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Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
4350 Baker Road, Suite 245
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Telephone: (952) 582-6100
Email: erica.lewerenz@marksgroup.com
Web Address: www.marksgroup.com
September 26, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Marks Group
Wealth Management, Inc. (hereinafter “MGWM”). If you have any questions about the contents of this
brochure, please contact us at (952) 582-6100 or erica.lewerenz@marksgroup.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.
Registration with the SEC or with any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or
training.
Additional information about MGWM also is available on the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known as a CRD number. Our firm's CRD number
is 148679.
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Item 2 Material Changes
Since MGWM’s last update dated March 5, 2024, we have added language in Item 4 to explain our
subadvisory relationships; otherwise, there have been no material changes made to this Disclosure
Brochure.
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Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 2 Material Changes ........................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3 Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 Advisory Business ....................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5 Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................. 7
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ........................................................ 9
Item 7 Types of Clients ......................................................................................................................... 10
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................ 10
Item 9 Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................... 14
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................................... 14
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ........ 15
Item 12 Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................. 16
Item 13 Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................. 18
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation.............................................................................. 19
Item 15 Custody .................................................................................................................................... 19
Item 16 Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................. 20
Item 17 Voting Client Securities ........................................................................................................... 20
Item 18 Financial Information .............................................................................................................. 21
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Item 4 Advisory Business
MGWM is a SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business located in Minnesota.
MGWM has been in business since November 2008.
Bennett E. Marks is the firm's principal shareholder (i.e., individuals and/or entities controlling 25% or
more of MGWM).
MGWM provides financial planning and investment management services primarily to high-net-worth
families and individuals. We provide investment consulting services to private foundations, endowments,
non-profit boards, and corporate retirement plans. (collectively, “clients” and each, a “client”) Reference
to “client” or “clients” in this Disclosure Brochure are to one or more clients of MGWM and not clients of
any other investment adviser.
The focus of our investment management services are the six investment strategies which are described
in Item 8. All strategies are actively managed and consist of securities with daily liquidity.
Prior to engaging MGWM to provide any of the foregoing investment advisory services, the client is
required to enter into one or more written agreements with MGWM setting forth the terms and
conditions under which MGWM renders its services (collectively, the “Agreement”).
This Disclosure Brochure describes the business of MGWM. Certain sections will also describe the
activities of Supervised Persons. Supervised Persons are any of MGWM’s officers, partners, directors (or
other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employees, or any other
person who provides investment advice on MGWM’s behalf and is subject to MGWM’s supervision or
control.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
MGWM offers its clients a broad range of comprehensive financial planning and consulting services, which
include non-investment-related matters. These services include business planning, investments,
insurance, retirement, education, estate planning, and tax and cash flow needs of the client. In addition,
the firm also provides financial consulting services to private foundations regarding long-term strategic
planning, the development of investment policy statements and providing consolidated performance
reporting for institutional clients working with multiple custodians and managers. These services may be
included as part of MGWM’s wealth management services, described below.
In performing its services, MGWM is not required to verify any information received from the client or
from the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) and is expressly authorized to rely
on such information. MGWM may recommend the services of itself and/or other professionals to
implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest exists if MGWM
recommends its own services. The client is under no obligation to act upon any of the recommendations
made by MGWM under a financial planning or consulting engagement or to engage the services of any
such recommended professional, including MGWM itself. The client retains absolute discretion over all
such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any of MGWM’s recommendations. Clients
are advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify MGWM if there is ever any change in
their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating, or revising
MGWM’s previous recommendations and/or services.
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Investment Management and Wealth Management Services
Clients can engage MGWM to manage all or a portion of their assets on a discretionary or non-
discretionary basis. When managing all or a portion of a client’s assets on a discretionary basis, MGWM
will manage the assets directly or will engage the advisory services of a subadviser to manage all or a
portion of a client’s assets. In addition, MGWM may provide clients with wealth management services
which include a broad range of comprehensive financial planning and consulting services as well as
discretionary and/or non-discretionary management of investment portfolios.
MGWM primarily allocates clients’ investment management assets among open-end and closed-end
mutual funds, ETFs, individual debt and equity securities and American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”), as
well as publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) and Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”),
and, in limited cases, Independent Managers (as defined below). MGWM also provides advice about any
type of investment held in clients' portfolios at the outset of establishing a relationship with the firm.
MGWM tailors its advisory services to the individual needs of clients. MGWM consults with clients initially
to develop an investment strategy based on the clients’ risk tolerance and other factors. On a case by case
basis, as necessary, MGWM works with clients to develop an investment policy statement. MGWM
ensures that clients’ investments are suitable for their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk
tolerance.
MGWM also may render non-discretionary investment management services to clients relative to variable
life/annuity products that they own, their individual employer-sponsored retirement plans, and/or 529
plans or other products that are not held by the client’s primary custodian. In so doing, MGWM either
directs or recommends the allocation of client assets among the various investment options that are
available with the product. Client assets are maintained at the specific insurance company or custodian
designated by the product.
