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ITEM 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV: FIRM BROCHURE
GK Wealth Management LLC
98 Winter Street
Reno, NV 89503
Phone: 775.354.6622
Email: griffin@gkwealthmanagement.com
Version date: December 4, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of GK Wealth
Management LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at
(775) 354-6622. 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. Our Brochure may be
requested free of charge by contacting Griffin Kirsch at 775-354- 6622 or
Griffin@GKWealthManagement.com.
GK Wealth Management LLC 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. Additional information about GK Wealth Management is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known as a CRD
number. The CRD number for GK Wealth Management LLC is 296847.
ITEM 2: Material Changes
GK Wealth Management LLC is required to advise clients and prospective clients of any material changes
to this Form ADV Part 2A Brochure (“Brochure”) from our last annual update dated March 19th, 2025.
Clients will receive an annual summary of any material changes to this and subsequent Brochures no
later than April 30 of each year, which is 120 days after our fiscal year-end. At that time we will offer
either a full copy of our most current Brochure or details related to all material changes with an offer to
provide a full copy of the Brochure. We will also promptly provide ongoing disclosure information about
material changes as necessary.
Please note that we do not have to provide this information to a client or prospective client who has not
received a previous version of our Brochure.
Material Changes:
We have rewritten some of the sections for more clarity. We encourage you to review this Brochure in
its entirety.
We have added details related to investments in unaffiliated third-party private fund offerings or other
pooled investment vehicles. Please see Items 4, 5, and 6.
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ITEM 3: Table of Contents
ITEM 1: Cover Page .......................................................................................................................... 1
ITEM 2: Material Changes ................................................................................................................. 2
ITEM 3: Table of Contents ................................................................................................................. 3
ITEM 4: Advisory Business ................................................................................................................ 4
ITEM 5: Investment Management Fees and Compensation ............................................................... 7
ITEM 6: Performance Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ................................................. 10
ITEM 7: Account Requirements and Types of Clients ...................................................................... 10
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investments Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................... 11
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information ...................................................................................................... 15
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................................. 16
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics Participations or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ...... 17
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices ......................................................................................................... 18
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts .......................................................................................................... 22
ITEM 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................ 23
ITEM 15: Custody ............................................................................................................................ 23
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion ....................................................................................................... 24
ITEM 17: Voting Proxies and Client Securities ................................................................................. 24
ITEM 18: Financial Information ........................................................................................................ 24
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ITEM 4: Advisory Business
GK Wealth Management LLC (“GK,” “we,” ”us,” or “firm”) is a Reno, Nevada-based investment
management firm founded by Griffin Kirsch in 2019. He is the sole owner and Chief Compliance Officer
of the firm.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION SERVICES
GK offers ongoing portfolio management services based on the individual goals, objectives, time horizon,
and risk tolerance of each client. GK creates an Investment Policy Statement for each client, which
outlines the client’s current situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels) and then constructs a
plan to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches each client's specific situation. Portfolio
management services include, but are not limited to, the following:
➔ Investment Strategy
➔ Asset Allocation
➔ Risk Tolerance
➔ Personal Investment Policy
➔ Asset Selection
➔ Regular Portfolio Monitoring
GK will help in determining your portfolio composition based on your needs, your portfolio restrictions,
if any, your financial goals and your risk tolerances. GK will work with you to obtain necessary
information regarding your financial condition, investment objectives, liquidity requirements, risk
tolerance, time horizons, and any restrictions on investing. This information enables GK to determine the
portfolio best suited for your investment objectives and needs.
GK seeks to provide that investment decisions are made in accordance with the fiduciary duties owed to
its accounts and without consideration of GK’s economic, investment or other financial interests. To
meet its fiduciary obligations, GK attempts to avoid, among other things, investment or trading practices
that systematically advantage or disadvantage certain client portfolios, and accordingly, GK’s policy is to
seek fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities/transactions among its clients to avoid
favoring one client over another over time. It is GK’s policy to allocate investment opportunities and
transactions it identifies as being appropriate and prudent among its clients on a fair and equitable basis
over time.
THIRD PARTY ASSET MANAGERS
GK provides investment advice and recommendations on the investment strategies of Third-Party
Managers (“Managers” or “TPAM”). Selected Managers are evaluated by GK for client use. Our services
include assisting you in identifying your investment objectives and matching personal and financial data
with a select list of Managers. This service's intent is to have a selected list of high-quality third-party
investment management firms from which GK selects one or more Managers to handle daily
management of your account(s).
GK’s IARs assist you with identifying your risk tolerance and investment objectives. IARs will recommend
TPAMs in relation to your stated investment objectives and risk tolerance. You select a recommended
TPAM based upon your needs. GK may act in either a “manager of managers” or “sub-adviser” capacity
when it offers TPAM programs to you.
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Managers selected for your investments need to meet several quantitative and qualitative criteria
established by GK. Among the criteria that may be considered are the Manager’s experience, assets
under management, performance record, client retention, the level of client services provided,
investment style, buy and sell disciplines, capitalization level, and the general investment process.
Managers may take discretionary authority to determine the securities to be purchased and sold for the
client.
Information collected by our firm regarding Managers is believed to be reliable and accurate, but
GK does not necessarily independently review or verify it on all occasions. All performance
reporting will be the responsibility of the respective Manager. Such performance reports will be
provided directly to you and GK.
GK does not audit or verify that these results are calculated on a uniform or consistent basis as
furnished by a Manager directly to GK or through the consulting service utilized by the Manager.
However, GK does monitor the results of the Manager and has the discretionary authority to change
managers on your behalf as we believe it to be appropriate.
GK has entered agreements with various independent Program Managers. Under these agreements,
GK offers clients various types of programs sponsored by these Managers.
All TPAMs to whom GK will refer will be licensed as investment advisors by your resident state and
any applicable jurisdictions or registered investment advisors with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
PRIVATE FUNDS
As suitable and appropriate, we may also recommend investments in private funds or other pooled
vehicles offered by unaffiliated third parties.
