Overview
Assets Under Management: $439 million
Headquarters: SALT LAKE CITY, UT
High-Net-Worth Clients: 4
Average Client Assets: $35 million
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A APPENDIX 1)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 1.00% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $50,000 | 1.00% |
| $10 million | $100,000 | 1.00% |
| $50 million | $500,000 | 1.00% |
| $100 million | $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 4
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 31.80
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $35 million
Total Client Accounts: 1,565
Discretionary Accounts: 1,565
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 104961
Filing ID: 1972070
Last Filing Date: 2025-03-31 17:16:00
Website: https://lefavi.com
Form ADV Documents
Additional Brochure: ADV PART 2 - DISCLOSURE BROCHURE (2025-03-31)
View Document Text
Disclosure Brochure
Part 2 of Form ADV
Item1– Cover Page
Lefavi Wealth Management, Inc.
2323 Foothill Drive, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, Utah 8419
www.lefavi.com
P: (801) 486-9000
F: (801) 486-9058
compliance@lefavi.com
This brochure provides information about the business practices of Lefavi Wealth Management
(“LWM”). LWM is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill, training, aptitude or qualification.
This document, coupled with any conversations that you have with Lefavi Wealth Management, will
provide you with information about which you can determine to hire or retain Lefavi Wealth
Management.
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at: (801) 486-9000, or
by email at: compliance@lefavi.com. The information in this brochure has not been approved or
verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about the Adviser is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Effective Date of Brochure: March 31, 2025
1
Material Changes – Item 2
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated when material changes occur or at least
annually.
This update includes an increase to our assets under management.
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure, please contact us by
telephone at: (801) 486-9000 or by email at: compliance@lefavi.com.
2
Table of Contents
Item 3
MATERIAL CHANGES – ITEM 2 ............................................................................................................................... 2
ADVISORY BUSINESS – ITEM 4 ............................................................................................................................... 4
FEES AND COMPENSATION – ITEM 5 ..................................................................................................................... 8
PERFORMANCE FEES – ITEM 6 ............................................................................................................................. 11
TYPES OF CLIENTS – ITEM 7 .................................................................................................................................... 9
METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS – ITEM 8 ................................................ 11
DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION – ITEM 9 ................................................................................................................ 16
OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS – ITEM 10 .............................................................. 17
CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL TRADING – ITEM 11 16
BROKERAGE PRACTICES – ITEM 12 ....................................................................................................................... 17
REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS – ITEM 13 ........................................................................................................................ 19
CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION – ITEM 14 ................................................................................ 22
CUSTODY – ITEM 15 ............................................................................................................................................. 21
INVESTMENT DISCRETION – ITEM 16 ................................................................................................................... 24
VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES – ITEM 17 ................................................................................................................. 22
FINANCIAL INFORMATION – ITEM 18 ................................................................................................................... 23
EXHIBIT A – BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN ............................................................................................................ 26
EXHIBIT B – INFORMATION SECURITY PROGRAM ................................................................................................ 25
DISCLOSURE BROCHURE – PART 2B OF FORM ADV .............................................................................................. 28
EDUCATION AND BUSINESS STANDARDS – ITEM 2 .............................................................................................. 29
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Advisory Business – Item 4
Firm Description
Lefavi Wealth Management, Inc., (“the Adviser” and “LWM”) was founded in 1980 and is
an SEC registered investment adviser. The Adviser provides investment management and
financial planning services to clients in exchange for a single fee based on a percentage of
assets under management. Most clients are retail investors or high net worth individuals,
but may also include businesses, charitable entities, and retirement/pension accounts.
The Adviser does not act as a custodian of client assets and the client maintains asset
control. Assets are held in custody at either a clearing firm, a mutual fund company or its
transfer agent, at the issuer (for non-certificated, privately placed securities) or some
other duly authorized custodian. The Adviser places trades for clients under discretionary
authority granted by the client in the Advisory contract.
The Adviser acts as a sponsor of a wrap program for clients. Details of the wrap program
can be found in Appendix 1.
As of December 31, 2024, the Adviser manages approximately $438,841,383 in assets for
approximately 646 clients. As of the effective date of this Brochure, all assets are
managed on a discretionary basis, and none are managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged
directly by the client on an as-needed basis. Any conflicts of interest arising out of the
Adviser’s or its associated persons are disclosed in this brochure at Item 14.
Principal Owners
Stuart Enterline owns 100% of the Adviser.
Types of Advisory Services
The Adviser provides investment supervisory services, manages investment advisory
accounts not involving investment supervisory services and furnishes investment advice
to clients. The Adviser also furnishes advice to clients on matters not involving securities,
such as financial planning matters generally, retirement planning, educational planning,
charitable giving, long-term care insurance, taxation issues, and trust services that often
include estate planning as arranged through 3rd party Certified Public Accountants or
attorneys.
Retirement Plan Rollover Recommendations
Regardless of the type of service we are providing, when we provide investment advice about
your retirement plan account or individual retirement account (“IRA”) including whether to
maintain investments and/or proceeds in the retirement plan account roll over such
investments from the retirement plan account to an IRA or make a distribution from the
retirement plan account, we acknowledge that the firm is a “fiduciary” within the meaning of
Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue
4
Code as applicable. The way that the firm makes money creates conflicts with your interests so
the firm operates under a special rule that requires that firm to act in your best interest and not
put our interests ahead of yours.
Under this special rule’s provisions, the firm must act as a fiduciary to a retirement plan account
or IRA under ERISA/the Internal Revenue Code by:
• Meeting a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations
(i.e., give prudent advice);
• Never putting the interests of the firm ahead of you when making recommendations
(i.e., give loyal advice);
• Avoiding misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Following policies and procedures designed to ensure that the firm gives advice that is in
your best interest;
• Charging no more than is reasonable for the services of the firm; and
• Giving you basic information about any conflicts of interest.
To the extent that we recommend that you roll over your account to an account managed by
the firm, please know that the firm and its investment advisor representatives have an inherent
conflict of interest. Increased investment advisory fees may be earned by recommending that
you roll over your account to an account managed by the firm. We will earn fewer investment
advisory fees if you do not roll over the funds to an account managed by the firm. Thus, our
investment advisor representatives have an economic incentive to recommend a rollover of
funds to an account managed by the firm which is a conflict of interest because our
recommendation that you open the account to be managed by the firm can be based on our
economic incentive and not based exclusively on whether or not moving the funds is in your
overall best interest.
We have taken steps to manage this conflict of interest. We have adopted an impartial conduct
standard whereby our investment adviser representatives will (i) provide investment advice to a
retirement plan participant regarding a rollover of funds from the retirement plan in accordance
with the fiduciary status described below, (ii) not recommend investments which result in the
firm receiving unreasonable compensation related to the rollover of funds, and (iii) fully disclose
compensation received by the firm and our supervised persons and any material conflicts of
interest related to recommending the rollover of funds and refrain from making any materially
misleading statements regarding such rollover.
When providing advice to your regarding a rollover, our investment adviser representatives will
act with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a
prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct
of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims, based on the investment objectives, risk,
tolerance, financial circumstances, and a client’s needs, without regard to the financial or other
interests of the firm or our affiliated personnel.
We are affiliated with Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, through
common control and ownership. Persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm are
also registered representatives with the broker-dealer. In their capacity as registered
5
representatives, these persons will receive commission-based compensation in connection with
the purchase and sale of securities, including 12b-1 fees for the sale of investment company
products. Compensation earned by these persons in their capacities as registered
representatives is separate from our advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest
because persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm who are registered
representatives have an incentive to effect securities transactions for the purpose of generating
commissions rather than solely based on your needs.
In addition to these commissions/fees, opening an investment account carries with it costs
beyond the advisory fee(s) the firm charges. When placing a transaction order to buy or sell
securities, advisory clients may have to pay any or all of the following charges in addition to the
advisory fees charged by this firm:
• Account maintenance fees charged by a broker dealer
for an account, especially if inactive;
• Third party administrator (“TPA”) and record keeping
fees
• Brokerage commissions
• Custodian fees
• Postage charges
• Processing charges
• Ticket charges
• Early surrender fees
• Transfer fees
• Administrative fees for
investments in mutual funds;
Asset Management
The vast majority of client investments are investment company securities (mutual funds
and exchange traded funds), but may include equities (stocks), warrants, corporate debt
securities, Non-traded REITs and Business Development Companies (BDCs), variable and
fixed insurance products, U.S. Government securities, interests in limited partnerships,
and private placements. Non-traded and other alternative investments may be utilized in
portfolios, where appropriate, to provide clients with assets that are non-correlated to
the stock market. Assets are invested primarily in advisory share class mutual funds and
exchange-traded funds through our unaffiliated custodian, to a lesser extent through our
affiliated broker dealer, or, occasionally, directly through the fund companies.
Initial public offerings (IPOs) are not available through the Adviser.
Insurance Services
The Adviser offers insurance products through insurance companies with which our
affiliated broker-dealer has established a relationship as an agent. Insurance products
include both fixed and variable annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance.
These products are purchased net of commission. This means that our affiliated broker-
dealer does not earn income from the purchase. If a previously purchased product earned
our affiliated broker-dealer a trailing commission, the assets that generate that
commission are not charged an asset management fee. The Adviser does not make any
representation that these products are available at the lowest cost and similar products
6
are available from other providers. The client is under no obligation to purchase
insurance products from the Adviser or our affiliated broker-dealer.
Types of Agreements
The following agreements define the typical client relationships.
Investment Management Agreement
As part of the investment management service, (i) the material aspects
of the client’s financial affairs are reviewed, (ii) realistic goals are set and
(iii) objectives to reach those goals are determined. Following modern
portfolio theory, the Adviser creates asset allocation models for its
clients. An Advisory representative will recommend changes as the
Adviser deems appropriate.
The Adviser periodically reviews a client’s financial situation and portfolio
through regular contact with the client, which includes an annual
meeting. Adviser periodically updates the asset-allocation models and
reviews the allocations in client portfolio. The Adviser will review and
rebalance the portfolio as necessary. The Adviser agreement sets forth
both service and fees. The agreement may be terminated by either party
at any time. If the adviser terminates an agreement, the client will be
given thirty days written notice.
Financial Planning Agreement
a
insurance policies
A financial plan may include, but is not limited to 1) a net worth
statement; 2) a cash flow statement; 3) a review of investment accounts,
including asset allocation and rebalancing recommendations; 4) strategic
tax planning; 5) a review of retirement accounts and plans, including
recommendations; 6)
and
review of
recommendations for changes, if necessary; 7) retirement scenarios; 8)
estate planning review and recommendations; and/or 9) education
planning with funding recommendations, or 10) charitable giving.
Financial planning services do not require the client use or purchase
Investment Advisory services offered by the Adviser or any particular
products.
There is an inherent conflict of interest for the Adviser whenever a
financial plan recommends use of professional investment management
services. The Adviser does not make any representation that the products
and services offered by LWM are offered at the lowest available cost. The
client may be able to obtain the same products or services at a lower cost
from other providers. The client is under no obligation to accept any of
the recommendations of the Adviser or use any service of the Adviser in
particular.
7
Tailored Relationships
The goals and objectives for each client are documented as part of the client’s file. Clients
may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities that are
detailed in the client’s Investment Management Agreement.
Assignment of Investment Management Agreements
Agreements may not be assigned without client consent.
Termination of Agreements
A client may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by notifying
the Adviser or an Adviser Representative. Clients are charged pro rata for services
provided through the date of the termination notice and any applicable administrative
fees. If the client made an advance payment, the Adviser will refund any unearned portion
of the advance payment.
The Adviser reserves the right to terminate any engagement where a client has willfully
concealed or has refused to provide pertinent information about financial situations
when necessary and appropriate, in the Adviser’s judgment, to provide proper financial
advice. The Adviser will provide thirty days written notice in the event that an
engagement is terminated.
Fees and Compensation – Item 5
Investment Management
For those clients who contract with the Adviser for Investment Management Services, the
Adviser will charge a standard investment management fee of one percent (1%), factored
against the value of assets under management in a client’s account. Fees may be
negotiated by the client, but in no case will exceed 1.75% of the value of assets under
management. Fee calculations are made on the last business day of the calendar quarter
by factoring the fee percentage against the value of the assets in the investment account
and dividing the product of the calculation by 4. For accounts opened during the quarter,
the fee will be prorated for that quarter according to the number of calendar days the
account was under management. For clients terminating accounts before the end of a
quarter, the portfolio value will be determined at the end of the prior full billing quarter,
prorated by the number of days the account was managed during the quarter.
