Overview
- Headquarters
- Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Total Firm Assets
- $5.7 billion
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $1.7 million
Recent Rankings
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (GLADSTONE FORM ADV PART 2A, FIRM BROCHURE)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 2.00% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $20,000 | 2.00% |
| $5 million | $100,000 | 2.00% |
| $10 million | $200,000 | 2.00% |
| $50 million | $1,000,000 | 2.00% |
| $100 million | $2,000,000 | 2.00% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 66.55%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 2,213
- Total Client Accounts
- 18,794
- Discretionary Accounts
- 18,685
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 109
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 250787
Additional Brochure: GLADSTONE FORM ADV PART 2A, FIRM BROCHURE (2026-03-31)
View Document Text
Gladstone Wealth Partners
2000 PGA Blvd., Suite 4440
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408
(908) 719-1313
www.gladstonewealth.com
Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Disclosure Brochure
March 31, 2026
This Form ADV Part 2A brochure (“Brochure” or “Disclosure Brochure”) provides information about the
qualifications and business practices of Gladstone Institutional Advisory, LLC doing business as
Gladstone Wealth Partners (referred to as “Gladstone,” “we," “our,” or “us,”). If you have any questions
about the contents of this brochure, please contact us by phone at (908) 719-1313.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “the Commission”) or by any state securities authority. Registration with
the SEC does not imply any specific level of skill or training. This Brochure provides information about
Gladstone to assist you in determining whether to retain the Adviser.
Additional information about Gladstone and its investment adviser representatives (“IARs,” or
“representatives”) is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching our name
or our CRD No. 250787.
At any time, you can view the current Firm and Wrap Brochures online at the SEC’s Investment Adviser
Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with our firm name or our CRD No.
250787.
Page 1 of 35
Item 2. Material Changes
Gladstone Wealth Partners (“Gladstone”) filed its last annual update and distribution for its last Form
ADV Part 2A (“brochure”) on March 31, 2025. We urge you to carefully review the summary of
material changes, as they contain important information, which can impact the advisory relationship
between you and Gladstone.
Material Changes Since the Last Annual Amendment
The following is a summary of material changes made to this Brochure since our last annual updating
amendment dated March 31, 2025.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Item 4 was amended to consolidate disclosures related to the Gladstone sponsored wrap program that
was formerly referred to by the Custodian names.
Item 4 and Item 5 were amended to disclose certain non-billable accounts and/or assets that are not
managed by Gladstone and for which Gladstone does not charge fees.
Item 4 and Item 5 were amended to include non-wrap investment management services provided
primarily to retail investors on a discretionary basis.
Item 4 and Item 5 were amended to provide disclosure regarding a new advisory service to qualified
retirement plans using third-party technology platforms which enable us to access and manage held-
away accounts on a non-custodial basis.
Item 8 was amended to include disclosures related to donor advised funds (“DAF”).
Item 10 was amended to provide enhanced disclosure regarding investment advisor representatives
conducting advisory services through personal legal entities and enhance disclosures related to
outside fixed insurance business of some representatives.
From time to time, we amend our brochure to reflect changes in our business practices, changes in
regulations, and routine updates as required by securities regulators. Our complete brochure or a
summary of material changes will be provided to you at least annually.
At any time, you can view our current brochure online at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public
Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching our firm name or CRD No. 250787. You
can also request a copy of our brochure at any time by contacting your investment adviser representative
or us at (908) 719-1313.
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Item 3. Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Item 2. Material Changes ..........................................................................................................................................2
Item 3. Table of Contents .........................................................................................................................................3
Item 4. Advisory Business........................................................................................................................................4
Item 5. Fees and Compensation ...............................................................................................................................9
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management .........................................................................17
Item 7. Account Requirements and Types of Clients .............................................................................................17
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ..................................................................17
Item 9. Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................................24
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................................25
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ...........................27
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................................................28
Item 13. Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................................32
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ...............................................................................................32
Item 15. Custody ....................................................................................................................................................34
Item 16. Investment Discretion ..............................................................................................................................34
Item 17. Voting Client Securities ...........................................................................................................................35
Item 18. Financial Information ...............................................................................................................................35
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Item 4. Advisory Business
Gladstone Institutional Advisory, LLC, doing business as Gladstone Wealth Partners (referred to as
“Gladstone,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “Firm,” or “Adviser”), is an investment adviser registered with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) with its principal office located in Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida. Gladstone was established in 2015 and is principally owned by Integrity LLC. Gladstone
primarily provides asset management, retirement, financial planning, and consulting services to
individuals, high-net worth individuals, corporations and other business entities, pension and profit-
sharing plans, and charitable organizations (each referred to as a “client” or collectively as “clients”) as
described below. As of December 31, 2025, Gladstone has $5,683,810,587 regulatory assets under
management of which $5,668,051,947 is managed on a discretionary basis and $15,758,640 is
managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Gladstone serves as a fiduciary to investment advisory clients as defined under applicable laws and
regulations. As a fiduciary, we have a duty which requires us to act in good faith with the degree of care,
skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances that a prudent person acting in a fiduciary capacity
would use, in providing investment advice and managing client assets.
Gladstone’s business model is based on a network of investment adviser representatives (“IARs,” or
“representatives”) with offices located throughout the United States. Our representatives are primarily
independent contractors and are subject to our supervision and oversight from a centralized location.
It is important to understand that the more assets there are in your account, the more you will pay in fees.
Our representatives are paid a portion of those fees for delivering investment advisory services to you.
The portion of fees that a representative receives is not incentive-based but can vary based on the specific
agreement the representative negotiated with Gladstone.
Advisory Services Offered
Clients may engage Gladstone for one or more of the services set forth herein, which will be detailed in
the client’s investment management agreement. We primarily offer investment management, financial
planning, and consulting services to retail investors. Given the long-term nature of many of the
individual strategies employed by Gladstone, an account can have little or no trading activity during a
given period.
The maximum advisory fee Gladstone will charge is 2%. If you select a non-wrap account, that fee does
not include trade execution costs, and these costs are incurred separately by the client. See Item 5: Fees
and Compensation of this brochure for more information.
Client Onboarding and Account Type / Program Selection
Through personal discussions, questionnaires and/or requests for documentation, the representative will
gather and analyze information regarding your current investments, goals, investment objectives, financial
circumstances, investment experience, limitations, among other information. Your representative will
work with you to determine which of our services are appropriate based on your investment goals and
objectives which may include one or more of the services described below. Gladstone encourages you to
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notify your representative promptly if you experience any material change in your financial circumstances
or investment goals.
Client portfolios typically consist of one or more of the following: individual equities, bonds, mutual
funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), exchange traded products (ETPs), alternative assets, variable
annuities, cash and cash equivalents, and/or other investment products. As appropriate, the representative
can recommend that a portion of your portfolio be allocated to alternative investments. Also, as
appropriate, the representative can recommend a portion be managed by one or more sub-advisers subject
to the representative’s supervision. Such sub-advisers may also engage third parties at their own expense
and in their discretion. Portfolio weighting among various investments, sub-advisors, and market sectors
will be determined by each client’s individual needs and circumstances.
Certain investment programs provide access to model asset allocation portfolios managed in accordance
with each portfolio’s strategy and objectives rather than the investment objectives of any particular client.
In such programs, selecting the appropriate model portfolio is paramount.
Accounts are managed by one or more representatives who serve as the primary point of contact between
Gladstone and the client and who determines which available resources to utilize in connection with
providing individualized investment advisory services. In order to reasonably ensure that the initial
portfolio selection continues to be appropriate and that the client’s account is continually managed in a
manner fitting his or her financial circumstances, the Gladstone representative will monitor the account
on an ongoing basis and seek to contact the client at least annually, or as desired by the client, to review
his or her account. Some representatives choose to incorporate more available resources in their provision
of investment advisory services than others. Investment strategies utilized by representatives can vary as
warranted by individual circumstances. Not all services are available to all clients, through all
representatives, or in all jurisdictions.
Clients can impose reasonable restrictions on the management of their account. All restrictions or
requests to change investment strategies must be submitted in writing to your representative. Clients
cannot set restrictions on the management of certain sub-advisers, the subaccounts for variable annuities
or the management of plan participant accounts due to the nature of such accounts. Should the
restrictions prevent Gladstone from properly servicing the client account, or if the restrictions would
require Gladstone to deviate from its standard suite of services, Gladstone reserves the right to refuse or
terminate the relationship, as applicable. Please refer to Item 16 – Investment Discretion of this Brochure
for information regarding additional limitations on client’s ability to impose restrictions on the
management of their account. Clients will retain individual ownership of all securities held in their
accounts.
When transferring accounts for investment, existing positions will generally be liquidated. Liquidation
of your account will likely have tax consequences, which you should discuss with your tax adviser.
However, if there are certain securities you own that you do not want to liquidate, you must notify your
representative in writing and they will be transferred in-kind for custody, but neither Gladstone nor the
sub-adviser, as applicable, will advise on those positions. Any transaction costs incurred in the
liquidation of transferred assets are the responsibility of the client.
Representatives are required by applicable laws, rules, regulations, and Firm policies to obtain certain
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licenses or credentials and complete regular training to recommend particular investments, products,
and/or services. Your representative, depending on their licenses, affiliation, or training, may or may not
be able to recommend or utilize certain brokers/custodians, products, sub-advisors, programs, or services.
Please ask your representative whether any limitations apply.
Investment Management Programs
Investment management programs are detailed below and in separate disclosure brochures, as applicable.
None of the services described herein are intended as, or meant to be, a substitute for legal, accounting, or
tax advice. There can be no assurance that any advisory service or investment strategy will produce
favorable results or will be successful in achieving a client’s investment goals and objectives.
Gladstone Sponsored Wrap Programs
Gladstone sponsors three wrap fee programs in which we provide continuous and regular supervisory or
management services for accounts custodied at select broker/custodians. Including the Gladstone Wrap
Program where the representative acts the portfolio manager, and the Gladstone Capital Management
Program (GCM), and the Turnkey Asset Management Program (TAMP) which provide access to third-
party managers, model providers, and portfolio strategists. Minimum account values range from $0 to
$100,000 depending on the program and investment strategy selected.
Each wrap fee program sponsored by Gladstone is described in detail in Gladstone’s wrap brochure
(Form ADV, Part 2A, Appendix 1, Wrap Fee Brochure) that will be delivered to the client, as
applicable.
LPL Sponsored Wrap Programs
Gladstone makes available to representative and their clients wrap programs sponsored by LPL
Financial, including the Manager Asset Select (“MAS”), Model Wealth Portfolios (“MWP”), Optimum
Market Portfolios (“OMP”) and the Guided Wealth Portfolios (“GWP”) programs. Account minimums
vary by program and money manager, ranging from $1,000 for the OMP program to $50,000 for the
MAS program.
Gladstone is unaffiliated with LPL and any third-party portfolio management firms utilized under these
programs. Depending on the program, Gladstone can retain discretionary authority to hire and fire sub-
advisers. If you are invested in these programs, you will receive additional disclosure documents,
including Form ADV, Part 2A, Appendix 1, Wrap Fee Brochure, and Form CRS, as applicable, from the
wrap program sponsor, wrap program adviser, and/or sub-adviser. Clients should carefully review these
documents, including specific information on fees imposed which are separate from and in addition to
the fees the client pays us.
Non-Wrap Investment Management Program
Gladstone provides investment management on a discretionary basis for accounts at certain broker-
dealers and annuity issuers selected by the client. There is no minimum account size for non-wrap
accounts.
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In a non-wrap account, the client will separately incur commissions and/or other transaction charges for
each trade placed in their account in addition to investment advisory fees, and other costs. See Item 5
“Fees and Compensation” of this brochure for more information.
Clients invested in a non-wrap account should be aware that the same services are available in the
Gladstone Wrap Program. Representatives pay an asset-based-pricing fee to cover transaction charges
in wrap accounts whereas clients in non-wrap accounts are responsible for paying the charges. This
creates an incentive for the representative to recommend a non-wrap account where they don’t have to
pay the asset-based-pricing fee. See Item 12 – Brokerage Practices in this brochure for more
information on “Asset-Based Pricing”.
Third-Party Retirement Plan Program
Gladstone provides investment advisory services to qualified retirement plans and participants, including
401(k), 403(b), and other ERISA-covered accounts, through our Third-Party Retirement Account
Program, which is offered as a non-wrap program. These services are provided using third-party
technology platforms that allow us to securely access, analyze, and manage held-away retirement accounts
on a non-custodial basis. Gladstone acts as an investment adviser under Section 3(21) of ERISA to such
qualified retirement plans and participants. Gladstone provides fiduciary advice on a non-discretionary or
discretionary basis, depending on your agreement with us.
•
• Where authorized, our representatives may exercise limited discretionary authority to select and
manage investments from the list of plan-designated investment options made available by an
unrelated ERISA Section 3(38) investment manager.
In such cases, an unrelated fiduciary retains sole authority over plan-level fund selection. Our
role is limited to making participant-level investment decisions within that pre-approved lineup
(when authorized), or to providing non-discretionary recommendations, depending on the scope
of engagement.
• Where authorized, our representatives will assist in the recommendation of investments to plan
sponsors or other fiduciaries, monitor the selected investments, provide participant education,
and provide guidance throughout the fiduciary process. In such cases, we do not have authority
to make and implement fiduciary decisions for the plan. The plan sponsor or fiduciary is
responsible for the selection and monitoring of Gladstone and implementation of any of our
investment recommendations and assumes responsibility and liability for any decisions made by
the plan sponsor or fiduciary.
• Plan sponsors, trustees or other fiduciaries may also elect to appoint our representatives to
exercise discretionary authority over plan-level fund selection, to select the lineup of investment
options available under the plan. In such cases we act as a 3(38) investment manager and assume
responsibility for selecting, reviewing and monitoring the overall investment menu available
under the plan. Such advice does not include participant level discretionary advice.
Your advisory agreement will clearly define whether we are acting in a discretionary or non-
discretionary capacity.
Third-party retirement account technology services allow us to access held-away accounts for
monitoring and management. These services do not offer investment advice or act in a fiduciary
capacity. You must provide authorization through the third-party retirement account provider’s secure
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platform by entering your account credentials. Once authorized, we can view your account information
and, if permitted, implement trades on your behalf, subject to the terms of our engagement.
All investment advice and decisions are made solely by us, not by the third-party retirement plan
platform provider.
Planning and Consulting Services
Financial Planning and Investment Consulting
Financial planning and consulting services are based on a flat rate or as a percentage of the asset under
advisement as negotiated between the client and representative and documented in the corresponding
Agreement. Financial planning and consulting services can vary depending on the client’s specific situation
and can include estate planning, college/education planning, retirement planning, charitable giving,
business succession planning, and portfolio analysis. Gladstone representatives do not advise on business
value analysis, business liquidations or provide tax, accounting, or legal advice to clients, but these
components can be referred to third parties. Fees are negotiable and based on the complexity of services and
listed in the Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement.
Fees for financial planning and consulting services are paid to Gladstone, and we pay a portion of that fee
to your representative. The agreed upon fee is due either up from when you sign the Agreement, following
the delivery of financial planning or consulting services (which may or may not include a written plan),
or other mode specified on the Agreement/invoice. Clients seeking to receive ongoing financial planning
or consulting can choose to pay a recurring fee for services. We will not charge you more than $1,200 six
or more months in advance of delivering the financial plan. Agreements can be terminated at any time
upon written notice given by either party to the other.
Representatives may recommend their own services, including products and services offered through
Gladstone and in their individual capacities as insurance agents or registered representatives of LPL,
and/or other professionals to implement recommendations. Clients are free to implement none, some, or
all recommendations and can do so through us or through other providers of such services. Charges can
be lower or higher if recommendations are implemented away from your Gladstone representative.
In circumstances where a Gladstone representative recommends specific investments and is otherwise
involved in implementing the plan or recommendations, the opportunity for the representative to receive
additional compensation because of such recommendations creates a material conflict between the client’s
interests and those of the representative. In addition, if a client separately purchases a product or service
recommended by the representative to implement a recommendation, the client will be charged
commissions or fees in connection with those transactions and services that are separate from and in
addition to the fees charged by Gladstone for financial planning and consulting services.
Retirement Plan Consulting
Gladstone offers Retirement Plan Consulting Services to qualified retirement plans including, as
appropriate: assisting clients with plan design, selection of suitable investments, periodic monitoring of
those investments, and general education to plan participants (“3(21) services”). Gladstone does not
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provide discretionary investment management of portfolios offered withing qualified retirement plans
(“3(38) services”). Retirement plan consulting fees can be based on a percentage of the assets held in
the Plan, or on a flat rate basis, as negotiated between the plan sponsor and representative and
documented in the Retirement Plan Consulting Agreement.
Gladstone is not a custodian to plan assets. The plan sponsor is responsible for selecting a qualified
custodian for plan assets. The custodian for plan assets is responsible for providing the plan with periodic
confirmations and statements. Agreements can be terminated at any time upon written notice given by
either party to the other.
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Investment Management Fees
Gladstone charges an annual advisory fee of up to 2.00% of assets under management for investment
advisory services. Fees are assessed on all asset types, including securities, cash, and cash equivalents,
and are generally billed quarterly in advance. Advisory fees are negotiable and established in writing prior
to the commencement of services through an investment management agreement, billing agreement, or
applicable custodian or carrier documentation.
The advisory fee negotiated with your representative may differ from fees charged to other clients or by
other representatives based on factors such as account size, complexity, scope of services, and other
relevant considerations. Because higher advisory fees increase compensation to both the representative
and Gladstone, this presents a conflict of interest.
In non‑wrap programs, clients pay advisory fees separately from brokerage commissions, transaction
costs, and other execution‑related expenses. In wrap fee programs, most transaction costs are bundled into
a single asset‑based fee; however, clients may still
incur certain additional expenses. In
Gladstone‑sponsored wrap programs, representatives pay an asset‑based pricing fee to the custodian to
cover transaction costs, whereas clients in non‑wrap programs pay such charges directly. This creates a
conflict of interest, as representatives may have a financial incentive to recommend non‑wrap accounts
even when clients may incur higher overall costs. See Item 10 for more information about asset-based
pricing.
Clients should understand that advisory fees may exceed comparable broker‑dealer commission costs
during periods of limited trading activity. Clients are not required to implement investment
recommendations through Gladstone or its representatives and may do so through unaffiliated brokers or
agents.
Advisory fees for certain programs can be structured utilizing a flat asset-based fee or on tiered fee
basis, with a reduced percentage rate based on the account reaching certain thresholds. Depending on
the program and custodian, clients can designate specific positions held at approved custodians as
unbillable, meaning those positions are excluded from fee calculations. Gladstone does not monitor,
supervise, or provide advisory services with respect to unbillable positions.
Except for annuities linked to LPL SWM accounts, advisory fees for annuities are billed directly by the
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insurance issuer and may follow a billing cycle different from Gladstone’s standard quarterly billing
practices.
Either Gladstone or the client may terminate the advisory agreement at any time. Upon termination, clients
receive a prorated refund of any unearned prepaid advisory fees based on the number of days remaining
in the billing period, subject to applicable custodian or platform terms. Clients are responsible for
monitoring their accounts following termination and may incur commissions or other transaction‑related
charges in addition to advisory fees.
Fees are assessed on all asset types, including securities, cash, and cash equivalents, and are billed
quarterly in advance. Fees for the initial quarter are adjusted pro rata based upon the number of calendar
days in the quarter that the Investment Advisory Agreement goes into effect. Payment of fees may result
in the liquidation of a client’s securities if there is insufficient cash in the account.
If assets are deposited into or withdrawn from an account after inception of a billing period in an amount
equal to or greater than $5,000, the fee payable with respect to such assets is prorated to reflect the
change in portfolio value.
In non-wrap programs, clients pay advisory fees separately from brokerage commissions, transaction
charges, and other execution-related expenses. In wrap fee programs, most transaction costs are bundled
into a single asset-based fee; however, clients may still incur certain additional expenses, such as
custodial fees, step-out charges, and underlying investment product expenses. Whether a wrap or
non-wrap program is more cost-effective depends on factors such as trading activity, services provided,
and overall account structure.
Except for annuities linked to LPL SWM accounts, advisory fees for annuities are billed directly by the
insurance issuer and may follow a billing cycle different from Gladstone’s standard billing practices.
In wrap programs, representatives pay an asset-based pricing fee to the custodian to cover transaction
costs, whereas clients in non-wrap programs pay transaction charges directly. This creates a conflict of
interest, as representatives have a financial incentive to recommend non-wrap accounts even when
clients may incur higher overall costs.