MANAGER OF MANAGERS: When acting as a manager of managers for the TPAM program, your IAR
assists you in selecting one or more TPAM programs believed to be suitable for you based on your
stated financial situation, investment objectives, and financial goals. GK and your IAR oversee your
investment with the TPAM. GK can track the performance of each investment manager and fire
ineffective managers and hire replacements on your behalf. GK and your IAR are compensated for
referring you to the TPAM program. This compensation generally takes the form of the TPAM sharing
a percentage of the advisory fee you pay to the TPAM with GK and your IAR. As part of establishing a
new account, you will receive our disclosure brochure and the TPAM’s disclosure brochure.
ADVISER OR SUB-ADVISER: Under an adviser or sub-adviser relationship between GK and the sponsor
of the TPAM program, we are jointly responsible for the ongoing management of the account. Your
IAR is responsible for assisting you with completing the investor profile questionnaire. While each
TPAM may have a different name for the questionnaire, your responses will assist your IAR with
understanding your investment objectives, financial situation, risk tolerance, investment time horizon
and other personal information. Based on the information you provide your IAR, they will help you
determine which TPAM model or portfolio strategy is appropriate for you.
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PENSION CONSULTING SERVICES
GK offers consulting services to pension or other employee benefit plans (including 401(k) plans).
Pension consulting may include, but is not limited to:
- identifying investment objectives and restrictions
- providing guidance on various assets classes and investment options - recommending
money managers to manage plan assets in ways designed to achieve objectives
- monitoring performance of money managers and investment options and making
recommendations for changes
- recommending other service providers, such as Custodian, administrators and broker--
dealers
- creating a written pension consulting plan
These services are based on the goals, objectives, demographics, time horizon, and/or risk tolerance of
the plan and its participants.
CONSULTING SERVICES / FINANCIAL PLANNING
GK also provides clients with investment advice on a more limited basis on one-or-more isolated areas of
concern such as estate planning, real estate, retirement planning, or any other specific topic.
Additionally, GK may provide advice on non-securities matters in connection with the rendering of
estate planning, insurance, real estate, and/or annuity advice as part of a holistic financial plan, but GK is
not an attorney, agent or certified public accountant (CPA). In these cases, you may be required to select
your own investment managers, broker-dealer and/or insurance companies for the implementation of
consulting recommendations. If your needs include brokerage and/or other financial services, GK may
recommend the use of one of several investment managers, brokers, banks, Custodian, insurance
companies or other financial professionals ("Firms"). You must independently evaluate these Firms
before opening an account or transacting business and have the right to affect business through any firm
you choose. You are under no obligation to follow the consulting advice that GK provides.
In offering financial planning, a conflict exists between the interests of the investment adviser and the
interests of the client. You are under no obligation to act upon our recommendation(s), and, if you elect
to act on any of the recommendations, you are under no obligation to affect the transaction through GK.
WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FIDUCIARY STATUS
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;
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• 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.
WRAP FEE PROGRAM
GK does not participate in any wrap fee programs.
ASSETS
As of December 31, 2024, GK had $174,031,715 in discretionary assets under management and
$18,178,803 in non-discretionary assets under management.
ITEM 5: Investment Management Fees and Compensation
Annual advisory fees generally range from 0.10% to 2.00%. The fee is calculated using the value of the
assets in the Account on the last business day of the prior billing period, billed quarterly in advance. GK
will bill a prorated fee if funds are provided intra-quarter. These fees are generally negotiable, and the
final fee schedule will be memorialized in the client’s advisory agreement. Clients may terminate the
agreement without penalty for a full refund of GK's fees within five business days of signing the
Investment Advisory Contract. Thereafter, clients may terminate the Investment Advisory Contract
generally with written notice. Fees are assessed on all assets under management, including securities,
cash and money market balances. Margin debt balances do not reduce the value of assets under
management. GK can also exclude positions for billing purposes.
GK charges a fee as compensation for providing Investment Management services on your account.
These services include advisory and consulting services, trade entry, investment supervision, and other
account maintenance activities. Our custodian may charge transaction costs, custodial fees, redemption
fees, retirement plan, alternative assets fee and administrative fees or commissions. See Additional Fees
and Expenses on page 11 for further details.
The specific advisory fees are outlined in your Investment Advisory Agreement. Fees may vary based
on the size of the account, the complexity of the portfolio, the extent of activity in the account or
other reasons agreed upon by GK and the Client. In certain circumstances, our fees and the timing of
the fee payments may be negotiated. It is also worth noting that lower fees for comparable services
may be available from other sources.
In addition, some assets (i.e., mutual funds, ETFs, alternative investments, UITs and MLPs) deposited in
your account(s) may be subject to other management and administrative fees as described in the
prospectuses or agreements. These fees are independent of our fees and should be disclosed by the
custodian or contained in each prospectus or agreement. You should also note that fees for comparable
services vary and lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
GK’s investment advisor representatives and supervised persons do NOT receive commissions for the
sale of securities or other investment products or other transactions.
At our discretion, GK will aggregate asset amounts in accounts from the same household together to
determine the advisory fee for all your accounts. GK may do this, for example, where GK also services
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accounts on behalf of your minor children, individual and joint accounts for a spouse, and/or other
types of related accounts. This consolidation practice is designed to allow you the benefit of an
increased asset total, which could potentially cause your account(s) to be assessed with a lower
advisory fee based on the asset levels available in our fee schedule.
The independent qualified custodian holding your funds and securities will debit your account directly
for the advisory fee and pay that fee to GK. You will provide signed authorization permitting the fees to
be paid directly from your account held by the qualified custodian. See item 15 for details. At our
discretion, you may pay the advisory fees by check. You are encouraged to review your account
statements for accuracy.
Either GK or you may terminate the management agreement immediately upon written notice to the
other party. The management fee will be pro-rated to the date of termination, for the quarter or
month in which the cancellation notice was given and refunded or billed to you. Upon termination,
you are responsible for monitoring the securities in your account, and GK will have no further
obligation to act or advise with respect to those assets.