Clients are advised to promptly notify MGWM if there are changes in their financial situation or
investment objectives or if they wish to impose any reasonable restrictions upon MGWM’s management
services. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions or mandates on the management of their account
(e.g., require that a portion of their assets be invested in socially responsible funds) if, in MGWM’s sole
discretion, the conditions will not materially impact the performance of a portfolio strategy or prove
overly burdensome to its management efforts.
Use of Independent Managers
As mentioned above, MGWM recommends that certain clients authorize the active discretionary
management of a portion of their assets by and/or among certain independent investment managers
(“Independent Managers”), based upon the stated investment objectives of the client. The terms and
conditions under which the client engages the Independent Managers are set forth in a separate written
agreement between MGWM or the client and the designated Independent Managers. MGWM renders
services to the client relative to the discretionary and/or non-discretionary selection or recommendation
of Independent Managers. MGWM also monitors and reviews the account performance and the client’s
investment objectives. MGWM receives an annual advisory fee which is based upon a percentage of the
market value of the assets being managed by the designated Independent Managers.
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When recommending or selecting an Independent Manager for a client, MGWM reviews information
about the Independent Manager such as its disclosure brochure and/or material supplied by the
Independent Manager or independent third parties for a description of the Independent Manager’s
investment strategies, past performance and risk results to the extent available. Factors that MGWM
considers in recommending an Independent Manager include the client’s stated investment objectives,
management style, performance, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research. The
investment management fees charged by the designated Independent Managers, together with the fees
charged by the corresponding designated broker-dealer/custodian of the client’s assets, may be exclusive
of, and in addition to, MGWM’s investment advisory fee set forth above. As discussed above, the client
may incur additional fees than those charged by MGWM, the designated Independent Managers, and
corresponding broker-dealer and custodian.
In addition to MGWM’s written disclosure brochure, the client also receives the written disclosure
brochure of the designated Independent Managers. Certain Independent Managers may impose more
restrictive account requirements and varying billing practices than MGWM. In such instances, MGWM
may alter its corresponding account requirements and/or billing practices to accommodate those of the
Independent Managers.
Recommendation of Unaffiliated Subadvisers
As part of our Investment Management services, we may (upon coordination with the client) select one
or more unaffiliated, third-party investment advisers to serve as subadvisers to manage a portion of a
client’s assets. Fees assessed by subadvisers are separate and in addition to the advisory fees we charge.
We perform due diligence on each subadviser and confirm, among other things, that each subadviser is
properly registered as an investment adviser with the appropriate regulator. The decision to use a
subadviser is based on each client’s individual needs and is predicated upon whether a strategy offered
or made available by a subadviser is in the best interests of our clients. Clients will be provided a copy of
the applicable subadviser’s Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure, Form ADV Part 2B Supplemental
Brochure(s) and Form CRS at or before a subadviser is hired to manage a client’s assets.
Selected subadvisers will provide ongoing discretionary investment management services and trading
authority over a client’s designated assets. This means they can decide what securities to purchase and
sell with the designated assets without first discussing with the client and where and when to place the
transactions.
We are available to answer questions clients may have regarding their assets managed by the
subadviser(s) and usually act as the communication conduit between the clients and the subadvisers.
Additionally, MGWM has entered into a Subadvisory Agreement with Running Oak Capital LLC (“ROCL”)
an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, independent of MGWM.
Through this contractual relationship, ROCL provides investment subadvisory services for the Marks
Group Core Equity Portfolio strategy (“MGCEP”). The MGCEP will be managed in the same manner as
ROCL’s Efficient Growth Equity Strategy (“REGS”). ROCL will continue to provide advisory services to its
existing clients as well as procure new clients.
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MGWM will provide its clients whose assets are advised according to its MGCEP with a copy of ROCL’s
disclosure brochure (i.e., Form ADV Parts 2A and 2B) and Privacy Notice at least 48 hours prior to ROCL
managing such account. Annually, MGWM will provide a copy of ROCL’s Privacy Notice and will offer or
provide a copy of material updates to ROCL’s disclosure brochure to clients whose investment portfolios
are managed pursuant to MGCEP.
MGWM is responsible for oversight of ROCL’s advisory activities conducted on behalf of MGWM’s clients
pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement. MGWM will be available to answer questions clients may have
regarding any portion of their accounts managed by ROCL and will generally act as the communication
conduit between clients and ROCL. Though the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement set forth specific
details regarding the engagement and termination of ROCL as a sub-adviser, MGWM has ultimate
authority to hire and fire ROCL. Fees for this arrangement are paid by MGWM directly to ROCL from client
advisory fees; clients pay no additional fees to ROCL.
