Overview
- Headquarters
- Skokie, IL
- Average Client Assets
- $2.4 million
- SEC CRD Number
- 319408
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (MIRRETTI PERRYMAN WEALTH STRATEGIES, LLC WRAP BROCHURE)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $250,000 | 1.75% |
| $250,001 | $500,000 | 1.50% |
| $500,001 | $1,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $1,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $5,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.90% |
| $10,000,001 | and above | 0.80% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $14,375 | 1.44% |
| $5 million | $54,375 | 1.09% |
| $10 million | $99,375 | 0.99% |
| $50 million | $419,375 | 0.84% |
| $100 million | $819,375 | 0.82% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 68.31%
- Total Client Accounts
- 178
- Discretionary Accounts
- 149
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 29
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Pension Consulting, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
Additional Brochure: MIRRETTI PERRYMAN WEALTH STRATEGIES, LLC 2A BROCHURE (2026-03-27)
View Document Text
Item 1: Cover Page
Item 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
March 27, 2026
Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC
SEC No. 801-123711
4711 W. Golf Road, Suite 402
Skokie, IL 60076
phone: 847-983-0123
email: mpws@mirrettiperryman.com
website: www.mirrettiperryman.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Mirretti Perryman
Wealth Strategies, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
847-983-0123 or via email to mpws@mirrettiperryman.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 state regulatory authority does not imply a certain level
of skill or expertise.
Additional information about Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Page 1
Item 2: Material Changes
Item 2: Material Changes
This Firm Brochure is our disclosure document prepared according to regulatory requirements
and rules. Consistent with the rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary of any material
changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business fiscal
year. Furthermore, we will provide you with other interim disclosures about material changes as
necessary.
There are no material changes to this Brochure from the last annual update issued on March 19,
2025.
Page 2
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4: Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................................ 7
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ......................................................... 10
Item 7: Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ................................................. 12
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 23
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................................ 24
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ........................................................................................................................................................... 25
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................... 27
Item 13: Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 31
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................ 32
Item 15: Custody .......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Item 16: Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................... 34
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................................ 35
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................ 36
Page 3
Item 4: Advisory Business
Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Ownership/Advisory History
Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC (“MPWS” or the “firm”) is a registered investment
adviser based in Skokie, IL. The firm is organized as a limited liability company ("LLC") under the
laws of the State of Illinois and is primarily owned by Timothy Christian Perryman and Dominic
Steven Mirretti. MPWS has been providing investment advisory services since 2022.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Portfolio Management Services
MPWS offers discretionary portfolio management services. Our investment advice is tailored to
meet our clients' needs and investment objectives. This program allows you to choose an
investment option that employs a risk-based and tax advantaged model portfolio or a multi-
sleeve model portfolio diversified among different investment styles. We will use the information
we gather to develop a strategy that enables our firm to customize an investment portfolio for
you in accordance with your risk tolerance and investment objectives. Once we construct an
investment portfolio for you, or select a model portfolio, we will monitor your portfolio's
performance and re-balance your investments as required by changes in market conditions and
in your financial circumstances.
MPWS‘s portfolio management services may be offered through third-party investment advisers
on a sub-advised basis.
For its discretionary asset management services, MPWS receives a limited power of attorney to
effect securities transactions on behalf of its clients that include securities and strategies
described in Item 8 of this brochure, and to retain and allocate all or a portion of the account to
sub-advisers and third-party asset managers.
Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions on the
management of their portfolio, which must be in writing and sent to the firm. Clients should
promptly notify the firm in writing of any changes in such restrictions or in the client's personal
financial circumstances, investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. MPWS will remind
clients of their obligation to inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions that should
be imposed on the management of the client’s account. MPWS will also contact clients at least
annually to determine whether there have been any changes in a client's personal financial
circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Retirement Rollovers – Conflicts and Added Fees. Plan participants may be paying little or nothing
for the plan’s investment services. As such, investment management costs are likely to be higher
when engaging an investment adviser for professional investment management. Alternative
courses of action are available to the plan participant: (i) Assuming it is permitted by the Plan,
you can leave your money in your current Plan. (ii) If you have changed employers, you can roll
your assets into the new employer’s Plan, if permissible by your new employer. (iii) You can
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Item 4: Advisory Business
establish an IRA R/O and place into a commission-based account at a broker-dealer. (iv) You can
establish an IRA R/O and place into a fee-based advisory account. (v) You can withdraw your
retirement money and pay the taxes and any applicable penalties. Your decision to roll assets
from a qualified plan to a financial professional should be determined by your need for a
desired level of investment services, the associated costs, and access to a diverse range of
investment products that meet your personal risk tolerance and investment objective.
Retirement Plan Participant Account Management (Discretionary)
We use a third-party platform (Pontera Order Management System) to facilitate management of
held away assets such as defined contribution plan participant accounts, with discretion.
The platform allows us to avoid being considered to have custody of client funds since we do
not have direct access to client log-in credentials to effect trades. We are not affiliated with the
platform in any way and receive no compensation from them for using their platform. A link will
be provided to the client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform. Once client
account(s) is connected to the platform, we will review the current account allocations. When
deemed necessary, we will rebalance the account considering client investment goals and risk
tolerance, and any change in allocations will consider current economic and market trends. The
goal is to improve account performance over time, minimize loss during difficult markets, and
manage internal fees that harm account performance. Please be advised that our investment
advice is limited to the investment alternatives provided by the plan sponsor. Client account(s)
will be reviewed at least quarterly and allocation changes will be made as deemed necessary.
We may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the plan’s other providers to
offer these services, as agreed upon between our firm and the client.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
MPWS will typically provide a variety of financial planning and consulting services to clients.
Services may be included as part of an overall wealth management engagement or separately
billed pursuant to a written financial planning agreement.
Services are offered in several areas of a client’s financial situation, depending on their goals and
objectives. This planning or consulting may encompass one or more areas of need, including but
not limited to, cash flow and budgeting, retirement planning, tax planning, insurance and risk
management needs analysis, estate planning strategies and disability/long-term care planning.
and any other solutions which may be indicated and necessary in order to meet the identified
needs.
MPWS gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews and questionnaires.
Information gathered includes a client's current financial status, investment objectives, future
goals, and attitudes toward risk. Related documents supplied by the client are carefully
reviewed, and a report is prepared covering one or more of the above-mentioned topics as
directed by the client.
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Basic Financial Plan as Part of AUM Fee
Clients with a minimum of $500,000 in assets under management with MPWS are offered a basic
financial plan at no additional charge. The basic financial plan will include (i) a financial report
overviewing their assets, liabilities, income, and relevant insurance; and (ii) a two-page financial
plan that lists their goals, account recommendations, contribution recommendations, and
several relevant notes about their overall financial picture.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
MPWS offers its portfolio management services exclusively on a wrap fee basis as a wrap
program sponsor. Under our wrap program, you will receive investment advisory services and
the execution of securities brokerage transactions for a single specified fee. If engaged for
Family Office Services, investment management is included in the wrap program based on a
fixed negotiated rate, not an asset-based fee.
Participation in a wrap program may cost you more or less than purchasing such services
separately. We adhere to our fiduciary duty when trading in your accounts. Trades are made
only on the basis of the account’s stated investment objectives, and without concern to the
firm’s trading costs and firm’s expenses that trading the accounts will create.
For information on this program, please refer to Appendix 1 of Part 2A: Mirretti Perryman
Wealth Strategies, LLC, Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2025, MPWS manages $174,520,322 of discretionary assets. MPWS also
advises and provides advice on assets of $4,376,793 from third-party managers where the firm
has no discretion to hire or fire such third-party managers.
.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Methods of Compensation and Fee Schedule
Portfolio Management Services Fees
MPWS offers its portfolio management services exclusively under a wrap fee program, where
brokerage commissions and transaction costs are included in the asset-based fee charged to the
client. For information on this program, please refer to Appendix 1 of Part 2A: Mirretti Perryman
Wealth Strategies, LLC, Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
Financial Planning Services Fees
Financial planning fees will be billed at the rate of $300 per hour or a fixed fee mutually agreed
upon by the client and MPWS. Fixed fees are based on the expected number of hours to
complete the engagement at the negotiated hourly rate. Fixed fee engagements typically range
from $1,500 to $5,000. Fees may be negotiable based on the nature and complexity of the
services to be provided and the overall relationship with the firm. An estimate for total hours
and/or total costs will be provided to the client prior to engaging for these services.
Clients with a minimum of $500,000 in assets under management with MPWS are offered a basic
financial plan at no additional charge.
B. Client Payment of Fees
Portfolio Management Services
MPWS generally requires fees to be prepaid on a quarterly basis. MPWS requires clients to
authorize the direct debit of fees from their accounts. Exceptions may be granted subject to the
firm’s consent for clients to be billed directly for our fees. For directly debited fees, the
custodian’s periodic statements will show each fee deduction from the account. Clients may
withdraw this authorization for direct billing of these fees at any time by notifying us or their
custodian in writing.
MPWS will deduct advisory fees directly from the client’s account provided that (i) the client
provides written authorization to the qualified custodian, and (ii) the qualified custodian sends
the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account. The
client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s custodian will
not verify the calculation.
A client investment advisory agreement may be canceled at any time by the client, or by MPWS
with 30 days’ prior written notice to the client. Upon termination, any unearned, prepaid fees will
be promptly refunded.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Financial Planning Services
Financial planning fees may be invoiced up to fifty percent (50%) of the expected total fee upon
execution of the financial planning agreement. The balance shall be invoiced upon completion
of the agreed upon deliverable(s).
A client financial planning agreement may be canceled at any time by the client, or by MPWS
with 30 days’ prior written notice to the client. The client may also terminate the financial
planning agreement within five (5) business days of signing the agreement at no cost to the
client. After the five-day period, the client will incur charges for bona fide advisory services
rendered to the point of termination and such fees will be due and payable by the client. Upon
termination, the client shall be billed for actual hours logged on the planning project times the
contractual hourly rate or in the case of a fixed fee engagement, the percentage of the
engagement scope completed by MPWS. Upon termination, the firm will promptly refund any
unearned, prepaid planning fees.
C. Additional Client Fees Charged
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, separate account managers, private
placement, pooled investment vehicles, and trade-away fees imposed by broker-dealers and
custodians, if any. Such fees and expenses are described in each exchange-traded fund and
mutual fund’s prospectus, each separate account manager’s Form ADV and Brochure and
Brochure Supplement or similar disclosure statement, each private placement or pooled
investment vehicle’s confidential offering memoranda, and by any broker-dealer or custodian
retained by the client. Clients are advised to read these materials carefully before investing. If a
mutual fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge as
further described in the mutual fund’s prospectus. A client using MPWS may be precluded from
using certain mutual funds or separate account managers because they may not be offered by
the client's custodian.
Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section (Item 12) for additional information regarding the
firm’s brokerage practices.
D. External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
MPWS advisory professionals are compensated primarily through a salary and bonus structure/
through a percentage of advisory fees charged to clients. MPWS is not paid any sales, service or
administrative fees for the sale of mutual funds or any other investment products with respect to
managed advisory assets.
E. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that the firm utilizes certain custodians/broker-dealers. Under these
arrangements we can access certain investment programs offered through such custodian(s)
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
that offer certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of which
clients need to be aware. Please note the following:
Limitation on Mutual Fund Universe for Custodian Investment Programs: There are certain
programs in which we participate where a client’s investment options may be limited in certain
of these programs to those mutual funds and/or mutual fund share classes that pay 12b-1 fees
and other revenue sharing fee payments, and the client should be aware that the firm is not
selecting from among all mutual funds available in the marketplace when recommending
mutual funds to the client.