RETIREMENT PLAN ADVISORY SERVICE FEE
For Retirement Plan Advisory Services compensation, GK charges an annual advisory fee as negotiated
with the client and disclosed in the Investment Advisory Agreement. The compensation method is
explained and agreed upon in advance before any services are rendered. Annual fees range from 0.25%
to 1.50%. Fixed fees range from $500 to $50,000.
Plan advisory services begin with the effective date of the Agreement, which is the date you sign the
Investment Advisory Agreement. For that calendar quarter, fees will be adjusted pro rata based upon
the number of calendar days in the calendar quarter that the Agreement was effective. Our fee is
billed in advance on the last business day of the calendar quarter. Invoices are sent each quarter to
either the client or the custodian of the Plan. For Plans where our fee is billed to the custodian, the fee
is deducted directly from the participant accounts. A signed authorization permitting us to be paid
directly from the custodial account is outlined in the Investment Advisory Agreement. In some
circumstances, you can have the fee automatically taken from your bank account or directly charged to
a credit card.
Either party may terminate the Retirement Plan Investment Advisory Agreement at any time upon 90
days written notice. You are responsible for paying for services rendered until the termination of the
agreement.
CONSULTING SERVICES / FINANCIAL PLANNING FEES
GK provides planning services for clients who need advice on a limited scope of work. GK will negotiate
consulting fees with clients. Fees may vary based on the extent and complexity of the consulting project
and may be waived if the client has their assets managed by GK, wherein GK will charge a single fee for
services rendered. Fees are negotiated, and clients are billed as services are rendered, in arrears. The
hourly fee for these services starts at $200 per hour and will not exceed $300/hour. The flat rate for
creating client financial plans is between $500 and $50,000. The final fee schedule will be attached as
Exhibit II of your Financial Planning Agreement. Either party may terminate the agreement upon written
notice. Upon termination, fees will be pro-rated to the date of termination and any unearned portion of
the fee will be waived.
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THIRD PARTY MANAGER FEES
GK also receives compensation from third-party managers (TPAM) approved by GK. GK provides
investment advice and recommendations on the investment strategies of Third-Party Managers
(“Managers” or “TPAM”). Selected Managers are evaluated by GK for client use. Our services include
assisting you in identifying your investment objectives and matching personal and financial data with a
select list of Managers. This service's intent is to have a selected list of high quality and recognizable
third-party investment management firms from which you select one or more Managers to handle daily
management of your account(s). Following recommendations from our Investment Adviser
Representatives, you will have final authority to select a Manager. The IAR may assist you in completing
appropriate documents.
The fee that you pay GK is separate and in addition to the fee that you pay the TPAM. However, GK will
often provide clients with the aggregate fee, including the GK fee and any TPAM fees. The aggregate of
these fees will not exceed 1.5% of assets under management per year. The fees collected for the TPAM’s
are billed quarterly in advance, collected at the same time any GK advisory fees are collected. The fee is
calculated using the value of the assets in the account on the last business day of the prior billing period.
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FEES
In those situations where appropriate and suitable, we may recommend an investment in a private fund
or pooled vehicle. Examples include but are not limited to: US and non-US master limited partnerships,
hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds and real estate focused private funds.
For GK fee purposes, the value of Investments in alternatives will be based on your total initial
investment in the fund or pool and will be included as part of your total AUM calculation. All ongoing
valuations will be calculated by the issuer. In the event we do not receive an updated valuation from the
issuer, we will continue to assess fees based on the most recent valuation – either initial investment or
latest issuer valuation. If we receive a late valuation, we will typically adjust fees previously assessed
back to the date of the new valuation. For example, if we receive an updated valuation in July reflecting
the issuer’s valuation as of the prior year-end, we will recalculate year-to-date fees based on the new
year-end value.
Private funds or pooled vehicles have their own fees, (including management fees) and expenses and,
depending on the fund, have separate incentive or performance fee allocations. Accordingly, if you
invest in a private fund, you will bear the fees and expenses of the fund in addition to GK’s management
fee. GK does not share in or receive any management or incentive fees directly from the sponsor/issuer
of any private fund or private pooled vehicle.
The types of expenses borne and paid by the private funds are much broader than the types of expenses
advisory clients bear and pay for individually managed accounts. For example, among others, the private
funds pay: all investment related expenses (including legal fees and the fees of other advisors); due
diligence costs; travel and entertainment expenses related to the private fund and its current or
potential investments; tax preparation costs and filing fees; expenses associated with preparing and
distributing financial, tax and performance reports; insurance and bonding costs. Each private fund’s
organizational and/or offering documents includes details regarding the fees, costs and expenses
associated with that private fund, and the provisions of the private fund’s organizational and offering
documents govern an investment in the private fund, including with respect to fees, operating expenses
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and other costs of the fund. Any investor in a private fund must read and understand the applicable
fund’s organizational and/or offering documents.
ADDITIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES
Your account(s) may incur other fees and expenses in addition to the fees described above. These fees
are separate from, and in addition to, GK’s fees. They may include trade commissions, platform fees and
custodial or transaction fees, and are paid directly to the custodian, or broker as disclosed to you by
account agreements, trade confirmations, and prospectuses. Your custodian provides detailed notice to
you of the service fees applicable to your accounts. Client assets may be invested in mutual funds,
including open-end and closed-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, as well as other types of
pooled investment vehicles, which generally pay an investment management fee, separate from our
advisory fees to another investment adviser.
Please see Item 12 - Brokerage Practices, for additional information and disclosure related to other costs
you may incur.
PREPAYMENT OF FEES
GK collects fees in advance. Should a refund be necessary, we will refund any pre-paid, but unearned
fees during the next quarterly billing cycle or sooner, via check or return deposit back into the client’s
account.
For all asset-based fees paid in advance, we will refund any pre-paid but unearned fees based on the
number of days remaining in the quarter at the point of termination.
Fixed fees that are collected in advance will be refunded based on the prorated amount of work
completed at the point of termination.
For hourly fees that are collected in advance, the fee refunded will be the balance of the fees collected
in advance minus the hourly rate times the number of hours of work that has been completed up to and
including the day of termination.
