are charged an additional fee of $500 for each $1 million
over $3 million.
When billed as a single enterprise-level fee, the fee rate is customized based on the adviser’s unique
circumstances. The fee schedule often includes a minimum fee that will vary depending on the
circumstances surrounding the relationship. When working directly with GeoWealth, the investment
advisory fee will not exceed 2.5%, however it is unlikely that anyone would be charged the maximum
fee.
When GeoWealth models are offered through other platforms, each platform can control the fee
rates. Currently, for the other platforms our models are available through, fees range from 0.15% -
0.25% of assets under management. Please consult the platform from which you are accessing
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GeoWealth models to obtain their fee rates and their fee deduction and refund methodologies. These
services are not open to new clients.
Subject to an agreement with each client’s investment advisor, accounts can be charged a minimum account
fee.
Each investment adviser working with GeoWealth can select the billing methodology and timing of
their choice. Some clients have their fees debited by GeoWealth, and other clients have their fees
debited or invoiced by their investment adviser. GeoWealth’s fees are charged monthly in arrears,
quarterly in arrears, monthly in advance, or quarterly in advance. Any billing methodology must be
mutually agreed upon by the client’s investment adviser and GeoWealth.
GeoWealth and each client’s investment adviser can mutually agree to debit fees either in advance
or arrears. Should an investment advisory relationship end prior to completion of the advance billing
period, clients are entitled to a refund for unearned investment advisory fees. The amount of each
client’s refund is calculated based on the following inputs: dollar value of the account, outflows or
inflows of assets, number of days in the billing period elapsed, and billing rate. GeoWealth will
calculate the fee refund and facilitate a credit to the client for it. Given the unique aspects of each
client’s billing configuration, the inputs used may vary.
Client accounts are held at a qualified custodian. Qualified custodians charge various fees that are in
addition to fees charged by GeoWealth. These fees can include but are not limited to, ticket charges,
trade commissions, and other transaction fees. Note that certain qualified custodians may no longer
charge trade commissions, however that is determined by each client’s unique relationship with their
custodian. Please see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices for more detailed information.
The individual investments held within each client’s account may charge fees in addition to the fees
charged by GeoWealth and each client’s qualified custodian. For example, ETFs typically charge
management fees to cover their investment advisory functions as well as fees for operating and
administrative expenses. These fees, typically referred to as an “Expense Ratio”, are generally
deducted from the investment value and are not charged by GeoWealth. Additionally, investment
model managers, including GeoWealth, may charge additional fees on top of those fees charged by
ETF providers. Some of those fees are negotiable. Please read Item 8 for more information about
the investment process surrounding model portfolios. Clients should read each investment’s
prospectus or similar document to obtain a detailed understanding of its fees and expenses as well
as other important information. Clients are responsible for all custodial fees and any fees associated
with mutual funds and other transactions.
When fixed income securities, such as Corporate and Municipal bonds, are purchased or sold, the
executing broker is compensated for the execution of the security through a bid-ask spread. In other
words, if you are purchasing Municipal Bond, the executing broker purchases it from the seller at a
specified price and sells it to you at a higher price. Each transaction for a fixed income security is
negotiated directly between GeoWealth (or our agent) and the executing broker.
GeoWealth offers customized index portfolios. The customized index portfolios are described in Item
8. The fee for a Customized Index Portfolio is up to an additional 0.35% of assets under management.
Our fee for 3(38) services is an annual 0.07% of assets under management, per plan, which is subject
to negotiation based on the customized needs of the plan. These services are not open to new clients.
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When GeoWealth calculates an asset-based fee, the value of the assets is calculated using the price
maintained within our platform. In certain circumstances, a particular security may have different
prices at different pricing sources. GeoWealth’s platform only maintains a single price for each
security for each day. Each client’s custodian may use a different pricing source than GeoWealth and
therefore the prices used in a client’s custodial statement may not be the same as the GeoWealth
platform. Therefore, the asset-based fee charged to a client account may be different than if that fee
was calculated using the prices obtained directly from the client’s qualified custodian.
GeoWealth may receive valuation updates for certain securities, such as private investments, after
billing has been completed. Such securities will be billed at the valuation on hand at the time the
billing was processed and will not be retroactively adjusted.
Each client’s investment adviser can manually input securities to display on the GeoWealth platform.
For example, advisers may wish to display insurance products or annuities and other items that we
are unable to receive a data feed for. Your adviser is solely responsible for updating those values and
clients should discuss with adviser whether the clients are billed on those values.
