Overview
- Headquarters
- Dallas, TX
- Total Firm Assets
- $136 million
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $2.9 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $10,000
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PARTS 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $500,000 | 0.75% |
| $500,001 | $1,500,000 | 0.60% |
| $1,500,001 | $3,000,000 | 0.50% |
| $3,000,001 | and above | 0.40% |
Minimum Annual Fee: $250
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $6,750 | 0.68% |
| $5 million | $25,250 | 0.50% |
| $10 million | $45,250 | 0.45% |
| $50 million | $205,250 | 0.41% |
| $100 million | $405,250 | 0.41% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 86.58%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 41
- Total Client Accounts
- 372
- Discretionary Accounts
- 372
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Educational Seminars
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 114515
Primary Brochure: ADV PARTS 2A (2026-08-31)
View Document Text
310 West Dickson, Suite 220
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
479.777.2727
8201 Preston Rd, Suite 310
Dallas TX 75225
214.756.6066
Firm Brochure – Form ADV Part 2A
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Paradigm Advisors, LLC
(“Paradigm”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (214) 756-
6066 or email at pallc@paradv.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.
Paradigm Advisors, LLC is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC. Registration of an Investment
Adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.
Additional information about Paradigm is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can
be found using the firm’s identification number.
Version Date: August 31, 2026
Item 2: Material Changes
This section describes the material changes since the last filing to Paradigm Advisors, LLC Form
ADV Part 2A.
Since our last annual amendment, dated March 27, 2026, Paradigm Advisors has made the
following material changes, which are intended to more accurately describe our current
business practices:
Item 4 (Advisory Business): added a description of our investment management
process, including the assignment of each client account to a model portfolio
constructed from low-cost, broadly diversified exchange-traded funds — principally
funds managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors — and our approach to ongoing
management and rebalancing.
Item 8 (Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss): removed
descriptions of methods of analysis we do not employ; added a description of our
passive, model-based investment process; and updated the risk disclosures to reflect
the securities our model portfolios actually hold, including foreign and emerging
markets and real estate securities risks.
Item 12 (Brokerage Practices): revised to state that we generally do not aggregate
(“block”) client orders and to describe the effects of placing orders individually,
including that clients trading the same security on the same day may receive different
prices; and revised our custodian disclosure to describe our arrangement with
Fidelity/NFS, its operation as a form of directed brokerage, and the benefits we receive
from Fidelity.
Item 13 (Review of Accounts): revised to describe our account review practices —
ongoing reviews by the advisory team and a comprehensive review of each client’s
accounts and financial situation at least semi-annually — and our rebalancing cadence,
including the potential conflict of interest in the sequencing of account reviews and
trades.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
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 ......................................................................................................... 8
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 .............................................. 11
Item 9: Disciplinary Information....................................................................................................... 14
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................................ 14
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ....... 15
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ........................................................................................................... 16
Item 13: Review of Accounts ............................................................................................................ 17
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ......................................................................... 18
Item 15: Custody .............................................................................................................................. 18
Item 16: Investment Discretion ........................................................................................................ 19
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ...................................................................................................... 19
Item 18: Financial Information ......................................................................................................... 19
Page 3 of 19
Item 4: Advisory Business
Description of Advisory Firm
Paradigm Advisors, LLC (“Paradigm”) is a Texas limited liability company that was formed
in December 1995. Michelle Underwood Gass and William Kirk Dunk control Paradigm.
As of December 31, 2025, Paradigm currently reports $136,135,723 in discretionary Assets
Under Management and $0 in non-discretionary assets.
Types of Advisory Services
Investment Management Services
We are in the business of managing individually tailored investment portfolios. Our firm
provides continuous advice to each client regarding the investment of client funds based on the
individual needs of the client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based
on a client's particular circumstances are established, we develop a client's personal investment
policy or an investment plan with an asset allocation target and create and manage a portfolio
based on that policy and allocation target. During our data-gathering process, we determine
the client’s individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. We may also
review and discuss a client’s prior investment history, as well as family composition and
background.
Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the client (i.e., maximum capital
appreciation, growth, income, or growth and income), as well as tax considerations. Clients may
impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry
sectors. Fees pertaining to this service are outlined in Item 5 of this brochure.
To implement that policy, we assign each client account to one of a series of model portfolios
maintained by the firm. Our model portfolios are currently constructed from low-cost, broadly
diversified exchange-traded funds — principally funds managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors
— allocated across equity and fixed income asset classes in weightings corresponding to each
model’s target risk level. We may also use mutual funds where we believe they are appropriate,
and client accounts may hold cash positions in money market funds and mutual fund positions
transferred in by clients. We manage each account against its assigned model on an ongoing
basis, taking into account the client’s cash flow needs, tax considerations (including tax-loss
harvesting where appropriate), and any client-imposed restrictions. Accounts are rebalanced
toward model targets approximately every six months and in connection with client
contributions and withdrawals. Our investment methodology, brokerage practices, and account
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review processes are described further in Items 8, 12, and 13 of this brochure.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
This service involves working one-on-one with a planner over an extended period of time. By
paying a monthly/quarterly retainer, clients get continuous access to a planner who will work
with them to design their plan. The planner will monitor the plan, recommend any changes and
ensure the plan is up to date.
Upon desiring a comprehensive plan, a client will be taken through establishing their goals and
values around money. They will be required to provide information to help complete the
following areas of analysis: net worth, cash flow, insurance, credit scores/reports, employee
benefits, retirement planning, insurance, investments, college planning and estate planning.
Once the client’s information is reviewed, their plan will be built and analyzed, and then the
findings, analysis and potential changes to their current situation will be reviewed with the
client. Clients subscribing to this service will receive a written or an electronic report, providing
the client with a detailed comprehensive financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated
financial goals and objectives. If a follow-up meeting is required, we will meet at the client's
convenience. The plan and the client’s financial situation and goals will be monitored
throughout the year and follow-up phone calls and emails will be made to the client to confirm
that any agreed-upon action steps have been carried out. On an annual basis there will be a full
review of this plan to ensure its accuracy and ongoing appropriateness. Any needed updates
will be implemented at that time.
Financial Planning
We provide financial planning services on topics such as retirement planning, risk management,
college savings, cash flow, debt management, work benefits and estate and incapacity planning.
Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state
by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal
plans. The key defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning
process, all questions, information and analysis will be considered as they impact and are
impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the client. Clients purchasing this service
will receive a written or an electronic report, providing the client with a detailed financial plan
designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas of concern. The client
and advisor will work together to select the specific areas to cover. These areas may include,
but are not limited to, the following:
Business Planning: We provide consulting services for clients who currently operate
their own business, are considering starting a business, or are planning for an exit from
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their current business. Under this type of engagement, we work with you to assess your
current situation, identify your objectives and develop a plan aimed at achieving your
goals.
Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and
expenses to determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing
how any surplus should be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income.
Advice may also be provided on which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the
interest rate of the debt and any income tax ramifications. We may also recommend
what we believe to be an appropriate cash reserve that should be considered for
emergencies and other financial goals, along with a review of accounts (such as money
market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies to save desired amounts.
College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college
or other post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to
save the desired amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if
needed, we will review your financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or
the best way to contribute to grandchildren (if appropriate).
Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether
you, as an employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee
benefits. If you are a business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various
benefit programs that can be structured to meet both business and personal retirement
goals.
Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and
your current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of
attorney, trusts and other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for
you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate
planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts.
We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate,
update or complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact
information for attorneys who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an
attorney for such purposes. From time to time, we will participate in meetings or phone
calls between you and your attorney with your approval or request.
Financial Goals: We will help clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach
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them. We will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to
make it happen, how much time you will need to reach the goal and how much you
should budget for your goal.
Insurance: We will review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health,
disability, long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet
clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles
and strategies, reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing
your own investment account at a selected broker-dealer or custodian. The strategies
and types of investments we may recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this
brochure.
Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of
your likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial
independence as the primary objective. For situations where projections show less than
the desired results, we may make recommendations, including those that may impact
the original projections by adjusting certain variables (i.e., working longer, saving more,
spending less, taking more risk with investments).
If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate
distribution strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to
adversely alter spending during your retirement years.
Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to
major risks that could have a significant adverse impact on your financial picture, such
as premature death, disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long-term
care planning. Advice may be provided on ways to minimize such risks and about
weighing the costs of purchasing insurance versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise,
the potential cost of not purchasing insurance (“self-insuring”).
Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future
income taxes as a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may
make recommendations on which type of account(s) or specific investments should be
owned based in part on their “tax efficiency,” with consideration that there is always a
possibility of future changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that may impact
your situation.
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We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any
tax planning strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants
or attorneys who specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes.
We will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your tax professional
with your approval.
Personal Tax Return Preparation
We provide tax preparation services for our clients to assist with the filing of federal and state
tax returns for individuals and businesses. We may ask for an explanation or clarification of
some items, but we will not audit or otherwise verify client data. The client is responsible for
the completeness and accuracy of information used to prepare the returns. Our responsibility is
to prepare the returns in accordance with applicable tax laws. We will utilize the services of a
third-party accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation firm to facilitate the preparation and
filing of your tax return and we will work with you and the third party in order to gather the
necessary information as part of this service.
We may observe opportunities for tax savings that require planning or changes in the way the
client handles some transactions. While an engagement for tax return preparation does not
include significant tax planning services, we will share any ideas we have with you and discuss
terms for any additional work that may be required to implement those ideas.
Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
We offer the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client financial plans
and their implementation are dependent upon the client Investment Strategy which outlines
each client’s current situation (income, tax levels and risk tolerance levels) and is used to
construct a client-specific plan to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions,
needs and targets. Clients may place restrictions on investing in certain securities.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do not participate in wrap fee programs.
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Please note, unless a client has received the firm’s disclosure brochure at least 48 hours prior to
signing the investment advisory contract, the investment advisory contract may be terminated
by the client within five (5) business days of signing the contract without incurring any advisory
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fees. How we are paid depends on the type of advisory service we are performing. Please
review the fee and compensation information below.
Investment Management Services
Our standard advisory fee is based on the market value of the assets under management and is
calculated as follows:
Account Value
Annual Advisory Fee
$1 - $500,000
0.75%
Next $1,000,000
0.60%
Next $1,500,000
0.50%
$3,000,000 and Above
0.40%
The annual fees are negotiable and are prorated and paid quarterly, in arrears, based on the
account’s average daily balance for the prior quarter. The advisory fee is a blended fee and is
calculated by assessing the percentage rates using the predefined levels of assets as shown in
the above chart, resulting in a combined weighted fee. For example, an account valued at
$2,000,000 would pay an effective fee of 0.6125%. This is determined by the following
calculation: ($500,000 x 0.75%) + ($1,000,000 x 0.60%) + ($500,000 x 0.50%) = $12,250.00. No
increase in the annual fee shall be effective without agreement from the client by signing a new
agreement or amendment to their current advisory agreement. Our minimum account fee is
$250, and our minimum account size is $10,000. Therefore, a client could pay a rate of as much
as 2.5% on a $10,000 account.
Advisory fees are directly debited from client accounts, or the client may choose to pay by
check. Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a prorated
fee based on the amount of time remaining in the billing period. An account may be terminated
with written notice at least 30 calendar days in advance. Upon termination of the account, any
unearned fee will be refunded to the client and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and
payable up to and including the effective date of termination. Paradigm will not bill an amount
above $500.00 more than 6 months in advance.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Comprehensive Financial Planning consists of an initial fee ranging from $6,000 to $75,000 for
the first year and an ongoing fee in subsequent years at the rate ranging from $400 to $6,000
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per month. Fees are based upon the complexity of the situation and the needs of the client and
are payable monthly or quarterly, in advance. Fees may be negotiable in certain cases. This
service may be terminated with 30 days’ notice. Upon termination of any account, the fee will
be prorated, and any unearned fee will be refunded to the client.