ITEM 6: Performance Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
GK does not charge advisory fees on a share of the capital appreciation of the funds or securities in a
client account (so-called performance-based fees). Third party managers (including private fund
managers) that are selected for the management of assets on your behalf may be compensated as a
percentage of the capital appreciation of your account as reflected in their disclosure documents.
However, GK does not receive any portion of these fees.
ITEM 7: Account Requirements and Types of Clients
GK provides investment advice to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, families, small businesses,
foundations, trusts, and estates. GK also provides investment advice on retirement accounts including
IRAs, SEP, Simple, Solo 401(k)s, retirement trusts, defined benefit plans, small business 401(k) plans and
corporate 401(k) plans. Our minimum initial account value is $25,000. GK may waive account minimums
at our sole discretion.
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ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investments Strategies and Risk of Loss
GK seeks to recommend investment strategies that will give a client a diversified portfolio consistent
with the client’s investment objective. GK does this by analyzing the various securities, investment
strategies, and third-party management firms. The goal is to identify a client’s risk tolerance and then
find a manager with the maximum expected return for that level of risk.
Our investment strategies and advice may vary depending on each client's specific financial situation. GK
determines investments and allocations based upon your predefined objectives, risk tolerance, time
horizon, financial horizon, financial information, liquidity needs, and other various suitability factors.
Your restrictions and guidelines may affect the composition of your portfolio.
GK determines how to allocate assets among the various asset classes based on the investment strategy
chosen, prevailing economic conditions and our determination of where we are in the economic cycle.
Potential risks and opportunities are weighed to determine to what degree the portfolio should be
invested.
Sometimes, market conditions may cause your account to vary from the established allocation. To
remain consistent with the asset allocation guidelines established, your account is monitored on an
ongoing basis and rebalanced to the original allocation, or if deemed beneficial, to a new allocation
based on the then prevailing economic conditions and within the guidelines of the chosen investment
strategy.
In addition to the rebalancing, overall market conditions and microeconomic factors that affect specific
holdings in your account may trigger changes in allocation. Your account may also receive informal reviews
more frequently.
THIRD PARTY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS/PRIVATE FUND ADVISERS
GK seeks to recommend investment strategies that will give a client a diversified portfolio consistent
with the client’s investment objective. GK does this by analyzing the various securities, investment
strategies, and third-party management/private fund advisory firms. The goal is to identify a client’s risk
tolerance and then find a manager with the maximum expected return for that level of risk.
GK examines the experience, expertise, investment philosophies and past performance of independent,
third-party managers to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period
and in different economic conditions. GK monitors the managers’ underlying holdings, strategies,
concentrations, and leverage as part of our overall periodic risk assessment. Additionally, as part of our
due-diligence process, GK surveys the managers’ compliance and business enterprise risks.
A risk of investing with a third-party manager who has been successful in the past is that he/she may not
be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying
investments in a managers’ portfolio, there is also a risk that the manager may deviate from the stated
investment mandate or strategy of the portfolio, making it a less suitable investment for our clients.
Moreover, as GK does not control the managers’ daily business and compliance operations, GK may be
unaware of the lack of internal controls necessary to prevent business, regulatory or reputational
deficiencies.
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INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Prior to making recommendations, GK determines your financial status, needs, time horizon, investment
objectives, risk tolerance, and tax status. From this, GK creates an investor profile and general asset
allocation target. While GK believes asset allocation is a key factor affecting the long-term rate of return,
GK also believes fundamental research and wise securities selection is vital. To that end, GK selects from
a narrow, refined list of institutional fund managers known for excellence in their respective disciplines.
GK focuses primarily on the people, processes, research, consistency, and culture rather than simply
recent “high performance” or “track record.”
As much as reasonably possible, GK strives to:
• Diversify strategically with non-correlating assets.
• The balance between growth and value styles.
• Diversify globally.
• Rebalance as markets change.
• Manage tax efficient returns wherever possible.
GK determines how to allocate assets among the various asset classes based on the investment strategy
chosen, prevailing economic conditions and our determination of where we are in the economic cycle.
Potential risks and opportunities are weighed to determine to what degree the portfolio should be
invested.
Sometimes, market conditions may cause your account to vary from the established allocation. To
remain consistent with the asset allocation guidelines established, your account is monitored on an
ongoing basis and rebalanced to the original allocation, or if deemed beneficial, to a new allocation
based on the then prevailing economic conditions and within the guidelines of the chosen investment
strategy. In addition to the rebalancing, overall market conditions and microeconomic factors that affect
specific holdings in your account may trigger changes in allocation. Our investment strategies may
include long-term, and short-term holds as well as trading (securities sold within 30 days) and the use of
options, margin, and short sales. You may place reasonable restrictions on the strategies to be employed
in your portfolio and the type of investments to be held in your portfolio.
RISK OF LOSS
You are advised and are expected to understand that our past performance is not a guarantee of
future results, and that certain market and economic risks exist that may adversely affect an
account’s performance that could result in capital losses in your account. Investing in securities
involves risk of loss which you should be prepared to bear.
There are principal and material risks involved which may adversely affect the account value and total
return. There are other circumstances (including additional risks that are not described here) which
could prevent your portfolio from achieving its investment objective. It is important to read all the
disclosure information provided and to understand that you may lose money by investing in any of our
strategies.
You should be aware that your account is subject to the following risks:
MARKET RISK — Even a long-term investment approach cannot guarantee a profit. Economic, political
and issuer-specific events will cause the value of securities to rise or fall. Because the value of
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investment portfolios will fluctuate, there is a risk that you will lose money, and your investment may
be worth more or less upon liquidation.
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND CURRENCY RISK — Investments in international and emerging-market
securities include exposure to risks such as currency fluctuations, foreign taxes and regulations, and
the potential for illiquid markets and political instability.
CAPITALIZATION RISK — Small-cap and mid-cap companies may be hindered because of limited
resources or less diverse products or services, and their stocks have historically been more volatile than
the stocks of larger, more established companies.
INTEREST RATE RISK — In a rising rate environment, the value of fixed-income securities
generally declines, and the value of equity securities may be adversely affected.