Fees are calculated based on asset values reported by the qualified custodian. Gladstone does not
participate in or adjust these valuations. Payment of fees may result in the liquidation of securities if
insufficient cash is available.
Advisory agreements may be terminated by either party upon written notice. Upon termination, clients
receive a prorated refund of any unearned prepaid advisory fees based on the number of days remaining
in the billing period, subject to applicable custodian or platform terms. Clients are responsible for
monitoring their accounts following termination and may incur commissions or other transaction-related
charges in addition to advisory fees.
Qualified Retirement Plan Fees:
We charge an asset-based advisory fee for investment management services, including accounts accessed
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via third-party technology platforms. This fee is based on a percentage of assets under management and
is detailed in your investment advisory agreement. Fees are billed either monthly or quarterly, in advance
or arrears, as specified in your agreement.
We use third-party technology platforms to access and manage held-away accounts. Each third-party
technology platform charges us a technology fee for this service. We pass this cost on to you as part of
your advisory billing.
In some cases, the amount we charge to offset the third-party technology platform’s cost includes a
markup, resulting in a profit to our firm. This creates a potential conflict of interest, as we have a financial
incentive to recommend the use of third-party technology platforms or to include more accounts on the
platform.
To address this conflict we disclose the markup and our financial interest in this platform-related fee; do
not include held-away accounts in billing or on the third-party platform without your express consent; will
provide a breakdown of the third-party platform-related costs upon request; we compensate
representatives through advisory fees and we do not receive separate incentives to promote the third-party
technology platforms.
If our relationship with the provider of the third-party technology platform changes in a way that creates
new conflicts of interest or materially increases your costs, we will amend this disclosure and notify you
promptly.
The use of third-party technology platforms allows us to manage retirement accounts that were previously
self-directed or unmanaged. If you authorize us to manage these accounts, they will be included in your
assets under management for billing purposes, which will result in higher overall advisory fees.
You should weigh the cost of management against the expected benefits of professional oversight, and we
are available to help you evaluate this decision.
Other Fees and Expenses You Pay in Connection with Asset Management Services
Gladstone offers wrap and non-wrap program options to its advisory clients. With respect to wrap
programs, our broker/custodians do not charge separately for custody, trade execution (except for “step
out” that are placed with outside brokers/custodians), clearance, and settlement of transactions but are
compensated by charging Gladstone an asset-based fee (see “Item 12 – Brokerage Practices” for more
information on “Asset-Based Pricing”). For non-wrap programs, the client is responsible for covering these
fees. Each of our broker/custodian’s asset-based fee arrangements are independently negotiated and are
based on the condition that Gladstone collectively maintains a minimum dollar amount of assets at the
broker/custodian. Certain types of accounts, such as Personal Choice Retirement Accounts (PCRA),
Retirement Plan Services (RPS), Stock Plan Services (SPS), Health Savings Brokerage Accounts (HSBA),
and Managed Account Services, as well as asset types, such as unit investment trusts (UITs), American
depository receipts (ADRs), alternative investments (AI), and other non-standard accounts and assets are
exempt from asset-based pricing and subject to separate custody and/or commission charges by the
broker/custodian that the client is responsible for paying. The broker/custodian does not share commission
or ticket charges with Gladstone or its representatives.
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Clients should also be aware that they are responsible for paying all other applicable transaction costs,
custodian fees, mutual fund expenses, brokerage commissions, third-party manager fees, administrative
fees, and other miscellaneous fees, charges, or expenses associated with their account. This includes, but
is not limited to, charges the fees outlined below. These fees provide an overview of the most common
fees but does not include a description of every potential additional fee or expense applicable to client
accounts; rather, this is a general description of the most common fees inherent to the types of accounts
and transactions we offer. As noted throughout this brochure, clients should refer to applicable account
opening documents, broker/custodian fee schedules, prospectuses, third-party portfolio manager
brochures, and any other disclosure documents for specific details regarding applicable fees and expenses
in connection with your account, product, transaction type, or third-party manager.
Execution Charges
Clients who pay execution charges, including non-wrap program clients, will do so at rates determined by
the custodian/broker-dealer. “Execution charges” means charges for executing transactions, including but
not limited to commissions, commission equivalents, mark-ups, mark-downs or spreads. These rates may
be negotiated, and clients may pay more or less in execution charges than similar clients for identical
transactions. Execution charges paid by similar clients may differ depending on the circumstances of the
client, including the size of the relationship and required service levels. The custodian/broker-dealer
generally charges clients commissions according to the commission schedules set forth in the custodian
agreement and/or account governing paperwork. However, there may be circumstances where charges
commissions for investments or transactions that are not covered by the commission schedule.
Commissions and mark-ups/mark-downs may be waived for certain clients or investment strategies.
Clients may also pay spreads, and mark-ups/markdowns. However, third-party custodians reserve the right
to charge fees in addition to what is described below including trade away fees and fees related to specific
investments such as mutual funds and alternative investments. For a complete list of transaction fees that
may apply to their account, clients should review their customer agreements with the applicable custodian.
Mutual Fund Share Class Fees
Gladstone has available for purchase through its broker/custodian platforms, mutual funds which are no-
load or load-waived share classes. Most mutual fund share classes charge marketing and distribution fees
(i.e., 12b-1 fees) which are paid to the broker/custodian and not directly or indirectly paid to Gladstone or
its representatives. 12b-1 fees are not credited back to client accounts. Clients should also be aware that
advisory assets can be held in a mutual fund share class that charges higher 12-b1 fee when a lower-cost
share class is available on the broker/custodian’s platform for the same fund. While Gladstone endeavors
to use the lowest-cost share class available and periodically reviews its fund holdings to convert higher
cost shares to lower cost shares in accordance with its duty of best execution, Gladstone cannot ensure
that all clients will hold the lowest cost shares available on the broker/custodian’s platform at any given
time. Further, some third-party money managers and algorithm-driven strategists are more careful about
utilizing the lowest cost share class than others.
In many cases, a particular broker/custodian’s platform will not make available the least expensive share
class that the mutual fund company offers. Share classes are selected by broker/custodians to be available
on their platforms in most cases because the share class pays the broker-dealer compensation for the
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administrative and record keeping services the broker-dealer provides to the mutual fund. Gladstone is not
paid revenue sharing compensation paid by mutual fund distributors to broker-dealers for these services.
If a client transfers into an investment advisory account a previously purchased mutual fund and there is
an applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on the fund, client will pay that charge when the
mutual fund is sold. If the account is invested in a mutual fund that charges a fee if a redemption is made
within a specific time period after the investment, the client will be charged a redemption fee. If a mutual
fund has a frequent trading policy, the policy can limit a client’s transactions in shares of the fund.
Many funds available in Gladstone’s advisory programs can be purchased by clients directly from the fund
company. Therefore, clients could generally avoid an additional layer of fees by not using the advisory
services of Gladstone and by making their own decisions regarding the investment. Gladstone encourages
all clients to closely review the investment’s prospectus or offering documents for all such investments with
their representative and to consider aggregate costs. Clients should contact their representative with any
questions about any particular product’s fees and expenses.
Exchange Traded Product Fees
Exchange traded products (ETPs) have internal operational expenses and fees that vary considerably.
Operational expenses are typically deducted from the fund assets and investors do not pay fees directly to
a fund manager. Since ETPs are traded on an exchange like stocks, they are also subject to brokerage fees.
Third-Party Managers Fees
Clients with assets in programs that provide access to third-party portfolio managers are subject to a
portfolio manager fee and platform fee. These fees typically range from 15 to 100 basis points (“bps”) of
account assets per year but can be higher or lower. These fees are separate and in addition to the advisory
fee you pay us and are outlined on separate disclosure documents provided to the client
Under the GCM Program clients do not pay separate portfolio manager or platform fees. Representatives
typically pay Gladstone a minimum asset-based fee of 15 bps of the representative’s total assets under
management in the GCM program for access to the Investment Strategies, technology, and professional
asset management services offered by KIG. This type of fee arrangement presents a conflict in that
the representative has an incentive to charge clients a higher advisory fee to offset expenses incurred
when utilizing the GCM program.
Step-Out Trades
Broker/custodians will charge you a flat dollar amount or commission as a “prime broker” or “step-out” fee
for each trade that is executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from
the securities sold are settled into your account. These fees are in addition to the asset management fees
you pay us. Gladstone’s representatives do not “step out” trades; however, some of the professional third-
party portfolio managers do step out trades at the portfolio manager’s discretion, subject to their best
execution obligations. Step-out trading practices differ from Manager to Manager. Some third-party
Managers do not engage in step-out trading while others do. Clients should review the firm brochure for
any third-party portfolio manager selected prior to investing for more information regarding their step- out
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trade practices including additional costs that will be incurred by the client.
Insurance Product Fees
Insurance companies impose internal fees and expenses including, but not limited to, policy fees, contingent
deferred sales charges, early redemption fees, fees for guaranteed income riders, underlying investment
fees, and mortality, expenses, and administration charges (M&E&A charges.) Other riders or annuity
expenses can apply. These fees are in addition to the management fees you pay us. Complete details of
annuity internal expenses are specified and disclosed in each insurance company’s prospectus.
Margin Loans and Collateralized Lending
If you enter into a margin loan, the broker/custodian will receive interest charged on your outstanding
margin loan balance. The amount of interest paid to the broker/custodian will vary depending on the
outstanding loan balance and other factors that will affect the interest rate charged to you for the margin
loan. We encourage clients to read their particular broker dealer’s Margin Interest Rate Disclosure for more
information regarding applicable charges on debit and credit balances. With collateralized lending, in most
instances the broker/custodian will be compensated by receiving payments from the lender based on the
amount of your outstanding loan balance. The total amount of compensation received by the
broker/custodian can vary depending on the terms of the agreement including the interest rate charged to
you by the lender. Gladstone is not affiliated with any lender or broker /custodian and does not receive
compensation directly in connection with a margin loan or pledged asset line of credit. Clients are strongly
encouraged to review the lender's agreements and disclosure documents to understand the fees and
expenses they are paying.
Your representative has an incentive to recommend that you use a margin loan and/or pledged asset line
of credit for liquidity purposes rather than liquidating your holdings or using other sources of liquidity.
Your representative will benefit from your margin loan or collateralized loan because you do not have to
liquidate assets in your account to pay for things with cash, which would diminish the assets held in the
account and the potential fees that could be earned by your representative from holding or engaging in
future transactions with those assets.
IRA and Qualified Retirement Plan Fees and Rollover Expenses
There are additional fees relating to IRA and qualified retirement plan accounts that you normally incur
such as annual maintenance fees, fees for loans processed, and retirement account closeout fees. These
fees are in addition to underlying investment fees and the management fees you pay us. Other fees can
apply. You will find these fees disclosed in the broker/custodian’s account application paperwork
provided to you associated with these accounts.
Investors face increased fees and expenses when they rollover assets from an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, transfer an IRA to an IRA, or convert to a Roth IRA managed by Gladstone. Investors
should be aware that even if there are no costs associated with the rollover or transfer itself, there will be
costs associated with account administration and investment management. In addition to the management
fees charged by Gladstone or another adviser, some underlying investment products charge additional
internal fees and expenses. Custodial and transaction fees can also apply. Withdrawal options, required
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minimum distributions, tax treatment (particularly with reference to employer stock) can differ. We do
not receive payments in the form of commissions, 12b-1 fees, sales loads, revenue sharing payments, or
mark ups or mark downs in exchange for rendering fiduciary investment advice. You should also be aware
that your representative has a financial incentive to rollover your account or plan because the
representative will be paid on those assets.
If you are considering rolling over assets from an existing employer-sponsored retirement plan, you should
understand that Gladstone’s representatives will provide you with general education regarding the pros
and cons of available options to transfer or rollover tax qualified assets and will not recommend one option
over the other. Your decision to rollover assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan should be
based on your individual financial circumstances, needs and goals and understanding of the options
available to you including: (I) remaining invested in the plan; (ii) rolling over plan assets to a plan of a
new employer (if applicable); (iii) rolling over assets to an IRA with a financial institution; or (iv)
receiving a cash distribution (which may be fully taxable).
If you decide to rollover assets from an employer-sponsored plan into an IRA account, assets will no
longer be subject to protection of ERISA or different types of protection from creditors and legal
judgments. We strongly encourage you to consult an independent tax or legal advisor prior to rolling over
qualified plan assets. Securities held in a retirement plan can often not be transferred into an IRA and
commissions and sales charges are typically charged by the plan’s broker when liquidating such securities
in the plan prior to the transfer of assets. These fees are in addition to commissions and sales charges
previously paid on transactions in the plan.
You should understand that you are making an independent decision regarding your rollover options,
including any decision to roll out of your current employer-sponsored plan. Your representative will speak
with you regarding the pros and cons of available rollover options as detailed in the IRA Adoption
Application and other applicable disclosures in the account application packet. Representatives will not
provide you with advisory services in connection with a rollover of employer-sponsored plan assets prior
to you making an independent decision to roll assets into an account with us.
Cash Sweep Arrangement Fees
Gladstone makes available through unaffiliated broker/custodians for cash in an account to be
automatically swept to an interest-bearing Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured deposit
account and, for certain types of accounts, a money market fund. We do not receive a separate fee or
compensation for cash sweep arrangements. Clients should understand that interest rates available in these
arrangements can be lower than interest rates available if the client makes deposits directly with a bank or
other depository institution outside of these arrangements or invests in a money market fund or other cash
equivalent. Clients should compare terms, interest rates, required minimum amounts and other features of
these arrangements with other types of accounts and investments for cash.
Account Termination Fees
Fees to terminate an account are a one-time fee charged to an account holder if he/she terminates or
transfers an account. The termination fee is levied and retained by the financial institution that custodies
the client’s assets. Termination fees are spelled out in the client agreement with the broker/custodian that
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is entered into when the account is opened.
Financial Planning and Consulting Fees
Financial planning and consulting fees are negotiable and are generally determined based on the nature
and extent of the services being provided, the complexity of the client’s circumstances, as well as other
aspects of the client’s current and historical relationship with Gladstone. Any changes made to a financial
plan or consulting services will be discussed with the client in advance, and a new agreement will be
signed to reflect the changes. Agreements can be terminated at any time upon advanced written notice
given by either party to the other. Fees for financial planning and consulting services are typically a flat
fee and are agreed upon prior to entering into an agreement. Clients have the option of paying the fixed
fee either one time or in an installment frequency (e.g., quarterly, or semi-annual). Fees for financial
planning and consulting services are payable to Gladstone and a portion of the fee is paid to the
representative. Fees are payable by check or credit card/debit card. Payments made by credit card/debit
card are processed through a third-party payment processor. The payment processor does not give
Gladstone the ability to withdraw client funds. The client approves or denies the payment request directly
with the payment processor. Gladstone never sees client banking or credit card information because clients
enter that information themselves on the third-party payment processor's client portal. After a client
authorizes the amount and frequency of the credit card/debit card payment, their representative is charged
transaction fees, typically an ACH fee of 1.5% or credit card fee of 3.5% + $0.30/transaction. Transaction
fees are charged by the payment processor and are subject to change. We believe that this presents a
material conflict of interest in that a representative has an incentive to charge clients a higher fee when
utilizing a third-party payment processor to offset the transaction charges that he/she is charged.
Retirement Plan Consulting Fees
Fees for retirement plan investment advisory services are negotiable and paid in the form of an annual
percentage fee of assets held in the plan or flat dollar rate as negotiated between the plan sponsor and
representative. Fees are assessed on all assets under Firm management, including securities, cash, and
money market balances. Clients should understand that the negotiated fee may be higher or lower than the
fees charged by other representatives or consultants for similar services. Fees will be payable to Gladstone
in advance or in arrears on the frequency agreed upon by the plan sponsor and Gladstone. Gladstone will
pay a portion of the fee to the representative. If asset-based fees are negotiated, payment generally will be
based on the value of the plan assets as of the close of business on the last business day of the period as
valued by the custodian of the assets. However, if the fee is paid by the plan or the client through a third-
party service provider, such fee will be calculated as determined by the provider. Depending on the
capabilities and requirements of the plan’s record-keeper or custodian, fees can be automatically
calculated by the record-keeper and charged as a deduction from plan assets or ERISA budget account
based on the plan’s authorization.
Plans are subject to fees and charges imposed by third parties other than Gladstone in connection with
recommended investments. These third-party fees can include fund or annuity subaccount management
fees, 12b-1 fees, administrative servicing fees, plan recordkeeping and other service provider fees. These
fees are separate and in addition to retirement plan consulting fees paid to us. Further information
regarding charges and fees assessed by a fund or annuity are available in the appropriate prospectus and
should be considered by the plan before making the investment. No third-party payments will be received
by Gladstone in connection with the services provided, such as commissions or 12b-1 fees. Gladstone can
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receive additional non-cash compensation from service providers to facilitate training and education
meetings for Gladstone’s representatives. Non-cash compensation is not dependent on a plan’s investment
in any fund, product, or custodian.
Termination
Unless stated otherwise in the applicable agreement, Gladstone or the client can terminate the agreement
for portfolio management services for any reason within thirty (30) days’ written notice to the other party.
The date of receipt of the written notice will be the effective date of termination. Upon termination of
advisory services, we, the broker/custodian, or the sub-adviser will determine the amount of any
outstanding fees due to/from the client. Transactions in progress will be completed in the normal course
of business. Please refer to your sub- adviser’s disclosure documents for their termination policies.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Performance-Based Fees
Performance-based fees are based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of the assets of a
client. Our fees are calculated as described in Item 5 above.
Side-By-Side Management
Side-by-side management typically refers to a situation in which the same adviser manages accounts that
are billed based only on a percentage of assets under management and at the same time manages other
accounts for which fees are performance-based, which can give rise to certain conflicts of interest.
Gladstone Wealth Partners does not provide side-by-side management.
Item 7. Account Requirements and Types of Clients
Gladstone’s service offerings currently extend to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts,
corporations, businesses, pension and profit-sharing plans, and charitable organizations. Gladstone
requires a minimum initial investment of $0 to $100,000, depending on the program or third-party money
manager utilized. Gladstone and the third-party money manager (if any) can waive minimum initial
investment requirements at its discretion.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Gladstone offers the same suite of services to all its clients; however, each representative independently
determines based on his own investment strategies, methods of analysis, and preferences, in conjunction
with each client’s specific profile and financial circumstances, which services and products to recommend.
Accounts are managed independently, and representatives are under no obligation or requirement to buy
or sell the same investments for accounts, even when the investment strategy are similar. Your
representative, working together with you, provides personalized and individualized investment advice
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and can employ a variety of investment strategies based on a client’s investment objectives, financial
circumstances, risk tolerance, financial needs, and specific circumstances. Such strategies typically
include long-term and/or short-term purchases and sales of securities.
Representatives must meet certain selection, review, and qualification criteria prior to becoming associated
with Gladstone and must successfully complete ongoing training. For more information about the
education and background of the representative managing your account you should refer to the
representative’s brochure supplement provided to you when you opened your account.
In addition to your representative’s training, skill and experience, your representative has access to various
technical research, due diligence materials, and publications to evaluate the performance of securities,
third-party managers, as well as to make investment decisions on your behalf. Some representatives
choose to incorporate more of Gladstone’s available resources in their provision of advisory services to
their clients than others do. Representative are under no obligation or requirement to utilize the same
methods of analysis, investment strategies, or buy or sell the same investments or select the same third-
party portfolio managers for all accounts, even when the investment strategy are similar. Your
representative will purchase or sell securities in your account based on your (i) investment objective, (ii)
risk tolerance, (iii) liquidity needs, (iv) time horizon, and (v) other factors. Representatives conduct
additional screenings and analysis to identify products, professional third-party portfolio managers, and
investment strategies that are suitable for a particular client’s financial circumstances, investment
guidelines, and preferences.
Gladstone does not calculate or review the performance record of representatives; however, through its
custodians, provides clients with individual quarterly performance information on a time-weighted basis.
Performance information is intended to inform clients as to how their investments have performed for a
given period, both on an absolute basis and compared to leading investment indices.
Portfolio Manager Analysis and Evaluation
Gladstone’s Investment Committee conducts initial and ongoing due diligence on wealth management
platforms and wrap program sponsors to validate their business models, costs, research and due diligence
processes, and ability to identify and access attractive products and professional third-party portfolio
managers that offer a variety of investment strategies and risk exposures. Gladstone does not conduct due
diligence, calculate, or review the performance for each security, product, or third-party portfolio manager
available on the third-party service provider’s platform; but rather, relies heavily on the rigorous
quantitative and/or qualitative due diligence and research conducted by the wealth management platform’s
professional research and portfolio management consultants.