Financial Planning
Financial Planning will generally be offered on a fixed-fee basis. In special circumstances it may
be offered on an hourly basis at a rate of $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the nature of
the specified services. Fixed fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis with the fee based
on the complexity of the situation and the needs of the client. The fixed fee will be agreed upon
before the start of any work. The fixed fee can range between $2,500 and $90,000. The fee is
negotiable. If a fixed-fee program is chosen, half of the fee is due at the beginning of the
process and the remainder is due at completion of work; however, Paradigm will not bill an
amount above $500.00 more than 6 months in advance.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses
Our fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees and other related costs and
expenses which may be incurred by the client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by
custodians, brokers and other third parties such as custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-
lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees and other fees and taxes
on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Mutual fund and exchange traded funds
also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such
charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to our fee, and we shall not
receive any portion of these commissions, fees and costs.
Item 12 further describes the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending broker-
dealers for client’s transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation
(e.g., commissions).
We do not accept compensation for the sale of securities or other investment products
including asset-based sales charges or service fees from the sale of mutual funds.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-
Side Management
We do not charge performance-based fees to any accounts.
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Item 7: Types of Clients
We provide financial planning and portfolio management services to individuals, high net worth
individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, charitable organizations, corporations or other businesses.
Our minimum account size requirement is $10,000.
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies and Risk of Loss
When clients have us complete an Investment Analysis (described in Item 4 of this brochure) as
part of their financial plan, we employ a strategic asset allocation strategy. After the strategy
has been developed, presented to and agreed upon by the client, we implement the desired
asset allocation almost exclusively via passive investment management products.
Passive Investment Management
We primarily practice passive investment management. Passive investing involves building
portfolios that are comprised of various distinct asset classes. The asset classes are weighted in
a manner to achieve a desired relationship between correlation, risk and return. Funds that
passively capture the returns of the desired asset classes are placed in the portfolio.
While we are not limited in the types of investments we may recommend, we implement client
portfolios almost exclusively with low-cost, broadly diversified exchange-traded funds that
systematically capture the returns of their target asset classes — principally funds managed by
Dimensional Fund Advisors ("DFA"). We may also use mutual funds where appropriate. We
selected DFA funds after evaluating alternative fund families based on diversification,
systematic methodology, cost, liquidity, and tax efficiency, and we periodically re-evaluate the
funds we use. Neither Paradigm nor any of its personnel receives compensation of any kind
from DFA or any other fund sponsor.
Our portfolio construction process begins with a review of each client's complete financial
situation, including specific cash needs over the next three-, five-, and ten-year periods, the
suitability of an investment strategy, and the client's risk tolerance. We discuss the proposed
strategy with the client before implementing it. Each managed account is then assigned to a
model portfolio at an equity and fixed income weighting appropriate to the client's
circumstances. Our models are globally diversified across U.S., international developed, and
emerging markets equity, global real estate, and U.S. and global fixed income. We do not time
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markets, select individual securities for client portfolios, or use leverage or derivatives. When
we receive legacy securities positions in a taxable account, we do not automatically liquidate
them; we analyze the tax implications and consider the timing of any repositioning.
Passive investment management is characterized by low portfolio expenses (i.e., the funds
inside the portfolio have low internal costs), minimal trading costs (due to infrequent trading
activity) and relative tax efficiency (because the funds inside the portfolio are tax efficient and
turnover inside the portfolio is minimal).
In contrast, active management involves a single manager or managers who employ some
method, strategy or technique to construct a portfolio that is intended to generate returns that
are greater than the broader market or a designated benchmark. Academic research indicates
most active managers underperform the market.
Material Risks Involved
All investing strategies we offer involve risk and may result in a loss of your original
investment which you should be prepared to bear. Many of these risks apply equally to stocks,
bonds, commodities and any other investment or security. Material risks associated with our
investment strategies are listed below.