CREDIT RISK — Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security may be unable to make interest
payments and/or repay principal when due. A downgrade of an issuer’s credit rating or a perceived
change in an issuer’s financial strength may affect a security’s value and, thus, impact the fund’s
performance.
SECURITIES LENDING RISK — Securities lending involves the risk that the fund loses money because
the borrower fails to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The fund could also lose
money if the value of the collateral provided for loaned securities, or the value of the investments
made with the cash collateral, falls. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences for
the fund.
DERIVATIVE RISK — Derivatives are securities, such as futures contracts, whose value is derived from
that of other securities or indices. Derivatives can be used for hedging (attempting to reduce risk by
offsetting one investment position with another) or non-hedging purposes. Hedging with derivatives
may increase expenses, and there is no guarantee that a hedging strategy will achieve the desired
results.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — ETFs face market-trading risks, including the potential lack of an active
market for shares, losses from trading in secondary markets and disruption in the
creation/redemption process of the ETF. Any of these factors may lead to the fund’s shares trading at
either a premium or a discount to its “net asset value.”
PERFORMANCE OF UNDERLYING MANAGERS — We select the mutual funds and ETFs in the asset
allocation models. However, TCM depends on the manager of such funds to select individual
investments in accordance with their stated investment strategy.
OPTIONS RISK — Options on securities may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than an
investment in the underlying securities. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly
specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — A portion of your assets may be invested in cash or cash equivalents
to achieve your objective, provide going distributions and/or take a defensive position. Cash holdings
may result in a loss of market exposure.
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FIXED INCOME SECURITIES — The return and principal value of bonds fluctuate with changes in market
conditions. Fixed income securities have interest rate risk and credit risk. As interest rates rise, existing
bond prices fall and can cause the value of an investment to decline. Changes in interest rates
generally have a greater effect on bonds with longer maturities than those with shorter maturities. If
bonds are not held to maturity, they can be worth more or less than their original value. Credit risk
refers to the possibility that the issuer of a bond will not be able to make principal and/or interest
payments. High yield bonds, also known as “junk bonds”, carry a higher risk of loss of principal and
income than higher rated investment grade bonds.
EQUITY SECURITIES — In general, the prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed
income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different
factors, including events that affect particular issuers as well as events that affect entire financial
markets or industries. Small and mid capitalization stocks may have greater price volatility, lower
trading volume and less liquidity than large capitalization stocks.
MUTUAL FUNDS — Mutual funds may invest in different types of securities, such as value or growth
stocks, real estate investment trusts, corporate bonds or U.S. government bonds. There are risks
associated with each asset class.
An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market funds seek to
preserve the value of your investment, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
Redemption is at the current net asset value, which may be more or less than the original cost.
Aggressive growth funds are most suitable for investors willing to accept price per share volatility
since many companies that demonstrate high growth potential can also be high risk. Income from
tax-free mutual funds may be subject to local, state and/or the alternative minimum tax.
Because each mutual fund owns different types of investments, performance will be affected by a
variety of factors. The value of your investment in a mutual fund will vary daily as the values of the
underlying investments in a fund vary. Such variations generally reflect changes in interest rates,
market conditions and other company and economic news. Their risks may become magnified
depending on how much a fund invests or uses certain strategies.
You will find additional information regarding these risks in the prospectus for each individual mutual
fund held in your account. You can request a copy of a prospectus from your IAR or by contacting
the investment company directly.
LIQUIDITY RISK — Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Generally, assets are
more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly
liquid, while real estate properties are not. Certain instruments may have no readily available market or
third-party pricing. Structured notes and interval funds usually have a limited secondary market and are
often relatively illiquid. Reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and the ability to
sell particular securities when necessary to meet cash needs or in response to a specific economic event,
such as the deterioration of creditworthiness of an issuer. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market for
certain securities may also make it more difficult to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for
the purpose of valuing the security. Clients should invest in such illiquid (or relatively illiquid) assets only
to the extent they have adequate other liquid assets available to fund current and ongoing cash
requirements.
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INTERVAL FUNDS — Where we believe it to be suitable for the client, and where the client has adequate
liquidity from other investments, we generally include an allocation to certain interval funds,
appropriate to your suitability and liquidity needs. Interval funds are closed-end mutual funds that don’t
offer daily liquidity and have no history of public trading. Instead, the sponsor intends to offer to
repurchase fund interests quarterly, at the then-current net asset value, but is not obligated to do so.
Further, even if the sponsor makes a quarterly repurchase offer, there’s no guarantee that the client will
be able to sell as many shares as the investor would like to sell. Accordingly, these should be considered
long-term investments. These funds may also invest in underlying debt instruments that have varying
degrees of risk, including use of non-investment grade securities and non-performing loans. Further, the
operating and management expenses of the funds may be higher than other income-focused funds.
Those expenses are deducted directly from the fund’s value and must be paid before an investor
receives any return.
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS — Alternative investments are illiquid investments and do not trade on
a national securities exchange. Alternative investments typically include investments in direct
participation program securities (partnerships, limited liability companies, business development
companies or real estate investment trusts), commodity pools, private equity, private debt or hedge
funds. Alternative investments are subject to various risks, such as illiquidity and property
devaluation based on adverse economic and real estate market conditions.
Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Investors considering an investment
strategy utilizing alternative investments should under that alternative investments are generally
considered speculative in nature and may involve a high degree of risk, particularly if concentrating
investments in one or few alternative investments. These risks are potentially greater and
substantially different than those associated with traditional equity or fixed income investments.
You will find additional information regarding these risks in the particular product’s prospectus or
offering documents. You should read the prospectus or offering documents carefully before investing
in an alternative investment.
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
There are no criminal or civil actions to report.
B. Administrative Proceedings
There are no administrative proceedings to report.
C. Self-Regulatory Organizations (SRO) Proceedings
Specifically, Mr. Kirsch has 2 discharges. On September 6, 2017, Mr. Kirsch was discharged
from Triumph Capital Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, for allegations
about violation of firm policy regarding social media and private security transactions.
On September 6, 2017, Mr. Kirsch was discharged from Summit Brokerage Services Inc. for
allegations about violations of firm policy regarding social media and private securities
transactions.