The Adviser and its affiliate, Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc. (“BLS”) do not charge a
commission for executing trades or for customary transaction costs like clearing firm
ticket charges, postage and handling fees, exchange fees and other fees generated by
executing trades in advisory accounts by BLS. Other fees might be charged and not
otherwise paid by the firm, such as SEC charges.
Clients who have previously paid commissions to BLS as part of executing transactions
recommended by the Adviser do not incur an investment management fee for those
products. In cases where a client’s account contains products on which a commission was
8
paid to BLS, the Adviser will not include the commissioned product value when computing
the quarterly fee for assets under management.
In no instance will a client pay both a management fee to the Adviser as well as a
commission paid to BLS for product execution. Clients should understand, however, that
the fee waiver by the Adviser applies solely to products executed through the Adviser’s
affiliate, BLS. Where a client has chosen a broker-dealer other than BLS to purchase or
sell products, the Adviser will continue to charge its asset management fee as calculated
above on all assets, including those assets not purchased at BLS.
There is currently no minimum account size or minimum fee. Without limitation, the
Adviser may waive investment fees and BLS may waive commissions on recommended
products for employees of the Adviser and their families or families of existing clients.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is available to all advisory clients. There is no additional fee for financial
plans – it is offered alongside our Investment Management Services for our standard 1%
annual fee on assets under management.
For individuals who are not advisory clients, compensation for financial planning including
the creation of a financial plan, are agreed upon at the commencement of the
engagement, usually during the first meeting of the client and the Adviser’s
representative. This compensation is a flat fee for described services or may, in some
instances, be based on an hourly rate for service. If the scope of the engagement changes
during the course of creating the plan, the fee arrangement may be renegotiated to
reflect the change. A Financial Planning Engagement ends upon delivery of a financial
plan. Further services, as necessary, may be furnished after delivery of the financial plan.
Compensation for such services is billed separately and is in addition to compensation for
the financial plan.
For individuals interested in becoming advisory clients, financial plans are often offered
free of charge to determine whether there is a potential fit for advisory services.
Fee Billing
Investment management fees are billed quarterly, in advance. This means LWM invoices
clients at the beginning of each billing period. Payment in full is expected upon invoice
presentation. Fees are normally deducted from the client account to facilitate billing as
authorized by the investment management agreement. However, clients may also pay
by check.
Fees for financial plans are initially billed at half of an agreed upon flat fee in order to
commence work, and, upon delivery of the financial plan, an invoice for the balance is
presented. If hourly rates are charged, the Adviser and client may otherwise agree on the
method of payment.
9
Other Compensation
Affiliated Broker-Dealer
It is our business practice to avoid purchasing products which pay a
commission to our affiliated broker-dealer. However, BLS may
erroneously receive overrides, reallowances, or trailing fees
in
conjunction with selling insurance products or alternative investments to
advisory clients. Any compensation received in this manner will be
returned to the issuer or to the advisory client. If BLS earned a
commission on past investments clients will not pay a management fee
on that investment.
Clients are always free to purchase products from another, unaffiliated,
broker-dealer.
Other Fees
Clients will likely incur fees from non LWM affiliated brokerage firms,
custodians, administrators and other service providers. These fees are
charged by the service provider, not LWM or BLS. The amount and nature
of these fees is based on the service provider’s fee schedule(s) at the
provider’s sole discretion. These fees are separate and distinct from any
fees charged by the Adviser or our affiliated broker-dealer.
Mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), variable annuity products
and other managed products or partnerships are often investments in
clients’ portfolios. Clients may be charged for services performed by the
providers/managers of these products in addition to the management
fee paid to the Adviser. The fees and expenses charged by the product
providers are separate and distinct from the management fee charged by
the Adviser. These fees will generally include a management fee, other
fund expenses and a possible distribution fee.
If a client’s portfolio contains corporate debt or other types of over-the-
counter securities, the client may also pay a mark-up or mark-down to
the broker or dealer on the other side of the transaction. The mark-up or
mark-down is included in the purchase price of the security and is not
received by BLS or LWM.
Clients can invest in these products directly, without the services of the
Adviser. Accordingly, the client should review both the fees charged by
the funds and the applicable program fee charged by the Adviser to
understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client and to
evaluate the Advisory services provided. These charges are generally
outlined in the prospectus of products selected like mutual funds or
offering memoranda of other investments.
10
Performance Fees – Item 6
LWM fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of managed
securities. However, the Adviser may from time to time select investments that charge a
performance fee in which the Adviser does not participate. For these investments, refer
to their offering memorandum for an explanation of performance fees.
Types of Clients – Item 7
The Adviser primarily provides advice to individuals, however, may also advise pension
and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, or
business entities. Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss – Item 8
Methods of Analysis
Security analysis methods used by the Adviser may include fundamental and technical
analysis. The main sources of information include financial newspapers, magazines, and
online resources, research materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, annual
reports, prospectuses, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, company
press releases and specialty research providers such as Morningstar’s Mutual Fund Rating
Service as well as other data providers. Technical and fundamental analysis focuses on
the merits of the issuers and trading patterns of individual securities.
Investment Strategies
LWM bases its investment advice on Modern Portfolio Theory. Diversification and asset
allocation are hallmarks of this strategy. Modern portfolio theory determines the
allocation of assets between investment classes and seeks diversified selections of
securities types, asset classes, and industry sectors to maximize the expected return on a
portfolio within the framework of the amount of risk the portfolio’s owner is willing to
bear.
The primary investment strategy used with client accounts is strategic asset allocation
utilizing mutual funds and exchange traded funds. Portfolios may also contain equities,
bonds, and alternative investments when appropriate. Portfolios are generally globally
diversified to control the risk associated with specific markets.
When LWM decides to use alternative investments, like Real Estate Investment Trusts,
the goal is non-correlation with the equity markets, steady distribution income, which
may or may not be taken from operating expenses, and potential tax advantages.
Investors should be aware that these goals often come with illiquidity risk and that non-
traded alternatives are often associated with higher fees than other investments. LWM
offers only non-traded alternatives that can be purchased net-of-commission, thereby
11
waiving any commission that our affiliated broker-dealer would otherwise earn. However,
clients may still be responsible for any internal product fees not passed on to BLS, as
described in the various offering documents.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the
client during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time. Clients
may be required to execute an Investment Policy Statement that documents their
objectives and their desired investment strategy.
The Adviser’s strategies do not involve frequent trading or market timing.
Market, Security and Regulatory Risks
Any investment with the Adviser involves risk of loss. While extremely rare, clients
should be prepared to bear a complete loss of capital. All investment strategies have
certain risks that are borne by the investor. These are described below:
Market Risks
Market Volatility: Prices of publicly traded securities change rapidly
during market hours. Even outside of market hours, everchanging
information can put pressure in either direction on a security’s price.
Clients should expect the value of their portfolio to change constantly.
The profitability of a client’s Account depends in part on the Adviser
correctly assessing the future price movements of stocks, bonds, and
other securities and the movements of interest rates. The Adviser cannot
guarantee that it will be successful in predicting price and interest rate
movements.
LWM’s Investment Activities: The Adviser’s investment activities involve
a degree of risk of loss. The performance of any investment is subject to
numerous factors which are neither within the control of nor predictable
by the Adviser. Such factors include a wide range of economic, political,
competitive, technological and other conditions (including acts of
terrorism and war) that may affect investments in general or specific
industries or companies. The securities markets may be volatile, which
may adversely affect the ability of the Adviser to realize profits.
Material Non-Public Information: The Adviser and/or its affiliates and
their respective personnel may acquire confidential or material non-
public information which will restrict the Adviser and BLS from initiating
transactions in certain securities. The Adviser may be unable to initiate a
transaction because of these restrictions.
Accuracy of Public Information: The Adviser selects investments, in part,
by relying on information and data filed by issuers with various
government regulators or made directly available to the Adviser by the
issuers or through sources other than the issuers. Although the Adviser
evaluates such information and seeks independent corroboration when
12
it is considered appropriate and reasonably available, the Adviser is not
in a position to confirm the completeness, genuineness or accuracy of
such information and data, and in some cases, complete and accurate
information is not available.
investments
Investments in Undervalued Securities. The Adviser may invest in
undervalued securities. The identification of investment opportunities in
such “value” investing is a difficult task, and there are no assurances that
such opportunities will occur. While
in undervalued
securities may offer the opportunities for capital appreciation, these
investments involve a high degree of financial risk and can result in
substantial losses. Returns generated from the Adviser’s investments
may not adequately compensate for the business and financial risks
assumed.
Small Companies. The Adviser may invest a portion of its assets in small
and/or unseasoned companies with small market capitalization.
Although smaller companies may have potential for more rapid growth
than large companies, those investments involve higher risks. Smaller
companies may lack the management experience, financial resources,
capital, liquidity, product diversification and competitive strength of
larger companies. In addition, in many instances, the frequency and
volume of trading in those shares may be substantially less than is typical
of larger companies. As a result, the securities of smaller companies may
be subject to wider price fluctuations, volatility and illiquidity.
Leverage: When deemed appropriate by the Adviser and subject to
applicable regulations, the Adviser may employ leverage in its investment
program, whether directly through the use of borrowed funds, or
indirectly through investment in certain types of financial instruments
with inherent leverage. While such strategies and techniques increase
the opportunity to achieve higher returns on the amounts invested, they
also increase the risk of loss.
Market or Interest Rate Risk: The price of most fixed income securities
move in the opposite direction of the change in interest rates. For
example, as interest rates rise, the price of fixed income securities
generally falls. If the Adviser holds a fixed income security to maturity,
the change in its price before maturity may have little impact on the
Adviser’s performance (assuming no default/insolvency); however, if the
Adviser has to sell the fixed income security before the maturity date, an
increase in interest rates could result in a loss.
Fixed Income Call Option Risk: Many bonds, including agency, corporate
and municipal bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities, contain a
provision that allows the issuer to “call” all or part of the issue before the
bond’s maturity date. The issuer usually retains this right to refinance the
13
bond in the future if market interest rates decline below the coupon rate.
There are disadvantages to the call provision. First, the cash flow pattern
of a callable bond is not known with certainty. Second, because the issuer
will call the bonds when interest rates have dropped, the Adviser’s clients
are exposed to reinvestment rate risk – the Adviser will have to reinvest
the proceeds received when the bond is called at lower interest rates. In
such incidents, the capital appreciation potential of a bond will be
reduced because the price of a callable bond may not rise much above
the price at which the issuer may call the bond.
Inflation Risk: Inflation risk results from the variation in the value of cash
flows from a security due to inflation, as measured in terms of purchasing
power. For example, if the Adviser purchases a 5-year bond in which it
can realize a coupon rate of 5%, but the rate of inflation is 6%, then the
purchasing power of the cash flow has declined by 1%. For all but
inflation-linked bonds, adjustable bonds or floating rate bonds, the
Adviser is exposed to inflation risk because the interest rate the issuer
promises to make is fixed for the life of the security.
Investments in Non-U.S. Investments
From time to time, the Adviser may invest in non-U.S. securities and other
assets (through ADRs and otherwise), which will give rise to risks relating
to political, social and economic developments abroad, as well as risks
resulting from the differences between the regulations to which U.S. and
foreign issuers and markets are subject. Such risks may include:
• Political or social instability, the seizure by foreign governments of
company assets, acts of war or terrorism, withholding taxes on dividends
and interest, high or confiscatory tax levels, and limitations on the use or
transfer of portfolio assets.
• Enforcing legal rights in some foreign countries is difficult, costly and
slow, and there are sometimes special problems enforcing claims against
foreign governments.
• Foreign securities and other assets often trade in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar, and the Adviser may seek to indirectly hedge or limit
exposure to foreign currencies. In pursuit of that objective, the Adviser
may purchase and sell foreign currencies through forward exchange
contracts. Such exposure techniques may or may not be effective and
would create additional costs. Changes in currency exchange rates will
affect the Adviser’s net asset value, the value of dividends and interest
earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of investments. An
increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to these other
currencies may cause the value of the Adviser’s investments to decline.