Sponsor of Wrap Program
MGWM is the sponsor of the Marks Group Wealth Management Wrap Program (the “Program”), a wrap
fee program. For clients who participate in the Program, MGWM provides its investment management
services and arranges for brokerage transactions under a single annualized fee. Participants in the
Program may pay a higher aggregate fee than if investment management and brokerage services are
purchased separately. A complete description of the Program’s terms and conditions (including fees) are
contained in the Program’s wrap fee brochure.
Amount of Managed Assets
As of January 23, 2025, MGWM managed $1,726,323,173 of clients' assets on a discretionary basis plus
$242,496,355 of clients' assets on a non-discretionary basis.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
MGWM offers its services on a fee basis, which include fixed fees and/or fees based upon assets under
management.
Consulting Fees
MGWM charges a fixed fee for consulting services. These services are typically ongoing. The fees are
negotiable, but generally range from $10,000 to $100,000 annually depending upon the level and scope of
the services and the professional rendering the consulting services. Consulting fees are generally charged
quarterly, in arrears. If the client engages MGWM for additional investment advisory services, MGWM
may offset all or a portion of its fees for those services based upon the amount paid for the consulting
services.
Prior to engaging MGWM to provide consulting services, the client is required to enter into a written
agreement with MGWM setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement.
Investment Management and Wealth Management Fee
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MGWM provides investment management services for an annual fee based upon a percentage of the
market value of the assets being managed by MGWM. MGWM’s annual fee is exclusive of, and in addition
to brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses which are incurred by
the client (except where client participates in the Program, as described above in Item 4). MGWM does
not, however, receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs. MGWM’s annual fee is prorated
and charged quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the assets on the last day of the
previous quarter. The annual fee varies (between 0.15% and 2.00%) depending upon the market value of
the assets under management and the type of investment/wealth management services to be rendered.
The clients participating in the Program are subject to the fee schedule set forth in the Program’s Wrap
Disclosure Brochure.
MGWM, in its sole discretion, may negotiate to charge a lesser management fee based upon certain
criteria (e.g., anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of
assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, pre-existing client, account retention, pro
bono activities, etc.). Discounts, not generally available to our advisory clients, may be offered to family
members and friends of associated persons of our firm.
Subadviser Compensation
MGWM will directly compensate ROCL for its subadvisory services. The method, amount and timing of
such compensation is governed by the Subadvisory Agreement, to which clients are not a party. Clients’
fees payable to MGWM are not impacted by MGWM’s determination to utilize a sub-adviser, such as
ROCL (but, clients’ overall advisory fees may be impacted by relationships with other investment advisers,
including Independent Managers). In other words, clients do not pay ROCL for its services and clients do
not pay “layered fees” due to MGWM’s subadvisory relationship with ROCL.
Additional Fees and Expenses
As further discussed in response to Item 12 (below), MGWM recommends that clients utilize the
brokerage and clearing services of National Financial Services LLC and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
(together with affiliates, “Fidelity”) and Schwab Advisor Services™ (“Schwab”) for
investment
management accounts.
MGWM may only implement its investment management recommendations after the client has arranged
for and furnished MGWM with all information and authorization regarding accounts with appropriate
financial institutions. Financial institutions include, but are not limited to Fidelity, Schwab, and any other
broker-dealer recommended by MGWM, broker-dealer directed by the client, trust companies, banks etc.
(collectively, referred to as the “Financial Institutions”).
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by the Financial Institutions and other third parties such as fees
charged by Independent Managers (as defined above), custodial fees, charges imposed directly by a
mutual fund or ETF in the account, which are disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund management
fees and other fund expenses), deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer
and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Additionally, clients who do not elect electronic delivery of statements may be charged an additional fee
for paper mailings. For assets outside of any wrap fee programs, clients may incur brokerage commissions
and transaction fees. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to MGWM’s
fee.
MGWM’s Agreement and the separate agreement with any Financial Institutions may authorize MGWM
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or Independent Managers to debit the client’s account for the amount of MGWM’s fee and to directly
remit that management fee to MGWM or the Independent Managers. Any Financial Institutions
recommended by MGWM have agreed to send a statement to the client, at least quarterly, indicating all
amounts disbursed from the account including the amount of management fees paid directly to MGWM.
Fees for Management During Partial Quarters of Service
For the initial period of investment management services, the fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.
The Agreement between MGWM and the client will continue in effect until terminated by either party
pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. MGWM’s fees are prorated through the date of termination and
any remaining balance is charged or refunded to the client, as appropriate.
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to MGWM’s right
to terminate an account. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that MGWM reserves the right
to liquidate any transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities into a client’s account.
Clients may withdraw account assets on notice to MGWM, subject to the usual and customary securities
settlement procedures. However, MGWM designs its portfolios as long-term investments and the
withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s investment objectives.
MGWM may consult with its clients about the options and ramifications of transferring securities.