Conflict Between Revenue Share Class (12b-1) and Non-Revenue Share Class Mutual Funds:
Revenue share class/12b-1 fees are deducted from the net asset value of the mutual fund and
generally, all things being equal, cause the fund to earn lower rates of return than those mutual
funds that do not pay revenue sharing fees. The client is under no obligation to utilize such
programs or mutual funds. Although many factors will influence the type of fund to be used, the
client should discuss with their investment adviser representative whether a share class from a
comparable mutual fund with a more favorable return to investors is available that does not
include the payment of any 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees given the client’s individual needs
and priorities and anticipated transaction costs. In addition, the receipt of such fees can create
conflicts of interest in instances where the custodian receives the entirety of the 12b-1 and/or
revenue sharing fees and takes the receipt of such fees into consideration in terms of benefits it
may elect to provide to the firm, even though such benefits may or may not benefit some or all
of the firm’s clients.
Additional Disclosure Concerning Wrap Programs: To the extent that we either sponsor or
recommend wrap fee programs, please be advised that certain wrap fee programs may (i) allow
our investment adviser representatives to select mutual fund classes that either have no
transaction fee costs associated with them but include embedded 12b-1 fees that lower the
investor’s return (“sometimes referred to as “A-Shares,” depending on the mutual fund issuer),
or (ii) allow the use of mutual fund classes that have transaction fees associated with them but
do not carry embedded 12b-1 fees (sometimes referred to as “I-Shares,” depending on the
mutual fund sponsor). Wrap fee programs offer investment services and related transaction
services for one all-inclusive fee (except as may be described in the applicable wrap fee program
brochure). The trading costs are typically absorbed by the firm and/or the investment
representative. If a client’s account holds A-Shares within a wrap fee program, the firm and/or its
investment adviser representative avoids paying the transaction fees charged by other mutual
fund classes, which in effect decreases the firm’s costs and increases its revenues from the
account. Effectively, the cost is transferred to the client from the firm in the form of a lower rate
of return on the specific mutual fund. This creates an incentive for the firm or investment adviser
representative to utilize such funds as opposed to those funds that may be equally appropriate
for a client but do not carry the additional cost of 12b-1 fees. As a policy matter, the firm does
not allow funds that impose 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees on the client’s investment within its
wrap fee programs. Clients should understand and discuss with their investment adviser
representative the types of mutual fund share classes available in the wrap fee program and the
basis for using one share class over another in accordance with their individual circumstances
and priorities.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
MPWS does not charge performance-based fees.
Page 10
Item 7: Types of Clients
Item 7: Types of Clients
MPWS offers investment advisory services to various types of clients including individuals and
high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, retirement plans, pension and profit sharing
plans, corporations and other legal entities.
In general, MPWS does not require a minimum dollar amount to open and maintain an advisory
account; however, we have the right to terminate the account if it falls below a minimum size
and we determine, in our sole opinion, is too small to manage effectively. We may also combine
account values for you and your minor children, joint accounts with your spouse, and other
types of related accounts to meet the stated minimum.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to
bear. There is no guarantee that any specific investment or strategy will be profitable for a
particular client.
Methods of Analysis
MPWS uses a variety of sources of data to conduct its economic, investment and market
analysis, which may include economic and market research materials prepared by others,
conference calls hosted by individual companies or mutual funds, corporate rating services,
annual reports, prospectuses, and company press releases, and financial newspapers and
magazines. It is important to keep in mind that there is no specific approach to investing that
guarantees success or positive returns; investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients
should be prepared to bear.
MPWS and its investment adviser representatives are responsible for identifying and
implementing the methods of analysis used in formulating investment recommendations to
clients. The methods of analysis may include quantitative methods for optimizing client
portfolios, computer-based risk/return analysis, technical analysis, and statistical and/or
computer models utilizing long-term economic criteria.
▪ Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating the intrinsic value of an asset and
analyzing the factors that could influence its price in the future. This form of analysis is
based on external events and influences, as well as financial statements and industry
trends.
▪ Factor investing is an investment approach that involves targeting specific drivers of
return across asset classes. There are two main types of factors: macroeconomic and
style.
▪ Optimization involves the use of mathematical algorithms to determine the appropriate
mix of assets given the firm’s current capital market rate assessment and a particular
client’s risk tolerance.
▪ Quantitative methods include analysis of historical data such as price and volume
statistics, performance data, standard deviation and related risk metrics, how the security
performs relative to the overall stock market, earnings data, price to earnings ratios, and
related data.
▪ Technical analysis involves charting price and volume data as reported by the exchange
where the security is traded to look for price trends.
▪ Computer models may be used to derive the future value of a security based on
assumptions of various data categories such as earnings, cash flow, profit margins, sales,
and a variety of other company specific metrics.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
In addition, MPWS reviews research material prepared by others, as well as corporate filings,
corporate rating services, and a variety of financial publications. MPWS may employ outside
vendors or utilize third-party software to assist in formulating investment recommendations to
clients.
Modern Portfolio Theory
The firm’s methods of analysis include modern portfolio theory. Modern portfolio theory is a
theory of investment that attempts to maximize portfolio expected return for a given amount of
portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected return, each by carefully
choosing the proportions of various assets. Modern portfolio theory assumes that investors are
risk averse, meaning that given two portfolios that offer the same expected return, investors will
prefer the less risky one. Thus, an investor will take on increased risk only if compensated by
higher expected returns. Conversely, an investor who wants higher expected returns must accept
more risk. The exact trade-off will be the same for all investors, but different investors will
evaluate the trade-off differently based on individual risk aversion characteristics. The
implication is that a rational investor will not invest in a portfolio if a second portfolio exists with
a more favorable risk-expected return profile – i.e., if for that level of risk an alternative portfolio
exists which has better expected returns.
Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds, Individual Securities, and Third-Party
Separate Account Managers
MPWS may recommend ”institutional share class” mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”),
and individual securities (including fixed income instruments). MPWS may also assist the client in
selecting one or more appropriate manager(s) for all or a portion of the client’s portfolio. Such
managers will typically manage assets for clients who commit to the manager a minimum
amount of assets established by that manager—a factor that MPWS will take into account when
recommending managers to clients.
MPWS's selection process cannot ensure that money managers will perform as desired, and
MPWS will have no control over the day-to-day operations of any of its selected money
managers. MPWS would not necessarily be aware of certain activities at the underlying money
manager level, including without limitation a money manager's engaging in unreported risks,
investment “style drift,” or even regulatory breaches or fraud.
A description of the criteria to be used in formulating an investment recommendation for
mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities (including fixed-income securities), and managers is set
forth below.
MPWS has formed relationships with third-party vendors that
▪ provide a technological platform for separate account management
▪ prepare performance reports
▪ perform or distribute research of individual securities
▪ perform billing and certain other administrative tasks
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
MPWS may utilize additional independent third parties to assist it in recommending and
monitoring individual securities, mutual funds, and managers to clients as appropriate under the
circumstances.
MPWS reviews certain quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and managers
and to formulate investment recommendations to its clients. Quantitative criteria may include
▪
the performance history of a mutual fund or manager evaluated against that of its peers
and other benchmarks
▪ an analysis of risk-adjusted returns
▪ an analysis of the manager’s contribution to the investment return (e.g., manager’s
alpha), standard deviation of returns over specific time periods, sector and style analysis
▪
the fund, sub-advisor or manager’s fee structure
▪
the relevant portfolio manager’s tenure
Qualitative criteria used in selecting/recommending mutual funds or managers include the
investment objectives and/or management style and philosophy of a mutual fund or manager; a
mutual fund or manager’s consistency of investment style; and employee turnover and efficiency
and capacity.
Quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and managers are reviewed by
MPWS on a quarterly basis or such other interval as appropriate under the circumstances. In
addition, mutual funds or managers are reviewed to determine the extent to which their
investments reflect efforts to time the market, or evidence style drift such that their portfolios no
longer accurately reflect the particular asset category attributed to the mutual fund or manager
by MPWS (both of which are negative factors in implementing an asset allocation structure).
MPWS may negotiate reduced account minimum balances and reduced fees with managers
under various circumstances (e.g., for clients with minimum level of assets committed to the
manager for specific periods of time, etc.). There can be no assurance that clients will receive any
reduced account minimum balances or fees, or that all clients, even if apparently similarly
situated, will receive any reduced account minimum balances or fees available to some other
clients. Also, account minimum balances and fees may significantly differ between clients. Each
client’s individual needs and circumstances will determine portfolio weighting, which can have
an impact on fees given the funds or managers utilized. MPWS will endeavor to obtain equal
treatment for its clients with funds or managers, but cannot assure equal treatment.
MPWS will regularly review the activities of mutual funds and managers utilized for the client.
Clients that engage managers or who invest in mutual funds should first review and understand
the disclosure documents of those managers or mutual funds, which contain information
relevant to such retention or investment, including information on the methodology used to
analyze securities, investment strategies, fees and conflicts of interest.
Material Risks of Investment Instruments
MPWS generally invests in the following types of securities:
▪ Equity securities
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
▪ Mutual fund securities
▪ Exchange-traded funds
▪ Leveraged and inverse exchange-traded funds
▪ Exchange-traded notes
▪ Fixed income securities
▪ Fixed equity annuities
▪ Fixed equity indexed annuities
▪ Variable annuities
▪ Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
Equity Securities
Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks relate to the
company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost of the
company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing
or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s ability to create
shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price). Foreign securities, in
addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk, financial transparency
risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
Mutual Fund Securities
Investing in mutual funds carries inherent risk. The major risks of investing in a mutual fund
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification, and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries. In addition, mutual funds tend to be
tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital gains taxes on fund investments while
not having yet sold the fund.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, streetTRACKS®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index
Tracking StockSM (“QQQs SM”) iShares® and VIPERs®. ETFs have embedded expenses that the
client indirectly bears.
Investing in ETFs involves risk. Specifically, ETFs, depending on the underlying portfolio and its
size, can have wide price (bid and ask) spreads, thus diluting or negating any upward price
movement of the ETF or enhancing any downward price movement. Also, ETFs require more
frequent portfolio reporting by regulators and are thereby more susceptible to actions by
hedge funds that could have a negative impact on the price of the ETF. Certain ETFs may
employ leverage, which creates additional volatility and price risk depending on the amount of
leverage utilized, the collateral and the liquidity of the supporting collateral.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Further, the use of leverage (i.e., employing the use of margin) generally results in additional
interest costs to the ETF. Certain ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore have additional
volatility and liquidity risk. Volatility and liquidity can severely and negatively impact the price
of the ETF’s underlying portfolio securities, thereby causing significant price fluctuations of the
ETF.
Leveraged and Inverse Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
Leveraged ETFs employ financial derivatives and debt to try to achieve a multiple (for example
two or three times) of the return or inverse return of a stated index or benchmark over the
course of a single day. The use of leverage typically increases risk for an investor. However,
unlike utilizing margin or shorting securities in your own account, you cannot lose more than
your original investment. An inverse ETF is designed to track, on a daily basis, the inverse of its
benchmark. Inverse ETFs utilize short selling, derivatives trading, and other leveraged
investment techniques, such as futures trading to achieve their objectives. Leverage and
inverse ETFs reset each day; as such, their performance can quickly diverge from the
performance of the underlying index or benchmark. An investor could suffer significant losses
even if the long-term performance of the index showed a gain. Engaging in short sales and
using swaps, futures, contracts, and other derivatives can expose the ETF.