The prices used in the platform are determined using a hierarchy that is consistently applied each
day. For example, the platform will first attempt to obtain a price from pricing source 1. If a price is
not available for a security held in a client portfolio, the platform will attempt to obtain a price from
pricing source 2. If a price is not available from pricing source 2 for a security held in a client portfolio,
the platform will continue down the list of available pricing sources in this manner until all pricing
sources are exhausted. In the event that a price is incorrect due to a data vendor discrepancy or has
not been provided by any of the available electronic pricing sources, we will seek to determine the
pricing using other publicly available pricing sources.
Each financial adviser using the GeoWealth platform has the ability to choose unique billing settings
for their client’s portfolios. The billing settings available are limited depending on the type of services
selected by the Adviser. Billing settings are highly customizable and include the ability to change the
fee rates based on asset classes, sub-accounts, securities, margin balances, and also include the
ability to bill on cash, among other settings. Additionally, each adviser may choose to calculate their
fees in arrears or in advance and may calculate the billable value using the average daily value, flow
adjusted intervals, or start or end of period values. By default, all assets in client accounts are billed
on net of margin balances. Any changes to an adviser’s standard billing rates and practices are
directly negotiated between the adviser and their end client. Clients should read their investment
management agreement closely and understand their financial adviser’s billing settings.
Some model managers offered on the GeoWealth platform have the option to pay for the cost of the
GeoWealth platform that would have been charged to each client or to client’s adviser. Clients are
encouraged to check with their adviser about whether the model manager has paid for GeoWealth’s
platform fees and discuss any conflict of interest it creates for them.
Item 6 – Performance Fees
GeoWealth does not charge performance-based fees for advisory clients.
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Item 7 – Types of Clients
As described in Item 4 – Advisory Business of this Brochure, GeoWealth is both a technology provider
and SEC registered investment adviser. We offer a comprehensive suite of services directly to other
registered investment advisers and advisory services directly to end clients. Depending on our
relationship with the investment adviser, our relationship with the end client may be either through
a solicitation arrangement, sub-advisory agreement, co-advisory agreement, or direct advisory
contract. End clients are generally individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, family offices,
corporations, and other business entities.
GeoWealth does not have a minimum account size. However, to invest in certain models, there
may be minimums imposed. Please inquire about any individual investment options with
GeoWealth or your investment adviser.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Sources of Information, Investment Strategies, Risk of Loss
GeoWealth’s Investment Solutions business is designed to provide flexibility and choice when it
comes to investment management.
GeoWealth offers financial advisers the ability to build and manage their own model portfolios
(adviser-managed models), invest in third-party model portfolios, invest in GeoWealth’s own
proprietary model portfolios or UMAs, or designate third-party separately managed account
managers (“SMA Managers”). A model is a collection of individual securities specifically chosen with
the goal of achieving a particular investment objective. The decision about which model(s) to offer
is made at the sole discretion of each client’s financial adviser.
(1) “Adviser-Managed” Models: The financial adviser is the portfolio manager. These model
portfolios consist of one or more investments in single stocks, ETFs and/or mutual funds.
GeoWealth trades the model portfolios as directed by the financial adviser but has no
investment discretion and does not choose the securities included in these models.
(2) “Third-Party” Models*: A third-party asset manager or strategist is the portfolio manager
and the portfolio is traded by GeoWealth. Models can contain ETFs, mutual funds, stocks,
bonds, structured notes, and alternatives.
(3) GeoWealth Models: GeoWealth is the portfolio manager. We manage these portfolios
using our own proprietary research and analysis processes.
(4) Models traded by Third Party Managers *: A third-party investment adviser acts either as a
sub-adviser or direct adviser over the account and makes all investment decisions in
accordance with each end-client’s risk profile and investment objectives. SMA models can
contain a broader range of securities, such as individual bonds and options. The SMA
manager trades these models.
(5) GeoWealth Unified Managed Account (UMA) portfolios: GeoWealth designs and
constructs portfolios of “Third-party” and/or GeoWealth models. All components of the
UMA are traded by GeoWealth.
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*In instances where GeoWealth uses an unaffiliated sub-adviser (SMA models) to manage the
assets of an end-client, end-clients have the choice to receive the sub-adviser’s Form ADV Part 2A
directly or have GeoWealth receive it on the end-client’s behalf. Unless instructed otherwise,
GeoWealth will receive the sub-adviser’s Form ADV Part 2A on behalf of the end-client. GeoWealth
regularly monitors all sub-adviser’s Form ADV Part 2A and will disclose any material conflicts of
interest or concerns that we identify. Should an end-client want to view any sub-adviser’s Form
ADV Part 2A, we remind them that they are available at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/.