However, clients are advised that when transferred securities are liquidated, they are subject to
transaction fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (i.e., contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax
ramifications
ERISA Accounts
MGWM is deemed to be a fiduciary to advisory clients that are employee benefit plans or individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), and
regulations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), respectively. As such, our firm is
subject to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code that include among
other things, restrictions concerning certain forms of compensation. To avoid engaging in prohibited
transactions, MGWM may only charge fees for investment advice about products for which our firm
and/or our related persons do not receive any commissions or 12b-1 fees, or conversely, investment
advice about products for which our firm and/or our related persons receive commissions or 12b-1 fees,
however, only when such fees are used to offset MGWM's advisory fees.
Advisory Fees in General
Clients should note that similar advisory services may (or may not) be available from other registered (or
unregistered) investment advisers for similar or lower fees.
Limited Prepayment of Fees
Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of fees in excess of $1200 more than six months
in advance of services rendered.
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
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MGWM does not provide any services for performance-based fees. Performance-based fees are those
based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a client.
Item 7 Types of Clients
MGWM provides advisory services to the following types of clients:
Individuals (other than high net worth individuals)
•
• High net worth individuals
•
•
•
Pension and profit sharing plans (other than plan participants)
Charitable organizations
Corporations or other businesses not listed above
Minimum Account Size
As a condition for starting and maintaining a relationship, MGWM imposes a minimum portfolio size of
$1,000,000. MGWM, in its sole discretion, may accept clients with smaller portfolios based upon certain
criteria including anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount
of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, pre-existing client, account retention,
and pro bono activities. MGWM only accepts clients with less than the minimum portfolio size if, in the
sole opinion of MGWM, the smaller portfolio size will not cause a substantial increase of investment risk
beyond the client’s identified risk tolerance. MGWM may aggregate the portfolios of family members to
meet the minimum portfolio size.
Additionally, certain Independent Managers impose more restrictive account requirements and varying
billing practices than MGWM. In such instances, MGWM may alter its corresponding account
requirements and/or billing practices to accommodate those of the Independent Managers.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Investment Strategies
The focus of our investment management services are the six following investment strategies. All
strategies are actively managed and consist of securities with daily liquidity.
(1) Core Equity - Our flagship strategy incorporates highly disciplined security selections of large and mid-
cap individual common stocks of high-quality U.S. companies that are exhibiting characteristics for
efficient growth.
(2) Tactical Equity - Designed to complement Core Equity, this strategy is a less constrained, more
opportunistic approach that focuses on “stalwart stocks” with shareholder-oriented management
teams.
(3) Equity Income - This portfolio of dividend-paying securities prioritizes both current income and long-
term capital appreciation. A more value-oriented strategy, this complements our growth strategies
well.
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(4) International Equity - A non-US equity portfolio comprised of ETFs offering exposure to both
developed and emerging markets, along with strategic allocations to various investment styles and
specific global sectors.
(5) Fixed Income - Carefully constructed, high-quality, low duration, individual corporate or municipal
bond portfolios, with laddered maturities designed to weather any interest rate environment.
(6) Mutual Funds - A portfolio of institutional share-class, open-ended mutual funds built to offer full
diversification across multiple asset classes and managed to reflect our current economic outlook.
Methods of Analysis
MGWM primarily employs fundamental and technical methods of analysis.
Fundamental analysis involves the fundamental financial condition and competitive position of a
company. MGWM will analyze the financial condition, capabilities of management, earnings, new
products and services, as well as the company’s markets and position amongst its competitors in order to
determine the recommendations made to clients. The primary risk in using fundamental analysis is that
while the overall health and position of a company may be good, market conditions may negatively impact
the security.
Technical analysis involves the analysis of past market data rather than specific company data in
determining the recommendations made to clients. Technical analysis may involve the use of charts to
identify market patterns and trends which may be based on investor sentiment rather than the
fundamentals of the company. The primary risk in using technical analysis is that spotting historical trends
may not help to predict such trends in the future. Even if the trend will eventually reoccur, there is no
guarantee that MGWM will be able to accurately predict such a reoccurrence.
In addition, when selecting an Independent Manager for a client, MGWM will perform due diligence in
selecting the Independent Manager, which will include the review of the Independent Manager’s
disclosure statement and other material supplied by the Independent Manager and/or third parties
concerning the Independent Manager’s investment strategies, past performance and risk results to the
extent possible.
Risks of Loss
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual fund and ETF
shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers of the fund’s
underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-level capital gains,
as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains in the event they sell securities
for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
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Shares of open-end mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the fund
itself or a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is equal to a fund’s
stated daily per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholders fees (e.g., sales loads, purchase fees,
redemption fees). The per-share NAV of a mutual fund is calculated at the end of each business day,
although the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday changes to the market value of the fund’s holdings. The
trading prices of a closed-end mutual fund’s shares may differ significantly from the NAV during periods
of market volatility, which may, among other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s shares trading at a
premium or discount to NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the secondary
market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is generally calculated at least
once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for actively managed ETFs. However, certain
inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also
no guarantee that an active secondary market for such shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally,
an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as creation units (usually 50,000 shares or more). Therefore,
if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have no way
to dispose of such shares.
