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Cover Page - Item 1
Part 2A of Form ADV: Investment Adviser Brochure
Investment Adviser
208 Ponce De Leon Avenue
Popular Center, Suite 1200
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
Telephone:(787)758‐7400
Facsimile:(787)763‐5995
E‐mail: popular_securities@popular.com
Web Addresses:
www.popular.com
http://popularone.com/services/investments
March 28, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Popular Securities,
LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (787) 758-7400
or popular_securities@popular.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 any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
information about Popular Securities, LLC
Additional
is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known as CRD number.
The CRD number for Popular Securities, LLC is 8096.
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Page 2
Material Changes - Item 2
The purpose of this page is to inform you of any material changes since the previous version of
this brochure.
Since the last amendments to the Popular Securities’ Form ADV Part 2A brochure filed on March
29, 2024, Popular Securities has made material changes to its Brochure. Specifically, it has
eliminated the sub-section entitled “Other Investment Advisory Services” under Item 4 “Advisory
Business”. As of March 17, 2025, Popular Securities no longer provides asset management
services to the private equity fund, Popular Mezzanine Fund, LLC.
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Page 3
Table of Contents - Item 3
Contents
Cover Page - Item 1 ............................................................................................................................. 1
Material Changes - Item 2 ................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents - Item 3 .................................................................................................................. 3
Advisory Business - Item 4 .................................................................................................................. 4
Fees and Compensation - Item 5 ........................................................................................................ 7
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management - Item 6 .................................................. 12
Types of Clients - Item 7.................................................................................................................... 12
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss - Item 8............................................. 13
Disciplinary Information - Item 9 ...................................................................................................... 15
Other Financial Industry Activities or Affiliations - Item 10 .............................................................. 16
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading - Item 11 ..... 18
Brokerage Practices - Item 12 ........................................................................................................... 19
Review of Accounts - Item 13 ........................................................................................................... 20
Client Referrals and Other Compensation - Item 14 ........................................................................ 21
Custody - Item 15 .............................................................................................................................. 22
Investment Discretion - Item 16 ....................................................................................................... 22
Voting Client Securities - Item 17 ..................................................................................................... 23
Financial Information - Item 18 ........................................................................................................ 24
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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Advisory Business - Item 4
Popular Securities, LLC (hereinafter “Popular Securities” or “firm” or “we”) is an SEC-registered
investment adviser with its principal place of business located in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Popular
Securities began conducting investment advisory business in 2001. Popular Securities is also a
registered securities broker-dealer and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA), and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) that has been in business since
1997.
Popular, Inc., a financial holding company, is the sole owner of Popular Securities. Popular, Inc. is
a public company with no shareholders owning 25% or more of its shares.
We offer investment advisory services to clients through Fidelity Managed Account Xchange
Program or (“FMAX Program”) sponsored by Fidelity Institutional Wealth Adviser LLC or
(“FIWA”), a third-party Registered Investment Advisor. Custody, clearing and other services are
provided by National Financial Services LLC or (“NFS”). FIWA is not a corporate affiliate of
Popular Securities or NFS. NFS does not provide investment advisory services of any kind in
connection with the FMAX Program. The FMAX Program platform utilizes services provided by
Envestnet, who operates the technology platform on which FMAX Program functions and
renders investment advice to Popular Securities and clients, including recommending an
appropriate asset allocation and specific investment managers or investment products with
respect to those assets invested in the FMAX Program (the “Program Assets”).
As part of Popular Securities investment management services, we will discuss with you your
financial situation and offer suggestions for one or more asset allocation portfolios consistent
with your investment objectives and risk tolerance. We will periodically, but no less than
annually, analyze your portfolio in light of your current financial situation and implement any
changes as authorized by you. You are responsible for promptly advising Popular Securities of
any significant changes in your financial or personal circumstances.
The Firm provides various investment advisory services to clients which include financial
planning, fund strategist portfolio, unified managed accounts, separately managed accounts, and
advisor directed models. Clients may invest in one or more of the programs available through
the FMAX Program. FIWA sponsors the platform used for the FMAX Program and the Firm is the
FMAX program sponsor and investment managers available on the platform manage their
respective model portfolios.
Mutual Fund and ETF Asset Allocation Program
Allows Popular Securities to create models by selecting from a variety of mutual funds and/or
exchange trades funds (“ETF”) on the FMAX Platform. With access to a universe of managed
models composed of funds, models can better align with client risk profiles and investment
objectives. Popular Securities designs the model portfolios including the target asset mix using
no-load funds or ETFs. The models follow a market-oriented investment philosophy with low
holdings turnover. Popular Securities receives historical market analysis, risk/return analysis,
research, and continuing education from the providers of the mutual funds and ETFs in the
program.
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Page 5
The Separately Managed Account Program (“SMA”)
Provides investors access within multiple accounts to individual stocks or bonds through
professionally managed portfolios and allows advisors to combine SMAs with mutual funds
and/or exchange traded funds. Assets invested in separate accounts are managed by investment
advisers as sub-managers pursuant to entered agreements.
The Unified Managed Account Program (“UMA”)
Provides investors access within a single account to multiple investment products including
mutual funds, exchange traded funds, other securities, funds strategist programs, and separate
managed accounts. Assets invested in a single account for a customized portfolio corresponding
to clients’ needs. Popular Securities is responsible for selecting the specific, underlying
investment vehicles in the appropriate model to meet your needs. In certain instances, Popular
Securities may determine the target asset mix in addition to selecting the underlying investment
vehicles.
Advisor Directed Model
This model allows for assets to be invested in mutual funds, ETFs and/or other securities and
investments to be managed by Popular Securities. Specific investment choices and asset
allocation will be selected by Popular Securities, who will have full discretionary authority over
these types of account granted by the Terms and Conditions agreed upon with the clients.