1) ADVISER MANAGED MODELS
The adviser creates and manages their own model portfolio consisting of investments such as single
stocks, ETFs, and/or mutual funds. The investment adviser uses their own independent analysis to
determine which securities to invest client assets in and which models to offer to their clients.
GeoWealth trades the models as directed by the financial adviser but has no discretionary
investment authority over those assets.
2) THIRD-PARTY MODELS
Third-party models offered in our model marketplace fall into three general categories: Tier 1,Tier 2
and Custom. GeoWealth conducts different levels of due diligence for models in Tier 1, Tier 2 and
Custom. GeoWealth urges investment advisers to understand the level of diligence performed by
GeoWealth and perform their own supplemental diligence such that they have a satisfactory
understanding of the investment products and risks before recommending them to clients.
GeoWealth collects an annual DDQ from all Tier 1 and Tier 2 managers.
Tier 1
For all Tier 1 managers, GeoWealth obtains an understanding of the firm, investment offerings,
investment philosophy and investment processes. Before onboarding and distributing Tier 1
models, GeoWealth collects and reviews a comprehensive due diligence questionnaire, ensures
that each model manager is a registered investment adviser (RIA) and checks for any material
regulatory disclosures in the ADV. This review is performed at the onset and again annually
thereafter.
Tier 2
Tier 2 models are designed to provide access to a broad range of managers and models. Before
onboarding and distributing Tier 2 managers, GeoWealth collects and reviews a shortened due
diligence questionnaire, ensures that each model manager is a registered investment adviser (RIA)
and checks for any material regulatory disclosures in the ADV.
Custom
Third-party custom models operate differently than Tier 1 and Tier 2. Custom models may not be
available to all investment advisers. In this scenario, the investment adviser and third-party asset
manager collaborate directly through their own direct relationship with the model manager. The
GeoWealth platform serves as the technology for delivering the custom models that the asset
manager has developed directly with the investment adviser. GeoWealth is not responsible for any
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manager due diligence for custom models which must be performed by the client’s investment
adviser.
3) GEOWEALTH MODELS
GeoWealth offers our clients a broad range of proprietary models that invest in ETFs. Our models
generally fall into the following categories: Strategic Risk-based, Income, Multi-Factor, Strategic
Reserves, and Stable Return. Models may include ETFs that represent US stocks, international
stocks, US fixed income, international fixed income, real estate, commodities, managed futures and
more.
• Strategic Models are a set of model portfolios across a risk continuum from conservative
(higher allocation to fixed income or all fixed income) to aggressive (higher allocation to
equities or all equities). Each model portfolio has a different risk profile to broadly align
with an individual client’s risk profile. We also offer tax-sensitive versions of our strategic
models.
• Multi-Factor Models also use a strategic approach to asset allocation but have been built
to emphasize factor exposure. Factors are characteristics shared by groups of securities
that distinguish them from other securities. Examples include “value,” “size,” “quality,” and
“momentum.” We have two sets of factor portfolios: one set utilizes factor-based funds
from various mutual fund providers, and one set utilizes only Dimensional mutual funds.
Dimensional Fund portfolios are only available to advisers who have been pre-approved by
DFA.
• The Short-Term Reserve Model is designed for investors who want to hold assets in a
highly liquid form with relatively little downside risk. The portfolio is invested primarily in
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and/or mutual funds that invest in short-term fixed income
securities. Some of those funds will be designed to track indexes and others will be actively
managed.
• The Stable Return model is a primarily fixed income ETF model that dynamically allocates
across a diversified spectrum of income-producing asset classes. The model is updated
monthly based on a systematic process.
GeoWealth’s Investment Solutions team is responsible for selecting ETFs within the GeoWealth
model portfolios. Our due diligence processes use both quantitative and qualitative factors. Index-
weighted ETF selection is mostly quantitative. We also use actively managed ETFs within some of
our model portfolios; these funds are not index-tracking and their performance can differ
substantially from that of traditional market-cap-weighted indexes. Active ETF fund selection can
have a heavier qualitative assessment on the strength of the portfolio management team.
4) MODELS TRADED BY THIRD PARTY MANAGERS
A third-party asset manager acts either as a sub-adviser or direct adviser over the account and
makes all investment decisions in accordance with each end-client’s risk profile and investment
objectives.
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For Index Portfolios (also known as direct indexing), the adviser provides relevant information to
the asset manager to create an investment strategy that takes into consideration various client
specified constraints and preferences, while seeking to quantify and minimize the tracking error to
a defined index (or blend of indexes). An Index Portfolio is made up of individual stocks and
includes, but is not limited to ESG/Impact customization, factor tilts, single-stock
exclusions/inclusions, and regional constraints.