Market Risks
All securities, particularly individual equity and debt securities, are subject to market volatility, economic
factors and certain other market risks. The success of an investment may depend to a great extent upon
correctly assessing the future course of price movements of stocks and bonds. There can be no assurance
that MGWM will be able to predict those price movements accurately.
Use of Independent Managers
MGWM may recommend the use of Independent Managers for certain clients. MGWM will continue to
do ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such recommendations relies, to a great extent, on the
Independent Managers ability to successfully implement their investment strategy. In addition, MGWM
does not have the ability to supervise the Independent Managers on a day-to-day basis other than as
previously described in response to Item 4, above.
Management Through Similarly Managed Accounts
MGWM primarily manages client portfolios among various securities on a discretionary basis using one or
more of its proprietary investment strategies (collectively referred to as “investment strategy”). In so
doing, MGWM buys, sells, exchanges and/or transfers securities based upon the investment strategy.
MGWM’s management using the investment strategy complies with the requirements of Rule 3a-4 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Rule 3a-4 provides similarly managed accounts, such as
the investment strategy, with a safe harbor from the definition of an investment company.
The investment strategy may involve an above-average portfolio turnover that could negatively impact
upon the net after-tax gain experienced by an individual client. Securities in the investment strategy are
usually exchanged and/or transferred without regard to a client’s individual tax ramifications. Certain
investment opportunities that become available to MGWM’s clients may be limited. For example, various
mutual funds may limit the ability of MGWM to buy, sell, exchange or transfer securities consistent with
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its investment strategy. As further discussed in response to Item 12B (below), MGWM allocates
investment opportunities among its clients on a fair and equitable basis.
Use of Margin
To the extent that a client authorizes the use of margin, and margin is thereafter employed by MGWM in
the management of the client’s investment portfolio, the market value of the client’s account and
corresponding fee payable by the client to MGWM will not be increased.
While the use of margin borrowing can substantially improve returns, such use may also increase the
adverse impact to which a client’s portfolio may be subject. Borrowings will usually be from securities
brokers and dealers and will typically be secured by the client’s securities and/or other assets. Under
certain circumstances, such a broker-dealer may demand an increase in the collateral that secures the
client’s obligations and if the client were unable to provide additional collateral, the broker-dealer could
liquidate assets held in the account to satisfy the client’s obligations to the broker-dealer. Liquidation in
that manner could have extremely adverse consequences. In addition, the amount of the client’s
borrowings and the interest rates on those borrowings, which will fluctuate, will have a significant effect
on the client’s profitability.
General Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such loss.
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Item 9 Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client's or prospective
client's evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management.
Our firm and our management personnel have no reportable disciplinary events to disclose.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
MGWM is required to disclose any relationship or arrangement that is material to its advisory business or
to its clients with certain related persons. Such relationships and arrangements are described below.
Receipt of Insurance Commission
Certain of MGWM’s Supervised Persons, in their individual capacities, are also licensed insurance agents
with various insurance companies, and in such capacity, recommend, on a fully-disclosed commission
basis, the purchase of certain insurance products. While MGWM does not sell such insurance products to
its investment advisory clients, MGWM does permit its Supervised Persons, in their individual capacities
as licensed insurance agents, to sell insurance products to its investment advisory clients. Clients,
however, are not under any obligation to purchase such products. The implementation of any or all
recommendations is solely at the discretion of the client.
A conflict of interest exists to the extent that MGWM recommends the purchase of insurance products
where MGWM’s Supervised Persons receive insurance commissions or other additional compensation.
MGWM endeavors at all times to put the interest of its clients first as part of our fiduciary duty as a
registered investment adviser; we take the following steps to address this conflict:
• we disclose to clients the existence of all material conflicts of interest, including the potential for
our firm and our employees to earn compensation from advisory clients in addition to our firm's
advisory fees;
• we disclose to clients that they are not obligated to purchase recommended insurance products
from our employees or affiliated companies;
• we collect, maintain and document accurate, complete and relevant client background
information, including the client's financial goals, objectives and risk tolerance;
• our firm's management conducts regular reviews of each client account to verify that all
recommendations made to a client are suitable to the client's needs and circumstances;
• we require that our employees seek prior approval of any outside employment activity so that
we may ensure that any conflicts of interests in such activities are properly addressed;
• we periodically monitor these outside employment activities to verify that any conflicts of
interest continue to be properly addressed by our firm; and
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• we educate our employees regarding the responsibilities of a fiduciary, including the need for
having a reasonable and independent basis for the investment advice provided to clients.