Some foreign currencies can be particularly volatile, and the relative
strength or weakness of any particular currency to the US dollar
14
it
is a “pegged” currency). Foreign
fluctuates over time (unless
governments may intervene in the currency markets, causing a decline in
value or liquidity of the Adviser’s foreign currency holdings. If the Adviser
enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging
purposes, it may lose the benefits of advantageous changes in exchange
rates. On the other hand, if the Adviser enters forward contracts for the
purpose of increasing return, it may sustain losses with negative currency
valuation adjustments.
• Non-U.S. securities, commodities and other markets may be less liquid,
more volatile and less closely supervised by the government than in the
United States. Some foreign countries lack uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards, and there may be less public
information about the operations of issuers in such markets.
Risk of Default or Bankruptcy of Third Parties
The Adviser may engage in transactions in securities, commodities, other
financial instruments and other assets that involve counterparties.
Under certain conditions, the Adviser could suffer losses if a counterparty
to a transaction were to default or if the market for certain securities,
commodities, other financial instruments and/or other assets were to
become illiquid.
Regulatory Risks
Strategy Restrictions: Certain institutions may be restricted from directly
utilizing investment strategies of the type in which the Adviser may
engage. Such institutions, including entities subject to ERISA, should
consult their own Advisers, counsel and accountants to determine what
restrictions may apply and whether conducting business with the Adviser
is appropriate in light of the Adviser’s investment management style and
strategies.
Trading Limitations: For all securities, instruments and/or assets listed
on an exchange, the exchange generally has the right to suspend or limit
trading under certain circumstances. Such suspensions or limits could
render certain strategies difficult to complete or continue and subject the
Adviser to loss. Also, such a suspension could render it impossible for the
Adviser to liquidate positions and thereby expose the Adviser to potential
losses.
Conflicts of Interest: In the administration of client accounts, portfolios
and financial reporting, the Adviser faces various inherent conflicts of
interest, which are described in this brochure. The Adviser follows a Code
of Ethics that provides that the client’s interest is always held above that
of the Firm and its associated persons.
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Supervision of Trading Operations: The Adviser supervises and monitors
trading activity in the portfolio accounts to foster compliance with all
objectives. Despite the Adviser’s efforts, however, there is a risk that
unauthorized or otherwise inappropriate trading activity may occur in
portfolio accounts.
Security Specific Risks
Depending on the nature of the investment management service
selected by a client and the securities used to implement the investment
strategy, clients will be exposed to risks that are specific to the securities
in their particular investment portfolio.
Liquidity: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into
cash. Securities where there is a ready market that is traded through an
exchange are generally more liquid. Securities traded over-the-counter
or that do not have a ready market or are thinly traded are less liquid and
may face material discounts in price level in a liquidation situation.
Limited Liquidity of Interests: An investment in a partnership usually
involves substantial restrictions on liquidity and its interests are not freely
transferable. There is no market for these interests and no market is
expected to develop. Additionally, transfers are usually subject to the
consent of the general partner at the general partner’s sole discretion.
Investors in these types of investments may be unable to liquidate them
in response to client needs.
Lack of Registration: Private Funds or many Limited Partnership interests
have neither been registered under the Securities Act nor under the
securities or “blue sky” laws of any state and, therefore, are subject to
transfer restrictions under The Securities Laws.
Withdrawal of Capital: The ability to withdraw funds from private funds
or Limited Partnership interests is usually restricted in accordance with
the withdrawal provisions contained in an Offering Memorandum. In
addition, substantial withdrawals by investors within a short period of
time could require a fund to liquidate securities positions and other
investments more rapidly than would otherwise be desirable, possibly
reducing the value of the fund’s assets and/or disrupting the fund’s
investment strategy.
Disciplinary Information – Item 9
LWM has one disclosed event.
In 2019, LWM entered into a settlement related to proceedings arising from breaches of
fiduciary duty and disclosure failures in connection with its recommendation and
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investment of client assets in non-traded real estate investment trusts, business
development companies, and private placements, from June 2014 through December
2016. LWM was censured and ordered to pay a civil monetary penalty of $150,000 and
disgorgement of $994,296.10.
Bruce Lefavi has three disclosed events.
In 2012, a client alleged funds were lost due to not being invested. The complaint was
settled later in 2012.
In 2014, the Financial Industry Regulatory Agency (FINRA) found that Bruce Lefavi and our
affiliated broker-dealer, BLS, violated advertising rules and sold unregistered securities.
The matter was settled in 2014, FINRA imposed a fine of $75,000, paid jointly and
severally by our BLS and Bruce Lefavi, and a ten (10) day suspension of Bruce Lefavi in the
capacity of a principal. He remained a financial adviser and a Registered Representative
during the suspension.
In 2014, a client alleged that Bruce Lefavi sold them an unsuitable investment in illiquid
products. BLS settled the complaint.
BLS has two disclosed events.
In 2014, the Financial Industry Regulatory Agency (FINRA) found that our affiliated
broker-dealer, along with Bruce Lefavi, violated advertising rules and sold unregistered
securities. See above. The broker-dealer was fined jointly and severally for $75,000.
In 2017, BLS was censured and fined $25,000 for violations of content standards of
FINRA rule 2210, since certain communications failed to identify risks associated with
REITs and BDCs, omitted material facts, contained inaccurate descriptions; and violated
FINRA rule 3110(B) requiring a reasonable supervisory system and written supervisory
procedures concerning fee-based accounts.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations – Item 10
Brokerage Affiliations
The Adviser is affiliated by common ownership with BLS. Registered representatives of
BLS are also investment adviser representatives of the Investment Adviser, LWM. When
effecting brokerage transactions, dually registered personnel, serving generally as both
Investment Adviser Representatives and Registered Representatives, are permitted to
exercise discretionary authority on behalf of clients in the capacity of Investment Adviser
Representatives. Although trading activity is routed through BLS, advisory clients are not
charged pass-through fees, such as postage and handling or ticket charges. BLS does not
earn a commission on these transactions. If BLS receives compensation generated by
holdings in an advisory account, these will be reimbursed to the client either directly as a
cash credit, or in the form of a credit toward the next quarterly advisory fee.
17
The Adviser discloses that brokerage services provided by BLS are sometimes not the
lowest cost available and clients may be able to obtain those services and/or products at
a more favorable rate from other brokerage firms. Clients of the Adviser are not required
is making
to use the brokerage services offered by BLS even though LWM
recommendations regarding investments.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading – Item 11
Code of Ethics
The LWM Code of Ethics establishes standards of conduct for its supervised persons. It
includes general requirements that supervised persons comply with their fiduciary
obligations to clients and applicable securities laws, and specific requirements relating to,
among other things, personal trading, insider trading, conflicts of interest and
confidentiality of client information. It requires supervised persons to report their
personal securities transactions and holdings to the Adviser’s Compliance Officer and
requires the Compliance Officer to review those reports. It also requires supervised
persons to report any violations of the Code of Ethics promptly to the Adviser’s
Compliance Officer. Each supervised person of the Adviser receives a copy of the Code of
Ethics and any amendments to it and must acknowledge in writing having received the
materials. Annually, each supervised person must certify that he or she complied with the
Code of Ethics during that year. Clients and prospective clients may obtain a copy of the
Adviser’s Code of Ethics by contacting the Compliance Officer of the Adviser.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Under the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, the Adviser and its managers, members, officers and
employees may invest personally in securities of the same classes as are purchased for
clients and may own securities of the issuers whose securities are subsequently
purchased for clients. If an issue is purchased or sold for clients and any of the Adviser
managers, members, officers and employees on the same day purchase or sell the same
security, either the clients and the Adviser managers, members, officers or employees
shall receive or pay the same price, or the clients shall receive a more favorable price.
The Adviser and its managers, members, officers and employees may also buy or sell
specific securities for their own accounts based on personal investment considerations,
which the Adviser does not deem appropriate to buy or sell for clients.
Personal Trading
The Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser reviews employee trades periodically. The
personal trading reviews are conducted to consider and avoid situations where the
personal trading of employees would affect markets or otherwise receive preferential
pricing vis-à-vis the clients.
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Brokerage Practices – Item 12
Brokerage Selection
Clients are free to choose any broker-dealer through whom they wish to execute
transactions recommended by the Adviser. The client is also free to designate a custodian
for their account. If the client chooses not to designate a specific broker-dealer to execute
transactions to custody assets, the Adviser will execute transactions through and custody
assets with Charles Schwab, Inc. (“Schwab”), a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC,
which is not affiliated with LWM. Clients may also choose to use our affiliated broker-
dealer, BLS, to execute trades and custody assets with BLS’ clearing firm, StoneX, Inc.,
which is also a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.
The Adviser, when recommending Schwab, BLS or any other broker-dealer or custodian,
will seek to achieve best execution of transactions. Best execution requires the Adviser
determine the most efficient, reasonable method and service for trade execution at the
reasonably best and advantageous price. In making this determination, the Adviser will
not select competitive bids, and may not achieve the absolutely lowest price to execute
trades. It will, however, use reasonable diligence to achieve the most advantageous order
execution given prevailing market conditions. In making its determination, the Adviser
will review among other things the following factors: price, cost, spread of execution,
likelihood of execution and settlement, efficiency of broker in achieving execution and
settlement, size of the order, difficulty in obtaining execution, whether criteria like
volume discounts from certain sellers are available to achieve discounted prices, and any
other characteristic which may affect the efficiency and cost of effecting execution.
Soft Dollars
Research and related services furnished by brokers may include, but are not limited to,
written information and analyses concerning specific securities, companies or sectors;
market, financial and economic studies and forecasts; financial publications; etc. The
Adviser strives for the best price and execution costs and discounts which are competitive
in relation to the value of the transaction and which comply with Section 28€ of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Adviser also takes into account the
financial stability and reputation of firms and services provided by such brokers. The client
may not, in any particular instance, be the sole direct or indirect beneficiary of services
provided. The Adviser is under no obligation to transact business with any particular
broker-dealer, including BLS.
Products and Services Available from BLS
Our affiliated broker-dealer provides us with the ability to offer unique products that
otherwise may not be available to clients. Examples include 1031 exchanges, direct
participation programs and limited partnerships, and other non-registered securities. BLS
also provides us with access to several publicly registered, non-traded products, such as
Real Estate Investment Trusts and Business Development Companies.
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Products and Services Available from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory
firms like us. They provide our clients and us with access to their institutional brokerage
services (trading, custody, reporting and related services), many of which are not typically
available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support
services. Some of those services help us manage or administer our clients’ accounts, while
others help us manage and grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally
available on an unsolicited basis (we don’t have to request them) and at no additional
charge to us.
Services That Benefit You
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range
of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody
of client assets. The investment products available through Schwab
include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that would
require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients.
Schwab also has minimal fees that are passed to the client – currently
only wire fees of $25 are passed through to you. Additionally, Schwab
offers our clients access to various banking products, like a Pledged Asset
Line (a revolving non-purpose securities-based line of credit), at
competitive rates. Schwab’s services described
in this paragraph
generally benefit you and your account.
Services That May Not Directly Benefit You
Schwab also makes available to us products and services that benefit us
but may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and
services assist us in managing and administering our clients’ accounts.
They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that of third
parties. We may use this research to service all or a substantial number
of our clients’ accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In
addition, Schwab also makes available software and other technology
that provides access to client account data (such as duplicate trade
confirmations and account statements), facilitates trade execution and
aggregated allocation of trade orders for multiple client accounts,
provides pricing and other market data, facilitates payment of our fees
functions,
from our clients’ accounts, assists with back-office
recordkeeping, and client reporting.
Services That Generally Benefit Only Us
Schwab also offers services intended to help us manage and further
develop our business enterprise. These services include educational
conferences and events, consultations on technology, compliance, legal,
and business needs, publications and conferences on practice
management and business succession, access to employee benefits
insurance providers,
providers, human capital consultants, and
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marketing consultants and support. Schwab may provide some of these
services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors to
provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for
some of these services or pay all or part of a third party’s fees. Schwab
may also provide us with other benefits such as occasional business
entertainment for our personnel.