5.) GEOWEALTH UMA (UNIFIED MANAGED ACCOUNT) PORTFOLIOS
GeoWealth designs and constructs portfolios of “Third-party” and/or GeoWealth models. All
components of the UMA are traded by GeoWealth.
The current GeoWealth UMAs invest in third-party and GeoWealth models selected by the
Investment Solutions Team. Underlying models may include ETF and stocks that represent US
equity, international equity, US fixed income, international fixed income, real estate, commodities,
managed futures and more.
Risk of Loss Factors
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Clients may lose
some or all of their principal and generate less income than anticipated or no income at all. In general,
risks include: market risk, interest rate risk, issuer risk, liquidity risk, and general economic risk.
Although we manage the assets in a manner consistent with risk tolerances, there can be no
guarantee that the future anticipated performance of any investment will occur.
There is also a risk that the portfolios will not achieve their specific investment objectives. There is
a risk that index-oriented funds included in portfolios will not precisely track the performance of
the indexes they are intended to replicate.
The following are material risks related to our investment strategies. This list does not purport to be
a complete enumeration or explanation of every possible risk associated with our investment
strategies.
Equities
The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which an
underlying fund or separate account invests, will negatively impact the value of the stocks held.
Fixed Income
The risk that fluctuations in interest rates or events negatively affecting the issuers, industries or
financial markets in which the security is exposed to will cause the value of fixed-income securities
held to decline.
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Alternatives
Alternative investments take on many forms and each private investment has its own risk of loss
factors. In general, alternative investments lack the transparency of other investment types, have
less regulatory reporting requirements, are illiquid, and have special tax considerations, among other
risks.
International Securities
The possibility that international stocks may be adversely affected by political and social instability,
changes in economic, governmental or taxation policies, difficulty in enforcing regulations or claims,
decreased liquidity or increased volatility.
Small to Medium Capitalization Companies
GeoWealth may invest a portion of client assets in the stock of companies with small to medium-
sized market capitalizations. While GeoWealth believes these investments often provide significant
potential for appreciation, those stocks (particularly smaller-capitalization stocks), involve higher
risks in some respects relative to investments in stocks of larger companies. For example, prices of
such small-capitalization stocks are often more volatile than prices of large-capitalization stocks. In
addition, if the stock is not traded frequently, there is a chance that the purchase price or sale price
will be impacted by the lack of liquidity.
Lack of Diversification
Client portfolios may not be widely diversified among sectors, industries, geographic areas or types
of securities. Further, client portfolios may not necessarily be diversified among a wide range of
issuers. Accordingly, the portfolios will be subject to more rapid change in value than would be the
case if the portfolio was highly diversified.
Portfolio Turnover
Depending on the investment strategy selected, it is possible that GeoWealth will need to trade in
and out of securities frequently. If the investment strategy selected requires this, transaction-related
charges may negatively impact the portfolio return.
Short-Sales
GeoWealth may affect short sales. Short sales can, in certain circumstances, substantially increase
the impact of adverse price movements on a portfolio. A short sale involves the risk of a theoretically
unlimited increase in the market price of the particular investment sold short, which could result in
an inability to cover the short position and a theoretically unlimited loss. There can be no assurance
that securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase.
Leverage
While not typical, GeoWealth may trade on margin or engage in other forms of borrowing to affect
the purchase of securities in a portfolio. The level of interest rates and the rates at which client
accounts can borrow will affect their returns. Fluctuations in the market value of the portfolio of a
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heavily leveraged account can have a disproportionately large effect on the account value.
For more information regarding the specific risks that are associated with a particular investment,
clients are encouraged to consult the offering documents or similar disclosures.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
GeoWealth does not have any disciplinary information to disclose in this section. Specifically, there
are no criminal or civil actions, administrative enforcement proceedings, or self-regulatory
organization enforcement proceedings to be disclosed.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
JPMC Strategic Investments Group I Corporation (an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Asset Management),
Apollo Management Holdings, L.P., and Blackrock SMI, LLC (an affiliate of Blackrock Investment
Management), each own a minority interest and have commercial partnerships with GeoWealth, LLC,
GeoWealth’s parent company.
As part of its own due diligence, GeoWealth annually reviews securities for inclusion in its own model
portfolios. J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Blackrock Investment Management, and Apollo
Management, as well as other asset managers, are eligible to receive placement in GeoWealth’s
models based upon our own due diligence. Please see Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other
Compensation which discusses conflicts of interest relevant to the placement of these securities in
GeoWealth models.