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In April 2019, a regulatory action was initiated against Mr. Kirsch by the State of Nevada in
connection with allegations related to a social media violation regarding Summit Brokerage
Services firm policy. There were also allegations regarding private security transactions, of
which FINRA investigated and had no findings.
Additionally, Mr. Kirsch was subject to an order & consent related to the above two items
based on the State of Nevada and GK Wealth was required to sign the consent order
requiring heightened supervision for a 24 month period from 4/1/2019-4/1/2021.
***PLEASE NOTE: The Consent Order has been lifted by the Nevada Secretary of State
Securities Division as of May 3rd, 2021. GK is longer on heightened supervision.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the CRD records of Mr. Kirsch. GK Wealth
Management LLC CRD number is: 296847
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
GK’s investment advisors and management persons are NOT registered nor do any of GK’s investment
advisors or management persons have applications pending to register as a broker-dealer or
registered representative of a broker dealer.
GK’s investment advisors and management persons are NOT registered nor do any of GK’s investment
advisors or management persons have applications pending to register as a futures commission
merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading advisor, or an associated person of the
foregoing entities.
INSURANCE
Griffin Kirsch, the owner and Managing Member of GK is a Nevada-licensed insurance agent and is
also the Managing Member of Griffin Kirsch LLC dba GK Insurance Group, a licensed insurance agency
in Nevada. Clients should be aware that as an insurance agent he, (as well as other insurance-licensed
representatives associated with GK) earns typical and customary commissions for the sale of
insurance products and this presents a conflict of interest. Clients are never obligated to follow
recommendations made or to purchase insurance products through their GK representative.
GK Insurance Group is the general agency for some of the insurance policies written by insurance
producers associated with GK. When serving as a general agent, GK Insurance Group will receive
some portion of the insurance commission, as will the individual agent associated with the insurance
transaction. Clients are never obligated to follow the insurance recommendations of GK IARs and are
free to implement those recommendation through agents unaffiliated with GK.
OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
IAR’s of GK may have Outside Business Activities (“OBA”). The OBAs of your IAR are fully described and
disclosed on his/her ADV form 2B. OBAs can present a material conflict of interest because your IAR may
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have an incentive to spend more time on their outside business activity than focusing on your advisory
relationship. GK monitors and approves OBAs to help reduce this conflict of interest.
You can find more information regarding your IAR’s outside business activity by visiting adviserinfo.sec.gov.
SELECTION OF OTHER ADVISERS
GK may select unaffiliated third-party investment advisers for the management of some or all of your
assets. You will pay our standard fee in addition to the standard fee for the advisers to which we direct
those assets. The fees will not exceed any limit imposed by any regulatory agency. GK will always act in
the best interests of the client, including when determining which third party investment adviser to
recommend to clients. GK will ensure that all recommended advisers are exempt, licensed or notice filed
in the states in which GK is recommending them to clients.
OTHER POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As a fiduciary, we have an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty, and good faith to act in the best
interests of our clients. We avoid potential conflicts by fully disclosing all material facts concerning any
conflict that may arise.
A “conflict of interest” may occur when a IARs private interests may be inconsistent with the interests of
our clients and/or his/her service to the GK. Additionally, IARs must try to avoid situations that have
even the appearance of conflict or impropriety.
Conflicts of interest may also arise where the GK or one of our IARs have reason to favor the interests of
one client over another client (e.g., larger accounts over smaller accounts, accounts in which employees
have made material personal investments, accounts of close friends or relatives of IARs). GK prohibits
inappropriate favoritism of one client over another client that would constitute a breach of fiduciary
duty.
Additionally, from time-to-time GK may refer clients of GK to Laura Kirsch LLC, which is a real estate
company owned and operated by a family member of Griffin Kirsch, GK’s Managing Member and IAR of
GK. This relationship may cause a conflict of interest. To mitigate this potential conflict of interest,
clients of GK who are referred to Laura Kirsch LLC are advised that at no time are they obligated to use
Laura Kirsch LLC for any real estate transaction and that they may use any realtor/real estate company
that they choose.
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics Participations or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
GK has adopted a Code of Ethics for all supervised persons of the firm describing its high standard of
business conduct, and fiduciary duty to its clients. The Code of Ethics includes provisions relating to the
confidentiality of client information, a prohibition on insider trading, a prohibition of rumor mongering,
restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts and the reporting of certain gifts and business
entertainment items, and personal securities trading procedures, among other things. All supervised
persons at GK must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics annually, or as amended. GK will
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provide a copy of our Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
GK does not recommend that clients buy or sell any security in which GK or a related person has a
material financial interest. GK employees and persons associated with GK are required to follow the GK
Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities and interests
of the employees of GK will not interfere with making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients
and implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own
accounts. Under the Code certain classes of securities have been designated as exempt transactions,
based upon a determination that these would materially not interfere with the best interest of GK
clients. In addition, the Code requires pre-clearance of many transactions and restricts trading close to
client trading activity. Nonetheless, because the Code of Ethics in some circumstances would permit
employees to invest in the same securities as clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit
from market activity by a client in a security held by an employee.
Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics, and to reasonably prevent conflicts
of interest between GK and its clients. Moreover, in the event any officer or employee of GK trades a
security at the same time such security is recommended to a client the client will always get the best
price. GK’s clients or prospective clients may request a copy of the firm's Code of Ethics by contacting
Griffin Kirsch.
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices
Recommendation of a Broker / Custodian; Factors Considered in our Recommendations
GK does not maintain custody of your assets, although we may be deemed to have custody of your
assets if you give us authority to withdraw assets from your account to pay our fees or to direct funds to
third parties you authorize (see Item 15—Custody, below). In all cases, client assets must be held with a
“qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or a bank. Although we occasionally work with other
broker/dealers, we recommend Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), a registered broker-dealer,
member SIPC, as the qualified custodian to hold assets for GK clients.
We are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with Schwab. Schwab will hold your
assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities/assets as we instruct them to. While we
recommend you use Schwab, you will decide whether to do so and will open your account by entering
into an account agreement directly with them. We don’t open the account for you, though we assist you
with the process and handle certain administrative aspects.