There is always a risk that not every leveraged or inverse ETF will meet its stated objective on
any given trading day. An investor should understand the impact an investment in the ETF
could have on the performance of their portfolio, taking into consideration goals and
tolerance for risk. Leveraged or inverse ETFs may be less tax-efficient than traditional ETFs, in
part because daily resets can cause the ETF to realize significant short-term capital gains that
may not be offset by a loss. Be sure to check with your tax advisor about the consequences of
investing in a leveraged or inverse ETF. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs are not suited for long-
term investment strategies. These are not appropriate for buy-and-hold or conservative
investors and are more suitable for investors who understand leverage and are willing to
assume the risk of magnified potential losses. These funds tend to carry higher fees, due to
active management, that can also affect performance.
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETN”)
ETNs are structured debt securities. ETN liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the
issuer. Most ETNs are designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETNs have
expenses associated with their operation. When a fund invests in an ETN, in addition to
directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear its pro rata portion of
the ETN’s expenses. The risks of owning an ETN generally reflect the risks of owning the
underlying securities the ETN is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETN could
result in it being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. In addition, because
of ETN expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly it may be more costly
to own an ETN. The value of an ETN security should also be expected to fluctuate with the
credit rating of the issuer.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of ten years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds have liquidity and
currency risk.
Fixed Equity Annuities
A fixed annuity is a contract between an insurance company and a customer, typically called
the annuitant. The contract obligates the company to make a series of fixed annuity payments
to the annuitant for the duration of the contract. The annuitant surrenders a lump sum of cash
in exchange for monthly payments that are guaranteed by the insurance company. Please note
the following risks: (i) Spending power risk. Social Security retirement benefits have cost-of-
living adjustments. Most fixed annuities do not. Consequently, the spending power provided
by the monthly payment may decline significantly over the life of the annuity contract because
of inflation, (ii) Death and survivorship risk. In a conventional fixed annuity, once the annuitant
has turned over a lump sum premium to the insurance company, it will not be returned. The
annuitant could die after receiving only a few monthly payments, but the insurance company
may not be obligated to give the annuitant’s estate any of the money back. A related risk is
based on the financial consequences for a surviving spouse. In a standard single-life annuity
contract, a survivor receives nothing after the annuitant dies. That may put a severe dent in a
spouse’s retirement income. To counteract this risk, consider a joint life annuity. (iii) Company
failure risk. Private annuity contracts are not guaranteed by the FDIC, SIPC, or any other federal
agency. If the insurance company that issues an annuity contract fails, no one in the federal
government is obligated to protect the annuitant from financial loss. Most states have
guaranty associations that provide a level of protection to citizens in that state if an insurance
company also doing business in that state fails. A typical limit of state protection, if it applies
at all, is $100,000. To control this risk, contact the state insurance commissioner to confirm
that your state has a guaranty association and to learn the guarantee limits applicable to a
fixed annuity contract. Based on that information, consider dividing fixed annuity contracts
among multiple insurance companies to obtain the maximum possible protection. Also check
the financial stability and credit ratings of the annuity insurance companies being considered.
A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s publish ratings information.
Fixed Equity Indexed Annuities
An equity-indexed annuity is a type of fixed annuity that is distinguished by the interest yield
return being partially based on an equities index, typically the S&P 500.The returns (in the
form of interest credited to the contract) can consist of a guaranteed minimum interest rate
and an interest rate linked to a market index. The guaranteed minimum interest rate usually
ranges from 1 to 3 percent on at least 87.5 percent of the premium paid. As long as the
company offering the annuity is fiscally sound enough to meet its obligations, you will be
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
guaranteed to receive this return no matter how the market performs. Your index-linked
returns will depend on how the index performs but, generally speaking, an investor with an
indexed annuity will not see his or her rate of return fully match the positive rate of return of
the index to which the annuity is linked — and could be significantly less. One major reason
for this is that returns are subject to contractual limitations in the form of caps and
participation rates. Participation rates are the percentage of an index's returns that are
credited to the annuity. For instance, if your annuity has a participation rate of 75 percent,
then your index-linked returns would only amount to 75 percent of the gains associated with
the index. Interest caps, meanwhile, essentially mean that during big bull markets, investors
won't see their returns go sky-high. For instance, if an index rises 12 percent, but an investor's
annuity has a cap of 7 percent, his or her returns will be limited to 7 percent.
Some indexed annuity contracts allow the issuer to change these fees, participation rates and
caps from time to time. Investors should also be aware that trying to withdraw the principal
amount from a fixed indexed annuity during a certain period — usually within the first 9 or 10
years after the annuity was purchased — can result in fees known as surrender charges, and
could also trigger tax penalties. In fact, under some contracts if withdrawals are taken amounts
already credited will be forfeited. After paying surrender charges an investor could lose money
by surrendering their indexed annuity too soon.
Variable Annuities
Variable Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. In
essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which payment(s) are made to an insurance
company, which agrees to pay out an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are
contract limitations and fees and charges associated with annuities, administrative fees, and
charges for optional benefits. They also may carry early withdrawal penalties and surrender
charges, and carry additional risks such as the insurance carrier's ability to pay claims.
Moreover, variable annuities carry investment risk similar to mutual funds. Investors should
carefully review the terms of the variable annuity contract before investing.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
A REIT is a tax designation for a corporate entity which pools capital of many investors to
purchase and manage real estate. Many REITs invest in income-producing properties in the
office, industrial, retail, and residential real estate sectors. REITs are granted special tax
considerations, which can significantly reduce or eliminate corporate income taxes. In order to
qualify as a REIT and for these special tax considerations, REITs are required by law to
distribute 90% of their taxable income to investors. REITs can be traded on a public exchange
like a stock, or be offered as a non-traded REIT. REITs, both public exchange-traded and non-
traded, are subject to risks including volatile fluctuations in real estate prices, as well as
fluctuations in the costs of operating or managing investment properties, which can be
substantial. Many REITs obtain management and operational services from companies and
service providers that are directly or indirectly related to the sponsor of the REIT, which
presents a potential conflict of interest that can impact returns on investments.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Non-traded REITs include: (i) A REIT that is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) but is not listed on an exchange or over-the-counter market (non-exchange
traded REIT); or, (i) a REIT that is sold pursuant to an exemption to registration (Private REIT).
Non-traded REITs are generally blind pool investment vehicles. Blind pools are limited
partnerships that do not explicitly state their future investments prior to beginning their
capital-raising phase. During this period of capital-raising, non-traded REITs often pay
distributions to their investors.
The risks of non-traded REITs are varied and significant. Because they are not exchange-traded
investments, they often lack a developed secondary market, thus making them illiquid
investments. As blind pool investment vehicles, non-traded REITs’ initial share prices are not
related to the underlying value of the properties. This is because non-traded REITs begin and
continue to purchase new properties as new capital is raised. Thus, one risk for non-traded
REITs is the possibility that the blind pool will be unable to raise enough capital to carry out its
investment plan. After the capital raising phase is complete, non-traded REIT shares are
infrequently re-valued and thus may not reflect the true net asset value of the underlying real
estate investments. Non-traded REITs often offer investors a redemption program where the
shares can be sold back to the sponsor; however, those redemption programs are often
subject to restrictions and may be suspended at the sponsor’s discretion. While non-traded
REITs may pay distributions to investors at a stated target rate during the capital-raising
phases, the funds used to pay such distributions may be obtained from sources other than
cash flow from operations, and such financing can increase operating costs.
With respect to publicly traded REITs, publicly traded REITs may be subject to additional risks
and price fluctuations in the public market due to investors’ expectations of the individual
REIT, the real estate market generally, specific sectors, the current yield on such REIT, and the
current liquidity available in public market. Although publicly traded REITs offer investors
liquidity, there can be constraints based upon current supply and demand. An investor when
liquidating may receive less than the intrinsic value of the REIT.
B. Investment Strategy and Method of Analysis Material Risks
Our investment strategy is custom-tailored to the client’s goals, investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and personal and financial circumstances.
Margin Leverage
Although MPWS, as a general business practice, does not utilize leverage, there may be
instances in which the use of leverage may be appropriate for certain clients and situations or
requested by the clients for personal use. In this regard please review the following:
The use of margin leverage enhances the overall risk of investment gain and loss to the client’s
investment portfolio. For example, investors are able to control $2 of a security for $1. So if the
price of a security rises by $1, the investor earns a 100% return on their investment. Conversely,
if the security declines by $.50, then the investor loses 50% of their investment.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
The use of margin leverage entails borrowing, which results in additional interest costs to the
investor.
Broker-dealers who carry customer accounts require a minimum equity requirement when
clients utilize margin leverage. The minimum equity requirement is stated as a percentage of the
value of the underlying collateral security with an absolute minimum dollar requirement. For
example, if the price of a security declines in value to the point where the excess equity used to
satisfy the minimum requirement dissipates, the broker-dealer will require the client to deposit
additional collateral to the account in the form of cash or marketable securities. A deposit of
securities to the account will require a larger deposit, as the security being deposited is included
in the computation of the minimum equity requirement. In addition, when leverage is utilized
and the client needs to withdraw cash, the client must sell a disproportionate amount of
collateral securities to release enough cash to satisfy the withdrawal amount based upon similar
reasoning as cited above.
Regulations concerning the use of margin leverage are established by the Federal Reserve Board
and vary if the client’s account is held at a broker-dealer versus a bank custodian. Broker-dealers
and bank custodians may apply more stringent rules as they deem necessary.
Short-Term Trading
Although MPWS, as a general business practice, does not utilize short-term trading, there may
be instances in which short-term trading may be necessary or an appropriate strategy. In this
regard, please read the following:
There is an inherent risk for clients who trade frequently in that high-frequency trading creates
substantial transaction costs that in the aggregate could negatively impact account
performance.
Short Selling
MPWS generally does not engage in short selling but reserves the right to do so in the exercise
of its sole judgment. Short selling involves the sale of a security that is borrowed rather than
owned. When a short sale is effected, the investor is expecting the price of the security to
decline in value so that a purchase or closeout of the short sale can be effected at a significantly
lower price. The primary risks of effecting short sales is the availability to borrow the stock, the
unlimited potential for loss, and the requirement to fund any difference between the short credit
balance and the market value of the security.
Technical Trading Models
Technical trading models are mathematically driven based upon historical data and trends of
domestic and foreign market trading activity, including various industry and sector trading
statistics within such markets. Technical trading models, through mathematical algorithms,
attempt to identify when markets are likely to increase or decrease and identify appropriate
entry and exit points. The primary risk of technical trading models is that historical trends and
past performance cannot predict future trends, and there is no assurance that the mathematical
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
algorithms employed are designed properly, updated with new data, and can accurately predict
future market, industry, and sector performance.
Option Strategies
Various option strategies give the holder the right to acquire or sell underlying securities at the
contract strike price up until expiration of the option. Each contract is worth 100 shares of the
underlying security. Options entail greater risk but allow an investor to have market exposure to
a particular security or group of securities without the capital commitment required to purchase
the underlying security or groups of securities. In addition, options allow investors to hedge
security positions held in the portfolio. For detailed information on the use of options and
option strategies, please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for the current Options Risk
Disclosure Statement.