Fees from Independent Managers
As discussed above, MGWM recommends that certain clients authorize the active discretionary
management of a portion of their assets by and/or among certain Independent Managers. The
Independent Managers are not affiliated with MGWM, and their fees are separate from those charged by
MGWM. Such fees will be disclosed to clients upon engagement of the Independent Manager.
Subadviser Relationship
As described in Item 4 – Advisory Business above, MGWM utilizes the services of ROCL through the
Subadvisory Agreement to manage all or a portion of clients’ assets dedicated to a particular investment
strategy (see also Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss for further details
regarding the strategy employed by ROCL pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement). Any advisory
decisions made by ROCL pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement are executed (or traded) by MGWM’s
employees for MGWM’s clients, not directly by ROCL, and are subject to MGWM’s Trade Aggregation and
Allocation Policy. ROCL is not affiliated with MGWM, and as stated in Item 5, clients’ fees payable to
MGWM are not impacted by MGWM’s determination to utilize ROCL.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
MGWM and persons associated with MGWM (“Associated Persons”) are permitted to buy or sell
securities that it also recommends to clients consistent with MGWM’s policies and procedures.
MGWM has adopted a code of ethics that sets forth the standards of conduct expected of its associated
persons and requires compliance with applicable securities laws (“Code of Ethics”). In accordance with
Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), its Code of Ethics
contains written policies reasonably designed to prevent the unlawful use of material non-public
information by MGWM or any of its associated persons. The Code of Ethics also requires that certain of
MGWM’s personnel (called “Access Persons”) report their personal securities holdings and transactions
and obtain pre-approval of certain investments such as initial public offerings and limited offerings.
As specifically permitted in MGWM’s Code of Ethics, its Access Persons may effect for themselves or for
their immediate family (i.e., spouse, minor children, and adults living in the same household as the Access
Person) any transactions in a security which is being actively purchased or sold, or is being considered for
purchase or sale, on behalf of any of MGWM’s clients. However, when MGWM is purchasing or
considering for purchase any security on behalf of a client, no Access Person may effect a transaction in
that security prior to the completion of the purchase or until a decision has been made not to purchase
such security. Similarly, when MGWM is selling or considering the sale of any security on behalf of a client,
no Access Person may effect a transaction in that security prior to the completion of the sale or until a
decision has been made not to sell such security. These requirements are not applicable to: (i) direct
obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances,
bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term
debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by mutual funds or money market
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funds; and (iv) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual
funds.
MGWM and individuals associated with our firm are prohibited from engaging in principal transactions or
agency cross transactions.
As disclosed in the preceding section of this Brochure (Item 10), related persons of our firm are separately
licensed as an insurance agent/broker of various insurance companies. Please refer to Item 10 for a
detailed explanation of these relationships and important conflict of interest disclosures.
Clients and prospective clients may contact MGWM by telephone at the number listed on the cover page
of this Disclosure Brochure to request a copy of MGWM’s Code of Ethics.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
As discussed above, in Item 5, MGWM recommends that clients utilize the brokerage and clearing services
of Fidelity and Schwab. Factors which MGWM considers in recommending Fidelity, Schwab, or any other
broker-dealer to clients include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research
and service. The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Fidelity or Schwab may be higher or
lower than those charged by other Financial Institutions.
The commissions paid by MGWM’s clients comply with MGWM’s duty to obtain “best execution.” Clients
may pay commissions that are higher than another qualified Financial Institution might charge to effect
the same transaction where MGWM determines that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the
value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor
is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution,
taking into consideration the full range of a Financial Institution’s services, including among others, the
value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. MGWM seeks
competitive rates but may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client
transactions. MGWM periodically and systematically reviews its policies and procedures regarding its
recommendation of Financial Institutions in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
The client may direct MGWM in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute some or all
transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the account
with that Financial Institution, and MGWM will not seek better execution services or prices from other
Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution through other Financial
Institutions with orders for other accounts managed by MGWM (as described below). As a result, the
client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable
net prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best
execution, MGWM may decline a client’s request to direct brokerage if, in MGWM’s sole discretion, such
directed brokerage arrangements would result in additional operational difficulties or violate restrictions
imposed by other broker-dealers (as further discussed below).