Our Interest in Schwab’s Services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do
not have to produce or purchase them directly. We don’t pay directly for
Schwab’s services. This creates an incentive to recommend that you
maintain your account with Schwab, based on or interest in receiving
Schwab’s services that benefit our business and Schwab’s payment for
services for which we would otherwise have to pay rather than based on
your interest in receiving the best value in custody services and the most
favorable execution of your transactions. This is a conflict of interest. We
believe, however, that our selection of Schwab as a custodian and broker
is in the best interests of our clients. Our selection is primarily supported
in increasing our ability to provide clients with superior service, in the
scope, quality, and price of Schwab’s services and not Schwab’s services
that benefit only us.
Order Aggregation
Because we work with clients on an individual basis, LWM does not generally aggregate
trades.
Directing Brokerage for Client Referrals
The Adviser does not direct brokerage for client referrals.
Directed Brokerage
The Adviser generally does not allow clients to direct brokerage.
Review of Accounts – Item 13
Periodic Reviews
Account reviews are performed no less than annually by the Investment Adviser
Representatives. They are instructed to consider the client’s current security positions
and the likelihood that the performance of each security will contribute to the investment
objectives of the client. The Chief Compliance Officer samples client accounts periodically
to review activity in the account and investment suitability.
Review Triggers
Accounts are reviewed no less than annually or more frequently when
market conditions dictate. Other conditions that may trigger a review are
21
changes in the tax laws, new investment information, significant market
movements and changes in a client’s financial or personal situation.
Regular Reports
Adviser provides a quarterly statement to the client summarizing the value of the client’s
portfolio. In addition, the Adviser will provide an investment report to the client when the
client attends an annual review. This report details the performance of the portfolio and
the holdings in the entire portfolio. This report is used as the basis to make any needed
changes to the client’s portfolio. In addition, clients receive statements of account
positions no less than quarterly from the account custodian. Clients should use the
statement from the custodian as the official statement of the account’s position and value
and compare that statement with other statements and reports provided by the Adviser.
If discrepancies exist, clients should notify the Adviser.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation – Item 14
Incoming Client Referrals
The Adviser receives client referrals which may come from current clients, estate planning
attorneys, accountants, employees, personal friends of employees and other similar
sources. Adviser does not compensate referring parties for referrals or accept referral
fees or any compensation when a prospect is referred to a third party.
Conflicts of Interest
LWM offers clients advisory account services and charges an asset management fee.
Generally, LWM recommends that Schwab act as custodian for advisory accounts. Schwab
charges LWM an asset-based fee on client assets held with Schwab. Our affiliated broker-
dealer, BLS, offers products to buy and/or sell and charges a transaction-based
commission. Generally, BLS uses StoneX as a custodian for brokerage accounts. A client is
free to choose either type of account when considering the services of LWM and/or BLS.
Since LWM and/or BLS are paid different compensation based on the type of account a
client chooses, a conflict of interest exists or may exist when a representative makes a
recommendation of one type of account rather than the other. The Advisor endeavors to
give clients cost information on each type of account as part of its recommendations, so
the client can decide which type of account is appropriate for them.
BLS has at times received certain transaction-based compensation, whether at point of
sale or through trailing compensation, paid by sponsors of various products like mutual
funds. The receipt of such compensation creates a conflict of
interest since
representatives are incentivized or may be incentivized to make recommendations which
favor products paying a particular type of compensation.
As an example, without limitation, where a mutual fund pays trailing 12b-1 compensation
for products, the purchase of such fund may increase client costs or reduce client returns
22
on such investments. The advisor representative acting as a registered representative of
BLS is incentivized to recommend such products based in part on compensation received.
The Adviser seeks to remedy these conflicts in the following way. First, the Adviser has
for the most part eliminated and will not select mutual funds which pay trailing
compensation where other choices are available, like adviser funds, which offer
reasonably comparative features. If such advisor funds are not available, the Adviser will
credit the client against any advisor fee charging 12b-1 compensation received by BLS.
Secondly, the Advisor will not include in its calculation of the adviser fee the value of
assets of advisory clients which generated a commission for BLS. Only those products for
which BLS did not receive a commission will be included in the assets under management
collection.
investment recommendations which
Clients can decide not to accept
include
compensation described above. The client may choose to execute transactions through a
broker-dealer other than BLS which also eliminates compensation conflicts of interest.
Finally, LWM and/or BLS has a conflict of interest when recommending certain products
which may pay BLS and/or LWM a “dealer concession” or marketing fee. This concession
does not come from investor funds. Nevertheless, receipt of such concession or
marketing fee incentivizes the Adviser and/or a representative to recommend a product
paying the concession and/or marketing fee because it results in additional compensation
to LWM and/or BLS. The existence of such a concession or fee and its amount will be
disclosed by the Adviser before making any recommendations of a product which offers
this concession or fee.
We also receive an economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the support products
and services it makes available to us and other investment advisors whose clients
maintain their accounts at Schwab. In addition, Schwab has also agreed to pay for certain
products and services for which we would otherwise have to pay once the value of our
clients’ assets in accounts at Schwab reaches a certain amount. These products and
services, how the benefit us, and the related conflicts of interest are described above (See
Brokerage Practices – Item 12).
Custody – Item 15
Custody Policy
The Adviser does not accept or permit itself or its employees to obtain custody of client
assets including cash or securities, or act as trustee, provide bill paying service, have
password access to accounts or have any other form of control over client assets. All
checks or wire transfers to fund client accounts are required to be made out to/sent to
the account custodian.
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Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians and the custodians provide account statements
not less frequently than quarterly to clients at their address of record. Clients should
carefully review such statements for any discrepancies or inaccuracies. We urge you to
compare custodian statements with the quarterly report you receive from LWM.
Performance Reports
Pursuant to amendments to Rule 206(4) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the
Securities and Exchange Commission requires advisers to urge clients to compare the
information set forth in their statement from the Adviser, if the Adviser sends separate
statements/reports, with the statements received directly from the custodian to ensure
accuracy of all account transactions.
Investment Discretion – Item 16
Discretionary authority is granted either by the Adviser’s investment management
agreement and/or by a separate limited power of attorney where such document is
required. The Adviser has the authority to choose, without obtaining specific client
consent, investments for a client account. A firm’s discretionary authority regarding
investments may however be subject to certain limitations. These limitations are
recognized as the restrictions and prohibitions placed by the client. All such restrictions
must be agreed in writing.
If the Adviser is not granted discretionary authority, all transactions require approval by
the client prior to execution.
Voting Client Securities – Item 17
LWM will vote all proxies received on behalf of clients for securities and investments held
in the client’s portfolio in custody with Schwab, provided the client has authorized LWM
to do so and LWM has discretionary authority to buy or sell the security on behalf of the
client. In order to be eligible for voting, the cumulative market value of the security held
in all LWM Client Accounts must be greater than $150,000. For ERISA accounts, LWM will
vote proxies unless the plan documents specifically reserve the plan sponsor’s right to
vote proxies. For those clients who have retained the right to vote their own proxies and
for clients of our affiliated broker-dealer, LWM will send any proxy voting information as
received to the client’s address of record.
Lefavi shall vote proxies related to securities held by any client in a manner solely in the
best interests of the client. Lefavi shall consider only those factors that relate to the
client’s investment, including how its vote will economically impact and affect the value
of the client’s investment. Proxy votes will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or
strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder
24
value, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders. Proxy votes will be cast against
proposals having the opposite effect. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, Lefavi will
vote against proposals that make it more difficult to replace Board members. In voting on
each and every issue, Lefavi shall vote in a prudent and diligent fashion and only after a
careful evaluation of the issue presented on the ballot.
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Prior to electing to follow any specific guidelines, LWM will:
•
• Determine the impact of following such guidelines on all clients, including
whether the guidelines would be more appropriate for one group of clients and
not for the others;
Identify any direct or indirect benefits that might flow to Lefavi as a result of
choosing one guideline over the other guidelines;
• Address any conflicts of interest raised by the selection of such guidelines by
following the Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest section of these Procedures; and,
• Refrain from using such guidelines if it provides an advantage to one group of
clients while disadvantaging or otherwise not being in the best interest of any of
the remaining clients.
Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest
Lefavi recognizes that conflicts between itself and clients may arise in voting the proxies
of public companies and that these conflicts must be addressed. Where appropriate,
Lefavi will provide the client with sufficient information regarding the shareholder vote
and Lefavi’s potential conflict to the client and obtain the client’s consent before voting
or abstain from voting conflicted shares if no consent or written instructions are received.
Proxy Voting Disclosure
On an annual basis, LWM will send clients a copy of our Proxy Voting policies and
procedures disclosure. Clients may request a complete version of our policies and
procedures regarding proxy voting and they may obtain a record of how their proxies
were voted by contacting us at 801-486-9000 or by email at compliance@lefavi.com.
Financial Information – Item 18
The Adviser does not have any financial impairment that precludes it from meeting
contractual commitments to clients. The Adviser has not been the subject of a bankruptcy
petition in the last 10 years.
The Adviser is not required to provide a balance sheet as it does not serve as a custodian
for client funds or securities and does not require prepayment of fees of more than
$1,200 per client and six months or more in advance.
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Exhibit A – Business Continuity Plan
The Adviser has a Business Continuity Plan in place that provides detailed steps to
mitigate and recover from the loss of office space, communications, services or key
people.
Disasters
The Business Continuity Plan covers natural disasters such as snowstorms, hurricanes,
tornados, earthquakes, and flooding. The Plan covers man-made disasters such as loss of
electrical power, loss of water pressure, fire, bomb threat, nuclear emergency, chemical
event, biological event, T-1-communications line outage, Internet outage, railway
accident and aircraft accident. Electronic files are backed up daily and archived offsite.
Alternate Sites
Alternate sites are identified to support ongoing operations in the event the main office
is unavailable. It is our intention to contact all clients within five days of a disaster that
dictates moving our office to an alternate location. In the event of an emergency, clients
may access their funds through contacting the custodians of their investments by the
means printed on the clients’ statements from those custodians.
Summary of Business Continuity Plan
A summary of the business continuity plan is available upon request to Lefavi Wealth
Management’s Chief Compliance Officer.
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Exhibit B – Information Security Program
Information Security
The Adviser maintains an information security program to reduce the risk that your
personal and confidential information may be breached. This program includes password
protected files and devices, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and verification of
requests to transfer funds.
Privacy Practices
Privacy Policy
Below is a summary of the Adviser’s Privacy Policy regarding client
personal information. A complete version of the Privacy Policy is
provided to clients along with the client Advisory agreement and may be
obtained by contacting the Compliance Officer of the Adviser.
a) The Adviser Collects non-public personal information about its clients
from the following sources:
• Information received from clients on applications or other forms
• Information about clients’ transactions with the Adviser, its affiliates
and others
• Information received from our correspondent clearing broker with
respect to client accounts
• Medical information submitted as part of an insurance application for
a traditional life or variable life policy
• Information received from service bureaus or other third parties
b) The Adviser will not share such information with any affiliated or
nonaffiliated third party except:
• When necessary to complete a transaction in a customer account,
such as with the clearing firm or account custodians
• When required to maintain or service a customer account
• To resolve customer disputes or inquiries
• With persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf
of the customer
• With rating agencies, persons assessing compliance with industry
standards, or to the attorneys, accountants and auditors of the firm
• In connection with a sale or merger of the Adviser’s business
• To protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud, identity theft,
unauthorized transactions, claims or other liability
• To comply with federal, state or local laws, rules and other applicable
legal requirements
• In connection with a written agreement to provide investment
management or Advisory services when the information is released
27
for the sole purpose of providing the products or services covered by
the agreement
• In any circumstances with the customer’s instruction or consent
c) The Adviser restricts access to confidential client information to
individuals who are authorized to have access to confidential client
information and need to know that information to provide services to
clients.
d) The Adviser maintains physical, electronic and procedural security
measures that comply with applicable state and federal regulations to
safeguard confidential client information.
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Disclosure Brochure – Part 2B of Form ADV
Item1–Cover Page
Lefavi Wealth Management, Inc.