MPWS as part of its investment strategy may employ the following option strategies:
▪ Covered call writing
▪ Long call options purchases
▪ Long put options purchases
Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the-money call option against a long
security position held in the client portfolio. This type of transaction is used to generate
income. It also serves to create downside protection in the event the security position declines
in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such income may be
reduced to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior to its expiration.
This strategy may involve a degree of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses
if the underlying security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally
suited for companies with little price volatility.
Long Call Option Purchases
Long call option purchases allow the option holder to be exposed to the general market
characteristics of a security without the outlay of capital necessary to own the security. Options
are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of issuance), and as a result can
expose the investor to significant loss.
Long Put Option Purchases
Long put option purchases allow the option holder to sell or “put” the underlying security at
the contract strike price at a future date. If the price of the underlying security declines in
value, the value of the long put option increases. In this way long puts are often used to hedge
a long stock position. Options are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of
issuance), and as a result can expose the investor to significant loss.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
C. Concentration Risks
There is an inherent risk for clients who have their investment portfolios heavily weighted in one
security, one industry or industry sector, one geographic location, one investment manager, one
type of investment instrument (equities versus fixed income). Clients who have diversified
portfolios, as a general rule, incur less volatility and therefore less fluctuation in portfolio value
than those who have concentrated holdings. Concentrated holdings may offer the potential for
higher gain, but also offer the potential for significant loss.
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
There is nothing to report on this item.
B. Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
Page 23
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Neither MPWS nor its affiliates, employees, or independent contractors are registered broker-
dealers and do not have an application to register pending.
B. Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither MPWS nor its affiliates are registered as a commodity firm, futures commission
merchant, commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor and do not have an
application to register pending.
C. Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and
Conflicts of Interest
MPWS has nothing to report for this item.
D. Recommendation or Selection of Other Investment Advisors and
Conflicts of Interest
MPWS may engage third-party money managers to manage all or a portion of the client's
assets, and receives a portion of the advisory fees charged by MPWS for its investment
management services.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics Description
In accordance with the Advisers Act, MPWS has adopted policies and procedures designed to
detect and prevent insider trading. In addition, MPWS has adopted a Code of Ethics (the
“Code”). Among other things, the Code includes written procedures governing the conduct of
MPWS's advisory and access persons. The Code also imposes certain reporting obligations on
persons subject to the Code. The Code and applicable securities transactions are monitored by
the chief compliance officer of MPWS. MPWS will send clients a copy of its Code of Ethics upon
written request.
MPWS has policies and procedures in place to ensure that the interests of its clients are given
preference over those of MPWS, its affiliates and its employees. For example, there are policies
in place to prevent the misappropriation of material non-public information, and such other
policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with federal and state securities laws.
B. Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and
Conflicts of Interest
MPWS does not engage in principal trading (i.e., the practice of selling stock to advisory clients
from a firm’s inventory or buying stocks from advisory clients into a firm’s inventory). In
addition, MPWS does not recommend any securities to advisory clients in which it has some
proprietary or ownership interest.
C. Advisory Firm Purchase or Sale of Same Securities Recommended to
Clients and Conflicts of Interest
MPWS, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and
retirement plans established by it may purchase or sell the same securities as are purchased or
sold for clients in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures. The personal
securities transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise potential conflicts
of interest when they trade in a security that is:
▪ owned by the client, or
▪ considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client), which
MPWS specifically prohibits. MPWS has adopted policies and procedures that are intended to
address these conflicts of interest. These policies and procedures:
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest
▪ prohibit fraudulent conduct in connection with the trading of securities in a client
account
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
▪ prohibit employees from personally benefiting by causing a client to act, or fail to act in
making investment decisions
▪ prohibit the firm or its employees from profiting or causing others to profit on
knowledge of completed or contemplated client transactions
▪ allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner
▪ provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee benefiting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow MPWS’s procedures when purchasing or
selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client.
D. Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory
Firm Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
MPWS, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and
retirement plans established by it may effect securities transactions for their own accounts that
differ from those recommended or effected for other MPWS clients. MPWS will make a
reasonable attempt to trade securities in client accounts at or prior to trading the securities in its
affiliate, corporate, employee or employee-related accounts. Trades executed the same day will
likely be subject to an average pricing calculation. It is the policy of MPWS to place the clients’
interests above those of MPWS and its employees.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
Custodian Recommendations
MPWS recommends that clients establish brokerage accounts with Raymond James and
Associates (“Raymond James” or “custodian”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, member SIPC,
to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. Although MPWS
may recommend that clients establish accounts at the custodian, it is the client’s decision to
custody assets with the custodian. MPWS is independently owned and operated and not
affiliated with custodian. For MPWS-managed advisory accounts, the custodian generally does
not charge separately for custody services but is compensated by account holders through
commissions and other transaction-related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are
executed through the custodian or that settle into custodian accounts.
MPWS considers the financial strength, reputation, operational efficiency, cost, execution
capability, level of customer service, and related factors in recommending broker-dealers or
custodians to advisory clients.
In certain instances and subject to approval by MPWS, MPWS will recommend to clients certain
other broker-dealers and/or custodians based on the needs of the individual client, and taking
into consideration the nature of the services required, the experience of the broker-dealer or
custodian, the cost and quality of the services, and the reputation of the broker-dealer or
custodian. The final determination to engage a broker-dealer or custodian recommended by
MPWS will be made by and in the sole discretion of the client. The client recognizes that broker-
dealers and/or custodians have different cost and fee structures and trade execution capabilities.
As a result, there may be disparities with respect to the cost of services and/or the transaction
prices for securities transactions executed on behalf of the client. Clients are responsible for
assessing the commissions and other costs charged by broker-dealers and/or custodians.
Soft Dollar Arrangements
MPWS does not utilize soft dollar arrangements. MPWS does not direct brokerage
transactions to executing brokers for research and brokerage services.
Economic Benefits
As a registered investment adviser, MPWS has access to the institutional platform of your
account custodian. As such, we will also have access to research products and services from
your account custodian and/or other brokerage firm. These products may include financial
publications, information about particular companies and industries, research software, and
other products or services that provide lawful and appropriate assistance to our firm in the
performance of our investment decision-making responsibilities. Such research products and
services are provided to all investment advisers that utilize the institutional services platforms
of these firms, and are not considered to be paid for with soft dollars. However, you should be
aware that the commissions charged by a particular broker for a particular transaction or set of
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
transactions may be greater than the amounts another broker who did not provide research
services or products might charge.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
MPWS does not engage in the practice of directing brokerage commissions in exchange for the
referral of advisory clients.
Directed Brokerage
MPWS Recommendations
MPWS typically recommends Raymond James as custodian for clients’ funds and securities
and to execute securities transactions on its clients’ behalf.
Client-Directed Brokerage
Occasionally, clients may direct MPWS to use a particular broker-dealer to execute portfolio
transactions for their account or request that certain types of securities not be purchased for
their account. Clients who designate the use of a particular broker-dealer should be aware that
they will lose any possible advantage MPWS derives from aggregating transactions. Such
client trades are typically effected after the trades of clients who have not directed the use of a
particular broker-dealer. MPWS loses the ability to aggregate trades with other MPWS
advisory clients, potentially subjecting the client to inferior trade execution prices as well as
higher commissions.
B. Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
Best Execution
MPWS, pursuant to the terms of its investment advisory agreement with clients, has
discretionary authority to determine which securities are to be bought and sold, and the amount
of such securities. MPWS recognizes that the analysis of execution quality involves a number of
factors, both qualitative and quantitative. MPWS will follow a process in an attempt to ensure
that it is seeking to obtain the most favorable execution under the prevailing circumstances
when placing client orders. These factors include but are not limited to the following:
▪ The financial strength, reputation and stability of the broker
▪ The efficiency with which the transaction is effected
▪ The ability to effect prompt and reliable executions at favorable prices (including the
applicable dealer spread or commission, if any)
▪ The availability of the broker to stand ready to effect transactions of varying degrees of
difficulty in the future
▪ The efficiency of error resolution, clearance and settlement
▪ Block trading and positioning capabilities
▪ Performance measurement
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ Online access to computerized data regarding customer accounts
▪ Availability, comprehensiveness, and frequency of brokerage and research services
▪ Commission rates
▪ The economic benefit to the client
▪ Related matters involved in the receipt of brokerage services
Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, MPWS seeks to ensure that clients receive best
execution with respect to clients’ transactions by blocking client trades to reduce commissions
and transaction costs. To the best of MPWS’s knowledge, these custodians provide high-quality
execution, and MPWS’s clients do not pay higher transaction costs in return for such execution.
Commission rates and securities transaction fees charged to effect such transactions are
established by the client’s independent custodian and/or broker-dealer. Based upon its own
knowledge of the securities industry, MPWS believes that such commission rates are competitive
within the securities industry. Lower commissions or better execution may be able to be
achieved elsewhere.
Security Allocation
Since MPWS may be managing accounts with similar investment objectives, MPWS may
aggregate orders for securities for such accounts. In such event, allocation of the securities so
purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, is made by MPWS in the
manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to
such accounts.
MPWS’s allocation procedures seek to allocate investment opportunities among clients in the
fairest possible way, taking into account the clients’ best interests. MPWS will follow procedures
to ensure that allocations do not involve a practice of favoring or discriminating against any
client or group of clients. Account performance is never a factor in trade allocations.
MPWS’s advice to certain clients and entities and the action of MPWS for those and other clients
are frequently premised not only on the merits of a particular investment, but also on the
suitability of that investment for the particular client in light of his or her applicable investment
objective, guidelines and circumstances. Thus, any action of MPWS with respect to a particular
investment may, for a particular client, differ or be opposed to the recommendation, advice, or
actions of MPWS to or on behalf of other clients.
Order Aggregation
Orders for the same security entered on behalf of more than one client will generally be
aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to the aggregation being in the best interests of
all participating clients. Subsequent orders for the same security entered during the same
trading day may be aggregated with any previously unfilled orders. Subsequent orders may also
be aggregated with filled orders if the market price for the security has not materially changed
and the aggregation does not cause any unintended duration exposure. All clients participating
in each aggregated order will receive the average price and, subject to minimum ticket charges
and possible step outs, pay a pro rata portion of commissions.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
To minimize performance dispersion, “strategy” trades should be aggregated and average
priced. However, when a trade is to be executed for an individual account and the trade is not in
the best interests of other accounts, then the trade will only be performed for that account. This
is true even if MPWS believes that a larger size block trade would lead to best overall price for
the security being transacted.
Allocation of Trades
All allocations will be made prior to the close of business on the trade date. In the event an
order is “partially filled,” the allocation will be made in the best interests of all the clients in the
order, taking into account all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the size of each
client’s allocation, clients’ liquidity needs and previous allocations. In most cases, accounts will
get a pro forma allocation based on the initial allocation. This policy also applies if an order is
“over-filled.”
MPWS acts in accordance with its duty to seek best price and execution and will not continue
any arrangements if MPWS determines that such arrangements are no longer in the best
interest of its clients.
Trade Errors
In the event a trading error occurs in your account, our policy is to restore your account to the
position it should have been in had the trading error not occurred. Depending on the
circumstances, corrective actions may include canceling the trade, adjusting an allocation,
and/or reimbursing the account.