Transactions for each client will be effected independently, unless MGWM decides to purchase or sell the
same securities for several of its clients at approximately the same time. MGWM may (but is not obligated
to) combine or “batch” such orders to obtain best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission
rates, or to allocate equitably among MGWM’s clients differences in prices and commissions or other
transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this
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procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and allocated among MGWM’s clients pro rata to the
purchase and sale orders placed for each client on any given day. To the extent that MGWM determines
to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of securities, including securities in which MGWM’s
Supervised Persons may invest, MGWM does so in accordance with applicable rules promulgated under
the Advisers Act and no-action guidance provided by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
MGWM does not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of the aggregation. In
the event that MGWM determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the particular
circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which may include: (i) when
only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the account with the smallest
order or the smallest position or to an account that is out of line with respect to security or sector
weightings relative to other portfolios, with similar mandates; (ii) allocations may be given to one account
when one account has limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other
securities which are expected to produce similar investment results and can be purchased by other
accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an allocation,
shares may be reallocated to other accounts (this may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s
assets after an order is placed); (iv) with respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts
low in cash; (v) in cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis
allocation in one or more accounts, MGWM may exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the
transactions may be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases where a
small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may be allocated to one or more accounts
on a random basis.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to certain broker
dealers in return for investment research products and/or services which assist MGWM in its investment
decision-making process. Such research generally will be used to service all of MGWM’s clients, but
brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research that is not used in managing
that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products and/or services as well as the
allocation of the benefit of such investment research products and/or services poses a conflict of interest
because MGWM does not have to produce or pay for the products or services.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
MGWM receives from Financial Institutions, without cost to MGWM, computer software and related
systems support, which allow MGWM to better monitor client accounts maintained at Financial
Institutions. MGWM receives the software and related support without cost because MGWM renders
investment management services to clients that maintain assets at Financial Institutions. The software
and support is not provided in connection with securities transactions of clients (i.e., not “soft dollars”).
As set forth below, certain software and related systems support may benefit MGWM, but not its clients
directly. In fulfilling its duties to its clients, MGWM endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients
first. Clients should be aware, however, that MGWM’s receipt of economic benefits from a broker-dealer
creates a conflict of interest since these benefits may influence MGWM’s choice of broker-dealer over
another broker-dealer that does not furnish similar software, systems support, or services.
Services that Benefit Clients
Financial Institutions may provide access to investment products, execution of securities transactions, and
custody of client assets. The investment products available through Financial Institutions include some to
which MGWM might not otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum
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initial investment by MGWM’s clients. The services described in this paragraph generally benefit clients
or their accounts.
Services that May Not Directly Benefit Clients
Financial Institutions also makes available to MGWM other products and services that benefit MGWM but
may not directly benefit clients or their accounts. These products and services assist MGWM in managing
and administering clients’ accounts. They include investment research. MGWM may use this research to
service all or some substantial number of clients’ accounts. In addition to investment research, Financial
Institutions may also make 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;
•
• provides pricing and other market data;
•
facilitates payment of our fees from clients’ accounts; and assists with back-office functions,
recordkeeping and client reporting.
Financial Institutions may also make available other services intended to help MGWM manage and further
develop its business enterprise. These services include:
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting;
• educational conferences and events;
•
• publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
• access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance providers.
Financial Institutions may provide some of these services themselves. In other cases, they will arrange for
third-party vendors to provide the services to MGWM. Financial Institutions may also discount or waive
their fees for some of these services or pay all or a part of a third party’s fees.
Impact of Subadvisory Relationship
As described elsewhere in this Disclosure Brochure, including in Item 4 – Advisory Business above, MGWM
and ROCL are parties to the Subadvisory Agreement. While ROCL may manage all or a portion of clients’
assets dedicated to a particular investment strategy (see also Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies and Risk of Loss), ROCL will not execute or make actual trades in MGWM’s clients’ investment
portfolios. Instead, ROCL will instruct certain MGWM employees to execute ROCL’s trading decision for
ROCL on behalf of MGWM’s clients. Accordingly, MGWM does not anticipate there to be any impact on
clients’ brokerage relationships as described elsewhere in this Disclosure Brochure, including the
immediately above subsections of this Item 12 – Brokerage Practices. As a result of or due to the
subadvisory relationship between MGWM and ROCL.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
For those clients to whom MGWM provides investment management services, MGWM monitors those
portfolios as part of an ongoing process while account reviews are conducted regularly. For those clients
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to whom MGWM provides consulting services, reviews are conducted on an “as needed” basis. Such
reviews are conducted by one of MGWM’s investment adviser representatives.
Investment advisory clients are encouraged to discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with MGWM and
to keep MGWM informed of any changes thereto. MGWM contacts ongoing investment advisory clients
at least annually to review its previous services and/or recommendations and to discuss the impact
resulting from any changes in the client’s financial situation and/or investment objectives.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Client Referrals
In the event a client is introduced to MGWM by either an unaffiliated or an affiliated promoter, the Firm
may pay that promoter a referral fee in accordance with applicable state securities laws. Unless otherwise
disclosed, any such referral fee is paid solely from MGWM’s investment management fee and does not
result in any additional charge to the client. If the client is introduced to the Firm by an unaffiliated
promoter, the client will receive all required disclosures, including those related to any compensation and
conflicts of interest. Any affiliated promoter of MGWM is required to disclose their affiliation with MGWM
at the time of the referral unless such affiliation is readily apparent.