GeoWealth entered into an agreement with 55 Institutional Partners, LLC (“55IP”) to provide tax-loss
harvesting, tax-aware transitions, tax aware withdrawals, and other tax conscious portfolio
management solutions. 55IP is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Asset Management whom,
as explained above, owns a minority interest in GeoWealth, LLC. GeoWealth does not receive any
compensation for offering any of 55IP’s services.
Effective March 31, 2023, GeoWealth Management LLC’s (“GeoWealth”) parent company,
GeoWealth, LLC, acquired First Ascent Asset Management, LLC (“FAAM”). FAAM was an investment
adviser registered with the SEC. Effective March 22, 2024, GeoWealth took over the investment
advisory business of FAAM and all FAAM clients are now investment advisory clients of GeoWealth.
Effective August 1, 2025, GeoWealth’s parent company, GeoWealth, LLC, acquired a majority of
TAMP assets from Freedom Advisors.
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Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation/Interest in Client Transactions, Personal Trading
Code of Ethics & Personal Trading
Pursuant to Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act, GeoWealth has adopted a Code of Ethics that establishes
how we hold ourselves out as having a high standard of ethical conduct and how we serve as a
fiduciary to our clients. Key aspects of our code of ethics include handling conflicts of interest, gifts
and entertainment, political contributions, employee trading, privacy, and insider trading, among
other items.
GeoWealth recognizes and believes that (i) high ethical standards are essential for its success and to
maintain the confidence of its clients; (ii) its long-term business interests are best served by
adherence to the principle that the interests of clients come first; and (iii) it has a fiduciary duty to
its clients to act solely for the client’s benefit. All GeoWealth employees must put the clients’
interests before their own personal interests and must act honestly and fairly in all respects in
dealings with clients. All GeoWealth employees must also comply with all federal securities laws.
In general, employees (and members of their immediate households) must obtain written pre-
approval from the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or their delegate prior to executing a personal
transaction in equity securities, ETFs, options, and futures. The spirit of the Code of Ethics is to
discourage frequent trading in employee personal accounts. In addition, employees must receive
pre-approval from the CCO or their delegate to acquire securities for their own account in an initial
public offering. Employees must also obtain pre- approval from the CCO or their delegate before
engaging in any outside business activities or private placements. Certain highly liquid index tracking
ETFs do not require pre-approval.
All employees must provide duplicate copies (when available) to the CCO or their delegate of
brokerage statements for accounts over which the employee has discretion. These records are used
to monitor compliance with the foregoing policies. Employees must also annually attest to the
location of their holdings.
These policies apply to any personal transactions involving certain equity, debt, options, and futures
(or derivative products related to these securities). This policy does not apply to transactions
involving government securities, open-end mutual funds, or other instruments which afford the
investor no discretion over individual securities transactions.
GeoWealth strictly prohibits the misuse or inappropriate communication of inside information in
connection with securities transactions. GeoWealth, as well as federal and state securities laws, also
prohibit the practice of market manipulation (defined as action intended to deceive or defraud
investors by controlling or artificially affecting the price of securities).
In special situations, GeoWealth will create an information barrier or a “Chinese Wall” procedure
that restricts the disclosure of confidential information to those who have a genuine “need to know”.
The Firm has also adopted communications guidelines designed to assist personnel in understanding
their duties and responsibilities regarding the receipt and the communication of financial and other
sensitive information.
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GeoWealth restricts the giving and receiving of gifts, limiting participation in and sponsoring of
entertainment events, and requires the reporting of gifts and entertainment to the CCO or their
delegate subject to certain exceptions. GeoWealth also has a policy that governs political
contributions to certain officials and political parties. This policy is designed, among other things, to
address the requirements of Rule 206(4)-5 under the Advisers Act.
Our Code of Ethics is available upon request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Employees of GeoWealth can own securities in their personal accounts that are also recommended
by GeoWealth. The Firm has established procedures intended to limit conflicts of interest in cases
where GeoWealth or any of their employees buys or sells securities recommended by GeoWealth to
our clients. GeoWealth does not engage in principal trading and does not recommend securities to
advisory clients it has a proprietary or ownership interest in. However, subject to GeoWealth’s Code
of Ethics, employees may purchase and sell securities either recommended by GeoWealth or held in
models maintained on the GeoWealth platform.