For traditional assets, when considering whether the terms , provides are overall most advantageous to
you when compared with other available providers and their services, we take into account a range of
factors, including:
• Combination of transaction execution services and asset custody services, generally without a
separate fee for custody
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• Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades
• Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts
• Breadth of available investment products
• Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions
• Quality of services
• Competitiveness of the price of those services and willingness to negotiate prices
• Reputation, financial strength, security and stability
• Prior service to us and our clients
• Services delivered or paid for by Schwab
• Availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below
Schwab’s Brokerage and Custody Costs
Schwab generally does not charge clients separately for custody services but is compensated by charging
you commissions or other fees on trades that it executes or that settle into your Schwab account.
Schwab is also compensated by earning interest on the uninvested cash in Schwab’s cash management
options or on any margin balance maintained in Schwab accounts, and from other ancillary services.
Most trades no longer incur commissions or transaction fees, though there are exceptions. Schwab
discloses its fees and costs to clients and we take those costs into account when executing transactions
on your behalf. Schwab charges you a flat dollar amount as “prime broker” or “trade away” fee for each
trade that we have executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or the funds
from the securities sold are deposited (settled) into your Schwab account. These fees are in addition to
the commissions or other compensation you pay the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order
to minimize your trading costs, we have Schwab execute most trades for your account.
Certain mutual funds and ETFs are also made available for no transaction fee; as a result many
confirmations show “no commission” for a particular transaction. Typically, the Schwab (but not GK)
earns additional remuneration from such services as recordkeeping, administration, and platform fees,
for the funds and ETFs on their no-transaction fee lists. This additional revenue to the Schwab will tend
to increase the internal expenses of the fund or ETF. GK selects investments based on our assessment of
a number of factors, including liquidity, asset exposure, reasonable fees, effective management, and low
execution cost. Where we choose a no-transaction-fee fund or ETF, it is because it has met our criteria in
all applicable categories.
Products and Services Available to GK from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory firms like GK.
They provide us and our clients with access to their institutional brokerage services (trading, custody,
reporting, and related services), some of which are not typically available to Schwab retail customers.
Certain retail investors, though, may be able to get institutional brokerage services from Schwab without
going through us or another advisor. Schwab also makes available various support services. Some of
those services help us manage or administer our clients’ accounts, while others help us manage and
grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an unsolicited basis (we don’t
have to ask for them) and at no charge to us. Following is a more detailed description of Schwab’s
support services.
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Schwab’s Services that Benefit Clients
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment products available
through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that would require a
significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. These services generally benefit you and
your account.
Schwab’s Services that do not Directly Benefit Clients
Schwab also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us but do not directly benefit
you or your account. These products and services assist us in managing and administering our clients’
accounts and operating our firm. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that of third
parties. We use this research to service all or a substantial number of our clients’ accounts, including
accounts not maintained at Schwab. In addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available
software and other technology that:
• Provides access to client account data
• Facilitates trade execution and the allocation of blocked orders for multiple accounts
• Provide pricing and other market data
• Facilitate payment of GK’s fees directly from your account, if authorized in your advisory
agreement
• Assistance with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting
Schwab’s Services that Generally Benefit Only Us.
Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business
enterprise, a number of which we make no use of (such as access to employee benefits providers and
marketing consulting) but which are available. While we don’t generally take advantage of these
services, they include:
• Consulting on technology and business needs
• Consulting on legal and related compliance needs
• Educational conferences and events
• Publications and conferences on practice management, business management, and industry data
• Occasional business entertainment of our personnel
Schwab provides some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors to
provide the services to us. Schwab also discounts or waives its fees for some of these services or pays all
or a part of a third party’s fees. If you did not maintain your account with Schwab, we would be required
to pay for these services from our own resources. The software, technology, and account access Schwab
provides create an operational and compliance benefit for GK that does not necessarily translate directly
into a client benefit. While we believe that Schwab is quite competitive and provides good value to our
clients overall, the efficiencies provided to GK create an incentive for us to recommend Schwab over
other custodians, even though other custodians offer similar services and support. In some cases, this
means that clients could pay more for custody and execution through the custodian we recommend
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than through others. This is a conflict of interest which we mitigate through disclosure. We also review
the capacities and costs of Schwab regularly to ensure that our clients are receiving quality executions
and competitive pricing, as well as more intangible service benefits.
Directed Brokerage
Because we execute your investment transactions through the custodian holding your assets, we are
effectively requiring that you “direct” your brokerage to Schwab, absent other specific instructions as
discussed below. Because we are not choosing brokers on a trade-by-trade basis, we may not be able to
achieve the most favorable executions for clients and this may ultimately cost clients more money. Not
all investment advisers require directed brokerage.
We do not use, recommend, or direct activity to brokers in exchange for client referrals. Although not a
normal business practice for GK, as agreed, we may permit clients to direct us to use brokers other than
the custodian holding your assets. If we agree to accommodate your request to do this, we will likely
have little or no ability to negotiate commissions or influence execution price, and you will also not
benefit from any trade aggregation we may implement for other clients. This may result in greater costs
to you.
Aggregated or Block Transactions
Where appropriate, we will aggregate client transactions with those of other client accounts at the same
custodian. This results in client trades being executed and billed at the same price.
When we choose to place a block transaction, we issue instructions to purchase a particular number of
shares or face amount of a security and all participating clients and their pro-rated portion of the block
are known at the time of the transaction. We generally trade in liquid securities and partial allocations
are not a concern under normal market conditions. However, should we not receive the full amount
requested, or if multiple executions are required, the following apply:
•
•
If the full amount we requested is not obtained (and we determine to stop trading), we will pro-
rate the purchased shares equally across all participating accounts. However, if employee
transactions are included in the block and only a partial fill is completed, employee transactions
are excluded (per our Code) until all client trades are completed.