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and
Advisory Persons Involved
Accounts are reviewed by Timothy Perryman, Managing Partner; Dominic Mirretti, Managing
Partner; and Bronwyn Mirretti, CCO. The frequency of reviews is determined based on the
client’s investment objectives, but reviews are conducted no less frequently than annually. More
frequent reviews may also be triggered by a change in the client’s investment objectives, tax
considerations, large deposits or withdrawals, large purchases or sales, loss of confidence in the
underlying investment, or changes in macro-economic climate.
Financial planning clients receive their financial plans and recommendations at the time service
is completed. There are no post-plan reviews unless engaged to do so by the client.
B. Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
MPWS may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material changes
in the client’s investment objectives or risk tolerance, or a material change in how MPWS
formulates investment advice.
C. Content of Client-Provided Reports and Frequency
The client’s independent custodian provides account statements directly to the client no less
frequently than quarterly. The custodian’s statement is the official record of the client’s securities
account and supersedes any statements or reports created on behalf of the client by MPWS.
Page 31
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources
and Conflicts of Interest
Other than what is disclosed in Item 12 regarding benefits the firm receives from its
custodian(s), MPWS does not receive economic benefits for referring clients to third-party
service providers.
B. Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
MPWS does not pay for client referrals.
Page 32
Item 15: Custody
Item 15: Custody
MPWS is considered to have custody of client assets for purposes of the Advisers Act for the
following reasons:
▪ The client authorizes us to instruct their custodian to deduct our advisory fees directly
from the client’s account. The custodian maintains actual custody of clients’ assets.
▪ Our authority to direct client requests, utilizing standing instructions, for wire transfer of
funds for first-party money movement and third-party money movement (checks and/or
journals, ACH, Fed-wires). The firm has elected to meet the SEC’s seven conditions to
avoid the surprise custody exam, as outlined below:
1. The client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes
the client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or
the third party’s account number at a custodian to which the transfer should be
directed.
2. The client authorizes the investment adviser, in writing, either on the qualified
custodian’s form or separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a
specified schedule or from time to time.
3. The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction,
such as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization, and
provides a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
4. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s
qualified custodian.
5. The investment adviser has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity
of the third party, the address, or any other information about the third party
contained in the client’s instruction.
6. The investment adviser maintains records showing that the third party is not a
related party of the investment adviser or located at the same address as the
investment adviser.
7. The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming
the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
Individual advisory clients will receive at least quarterly account statements directly from their
custodian containing a description of all activity, cash balances, and portfolio holdings in their
accounts. Clients are urged to compare the account balance(s) shown on their account
statements to the quarter-end balance(s) on their custodian's monthly statement. The
custodian’s statement is the official record of the account.
Page 33
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients may grant a limited power of attorney to MPWS with respect to trading activity in their
accounts by signing the appropriate custodian limited power of attorney form. In those cases,
MPWS will exercise full discretion as to the nature and type of securities to be purchased and
sold, and the amount of securities for such transactions. Investment limitations may be
designated by the client as outlined in the investment advisory agreement. In addition, subject
to the terms of its investment advisory agreement, MPWS may be granted discretionary
authority for the retention of independent third-party investment management firms. Please see
the applicable third-party manager’s disclosure brochure for detailed information relating to
discretionary authority.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
MPWS does not take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients. All proxy
material will be forwarded to the client by the client’s custodian for the client’s review and action.
Clients may contact the firm with questions regarding proxies they have received.
Except as required by applicable law, MPWS will not be obligated to render advice or take any
action on behalf of clients with respect to assets presently or formerly held in their accounts that
become the subject of any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies.
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. MPWS has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class action lawsuit. MPWS also has no duty to evaluate a client’s eligibility
or to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action settlement or
verdict. Furthermore, MPWS has no obligation or responsibility to initiate litigation to recover
damages on behalf of clients who may have been injured as a result of actions, misconduct, or
negligence by corporate management of issuers whose securities are held by clients.
Where MPWS receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit, settlement, or verdict
affecting securities owned by a client, it will forward all notices, proof of claim forms, and other
materials to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate and where the client has
authorized contact in this manner.
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Item 18: Financial Information
Item 18: Financial Information
A. Balance Sheet
MPWS does not require the prepayment of fees of $1200 or more, six months or more in
advance, and as such is not required to file a balance sheet.
B. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability
to Meet Commitments to Clients
MPWS does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to provide services to
clients.
C. Bankruptcy Petitions During the Past Ten Years
There is nothing to report on this item.
Page 36
Primary Brochure: MIRRETTI PERRYMAN WEALTH STRATEGIES, LLC WRAP BROCHURE (2026-03-27)
View Document Text
Item 1: Cover Page
Item 1: Cover Page
Appendix 1 of Part 2A
Wrap Fee Program Brochure
March 27, 2026
Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC
SEC No. 801-123711
4711 W. Golf Road, Suite 402
Skokie, IL 60076
phone: 847-983-0123
email: mpws@mirrettiperryman.com
website: www.mirrettiperryman.com
This wrap fee program brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact us at 847-983-0123 or via email to mpws@mirrettiperryman.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 State Regulatory Authority does not imply a
certain level of skill or expertise.
Additional information about Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Page 1
Item 2: Material Changes
Item 2: Material Changes
This Firm Brochure is our disclosure document prepared according to regulatory requirements
and rules. Consistent with the rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary of any material
changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business fiscal
year. Furthermore, we will provide you with other interim disclosures about material changes as
necessary.
There are no material changes to this Brochure from the last annual update issued on March 19,
2025.
Page 2
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation .......................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Account Requirements and Types of Clients ..................................................................................... 9
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation ................................................................................... 10
Item 7: Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers...................................................................... 22
Item 8: Client Contact with Portfolio Managers ............................................................................................ 23
Item 9: Additional Information ............................................................................................................................. 24
Page 3
Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
A. Ownership/Advisory History
Mirretti Perryman Wealth Strategies, LLC (“MPWS” or the “firm”) is a registered investment
adviser based in Skokie, IL. The firm is organized as a limited liability company ("LLC") under the
laws of the State of Illinois and is primarily owned by Timothy Christian Perryman and Dominic
Steven Mirretti. MPWS has been providing investment advisory services since 2022.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Portfolio Management Services
MPWS provides portfolio management services exclusively on a wrap fee basis as a wrap
program sponsor. Under our wrap program, clients will receive investment advisory services and
the execution of securities brokerage transactions for a single specified fee.
Our investment advice is tailored to meet our clients’ needs and investment objectives. This
program allows you to choose an investment option that employs a risk-based and tax
advantaged model portfolio or a multi-sleeve model portfolio diversified among different
investment styles. We will use the information we gather to develop a strategy that enables our
firm to customize an investment portfolio for you in accordance with your risk tolerance and
investment objectives. Once we construct an investment portfolio for you, or select a model
portfolio, we will monitor your portfolio’s performance and re-balance your investments as
required by changes in market conditions and in your financial circumstances.
MPWS‘s portfolio management services may be offered through third-party investment advisers
on a sub-advised basis.
For its discretionary asset management services, MPWS receives a limited power of attorney to
effect securities transactions on behalf of its clients that include securities and strategies
described in Item 6 of this brochure, and to retain and allocate all or a portion of the account to
sub-advisers and third-party asset managers.
Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions on the
management of their portfolio, which must be in writing and sent to the firm. Clients should
promptly notify the firm in writing of any changes in such restrictions or in the client's personal
financial circumstances, investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. MPWS will remind
clients of their obligation to inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions that should
be imposed on the management of the client’s account. MPWS will also contact clients at least
annually to determine whether there have been any changes in a client's personal financial
circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Retirement Rollovers – Conflicts and Added Fees. Plan participants may be paying little or nothing
for the plan’s investment services. As such, investment management costs are likely to be higher
when engaging an investment adviser for professional investment management. Alternative
courses of action are available to the plan participant: (i) Assuming it is permitted by the Plan,
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Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
you can leave your money in your current Plan. (ii) If you have changed employers, you can roll
your assets into the new employer’s Plan, if permissible by your new employer. (iii) You can
establish an IRA R/O and place into a commission-based account at a broker-dealer. (iv) You can
establish an IRA R/O and place into a fee-based advisory account. (v) You can withdraw your
retirement money and pay the taxes and any applicable penalties. Your decision to roll assets
from a qualified plan to a financial professional should be determined by your need for a
desired level of investment services, the associated costs, and access to a diverse range of
investment products that meet your personal risk tolerance and investment objective.
Fees and Compensation
Fee Schedule
The annual fee for portfolio management services will be charged as a percentage of assets
under management according to the following fee schedule.
Value of Household Assets
$0-$249,999
$250,000-$499,999
$500,000-$999,999
$1,000,000-$4,999,999
$5,000,000-$9,999,999
$10,000 and above
Annual Client Fee
1.75%
1.50%
1.25%
1.00%
0.90%
0.80%
Multi-Sleeve Strategies*
+0.25%
+0.25%
+0.25%
+0.25%
+0.25%
+0.25%
*Clients selecting a multi-sleeve strategy will be charged an additional 0.25% premium. Please
be advised there is a conflict of interest in that MPWS has an economic incentive to recommend
clients utilize a multi-sleeve strategy, because it provides an economic benefit to MPWS.
Portfolio management fees are negotiable depending on factors such as the amount of assets
under management, range of investments, and complexity of your financial circumstances,
among others. At our discretion, we may combine the account values of family members living
in the same household to determine the applicable advisory fee. For example, we may combine
account values for you and your minor children, joint accounts with your spouse, and other
types of related accounts.
Asset-based fees are always subject to the investment advisory agreement between the client
and MPWS. Such fees are payable quarterly in advance and will be calculated based upon the
market value on the last business day of the previous calendar quarter. The fees will be prorated
if the investment advisory relationship commences otherwise than at the beginning of a
calendar quarter. Capital additions and withdrawals from your account in any amount greater
than $20,000 will not be reconciled until the following quarterly billing period. MPWS may
modify the fee at any time upon 30 days’ written notice to the client. In the event the client has
an ERISA-governed plan, fee modifications must be approved in writing by the client.
These fees include charges for all transaction costs such as commissions on purchase and sales
of stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds and options, and mutual fund transactions fees. Except
as otherwise provided below, client will incur no charges other than the adviser’s fee pursuant to
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Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
the above fee schedule in connection with the maintenance of and activity in client’s account.
The wrap fee does not include private alternative investment fees and expenses, annual account
fees or other administrative fees, such as wire fees, charged by manager or brokerage firm; fees
for securities transactions executed away from the custodian; certain odd-lot differentials,
transfer taxes, transaction fees mandated by the Securities Act of 1934, postage and handling
fees, and charges imposed by law with regard to transactions in the client’s account;
and advisory fees, expenses or sales charges (loads) of mutual funds (including money market
funds), closed-end investment companies or other managed investments, if any, held in client’s
account. The wrap fee also does not cover certain costs associated with securities transactions in
the over-the-counter market, such as fixed income securities where manager must approach a
dealer or market maker to purchase or sell a security. Such costs include the dealer’s mark-up,
mark-down or spread and odd-lot differentials or transfer taxes imposed by law.
C. Disclosure of Cost Difference if Services Purchased Separately
Depending on a number of factors, such as the number, size and nature of the securities
transactions in an advisory account, the overall fees and charges borne by the client over time
could be more or less than what these fees and charges would be if the same services were
provided on a separate basis. Bundled fees generally provide an economic incentive for the
advisory firm to select investments and strategies that minimize trading costs. Frequent trading
in an account where transaction fees are included as part of the overall advisory fee to the client
drive trading costs higher and reduce the overall fee revenue to the advisor. As a result, higher
trading costs in a bundled fee account have a negative impact on the advisory firm’s
profitability.