ERISA
When we provide investment advice to Clients regarding their 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 our clients’ interests, so
we operate under a special rule that requires us to act in our clients’ best interest and not put our
interest ahead of yours. Under this special rule, 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.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Best Execution
As a fiduciary, the Firm has an obligation to seek best execution of transactions under the
circumstances. To fulfill this duty, GeoWealth must seek to execute securities transactions for clients
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in such a manner that total costs or proceeds in each transaction are the most favorable under the
circumstances.
Best execution is determined on a trade-by-trade basis and will result in the best qualitative
execution, not necessarily only the lowest possible commission cost. In selecting brokers and dealers
to affect portfolio transactions for the clients, we will consider such factors as the ability of the
brokers or dealers to affect the transactions, their capabilities, reliability, and financial responsibility,
among other factors.
Clients have different investment strategies, objectives, and parameters, therefore, it is possible that
certain clients may hold securities that other clients do not, or certain client accounts may be long a
particular security while others may short that same security. GeoWealth will treat all clients fairly
and equitably when allocating investment opportunities such that no client is favored over another.
Order Aggregation
Aggregated or “batched” trades will be used to facilitate best execution, which includes negotiating
more favorable prices, obtaining more timely or equitable execution, or reducing overall commission
charges. All clients participating in the aggregated order will receive an average share price. Orders
are aggregated using the following procedure:
1. All accounts that require a transaction in a particular security are identified and the trade is
appropriately sized.
2. All participating accounts are blocked into their respective groups. Various factors determine
which accounts are permitted to be traded in block. Those factors include, but are not limited
to: custodian, custodian master account association, designated broker, and account size.
At the trader’s discretion, orders created after a particular block is created may be combined with
the block if it will not materially disadvantage the clients in the existing block order. However, such
a process is not a requirement. Additionally, at the trader’s discretion, accounts requiring trades to
be placed prior to the execution of a block trade (i.e. time sensitive wire, unexpected cash raise
needed prior to market close, etc.) may be executed on demand and therefore not participate in a
block order.
When executing trades, GeoWealth uses a broker rotation program. The order in which trades are
executed is set in advance and the rotation order is advanced each day. The broker rotation program
attempts to ensure that no particular client account or advisory relationship receives preference
when executing trades. At the trader’s discretion, the broker rotation order may be altered if placing
trades in that order would materially disadvantage another client/batched order. Examples
necessitating altering the broker rotation schedule include but are not limited to, a particular broker
encounters technical problems and is temporarily unable to receive orders, a block trade is not
complete or is only partially complete at the start of particular order execution window, a block
contains a security that will require extended execution time and therefore delay the execution of
other orders, among other reasons.
GeoWealth also provides trade signals for its models to 3rd party platforms. If model updates are
done during market hours, trade signals will be disseminated to the 3rd party platform using a trade
rotation program as described above. If trade signals are disseminated outside of market hours, it
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shall not be necessary to use a trade rotation program however all model signals will be disseminated
before the end of that business day. Trade dissemination to 3rd party platforms will be done after
GeoWealth accounts have had an opportunity to trade the relevant models.
GeoWealth does not currently engage in cross-transactions. However, in the future if GeoWealth
causes a client to buy or sell securities directly from or to another client in such a way that it is
classified as a cross-transaction, it will be done in accordance with rule 206(3).
Clients are permitted to specify the broker used to trade their account. This is often referred to as
“directed brokerage.” If a client does direct brokerage, the client may pay higher brokerage
commissions because we may not be able to aggregate orders to reduce transaction costs, or the
client may receive less favorable prices.
Soft Dollars
The term “soft dollar” arrangements is generally used to describe an agreement that involves a
transaction between an investment adviser and a broker-dealer, whereby a broker-dealer provides
the investment adviser with research or other services or products in return for commission dollars
paid for executing transactions for client accounts. In providing research services, the broker-dealer
may produce these “in-house” or obtain them externally from third-parties.
Research products and services provided may include research reports on particular industries and
companies, economic surveys and analyses, financial and industry consultants and advisers, etc.
Currently GeoWealth does not receive any soft dollar benefits. However, it is GeoWealth’s policy to
stay within the safe harbor provisions of 28(e) Securities Exchange Act of 1934 should the Firm do so
in the future.
Model Manager Holding Dissemination
When 3rd party managers disseminate model holdings and/or updates to their model holdings, they
send them to multiple different parties. Each 3rd party manager uses their own procedures to
determine who receives the holdings/updates and in what order. Sometimes, the manager’s
dissemination procedures require them to disseminate their trades with affiliated firms and advisers
prior to disseminating them to 3rd parties such as GeoWealth. When this occurs, clients of
GeoWealth may trade after affiliates of the 3rd party managers have had an opportunity to trade.