2323 Foothill Drive, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
www.lefavi.com
Ph (801) 486-9000
Fax (801) 486-9058
compliance@lefavi.om
This Brochure Supplement provides information about principals and investment adviser
representatives of Lefavi Wealth Management. If you are receiving this Brochure Supplement, then
you should have received a copy of Brochure itself. Please contact the Chief Compliance Officer at
(801) 486-9000, or by email at: compliance@lefavi.com if you did not receive the Lefavi Wealth
Management Brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement. The
information in the Brochure and the Brochure Supplement have not been approved or verified by the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority. Additional
information about the firm and its Investment Advisory Representatives is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Effective Date of Brochure: March 31, 2025
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Education and Business Standards – Item 2
Lefavi Wealth Management requires that Advisers have a bachelor's degree and further coursework or
work experience demonstrating knowledge of investment management principles. FINRA licensing is
required or must be obtained because the Adviser requires that its Investment Adviser Representatives
are also registered with its affiliated broker-dealer.
Examples of acceptable coursework may include: an MBA, a CFP, CFA, ChFC, JD, CTFA, or CPA. Bachelor’s
and/or master’s degrees from accredited, reputable universities in the area(s) of Finance, Economics,
Business, or Accounting are also examples of acceptable coursework. Alternatively, Investment Adviser
Representatives must have work experience that demonstrates their aptitude for investment
management.
Professional Certifications
Employees have earned certifications and credentials that are required to be explained in further detail.
Their individual education and business backgrounds are detailed below.
29
Stuart Enterline
Date of birth: 9/8/1992
CRD #: 6828729
Educational Background
Series 7, 24 and 66
- BS Finance, BS Economics, and BS Accounting – Penn State University – May 2017
-
Business Experience
Lefavi Wealth Management, June 2017 – Present
JPMorgan Chase Corporate & Investment Bank OTC Derivatives
- Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc, June 2017 – Present
-
-
Disciplinary Information – Items 3 & 7
Mr. Enterline does not currently have any legal or disciplinary events, arbitrations, FINRA or other
regulatory disciplinary actions, and no bankruptcies.
Other Business Activities – Item 4
• Bruce A. Lefavi Securities Inc.
Stuart Enterline is a Registered Representative with Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc. Clients are under no
obligation to purchase securities or advisory services through Bruce A Lefavi Securities.
• Top Hat Investments, LLC
Stuart Enterline is a Managing Member of Top Hat Investments. Top Hat Investments owns and
manages commercial real estate.
Additional Compensation – Item 5
In the course of business, Mr. Enterline does not receive economic benefit from non-clients for
providing advisory services. As part of due diligence and research, Mr. Enterline may receive
benefits from attending sales conferences that are sponsored by vendors.
Supervision – Item 6
The Sales Supervisor, Jay Greenburg, reviews Mr. Enterline’s work through frequent office
interactions as well as remote interactions and through our client relationship management
system and routine reviews and audits.
Phone: (800) 998-2427, Email: Compliance@lefavi.com
30
Jay Greenburg
Date of birth: 4/26/1966
CRD #: 6153353
Educational Background
FINRA Series Registrations: 7, 66, 24
Life and Health Insurance License
- UofU BS Business Finance 1995
-
- CFP® Certified Financial Planner
-
Business Experience
Lefavi Wealth Management, 05-14-2018 – Present
E*TRADE Oct-30 2017 to 5-13-2018
TD Ameritrade Jan 8, 2013 through June 20 2017
TD Ameritrade Investools (unlicensed) Dec 9 2010 through Jan 7 2013
- Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc, 05-14-2018 – Present
-
-
-
-
- MetaStock (unlicensed) 1999
Disciplinary Information – Items 3 & 7
Mr. Greenburg has no disciplinary events, arbitrations, FINRA or other regulatory disciplinary actions,
and no bankruptcies.
Other Business Activities – Item 4
• Bruce A. Lefavi Securities Inc.
Jay V. Greenburg is a Registered Representative with Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc. Clients are under no
obligation to purchase securities or advisory services through Bruce A Lefavi Securities, Inc.
• GLG Consultants
Jay V. Greenburg participates in studies from time to time with GLG Consultants. Theses studies
generally are for the benefit of industry participants, like mutual fund companies.
Additional Compensation – Item 5
In the course of business, Mr. Greenburg does not receive economic benefit from non-clients for
providing advisory services. As part of due diligence and research, Mr. Greenburg may receive
benefits from attending sales conferences that are sponsored by vendors.
Supervision – Item 6
The Chief Compliance Officer reviews Mr. Greenburg’s work through frequent office
interactions as well as remote interactions and through our client relationship
management system and routine reviews and audits.
Phone: (800) 998-2427, Email: Compliance@lefavi.com
31
Jeff Kemp
Date of birth: 6/12/1977
CRD #: 5986765
Educational Background
FINRA Series 66 and 7
Life Insurance License
- B.S. Business Admin; 2003
- A.S. Economics, Business, General Studies; 2001
-
-
Business Experience
Lefavi Wealth Management, 06-29-2018 – Present
TD Ameritrade 05-2009 – 07-2017
- Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc, 06-29-2018 – Present
-
- Raymond James 10-2017 – 06-2018
- Voya 09-2017 – 10-2017
-
- HSBC 09-2003 – 02-2009
Disciplinary Information – Items 3 & 7
Mr. Kemp does not currently have any legal or disciplinary events, arbitrations, FINRA or other
regulatory disciplinary actions, and no bankruptcies.
Other Business Activities – Item 4
• Bruce A. Lefavi Securities Inc.
Jeffrey Kemp is a Registered Representative with Bruce A. Lefavi Securities, Inc. Clients are under no
obligation to purchase securities or advisory services through Bruce A Lefavi Securities, Inc.
Additional Compensation – Item 5
In the course of business, Mr. Kemp does not receive economic benefit from non-clients for
providing advisory services. As part of due diligence and research, Mr. Kemp may receive
benefits from attending sales conferences that are sponsored by vendors.
Supervision – Item 6
The Sales Supervisor, Jay Greenburg, reviews Mr. Kemp’s work through frequent office
interactions as well as remote interactions and through our client relationship
management system and routine reviews and audits.
Phone: (800) 998-2427 Email: compliance@lefavi.com
32
Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A APPENDIX 1 (2025-03-31)
View Document Text
Wrap Fee Brochure
Part 2A of Form ADV, Appendix 1
Lefavi Wealth Management, Inc.
2323 Foothill Drive, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, Utah 8419
Ph (800) 422-9997
Fax (801) 486-9058
lefavi@lefavi.com
This Wrap Fee Program brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices
of Lefavi Wealth Management (“LWM” or “Adviser” or “we”) and its “Wrap Fee” program. LWM is an
investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration as an
investment adviser does not imply any level of skill, training, aptitude or qualification Nevertheless, this
document, coupled or use of the term “registered” with any conversations that you have with Lefavi
Wealth Management, will provide you with information about which you can determine to hire or
retain Lefavi Wealth Management.
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at: (800) 998-2427, or
by email at: compliance@lefavi.com. The information in this brochure has not been approved or
verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about the Adviser is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Clients are encouraged to review this Brochure and Brochure Supplements for our firm’s associates who
advise clients for more information and the qualifications of our firm and our employees.
______________________________________________________________________________
Effective Date of Brochure: March 31, 2025
Material Changes – Item 2
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated when material changes occur or at least
annually.
This update incorporates an increase to our assets under management.
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure including this Appendix 1,
please contact us by telephone at: (800) 998-2427 or by email at: compliance@lefavi.com.
2
Table of Contents
Item 3
MATERIAL CHANGES – ITEM 2 .....................................................................................................2
ADVISORY FEES AND COMPENSATION – ITEM 4 ..........................................................................4
ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS AND TYPES OF CLIENTS – ITEM 5 .................................................... 10
PORTFOLIO MANAGER SELECTION AND EVALUATION – ITEM 6 ................................................ 10
CLIENT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PORTFOLIO MANAGER – ITEM 7 ..................................... 11
CLIENT CONTACT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS – ITEM 8 ........................................................ 12
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – ITEM 9 ....................................................................................... 12
INVESTMENT DISCRETION ......................................................................................................... 19
VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ....................................................................................................... 19
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 20
3
Advisory Fees and Compensation – Item 4
Firm Description
Lefavi Wealth Management, Inc., (“the Adviser” and “LWM”) was founded in 1980 and is
an SEC registered investment adviser. The Adviser generally provides investment
management services and financial planning services to separately managed accounts of
clients. Most clients are high net worth individuals but may also include businesses,
charitable entities, and retirement/pension accounts.
The Adviser does not act as a custodian of client assets and the client maintains asset
control. Assets are held in custody at either a clearing firm, a mutual fund company or its
transfer agent, at the issuer (for non-certificated, privately placed securities) or some
other duly authorized custodian, as discussed further below. The Adviser places trades
for clients under discretionary authority granted by the client in the Advisory contract.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged
directly by the client on an as-needed basis. Any conflicts of interest arising out of the
Adviser’s or its associated persons are disclosed in this brochure, as well as the Firm’s
general advisory brochure, ADV Part 2A, of which this Wrap Fee Brochure is Appendix 1.
The Lefavi Wrap Fee Program allows clients to pay a single fee for investment advisory
services and associated custodial transaction costs. Note, however, that participation in
the program could mean the client may ultimately pay more or less than the client would
pay through a non-wrap fee program where a lower advisory fee is charged, but trade
execution costs are passed directly through to the client by the executing broker. LWM,
when recommending its wrap fee program to investors, often suggests using Charles
Schwab & Co. (“Schwab”) as custodian for assets and executing broker. Schwab’s services
are discussed infra.
Principal Owners
Stuart Enterline owns 100% of the Adviser.
Types of Advisory Services
The Adviser provides investment supervisory services, manages investment advisory
accounts not involving investment supervisory services, and furnishes investment advice
to clients. LWM meets with each client to discuss the client’s current financial condition
and review the client’s current investment holdings. We determine an appropriate asset
allocation for the client’s portfolio, and make recommendations based on this. LWM
reviews various criteria before making recommendations. Without limitation, these
criteria include time horizon, risk tolerance, financial objectives, liquidity needs and
resources available. The Adviser may also furnish advice to clients on matters not
involving securities, such as financial planning matters generally, retirement planning,
educational planning, charitable giving, long-term care insurance, taxation issues, and
4
trust services that often include estate planning as arranged through 3rd party Certified
Public Accountants or attorneys.
As of December 31, 2024, the Adviser manages approximately $438,841,383 in assets for
approximately 646 clients. As of the effective date of this Brochure, all assets are
managed on a discretionary basis, and none are managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Asset Management
Client investments in the wrap fee program may include: equities (stocks), warrants,
corporate debt securities, municipal securities, investment company securities (e.g.,
mutual funds shares and Exchange Traded Funds), variable and fixed insurance products,
U.S. Government securities, interests in limited partnerships, and private placements.
Non-traded and other alternative investments may be utilized in portfolios, where
appropriate, to provide clients with assets that are non-correlated to the stock market.
Assets are invested primarily in advisory share class mutual funds and exchange-traded
funds through our affiliated broker-dealer and our unaffiliated custodian, or, occasionally,
directly through the fund companies.
Initial public offerings (IPOs) are not available through the Adviser.
Insurance Services
The Adviser offers insurance products through insurance companies with which our
affiliated broker-dealer has established a relationship as agent. Insurance products
include both fixed and variable annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance.
These products are purchased net of commission. This means that our affiliated broker-
dealer does not earn a commission or any income from the purchase. If a previously
purchased product earned our affiliated broker-dealer, Bruce A. Lefavi Securities Inc.
(“BALS”), a trailing commission, the assets that generate that commission are not charged
an asset management fee. The Adviser does not make any representation that these
products are available at the lowest cost and similar products are available from other
providers. The client is under no obligation to purchase insurance products from the
Adviser or our affiliated broker-dealer.
Types of Agreements
Investment Management Agreement
As part of the investment management service (i) the material aspects of
the client’s financial affairs are reviewed, (ii) realistic goals are set ; (iii)
objectives to reach those goals are determined; and (iv) a fee
arrangement executed (see “Investment Management Fees and
Compensation” below). Following modern portfolio theory, the Adviser
creates asset allocation models for its clients. An Advisory representative
will recommend changes as the Adviser deems appropriate.
The Adviser periodically reviews a client’s financial situation and portfolio
through regular contact with the client, which includes an annual
5
meeting. Adviser periodically updates the asset-allocation models and
reviews the allocations in client portfolio. The Adviser will review and
rebalance the portfolio as necessary, but no less than annually. The
Advisor agreement sets both service and fees. The agreement may be
terminated by either party at any time. If the adviser terminates an
agreement, the client will be given thirty days written notice.