Market Risk: Market risk involves the possibility that an investment’s current market value will
fall because of a general market decline, reducing the value of the investment regardless of the
operational success of the issuer’s operations or its financial condition.
Strategy Risk: Paradigm’s investment strategies and/or investment techniques may not work as
intended.
Small and Medium Cap Company Risk: Securities of companies with small and medium market
capitalizations are often more volatile and less liquid than investments in larger companies.
Small and medium cap companies may face a greater risk of business failure, which could
increase the volatility of the client’s portfolio.
Limited markets: Certain securities may be less liquid (harder to sell or buy) and their prices
may at times be more volatile than at other times. Under certain market conditions we may be
unable to sell or liquidate investments at prices we consider reasonable or favorable or find
buyers at any price.
Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk: Our model portfolios include allocations to international
developed and emerging markets securities through the underlying funds. Foreign investments
involve risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including currency fluctuation,
political and economic instability, differing regulatory and accounting standards, and less liquid
markets. These risks are generally greater for emerging markets.
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Real Estate Securities Risk: Our model portfolios include allocations to real estate securities
through the underlying funds. Real estate securities are subject to risks associated with the
ownership of real estate, including declines in property values, changes in interest rates, and
changes in economic conditions and regulation affecting the real estate industry.
Interest Rate Risk: Bond (fixed income) prices generally fall when interest rates rise, and the
value may fall below par value or the principal investment. The opposite is also generally true:
bond prices generally rise when interest rates fall. In general, fixed income securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. Most other investments are also
sensitive to the level and direction of interest rates.
Legal or Legislative Risk: Legislative changes or Court rulings may impact the value of
investments or the securities’ claim on the issuer’s assets and finances.
Inflation: Inflation may erode the buying-power of your investment portfolio, even if the dollar
value of your investments remains the same.
Risks Associated with Securities
Apart from the general risks outlined above which apply to all types of investments, specific
securities may have other risks.
Common stocks may go up and down in price quite dramatically and, in the event of an issuer’s
bankruptcy or restructuring, could lose all value. A slower-growth or recessionary economic
environment could have an adverse effect on the price of all stocks.
Corporate Bonds are debt securities to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic
interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security
and/or at maturity. Alternatively, investors can purchase other debt securities, such as zero-
coupon bonds, which do not pay current interest, but rather are priced at a discount from their
face values and their values accrete over time to face value at maturity. The market prices of
debt securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality and
maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest rates rise and
increase when interest rates fall. The longer the time to a bond’s maturity, the greater its
interest rate risk.
Exchange Traded Funds prices may vary significantly from the Net Asset Value due to market
conditions. Certain Exchange Traded Funds may not track underlying benchmarks as expected.
Investment Companies Risk. When a client invests in open end mutual funds or ETFs, the client
indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those
funds. Therefore, the client will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In
addition, the client’s overall portfolio may be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the
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level of risk arising from the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of
derivatives). ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a
market price that is above or below their net asset value; or (ii) trading of an ETF’s shares may
be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-
listed from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to
large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. Paradigm has no control over the
risks taken by the underlying funds in which clients invest.
Client accounts may temporarily hold legacy securities positions transferred in by clients,
including individual stocks or bonds, which are subject to the risks of the specific securities
involved pending tax-aware repositioning.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Paradigm or the integrity of our
management. We have no information applicable to this Item.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities
and Affiliations
Paradigm does not have any related parties. As a result, we do not have a relationship with any
related parties.
No management persons are registered, or have an application pending to register, as a
broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
No management persons are registered, or have an application pending to register, as a
futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading advisor or
an associated person of the foregoing entities.
Paradigm does not recommend or select other investment advisers for its client accounts.