This may be disadvantageous to clients of GeoWealth since they may be subject to unfavorable price
movement resulting from the trades of the 3rd party managers.
When trade allocations are provided by 3rd party model managers, we will obtain an understanding
of their allocation procedures to ensure that no clients are systematically disadvantaged.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
All Client accounts in a direct advisory relationship with GeoWealth are reviewed on at least an
annual basis to ensure conformity with Client objectives and guidelines unless the client and adviser
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mutually agree otherwise. These accounts are regularly monitored in response to changes in
investment objectives by the client or as deemed appropriate in light of market conditions. For all
accounts, we periodically review them to ensure consistency with the trading instructions received.
Reviews are performed by members of GeoWealth’s trading team whose compliance with SEC rules
and regulations is ultimately overseen by the CCO.
Generally, clients will receive detailed account reports from GeoWealth or each client’s investment
adviser on a monthly or quarterly basis via electronic delivery. These reports are supplemental to the
statements provided by each client’s qualified custodian. A standard reporting package includes a
performance summary, holdings summary, and a fee summary. Each client’s investment adviser has
the ability to change which reports are provided based on the unique needs of the client and/or
adviser.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
GeoWealth has entered into arrangements with certain third-party model managers, money
managers, and alternative investment providers (“Third-Parties”) that allow advisors to access
certain GeoWealth services either at no cost or at a reduced cost. Under these arrangements, the
Third Parties compensate GeoWealth for the advisor’s use of the GeoWealth platform. For other
Third Parties, GeoWealth receives compensation solely based on the assets invested in their
products. The list of Third-Parties changes from time to time and is available upon request.
These payments can take the form of either (i) a fee paid by the Third-Party to GeoWealth to offset
the fees that GeoWealth would otherwise charge advisors, or (ii) a payment based on a percentage
of assets in Third Parties products, or both, and can be subject to minimums.
Whenever GeoWealth receives compensation directly from a Third Party, a conflict of interest arises
because GeoWealth is incentivized to promote Third Parties that result in greater compensation to
GeoWealth than other investment options.
Although this conflict exists, GeoWealth does not have the authority to select investment models for
clients within co-advisory or sub-advisory relationships. Advisors retain sole responsibility for making
all investment model selection and suitability determinations for their clients. If an advisor’s
participation in such an arrangement creates a conflict of interest for them, that advisor is
responsible for disclosing the conflict to their clients and explaining how they mitigate the conflict.
We encourage all clients to read their investment advisor’s Form ADV and ask them about any
conflicts of interest their investment advisor has and how they mitigate such conflicts.
Item 15 – Custody
The amended and revised Rule 206(4)-2 of the Advisers Act (the “Custody Rule”) sets forth extensive
requirements regarding possession or custody of client funds or securities. The Custody Rule requires
advisers that have custody of client securities or funds to implement a set of controls designed to
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protect those client assets from being lost, misused, misappropriated, or subject to financial
reverses.
GeoWealth does not maintain direct custody or possession of any of its client’s funds or securities.
However, because GeoWealth has the authority to deduct fees from client accounts, GeoWealth is
deemed to have custody and complies with the requirements under Rule 206(4)-2 of the Advisers
Act. These requirements are:
1) Advisers with custody of client funds and securities must maintain them with “qualified
custodians.” Qualified custodians under the amended rule include banks and savings
associations and registered broker-dealers.
2) If the Adviser with custody opens an account with a qualified custodian on behalf of the
client, upon opening the account, the investment adviser must notify the client, in writing,
of the qualified custodian’s name, address and how the funds or securities are maintained.
3) Advisers with custody must form a reasonable belief, upon due inquiry, that the qualified
custodian maintaining the accounts holding the client’s funds or securities sends account
statements directly to the client.
4) If the Adviser with custody also provides any other form of account statement to supplement
the official account statements generated by qualified custodians, the Adviser must include
a footer on the Adviser’s generated report urging the client to compare the investment
adviser’s generated reports against account statements received from the qualified
custodian.
Through this arrangement, the custodians will provide, among other things, clearing, custodial,
brokerage and record keeping services. Clients will receive statements from their qualified
custodians at least on a quarterly basis. Clients are urged to compare the statements received by
GeoWealth to the statements received by their qualified custodians.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
For direct advisory relationships, prior to GeoWealth providing investment management services,
the client will be required to fill out paperwork that sets forth the terms and conditions under which
GeoWealth will advise on the client's assets. The client will also sign a separate custodial agreement
with each designated custodian. Agreements with end clients include either discretionary investment
services, non-discretionary services, or both.