Ultimately, Gladstone’s representatives are responsible for conducting additional screenings and analysis
to identify products, investment strategies, and third-party portfolio managers that are suitable for a
particular client’s financial circumstances, investment guidelines, and individual preferences.
Gladstone’s Investment Committee conducts initial research, due diligence and ongoing monitoring of
portfolio managers and investment strategies offered under the GCM program. The Committee conducts
a multi-factor quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the third-party manager’s investment philosophy
and process, personnel quality, and firm stability through interviews with investment professionals, on-
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site visits, and/or conference calls. The Committee will also conduct return analysis, and holdings-based
analysis and attribution. Managers undergo continued due diligence, including regular monitoring of
performance versus benchmarks, material changes to personnel, processes, and the overall firm.
Risk of Loss
Clients should understand that all investments involve the risk of loss of principal and clients should be
prepared to bear the loss of some or assets invested. The investment performance and the success of any
account or particular investment cannot be predicted or guaranteed, and the value of a client’s investments
will fluctuate due to market conditions and other factors. The investment decisions and recommendations
made, and the actions taken are subject to various market, liquidity, currency, economic, and political risks,
and will not necessarily be profitable. It should be expected that the types of risks to which an account is
subject, and the degree to which any particular risks impact an account, will change over time depending
on various factors, including investment objective, investment techniques and asset classes utilized by the
representative or third-party portfolio manager, the timing of the account’s investments, prevailing market
and economic conditions, reputational considerations, and the occurrence of adverse social, political,
regulatory, or other developments. The past performance of any investment is not indicative of future
performance.
Representatives and third-party portfolio managers invest in many different types of securities, including
mutual funds, ETPs, listed and non-listed equities, investment-grade and non-investment grade fixed
income, closed end funds, options, annuities, and alternative investments. Investing in securities involves
risk of loss of principal that the client should be prepared to bear. An offering’s prospectus, or other
disclosure document, will outline the terms of the investment including specific risk factors. Clients are
strongly encouraged to review all prospectuses and other offering documents to fully understand risks
associated with any investment prior to investing. Clients are advised that the risk factors listed below are
not a complete description of all risks associated with investment strategies or investment vehicles utilized.
Additional risks are detailed in each fund prospectus or disclosure memorandum that should be carefully
considered before investing.
Market Risk: This is the risk that the value of securities owned by an investor can go up or down, sometimes
rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting securities markets generally or particular industries.
Interest Rate Risk: This is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of an increase
in interest rates; a bond or fixed income fund with a longer duration will be more sensitive to changes in
interest rates than a bond or bond fund with a shorter duration.
Credit Risk: This is the risk that an investor could lose money if the issuer or grantor of a fixed income
security is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations.
Liquidity Risk: This is the risk that an investor would not be able to sell or redeem an investment quickly
without significantly affecting the price. Liquidity risk is heightened when markets are distressed.
Generally, alternative investments have higher liquidity risk than equities, fixed income securities, mutual
funds, or ETPs.
Concentration Risk: To the extent a client account concentrates its investments by investing a significant
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portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer, industry, sector, country, or region, the overall
adverse impact on the client of adverse developments in the business of such issuer, such industry, or such
government could be considerably greater than if they did not concentrate their investments to such an
extent.
Money Market Instruments: Money market instruments are generally considered low risk but are not
guaranteed and be subject to loss and/or change in market value. Money market instruments can
temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because
of market conditions or other factors. Gladstone considers money market instruments an asset class and
charges an asset-based fee on these positions. Depending on interest rates and other market factors,
investments in money market instruments can be lower than the aggregate fees and expenses charged for
a client’s participation in an advisory program. This can result in a client experiencing a negative overall
return with respect to cash reserves invested in money market instruments.
Alternative Strategy Mutual Funds: Certain mutual funds available invest primarily in alternative
investments and/or strategies. Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies is not appropriate for
all investors and involves special risks, such as risks associated with commodities, real estate, leverage,
selling securities short, the use of derivatives, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes, and
potential illiquidity. There are special risks associated with mutual funds that invest principally in real
estate securities, such as sensitivity to changes in real estate values and interest rates and price volatility
because of the fund’s concentration in the real estate industry. These types of funds tend to have higher
expense ratios than more traditional mutual funds. They also tend to be newer and have less of a track
record or performance history.
Closed-End/Interval Funds: Clients should be aware that closed-end funds may not give investors the right
to redeem their shares, and a secondary market may not exist. Therefore, clients may be unable to liquidate
all or a portion of their shares in these types of funds. While the fund may from time-to-time offer to
repurchase shares, it is not obligated to do so (unless it has been structured as an “interval fund”). In the
case of interval funds, the fund will provide limited liquidity to shareholders by offering to repurchase a
limited amount of shares on a periodic basis, but there is no guarantee that clients will be able to sell all of
the shares in any particular repurchase offer. In some cases, there can be an additional cost to investors
who redeem before holding shares for a specified amount of time. The repurchase offer program can also
be suspended under certain circumstances.
Exchange Traded Products: Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) and Exchange Traded Notes (“ETNs,”)
(collectively Exchange Traded Products (“ETPs,”) are investment funds traded on stock exchanges.
Investing in ETPs carry the risk of capital loss. Areas of concern include the lack of transparency in products
and increasing complexity, conflicts of interest, illiquidity, poor trade execution in adverse market
conditions. While ETPs often provide diversification, the fund can be concentrated in a particular asset
category or class within a category. A fund’s risk can depend on how closely its return is coupled with
given indexes, the riskiness of each index and how closely the indexes tend to move together. In addition,
because ETPs are traded on exchanges, they can trade at prices above or below their net asset value
(“NAV”). As a result, investors in ETPs may purchase fund shares at prices above their NAV or sell shares
at prices below their NAV. Although many ETPs are registered as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 like traditional mutual funds, some ETPs, in particular those that invest
in commodities, are not registered as an investment company. ETPs can be closed and liquidated at the
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discretion of the issuing company.
Variable Annuities: Annuities are insurance products not designed for short-term investing. Their
performance can approximate that of equities and fixed income. Common inherent risks in annuities
include (i) the risk the insurer will become insolvent (credit risk), (ii) the risk that inflation will be
higher than the annuity’s guaranteed rate (purchasing power risk), (iii) the risk that funds will be tied up
for years with little ability to access them (liquidity risk), and (iv) the risk that surrender penalties will
create losses if funds are withdrawn early (surrender risk). Clients should also be aware that certain
riders purchased with a variable annuity can limit the investment options and the ability to manage sub-
accounts.
Leveraged and Inverse ETPs and Mutual Funds: Leveraged ETPs and mutual funds, sometimes labeled
“ultra” or “2x” for example, are designed to provide a multiple of the underlying index’s return, typically
on a daily basis. Inverse products are designed to provide the opposite of the return of the underlying index,
typically on a daily basis. These products are different from and can be riskier than traditional ETPs and
mutual funds. Although these products are designed to provide returns that generally correspond to the
underlying index, they may not be able to exactly replicate the performance of the index because of fund
expenses and other factors. This is referred to as a tracking error. Continual resetting of returns within the
product can add to the underlying costs and increase the tracking error. As a result, this may prevent these
products from achieving their investment objective. In addition, compounding of the returns can produce
a divergence from the underlying index over time, in particular for leveraged products. In highly volatile
markets with large positive and negative swings, return distortions can be magnified over time. Some
deviations from the stated objectives, to the positive or negative, are possible and may or may not correct
themselves over time. To accomplish their objectives, these products use a range of strategies, including
swaps, futures contracts and other derivatives. These products may not be diversified and can be based on
commodities or currencies. These products can have higher expense ratios and be less tax-efficient than
more traditional ETPs and mutual funds.
Cryptocurrency ETPs: Cryptocurrency ETPs are exposed to cryptocurrency, decentralized digitized assets
that often rely on blockchain technology. Cryptocurrency ETPs are highly speculative and extremely
volatile. Cryptocurrency ETPs trade in over-the-counter markets and may not be afforded all of the investor
protections of other exchange traded products. Certain futures linked ETPs invest in cryptocurrency
futures, which could magnify risks.
Standardized Options: Clients should be aware that the use of options involves additional risks. The risks
of covered call writing include the potential for the market to rise sharply. In such cases, the security can
be called away and the account will no longer hold the security. When purchasing options there is the risk
that the entire premium paid (the purchase price) for the option can be lost if the option is not exercised or
otherwise sold prior to the option’s expiration date. When selling (i.e., “writing”) options, the risk of loss
can be much greater if the options are written uncovered (i.e., “naked”). The risk of loss can far exceed the
amount of the premium received for an uncovered option and in the case of an uncovered call option the
potential loss is unlimited.
Structured Products: Structured products are securities derived from another asset, such as a security or
basket of securities, an index, a commodity, a debt issuance, or foreign currency. Structured products
frequently limit the upside participation in the reference asset. Structured products are senior unsecured
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debt of the issuing bank and subject to the credit risk associated with that issuer. The credit risk exists
whether or not the investment held in the account offers principal protection. The creditworthiness of the
issuer does not affect or enhance the likely performance of the investment other than the ability of the issuer
to meet its obligations. Any payments due at maturity are dependent on the issuer’s ability to pay. In
addition, the trading price of the security in the secondary market, if there is one, can be adversely impacted
if the issuer’s credit rating is downgraded. Some structured products offer full protection of the principal
invested, others offer only partial or no protection. Investors will typically be sacrificing a higher yield to
obtain the principal guarantee. In addition, the principal guarantee relates to nominal principal and does not
offer inflation protection. An investor in a structured product never has a claim on the underlying
investment, whether a security, zero coupon bond, or option. There may be little or no secondary market
for the securities and information regarding independent market pricing for the securities can be limited.
This is true even if the product has a ticker symbol or has been approved for listing on an exchange. Tax
treatment of structured products may be different from other investments held in the account (e.g., income
may be taxed as ordinary income even though payment is not received until maturity). Structured CDs that
are insured by FDIC are subject to applicable FDIC limits.
Business Development Companies (BDCs): BDCs are types of closed-end investment companies.
Generally, BDCs invest primarily in the debt and equity of private and/or small U.S. companies and
typically offer distribution rates generated through potentially significant credit and liquidity risk exposures
amplified through leverage. As with other high-yield investments, such as floating-rate/leveraged loan
funds, private REITs and limited partnerships, investors are exposed to significant market, credit, interest
rate, and liquidity risks. In addition, BDCs run the risk of over-leveraging their relatively illiquid portfolios.
Due to the illiquid nature of non-traded BDCs, investors’ exit opportunities can be limited to only periodic
share repurchases by the BDC. A tender offer pursuant to a share redemption program may be
oversubscribed so that the BDC accepts only a pro rata portion of the shares a client tenders during a
redemption program. In such cases, a client can experience significant delays (including, potentially,
indefinite delays) to exit the investment. In addition, share redemption programs can be shut down at any
time at the discretion of the issuer’s board. Also, BDCs may fund distributions from offering proceeds or
borrowings, which can constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to make
investments. In some cases, there is an additional cost to investors who redeem before holding the shares
for a specified number of years.
High-Yield Debt: High-yield debt is issued by companies or municipalities that do not qualify for
“investment grade” ratings by one or more rating agencies. The below investment grade designation is
based on the rating agency’s opinion of an issuer that it has a greater risk to repay both principal and interest
and a greater risk of default than those issuers rated investment grade. High yield debt carries greater risk
than investment grade debt. There is the risk that the potential deterioration of an issuer’s financial health
and subsequent downgrade in its rating will result in a decline in market value or default. Because of the
potential inability of an issuer to make interest and principal payments, an investor may receive back less
than originally invested. There is also the risk that the bond’s market value will decline as interest rates rise
and that an investor will not be able to liquidate a bond before maturity.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”): Investments in real estate funds and REITs face several kinds
of risk that are inherent in the real estate sector, which historically has experienced significant fluctuations
and cycles of performance. Revenues and cash flows can be adversely affected by: changes in local real
estate market conditions due to changes in national or local economic conditions or changes in local
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property market characteristics; competition from other properties offering the same or similar services;
changes in interest rates and in the state of the credit and equity markets; changes in real estate tax rates
and other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; and the impact
of present and future environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws. Non-Traded
REITs are not required to provide annual valuations until two years and 150 days after reaching the
minimum capital raise required to begin purchasing properties. Non-Traded REITs can fund distributions
from offering proceeds or borrowings, which can constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of
capital available to invest in new assets. Clients should be aware that these securities may not be liquid as
there is no secondary trading market available. At the absolute discretion of the issuer of the security, there
may be certain repurchase offers made from time-to-time. However, there is no guarantee that the client
will be able to redeem the security during the repurchase offer. Issuers can repurchase shares at a price
below net asset value. The repurchase program can also be suspended under certain circumstances.
Hedge Funds and Non-Traded Managed Futures: Investing in these funds involves additional risks
including, but not limited to, the risk of investment loss due to the use of leveraging and other speculative
investment practices, currency and interest rate risk, lack of liquidity, and performance volatility. In
addition, these funds are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors and
involve complex tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information. At the discretion of the
issuer of the fund, there can be certain repurchase offers made; however, there is no guarantee that an
investor will be able to redeem the fund during the repurchase offer. In some cases, there will be an
additional cost to investors who redeem before holding shares for a specified amount of time. Issuers
typically accept redemption requests only periodically (monthly or quarterly) and often have discretion to
suspend redemptions in times of market stress. Even after a redemption request is accepted, the redemption
proceeds may not be available for a significant period of time following the effective date of the redemption.
A portion of the redemption proceeds can also be withheld to account for potential future adjustments to
the valuation of the security. Funds of hedge funds are pooled investments in several hedge funds. Expenses
in funds of hedge funds are typically higher than mutual funds. Because they can invest in a number of
private hedge funds, funds of funds also earn a part of the fees and expenses of those underlying hedge
funds.
Annuities: Annuities are technically insurance products, not designed for short-term investing. Their
performance can approximate that of equities and fixed income. Common inherent risks in annuities include
(i) the risk the insurer will become insolvent (credit risk), (ii) the risk that inflation will be higher than the
annuity’s guaranteed rate (purchasing power risk), (iii) the risk that funds will be tied up for years with little
ability to access them (liquidity risk), and (iv) the risk that surrender penalties will create losses if funds
are withdrawn early (surrender risk). Clients should also be aware that certain riders purchased with a
variable annuity can limit the investment options and the ability to manage the subaccounts.
Margin Accounts: Clients should be aware that margin borrowing involves additional risks. Margin
borrowing will result in increased gain if the value of the securities in the account go up, but will result in
increased losses if the value of the securities in the account goes down. The client’s broker/custodian acts
as the client’s creditor and has the authority to liquidate all or part of the account to repay any portion of
the margin loan, even if timing would be disadvantageous to the client.
Pledged Asset Lines of Credit: Entering into a pledged asset line and pledging securities as collateral
involves a high degree of risk. At any time, including in the event that the loan value of collateral is
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insufficient to satisfy the minimum loan value of collateral or to support the outstanding loans, the lending
institution can demand immediate payment of all or any portion of the outstanding obligations, or require
additional cash or securities to be added to the pledged account.
Donor advised funds ("DAFs"): DAFs are available only to clients in select states. DAFs allow clients to
make an irrevocable charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants
from the fund over time. The sponsoring organizations maintain ultimate control over all contributions
and grant recommendations. Clients should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax implications
of contributions to DAFs.
Reliance on Outside Data Providers: We receive all account and transactional data and other information
regarding account valuation from unaffiliated custodians (outside data providers.) The inherent risk is that
we have no independent means to ensure that such data is error-free or discover that such data is in other
ways incomplete or inaccurate.
Technology and Cyber Security Risks: Clients should be aware of the risk of actual and attempted cyber-
attacks, including denial of service attacks, harm to technology infrastructure and data from
misappropriation or corruption, and reputational harm. Due to Gladstone’s interconnectivity with service
providers, client accounts could be adversely impacted and subject to identity theft and fraud if any service
provider is subject to a cyber-attack or other information security event. Although Gladstone takes risk
management and security measures against cyber security breaches, systems could be subject to physical
or electronic breaches resulting in a failure to maintain the security and confidentiality of data assets.
Technology failures or cyber security breaches, deliberate or unintentional, could delay or disrupt our
ability to do business or service our clients.
Artificial Intelligence Risks: Gladstone does not use artificial intelligence (“AI”) to construct portfolios or
to make recommendations. Certain third-party vendors may use artificial intelligence within their own
systems, and the use of this technology involves risks that clients should understand. AI tools may rely on
data that is incomplete or inaccurate, which can result in errors withing supporting processes. These tools
may not perform as expected and can be affected by model limitations, system interruptions, and other
factors. Gladstone has incorporated controls into its vendor due diligence program to review and monitor
the use of AI by service providers. Technology based processes involve uncertainties and are not viewed
as a substitute for Gladstone’s professional judgment and oversight.
Terrorism, Disease Epidemics and Other Catastrophic Risks: These are the risks of loss that can be
incurred, indirectly, due to the occurrence of various events, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and other
natural disasters, terrorism, and other catastrophic events such as a pandemic. These catastrophic risks of
loss can be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on Gladstone’s business and on the
performance of your account.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Neither Gladstone nor any of its management persons have any legal or disciplinary events to disclose
that are material to a client's or prospective client's evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of
our management.
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Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
LPL Financial (“LPL”):
Most Gladstone Wealth Partners Representatives are associated with LPL Financial (“LPL”) as broker
dealer registered representatives (“Dually Registered Persons”).1 LPL is an unaffiliated SEC-registered
investment adviser and FINRA member broker-dealer. Clients can choose to engage Dually Registered
Persons in their individual capacities as registered representatives of LPL to execute investment
recommendations on a commission basis. In this capacity, a Dually Registered Person’s
recommendation that a client purchase securities in a brokerage account presents a material conflict of
interest, as the receipt of commissions provides an incentive for the Dually Registered Person to
recommend investment products based on commissions, 12b-1 fees from mutual fund sales, and other
forms of remuneration rather than on a particular client’s need.
In some cases, clients may pay higher commissions and transaction costs for executing transactions
through LPL than through other broker-dealers and in most cases, than through a discount broker-dealer.
Clients are under no obligation to purchase brokerage products from Gladstone’s Representatives.
Clients are reminded that they can purchase investment products recommended by Gladstone
Representatives through other, non-affiliated broker-dealers or insurance agents.
LPL Financial is responsible for supervising certain activities of these representatives to the extent they
manage assets at a broker/dealer and custodian other than LPL Financial. LPL Financial charges a fee of
up to 10 basis points to the representative for this oversight. This creates a conflict of interest as it
creates an incentive for the representative to recommend that you maintain your account with LPL
Financial rather than another custodian. Clients should be aware that Gladstone shares confidential
client information about these accounts with LPL Financial, including account information, transactions
and holdings.
In limited circumstances, certain Representatives of Gladstone are also associated with LPL as dually
registered investment advisory representatives to provide advisory services as an investment manager
under Section 3(38) of ERISA. When acting in this capacity, Representatives offer discretionary
retirement planning services to plan sponsors for a fee as representatives of LPL.
Kessler Investment Group, LLC (“KIG”):
Gladstone maintains a material relationship with Kessler Investment Group, LLC (“KIG”), an SEC
registered investment adviser (CRD#: 153696/SEC#: 801-71393), where KIG serves as sub-adviser to
investment strategies offered to individual separate accounts under the GCM program. In return for
portfolio management services, Gladstone charges clients an annual asset-based fee and pays 30% of
1 Additional information about LPL Financial (CRD#: 6431/SEC#: 801-10970, 8-17668) and its registered representatives is available
on FINRA’s BrokerCheck® Website at https://brokercheck.finra.org and the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Website
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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that fee to KIG on a quarterly basis. Clients do not pay more for portfolio management
services under this fee arrangement and Representatives earn the same compensation regardless of
which program or services they offer. A material conflict of interest exists where certain representatives
are dually registered representatives of Gladstone and KIG and utilize KIG as the sub-adviser for
accounts in the GCM program where KIG will earn related compensation.
Outside Business Activities (“OBAs”):
Many of our representatives engage in outside business activities that create conflicts of interest when
providing client recommendations. Further information about the representative managing your account,
as well as potential conflicts that can impact their recommendations, are outlined in your representative’s
Form ADV, Part 2B, Brochure Supplement provided to you when you opened your advisory account.