Tailored Relationships
The goals and objectives for each client are documented as part of the client’s file. Clients
may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities that are
detailed in the client’s Investment Management Agreement.
Assignment of Investment Management Agreements
Agreements may not be assigned without client consent.
Termination of Agreements
A client may terminate any LWM adviser agreement at any time by notifying the Adviser
or Adviser Representative. Clients are charged pro rata for services provided through the
date of the termination notice and any applicable administrative fees. If the client made
an advance payment, the Adviser will refund any unearned portion of the advance
payment.
The Adviser reserves the right to terminate any engagement where a client has willfully
concealed or has refused to provide pertinent information about financial situations
when necessary and appropriate, in the Adviser’s judgment, to provide proper financial
advice. The Adviser will provide thirty days written notice in the event that an
engagement is terminated.
Investment Management Fees and Compensation
For those clients who contract with the Advisor for Investment Management Services, the
Advisor will charge a standard investment management fee of one percent (1%), factored
against the value of assets under management in a client’s account. A description of
LWM’s fees is part of the Advisory Agreement. Fees may be negotiated by the client, but
in no case will exceed 1% of the value of assets under management. Fee calculations are
made on the last business day of the calendar quarter by factoring the 1% fee against the
value of the assets in the investment account and dividing the product of the calculation
by 4. For accounts opened during the quarter, the fee will be prorated for that quarter
according to the number of calendar days the account was under management. For
clients terminating accounts before the end of a quarter, the portfolio value will be
determined at the end of the prior full billing quarter, prorated by the number of days the
account was managed during the quarter. Where mandated, fees prepaid will be
refunded to the client.
The Advisor and its affiliate, BALS, do not charge a commission for executing trades or for
customary transaction costs like clearing firm ticket charges, postage and holding fees,
6
exchange fees and other fees generated by executing trades in advisory accounts by BALS.
Other fees the client can incur and which are not otherwise paid by the firm, include SEC
charges which are reimbursed to the client’s advisory account on a monthly basis or as a
credit against the asset management fee. This creates a Wrap Fee Program for the client
– one fee is charged for investment advice as well as execution services.
Clients who have previously paid commissions to BALS as part of executing transactions
recommended by the Advisor do not incur an investment management fee for those
products. In cases where a client’s account contains products on which a commission was
paid to BALS, the Advisor will not include the commissioned product value when
computing the quarterly fee for assets under management.
In no instance will a client pay both a management fee to the Advisor as well as a
commission paid to BALS for product execution. Clients should understand, however,
that the fee waiver by the Advisor applies solely to products executed through the
Advisor’s affiliate, BALS. When a client has chosen a broker-dealer other than BALS to
purchase or sell products, the Advisor will continue to charge its 1% fee as calculated
above on all assets, including those assets not purchased at BALS.
The Wrap Fee Program may cost the client more or less than purchasing such services
separately, i.e. adviser services and transaction services. Factors entering whether the
Wrap Fee Program is best for the client include frequency of trading, separate transaction
costs, client preferences regarding execution, and other items unique to an individual’s
needs and situation.
Fee Billing
Investment management fees are billed quarterly, in advance. This means LWM invoices
clients at the beginning of each billing period. Payment in full is expected upon invoice
presentation. Fees are normally deducted from the client account to facilitate billing as
authorized by the investment management agreement. Clients agree to provide
authorization to the account custodian permitting the firm to be directly paid from the
client’s account. However, clients may also pay by check or credit card if they prefer to
opt for one of these arrangements.
Fees for financial plans are initially billed at half of an agreed upon flat fee in order to
commence work, and, upon delivery of the financial plan, an invoice for the balance is
presented. If hourly rates are charged, the Advisor and client may otherwise agree on the
method of payment.
Other Compensation
Affiliated Broker-Dealer
It is our business practice to avoid purchasing products which pay a
commission to our affiliated broker-dealer. However, BALS may
erroneously receive overrides, reallowances, or trailing fees
in
conjunction with selling insurance products or alternative investments to
7
advisory clients. Any compensation received in this manner will be
returned to the issuer or paid to the advisory client. If BALS earned a
commission on past investments clients will not pay a management fee
on that investment.
Clients are always free to purchase products from another, unaffiliated,
broker-dealer.
Other Fees
Clients will likely incur fees and/or other charges from non LWM affiliated
brokerage firms, custodians, administrators and other service providers
not included in the management fee charged by LWM. These fees are
charged by the service provider, not LWM, BALS, or Schwab. The amount
and nature of these fees is based on the service provider’s fee schedule(s)
at the provider’s sole discretion. These fees are separate and distinct
from any fees charged by the Adviser or our affiliated broker-dealer.
Mutual and index funds, exchange traded funds, variable annuity
products and other managed products or partnerships are often
investments in clients’ portfolios. Clients may be charged for services
performed by the providers/managers of these products in addition to
the management fee paid to the Adviser. The Adviser, BALS and Schwab
do not receive any compensation from these charges. The fees and
expenses charged by the product providers are separate and distinct
from the management fee charged by the Adviser.
The costs not included in the advisory fee for our wrap fee services are
charges imposed directly by a mutual fund, index fund, or exchange
traded fund which are disclosed in the fund’s prospectus, i.e. fund
management fees and other expenses. These include fees for trades
executed away from the custodian, markup/markdown charges, spreads
paid to market makers, wire transfer fees, other fees and taxes on
brokerage accounts and securities transactions, IRA fees (including fees
for set up and maintenance) and regulatory surcharges among other
charges.
If a client’s portfolio contains corporate debt or other types of over-the-
counter securities, the client may also pay a mark-up or mark-down to
the broker or dealer on the other side of the transaction. The mark-up or
mark-down is included in the purchase price of the security and is not
received by BALS, LWM, or Schwab.
Clients can invest in these products directly, without the services of the
Adviser. Accordingly, the client should review both the fees charged by
8
the funds and the applicable program fee charged by the Adviser to
understand the total amount of fees and costs to be paid by the client
and to evaluate the Advisory services provided. These charges are
generally outlined in the prospectus of products selected like mutual
funds or offering memoranda of other investments.
Conflicts of Interest - General
Advisers receive compensation via part of the fee paid for advisory services. This
may be more than what an adviser representative would receive if the client
participated in other programs the Adviser offers or in a traditional brokerage
account charging transaction based commissions. This incentivizes the adviser
representative to recommend the Wrap Fee Program. The advisor, therefore,
sometimes has a conflict of interest when recommending LWM’s Wrap Fee
Program rather than any other method of investment management or advisor or
other service, for example, a standard brokerage account. The client should
carefully consider the client’s options when deciding whether to participate in
this Wrap Fee Program. The client is free at all times to decide the investment
program best for the client.
Conflicts of Interest – Wrap Fee Recommendations
transactions.
We believe, however,
Our firm may receive more compensation from the client’s participation in our
wrap fee program through BALS or Schwab than if the client purchased our
investment advisory services and execution services from an independent broker
separately. For example, Schwab makes products and services available to us (see
“Other Products and Services Available to Us from Schwab”). Consequently, we
have an incentive to recommend that a client participate in our wrap fee program
and open account(s) with Schwab. This incentive is based on our own interest in
receiving products and services from Schwab rather than based on the client’s
interest in having the most appropriate fee arrangement for our investment
advisory services and the best value in custody services and the most favorable
execution of client
that our
recommendations in our wrap fee program, including the use of Schwab as
custodian and broker, is in the best interests of those clients to whom we
recommend it based on (a) an assessment of their investment plans and
anticipated trading activity in their accounts and all other relevant factors; and
(b) the scope, quality and price of Schwab’s services and not based on Schwab’s
payment for third part services that benefit only us.
9
Conflicts of Interest – Disincentive to Trade when Using Schwab
Since LWM will pay Schwab certain transaction/execution costs associated with
equities transactions for client, a potential disincentive to trade securities can
exist which is a conflict of interest which benefits LWM and disadvantages the
advisory client in when participating in LWM’s wrap fee program.
Account Requirements and Types of Clients – Item 5
The Adviser generally provides investment advice to individuals, but clients may also
include pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations,
corporations, or business entities. Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
There is no account minimum or minimum fee. The Advisor may waive any fees in its
discretion. Without limitation, the Adviser may waive investment fees and commissions
for employees and their families or families of existing clients.
Clients can place reasonable restrictions on the type of investments held in client’s
investment portfolio. Restrictions on investments in certain securities or types of
securities may not be possible due to the level of difficulty this entails in managing the
account.
Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation – Item 6
Related Persons Acting As Portfolio Managers
The Adviser manages accounts in the Wrap Fee Program through adviser representatives. Unless
the client requests a recommendation regarding portfolio managers independent of the Adviser,
all management will be performed by Adviser representatives.
Standards used to calculate and compare performance of client portfolios are selected based on
industry standards and benchmarks appropriate to the client portfolio. The firm conducts a
review of performance generally annually with the client, preferably in a face-to-face meeting.
There are no outside “third party” reviews. Performance information is not reviewed for
additional verification of accuracy or compliance with presentation standards. The firm generally
uses both fundamental and technical analysis in managing customer accounts, as well as asset
allocation models which are a part of modern portfolio theory. Investments are in the main
mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and individual securities.
As indicated at other sections of the Wrap Fee Brochure, related persons of the Adviser manage
client portfolios. This presents a conflict of interest for the adviser representatives and the
Adviser because in certain instances participation in the Wrap Fee Program results in greater
compensation to the adviser representative and Adviser. In these cases the adviser
representative and Adviser are incentivized to recommend the Wrap Fee Program rather than any
other service offered the client like a standard brokerage account. The Adviser addresses this
conflict by analyzing the type of program best suited for the client and disclosing the likely costs
10
of different services. Clients are free to decide the type of program they desire. All adviser
representatives and their performance are reviewed in the same manner by the Adviser.
Client Information Provided to Portfolio Manager – Item 7
Client information is from time-to-time provided to Portfolio Managers as requested. This
is done only in compliance with LWM’s Privacy Policy. Below is a summary of the Adviser’s
Privacy Policy regarding client personal information. A complete version of the Privacy
Policy is provided to clients along with the client Advisory agreement and may be
obtained by contacting the Compliance Officer of the Adviser.
a) The Adviser Collects non-public personal information about its clients
•
•
•
from the following sources:
Information received from clients on applications or other forms
Information about clients’ transactions with the Adviser, its affiliates
and others
Information received from our correspondent clearing broker with
respect to client accounts
• Medical information submitted as part of an insurance application for a
traditional life or variable life policy
•
Information received from service bureaus or other third parties
b) The Adviser will not share such information with any affiliated or
nonaffiliated third party except:
• When necessary to complete a transaction in a customer account, such
as with the clearing firm or account custodians
• When required to maintain or service a customer account
• To resolve customer disputes or inquiries
• With persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf of
the customer
• With rating agencies, persons assessing compliance with industry
standards, or to the attorneys, accountants and auditors of the firm
In connection with a sale or merger of the Adviser’s business
•
• To protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud, identity theft,
unauthorized transactions, claims or other liability
• To comply with federal, state or local laws, rules and other applicable
•
legal requirements
In connection with a written agreement to provide
investment
management or Advisory services when the information is released for
the sole purpose of providing the products or services covered by the
agreement
In any circumstances with the customer’s instruction or consent.
•
c) The Adviser restricts access to confidential client information to
individuals who are authorized to have access to confidential client
11
information and need to know that information to provide services to
clients.
d) The Adviser maintains physical, electronic and procedural security
measures that comply with applicable state and federal regulations to
safeguard confidential client information.
Client Contact with Portfolio Managers – Item 8
There are no restrictions on clients’ ability to contact and consult with portfolio managers.
Additional Information – Item 9
Disciplinary Disclosures of Related Person and the Adviser
LWM has one disclosed event.
In 2019, LWM entered into a settlement related to proceedings arising from breaches of
fiduciary duty and disclosure failures in connection with its recommendation and
investment of client assets in non-traded real estate investment trusts, business
development companies, and private placements, from June 2014 through December
2016. LWM was censured and ordered to pay a civil monetary penalty of $150,000 and
disgorgement of $994,296.10.
Bruce Lefavi has three disclosed events.
In 2012, a client alleged funds were lost due to not being invested. The complaint was
settled later in 2012.