SmartAsset
We have entered into an agreement with SmartAsset Advisors LLC (“SmartAsset”) in which SmartAsset
provides us with the names and contact information of prospective advisory clients who meet criteria we
have selected and who have expressed an interest in working with investment advisory firms. We pay a
fee for this service, which is payable regardless of whether the prospect becomes our advisory client, and
which is not passed along to clients.
Other Compensation
The Firm receives economic benefits from Fidelity and Schwab. The benefits, conflicts of interest and how
they are addressed are discussed above in response to Item 12.
Item 15 Custody
MGWM’s Agreement and/or the separate agreement with any Financial Institution may authorize MGWM
through such Financial Institution to debit the client’s account for the amount of MGWM’s fee and to
directly remit that management fee to MGWM in accordance with applicable custody rules. The Financial
Institutions recommended by MGWM have agreed to send a statement to the client, at least quarterly,
indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including the amount of management fees paid directly
to MGWM. Because the custodian does not calculate the amount of the fee to be deducted, it is important
for clients to carefully review their custodial statements to verify the accuracy of the calculation, among
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other things. Clients should contact us directly if they believe that there may be an error in their
statement.
In addition to the periodic statements that clients receive directly from their custodians, we may also send
account statements directly to our clients. We urge our clients to carefully compare the information
provided on these statements to ensure that all account transactions, holdings and values are correct and
current.
Standing Letters of Authorization
MGWM also has custody due to clients giving the Firm limited power of attorney in a standing letter of
authorization (“SLOA”) to disburse funds to one or more third parties as specifically designated by the
client. In such circumstances, the Firm will implement the steps in the SEC’s no-action letter on February
21, 2017, which includes (in summary): i) client will provide instruction for the SLOA to the custodian; ii)
client will authorize the Firm to direct transfers to the specific third party; iii) the custodian will perform
appropriate verification of the instruction and provide a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly
after each transfer; iv) the client will have the ability to terminate or change the instruction; v) the Firm
will have no authority or ability to designate or change the identity or any information about the third
party; vi) the Firm will keep records showing that the third party is not a related party of the Firm or
located at the same address as the Firm; and vii) the custodian will send the client an initial and annual
notice confirming the SLOA instructions.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
MGWM is generally given the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of clients. MGWM is considered
to exercise investment discretion over a client’s account if it can effect transactions for the client without
first having to seek the client’s consent. MGWM is given this authority through a power-of-attorney
included in the agreement between MGWM and the client. Clients may request a limitation on this
authority (such as certain securities not to be bought or sold). MGWM takes discretion over the following
activities:
• The securities to be purchased or sold;
• The amount of securities to be purchased or sold;
• When transactions are made; and
• The hiring and firing of subadvisors.
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
MGWM is required to disclose if it accepts authority to vote client securities. MGWM accepts the authority
to vote a client’s securities (i.e., proxies) on their behalf. When MGWM accepts such responsibility, it will
cast proxy votes only in a manner it believes consistent with the best interest of its clients. At any time
clients may contact the Firm to request information about how MGWM voted proxies for that client’s
securities. A brief summary of MGWM’s proxy voting policies and procedures is as follows:
• The Firm has engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”), a third-party, independent
proxy advisory firm, to provide it with research, analysis, and recommendations on the various
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proxy proposals for the client securities that MGWM manages with the aim of maximizing
shareholder value.
•
In engaging Broadridge for that purpose, MGWM has reviewed Broadridge’s proxy voting
guidelines for the current proxy voting season and has approved the summary of Broadridge’s
positions on the voting positions it recommends for the types of proposals most frequently
presented, including: election and composition of directors; financial reporting; compensation of
management and directors; corporate governance structure and anti-takeover measures; and
environmental and social risks to operations. MGWM is in agreement with the approach
Broadridge has set forth in its current proxy voting guidelines for voting proxies.
• Although MGWM, based on its approval of the positions in the proxy voting guidelines, expects
to vote proxies according to Broadridge’s recommendations, certain issues may need to be
considered on a case-by-case basis due to the diverse and continually evolving nature of corporate
governance issues. If such cases should arise, then MGWM will devote appropriate time and
resources to consider those issues.
• Where MGWM is responsible for voting proxies on behalf of a client, the client cannot direct the
Firm’s vote on a particular solicitation. The client, however, can revoke MGWM’s authority to vote
proxies. In situations where there is a conflict of interest in the voting of proxies due to business
or personal relationships that MGWM maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome
of certain votes, the Firm will take appropriate steps, whether by following Broadridge’s third-
party recommendation or otherwise, to ensure that proxy voting decisions are made in what it
believes is the best interest of its clients and are not the product of any such conflict.
Item 18 Financial Information
MGWM does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months or more in
advance of providing its advisory or financial planning services. In addition, MGWM is required to disclose
any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet contractual commitments to
clients. MGWM has no disclosures pursuant to this Item.
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