Contact your representative or us at (908) 719-1313 if you need an additional copy.
Certain representatives of the firm conduct advisory business through a personal legal entity (such as an
LLC or S-Corporation) for branding, tax, or administrative purposes. In such cases, the representatives
may direct the payment of advisory fees to the representative’s approved personal entity. These entities
are wholly owned and controlled by the relevant representative and used solely as a compensation
conduit; they do not themselves provide investment advisory services, custody client assets, or hold
themselves out to the public as independent advisory firms. The use of such entities does not change the
advisory relationship between the client and Gladstone. All representatives, regardless of any personal
entity used for compensation, remain individually registered and subject to the firm’s compliance
policies, supervision, and regulatory oversight
Certain Representatives of Gladstone have their own legal business entities including, but not limited to,
accounting and legal firms. Supervised Persons must disclose outside business activities to Gladstone
before undertaking any such activity so that a determination may be made that the activities do not
interfere with any of the individual’s responsibilities with the representative and any conflicts of
interests may be addressed. Clients should understand that outside businesses are legal entities of the
Representative and not Gladstone. Gladstone does not endorse or recommend the services of any
Representative outside of their role as a Supervised Person of Gladstone. No client is under any
obligation to purchase any products or services from Gladstone’s representatives in their individual
business capacities.
Gladstone does not recommend, monitor, or evaluate fixed insurance products purchased by clients.
When clients request insurance products, such purchases are made solely through representatives acting
in their capacity as licensed insurance agents, which constitutes an OBA and is separate from Gladstone.
Even where a client requests that fixed insurance products be included in consolidated reports or
hypothetical illustrations, such products are reflected only as provided by the client or the issuing
company. Gladstone does not recommend, review, monitor, or evaluate such fixed insurance products,
and clients are solely responsible for determining whether those products continue to meet their financial
needs. Gladstone does not assess advisory fees on these insurance products because it does not provide
advisory services with respect to these products.
Additionally, variable insurance products may be held in an account managed by Gladstone or in an
outside account. Variable products held in an outside account are purchased through representatives
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acting in their capacity as licensed insurance agents and treated as an OBA and are not managed by
Gladstone.
By contrast, for variable insurance products held within advisory accounts we manage, Gladstone
provides ongoing advice and monitoring, consistent with our fiduciary responsibilities under the
Investment Advisers Act. Certain of these variable products are purchased through an outside insurance
desk to the extent permitted by the insurance carrier. For such products, Gladstone receives
compensation for the variable products in two forms: (1) a fee for purchasing certain variable annuity
products through the outside insurance desk, and (2) an ongoing management fee for managing these
assets within advisory accounts. As a result, clients may pay more for variable insurance products held
in accounts managed by Gladstone. When Gladstone is unable to purchase the variable annuity through
the outside insurance desk, its compensation related to such variable annuities is limited to an ongoing
management fee for managing the variable annuities within the advisory account. This compensation
structure creates a conflict of interest because Gladstone and its representatives have a financial
incentive to recommend variable insurance products-and to retain these assets under management-even
when comparable non-insurance investment options may be available at lower cost to the client. To
mitigate this conflict, Gladstone requires all representatives to adhere to their fiduciary obligations when
recommending variable insurance products, including evaluating whether such products are suitable and
in the client’s best interest.
Clients should understand the important distinction between: (a) variable insurance products held in
advisory accounts, which are subject to Gladstone’ fiduciary management and ongoing monitoring; and
(b) fixed insurance products and other outside holdings, which may appear in consolidated reports for
reporting purposes only but are not managed, monitored, or evaluated by Gladstone. Clients bear sole
responsibility for evaluating whether fixed insurance products and other outside holdings continue to
meet their financial objectives.
Clients should also be aware that because commissions and other benefits may be higher when
representatives sell fixed insurance products through Gladstone-affiliated agencies, representatives
generally have a greater financial incentive to recommend affiliated products over comparable products
available from non-affiliated insurance agencies. This creates an additional conflict of interest, as the
representative may benefit financially from recommending affiliated products even if non-affiliated
products offer comparable or better terms. Clients are under no obligation to purchase any insurance
product recommended or offered by a representative, and clients are free to purchase comparable
insurance products through any other licensed insurance agent or agency of their choosing. Clients
should carefully consider these potential conflicts of interest when evaluating any insurance
recommendation made by a representative.
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Gladstone has adopted a code of ethics that emphasizes the high standards of conduct we seek to observe.
Gladstone personnel are required to conduct themselves with integrity and follow the principles and policies
detailed in our code of ethics. A copy of the code of ethics is available upon request by contacting us at
(908) 719-1313.
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Gladstone’s code of ethics addresses conflicts of interest that have been identified or that could likely arise
specific to its business activities and service model. Firm personnel are required to follow guidelines
governing their conduct in areas including, but not limited to conflicts of interest, compliance with state
and federal statutes, laws and regulations, personal trading activities, and possession of and actions with
regard to material nonpublic information.
Gladstone’s code of ethics requires, among other things, “Access Persons” (as defined by the SEC) to
periodically report their personal securities transactions and holdings to the Firm for review. Gladstone
does not maintain “restricted lists,” implement “blackout periods” or require prior written approval (“pre-
clearance”) for personal securities transactions other than participation in private placements or initial
public offerings (“IPOs”). Gladstone does not participate in allocations of IPOs. Gladstone does not hold
or trade securities in proprietary accounts. From time to time, representatives trade in securities for their
own accounts that they also trade in client accounts, and they also trade in different securities that they do
not feel are appropriate for certain clients. The conflict presented in this practice could lead to a client not
participating in the appreciation of a particular security, or the representative purchasing or selling a
security and receiving a better price than the client.
Representatives can aggregate transactions for a client with other clients to improve the quality of
execution. Clients should be aware that the representative’s personal accounts (including related accounts,
such as those of family members) can be included in such a block order. Although the same average price
would be applied to client accounts and the representative’s personal accounts, the inclusion of a
representative’s personal account(s) in a block order can present a conflict of interest. It is possible that
the inclusion of the personal account could negatively impact the price of the security or result in the client
being allocated less of an order. If a partially filled order is allocated on a random basis, the inclusion of
the personal account could make it less probable that a client account is randomly selected, and the
representative’s personal account could be randomly selected instead of a client account. Gladstone
addresses this conflict by disclosing it to you. Please ask your representative if you would like more
information on the representative’s trading practices in this respect.
Craig Kessler is a dually registered investment advisor representative of Gladstone and KIG, an
unaffiliated institutional money manager where KIG serves as sub-adviser to accounts in the GCM
program. SWM Accounts that are in whole or in part managed by Craig Kessler are independently
managed and often include the same or similar securities and allocations as GCM investment strategies.
Clients are advised that in instances where the same securities are purchased or sold in SWM accounts as
those in GCM accounts, SWM account transactions will occur after KIG trades the GCM accounts. This
may provide clients in GCM program accounts with a better trading price than clients in the SWM
program.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Recommendation of Broker/Custodians
Gladstone has entered a relationship with LPL Financial, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab to serve as executing
broker- dealer and qualified custodian for asset management program accounts. Gladstone does not have
discretionary authority to select the broker/custodian for custody and execution services. While
Gladstone’s representatives can make a recommendation as to the selection of a broker/custodian, it is
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ultimately the client’s decision to select and direct the custodian as the sole and exclusive broker-dealer
to execute, clear, and settle transactions for program accounts and authorize Gladstone to buy and sell
securities when we instruct them to.
Clients should be aware that if a representative is also a registered representative of LPL, he/she may not be
permitted to use a custodian other than LPL. Whether or not the representative is able to use a custodian
other than LPL is determined by Gladstone and LPL and is based on the experience and production level
of the representative, among other factors. In cases where a custodian other than LPL is selected by the
client and the representative is a registered representative of LPL, Gladstone will pay 5 bps of the value of
assets under management held at said custodian to LPL as an oversight fee. Certain account types are
exempt from the calculation. This payment comes from the portion of the advisory fee that would
otherwise be paid to the representative. This presents a conflict of interest in that a representative has a
financial incentive to recommend LPL as a custodian. Notwithstanding, Gladstone and its representatives
will recommend a custodian to clients only if it believes it is in the client’s best interest.
Asset-Based Pricing for Wrap Accounts
Representatives pay a platform fee (“asset-based fee” aka “asset-based pricing”) to Gladstone which it
passed in part to the broker/custodian to cover transaction and execution costs (commissions/ticket charges)
on a calculation based on the representative’s aggregate assets under management. Representatives pay an
asset-based fee regardless of how much or little they trade client accounts. We believe that an asset-based
fee structure reduces potential conflicts of interest that can arise with individual ticket/transaction charges
that can influence a representative’s decision whether or not to trade an account.
Depending on the broker/custodian, charges for asset-based pricing can exclude certain account and asset
types, such as non-transaction fee (“NTF”) mutual funds and ETPs. To mitigate any financial incentive
for representatives to select NTF funds over other funds that can have lower internal fees, representatives
pay a platform fee to Gladstone based on their total assets under management regardless of asset type
(e.g., the asset-based fee does not exclude NTF funds). We believe this fee structure further reduces
conflicts of interest which can arise that can influence a representative recommending a particular
broker/custodian or utilizing specific assets. We believe this fee structure mitigates conflicts of interest and
financial incentive for a representative to utilize any specific asset type.
Clients are advised that while Gladstone endeavors to use the lowest-cost mutual fund share class
available, the Firm cannot ensure that all clients will hold the lowest cost shares available on the
broker/custodian’s platform at any given time. See "Item 5 - Fees and Compensation" for more
information on mutual fund share class fees.
Best Execution
Gladstone recognizes that there are areas that represent potential conflicts of interest when considering its
duty to obtain best execution of client trades. To this end, Gladstone has negotiated asset-based pricing
arrangements with broker/custodians where transactions are executed without commissions or transaction
fees (see “Asset-Based Pricing” above). Through evaluation of a list of quantitative and qualitative factors,
Gladstone believes that the broker/custodians that it makes available on its platform offer the most
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comprehensive package and best balance of costs, accuracy and speed of execution, access to markets and
liquidity, quality of services, financial stability, and reputation. Gladstone regularly evaluates these factors
as part of its duty to secure best execution of client trades. Clients should be aware that while Gladstone
reviews to ensure that available broker/custodians have execution procedures that are reasonably designed
to obtain the best execution possible, there can be no assurance that best execution will be achieved.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
Gladstone receives products and services from broker/custodians, many of which assist Gladstone to better
monitor and service client accounts. Products and services are received without cost, at a discount, and/or
at a negotiated rate, and can include investment-related research, pricing information and market data,
software and other technology that provide access to client account data, consulting services, attendance
at conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support, computer
software, and other products and services used by Gladstone in furtherance of its investment advisory
business operations. Products and services are provided to Gladstone based on the overall relationship
between Gladstone and the broker/custodian and not the result of soft dollar arrangements or any other
express arrangements that involve the execution of client transactions as a condition to the receipt of such
products and services. Gladstone will continue to receive products and services regardless of the volume
of client transactions executed with a particular broker/custodian. Clients do not pay more because we
receive these benefits. There is no corresponding commitment made by Gladstone to a broker/custodian or
any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific securities as a
result of these arrangements.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Gladstone and its related persons do not receive client referrals for recommending broker-dealers.
Directed Brokerage
Gladstone requires that clients select one of the Firm’s approved broker-dealer custodians for account
custody and execution. The Firm currently maintains relationships with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. for
our non-wrap investment advisory service clients and with LPL Financial LLC, Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc, and Fidelity Institutional for all other services. Clients must designate one of these custodians to
maintain their assets and execute securities transactions.
Clients may negotiate with their representative to designate specific positions held at some custodians such
as Charles Schwab or Fidelity as “unbillable,” meaning those positions are excluded from fee calculations.
This practice creates a conflict of interest for clients whose assets are custodied at LPL Financial, as LPL
does not permit positions to be designated as unbillable. As a result, clients custodied at LPL may incur
advisory fees on all positions, whereas clients at other custodians may have the ability to exclude certain
positions from billing. This difference in treatment could influence a client’s choice of custodian or the
adviser’s recommendation of custodians. We address this conflict by disclosing it to clients and allowing
them to select their preferred custodian, subject to the custodian’s policies.
As a condition of opening and maintaining an account with Gladstone, clients direct the Firm to execute
all transactions through their chosen custodian. This arrangement is referred to as “directed brokerage”.
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By directing brokerage, clients acknowledge that they may not receive the most favorable execution in
terms of price, speed or other factors that might be available if the Firm were permitted to select the
executing broker.
Gladstone does not receive any soft dollar benefits, research, or other compensation from custodians in
exchange for directing client transactions.
While Gladstone believes that its custodian relationships provide overall benefit to its clients, the Firm’s
requirement that clients select a specific custodian can create a conflict of interest. The Firm’s selection
of custodians is based on factors such as execution quality, service standards, and operational efficiency.
Clients should understand that this arrangement may not result in the most favorable trade execution in
every circumstance.
Aggregation of Orders
Purchases, sales, and other orders made for your account can be aggregated with purchase, sales, and other
orders in the same investments for other clients. When transactions are aggregated, the actual prices
applicable to the aggregated orders will be averaged, and the account will be deemed to have purchased
or sold its proportionate share of the investments involved at the average price obtained. Occasionally, an
aggregated order can only be partially filled. Under such circumstances, the investments are allocated, to
the extent feasible, among the applicable clients on a pro rata basis. Representatives may determine not to
aggregate transactions, for example, based on the size of the trades, the liquidity of the securities, and the
discretionary or non-discretionary nature of the trades. If orders are not aggregated, some clients
purchasing securities around the same time may receive a less favorable price than other clients. Clients
are encouraged to refer to the agreements they enter into as well as the disclosure brochure for any third-
party manager utilized for information on the third-party manager’s trade aggregation practices.
Allocation of Investments
Representatives engage in an investment advisory business apart from managing your account. This
creates a conflict of interest with the representative’s time devoted to managing your account and the
allocation of time and investment opportunities among other client accounts managed by the
representative. The representative will attempt to resolve such conflicts in a manner That is fair to all
clients. Representatives provide personalized and individualized advisory services and take action with
respect to other clients that can differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with
respect to your account. Representatives are not obligated to purchase or sell any security that the
representative can acquire for their own account or for the account of any other client, if in the absolute
discretion of the representative, it is not practical or desirable to acquire a position in such security for the
account.
Principal Transactions and Cross Transactions
Gladstone does not engage in principal transactions or cross transactions.
Trade Errors
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Gladstone reimburses accounts for losses resulting from Gladstone’s trade errors but does not credit
accounts for such errors resulting in market gains. The gains and losses can be reconciled within
Gladstone’s custodian firm account and Gladstone can retain the net gains and losses.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Representatives review non-wrap and wrap fee accounts on an ongoing basis and complete a review of
each client account at least annually to determine the continued appropriateness of the account and if it
remains in the client’s best interest. A representative’s underlying premise for the continued suitability of
the account type is based on the totality of services provided, not on any single service or component of
the overall fee.
The representative will contact the client periodically to determine if there have been any changes in the
client’s financial situation or investment objectives so that the investment strategy of the account can be
adjusted accordingly. Additional contact can be triggered at the client’s request, or by material market,
economic, or political events, or by other events.
Once an advisory relationship is established, there are no restrictions on a client’s ability to contact
Gladstone or the representative. Under certain circumstances, the client can request direct contact with
Gladstone, a third-party manager, or a strategist. However, these consultations will occur at the sole
discretion of Gladstone or the applicable third-party manager or strategist.
Each client will receive written reports directly from the broker/custodian that detail the client’s positions
and activity. Many representatives also provide their clients with periodic performance reports, which can
show performance across multiple accounts within a household. Clients are advised that these are not
official account records and to always compare those reports to the ones provided by the qualified
custodians, which are the official records of the accounts.
Program accounts are subject to a risk-based exception reporting system that flags client accounts or
households based on Firm-specified criteria, including, but not limited to, trading inactivity and/or missing
annual review reports. The exception reporting identifies accounts or households where additional analysis
by a Gladstone supervisor may be appropriate.
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Client Referrals
Third-Party Referrals to Gladstone: Gladstone maintains investment advisory referral arrangements
with unaffiliated third-parties, including but not limited to, individual professionals, professional firms,
and corporate institutions. For each such referral arrangement a solicitor or “promoter” will receive
compensation in the form of a flat fee or as a percentage of advisory fees received from the referred
client when the client elects to utilize Gladstone for investment advisory services. Because Gladstone is
engaged by and compensates the third-party promoter for the referral, it presents a conflict of interest.
Referral arrangements are pursuant to a written agreement between Gladstone and the third- party in
accordance with the requirements set forth in Rule 206(4)-1 under the Advisers Act. Under the written
agreement, the promoter is responsible for delivering to the referred Client, at the time the solicitation was
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presented, certain disclosures with regard to (i) whether the promoter is a client of Gladstone, (ii)
compensation provided for the referral and a description of the compensation arrangement, and (iii) any
other material conflicts of interest the promoter may have that results from the promoter’s relationship
with Gladstone or with the Gladstone representative.
Gladstone Referrals to Third-Party Investment Advisors: Gladstone has relationships with various third-
party investment advisers that provide various types of advisory services. Gladstone representatives can
introduce clients to such services in which case the representative will not be providing continuous and
regular supervisory or management services or have discretionary authority over assets with respect to
individual security selection. Gladstone representatives obtain information from the client regarding
their financial situation, investment objective and any reasonable restrictions, assist the client in
selecting a suitable investment solution, and agree to meet with the client at least annually to determine
if the Client’s financial situation, investment objective or Account restrictions, if any, have changed.
Clients will receive a separate firm brochure for the third-party investment advisor selected and a
disclosure describing the nature of our relationship, the terms of our compensation, including a
description of the compensation that Gladstone will receive.
Gladstone Referrals for Lending Services: Gladstone established relationships with lenders and lending
platforms to help facilitate client access to unsecured (personal) loans, residential real estate loans, and
securities-backed loans. Clients should understand that any such referral made by a Gladstone
representative is an ancillary service, and it is not an, nor it is part of, any advisory program or advisory
service. Gladstone representatives act as an intermediary but do not act as a fiduciary to the client when
making such a referral and will not provide advice or oversee any lending arrangement between the
client and lender. Clients can not use proceeds from a loan to purchase securities. For unsecured loans
and securities-based loans, Gladstone is eligible to receive a one-time compensation payment based on a
certain percentage of the loan amount for each loan that Gladstone representatives refer to the lender or
lending platform. This compensation rate does not vary between lenders. Gladstone representatives are
not compensated for these referrals.
Other Compensation
Most of Gladstone’s representatives are also registered representatives of LPL and are eligible to
participate in incentive programs offered through LPL where cash and non-cash compensation is received
such as production bonuses, deferred compensation, stock options to purchase shares of LPL’s parent
company, and other things of value, such as free or reduced-cost attendance at LPL’s national sales
conference or top producer forums and events. Such compensation is typically based on overall business
produced and/or on the amount of assets placed through LPL. To this end, there is a financial incentive
for many representatives to recommend that you establish and maintain an account at LPL.
Representatives will recommend that clients establish and maintain their account at LPL only if they
believe it is in the client’s best interest.
Gladstone representatives who are also a registered representative with LPL can receive payments from
LPL in connection with his/her transition to LPL as a registered representative. Registered representatives
often receive an initial loan and/or transition payment from LPL to assist with the costs associated with
transitioning client assets to LPL’s custodial platform (“Transition Assistance”). The amount of Transition
Assistance that LPL pays to any registered representative can vary greatly but is typically between 5 – 15
Page 33 of 35
bps of verified or unverified assets. Transition Assistance can also be provided by LPL, at its discretion,
to Dually Registered Persons for investment advisory assets custodied at LPL where Gladstone is Adviser.
Transition Assistance is paid to the registered representative to assist with the costs associated with the
transition, such as moving expenses, leasing space, furniture, staff, and termination fees associated with
moving accounts; however, there is no verification to confirm the use of these payments for such transition
costs. These payments can be in the form of loans to the registered representative, which are repayable to
LPL or forgiven by LPL based on years of service with LPL and/or the scope of business engaged in with
LPL, including the amount of assets custodied at LPL. The receipt of these payments is a conflict of
interest in that a representative has a financial incentive to recommend that a client custody asset at LPL
in order for the loan to be forgiven. However, to the extent we recommend you establish or maintain an
account with Gladstone and custody at LPL, it is because we believe it is in your best interest to do so
based on your financial circumstances, goals, and objectives, as well as the services offered.