In 2014, the Financial Industry Regulatory Agency (FINRA) found that Bruce Lefavi and our
affiliated broker-dealer, BALS, violated advertising rules and sold unregistered securities.
The matter was settled in 2014, FINRA imposed a fine of $75,000, paid jointly and
severally by our BALS and Bruce Lefavi, and a ten (10) day suspension of Bruce Lefavi in
the capacity of a principal. He remained a financial advisor and a Registered
Representative during the suspension.
In 2014, a client alleged that Bruce Lefavi sold them an unsuitable investment in illiquid
products. BALS settled the complaint.
BALS has two disclosed events.
In 2014, the Financial Industry Regulatory Agency (FINRA) found that our affiliated broker-
dealer, along with Bruce Lefavi, violated advertising rules and sold unregistered securities.
See above. The broker-dealer was fined jointly and severally for $75,000.
12
In 2017, BALS was censured and fined $25,000 for violations of content standards of
FINRA rule 2210, since certain communications failed to identify risks associated with
REITs and BDCs, omitted material facts, contained inaccurate descriptions; and violated
FINRA rule 3110(B) requiring a reasonable supervisory system and written supervisory
procedures concerning fee-based accounts.
Brokerage Affiliations
The Adviser is affiliated by common ownership with BALS. Registered representatives of
BALS are also investment advisor representatives of the Investment Advisor, LWM. When
effecting brokerage transactions through BALS, dually registered personnel, serving
generally as both Investment Adviser Representatives and Registered Representatives,
are permitted to exercise discretionary authority on behalf of clients in the capacity of
Investment Adviser Representatives. Although trading activity is sometimes routed
through BALS, advisory clients are not charged pass-through fees, such as postage and
handling or ticket charges. BALS does not earn a commission on these transactions. If
BALS receives compensation generated by holdings in an advisory account, these will be
reimbursed to the client either directly as a cash credit, or in the form of a credit toward
the next quarterly advisory fee.
The Adviser discloses that brokerage services provided by BALS and Schwab, acting as
broker, are sometimes not the lowest cost available and clients may be able to obtain
those services and/or products at a more favorable rate from other brokerage firms.
Clients of the Adviser are not required to use the brokerage services offered by BALS or
Schwab even though LWM makes the recommendations regarding investments.
Code of Ethics
The LWM Code of Ethics establishes standards of conduct for its supervised persons. It
includes general requirements that supervised persons comply with their fiduciary
obligations to clients and applicable securities laws, and specific requirements relating to,
among other things, personal trading, insider trading, conflicts of interest and
confidentiality of client information. It requires supervised persons to report their
personal securities transactions and holdings to the Adviser’s Compliance Officer, and
requires the Compliance Officer to review those reports. It also requires supervised
persons to report any violations of the Code of Ethics promptly to the Adviser’s
Compliance Officer. Each supervised person of the Adviser receives a copy of the Code of
Ethics and any amendments to it and must acknowledge in writing having received the
materials. Annually, each supervised person must certify that he or she complied with the
Code of Ethics during that year. Clients and prospective clients may obtain a copy of the
Adviser’s Code of Ethics by contacting the Compliance Officer of the Adviser.
13
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Under the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, the Adviser and its managers, members, officers and
employees may invest personally in securities of the same classes as are purchased
for clients and may own securities of the issuers whose securities are subsequently
purchased for clients. If an issue is purchased or sold for clients and any of the Adviser
managers, members, officers and employees on the same day purchase or sell the same
security, either the clients and the Adviser managers, members, officers or employees
shall receive or pay the same price or the clients shall receive a more favorable price. The
Adviser and its managers, members, officers and employees may also buy or sell specific
securities for their own accounts based on personal investment considerations, which the
Adviser does not deem appropriate to buy or sell for clients.
Personal Trading
The Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser reviews all employee trades (except for her
own trading activity, which is reviewed by another principal). The personal trading
reviews are conducted to consider and avoid situations where the personal trading of
employees would affect markets or otherwise receive preferential pricing vis-à-vis the
clients.
Periodic Reviews
Account reviews are performed no less than annually by the Investment Adviser
Representatives. They are instructed to consider the client's current security positions
and the likelihood that the performance of each security will contribute to the investment
objectives of the client. The Chief Compliance Officer samples client accounts periodically
to review activity in the account and investment suitability.
Review Triggers
Accounts are reviewed no less than annually or more frequently when market conditions
dictate. Other conditions that may trigger a review are changes in the tax laws, new
investment information, significant market movements and changes in a client's financial
or personal situation.
Regular Reports
Adviser provides a quarterly statement to the client summarizing the value of the client’s
portfolio. In addition, the Adviser will provide an investment report to the client when the
client attends an annual review. This report details the performance of the portfolio and
the holdings in the entire portfolio. This report is used as the basis to make any needed
changes to the client’s portfolio. Clients receive statements of account positions no less
than quarterly from the account custodian. Client should use the statement from the
custodian as the official statement of the account’s position and value and compare that
statement with other statements and reports provided by the Adviser. If discrepancies
exist, client should notify the Adviser.
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Incoming Client Referrals
The Adviser receives client referrals which may come from current clients, estate planning
attorneys, accountants, employees, personal friends of employees and other similar
sources. Adviser does not compensate referring parties for referrals or accept referral
fees or any compensation when a prospect is referred to a third party.
Additional Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Information Regarding Schwab
Payments Made & Received
As indicated elsewhere in this brochure, BALS at times receives certain transaction-based
compensation whether at point of sale or through trailing compensation paid by sponsors
of various products like mutual funds. Receipt of such compensation creates a conflict of
interest since individual adviser representatives are incentivized or may be incentivized
to make recommendations which favor products paying such compensation.
For example, without limitation, where a mutual fund pays trailing 12b-1 compensation
for products, the purchase of such fund may increase client costs or reduce client returns
on such investments. The advisor representative acting as a registered representative of
BALS is incentivized to recommend such products based in part on compensation
received.
In addition to compensating our firm for portfolio management, and other services to
clients, the wrap fees clients' pay our firm also allows us to pay Schwab for the brokerage
services it provides clients. The fees our firm pays Schwab consist primarily of asset-based
fees assessed on the total assets (including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash) in all
our clients' wrap fee program accounts maintained at Schwab.
In addition to the asset-based fee described above, our firm pays Schwab certain other
fees that it would otherwise charge to clients. These fees may include (a) flat dollar per
trade fees for Schwab's prime brokerage and trade away services (through which our firm
can have trades for client accounts at Schwab executed by broker-dealers other than
Schwab), (b) transaction-based fees imposed on Schwab by regulatory organizations and
exchanges and fees to offset processing costs incurred by Schwab for the exchange of
securities for equity, options or other covered security sell transaction, and (c) short-term
redemption fees on no-transaction-fee mutual funds (including, but not limited to, those
available through Schwab's Mutual Fund OneSource
Products & Services Available from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services (formerly called Schwab Institutional) is Schwab's division
serving independent investment advisory firms like our firm. They provide our firm and
clients with access to its institutional brokerage — trading, custody, reporting and related
services — many of which are not typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab
also makes available various support services. Some of those services help manage or
administer our client accounts while others help manage and grow our business. Schwab's
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support services are generally available on an unsolicited basis (our firm does not have to
request them) and at no charge. The availability to us of Schwab products and services is
not based on us giving particular investment advice, such as buying particular securities
for our clients. A more detailed description of Schwab's support services follows:
Services that Benefit Clients
Schwab's institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment
products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client asset so Schwab may
also aid in the payment of fees associated with the custodial transfer. The investment
products available through Schwab include some to which our firm might not otherwise
have access to or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by
firm clients. Schwab's services described in this paragraph generally benefit clients and
their accounts.
Services that May Not Directly Benefit Clients
Schwab also makes available other products and services benefiting our firm but may not
directly benefit clients or their accounts. These products and services assist in managing
and administering our client accounts. They include investment research, both Schwab's
and that of third parties. This research may 'be used to service all or some substantial
number of client accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In addition to
investment research, Schwab also makes available software and other technology that:
provides access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and
account statements);
facilitates trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts; e provides pricing and other market data;
• facilitates payment of our fees from our clients' accounts; and e assists with back-
office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Services that Generally Benefit Only Our Firm
Schwab also offers other services intended to help manage and further develop our
business enterprise. These services include:
• marketing, educational conferences and events;
• technology, compliance, legal and business consulting;
• publications and conferences on practice management and business
succession; and
• access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and
insurance providers.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases Schwab will arrange for
third- party vendors to provide the services to our firm. Schwab may also discount or
waive fees for some of these services or pay all or a part of a third party's fees. Schwab
may also provide our firm with other benefits such as occasional business entertainment
for our personnel.
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Irrespective of direct or indirect benefits to our client through Schwab, our firm strives to
enhance the client experience, help clients reach their goals and put client interests
before that of our firm or associated persons.
Our Interest in Schwab’s Services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits our firm because our firm does
not have to produce or purchase them. Our firm does not have to pay for Schwab's
services. These services are not contingent upon our firm committing any specific amount
of business to Schwab in trading commissions or assets in custody. This arrangement may
serve as an incentive to recommend clients maintain their account with Schwab based on
our interest in receiving Schwab's services benefiting our business rather than based on
the client’s interest in receiving the best value in custody services and the most favorable
execution of transactions. This is a potential conflict of interest. Our firm believes,
however, that the selection of Schwab as customer and broker is in the best interest of
our clients. It is primarily supported by the scope and price of Schwab’s services and not
Schwab’s services that benefit only our firm.
The Adviser seeks to remedy any conflicts of interest resulting from the above in the
following way. First, the Adviser has for the most part eliminated and will not select
mutual funds which pay trailing compensation where other choices are available, like
adviser funds, which offer reasonably comparative features. If such advisor funds are not
available, the Adviser will credit the client against any advisor fee charging 12b-1
compensation received by BALS, for example.
Secondly, the Adviser will not include in its calculation of the adviser fee the value of
assets and advisory clients which generated a commission for BALS. Only those products
for which BALS did not receive a commission will be included in the assets under
management collection.
Finally, clients can decide not to accept investment recommendations which include
compensation described above. The client may choose to execute transactions through a
broker-dealer other than BALS or Schwab which also eliminates compensation conflicts
of interest.
Brokerage Selection
As discussed above, clients are free to choose any broker-dealer through whom they wish
to execute transactions recommended by the Advisor, not just BALS or Schwab. The client
is also free to designate a custodian for their account other than Schwab. If the client
chooses not to designate a specific broker-dealer to execute transactions, or to custody
assets, the Advisor will execute transactions through its affiliated broker-dealer, BALS or
Schwab, and generally chooses Schwab for client accounts.
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The Advisor, when recommending BALS, Schwab, or any other broker-dealer or custodian,
will seek to achieve best execution of transactions. Best execution requires the Advisor
determine the most efficient, reasonable service for trade execution at the reasonably
best price. In making this determination, the Advisor will not select competitive bids, nor
achieve the absolutely lowest available commission cost, but will use reasonable diligence
to achieve the most advantageous order execution for customers given prevailing market
conditions.
Soft Dollars
Research and related services furnished by brokers may include, but are not limited to,
written information and analyses concerning specific securities, companies or sectors;
market, financial and economic studies and forecasts; financial publications; etc. If
Adviser seeks executions outside of the correspondent clearing relationship of its
affiliated broker-dealer, it strives for the best price and execution for costs and discounts
which are competitive in relation to the value of the transaction and which comply with
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Adviser uses a
broker-dealer other than its affiliated broker-dealer’s clearing firm it takes into account
the financial stability and reputation of firms and services provided by such brokers. The
client may not, in any particular instance, be the sole direct or indirect beneficiary of
services provided. The Adviser is under no obligation to transact business with any
particular broker dealer including BALS.
Order Aggregation
LWM does not aggregate trades.
Directing Brokerage for Client Referrals
The Adviser does not direct brokerage for client referrals.
Directed Brokerage
The Adviser generally does not allow clients to direct brokerage.
Custody Policy
The Adviser does not accept or permit itself or its employees to obtain custody of client
assets including cash or securities, or act as trustee, provide bill paying service, have
password access to account or have any other form of control over client assets. All
checks or wire transfers to fund client accounts are required to be made out to/sent to
the account custodian.
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians and the custodians provide account statements
not less frequently than quarterly to clients at their address of record. Clients should
carefully review such statements for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.