D. Additional Client Fees and Terms of Payment
Client Payment of Fees
MPWS generally requires fees to be prepaid on a quarterly basis. MPWS requires clients to
authorize the direct debit of fees from their accounts. Exceptions may be granted subject to the
firm’s consent for clients to be billed directly for our fees. For directly debited fees, the
custodian’s periodic statements will show each fee deduction from the account. Clients may
withdraw this authorization for direct billing of these fees at any time by notifying us or their
custodian in writing.
MPWS will deduct advisory fees directly from the client’s account provided that (i) the client
provides written authorization to the qualified custodian, and (ii) the qualified custodian sends
the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account. The
client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s custodian will
not verify the calculation.
A client investment advisory agreement may be canceled at any time by the client, or by MPWS
with 30 days’ prior written notice to the client. Upon termination, any unearned, prepaid fees will
be promptly refunded.
Page 6
Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
Additional Fees
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, separate account managers, private
placement, pooled investment vehicles, and trade-away fees imposed by broker-dealers and
custodians, if any. Such fees and expenses are described in each exchange-traded fund and
mutual fund’s prospectus, each separate account manager’s Form ADV and Brochure and
Brochure Supplement or similar disclosure statement, each private placement or pooled
investment vehicle’s confidential offering memoranda, and by any broker-dealer or custodian
retained by the client. Clients are advised to read these materials carefully before investing. If a
mutual fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge as
further described in the mutual fund’s prospectus. A client using MPWS may be precluded from
using certain mutual funds or separate account managers because they may not be offered by
the client's custodian.
Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section (Items 9.B.2 and 9.B.3) for additional information
regarding the firm’s brokerage practices.
E. Compensation for Recommending the MPWS Wrap Fee Program
The MPWS Wrap Fee Program is a proprietary product offered exclusively through MPWS. As
such, there is a conflict of interest in that we are economically disincentivized to trade your
portfolio. The less we trade the more money we make, as our wrap fee includes trading costs.
F. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that the firm utilizes certain custodians/broker-dealers. Under these
arrangements we can access certain investment programs offered through such custodian(s)
that offer certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of which
clients need to be aware. Please note the following:
Limitation on Mutual Fund Universe for Custodian Investment Programs: There are certain
programs in which we participate where a client’s investment options may be limited in certain
of these programs to those mutual funds and/or mutual fund share classes that pay 12b-1 fees
and other revenue sharing fee payments, and the client should be aware that the firm is not
selecting from among all mutual funds available in the marketplace when recommending
mutual funds to the client.
Conflict Between Revenue Share Class (12b-1) and Non-Revenue Share Class Mutual Funds:
Revenue share class/12b-1 fees are deducted from the net asset value of the mutual fund and
generally, all things being equal, cause the fund to earn lower rates of return than those mutual
funds that do not pay revenue sharing fees. The client is under no obligation to utilize such
programs or mutual funds. Although many factors will influence the type of fund to be used, the
client should discuss with their investment adviser representative whether a share class from a
comparable mutual fund with a more favorable return to investors is available that does not
include the payment of any 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees given the client’s individual needs
and priorities and anticipated transaction costs. In addition, the receipt of such fees can create
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Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
conflicts of interest in instances where the custodian receives the entirety of the 12b-1 and/or
revenue sharing fees and takes the receipt of such fees into consideration in terms of benefits it
may elect to provide to the firm, even though such benefits may or may not benefit some or all
of the firm’s clients.
Additional Disclosure Concerning Wrap Programs: To the extent that we either sponsor or
recommend wrap fee programs, please be advised that certain wrap fee programs may (i) allow
our investment adviser representatives to select mutual fund classes that either have no
transaction fee costs associated with them but include embedded 12b-1 fees that lower the
investor’s return (“sometimes referred to as “A-Shares,” depending on the mutual fund issuer),
or (ii) allow the use of mutual fund classes that have transaction fees associated with them but
do not carry embedded 12b-1 fees (sometimes referred to as “I-Shares,” depending on the
mutual fund sponsor). Wrap fee programs offer investment services and related transaction
services for one all-inclusive fee (except as may be described in the applicable wrap fee program
brochure). The trading costs are typically absorbed by the firm and/or the investment
representative. If a client’s account holds A-Shares within a wrap fee program, the firm and/or its
investment adviser representative avoids paying the transaction fees charged by other mutual
fund classes, which in effect decreases the firm’s costs and increases its revenues from the
account. Effectively, the cost is transferred to the client from the firm in the form of a lower rate
of return on the specific mutual fund. This creates an incentive for the firm or investment adviser
representative to utilize such funds as opposed to those funds that may be equally appropriate
for a client but do not carry the additional cost of 12b-1 fees. As a policy matter, the firm does
not allow funds that impose 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees on the client’s investment within its
wrap fee programs. Clients should understand and discuss with their investment adviser
representative the types of mutual fund share classes available in the wrap fee program and the
basis for using one share class over another in accordance with their individual circumstances
and priorities.
Page 8
Item 5: Account Requirements and Types of Clients
Item 5: Account Requirements and Types of Clients
MPWS offers investment advisory services to various types of clients including individuals and
high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, retirement plans, pension and profit sharing
plans, corporations and other legal entities.
In general, MPWS does not require a minimum dollar amount to open and maintain an advisory
account; however, we have the right to terminate the account if it falls below a minimum size
and we determine, in our sole opinion, is too small to manage effectively. We may also combine
account values for you and your minor children, joint accounts with your spouse, and other
types of related accounts to meet the stated minimum.
Page 9
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
A. Participation in Wrap Fee Programs; Portfolio Manager Selection and
Review
MPWS offers its portfolio management services exclusively on a wrap fee basis as a wrap
program sponsor. Under our wrap program, you will receive investment advisory services and
the execution of securities brokerage transactions for a single specified fee. Participation in a
wrap program may cost you more or less than purchasing such services separately. We adhere
to our fiduciary duty when trading in your accounts. Trades are made only on the basis of the
account’s stated investment objectives, and without concern for the firm’s trading costs and
firm’s expenses.
The MPWS Wrap Fee Program is a proprietary product offered exclusively through the firm and
is the only wrap fee program the firm participates in.
B. Wrap Fee Program Portfolio Management
Portfolio Management Services
Please refer to Item 4.B of this Brochure for a description of the portfolio management services
provided under the MPWS Wrap Fee Program.
Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives, and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
Management of Wrap Fee Program
The firm is the sole sponsor and sole portfolio manager for the MPWS Wrap Fee Program.
Participation in a wrap fee program may cost you more or less than purchasing such services
separately. We adhere to our fiduciary duty when trading in your accounts. Trades are made
only on the basis of the account’s stated investment objectives, and without concern to the
firm’s trading costs and firm’s expenses.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
The firm does not charge performance-based fees.
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to
bear. There is no guarantee that any specific investment or strategy will be profitable for a
particular client.
Page 10
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
Methods of Analysis
MPWS uses a variety of sources of data to conduct its economic, investment and market
analysis, which may include economic and market research materials prepared by others,
conference calls hosted by individual companies or mutual funds, corporate rating services,
annual reports, prospectuses, and company press releases, and financial newspapers and
magazines. It is important to keep in mind that there is no specific approach to investing that
guarantees success or positive returns; investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients
should be prepared to bear.
MPWS and its investment adviser representatives are responsible for identifying and
implementing the methods of analysis used in formulating investment recommendations to
clients. The methods of analysis may include quantitative methods for optimizing client
portfolios, computer-based risk/return analysis, technical analysis, and statistical and/or
computer models utilizing long-term economic criteria.
▪ Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating the intrinsic value of an asset and
analyzing the factors that could influence its price in the future. This form of analysis is
based on external events and influences, as well as financial statements and industry
trends.
▪ Factor investing is an investment approach that involves targeting specific drivers of
return across asset classes. There are two main types of factors: macroeconomic and
style.
▪ Optimization involves the use of mathematical algorithms to determine the appropriate
mix of assets given the firm’s current capital market rate assessment and a particular
client’s risk tolerance.
▪ Quantitative methods include analysis of historical data such as price and volume
statistics, performance data, standard deviation and related risk metrics, how the security
performs relative to the overall stock market, earnings data, price to earnings ratios, and
related data.
▪ Technical analysis involves charting price and volume data as reported by the exchange
where the security is traded to look for price trends.
▪ Computer models may be used to derive the future value of a security based on
assumptions of various data categories such as earnings, cash flow, profit margins, sales,
and a variety of other company specific metrics.
In addition, MPWS reviews research material prepared by others, as well as corporate filings,
corporate rating services, and a variety of financial publications. MPWS may employ outside
vendors or utilize third-party software to assist in formulating investment recommendations to
clients.
Modern Portfolio Theory
The firm’s methods of analysis include modern portfolio theory. Modern portfolio theory is a
theory of investment that attempts to maximize portfolio expected return for a given amount of
portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected return, each by carefully
Page 11
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
choosing the proportions of various assets. Modern portfolio theory assumes that investors are
risk averse, meaning that given two portfolios that offer the same expected return, investors will
prefer the less risky one. Thus, an investor will take on increased risk only if compensated by
higher expected returns. Conversely, an investor who wants higher expected returns must accept
more risk. The exact trade-off will be the same for all investors, but different investors will
evaluate the trade-off differently based on individual risk aversion characteristics. The
implication is that a rational investor will not invest in a portfolio if a second portfolio exists with
a more favorable risk-expected return profile – i.e., if for that level of risk an alternative portfolio
exists which has better expected returns.
Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds, Individual Securities, and Third-Party Separate
Account Managers
MPWS may recommend ”institutional share class” mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”),
and individual securities (including fixed income instruments). MPWS may also assist the client in
selecting one or more appropriate manager(s) for all or a portion of the client’s portfolio. Such
managers will typically manage assets for clients who commit to the manager a minimum
amount of assets established by that manager—a factor that MPWS will take into account when
recommending managers to clients.
MPWS's selection process cannot ensure that money managers will perform as desired, and
MPWS will have no control over the day-to-day operations of any of its selected money
managers. MPWS would not necessarily be aware of certain activities at the underlying money
manager level, including without limitation a money manager's engaging in unreported risks,
investment “style drift,” or even regulatory breaches or fraud.
A description of the criteria to be used in formulating an investment recommendation for
mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities (including fixed-income securities), and managers is set
forth below.
MPWS has formed relationships with third-party vendors that
▪ provide a technological platform for separate account management
▪ prepare performance reports
▪ perform or distribute research of individual securities
▪ perform billing and certain other administrative tasks
MPWS may utilize additional independent third parties to assist it in recommending and
monitoring individual securities, mutual funds, and managers to clients as appropriate under the
circumstances.
MPWS reviews certain quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and managers
and to formulate investment recommendations to its clients. Quantitative criteria may include
▪
the performance history of a mutual fund or manager evaluated against that of its peers
and other benchmarks
▪ an analysis of risk-adjusted returns
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
▪ an analysis of the manager’s contribution to the investment return (e.g., manager’s
alpha), standard deviation of returns over specific time periods, sector and style analysis
▪
the fund, sub-advisor or manager’s fee structure
▪
the relevant portfolio manager’s tenure
Qualitative criteria used in selecting/recommending mutual funds or managers include the
investment objectives and/or management style and philosophy of a mutual fund or manager; a
mutual fund or manager’s consistency of investment style; and employee turnover and efficiency
and capacity.
Quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and managers are reviewed by
MPWS on a quarterly basis or such other interval as appropriate under the circumstances. In
addition, mutual funds or managers are reviewed to determine the extent to which their
investments reflect efforts to time the market, or evidence style drift such that their portfolios no
longer accurately reflect the particular asset category attributed to the mutual fund or manager
by MPWS (both of which are negative factors in implementing an asset allocation structure).
MPWS may negotiate reduced account minimum balances and reduced fees with managers
under various circumstances (e.g., for clients with minimum level of assets committed to the
manager for specific periods of time, etc.). There can be no assurance that clients will receive any
reduced account minimum balances or fees, or that all clients, even if apparently similarly
situated, will receive any reduced account minimum balances or fees available to some other
clients. Also, account minimum balances and fees may significantly differ between clients. Each
client’s individual needs and circumstances will determine portfolio weighting, which can have
an impact on fees given the funds or managers utilized. MPWS will endeavor to obtain equal
treatment for its clients with funds or managers, but cannot assure equal treatment.
MPWS will regularly review the activities of mutual funds and managers utilized for the client.
Clients that engage managers or who invest in mutual funds should first review and understand
the disclosure documents of those managers or mutual funds, which contain information
relevant to such retention or investment, including information on the methodology used to
analyze securities, investment strategies, fees and conflicts of interest.
Material Risks of Investment Instruments
MPWS generally invests in the following types of securities:
▪ Equity securities
▪ Mutual fund securities
▪ Exchange-traded funds
▪ Leveraged and inverse exchange-traded funds
▪ Exchange-traded notes
▪ Fixed income securities
▪ Fixed equity annuities
▪ Fixed equity indexed annuities
▪ Variable annuities
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
▪ Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
Equity Securities
Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks relate to the
company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost of the
company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing
or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s ability to create
shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price). Foreign securities, in
addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk, financial transparency
risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
Mutual Fund Securities
Investing in mutual funds carries inherent risk. The major risks of investing in a mutual fund
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification, and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries. In addition, mutual funds tend to be
tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital gains taxes on fund investments while
not having yet sold the fund.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, streetTRACKS®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index
Tracking StockSM (“QQQs SM”) iShares® and VIPERs®. ETFs have embedded expenses that the
client indirectly bears.
Investing in ETFs involves risk. Specifically, ETFs, depending on the underlying portfolio and its
size, can have wide price (bid and ask) spreads, thus diluting or negating any upward price
movement of the ETF or enhancing any downward price movement. Also, ETFs require more
frequent portfolio reporting by regulators and are thereby more susceptible to actions by
hedge funds that could have a negative impact on the price of the ETF. Certain ETFs may
employ leverage, which creates additional volatility and price risk depending on the amount of
leverage utilized, the collateral and the liquidity of the supporting collateral.
Further, the use of leverage (i.e., employing the use of margin) generally results in additional
interest costs to the ETF. Certain ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore have additional
volatility and liquidity risk. Volatility and liquidity can severely and negatively impact the price
of the ETF’s underlying portfolio securities, thereby causing significant price fluctuations of the
ETF.
Leveraged and Inverse Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
Leveraged ETFs employ financial derivatives and debt to try to achieve a multiple (for example
two or three times) of the return or inverse return of a stated index or benchmark over the
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
course of a single day. The use of leverage typically increases risk for an investor. However,
unlike utilizing margin or shorting securities in your own account, you cannot lose more than
your original investment. An inverse ETF is designed to track, on a daily basis, the inverse of its
benchmark. Inverse ETFs utilize short selling, derivatives trading, and other leveraged
investment techniques, such as futures trading to achieve their objectives. Leverage and
inverse ETFs reset each day; as such, their performance can quickly diverge from the
performance of the underlying index or benchmark. An investor could suffer significant losses
even if the long-term performance of the index showed a gain. Engaging in short sales and
using swaps, futures, contracts, and other derivatives can expose the ETF.
There is always a risk that not every leveraged or inverse ETF will meet its stated objective on
any given trading day. An investor should understand the impact an investment in the ETF
could have on the performance of their portfolio, taking into consideration goals and
tolerance for risk. Leveraged or inverse ETFs may be less tax-efficient than traditional ETFs, in
part because daily resets can cause the ETF to realize significant short-term capital gains that
may not be offset by a loss. Be sure to check with your tax advisor about the consequences of
investing in a leveraged or inverse ETF. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs are not suited for long-
term investment strategies. These are not appropriate for buy-and-hold or conservative
investors and are more suitable for investors who understand leverage and are willing to
assume the risk of magnified potential losses. These funds tend to carry higher fees, due to
active management, that can also affect performance.
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETN”)
ETNs are structured debt securities. ETN liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the
issuer. Most ETNs are designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETNs have
expenses associated with their operation. When a fund invests in an ETN, in addition to
directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear its pro rata portion of
the ETN’s expenses. The risks of owning an ETN generally reflect the risks of owning the
underlying securities the ETN is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETN could
result in it being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. In addition, because
of ETN expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly it may be more costly
to own an ETN. The value of an ETN security should also be expected to fluctuate with the
credit rating of the issuer.
Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of ten years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds have liquidity and
currency risk.
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
Fixed Equity Annuities
A fixed annuity is a contract between an insurance company and a customer, typically called
the annuitant. The contract obligates the company to make a series of fixed annuity payments
to the annuitant for the duration of the contract. The annuitant surrenders a lump sum of cash
in exchange for monthly payments that are guaranteed by the insurance company. Please note
the following risks: (i) Spending power risk. Social Security retirement benefits have cost-of-
living adjustments. Most fixed annuities do not. Consequently, the spending power provided
by the monthly payment may decline significantly over the life of the annuity contract because
of inflation, (ii) Death and survivorship risk. In a conventional fixed annuity, once the annuitant
has turned over a lump sum premium to the insurance company, it will not be returned. The
annuitant could die after receiving only a few monthly payments, but the insurance company
may not be obligated to give the annuitant’s estate any of the money back. A related risk is
based on the financial consequences for a surviving spouse. In a standard single-life annuity
contract, a survivor receives nothing after the annuitant dies. That may put a severe dent in a
spouse’s retirement income. To counteract this risk, consider a joint life annuity. (iii) Company
failure risk. Private annuity contracts are not guaranteed by the FDIC, SIPC, or any other federal
agency. If the insurance company that issues an annuity contract fails, no one in the federal
government is obligated to protect the annuitant from financial loss. Most states have
guaranty associations that provide a level of protection to citizens in that state if an insurance
company also doing business in that state fails. A typical limit of state protection, if it applies
at all, is $100,000. To control this risk, contact the state insurance commissioner to confirm
that your state has a guaranty association and to learn the guarantee limits applicable to a
fixed annuity contract. Based on that information, consider dividing fixed annuity contracts
among multiple insurance companies to obtain the maximum possible protection. Also check
the financial stability and credit ratings of the annuity insurance companies being considered.
A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s publish ratings information.
Fixed Equity Indexed Annuities
An equity-indexed annuity is a type of fixed annuity that is distinguished by the interest yield
return being partially based on an equities index, typically the S&P 500.The returns (in the
form of interest credited to the contract) can consist of a guaranteed minimum interest rate
and an interest rate linked to a market index. The guaranteed minimum interest rate usually
ranges from 1 to 3 percent on at least 87.5 percent of the premium paid. As long as the
company offering the annuity is fiscally sound enough to meet its obligations, you will be
guaranteed to receive this return no matter how the market performs. Your index-linked
returns will depend on how the index performs but, generally speaking, an investor with an
indexed annuity will not see his or her rate of return fully match the positive rate of return of
the index to which the annuity is linked — and could be significantly less. One major reason
for this is that returns are subject to contractual limitations in the form of caps and
participation rates. Participation rates are the percentage of an index's returns that are
credited to the annuity. For instance, if your annuity has a participation rate of 75 percent,
then your index-linked returns would only amount to 75 percent of the gains associated with
the index. Interest caps, meanwhile, essentially mean that during big bull markets, investors
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
won't see their returns go sky-high. For instance, if an index rises 12 percent, but an investor's
annuity has a cap of 7 percent, his or her returns will be limited to 7 percent.
Some indexed annuity contracts allow the issuer to change these fees, participation rates and
caps from time to time. Investors should also be aware that trying to withdraw the principal
amount from a fixed indexed annuity during a certain period — usually within the first 9 or 10
years after the annuity was purchased — can result in fees known as surrender charges, and
could also trigger tax penalties. In fact, under some contracts if withdrawals are taken amounts
already credited will be forfeited. After paying surrender charges an investor could lose money
by surrendering their indexed annuity too soon.
Variable Annuities
Variable Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. In
essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which payment(s) are made to an insurance
company, which agrees to pay out an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are
contract limitations and fees and charges associated with annuities, administrative fees, and
charges for optional benefits. They also may carry early withdrawal penalties and surrender
charges, and carry additional risks such as the insurance carrier's ability to pay claims.
Moreover, variable annuities carry investment risk similar to mutual funds. Investors should
carefully review the terms of the variable annuity contract before investing.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
A REIT is a tax designation for a corporate entity which pools capital of many investors to
purchase and manage real estate. Many REITs invest in income-producing properties in the
office, industrial, retail, and residential real estate sectors. REITs are granted special tax
considerations, which can significantly reduce or eliminate corporate income taxes. In order to
qualify as a REIT and for these special tax considerations, REITs are required by law to
distribute 90% of their taxable income to investors. REITs can be traded on a public exchange
like a stock, or be offered as a non-traded REIT. REITs, both public exchange-traded and non-
traded, are subject to risks including volatile fluctuations in real estate prices, as well as
fluctuations in the costs of operating or managing investment properties, which can be
substantial. Many REITs obtain management and operational services from companies and
service providers that are directly or indirectly related to the sponsor of the REIT, which
presents a potential conflict of interest that can impact returns on investments.
Non-traded REITs include: (i) A REIT that is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) but is not listed on an exchange or over-the-counter market (non-exchange
traded REIT); or, (i) a REIT that is sold pursuant to an exemption to registration (Private REIT).
Non-traded REITs are generally blind pool investment vehicles. Blind pools are limited
partnerships that do not explicitly state their future investments prior to beginning their
capital-raising phase. During this period of capital-raising, non-traded REITs often pay
distributions to their investors.
The risks of non-traded REITs are varied and significant. Because they are not exchange-traded
investments, they often lack a developed secondary market, thus making them illiquid
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
investments. As blind pool investment vehicles, non-traded REITs’ initial share prices are not
related to the underlying value of the properties. This is because non-traded REITs begin and
continue to purchase new properties as new capital is raised. Thus, one risk for non-traded
REITs is the possibility that the blind pool will be unable to raise enough capital to carry out its
investment plan. After the capital raising phase is complete, non-traded REIT shares are
infrequently re-valued and thus may not reflect the true net asset value of the underlying real
estate investments. Non-traded REITs often offer investors a redemption program where the
shares can be sold back to the sponsor; however, those redemption programs are often
subject to restrictions and may be suspended at the sponsor’s discretion. While non-traded
REITs may pay distributions to investors at a stated target rate during the capital-raising
phases, the funds used to pay such distributions may be obtained from sources other than
cash flow from operations, and such financing can increase operating costs.