Gladstone and its representatives receive other compensation from product sponsors, third-party
managers and model providers. However, such compensation may not be tied to the sales of any
products. Compensation includes such items as gifts with a de minimis annual value, an occasional
dinner or ticket to an entertainment event, reimbursement in connection with an educational meeting,
business consulting, client events, or marketing initiatives. Product sponsors also pay for, or reimburse
Gladstone for the costs associated with, Gladstone-sponsored training conferences and events.
Gladstone utilizes Envestnet Financial Technologies, Inc. (“Envestnet”) to access various third-party
investment managers for the TAMP Program and alternative investments through Envestnet’s
“Alternatives Exchange” in conjunction with Institutional iCapital Network, Inc. (“iCapital”) and UBS
Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS”). Gladstone accesses Envestnet through LibertyFi, LLC, a middle-office
Envestnet consulting solution. By utilizing such service providers to access advisory products and
services, Gladstone is eligible to receive preferred (lower) pricing on transition support, technology, and
other related administrative, operational, and consulting support and services. Gladstone believes that
the scope and nature of these services best service the interests and needs of its clients. Envestnet,
LibertyFi, iCapital and UBS are not affiliated with Gladstone and Gladstone does not receive revenue
sharing or any portion of fees paid directly to these service providers.
Item 15. Custody
Item 16. Investment Discretion
It is our customary procedure to have full discretionary authority in order to supervise and direct the
investments of our clients’ accounts and retain sub-advisers. This authority is for the purpose of making
and implementing investment decisions, including the hiring and firing of sub-advisers, without the
client’s prior consultation. All investment decisions are made in accordance with the client’s stated
investment objectives. Clients grant discretionary authority to Gladstone Wealth Partners by completing
the following items:
• Execution of Gladstone’s investment management agreement, which designates the authority for us to
implement investment decisions and, as applicable, to select sub-advisers on your behalf.
• Provide Gladstone with trading authorization and discretionary authority on the new account forms
submitted to the broker-dealer acting as custodian for the client’s account(s).
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Other than advisory fees due to Gladstone, which the Firm will receive directly from the custodian,
Gladstone’s discretionary authority does not grant us the authority to take or have possession of any assets
in the client’s account.
Clients can impose reasonable restrictions, in writing, on investing in certain securities or types of
securities in accordance with their values and beliefs. Gladstone Wealth Partners will make every effort
to comply with the wishes of the client but cannot guarantee absolute adherence due to our use of indexed
products, funds, and ETPs that can hold or trade securities sought to be restricted. Any limitations to the
trading authorization will be added to Gladstone’s investment management agreement in writing.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Gladstone will not request or 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. For client accounts managed by a third-party portfolio manager, clients should refer
to the separate agreement they entered into with the portfolio manager and that portfolio manger’s specific
proxy voting policies and procedures. In addition, Gladstone and its representatives do not accept authority
to take action with respect to legal proceedings relating to securities held in the account.
Class Action Lawsuits
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action lawsuits.
Gladstone Wealth Partners has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class action lawsuit. Furthermore, we have no obligation or responsibility to initiate
litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who have been injured as a result of actions, misconduct
or negligence by corporate management of issuers whose securities are held by clients.
Item 18. Financial Information
Balance Sheet Requirement
Gladstone does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six (6) months
or more in advance, we are not required to deliver our balance sheet along with the Disclosure Brochure.
Financial Condition
Gladstone does not have any financial condition that would reasonably be likely to impair its ability to
meet its contractual commitments to clients.
Bankruptcy Petition
Gladstone has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the last ten (10) years.
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Additional Brochure: GLADSTONE WRAP BROCHURE (2026-03-31)
View Document Text
Gladstone Wealth Partners
2000 PGA Blvd, Suite 4440,
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408
(908) 719-1313
www.gladstonewealth.com
Part 2A Appendix of Form ADV: Wrap Fee Program Brochure
March 31, 2026
This wrap fee brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Gladstone
Institutional Advisory, LLC doing business as Gladstone Wealth Partners (referred to as “Gladstone,”
“we," “our,” or “us,”). If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (908)
719-1313.
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United Stated Securities and Exchange
Commission or by any state securities authority. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain
level of skill or training.
Additional information about Gladstone also is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Page 1 of 32
Item 2. Material Changes
Gladstone Wealth Partners (“Gladstone”) filed its last annual update and distribution for its last Form
ADV Part 2A – Appendix 1 Wrap Fee Brochure (“brochure”) on March 31, 2025. We urge you to carefully
review the summary of material changes, as they contain important information, which can impact the
advisory relationship between you and Gladstone.
Material Changes Since the Last Annual Amendment
The following material changes have been made to this Brochure since our last annual updating
amendment:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Item 4 was amended to disclose certain non-billable accounts and/or assets that are not managed by
Gladstone and for which Gladstone does not charge fees.
Item 4 was amended to disclose new non-wrap investment management services.
Item 4 was amended to consolidate disclosures related to the Gladstone sponsored wrap program that
was formerly referred to by the Custodian names.
Item 4 was amended to remove programs that are not sponsored by Gladstone where the sponsor
provides the relevant information to the client.
Item 6 was amended to include disclosures related to donor advised funds (“DAF”).
Item 10 was amended to provide enhanced disclosure regarding investment advisor representatives
conducting advisory services through personal legal entities and enhance disclosures related to
outside fixed insurance business of some representatives.
From time to time, we amend this brochure to reflect changes in our business practices, changes in
regulations, and routine updates as required by securities regulators. Our complete brochure or a summary
of material changes will be provided to you at least annually.
At any time, you may view our current brochure online at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching our Firm name or CRD No. 250787. You may also
request a copy of our brochure at any time by contacting your representative or us at (908) 719-1313.
Page 2 of 32
Item 3. Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Item 2. Material Changes ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3. Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4. Service, Fees, and Compensation................................................................................................................ 4
Item 5. Account Requirements and Types of Clients ............................................................................................ 14
Item 6. Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation ............................................................................................ 14
Item 7. Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers .................................................................................. 21
Item 8. Client Contact with Portfolio Managers .................................................................................................... 22
Item 9. Additional Information .............................................................................................................................. 22
Page 3 of 32
Item 4. Service, Fees, and Compensation
Gladstone Institutional Advisory, LLC, doing business as Gladstone Wealth Partners (referred to as
“Gladstone,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “Firm,” or “Adviser”), is an investment adviser registered with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) with its principal offices located in Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida. Gladstone was established in 2015 and is principally owned by Integrity LLC. Gladstone primarily
provides asset management, retirement, financial planning, and consulting services to individuals, high-net
worth individuals, corporations and other business entities, pension and profit-sharing plans, and charitable
organizations (each referred to as a “client” or collectively as “clients”) as described below. As of December
31, 2025, Gladstone has $5,683,810,587 regulatory assets under management of which $5,668,051,947 is
managed on a discretionary basis and $15,758,640 is managed on a non-discretionary basis
Gladstone serves as a fiduciary to investment advisory clients as defined under applicable laws and
regulations. As a fiduciary, we have a duty which requires us to act in good faith with the degree of care,
skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances that a prudent person acting in a fiduciary capacity
would use, in providing investment advice and managing client assets.
Gladstone’s business model is based on a network of investment adviser representatives (“IAR,” or
“representative”) with offices located throughout the United States. Our representatives are primarily
independent contractors and are subject to our supervision and oversight from a centralized location.
It is important to understand that the more assets there are in your account, the more you will pay in fees.
Our representatives are paid a portion of those fees for delivering investment advisory services to you. The
portion of fees that a representative receives is not incentive-based but can vary based on the specific
agreement the representative negotiated with the Firm.
Advisory Services Offered
We offer investment advisory services primarily to retail investors. These services include portfolio
management services through wrap fee programs, including accounts managed directly by your Gladstone
representative and/or a sub-adviser. The maximum advisory fee Gladstone will charge is 2%. Gladstone also
offers advisory services on non-wrap accounts, including accounts held at custodians that Gladstone has
agreements with, third-party retirement accounts, financial planning and investment consulting, and
retirement consulting services. Information about these services is described in Gladstone’s firm brochure
(Form ADV, Part 2A, Firm Disclosure Brochure) that will be delivered to the client, as applicable.
Client Onboarding and Account Type / Program Selection
Through personal discussions with each client, questionnaires and/or requests for documentation
the representative will gather and analyze information regarding each client’s current investments, goals
and objectives, financial circumstances, investment experience, limitations, and risk tolerance, among other
information. The representative will work with you to determine which of our services are most
appropriate based your investment goals and objectives. This may include one or more of the services
described below.
Client portfolios typically consist of one or more of the following: individual equities, bonds, mutual funds,
exchange traded funds (ETFs), exchange traded products (ETPs), alternative assets, variable annuities, cash
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the client’s portfolio be allocated to alternative
and cash equivalents, and/or other investment products. As appropriate, the representative can recommend
that a portion of
investments. Also, as appropriate,
the representative can recommend that a portion of the client’s account be managed by one or more sub-
advisers subject to the representative’s supervision. Such sub-advisers may also engage a sub-adviser to other
third parties at their own expense and in their discretion, portfolio weighting among various investments and
market sectors will be determined by each client’s individual needs and circumstances. Gladstone
encourages you to notify your representative promptly if you experience any material change in your
financial circumstances or investment goals.
Certain investment programs provide access to model asset allocation portfolios managed in accordance with
each portfolio’s strategy and objectives rather than the investment objectives of any particular client. In such
programs, selecting the appropriate model portfolio is paramount.
the client account, or
if
the
Clients can impose reasonable restrictions on the management of their account. All restrictions or requests
to change investment strategies must be submitted in writing to your representative. Clients cannot set
restrictions on the management of certain sub-advisers, the subaccounts for variable annuities or the
management of plan participant accounts due to the nature of such accounts. Should the restrictions
prevent Gladstone from properly servicing
restrictions would
require Gladstone to deviate from its standard suite of services, Gladstone reserves the right to refuse
or terminate the relationship, as applicable. Please refer to the Investment Discretion section below for
information regarding additional limitations on your ability to impose restrictions on the management of your
account. Clients will retain individual ownership of all securities held in their accounts.
Certain clients may negotiate with their representative to designate specific positions held at custodians such
as Charles Schwab or Fidelity as “unbillable,” meaning those positions are excluded from fee calculations.
Gladstone nor its representatives will monitor, supervise, or advise on those positions.
When transferring accounts for investment, existing positions will generally be liquidated. Liquidation of
your account will likely have tax consequences, which you should discuss with your tax adviser. However,
if there are certain securities you own that you do not want to liquidate, you must notify your representative
in writing and they will be transferred in-kind for custody, but neither Gladstone nor the sub-adviser, as
applicable, will advise on those positions. Any transaction costs incurred in the liquidation of transferred
assets are the responsibility of the client.
Representatives are required by applicable laws, rules, regulations, and Firm policies to obtain certain
licenses or credentials and complete regular training to recommend particular investments, products, and/or
services. Your representative, depending on their licenses, affiliation, or training, may or may not be able to
recommend or utilize certain brokers/custodians, products, sub-advisors, programs, or services. Please ask
your representative whether any limitations apply.
Wrap Fee Programs
A wrap fee program is an advisory program under which a client is charged a specified “bundled” fee or fees
for investment management and trade execution and is not based directly upon transactions in a client’s
account. In other words, transactions in a client’s wrap fee account are generally effected without separate
commission charge to the client and a portion of the wrap fee is generally considered as being in lieu of
commissions. We receive a portion of the wrap fee for our services. Depending on the program, wrap fee
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clients will incur certain additional costs, such as custodial fees, odd-lot differentials, step-out fees (when
trades are placed with a broker other than the custodying broker), fees and expenses charged by mutual funds
and exchange traded products (ETPs) to their shareholders, exchange fees, transfer taxes, wire transfer and
electronic fund fees and certain administrative fees charged in connection with wire transfers or certificate
issue. In general, a wrap fee account is more cost effective for the client when periodic trading activity is
anticipated, though a wrap fee account may be more expensive than a non-wrap fee account when trading
activity is low. Each wrap fee program offered by Gladstone is described below. A firm brochure will also
be provided for any third-party investment adviser that provides advisory services to a client as part of the
wrap fee program.
A wrap fee program may cost you more or less than purchasing investment advisory, brokerage, custody,
and other services separately. The relative cost of a wrap fee program depends on several factors, including:
(i) the frequency of trading activity in your account (wrap fee programs are generally more cost-effective for
accounts with higher trading activity, while accounts with lower trading activity may pay more under a wrap
fee arrangement than they would if charged separately for each transaction); (ii) the size of your account
(larger accounts may benefit from economies of scale in separately priced arrangements); (iii) the types of
securities held in your account (certain securities, such as mutual funds and ETPs, have internal expenses
that are charged regardless of whether the account is in a wrap fee program); (iv) the level of advisory services
provided; and (v) the availability and cost of comparable services from other providers. You should consider
these factors and discuss them with your representative to determine whether a wrap fee program is
appropriate for your circumstances.
Each account is managed by one or more representative who serves as the primary point of contact between
the Firm and the client and who determines which available resources to utilize in connection with providing
individualized investment advisory services. Some representatives choose to incorporate more available
resources in their provision of investment advisory services than others. Investment strategies utilized by
representatives can vary greatly as warranted by individual circumstances. Not all services are available to
all clients, through all representatives, or in all jurisdictions.
Recommendations presented to clients by representatives and the implementation of such recommendations
are dependent upon the information provided by the client to build the client’s financial profile, which
outlines each client’s current situation (e.g., income, investment objectives, and risk tolerance levels) and is
used to construct a client specific action plan to aid in the selection of an investment program, portfolio and,
as appropriate, a sub-adviser, that matches their restrictions, needs, and targets. Gladstone encourages clients
to notify their representative promptly if they experience any material change in their financial circumstances
or investment goals.
When transferring your account to be invested, generally, existing positions will be liquidated. Liquidation
of your account likely will have tax consequences, which you should discuss with your tax adviser. However,
if there are certain securities you own that you do not want to liquidate, you must notify your representative
in writing and they will be transferred in-kind for custody, but neither Gladstone nor the sub-adviser, as
applicable, will advise on those positions. Any transaction costs incurred in the liquidation of transferred
assets are the responsibility of the client.
In addition to Gladstone Wealth Partners’ disclosures, clients should carefully review the Form ADV, Part
2A Firm Brochure, and Form CRS for any recommended sub-adviser and program for important additional
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information regarding the sub-adviser’s services, fees, conflicts of interest and other important information.
Depending on client preference, Gladstone may retain discretionary authority to hire and fire sub-advisers,
as necessary, to better service our clients’ accounts.
Recommended investment programs are detailed below and in separate disclosure brochures, as applicable.
For all portfolio management services programs, Gladstone provides continuous and regular supervisory or
management services. None of the services described herein are intended as, or meant to be, a substitute for
legal, accounting, or tax advice. There can be no assurance that any advisory service or investment strategy
will produce favorable results or will be successful in achieving a client’s investment goals and objectives.
Gladstone Sponsored Wrap Programs
1. Gladstone Wrap Program
Gladstone sponsors a wrap fee program in which we provide continuous and regular supervisory or
management services. In this program the Advisor acts as the portfolio manager and tailors advisory services
to the individual needs of the client.
Depending on the investment strategy, securities used in these programs include equities, fixed income
securities, mutual funds, ETPs, and alternative investments, but can include other securities and products
available on the platform. If structured products or alternative investments, or annuities
are utilized as part of the account’s investment strategy, the assets will be reported on custodian’s account
statements, but the actual securities are typically held with and valued by the specific issuer.
With limited exception for certain clients, accounts are managed on a discretionary basis. A discretionary
account is an account that gives the representative the authority to make individual trade without the consent
of the client. A non-discretionary account is an account where the client ultimately decides whether or not to
make a trade.
Clients can choose to custody their assets at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) on the Charles Schwab
Institutional platform, Fidelity Investments (“Fidelity”) on the Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services
platform, or LPL Financial on the SWM Platform. The custodian selected by the client provides clearing,
custody, or other brokerage services to the client. The custodian is not an investment adviser to the client
and has no authority or responsibility for investment decisions made for the account.
This program was previously referred to separately by the custodian’s platform name (Charles Schwab
Institutional, Fidelity Wealth Services, LPL SWM II).
Clients should refer to the pricing guide/fee schedule of the custodian at which the account is held for specific
information regarding services that have associated fees which are separate from and in addition to the fees
the client pays us.
2. Gladstone Capital Management
The Gladstone Capital Management program (“GCM”) is a Gladstone sponsored wrap fee program that
provides the client with access to the Investment Strategies of Kessler Investment Group, LLC (“KIG”), an
independent manager and professional third-party portfolio management firm for the individual management
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of the client’s account.1 Gladstone pays a fee of .15% to KIG for its services. The representative will assist
client in selecting an appropriate Investment Strategy from a list of strategies made available by KIG. KIG,
as a third-party portfolio manager, will manage client assets on a discretionary basis. The representative will
provide initial and ongoing assistance regarding investment strategy selection process and serves as the point
of contact between the client and KIG regarding changes to the client’s investment objective, financial
circumstances, and investment restrictions (if any). Typically, equities, fixed income securities, mutual funds,
and ETPs are utilized to execute the investment strategies, but other securities may be used. Clients have the
ability impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or groups of securities by indicating preferences
in the Agreement. A separate account will be established for each investment strategy selected and each
account will be managed independently of any other accounts of the client.
When utilizing the GCM program, clients can select Schwab or Fidelity to serve as custodian and executing
broker for assets in the account.
Minimum account values range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the investment strategy selected;
however, in certain instances, the minimum account value may be lower or higher. Clients should refer to their
account application package and KIG brochure for specific information on fees imposed by third parties
which are separate from and in addition to the fees the client pays to us.
3. Turnkey Asset Management Program (“TAMP”)
The TAMP Program provides clients with access to the investment advisory services of portfolio
management firms offered through Envestnet Asset Management, Inc. The Gladstone representative provides
initial and ongoing supervisory and investment management services including initial selection of an
independent manager, periodic review of the account, and serving as the point of contact between the client
and the independent manager.
When utilizing the TAMP program, clients can select Schwab or Fidelity to serve as custodian and executing
broker for assets in the account. Account minimums range from $2,000 to $100,000 but can be more or less
depending on the manager and/or model strategy selected.
Asset Management Fees for Wrap Programs
A wrap fee program is a program where a client is charged a specified “bundled” fee (generally, a percentage
of assets under management) for discretionary or non-discretionary asset management services and trade
execution costs and sometimes other services such as custody, record keeping and reporting. Gladstone
receives a portion of the wrap fee for our services and, in most instances, representatives receive a portion of
the fee paid to Gladstone for their services.
Our for asset management fee is an annual percentage fee of up to 2.00% of assets under management. Fees
are assessed on all asset types, including securities, cash, and cash equivalents. Fees are paid quarterly in
advance, are negotiable, and are established in writing in our investment management agreement or
broker/custodian agreement with you prior to our working together.
1 Additional information about Kessler Investment Group, LLC (CRD#: 11536696/ SEC#: 8001-71393) is available on the SEC
Investor Website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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The fee that you negotiate with your representative may be more or less than the fees charged by other
representatives or consultants at Gladstone or other firms for similar services. Representatives take various
factors into consideration when establishing their fee including, but not limited to, the complexity of the
engagement, market value of assets, the level and scope of the overall asset management and/or consulting
services to be rendered, and other objective and subjective factors. Representatives have a conflict of interest
in establishing their fee in that the higher the fee is to you, the more profitable their business is.
Fees for asset management services can be structured utilizing a flat asset-based fee or on tiered fee basis,
with a reduced percentage rate based on the account reaching certain thresholds.
By signing our investment management agreement, our billing agreement, or an LPL account application,
you authorize us to deduct fees quarterly and in advance from your account. We will have no other authority
to deduct monies from your account, except to request the custodian disburse funds directly to you or your
agents upon your specific written instructions. Either you or we may terminate the agreements at any time.
In the event of termination, you are responsible for monitoring the securities in your account, and we as the
investment adviser will have no further obligation to act or advise with respect to that account. If the
agreement is terminated prior to the last day of the calendar quarter, a prorated portion of the fee previously
paid for that quarter based on the number of calendar days remaining will be refunded to you or your account.
Since Gladstone began providing these services, it has had other fee structures in effect, which may have
been lower or higher or different than that described above. As new fee structures are put into effect, they
are generally made applicable only to new clients, and fees to existing clients are generally not affected.