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Performance Reports
Pursuant to amendments to Rule 206(4) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the
Securities and Exchange Commission requires advisers to urge clients to compare the
information set forth in their statement from the Adviser, if the Adviser sends separate
statements/reports, with the statements received directly from the custodian to ensure
accuracy of all account transactions.
Investment Discretion
Discretionary authority is granted either by the Adviser’s investment management
agreement and/or by a separate limited power of attorney where such document is
required. The Adviser has the authority to choose, without obtaining specific client
consent, investments for a client account. A firm's discretionary authority regarding
investments may however be subject to certain limitations. These limitations are
recognized as the restrictions and prohibitions placed by the client. All such restrictions
must be agreed in writing.
If the Adviser is not granted discretionary authority, all transactions require approval by
the client prior to execution.
Voting Client Securities
LWM will vote all proxies received on behalf of clients for securities and investments held
in the Client’s portfolio in custody with Charles Schwab, provided client has authorized
LWM to do so and LWM has discretionary authority to buy or sell the security on behalf
of the client. In order to be eligible for voting, the cumulative market value of the security
held in all LWM Client Accounts must be greater than $150,000. For ERISA accounts, LWM
will vote proxies unless the plan documents specifically reserve the plan sponsor’s right
to vote proxies. For those clients who have retained the right to vote their own proxies
and for clients of our affiliated broker-dealer, LWM will send any proxy voting information
as received to the client’s address of record.
Lefavi shall vote proxies related to securities held by any client in a manner solely in the
best interests of the client. Lefavi shall consider only those factors that relate to the client's
investment, including how its vote will economically impact and affect the value of the
client's investment. Proxy votes will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or
strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder
value, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders. Proxy votes will be cast against
proposals having the opposite effect. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, Lefavi will
vote against proposals that make it more difficult to replace Board members. In voting on
each and every issue, Lefavi shall vote in a prudent and diligent fashion and only after a
careful evaluation of the issue presented on the ballot.
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Prior to electing to follow any specific guidelines, Lefavi will:
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• Determine the impact of following such guidelines on all clients, including
•
whether the guidelines would be more appropriate for one group of clients and
not for others;
Identify any direct or indirect benefits that might flow to Lefavi as a result of
choosing one guideline over other guidelines;
• Address any conflicts of interest raised by the selection of such guidelines by
following the Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest section of these Procedures; and
• Refrain from using such guidelines if it provides an advantage to one group of
clients while disadvantaging or otherwise not being in the best interest of any of
the remaining clients.
Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest
Lefavi recognizes that conflicts between itself and clients may arise in voting the proxies
of public companies and that these conflicts must be addressed. Where appropriate,
Lefavi will provide the client with sufficient information regarding the shareholder vote
and Lefavi's potential conflict to the client and obtain the client's consent before voting
or abstain from voting conflicted shares if no consent or written instructions are received.
Proxy Voting Disclosure
On an annual basis, Lefavi Wealth Management will send clients a copy of our Proxy
Voting policies and procedures disclosure. Clients may request a complete version of our
policies and procedures regarding proxy voting and they may obtain a record of how their
proxies were voted by contacting Compliance at 801-486-9000, 800-998-2427, or by email
at Compliance@lefavi.com.
Financial Information
The Adviser does not have any financial impairment that precludes it from meeting
contractual commitments to clients. The Adviser has not been the subject of a bankruptcy
petition in the last 10 years.
The Adviser is not required to provide a balance sheet as it does not serve as a custodian
for client funds or securities, and does not require prepayment of fees of more than
$1,200 per client, and six months or more in advance.
Investment Risks
When investing through LWM, clients should understand that there are various
investment risks which they will encounter. Some of these include:
Market Volatility: The profitability of a client’s Account depends in part on the Adviser
correctly assessing the future price movements of stocks, bonds, and other securities and
the movements of interest rates. The Adviser cannot guarantee that it will be successful
in predicting price and interest rate movements.
LWM’s Investment Activities: The Adviser’s investment activities involve a degree of risk
of loss. The performance of any investment is subject to numerous factors which are
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neither within the control of nor predictable by the Adviser. Such factors include a wide
range of economic, political, competitive, technological and other conditions (including
acts of terrorism and war) that may affect investments in general or specific industries or
companies. The securities markets may be volatile, which may adversely affect the ability
of the Adviser to realize profits.
Material Non-Public Information: The Adviser and/or its affiliates and their respective
personnel may acquire confidential or material non-public information which will restrict
the Advisor and BALS from initiating transactions in certain securities. The Adviser
may be unable to initiate a transaction because of these restrictions.
Accuracy of Public Information: The Adviser selects investments, in part, by relying on
information and data filed by issuers with various government regulators or made directly
available to the Adviser by the issuers or through sources other than the issuers. Although
the Adviser evaluates all such information and data and seeks independent corroboration
when it is considered appropriate and reasonably available, the Adviser is not in a position
to confirm the completeness, genuineness or accuracy of such information and data, and
in some cases, complete and accurate information is not available.
Investments in Undervalued Securities. The Adviser may invest in undervalued
securities. The identification of investment opportunities in such “value” investing is a
difficult task, and there are no assurances that such opportunities will occur. While
investments
in undervalued securities may offer the opportunities for capital
appreciation, these investments involve a high degree of financial risk and can result in
substantial losses. Returns generated from the Adviser’s investments may not adequately
compensate for the business and financial risks assumed.
Small Companies. The Adviser may invest a portion of its assets in small and/or
unseasoned companies with small market capitalization. Although smaller companies
may have potential for more rapid growth than large companies, those investments
involve higher risks. Smaller companies may lack the management experience, financial
resources, capital, liquidity, product diversification and competitive strength of larger
companies. In addition, in many instances, the frequency and volume of trading in those
shares may be substantially less than is typical of larger companies. As a result, the
securities of smaller companies may be subject to wider price fluctuations, volatility and
illiquidity.
Leverage: When deemed appropriate by the Adviser and subject to applicable
regulations, the Adviser may employ leverage in its investment program, whether directly
through the use of borrowed funds, or indirectly through investment in certain types of
financial instruments with inherent leverage. While such strategies and techniques
increase the opportunity to achieve higher returns on the amounts invested, they also
increase the risk of loss.
Market or Interest Rate Risk: The price of most fixed income securities move in the
opposite direction of the change in interest rates. For example, as interest rates rise, the
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price of fixed income securities generally falls. If the Adviser holds a fixed income security
to maturity, the change in its price before maturity may have little impact on the Adviser’s
performance (assuming no default/insolvency); however, if the Adviser has to sell the
fixed income security before the maturity date, an increase in interest rates could result
in a loss.
Fixed Income Call Option Risk: Many bonds, including agency, corporate and municipal
bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities, contain a provision that allows the issuer
to “call” all or part of the issue before the bond’s maturity date. The issuer usually retains
this right to refinance the bond in the future if market interest rates decline below the
coupon rate. There are disadvantages to the call provision. First, the cash flow pattern of
a callable bond is not known with certainty. Second, because the issuer will call the bonds
when interest rates have dropped, the Adviser’s clients are exposed to reinvestment rate
risk – the Adviser will have to reinvest the proceeds received when the bond is called at
lower interest rates. In such incidents, the capital appreciation potential of a bond will
be reduced because the price of a callable bond may not rise much above the price at
which the issuer may call the bond.
Inflation Risk: Inflation risk results from the variation in the value of cash flows from a
security due to inflation, as measured in terms of purchasing power. For example, if the
Adviser purchases a 5-year bond in which it can realize a coupon rate of 5%, but the rate
of inflation is 6%, then the purchasing power of the cash flow has declined by 1%. For all
but inflation-linked bonds, adjustable bonds or floating rate bonds, the Adviser is exposed
to inflation risk because the interest rate the issuer promises to make is fixed for the life
of the security.
Limited Liquidity of Interests: An investment in a partnership usually involves substantial
restrictions on liquidity and its interests are not freely transferable. There is no market
for these interests and no market is expected to develop. Additionally, transfers are
usually subject to the consent of the general partner at the general partner’s sole
discretion. Investors in these types of investments may be unable to liquidate them in
response to client needs.
Lack of Registration: Private Funds or many Limited Partnership interests have neither
been registered under the Securities Act nor under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any
state and, therefore, are subject to transfer restrictions under The Securities Laws.
Withdrawal of Capital: The ability to withdraw funds from private funds or Limited
Partnership interests is usually restricted in accordance with the withdrawal provisions
contained in an Offering Memorandum. In addition, substantial withdrawals by investors
within a short period of time could require a fund to liquidate securities positions and
other investments more rapidly than would otherwise be desirable, possibly reducing the
value of the fund’s assets and/or disrupting the fund’s investment strategy.
Investments in Non-U.S. Investments
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From time to time, the Adviser may invest in non-U.S. securities and other assets (through
ADRs and otherwise), which will give rise to risks relating to political, social and economic
developments abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the
regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuers and markets are subject. Such risks may
include:
• Political or social instability, the seizure by foreign governments of company assets, acts
of war or terrorism, withholding taxes on dividends and interest, high or confiscatory tax
levels, and limitations on the use or transfer of portfolio assets.
• Enforcing legal rights in some foreign countries is difficult, costly and slow, and there are
sometimes special problems enforcing claims against foreign governments.
• Foreign securities and other assets often trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar,
and the Adviser may seek to indirectly hedge or limit exposure to foreign currencies. In
pursuit of that objective, the Adviser may purchase and sell foreign currencies through
forward exchange contracts. Such exposure techniques may or may not be effective, and
would create additional costs. Changes in currency exchange rates will affect the
Adviser’s net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses
realized on the sale of investments. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative
to these other currencies may cause the value of the Adviser’s investments to decline.
Some foreign currencies can be particularly volatile, and the relative strength or weakness
of any particular currency to the US dollar fluctuates over time (unless it is a “pegged”
currency). Foreign governments may intervene in the currency markets, causing a decline
in value or liquidity of the Adviser’s foreign currency holdings. If the Adviser enters into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes, it may lose the
benefits of advantageous changes in exchange rates. On the other hand, if the Adviser
enters forward contracts for the purpose of increasing return, it may sustain losses with
negative currency valuation adjustments.
• Non-U.S. securities, commodities and other markets may be less liquid, more volatile and
less closely supervised by the government than in the United States. Some foreign
countries lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and there
may be less public information about the operations of issuers in such markets.
Risk of Default or Bankruptcy of Third Parties
The Adviser may engage in transactions in securities, commodities, other financial
instruments and other assets that involve counterparties. Under certain conditions, the
Adviser could suffer losses if a counterparty to a transaction were to default or if the
market for certain securities, commodities, other financial instruments and/or other
assets were to become illiquid.
Regulatory Risks
Strategy Restrictions: Certain institutions may be restricted from directly utilizing
investment strategies of the type in which the Adviser may engage. Such institutions,
including entities subject to ERISA, should consult their own Advisers, counsel and
accountants to determine what restrictions may apply and whether conducting business
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with the Adviser is appropriate in light of the Adviser’s investment management style and
strategies.
Trading Limitations: For all securities, instruments and/or assets listed on an exchange,
the exchange generally has the right to suspend or limit trading under certain
circumstances. Such suspensions or limits could render certain strategies difficult to
complete or continue and subject the Adviser to loss. Also, such a suspension could
render it impossible for the Adviser to liquidate positions and thereby expose the Adviser
to potential losses.
Conflicts of Interest: In the administration of client accounts, portfolios and financial
reporting, the Adviser faces various inherent conflicts of interest, which are described in
this brochure. The Adviser follows a Code of Ethics that provides that the client’s interest
is always held above that of the Firm and its associated persons.
Supervision of Trading Operations: The Adviser supervises and monitors trading activity
in the portfolio accounts to foster compliance with all objectives. Despite the Adviser’s
efforts, however, there is a risk that unauthorized or otherwise inappropriate trading
activity may occur in portfolio accounts.
Security Specific Risks
Depending on the nature of the investment management service selected by a client and
the securities used to implement the investment strategy, clients will be exposed to risks
that are specific to the securities in their particular investment portfolio.
Liquidity: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Securities
where there is a ready market that is traded through an exchange are generally more
liquid. Securities traded over-the-counter or that do not have a ready market or are thinly
traded are less liquid and may face material discounts in price level in a liquidation
situation.
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