Paradigm only receives compensation directly from clients. We do not receive compensation
from any outside source, although we receive certain support services and benefits from our
custodian, Fidelity, as described in Item 12 of this brochure.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest
in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
As a fiduciary, our firm and its associates have a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the
best interests of each client. Our clients entrust us with their funds and personal information,
which in turn places a high standard on our conduct and integrity. Our fiduciary duty is a core
aspect of our Code of Ethics and represents the expected basis of all of our dealings. The firm
also adheres to the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility adopted by the CFP® Board of
Standards Inc., and accepts the obligation not only to comply with the mandates and
requirements of all applicable laws and regulations but also to take responsibility to act in an
ethical and professionally responsible manner in all professional services and activities.
This code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and literal compliance
with each of its specific provisions will not shield associated persons from liability for personal
trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to advisory clients. A summary of the
Code of Ethics' Principles is outlined below.
Integrity - Associated persons shall offer and provide professional services with integrity.
•
• Objectivity - Associated persons shall be objective in providing professional services to
clients.
• Competence - Associated persons shall provide services to clients competently and
maintain the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which
they are engaged.
• Fairness - Associated persons shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair
and reasonable to clients, principals, partners and employers, and shall disclose
conflict(s) of interest in providing such services.
• Confidentiality - Associated persons shall not disclose confidential client information
without the specific consent of the client unless in response to proper legal process, or
as required by law.
• Professionalism - Associated persons’ conduct in all matters shall reflect credit of the
profession.
• Diligence - Associated persons shall act diligently in providing professional services.
We will, upon request, promptly provide a complete code of ethics.
Our firm and its “related persons” (associates, their immediate family members, etc.) may buy
or sell securities the same as, similar to or different from those we recommend to clients for
their accounts. A recommendation made to one client may be different in nature or in timing
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from a recommendation made to a different client. Clients often have different objectives and
risk tolerances. At no time, however, will our firm or any related person receive preferential
treatment over our clients.
In an effort to reduce or eliminate certain conflicts of interest involving the firm or personal
trading, our policy may require that we restrict or prohibit associates’ transactions in specific
securities transactions. Any exceptions or trading pre-clearance must be approved by our Chief
Compliance Officer in advance of the transaction in an account, and we maintain the required
personal securities transaction records per regulation.
Additionally, Paradigm requires adherence to its Insider Trading Policy and the CFA Institute's
Asset Manager Code of Professional Conduct and Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
Conduct.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers
Paradigm does not have any affiliation with broker-dealers. We recommend that clients
custody their assets at Fidelity Investments, and client trades are generally executed through
Fidelity’s affiliated broker-dealer, National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”). We selected Fidelity
based on its execution quality, financial strength, operational capability, breadth of services,
and cost to clients, and we periodically evaluate the continued use of Fidelity against
reasonably available alternatives through a documented best execution review. Because
substantially all client accounts are custodied at Fidelity and trades are executed through NFS
rather than directed to other broker-dealers, this arrangement operates as a form of directed
brokerage: we may be unable to achieve the most favorable execution for every transaction,
and clients may pay transaction costs that are higher or lower than those available at other
broker-dealers. We receive certain benefits from Fidelity that are generally made available to
investment advisers using its platform, including access to research and industry and practice-
management education, and our personnel have occasionally attended industry conferences.
We receive no compensation from Fidelity for directing client trades.
1. Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits
We currently have no formal soft-dollar arrangements, where specific products or services are
paid for with soft dollars generated for the firm by individual trades, we place in client
accounts. However, the custodian provides us with certain brokerage and research products
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and services that qualify as "brokerage or research services" under Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act").
2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
We receive no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that broker-
dealer or third party.
3. Clients Directing Which Broker/Dealer/Custodian to Use
We do recommend a specific custodian for clients to use; however, clients may custody their
assets at a custodian of their choice under certain circumstances. Clients may also direct us to
use a specific broker-dealer to execute transactions. By allowing clients to choose a specific
custodian, we may be unable to achieve best execution for transactions. Clients may end up
paying more than if using a lower-cost custodian.
Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
Generally, we do not aggregate (or “block”) client orders. Each client account is traded
individually against its assigned model portfolio, and trades are entered in the order in which
account reviews or trade requests are completed, without regard to account size, fee
arrangements, or any affiliation with our firm. As a result, clients trading the same security on
the same day may receive different execution prices, and some clients may receive more or
less favorable prices than others. In addition, because orders are not aggregated, clients may
not benefit from any volume discounts or reduced transaction costs that might otherwise be
available through block trading. We enter trades as limit orders priced near the prevailing
market price, which is designed to allow prompt execution while protecting client orders from
executing at anomalous prices in moments of thin liquidity. Accounts owned by our firm or
persons associated with our firm are traded in the same manner as client accounts and will not
be given preferential treatment.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Client accounts receiving Investment Management Services are reviewed on an ongoing basis
by the advisory team. Ongoing reviews evaluate each account’s asset allocation relative to its
assigned model portfolio, cash balances, performance relative to like-managed accounts, and
adherence to any client-imposed restrictions. In addition, we conduct a comprehensive review
of each client’s accounts and overall financial situation at least semi-annually.
Events that may trigger a review outside the regular cycle include unusual performance,
excessive drawdown or volatility, material client contributions or withdrawals, changes to
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client-imposed restrictions, or changes in a client’s circumstances.
Accounts are generally rebalanced toward their model portfolio targets approximately every
six months, and additionally in connection with client contributions, withdrawals, and
distributions, taking into consideration the tax consequences of each proposed trade. Because
we generally do not aggregate client orders, as described in Item 12 above, accounts that are
reviewed and rebalanced earlier in a rebalancing cycle may receive different prices than
accounts traded later on the same day, which presents a potential conflict of interest in the
sequencing of reviews. We address this by trading each account against its own model in highly
liquid exchange-traded funds and mutual funds, by entering trades in the order in which
reviews or trade tasks are completed, and by not sequencing reviews or trades based on
account size, fee arrangements, or any affiliation with the firm. No client account is
intentionally given priority over any other client account in determining the order in which
accounts are reviewed.
Clients will receive trade confirmations from the broker(s) for each transaction in their accounts
as well as monthly or quarterly written statements and annual tax reporting statements from
their custodian showing all activity in the accounts, such as receipt of dividends and interest.
Paradigm will not provide regular written reports to Investment Management clients.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
Other than the support services and benefits we receive from our custodian, Fidelity, as
described in Item 12 of this brochure, we do not receive any economic benefit, directly or
indirectly, from any third party for advice rendered to our clients. Nor do we directly or
indirectly compensate any person who is not advisory personnel for client referrals.
Item 15: Custody
The withdrawal of management fees from a client’s custodial account is Paradigm’s only form
of custody. Clients will receive at least quarterly statements from the broker-dealer, bank or
other qualified custodian that holds and maintains clients' investment assets. These statements
will show the deduction of the management fees. We urge you to carefully review such
statements and compare such official custodial records to the account statements or reports
that we may provide to you. Our statements or reports may vary from custodial statements
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based on accounting procedures, reporting dates or valuation methodologies of certain
securities.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
For those client accounts where we provide investment management services, we maintain
discretion over client accounts with respect to securities to be bought and sold and the amount
of securities to be bought and sold. Investment discretion is explained to clients in detail when
an advisory relationship has commenced. At the start of the advisory relationship, the client will
execute a Limited Power of Attorney which will grant our firm discretion over the account.
Additionally, the discretionary relationship will be outlined in the advisory contract and signed
by the client. Clients may place restrictions on investing in certain securities.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
We do not vote client proxies. Therefore, clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) voting
proxies and (2) acting on corporate actions pertaining to the client’s investment assets. The
client shall instruct the client’s qualified custodian to forward to the client copies of all proxies
and shareholder communications relating to the client’s investment assets. If the client would
like our opinion on a particular proxy vote, they may contact us at the number listed on the
cover of this brochure.
In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in
the event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them
directly to you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in
which case, we would forward you any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.
Item 18: Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial
information or disclosures about our financial condition. We have no financial commitment that
impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and we have not
been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
We do not have custody of client funds or securities or require or solicit prepayment of more
than $500 in fees per client six months in advance.
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