With respect to publicly traded REITs, publicly traded REITs may be subject to additional risks
and price fluctuations in the public market due to investors’ expectations of the individual
REIT, the real estate market generally, specific sectors, the current yield on such REIT, and the
current liquidity available in public market. Although publicly traded REITs offer investors
liquidity, there can be constraints based upon current supply and demand. An investor when
liquidating may receive less than the intrinsic value of the REIT.
Investment Strategy and Method of Analysis Material Risks
Our investment strategy is custom-tailored to the client’s goals, investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and personal and financial circumstances.
Margin Leverage
Although the firm, as a general business practice, does not utilize leverage, there may be
instances in which exchange-traded funds, other separate account managers and, in very limited
circumstances, the firm will utilize leverage. In this regard please review the following:
The use of margin leverage enhances the overall risk of investment gain and loss to the client’s
investment portfolio. For example, investors are able to control $2 of a security for $1. So if the
price of a security rises by $1, the investor earns a 100% return on their investment. Conversely,
if the security declines by $.50, then the investor loses 50% of their investment.
The use of margin leverage entails borrowing, which results in additional interest costs to the
investor.
Broker-dealers who carry customer accounts require a minimum equity requirement when
clients utilize margin leverage. The minimum equity requirement is stated as a percentage of the
value of the underlying collateral security with an absolute minimum dollar requirement. For
example, if the price of a security declines in value to the point where the excess equity used to
satisfy the minimum requirement dissipates, the broker-dealer will require the client to deposit
additional collateral to the account in the form of cash or marketable securities. A deposit of
securities to the account will require a larger deposit, as the security being deposited is included
in the computation of the minimum equity requirement. In addition, when leverage is utilized
and the client needs to withdraw cash, the client must sell a disproportionate amount of
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
collateral securities to release enough cash to satisfy the withdrawal amount based upon similar
reasoning as cited above.
Regulations concerning the use of margin leverage are established by the Federal Reserve Board
and vary if the client’s account is held at a broker-dealer versus a bank custodian. Broker-dealers
and bank custodians may apply more stringent rules as they deem necessary.
Short-Term Trading
Although the firm, as a general business practice, does not utilize short-term trading, there may
be instances in which short-term trading may be necessary or an appropriate strategy. In this
regard, please read the following:
There is an inherent risk for clients who trade frequently in that high-frequency trading creates
substantial transaction costs that in the aggregate could negatively impact account
performance.
Short Selling
The firm generally does not engage in short selling but reserves the right to do so in the
exercise of its sole judgment. Short selling involves the sale of a security that is borrowed rather
than owned. When a short sale is effected, the investor is expecting the price of the security to
decline in value so that a purchase or closeout of the short sale can be effected at a significantly
lower price. The primary risks of effecting short sales is the availability to borrow the stock, the
unlimited potential for loss, and the requirement to fund any difference between the short credit
balance and the market value of the security.
Technical Trading Models
Technical trading models are mathematically driven based upon historical data and trends of
domestic and foreign market trading activity, including various industry and sector trading
statistics within such markets. Technical trading models, through mathematical algorithms,
attempt to identify when markets are likely to increase or decrease and identify appropriate
entry and exit points. The primary risk of technical trading models is that historical trends and
past performance cannot predict future trends, and there is no assurance that the mathematical
algorithms employed are designed properly, updated with new data, and can accurately predict
future market, industry, and sector performance.
Option Strategies
Various option strategies give the holder the right to acquire or sell underlying securities at the
contract strike price up until expiration of the option. Each contract is worth 100 shares of the
underlying security. Options entail greater risk but allow an investor to have market exposure to
a particular security or group of securities without the capital commitment required to purchase
the underlying security or groups of securities. In addition, options allow investors to hedge
security positions held in the portfolio. For detailed information on the use of options and
option strategies, please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for the current Options Risk
Disclosure Statement.
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
MPWS as part of its investment strategy may employ the following option strategies:
▪ Covered call writing
▪ Long call options purchases
▪ Long put options purchases
Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the-money call option against a long
security position held in the client portfolio. This type of transaction is used to generate
income. It also serves to create downside protection in the event the security position declines
in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such income may be
reduced to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior to its expiration.
This strategy may involve a degree of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses
if the underlying security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally
suited for companies with little price volatility.
Long Call Option Purchases
Long call option purchases allow the option holder to be exposed to the general market
characteristics of a security without the outlay of capital necessary to own the security. Options
are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of issuance), and as a result can
expose the investor to significant loss.
Long Put Option Purchases
Long put option purchases allow the option holder to sell or “put” the underlying security at
the contract strike price at a future date. If the price of the underlying security declines in
value, the value of the long put option increases. In this way long puts are often used to hedge
a long stock position. Options are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of
issuance), and as a result can expose the investor to significant loss.
Concentration Risk
There is an inherent risk for clients who have their investment portfolios heavily weighted in
one security, one industry or industry sector, one geographic location, one investment
manager, one type of investment instrument (equities versus fixed income). Clients who have
diversified portfolios, as a general rule, incur less volatility and therefore less fluctuation in
portfolio value than those who have concentrated holdings. Concentrated holdings may offer
the potential for higher gain, but also offer the potential for significant loss.
Proxy Voting
The firm does not take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients. All proxy
material will be forwarded to the client by the client’s custodian for the client’s review and action.
Clients may contact the firm with questions regarding proxies they have received.
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Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
Except as required by applicable law, the firm will not be obligated to render advice or take any
action on behalf of clients with respect to assets presently or formerly held in their accounts that
become the subject of any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies.
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. The firm has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class action lawsuit. The firm also has no duty to evaluate a client’s
eligibility or to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action
settlement or verdict. Furthermore, the firm has no obligation or responsibility to initiate
litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who may have been injured as a result of
actions, misconduct, or negligence by corporate management of issuers whose securities are
held by clients.
Where the firm receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit, settlement, or
verdict affecting securities owned by a client, it will forward all notices, proof of claim forms, and
other materials to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate and where the
client has authorized contact in this manner.
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Item 7: Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers
Item 7: Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers
The firm is the sole portfolio manager in the MPWS Wrap Fee Program and does not share any
personal information it collects from its clients other than as required by law or regulatory
mandate. The firm may collect the following information in order to formulate its investment
recommendations to clients:
▪
Income
▪ Employment and residential information
▪ Social security number
▪ Cash balance
▪ Security balances
▪ Transaction detail history
▪
Investment objectives, goals, and risk tolerance
▪ Sources of wealth and/or deposits
▪ Risk assessment
▪
Investment time horizon
▪
Income and liquidity needs
▪ Asset allocation
▪ Restrictions on management of accounts
▪ Client interview(s)
▪ Review of client’s current portfolio
▪ Analysis of historical risk/return characteristics of various asset classes
▪ Analysis of the long-term outlook for global financial markets
▪ Analysis of the long-term global economic and political environments
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Item 8: Client Contact with Portfolio Managers
Item 8: Client Contact with Portfolio Managers
The firm encourages communication with its clients and does not limit or condition the amount
of time clients can spend with the firm’s advisory professionals.
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Item 9: Additional Information
Item 9: Additional Information
A. Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Actions
There is nothing to report for this item.
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report for this item.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report for this item.
B. Other Financial Activities and Affiliations
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Neither the firm nor its affiliates are registered broker-dealers and do not have an application to
register pending.
Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither the firm nor its affiliates are registered as a commodity firm, futures commission
merchant, commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor and do not have an
application to register pending.
Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and Conflicts of Interest
There is nothing to report for this item.
Recommendation or Selection of Other Investment Advisors and Conflicts of Interest
The firm may engage third-party money managers to manage all or a portion of the client's
assets, and receives a portion of the advisory fees charged by MPWS for its investment
management services.
C. Code of Ethics, Brokerage Trading Practices, Account Reviews, and
Financial and Related Matters
Code of Ethics Description
In accordance with the Advisers Act, the firm has adopted policies and procedures designed to
detect and prevent insider trading. In addition, the firm has adopted a Code of Ethics (the
“Code”). Among other things, the Code includes written procedures governing the conduct of
the firm's advisory and access persons. The Code also imposes certain reporting obligations on
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Item 9: Additional Information
persons subject to the Code. The Code and applicable securities transactions are monitored by
the chief compliance officer of the firm. The firm will send clients a copy of its Code of Ethics
upon written request.
The firm has policies and procedures in place to ensure that the interests of its clients are given
preference over those of the firm, its affiliates and its employees. For example, there are policies
in place to prevent the misappropriation of material non-public information, and such other
policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with federal and state securities laws.
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflicts of
Interest
The firm does not engage in principal trading (i.e., the practice of selling stock to advisory clients
from a firm’s inventory or buying stocks from advisory clients into a firm’s inventory). In
addition, the firm does not recommend any securities to advisory clients in which it has some
proprietary or ownership interest.
Advisory Firm Purchase or Sale of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and
Conflicts of Interest
The firm, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and
retirement plans established by it may purchase or sell the same securities as are purchased or
sold for clients in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures. The personal
securities transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise potential conflicts
of interest when they trade in a security that is:
▪ owned by the client, or
▪ considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client), which
the firm specifically prohibits. The firm has adopted policies and procedures that are intended to
address these conflicts of interest. These policies and procedures:
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest
▪ prohibit fraudulent conduct in connection with the trading of securities in a client
account
▪ prohibit employees from personally benefitting by causing a client to act, or fail to act in
making investment decisions
▪ prohibit the firm or its employees from profiting or causing others to profit on
knowledge of completed or contemplated client transactions
▪ allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner
▪ provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee benefiting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow the firm’s procedures when purchasing or
selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client.
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Item 9: Additional Information
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
The firm, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and
retirement plans established by it may effect securities transactions for their own accounts that
differ from those recommended or effected for other the firm clients. The firm will make a
reasonable attempt to trade securities in client accounts at or prior to trading the securities in its
affiliate, corporate, employee or employee-related accounts. Trades executed the same day will
likely be subject to an average pricing calculation. It is the policy of the firm to place the clients’
interests above those of the firm and its employees.
D. Review of Accounts
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and Advisory Persons
Involved
Accounts are reviewed by Timothy Perryman, Managing Partner; Dominic Mirretti, Managing
Partner; and Bronwyn Mirretti, CCO. The frequency of reviews is determined based on the
client’s investment objectives, but reviews are conducted no less frequently than annually. More
frequent reviews may also be triggered by a change in the client’s investment objectives, tax
considerations, large deposits or withdrawals, large purchases or sales, loss of confidence in the
underlying investment, or changes in macro-economic climate.
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
The firm may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material
changes in the client’s investment objectives or risk tolerance, or a material change in how the
firm formulates investment advice.
Content of Client-Provided Reports and Frequency
The client’s independent custodian provides account statements directly to the client no less
frequently than quarterly. The custodian’s statement is the official record of the client’s securities
account and supersedes any statements or reports created on behalf of the client by MPWS.
E. Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources
and Conflicts of Interest
The firm does not receive economic benefits for referring clients to third-party service providers.
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
The firm does not pay for client referrals.
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Item 9: Additional Information
F. Financial Information
Balance Sheet
The firm does not require the prepayment of fees of $1200 or more, six months or more in
advance, and as such is not required to file a balance sheet.
Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability to Meet
Commitments to Clients
The firm does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to provide services to
clients.
Bankruptcy Petitions During the Past Ten Years
There is nothing to report for this item.
Page 27