When GeoWealth has discretionary authority, GeoWealth is authorized, without prior consultation
with the client, to: (i) buy, sell, exchange, and otherwise trade any stocks, bonds or other securities
or assets and (ii) place orders and negotiate commissions (if any) for the execution of all transactions
of securities with or through such broker-dealer underwriters or issuers as we, in our sole discretion,
select. Any limitations to such authority must be communicated by the client to us in writing.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
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GeoWealth has established proxy voting policies and procedures pursuant to SEC Rule 206(4)-6 such
that the CCO will oversee the proxy voting process. These procedures are designed to ensure that
proxies are voted in the best interest of the clients and include the use of a proxy advisor firm.
GeoWealth’s standard practice is not to vote proxies on behalf of clients. GeoWealth does not vote
proxies unless your accounts are subject to a special arrangement with GeoWealth.
If GeoWealth votes proxies for client accounts, GeoWealth will subject all securities in the client’s
accounts to proxy voting regardless of whether or not the securities invested in managed models.
GeoWealth’s standard proxy voting policy is designed to maximize returns. As designated by
client’s investment advisor or manager and as agreed upon by GeoWealth, a limited number of
other voting polices are available.
In Models traded by SMA managers, the SMA manager has the option to vote any proxies received
in accordance with their proxy voting policies and procedures, which are reasonably designed to
ensure that they vote on securities in the best interest of clients. The SMA manager endeavors to
vote proxies in accordance with the best economic interest of its clients and similarly to resolve any
conflicts of interest exclusively in the best economic interests of the clients. In order to mitigate
conflicts of interest, the SMA manager has contracted with an independent third-party service
provider to vote proxies in accordance with instructions and guidelines provided or approved by
the SMA manager. Clients should review the SMA manager’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure for more
information about their proxy voting policies. Where included in your investment management
agreement with your primary adviser, SMA manager is also authorized to receive all proxy-related
materials, annual and semi-annual reports, and other shareholder materials, including corporate
actions, arising from any eligible investments or other securities in the account. You can receive a
copy of these materials, the SMA manager’s proxy voting policy and procedures, voting guidelines
and/or proxy voting record by submitting a written request to your primary adviser.
If a client directs their qualified custodian to send proxies to GeoWealth and the account isn’t subject
to a special exception whereby GeoWealth votes proxies, the client is indicating that they do not
want to receive proxies, have no intention of casting a vote. GeoWealth requests that all clients either
vote their own proxies, delegate proxy voting authority to their primary investment adviser, or
delegate proxy voting authority to the separate account manager.
If GeoWealth and the primary adviser and/or end client mutually agree that GeoWealth votes proxies
on behalf of the client, GeoWealth’s voting decision will always be in the best interest of the client.
If the client elects to vote proxies, applicable proxy information will be received directly from the
client’s custodian or the respective transfer agent. GeoWealth shall not be responsible for delivering
proxy documentation to clients.
In certain circumstances, GWM may be appointed a sub-adviser to a client account and given proxy
voting authority, GWM may, at its discretion, delegate its proxy voting authority to a 3rd party asset
manager who has been appointed by GWM as a sub-adviser to the client Account. GWM will only
appoint a sub-adviser to a client account, and thereby delegate proxy voting authority to that asset
manager, at the Client’s primary adviser’s instruction.
When we identify a material conflict of interest regarding a proxy that we have agreed to vote on
behalf of client, we will always seek to resolve the conflict in the best interest of the client. One,
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some, or all of the following steps may be taken:
•
Inform the client (or, in a sub-advisory relationship, the client’s investment adviser) of the
material conflict
• Discuss the proxy vote with the client or, in a sub-advisory relationship, the client’s
investment adviser
• Seek the client’s, or in a sub-advisory relationship, the client’s investment adviser, consent
to vote the proxy as intended
• Seek the recommendation of an independent third party
Clients can obtain a copy of GeoWealth’s proxy voting policies and procedures upon request. Clients
can also obtain information from GeoWealth about how they voted any proxies on behalf of their
account(s). Clients who would like to obtain any information about how their proxies were voted, or
wish to cast their vote in a particular way, should contact us at (312) 219-9160 or by email at
evan.lieberman@geowealth.com.
Item 18 – Financial Information
GeoWealth does not require or solicit pre-payment of more than $1,200 in fees per client six months
or more in advance, and as such has not included a balance sheet of its most recent fiscal year.
Further, GeoWealth has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and
fiduciary commitments to clients and has not been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings at any time
during the course of its business.
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