Accounts custodied at LPL: LPL calculates and deducts the asset management fee in the method described
in LPL’s account agreement, unless other arrangements are made in writing. If a client wishes to be billed
for the asset management fee, rather than a deduction directly from the account, the client needs to make a
request to LPL through their representative. LPL deducts the account fee quarterly in advance. If the account
agreement is terminated before the end of the quarterly period, LPL will pay the client a prorated refund of
any pre-paid quarterly asset management fee based on the number of days remaining in the quarter after the
termination date. However, if the account is closed within the first six months by the client or as a result of
withdrawals that bring the account value below the required minimum, LPL reserves the right to retain the
pre-paid quarterly asset management fee for the current quarter in order to cover the administrative costs of
establishing the account. Payment of fees may result in the liquidation of a client’s securities if there is
insufficient cash in the account. Clients receive an account statement from LPL at least quarterly. The
statement includes the amount of any fees debited or credited from the client’s’ account pursuant to written
authorization. As a courtesy and upon client written request, LPL permits “Group Fee” arrangements for
certain eligible investment advisory accounts for “Approved Family Members”. These arrangements allow
a group of related accounts to each be billed (i) a flat advisory fee, or (ii) a blended Account Fee based on a
tiered schedule of fees, based on the aggregation of account asset values of a group.
Accounts custodied at Schwab or Fidelity: Wrap fees are due and payable in advance and are based upon the
ending account values as of the close of business on the last day of the previous calendar quarter. Fees are
deducted from the account by the qualified custodian.
Fees for the initial quarter are adjusted pro rata based upon the number of calendar days in the quarter that
the Investment Advisory Agreement goes into effect. If assets are deposited into or withdrawn from an
account after inception of a billing period in an amount equal to or greater than $5,000, the fee payable with
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respect to such assets is prorated to reflect the change in portfolio value. Payment of fees may result in the
liquidation of a client’s securities if there is insufficient cash in the account.
Gladstone’s process to value client holdings and assess fees based on those valuations are based on the market
value assessed by the qualified custodians of the assets. Gladstone neither participates in the valuation nor
adjusts those valuations. Cash balances, such as money market funds, are considered an asset class and are
included in client’s asset-based fee calculation. If an account is closed withing the first six months by the
client or as a result of withdrawals that bring the account value below the required minimum, we reserve the
right to retain the pre-paid quarterly account fee for the current quarter in order to cover the administrative
costs of establishing the account. Please refer to your sub-adviser’s disclosure documents for their
termination policies.
Unless stated otherwise in the applicable agreement, Gladstone or the client may terminate the agreement for
portfolio management services for any reason within thirty (30) days’ written notice to the other party. The
date of receipt of the written notice will be the effective date of termination. Upon termination of advisory
services, we, the broker/custodian, or the sub-adviser will determine the amount of any outstanding fees due
to/from the client. Transactions in progress will be completed in the normal course of business.
The client receives a pro rata refund of any pre-paid unearned advisory fees based on the number of days
remaining in the quarter after the termination date.
Clients receive an account statement from the qualified custodian at least quarterly. The statement includes
the amount of any fees debited or credited from the client’s account pursuant to written authorization.
Other Fees and Expenses You Pay in Connection with Investment Management
Gladstone offers wrap program options to its advisory clients. In most circumstances, our broker/custodians
do not charge separately for custody, trade execution, clearance, and settlement of transactions but are
compensated by charging Gladstone an asset-based fee (see the “Asset-Based Pricing” section below). Each
of our broker/custodian’s asset-based fee arrangements are independently negotiated and are based on the
condition that the Firm collectively maintains a minimum dollar amount of assets at the broker/custodian.
Certain types of accounts, such as Personal Choice Retirement Accounts (PCRA),Retirement Plan Services
(RPS), Stock Plan Services (SPS), Health Savings Brokerage Accounts (HSBA), and Managed Account
Services, as well as asset types, such as unit investment trusts (UITs), American depository receipts (ADRs),
alternative investments (AI), and other non-standard assets are exempt from asset-based pricing and subject
to separate custody and/or commission charges by the broker/custodian that the client is responsible for
paying. The broker/custodian does not share commission or ticket charges with Gladstone or its
representatives.
Clients should also be aware that they are responsible for paying all other applicable fees, including custodian
fees, mutual fund expenses, third-party manager fees, administrative fees, and other miscellaneous fees,
charges, or expenses associated with their account. This includes, but is not limited to, charges the fees
outlined below. These fees provide an overview of the most common fees but does not include a description
of every potential additional fee or expense applicable to client accounts; rather, this is a general description
of the most common fees inherent to the types of accounts and transactions we offer. As noted throughout
this brochure, clients should refer to applicable account opening documents, broker/custodian fee schedules,
prospectuses, third-party portfolio manager brochures, and any other disclosure documents for specific
details regarding applicable fees and expenses in connection with your account, product, transaction type, or
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third-party manager.
Mutual Fund Share Class Fees
Gladstone has available for purchase through its broker/custodian platforms, mutual funds which are no-load
or load-waived share classes. Most mutual fund share classes charge marketing and distribution fees (i.e.,
12b-1 fees) which are paid to the broker/custodian and not directly or indirectly paid to Gladstone or its
representatives. 12b-1 fees are not credited back to client accounts. Clients should also be aware that advisory
assets may be held in a mutual fund share class that charges higher 12-b1 fee when a lower-cost share class
is available on the broker/custodian’s platform for the same fund. While Gladstone endeavors to use the
lowest-cost share class available and periodically reviews its fund holdings to convert higher cost shares to
lower cost shares in accordance with its duty of best execution, the Firm cannot ensure that all clients will
hold the lowest cost shares available on the broker/custodian’s platform at any given time. Further, some
third-party money managers and algorithm-driven strategists are more careful about utilizing the lowest cost
share class than others.
In many cases, a particular broker/custodian’s platform will not make available the least expensive share
class that the mutual fund company offers. Share classes are selected by broker/custodians to be available on
their platforms in most cases because the share class pays the broker-dealer compensation for the
administrative and record keeping services the broker-dealer provides to the mutual fund. Gladstone is not
paid revenue sharing compensation paid by mutual fund distributors to broker-dealers for these services.
If a client transfers into an investment advisory account a previously purchased mutual fund and there is an
applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on the fund, client will pay that charge when the
mutual fund is sold. If the account is invested in a mutual fund that charges a fee if a redemption is made
within a specific time period after the investment, the client will be charged a redemption fee. If a mutual
fund has a frequent trading policy, the policy can limit a client’s transactions in shares of the fund.
Many funds available in Gladstone’s advisory programs may be purchased by clients directly from the fund
company. Therefore, clients could generally avoid an additional layer of fees by not using the advisory
services of Gladstone and by making their own decisions regarding the investment. Gladstone encourages
all clients to closely review the investment’s prospectus or offering documents for all such investments with
their representative and to consider aggregate costs. Clients should contact their representative with any
questions about any particular product’s fees and expenses.
Exchange Traded Product Fees
Exchange traded products (ETPs) have internal operational expenses and fees that vary considerably.
Operational expenses are typically deducted from the fund assets and investors do not pay fees directly to a
fund manager. Since ETPs are traded on an exchange like stocks, they may also be subject to brokerage fees.
Third-Party Manager Fees
Clients with assets in third-party portfolio manager programs are subject to a portfolio manager fee and
platform fee. These fees typically range from 15 to 100 basis points (“bps”) of account assets per year but
can be higher or lower. These fees are separate and in addition to the advisory fee you pay us and are disclosed
on separate disclosure documents provided to the client
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Under the GCM Program clients do not pay separate portfolio manager or platform fees. Representatives
typically pay Gladstone a minimum asset-based fee of 15 bps of the representative’s total assets under
management in the GCM program for access to the Investment Strategies, technology, and professional asset
management services offered by KIG. This type of fee arrangement presents a conflict in that the
representative has an incentive to charge clients a higher advisory fee to offset expenses incurred when
utilizing the GCM program.
Step-Out Trades
Broker/custodians will charge you a flat dollar amount or commission as a “prime broker” or “step-out” fee
for each trade that is executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from
the securities sold are settled into your account. These fees are in addition to the asset management fees you
pay us. Gladstone’s representatives do not “step out” trades; however, some of the professional third-party
portfolio managers do step out trades at the portfolio manager’s discretion, subject to their best execution
obligations. Step-out trading practices differ from Manager to Manager. Some third-party Managers do not
engage in step-out trading while others do. Clients should review the firm brochure for the any third-party
portfolio manager selected prior to investing for more information regarding their step-out trade practices
including additional costs that will be incurred by the client.
Insurance Product Fees
Insurance companies impose internal fees and expenses including, but not limited to, policy fees, contingent
deferred sales charges, early redemption fees, fees for guaranteed income riders, underlying investment fees,
and mortality, expense, and administration charges (M&E&A charges.) Other riders or annuity expenses may
apply. These fees are in addition to the management fees you pay us. Complete details of annuity internal
expenses are specified and disclosed in each insurance company’s prospectus.
Margin Loans and Collateralized Lending
loan balance. The
If you enter into a margin loan, the broker/custodian will receive interest charged on your outstanding margin
loan balance. The amount of interest paid to the broker/custodian will vary depending on the outstanding
loan balance and other factors that will affect the interest rate charged to you for the margin loan. We
encourage clients to read their particular broker dealer’s Margin Interest Rate Disclosure for more
information regarding applicable charges on debit and credit balances. With collateralized lending, in most
instances the broker/custodian will be compensated by receiving payments from the lender based on the
amount of your outstanding
total amount of compensation received by
the broker/custodian can vary depending on the terms of the agreement including the interest rate charged to
you by the lender. Gladstone is not affiliated with any lender or broker /custodian and does not receive
compensation directly in connection with a margin loan or pledged asset line of credit. Clients are strongly
encouraged to review the lender's agreements and disclosure documents to understand the fees and expenses
they are paying.
Your representative has an incentive to recommend that you use a margin loan and/or pledged asset line of
credit for liquidity purposes rather than liquidating your holdings or using other sources of liquidity. Your
representative will benefit from your margin loan or collateralized loan because you do not have to liquidate
assets in your account to pay for things with cash, which would diminish the assets held in the account and
the potential fees that could be earned by your representative from holding or engaging in future transactions
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with those assets.
IRA and Qualified Retirement Plan Fees and Rollover Expenses
There are additional fees relating to IRA and qualified retirement plan accounts that you normally incur such
as annual maintenance fees, fees for loans processed, and retirement account closeout fees. These fees are in
addition to underlying investment fees and the management fees you pay us. Other fees may apply. You will
find these fees disclosed in the broker/custodian’s account application paperwork provided to you associated
with these accounts.
Investors may face increased fees and expenses when they rollover assets from an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, transfer an IRA to an IRA, or convert to a Roth IRA managed by Gladstone. Investors should
be aware that even if there are no costs associated with the rollover or transfer itself, there will be costs
associated with account administration and investment management. In addition to the management fees
charged by Gladstone or another adviser, some underlying investment products charge additional internal
fees and expenses. Custodial and transaction fees may also apply. Withdrawal options, required minimum
distributions, tax treatment (particularly with reference to employer stock) may differ. We do not receive
payments in the form of commissions, 12b-1 fees, sales loads, revenue sharing payments, or mark ups or
mark downs in exchange for rendering fiduciary investment advice. You should also be aware that your
representative has a financial incentive to rollover your account or plan because the representative will be
paid on those assets.
If you are considering rolling over assets from an existing employer-sponsored retirement plan, you should
understand that Gladstone’s representatives will provide you with general education regarding the pros and
cons of available options to transfer or rollover tax qualified assets and will not recommend one option over
the other.
Your decision to rollover assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan should be based on your
individual financial circumstances, needs and goals and understanding of the options available to you
including: (i) remaining invested in the plan; (ii) rolling over plan assets to a plan of a new employer (if
applicable); (iii) rolling over assets to an IRA with a financial institution; or (iv) receiving a cash distribution
(which may be fully taxable).
If you decide to rollover assets from an employer-sponsored plan into an IRA account, assets will no longer
be subject to protections of ERISA or different types of protection from creditors and legal judgments. We
strongly encourage you to consult an independent tax or legal advisor prior to rolling over qualified plan
assets. Securities held in a retirement plan can often not be transferred into an IRA and commissions and
sales charges are typically charged by the plan’s broker when liquidating such securities in the plan prior to
the transfer of assets. These fees are in addition to commissions and sales charges previously paid on
transactions in the plan.
You should understand that you are making an independent decision regarding your rollover options,
including any decision to roll out of your current employer-sponsored plan. Your representative will speak
with you regarding the pros and cons of available rollover options as detailed in the IRA Adoption
Application and other applicable disclosures in the account application packet. Representatives will not
provide you with advisory services in connection with a rollover of employer-sponsored plan assets prior to
you making an independent decision to roll assets into an account with us.
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Cash Sweep Arrangement Fees
Gladstone makes available through unaffiliated broker/custodians for cash in an account to be automatically
swept to an interest-bearing Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured deposit account and, for
certain types of accounts, a money market fund. We do not receive a separate fee or compensation for cash
sweep arrangements. Clients should understand that interest rates available in these arrangements may be
lower than interest rates available if the client makes deposits directly with a bank or other depository
institution outside of these arrangements or invests in a money market fund or other cash equivalent. Clients
should compare terms, interest rates, required minimum amounts and other features of these arrangements
with other types of accounts and investments for cash.
Account Termination Fees
Fees to terminate an account are a one-time fee charged to an account holder if he/she terminates or transfers
an account. The termination fee is levied and retained by the financial institution that custodies the client’s
assets. Termination fees are spelled out in the client agreement with the broker/custodian that is entered into
when the account is opened.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Performance-Based Fees
Performance-based fees are based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of the assets of a
client. Our fees are calculated as described in Item 5 below.
Side-By-Side Management
Side-by-side management typically refers to a situation in which the same adviser manages accounts that are
billed based only on a percentage of assets under management and at the same time manages other accounts
for which fees are performance-based, which can give rise to certain conflicts of interest. Gladstone Wealth
Partners does not provide side-by-side management.
Item 5. Account Requirements and Types of Clients
Gladstone’s service offerings currently extend to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, corporations,
businesses, pension and profit-sharing plans, and charitable organizations. Gladstone requires a minimum
initial investment of $0 to $100,000, depending on the program or third-party money manager utilized.
Gladstone and the third-party money manager (if any) may waive minimum initial investment requirements
at its discretion.
Item 6. Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Each representative independently determines based on his own investment strategies, methods of analysis,
and preferences, in conjunction with each client’s specific profile and financial circumstances, which services
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and products to recommend. Accounts are managed independently, and representatives are under no
obligation or requirement to buy or sell the same investments for accounts, even when the investment strategy
may be similar. Your representative, working with you, provides personalized and individualized investment
advice and can employ a variety of investment strategies based on a client’s investment objectives, financial
circumstances, risk tolerance, financial needs, and specific circumstances. Such strategies typically include
long-term and/or short-term purchases and sales of securities.
Representatives must meet certain selection, review, and qualification criteria prior to becoming associated
with the Firm and must successfully complete ongoing training. For more information about the education
and background of the Representative managing your account you should refer to the Representative’s
brochure supplement provided to you when you opened your account.
In addition to your Representative’s training, skill and experience, your representative has access to various
technical research, due diligence materials, and publications to evaluate the performance of securities, third-
party managers, as well as to make investment decisions on your behalf. Some Representatives choose to
incorporate more of the Firm’s available resources in their provision of advisory services to their clients than
others do. Representatives are under no obligation or requirement to utilize the same methods of analysis,
investment strategies, or buy or sell the same investments or select the same third-party portfolio managers
for all accounts, even when the investment strategy may be similar. Your representative will purchase or sell
securities in your account based on your (i) investment objective, (ii) risk tolerance, (iii) liquidity needs, (iv)
time horizon, and (v) other factors. Representatives conduct additional screenings and analysis to identify
products, professional third-party portfolio managers, and investment strategies that are suitable for a
particular client’s financial circumstances, investment guidelines, and preferences.
Gladstone does not calculate or review the performance record of representatives; however, through its
custodians, provides clients with individual quarterly performance information on a time-weighted basis.
Performance information is intended to inform clients as to how their investments have performed for a given
period, both on an absolute basis and compared to leading investment indices.
Portfolio Manager Analysis and Evaluation
Gladstone’s Investment Committee conducts initial and ongoing due diligence on wealth management
platforms and wrap program sponsors to validate their business models, costs, research and due diligence
processes, and ability to identify and access attractive products and professional third-party portfolio
managers that offer a variety of investment strategies and risk exposures. Gladstone does not conduct due
diligence, calculate, or review the performance for each security, product, or third-party portfolio manager
available on the third-party service provider’s platform; but rather, relies heavily on the rigorous quantitative
and/or qualitative due diligence and research conducted by the wealth management platform’s professional
research and portfolio management consultants. Ultimately, Gladstone’s representatives are responsible for
conducting additional screenings and analysis to identify products, investment strategies, and third-party
portfolio managers that are suitable for a particular client’s financial circumstances, investment guidelines,
and individual preferences.
Gladstone’s Investment Committee conducts initial research, due diligence and ongoing monitoring of
portfolio managers and investment strategies offered under the GCM program. The Committee conducts a
multi-factor quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the third-party manager’s investment philosophy and
process, personnel quality, and firm stability through interviews with investment professionals, on-site visits,
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and/or conference calls. The Committee will also conduct return analysis, and holdings-based analysis and
attribution. Managers undergo continued due diligence, including regular monitoring of performance versus
benchmarks, material changes to personnel, processes, and the overall firm.
Risk of Loss
Clients should understand that all investments involve risk of loss of principal and clients should be prepared
to bear the loss of some or assets invested. The investment performance and the success of any account or
particular investment cannot be predicted or guaranteed, and the value of a client’s investments will fluctuate
due to market conditions and other factors. The investment decisions and recommendations made, and the
actions taken are subject to various market, liquidity, currency, economic, and political risks, and will not
necessarily be profitable. It should be expected that the types of risks to which an account is subject, and the
degree to which any particular risks impact an account, will change over time depending on various factors,
including investment objective, investment techniques and asset classes utilized by the representative or
third-party portfolio manager, the timing of the account’s investments, prevailing market and economic
conditions, reputational considerations, and the occurrence of adverse social, political, regulatory, or other
developments. Past performance of any investment is not indicative of future performance.
Representatives and third-party portfolio managers invest in many different types of securities, including
mutual funds, ETPs, listed and non-listed equities, investment-grade and non-investment grade fixed income,
closed end funds, options, annuities, and alternative investments. Investing in securities involves risk of loss
of principal that the client should be prepared to bear. An offering’s prospectus, or other disclosure
document, will outline the terms of the investment including specific risk factors. Clients are strongly
encouraged to review all prospectuses and other offering documents to fully understand risks associated with
any investment prior to investing. Clients are advised that the risk factors listed below are not a complete
description of all risks associated with investment strategies or investment vehicles utilized. Additional risks
are detailed in each fund prospectus or disclosure memorandum that should be carefully considered before
investing.
Market Risk: This is the risk that the value of securities owned by an investor may go up or down, sometimes
rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting securities markets generally or particular industries.
Interest Rate Risk: This is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of an increase in
interest rates; a bond or fixed income fund with a longer duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest
rates than a bond or bond fund with a shorter duration.
Credit Risk: This is the risk that an investor could lose money if the issuer or grantor of a fixed income
security is unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations.
Liquidity Risk. This is the risk that an investor would not be able to sell or redeem an investment quickly
without significantly affecting the price. Liquidity risk is heightened when markets are distressed. Generally,
alternative investments have higher liquidity risk than equities, fixed income securities, mutual funds, or
ETPs.
Concentration Risk: To the extent a client account concentrates its investments by investing a significant
portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer, industry, sector, country, or region, the overall adverse
impact on the client of adverse developments in the business of such issuer, such industry, or such
government could be considerably greater than if they did not concentrate their investments to such an extent.
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Money Market Instruments: Money market instruments are generally considered low risk but are not
guaranteed and may be subject to loss and/or change in market value. Money market instruments may
temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because
of market conditions or other factors. The Firm considers money market instruments an asset class and
charges an asset-based fee on these positions. Depending on interest rates and other market factors,
investments in money market instruments have been, and may continue in the future to be, lower than the
aggregate fees and expenses charged for a client’s participation in an advisory program. This may result in a
client experiencing a negative overall return with respect to cash reserves invested in money market
instruments.