If multiple fills occur to complete the full block, then all purchases are averaged to price and each
participating client receives their full allocation at that average price.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
We do not have any traditional “soft dollar” arrangements in place, in which we agree to direct a certain
amount of commission dollars to a specific custodian in exchange for research or other services. Rather,
the services described in this Item 12 are made available to us simply because we maintain client
accounts on the custodian platform.
Many of these services may generally be used to service all or a substantial number of GK’s accounts,
including accounts not maintained at Schwab.
The availability to GK of the foregoing products and services is not contingent upon GK committing to
Schwab any specific amount of business (assets in custody or trading commissions). In some cases,
clients could pay more for custody and execution through the custodian we recommend than through
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others. We review the capacities and costs of Schwab regularly to ensure that our clients are receiving
quality executions and competitive pricing, as well as more intangible service benefits.
As part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, we endeavor at all times to put the interest of our clients
first. We want our clients to be aware that the receipt of the above benefits and services from our
custodian creates a conflict of interest, as this could indirectly influence our choice of broker-dealer for
custody and brokerage services. GK reviews its choice of Schwab on an annual basis to reaffirm the
health of each entity, the quality of executions, and the additional services they provide. We believe our
selection of Schwab is in the best interest of our clients because of the scope, quality, and price of their
services.
Best Execution
As indicated above, we typically require that clients open brokerage/custodial accounts at a custodian
not affiliated with us – typically Schwab. We are not compensated directly for recommending Schwab to
clients, though we may receive indirect economic benefits from Schwab as outlined above. The criteria
for recommending a custodian include reasonableness of commissions and other costs of trading, ability
to facilitate trades, securities lending needs, access to client records, computer trading support and
other operational considerations. These factors will be reviewed from time to time to ensure that the
best interests of our clients are upheld.
In seeking “best execution” for clients, the key factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the
transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into account the full range of services,
including execution capability, technological processes used for submitted trades and other valuation
services.
Trade Errors
GK has implemented procedures designed to prevent trade errors; however, trade errors in client
accounts cannot always be avoided. Consistent with our fiduciary duty, it is our policy to correct trade
errors in the best interest of our clients. In cases where a client causes a trading error, the client will be
responsible for any loss resulting from the correction. Depending on the specific circumstances of the
trading error, the client may not be able to receive any gains generated because of the error correction.
In all situations where the client does not cause the trading error, the client will be made whole, and GK
will absorb any loss resulting from the trading error if the error was caused by our firm. If the error is
caused by the custodian/broker, the custodian/broker will be responsible for covering all trade error
costs.
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts
The underlying securities within the investment supervisory services are regularly monitored. An annual
review is usually conducted in person or by telephone. The purpose of all these reviews is to ensure that
the investment plan continues to be implemented in a manner which matches your objectives and risk
tolerances. More frequent reviews may be triggered by material changes in variables such as your
individual circumstances, or the market, political or economic environment. You are urged to notify us of
any changes in your personal circumstances.
The supervised person who conducts these reviews is the Investment Advisor Representative tied to
each respective client/account.
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All accounts opened by the firm GK Wealth Management LLC are reviewed by Chief Compliance Officer,
Griffin Kirsch.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
All GK clients will receive a quarterly statement from the custodian of record which will include but not
be limited to: all transactions for the period, current balance, current securities holdings and fee
deductions. Upon specific request, we will provide additional comprehensive reports and related
reviews of your portfolio holdings.
ITEM 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
We do not have any arrangements in place to compensate third parties for client referrals.
Sometimes, GK may receive expense reimbursement for travel and/or marketing expenses from
distributors of investment and/or insurance products. Travel expense reimbursements are typically a
result of attendance at due diligence and/or investment training events hosted by product sponsors.
Marketing expense reimbursements are typically the result of informal expense sharing arrangements in
which product sponsors may underwrite costs incurred for marketing such as advertising, publishing and
seminar expenses. Although receipt of these travel and marketing expense reimbursements are not
predicated upon specific sales quotas, the product sponsor reimbursements are typically made by those
sponsors for whom sales have been made or anticipated sales that will be made.
ITEM 15: Custody
All client funds and securities are maintained with a qualified custodian; we don’t take physical
possession of client assets. You will receive account statements and transaction confirmation notices
directly from your custodian at least quarterly, which you should carefully review. We urge you to
carefully compare the custodial account statements with the periodic data you receive from us and to
notify us promptly of any discrepancies.
We have the ability to deduct our advisory fees directly from your accounts based on your written
authorization to do so, and this ability is technically considered “custody” but doesn’t require separate
reporting or a surprise audit of GK. In addition, in some cases clients execute standing letters of
authorization (“SLOAs”), which are written directives from the client authorizing us to initiate payments
from their custodial accounts to client-specified third parties. Although SLOAs are client-initiated and
client-authorized, our ability to facilitate the payments covered by the SLOAs is considered “custody”
under SEC guidance and requires us to report that we have custody over these account assets on our
ADV 1A. To the extent the SLOAs comply with certain conditions, however, including that clients have
the right to terminate the SLOA, and that the qualified custodian will confirm the status of the SLOA
annually directly with the client, GK is not subject to a surprise custody audit.
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ITEM 16: Investment Discretion
GK provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services to clients. The advisory
contract established with each client sets forth the discretionary authority for trading. Where
investment discretion has been granted, GK generally manages the client’s account and makes
investment decisions without consultation with the client as to when the securities are to be bought or
sold for the account, the total amount of the securities to be bought/sold, what securities to buy or sell,
or the price per share. In some instances, GK’s discretionary authority in making these determinations
may be limited by conditions imposed by a client (in investment guidelines or objectives), or client
instructions otherwise provided to GK.
Where GK does not have discretionary authority to place trade orders, GK will secure client permission
prior to effecting securities transactions for the client’s account.
ITEM 17: Voting Proxies and Client Securities
GK will not ask for, nor accept voting authority for client securities. Clients will receive proxies directly
from the issuer of the security or the custodian. Clients should direct all proxy questions to the issuer of
the security.
ITEM 18: Financial Information
GK is required to provide certain financial information or disclosures about its financial condition.
GK does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1200 in fees per client, six months or more in
advance.
GK has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments
to clients and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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