Alternative Strategy Mutual Funds: Certain mutual funds available invest primarily in alternative investments
and/or strategies. Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be appropriate for all
investors and involves special risks, such as risks associated with commodities, real estate, leverage, selling
securities short, the use of derivatives, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes, and potential
illiquidity. There are special risks associated with mutual funds that invest principally in real estate securities,
such as sensitivity to changes in real estate values and interest rates and price volatility because of the fund’s
concentration in the real estate industry. These types of funds tend to have higher expense ratios than more
traditional mutual funds. They also tend to be newer and have less of a track record or performance history.
Closed-End/Interval Funds: Clients should be aware that closed-end funds may not give investors the right
to redeem their shares, and a secondary market may not exist. Therefore, clients may be unable to liquidate
all or a portion of their shares in these types of funds. While the fund may from time-to-time offer to
repurchase shares, it is not obligated to do so (unless it has been structured as an “interval fund”). In the case
of interval funds, the fund will provide limited liquidity to shareholders by offering to repurchase a limited
amount of shares on a periodic basis, but there is no guarantee that clients will be able to sell all of the shares
in any particular repurchase offer. In some cases, there may be an additional cost to investors who redeem
before holding shares for a specified amount of time. The repurchase offer program may also be suspended
under certain circumstances.
Exchange Traded Products: Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) and Exchange Traded Notes (“ETNs,”)
(collectively Exchange Traded Products (“ETPs,”) are investment funds traded on stock exchanges. Investing
in ETPs carry the risk of capital loss. Areas of concern include the lack of transparency in products and
increasing complexity, conflicts of interest, illiquidity, poor trade execution in adverse market conditions.
While ETPs often provide diversification, the fund can be concentrated in a particular asset category or class
within a category. A fund’s risk can depend on how closely its return is coupled with given indexes, the
riskiness of each index and how closely the indexes tend to move together. In addition, because ETPs are
traded on exchanges, they may trade at prices above or below their net asset value (“NAV”). As a result,
investors in ETPs may purchase fund shares at process above their NAV or sell shares at prices below their
NAV. Although many ETPs are registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940 like traditional mutual funds, some ETPs, in particular those that invest in commodities, are not
registered as an investment company. ETPs may be closed and liquidated at the discretion of the issuing
company.
Leveraged and Inverse ETPs and Mutual Funds: Leveraged ETPs and mutual funds, sometimes labeled
“ultra” pr “2x” for example, are designed to provide a multiple of the underlying index’s return, typically on
a daily basis. Inverse products are designed to provide the opposite of the return of the underlying index,
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typically on a daily basis. These products are different from and can be riskier than traditional ETPs and
mutual funds. Although these products are designed to provide returns that generally correspond to the
underlying index, they may not be able to exactly replicate the performance of the index because of fund
expenses and other factors. This is referred to as a tracking error. Continual resetting of returns within the
product may add to the underlying costs and increase the tracking error. As a result, this may prevent these
products from achieving their investment objective. In addition, compounding of the returns can produce a
divergence from the underlying index over time, in particular for leveraged products. In highly volatile
markets with large positive and negative swings, return distortions may be magnified over time. Some
deviations from the stated objectives, to the positive or negative, are possible and may or may not correct
themselves over time. To accomplish their objectives, these products use a range of strategies, including
swaps, futures contracts and other derivatives. These products may not be diversified and can be based on
commodities or currencies. These products may have higher expense ratios and be less tax-efficient than
more traditional ETPs and mutual funds.
Cryptocurrency ETPs: Cryptocurrency ETPs are exposed to cryptocurrency, decentralized digitized assets
that often rely on blockchain technology. Cryptocurrency ETPs are highly speculative and extremely volatile.
Cryptocurrency is part of a new and evolving industry, and neither the technology nor regulatory regime for
cryptocurrency is settled. Cryptocurrency ETPs may trade in over-the-counter markets and may not be
afforded all of the investor protections of other exchange traded products. Certain futures linked ETPs invest
in cryptocurrency futures, which could magnify risks.
Standardized Options: Clients should be aware that the use of options involves additional risks. The risks of
covered call writing include the potential for the market to rise sharply. In such case, the security may be
called away and the account will no longer hold the security. When purchasing options there is the risk that
the entire premium paid (the purchase price) for the option can be lost if the option is not exercised or
otherwise sold prior to the option’s expiration date. When selling (i.e., “writing”) options, the risk of loss
can be much greater if the options are written uncovered (i.e., “naked”). The risk of loss can far exceed the
amount of the premium received for an uncovered option and in the case of an uncovered call option the
potential loss is unlimited.
Structured Products: Structured products are securities derived from another asset, such as a security or
basket of securities, an index, a commodity, a debt issuance, or foreign currency. Structured products
frequently limit the upside participation in the reference asset. Structured products are senior unsecured debt
of the issuing bank and subject to the credit risk associated with that issuer. The credit risk exists whether or
not the investment held in the account offers principal protection. The creditworthiness of the issuer does not
affect or enhance the likely performance of the investment other than the ability of the issuer to meet its
obligations. Any payments due at maturity are dependent on the issuer’s ability to pay. In addition, the
trading price of the security in the secondary market, if there is one, may be adversely impacted if the issuer’s
credit rating is downgraded. Some structured products offer full protection of the principal invested, others
offer only partial or no protection. Investors may be sacrificing a higher yield to obtain the principal
guarantee. In addition, the principal guarantee relates to nominal principal and does not offer inflation
protection. An investor in a structured product never has a claim on the underlying investment, whether a
security, zero coupon bond, or option. There may be little or no secondary market for the securities and
information regarding independent market pricing for the securities may be limited. This is true even if the
product has a ticker symbol or has been approved for listing on an exchange. Tax treatment of structured
products may be different from other investments held in the account (e.g., income may be taxed as ordinary
income even though payment is not received until maturity). Structured CDs that are insured by FDIC are
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subject to applicable FDIC limits.
Business Development Companies (BDCs): BDCs are types of closed-end investment companies. Generally,
BDCs invest primarily in the debt and equity of private and/or small U.S. companies and may offer
distribution rates generated through potentially significant credit and liquidity risk exposures amplified
through leverage. As with other high-yield investments, such as floating- rate/leveraged loan funds, private
REITs and limited partnerships, investors are exposed to significant market, credit, interest rate, and liquidity
risks. In addition, BDCs run the risk of over- leveraging their relatively illiquid portfolios. Due to the illiquid
nature of non-traded BDCs, investors’ exit opportunities may be limited to only periodic share repurchases
by the BDC. A tender offer pursuant to a share redemption program may be oversubscribed so that the BDC
accepts only a pro rata portion of the shares a client tenders during a redemption program. In such cases, a
client may experience significant delays (including, potentially, indefinite delays) to exit the investment. In
addition, share redemption programs may be shut down at any time at the discretion of the issuer’s board.
Also, BDCs may fund distributions from offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of
capital and reduce the amount of capital available to make investments. In some cases, there may be an
additional cost to investors who redeem before holding the shares for a specified number of years.
High-Yield Debt: High-yield debt is issued by companies or municipalities that do not qualify for “investment
grade” ratings by one or more rating agencies. The below investment grade designation is based on the rating
agency’s opinion of an issuer that it has a greater risk to repay both principal and interest and a greater risk
of default than those issuers rated investment grade. High yield debt carries greater risk than investment grade
debt. There is the risk that the potential deterioration of an issuer’s financial health and subsequent
downgrade in its rating will result in a decline in market value or default. Because of the potential inability
of an issuer to make interest and principal payments, an investor may receive back less than originally
invested. There is also the risk that the bond’s market value will decline as interest rates rise and that an
investor will not be able to liquidate a bond before maturity.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”): Investments in real estate funds and REITs face several kinds of
risk that are inherent in the real estate sector, which historically has experienced significant fluctuations and
cycles of performance. Revenues and cash flows may be adversely affected by: changes in local real estate
market conditions due to changes in national or local economic conditions or changes in local property market
characteristics; competition from other properties offering the same or similar services; changes in interest
rates and in the state of the credit and equity markets; changes in real estate tax rates and other operating
expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; and the impact of present and future
environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws. Non-Traded REITs are not required to
provide annual valuations until two years and 150 days after reaching the minimum capital raise required to
begin purchasing properties. Non-Traded REITs may fund distributions from offering proceeds or
borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to invest in
new assets. Clients should be aware that these securities may not be liquid as there is no secondary trading
market available. At the absolute discretion of the issuer of the security, there may be certain repurchase offers
made from time-to-time. However, there is no guarantee that the client will be able to redeem the security
during the repurchase offer. Issuers may repurchase shares at a price below net asset value. The repurchase
program may also be suspended under certain circumstances.
Hedge Funds and Non-Traded Managed Futures: Investing in these funds involves additional risks including,
but not limited to, the risk of investment loss due to the use of leveraging and other speculative investment
practices, currency and interest rate risk, lack of liquidity, and performance volatility. In addition, these funds
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are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors and may involve complex
tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information. At the discretion of the issuer of the fund,
there may be certain repurchase offers made; however, there is no guarantee that an investor will be able to
redeem the fund during the repurchase offer. In some cases, there may be an additional cost to investors who
redeem before holding shares for a specified amount of time. Issuers typically accept redemption requests
only periodically (monthly or quarterly), and often have discretion to suspend redemptions in times of market
stress. Even after a redemption request is accepted, the redemption proceeds may not be available for a
significant period of time following the effective date of the redemption. A portion of the redemption proceeds
may also be withheld to account for potential future adjustments to the valuation of the security. Funds of
hedge funds are pooled investments in several hedge funds. Expenses in funds of hedge funds are typically
higher than mutual funds. Because they may invest in a number of private hedge funds, funds of funds also
hear a part of the fees and expenses of those underlying hedge funds.
Annuities: Annuities are technically insurance products, not designed for short-term investing. Their
performance can approximate that of equities and fixed income. Common inherent risks in annuities include
(i) the risk the insurer will become insolvent (credit risk), (ii) the risk that inflation will be higher than the
annuity’s guaranteed rate (purchasing power risk), (iii) the risk that funds will be tied up for years with little
ability to access them (liquidity risk), and (iv) the risk that surrender penalties will create losses of funds are
withdrawn early (surrender risk). Clients should also be aware that certain riders purchased with a variable
annuity may limit the investment options and the ability to manage the subaccounts.
Margin Accounts: Clients should be aware that margin borrowing involves additional risks. Margin
borrowing will result in increase gain if the value of the securities in the account go up, but will result in
increased losses if the value of the securities in the account goes down. The client’s broker/custodian acts as
the client’s creditor and has the authority to liquidate all or part of the account to repay any portion of the
margin loan, even if timing would be disadvantageous to the client.
Pledged Asset Lines of Credit: Entering into a pledged asset line and pledging securities as collateral involves
a high degree of risk. At any time, including in the event that the loan value of collateral is insufficient to
satisfy the minimum loan value of collateral or to support the outstanding loans, the lending institution may
demand immediate payment of all or any portion of the outstanding obligations, or require additional cash or
securities to be added to the pledged account.
Donor advised funds ("DAFs"): DAFs are available only to clients in select states. DAFs allow clients to
make an irrevocable charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants
from the fund over time. The sponsoring organizations maintain ultimate control over all contributions and
grant recommendations. Clients should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax implications of
contributions to DAFs.
Reliance on Outside Data Providers: We receive all account and transactional data and other information
regarding account valuation from unaffiliated custodians (outside data providers.) The inherent risk is that we
have no independent means to ensure that such data is error-free or discover that such data is in other ways
incomplete or inaccurate.
Technology and Cyber Security Risks: Clients should be aware of the risk of actual and attempted cyber-
attacks, including denial of service attacks, harm to technology infrastructure and data from misappropriation
or corruption, and reputational harm. Due to Gladstone’s interconnectivity with service providers, client
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accounts could be adversely impacted and subject to identity theft and fraud if any service provider is subject
to a cyber-attack or other information security event. Although Gladstone takes risk management and security
measures against cyber security breaches, systems could be subject to physical or electronic breaches
resulting in a failure to maintain the security and confidentiality of data assets. Technology failures or cyber
security breaches, deliberate or unintentional, could delay or disrupt our ability to do business or service our
clients.
Artificial Intelligence Risks: Gladstone does not use artificial intelligence (“AI”) to construct portfolios or to
make recommendations. Certain third-party vendors may use artificial intelligence within their own
systems, and the use of this technology involves risks that clients should understand. AI tools may rely on
data that is incomplete or inaccurate, which can result in errors withing supporting processes. These tools
may not perform as expected and can be affected by model limitations, system interruptions, and other
factors. Gladstone has incorporated controls into its vendor due diligence program to review and monitor the
use of AI by service providers. Technology based processes involve uncertainties and are not viewed as a
substitute for Gladstone’s professional judgment and oversight.
Terrorism, Disease Epidemics and Other Catastrophic Risks: These are the risks of loss that may be incurred,
indirectly, due to the occurrence of various events, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural
disasters, terrorism, and other catastrophic events such as a pandemic. These catastrophic risks of loss can be
substantial and could have a material adverse effect on Gladstone’s business and on the performance of your
account.
Class Action Lawsuits
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action lawsuits.
Gladstone Wealth Partners has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class action lawsuit. Furthermore, we have no obligation or responsibility to initiate
litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who may have been injured as a result of actions,
misconduct or negligence by corporate management of issuers whose securities are held by clients.
Item 7. Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers
The representative will request information from the client regarding the client’s financial circumstances
including income, net worth, time horizon, liquidity needs, investment objectives, preferences, among other
things, in determining whether a wrap fee account is appropriate for and in the best interest of the client.
The representative will contact the client periodically to determine if there have been any changes in the
client’s financial circumstances so that the investment strategy of the account can be adjusted accordingly.
The information provided by the client will be shared among Gladstone, the representative, the selected
broker/custodian, third-party managers (if any), and will be used in formulating recommendations and
strategies in managing the client’s assets.
Clients should promptly contact their representative any time the client’s financial circumstances or
investment objectives change, or if any of the information previously provided to the representative has
materially changed. The representative can then determine whether the wrap fee account and its investments
continue to remain appropriate, or if changes should be recommended.
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Item 8. Client Contact with Portfolio Managers
Once an advisory relationship is established, there are no restrictions on a client’s ability to contact Gladstone
or the representative. Under certain circumstances, the client may request direct contact with Gladstone, a
third-party manager, or a strategist. However, these consultations will occur at the sole discretion of
Gladstone or the applicable third-party manager or strategist.
Item 9. Additional Information
Disciplinary Information
Gladstone has no legal or disciplinary information to disclose.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
LPL Financial (“LPL”):
Most Gladstone Wealth Partners Representatives are associated with LPL Financial (“LPL”) as broker dealer
registered representatives (“Dually Registered Persons”).2 LPL is an unaffiliated SEC-registered investment
adviser and FINRA member broker-dealer. Clients can choose to engage Dually Registered Persons in their
individual capacities as registered representatives of LPL to execute investment recommendations on a
commission basis. In this capacity, a Dually Registered Person’s recommendation that a client purchase
securities in a brokerage account presents a material conflict of interest, as the receipt of commissions
provides an incentive for the Dually Registered Person to recommend investment products based on
commissions, 12b-1 fees from mutual fund sales, and other forms of remuneration rather than on a particular
client’s need.
In some cases, clients may pay higher commissions and transaction costs for executing transactions through
LPL than through other broker-dealers and in most cases, than through a discount broker-dealer. Clients are
under no obligation to purchase brokerage products from Gladstone’s Representatives. Clients are reminded
that they can purchase investment products recommended by Gladstone Representatives through other, non-
affiliated broker-dealers or insurance agents.
LPL Financial is responsible for supervising certain activities of these representatives to the extent they
manage assets at a broker/dealer and custodian other than LPL Financial. LPL Financial charges a fee of up
to 10 basis points to the representative for this oversight. This creates a conflict of interest as it creates an
incentive for the representative to recommend that you maintain your account with LPL Financial rather than
another custodian.
2 Additional information about LPL Financial (CRD#: 6431/SEC#: 801-10970, 8-17668) and its registered representatives is available
on FINRA’s BrokerCheck® Website at https://brokercheck.finra.org and the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Website
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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In limited circumstances, certain Representatives of Gladstone are also associated with LPL as dually
registered investment advisory representatives to provide advisory services as an investment manager under
Section 3(38) of ERISA. When acting in this capacity, Representatives offer discretionary retirement
planning services to plan sponsors for a fee as representatives of LPL.
Kessler Investment Group, LLC (“KIG”):
Gladstone maintains a material relationship with Kessler Investment Group, LLC (“KIG”), an SEC registered
investment adviser (CRD#: 153696/SEC#: 801-71393), where KIG serves as sub-adviser to investment
strategies offered to individual separate accounts under the GCM program. In return for portfolio
management services, Gladstone charges clients an annual asset-based fee and pays 30% of that fee to KIG
on a quarterly basis. Clients do not pay more for portfolio management services under this fee arrangement
and Representatives earn the same compensation regardless of which program or services they offer. A
material conflict of interest exists where certain representatives are dually registered representatives of
Gladstone and KIG and utilize KIG as the sub-adviser for accounts in the GCM program where KIG will
earn related compensation.
Outside Business Activities (“OBAs”):
Many of our representatives engage in outside business activities that create conflicts of interest when
providing client recommendations. Further information about the representative managing your account, as
well as potential conflicts that can impact their recommendations, are outlined in your representative’s Form
ADV, Part 2B, Brochure Supplement provided to you when you opened your advisory account. Contact your
representative or us at (908) 719-1313 if you need an additional copy.
Certain representatives of the firm conduct advisory business through a personal legal entity (such as an LLC
or S-Corporation) for branding, tax, or administrative purposes. In such cases, the representatives may direct
the payment of advisory fees to the representative’s approved personal entity. These entities are wholly
owned and controlled by the relevant representative and used solely as a compensation conduit; they do not
themselves provide investment advisory services, custody client assets, or hold themselves out to the public
as independent advisory firms. The use of such entities does not change the advisory relationship between
the client and Gladstone. All representatives, regardless of any personal entity used for compensation, remain
individually registered and subject to the firm’s compliance policies, supervision, and regulatory oversight
Certain Representatives of Gladstone have their own legal business entities including, but not limited to,
accounting and legal firms. Supervised Persons must disclose outside business activities to Gladstone before
undertaking any such activity so that a determination may be made that the activities do not interfere with
any of the individual’s responsibilities with the representative and any conflicts of interests may be addressed.
Outside business activities that create a material conflict of interest or that provide a substantial source of the
Supervised Person’s income or time are disclosed in the Supervised Person’s brochure supplement. Clients
should understand that outside businesses are legal entities of the Representative and not Gladstone.
Gladstone does not endorse or recommend the services of any Representative outside of their role as a
Supervised Person of Gladstone. No client is under any obligation to purchase any products or services from
Gladstone’s Representatives in their individual business capacities.
Gladstone does not recommend, monitor, or evaluate fixed insurance products purchased by clients. When
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clients request insurance products, such purchases are made solely through representatives acting in their
capacity as licensed insurance agents, which constitutes an OBA and is separate from Gladstone. Even where
a client requests that fixed insurance products be included in consolidated reports or hypothetical illustrations,
such products are reflected only as provided by the client or the issuing company. Gladstone does not
recommend, review, monitor, or evaluate such fixed insurance products, and clients are solely responsible
for determining whether those products continue to meet their financial needs. Gladstone does not assess
advisory fees on these insurance products because it does not provide advisory services with respect to these
products.
Additionally, variable insurance products may be held in an account managed by Gladstone or in an outside
account. Variable products held in an outside account are purchased through representatives acting in their
capacity as licensed insurance agents and treated as an OBA and are not managed by Gladstone.
By contrast, for variable insurance products held within advisory accounts we manage, Gladstone provides
ongoing advice and monitoring, consistent with our fiduciary responsibilities under the Investment Advisers
Act. Certain of these variable products are purchased through an outside insurance desk to the extent
permitted by the insurance carrier. For such products, Gladstone receives compensation for the variable
products in two forms: (1) a fee for purchasing certain variable annuity products through the outside insurance
desk, and (2) an ongoing management fee for managing these assets within advisory accounts. As a result,
clients may pay more for variable insurance products held in accounts managed by Gladstone. When
Gladstone is unable to purchase the variable annuity through the outside insurance desk, its compensation
related to such variable annuities is limited to an ongoing management fee for managing the variable annuities
within the advisory account. This compensation structure creates a conflict of interest because Gladstone and
its representatives have a financial incentive to recommend variable insurance products-and to retain these
assets under management-even when comparable non-insurance investment options may be available at
lower cost to the client. To mitigate this conflict, Gladstone requires all representatives to adhere to their
fiduciary obligations when recommending variable insurance products, including evaluating whether such
products are suitable and in the client’s best interest.
Clients should understand the important distinction between: (a) variable insurance products held in advisory
accounts, which are subject to Gladstone’ fiduciary management and ongoing monitoring; and (b) fixed
insurance products and other outside holdings, which may appear in consolidated reports for reporting
purposes only but are not managed, monitored, or evaluated by Gladstone. Clients bear sole responsibility
for evaluating whether fixed insurance products and other outside holdings continue to meet their financial
objectives.
Clients should also be aware that because commissions and other benefits may be higher when
representatives sell fixed insurance products through Gladstone-affiliated agencies, representatives generally
have a greater financial incentive to recommend affiliated products over comparable products available from
non-affiliated insurance agencies. This creates an additional conflict of interest, as the representative may
benefit financially from recommending affiliated products even if non-affiliated products offer comparable
or better terms. Clients are under no obligation to purchase any insurance product recommended or offered
by a representative, and clients are free to purchase comparable insurance products through any other licensed
insurance agent or agency of their choosing. Clients should carefully consider these potential conflicts of
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interest when evaluating any insurance recommendation made by a representative.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Gladstone has adopted a code of ethics that emphasizes the high standards of conduct the Firm seeks to
observe. Gladstone personnel are required to conduct themselves with integrity and follow the principles and
policies detailed in the Firm’s code of ethics. A copy of the code of ethics is available upon request by
contacting the Firm at (908) 719-1313.
Gladstone’s code of ethics addresses conflicts of interest the Firm has identified or that could likely arise
specific to its business activities and service model. Firm personnel are required to follow guidelines
governing their conduct in areas including, but not limited to conflicts of interest, compliance with state and
federal statutes, laws and regulations, personal trading activities, and possession of and actions with regard
to material nonpublic information.
Gladstone’s code of ethics requires, among other things, “Access Persons” (as defined by the SEC) to
periodically report their personal securities transactions and holdings to the Firm for review. Gladstone does
not maintain “restricted lists”, implement “blackout periods” or require prior written approval (“pre-
clearance”) for personal securities transactions other than participation in private placements or initial public
offerings (“IPOs”). Gladstone does not participate in allocations of IPOs. Gladstone does not hold or trade
securities in proprietary accounts. From time to time, Representatives may trade in securities for their own
accounts that they also trade in client accounts, and they also trade in different securities that they do not feel
are appropriate for certain clients. The conflict presented in this practice could lead to a client not
participating in the appreciation of a particular security, or the Representative purchasing or selling a security
and receiving a better price than the client.
Representatives may aggregate transactions for a client with other clients to improve the quality of execution.
Clients should be aware that the Representative’s personal accounts (including related accounts, such as those
of family members) can be included in such a block order. Although the same average price would be applied
to client accounts and the Representative’s personal accounts, the inclusion of an Representative’s personal
account(s) in a block order can present a conflict of interest. It is possible that the inclusion of the personal
account could negatively impact the price of the security or result in the client being allocated less of an
order. If a partially filled order is allocated on a random basis, the inclusion of the personal account could
make it less probable that a client account is randomly selected, and the Representative’s personal account
could be randomly selected instead of a client account. Gladstone addresses this conflict by disclosing it to
you. Please ask your Representative if you would like more information on the Representative’s trading
practices in this respect.
Craig Kessler, is a dually registered investment adviser representative of Gladstone and KIG, an unaffiliated
institutional money manager where KIG serves as sub-adviser to accounts in the GCM program. SWM
Accounts that are in whole or in part managed by Craig Kessler are independently managed and often include
the same or similar securities and allocations as GCM investment strategies. Clients are advised that in
instances where the same securities are purchased or sold in SWM accounts as those in GCM accounts, SWM
account transactions will occur after KIG trades the GCM accounts. This act may provide clients in GCM
program accounts with a better trading price than clients in the SWM program.
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Review of Accounts
Representatives review wrap fee accounts on an ongoing basis and complete a review of each client account
at least annually to determine the continued appropriateness of the account and if it remains in the client’s
best interest. An Representative’s underlying premise for the continued suitability of a wrap account is based
on the totality of services provided, not on any single service or component of the overall fee.
The Representative will contact the client periodically to determine if there have been any changes in the
client’s financial situation or investment objectives so that the investment strategy of the account may be
adjusted accordingly. Additional contact may be triggered at the client’s request, or by material market,
economic, or political events, or by other events.
Once an advisory relationship is established, there are no restrictions on a client’s ability to contact Gladstone
or the Representative. Under certain circumstances, the client may request direct contact with Gladstone, a
third-party manager, or a strategist. However, these consultations will occur at the sole discretion of
Gladstone or the applicable third-party manager or strategist.
Each client will receive written reports directly from the broker/custodian that detail the client’s positions
and activity. Many Representatives also provide their clients with periodic performance reports, which may
show performance across multiple accounts within a household. Clients are advised that these are not official
account records and to always compare those reports to the ones provided by the qualified custodians, which
are the official records of the accounts.
Program accounts are subject to a risk-based exception reporting system that flags client accounts or
households based on Firm-specified criteria, including, but not limited to, trading inactivity and/or missing
annual review reports. The exception reporting identifies accounts or households where additional analysis
by a Gladstone supervisor may be appropriate.
Referrals for Lending Services:
Gladstone established relationships with lenders and lending platforms to help facilitate client access to
unsecured (personal) loans, residential real estate loans, and securities-backed loans. Clients should
understand that any such referral made by a Gladstone representative is an ancillary service, and it is not an,
nor it is part of, any advisory program or advisory service. Gladstone representatives act as an intermediary
but do not act as a fiduciary to the client when making such a referral and will not provide advice or oversee
any lending arrangement between the client and lender. Clients can not use proceeds from a loan to purchase
securities. For unsecured loans and securities-based loans, Gladstone is eligible to receive a one-time
compensation payment based on a certain percentage of the loan amount for each loan that Gladstone
representatives refer to the lender or lending platform. This compensation rate does not vary between lenders.
Gladstone representatives are not compensated for these referrals.
Other Compensation
Gladstone representatives who are also registered representatives of LPL and are eligible to participate in
incentive programs offered through LPL where cash and non-cash compensation is received such as
production bonuses, deferred compensation, stock options to purchase shares of LPL’s parent company, and
other things of value, such as free or reduced-cost attendance at LPL’s national sales conference or top
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producer forums and events. Such compensation is typically based on overall business produced and/or on
the amount of assets placed through LPL. Because Representatives who participate in LPL’s inventive
programs are rewarded with cash and/or non-cash compensation, these programs incentivize Representatives
to base their recommendations on their own financial interest rather than the client’s best interest. Portions
of these programs are subsidized by other vendors and issuers which creates an inventive to promote the
products of these vendors and issuers. Gladstone does not directly or indirectly receive cash or non-cash
compensation from LPL.
Gladstone representatives who are also a registered representative with LPL may receive payments from LPL
in connection with his/her transition to LPL as a registered representative. Registered representatives often
receive an initial loan and/or transition payment from LPL to assist with the costs associated with
transitioning client assets to LPL’s custodial platform (“Transition Assistance”). The amount of Transition
Assistance that LPL pays to any registered representative can vary greatly but is typically between 5 – 15
bps of verified or unverified assets. Transition Assistance may also be provided by LPL, at its discretion, to
Dually Registered Persons for investment advisory assets custodied at LPL where Gladstone is Adviser.
Transition Assistance is paid to the registered representative to assist with the costs associated with the
transition, such as moving expenses, leasing space, furniture, staff, and termination fees associated with
moving accounts; however, there is no verification to confirm the use of these payments for such transition
costs. These payments may be in the form of loans to the registered representative, which are repayable to
LPL or forgiven by LPL based on years of service with LPL and/or the scope of business engaged in with
LPL, including the amount of assets custodied at LPL. The receipt of these payments is a conflict of interest
in that an Representative has a financial incentive to recommend that a client custody assets at LPL in order
for the loan to be forgiven. However, to the extent we recommend you establish or maintain an account with
Gladstone and custody at LPL, it is because we believe it is in your best interest to do so based on your
financial circumstances, goals, and objectives, as well as the services offered.
Gladstone and its representatives receive other compensation from product sponsors. However, such
compensation may not be tied to the sales of any products. Compensation includes such items as gifts with
a de minimis annual value, an occasional dinner or ticket to an entertainment event, reimbursement in
connection with an educational meeting, business consulting, client events, or marketing initiatives. Product
sponsors also pay for, or reimburse Gladstone for the costs associated with, Gladstone-sponsored training
conferences and events.
Gladstone utilizes Envestnet Financial Technologies, Inc. (“Envestnet”) to access various third-party
investment managers for the TAMP Program and alternative investments through Envestnet’s “Alternatives
Exchange” in conjunction with Institutional iCapital Network, Inc. (“iCapital”) and UBS Financial Services,
Inc. (“UBS”). Gladstone accesses Envestnet through LibertyFi, LLC, a middle-office Envestnet consulting
solution. By utilizing such service providers to access advisory products and services, Gladstone is eligible
to receive preferred (lower) pricing on transition support, technology, and other related administrative,
operational, and consulting support and services. Gladstone believes that the scope and nature of these
services best service the interests and needs of its clients. Envestnet, LibertyFi, iCapital and UBS are not
affiliated with Gladstone and Gladstone does not receive revenue sharing or any portion of fees paid directly
to these service providers.
Investment Discretion
It is our customary procedure to have full discretionary authority in order to supervise and direct the
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investments of our clients’ accounts and retain sub-advisers. This authority is for the purpose of making and
implementing investment decisions, including the hiring and firing of sub-advisers, without the client’s prior
consultation. All investment decisions are made in accordance with the client’s stated investment objectives.
Clients grant discretionary authority to Gladstone Wealth Partners by completing the following items:
• Execution of Gladstone Wealth Partner’s investment management agreement, which designates the
authority for us to implement investment decisions and, as applicable, to select sub-advisers on your
behalf.
• Provide Gladstone Wealth Partners with trading authorization and discretionary authority on the new
account forms that are submitted to the broker-dealer acting as custodian for the client’s account(s).
Other than advisory fees due to Gladstone, which the Firm will receive directly from the custodian,
Gladstone’s discretionary authority does not grant us the authority to take or have possession of any assets
in the client’s account.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions, in writing, on investing in certain securities or types of securities
in accordance with their values and beliefs. Gladstone Wealth Partners will make every effort to comply with
the wishes of the client but cannot guarantee absolute adherence due to our use of indexed products, funds,
and ETPs that may hold or trade securities sought to be restricted. Any limitations to the trading authorization
will be added to Gladstone’s investment management agreement in writing.
Voting Client Securities
Gladstone will not request or 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. For client accounts managed by a third-party portfolio manager, clients should refer to the separate
agreement they entered into with the portfolio manager and that portfolio manger’s specific proxy voting
policies and procedures. In addition, Gladstone and its Representatives do not accept authority to take action
with respect to legal proceedings relating to securities held in the account.
Financial Information
Balance Sheet Requirement
Gladstone does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six (6) months or
more in advance, we are not required to deliver our balance sheet along with the Disclosure Brochure.
Financial Condition
Gladstone does not have any financial condition that would reasonably be likely to impair its ability to meet
its contractual commitments to clients.
Bankruptcy Petition
Gladstone has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the last ten (10) years.
Recommendation of Broker/Custodians
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Gladstone has entered a relationship with LPL Financial, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab to serve as executing
broker-dealer and qualified custodian for asset management program accounts. Gladstone does not have
discretionary authority to select the broker/custodian for custody and execution services. While Gladstone’s
Representative s may make a recommendation as to the selection of a broker/custodian, it is ultimately the
client’s decision to select and direct the custodian as the sole and exclusive broker-dealer to execute, clear,
and settle transactions for program accounts and to authorize Gladstone to buy and sell securities when we
instruct them to.
Clients should be aware that if an Representative is also a registered representative of LPL, he/she may not
be permitted to use a custodian other than LPL. Whether or not the Representative is able to use a custodian
other than LPL is determined by Gladstone and LPL and is based on the experience and production level of
the Representative, among other factors. In such cases where a custodian other than LPL is selected by the
client and the Representative is a registered representative of LPL, Gladstone will pay 5 bps of the value of
assets under management held at said custodian to LPL as an oversight fee. Certain account types are exempt
from the calculation. This payment comes from the portion of the advisory fee that would otherwise be paid
to the Representative. This presents a conflict of interest in that an Representative has a financial incentive
to recommend LPL as a custodian. Notwithstanding, Gladstone and its Representatives will recommend a
custodian to clients only if it believes it is in the client’s best interest.
Certain clients may negotiate with their Representative to designate specific positions held at custodians such
as Charles Schwab or Fidelity as “unbillable,” meaning those positions are excluded from fee calculations.
This practice creates a conflict of interest for clients whose assets are custodied at LPL Financial, as LPL
does not permit positions to be designated as unbillable. As a result, clients custodied at LPL may incur
advisory fees on all positions, whereas clients at other custodians may have the ability to exclude certain
positions from billing. This difference in treatment could influence a client’s choice of custodian or the
adviser’s recommendation of custodians. We address this conflict by disclosing it to clients and allowing
them to select their preferred custodian, subject to the custodian’s policies.
Asset-Based Pricing
Representatives pay a platform fee (“asset-based fee” aka “asset-based pricing”) to Gladstone which it passes
in part to the broker/custodian to cover transaction and execution costs (commissions/ticket charges) on a
calculation based on the Representative’s aggregate assets under management. Representatives pay an asset-
based fee regardless of how much or little they trade client accounts. We believe that an asset-based fee
structure reduces potential conflicts of interest that may arise with individual ticket/transaction charges that
can influence an Representative’s decision whether or not to trade an account.
Depending on the broker/custodian, charges for asset-based pricing may exclude certain account and asset
types, such as non-transaction fee (“NTF”) mutual funds and ETPs. To mitigate any financial incentive for
Representatives to select NTF funds over other funds that may have lower internal fees, Representatives pay
a platform fee to Gladstone based on their total assets under management regardless of asset type (e.g., the
asset-based fee does not exclude NTF funds). We believe this fee structure further reduces conflicts of
interest which may arise that can influence an Representative recommending a particular broker/custodian
or utilizing specific assets. We believe this fee structure mitigates conflicts of interest and financial incentive
for an Representative to utilize any specific asset type.
Clients are advised that while Gladstone endeavors to use the lowest-cost mutual fund share class available
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and periodically reviews its fund holdings to convert higher cost shares to lower cost shares in accordance
with its duty of best execution, the Firm cannot ensure that all clients will hold the lowest cost shares available
on the broker/custodian’s platform at any given time.
Best Execution
Gladstone recognizes that there are areas that represent potential conflicts of interest when considering its
duty to obtain best execution of client trades. To this end, Gladstone has negotiated asset-based pricing
arrangements with broker/custodians where transactions are executed without commissions or transaction
fees (see “Asset-Based Pricing” above). Through evaluation of a list of quantitative and qualitative factors,
Gladstone believes that the broker/custodians that it makes available on its platform offer the most
comprehensive package and best balance of costs, accuracy and speed of execution, access to markets and
liquidity, quality of services, financial stability, and reputation. Gladstone regularly evaluates these factors
as part of its duty to secure best execution of client trades. Clients should be aware that while Gladstone
reviews to ensure that available broker/custodians have execution procedures that are reasonably designed to
obtain the best execution possible, there can be no assurance that best execution will be achieved.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
Gladstone receives products and services from broker/custodians, many of which assist Gladstone to better
monitor and service client accounts. Products and services may be received without cost, at a discount, and/or
at a negotiated rate, and can include investment-related research, pricing information and market data,
software and other technology that provide access to client account data, consulting services, attendance at
conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support, computer software,
and other products and services used by Gladstone in furtherance of its investment advisory business
operations. Products and services are provided to Gladstone based on the overall relationship between
Gladstone and the broker/custodian and not the result of soft dollar arrangements or any other express
arrangements that involve the execution of client transactions as a condition to the receipt of such products
and services. Gladstone will continue to receive products and services regardless of the volume of client
transactions executed with a particular broker/custodian. Clients do not pay more because we receive these
benefits. There is no corresponding commitment made by Gladstone to a broker/custodian or any other entity
to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific securities as a result of these
arrangements.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Gladstone and its related persons do not receive client referrals for recommending broker-dealers.
Directed Brokerage
Clients should understand that not all advisors require their clients to direct brokerage and that directed
brokerage may result in the client not being able to achieve the most favorable execution and that there are
additional costs associated with directed brokerage trading. Gladstone has determined to generally follow a
policy of holding client assets in individual accounts at the broker/custodian that are identified to the client
instead of in an omnibus account in Gladstone’s name to increase transparency and security for clients but at
the cost of reducing Gladstone’s capability and leverage to negotiate brokerage arrangements. Custodying
client assets in individually identified accounts at specific custodians can also limit the choice of investment
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products, such as certain classes of mutual funds that are available on that custodian’s platform and may
result in a client not being able to invest in certain investment products.
Aggregation of Orders
Purchases, sales, and other orders made for your account may be aggregated with purchase, sales, and other
orders in the same investments for other clients. When transactions are aggregated, the actual prices
applicable to the aggregated orders will be averaged, and the account will be deemed to have purchased or
sold its proportionate share of the investments involved at the average price obtained. Occasionally, an
aggregated order may only be partially filled. Under such circumstances, the investments are allocated, to
the extent feasible, among the applicable clients on a pro rata basis. Representatives may determine not to
aggregate transactions, for example, based on the size of the trades, the liquidity of the securities, and the
discretionary or non-discretionary nature of the trades. If orders are not aggregated, some clients purchasing
securities around the same time may receive a less favorable price than other clients. Clients are encouraged
to refer to the agreements they enter into as well as the disclosure brochure for any third-party manager
utilized for information on the third-party manager’s trade aggregation practices.
Allocation of Investments
Representatives engage in an investment advisory business apart from managing your account. This creates
a conflict of interest with the Representative’s time devoted to managing your account and the allocation of
time and investment opportunities among other client accounts managed by the Representative. The
Representative will attempt to resolve such conflicts in a manner That is fair to all clients. Representatives
provide personalized and individualized advisory services and take action with respect to other clients that
may differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to your account.
Representatives are not obligated to purchase or sell any security that the Representative may acquire for
their own account or for the account of any other client, if in the absolute discretion of the Representative, it
is not practical or desirable to acquire a position in such security for the account.
Principal Transactions and Cross Transactions
Gladstone does not engage in principal transactions or cross transactions.
Trade Errors
Gladstone reimburses accounts for losses resulting from Gladstone’s trade errors but does not credit accounts
for such errors resulting in market gains. The gains and losses may be reconciled within Gladstone’s
custodian firm account and Gladstone may retain the net gains and losses.
Custody
Client assets are housed in unaffiliated and nationally recognized brokerage firms, otherwise known as
custodians. Gladstone does not take custody except under the following two conditions, which are considered
by the SEC to be custody because of the Firm’s ability to transfer/access funds:
1. Gladstone has the authority to ask the custodian to pay investment adviser fees from client accounts and
give payment directly to Gladstone (direct debit). Clients will be sent monthly and/or quarterly written
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summary account statements directly from the custodian that holds and maintains their assets at least
quarterly. Any funds being deposited for investment must be payable to the custodian where the account
is held. Custodial statements will reflect the account holdings, transactions for the period reported, and
any additions and withdrawals from the account, including the custodian’s withdrawal of Gladstone’s
adviser fees. Clients are urged to carefully review the custodian’s statements and compare these official
custodial records to any performance reports that the client’s Representative provides. An
Representative’s performance reports may vary from the custodial statements based on systems,
accounting procedures, or reporting dates. Clients should notify their Representative of any report
discrepancies as soon as possible.
2. Clients can establish a standing letter of authorization (“SLOA”) to direct Gladstone to transfer funds or
securities from the client’s account to a specified third-party. The client’s SLOA gives Gladstone the
authorization to change the timing and/or the amount of the transfer; however, not the ability to change
the third-party recipient without the client’s written authorization. Clients receive account statements
directly from the custodian at least quarterly. Statements will be sent to the email or postal mailing address
you provided to the custodian. You should carefully review those statements promptly when you receive
them. You should also compare your custodial account statements with any performance reports you may
receive from your Representative and contact us immediately should there be any discrepancies or
concerns.
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