Reporting Only Services
Clients have the ability to allow Popular Securities to designate certain holdings as reporting
only, meaning they are held within an FMAX account but are not managed or overseen through
the FMAX Program. Popular Securities will be responsible for monitoring and managing the
designated holdings as reporting only. Popular Securities will be responsible for any fee
calculation and billing administration on the reporting only assets.
Non-FMAX Program Services
Popular Securities also offers investment management services through certain fixed income
money managers (“Fixed Income Managers”) outside of the FMAX Program. The Fixed Income
Program, held outside of the FMAX Program, will require the client to enter into a separate
agreement with the Fixed Income Manager containing separate terms and conditions and
important disclosures. A copy of the Fixed Income Manager’s Disclosure statement will be
provided. If the client enters into an advisory agreement with a Fixed Income manager, the client
will be appoint the Fixed Income Manager as their investment adviser and will be granting full
authority to invest, reinvest and otherwise deal with the assets invested under the Fixed Income
Program, including without limitation the authority to select, allocate and reallocate the assets
under the Fixed Income Program to different Sub-Managers and to delegate such investment
discretion to such Sub-Managers. Such discretionary authority allows the Fixed Income Manager
to make all investment decisions with respect to the assets invested under the Fixed Income
Program and when it deems appropriate and without prior consultation with you, to buy, sell,
exchange, convert and otherwise trade in any bonds, mutual funds, and other securities. In
selecting investment vehicles and Sub-Managers for the assets invested under the Fixed Income
Program, the Fixed Income Manager will consider factors it deems relevant, including but not
limited to, your investment goals and objectives, and any reasonable restrictions imposed by you
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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on the management of such assets, including the designation of particular securities or types of
securities that should not be purchased for your accounts, or that should be sold if held in such
accounts. You should understand and be willing and able to accept the risk involved in the
selection of investments before entering into an advisory agreement. There is no assurance that
your investment objective will be achieved.
Financial Planning Services
Popular offers financial planning services to its advisory clients. For such clients, a financial
planning report is created to assist advisory clients in the area of personal financial planning, and
can cover or analyze various topics, including, but not limited to, net worth, budgeting and cash
flow, retirement planning, asset allocation, college financial planning, and disability planning.
Wrap Fee Programs
A wrap-fee program is a type of investment program that provides clients with access to several
money managers or mutual fund asset allocation models for a single fee that includes
administrative fees, management fees, and commissions. If you participate in this program, we
will provide you with a copy of FIWA’s disclosure document. You will also be provided with
separate disclosure documents for each independent Sub-Manager managing a separate
account for you. In addition, if the investment program recommended to you is a wrap fee
program, you will also receive the Appendix 1 or equivalent wrap fee brochure provided by the
sponsor of the program. If you participate in a wrap fee program, you will pay a single fee, which
includes our money management fees, certain transaction costs, and custodial and
administrative costs. We would receive a portion of the wrap fee for our services. The overall
cost you will incur if you participate in a wrap fee program may be higher or lower than those
that you might incur by separately purchasing the types of securities available in the wrap fee
program. You are encouraged to review all disclosure document(s) to learn more about the
particular characteristics of each of the services offered within the wrap fee program.
Types of Investments
We primarily offer advice on various types of securities, including, but not limited to, equity
securities, corporate debt securities, municipal securities, mutual fund shares and ETFs. ETFs and
mutual funds may be invested in real estate, oil and gas.
Additionally, we may advise you on other types of investments that we deem appropriate based
on your stated goals and objectives. We may also provide advice on other types of investments
held in your portfolio at the inception of our advisory relationship.
You may request that we, FIWA, the Fixed income Manager and/or Sub-managers refrain from
investing in particular securities or certain types of securities. You must provide these
restrictions in writing. We will employ our reasonable best efforts to accommodate your request.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, we provide continuous management services for $2,260,511,216 in
client regulatory assets. The Firm also provides services to $68,443,739 in client non-regulatory
assets, for which Popular Securities provides limited investment advice to retirement plans
and/or personal trust accounts held outside the firm and/or held at our affiliate, Banco Popular
of Puerto Rico.
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Page 7
Fees and Compensation - Item 5
Advisory Fees
Popular Securities’ annual advisory fee (also known as the “Total Client Fee”) for the services it
provides to clients in the FMAX Program, or the Fixed Income Program has a cap of 2.50% or
1.10% respectively, of your total assets invested in the FMAX Program or the Fixed Income
Program, as applicable. The total client fee is negotiated on a case-by-case basis and it can be
determined by considering several factors (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated
future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, negotiations with client, etc.). The total client fee will be disclosed in your
investment management agreement or statement of investment selection. You should note that
an advisory fee greater than 2.00% of the total assets under management is higher than industry
norms.
Advisory fees are charged on a calendar quarter basis in advance, based on the value (market
value or fair market value in the absence of market value) of the account at the end of the
quarter and prorated to the end of the quarter upon inception of the account. Fees will be
debited from the account in accordance with your initial authorization.
The Total Client Fee is a composite fee calculated either from a fee schedule based on the asset
levels (or “tiers”) invested, also known as “Tier Rate Fees”, or from a single fee, also known as an
“All Assets Fee Rate”, applicable to all assets invested in the account regardless of the total asset
levels or tiers. In both cases, the Total Client Fee Rate is composed of the “Program Fees”, as
described below, the “Advisor Fees” and the “Firm Fees”, depending on the type of strategy
selected. The Advisor Fees are fees paid directly to the Investment Advisor for the services
rendered.
Generally, if the total client fee is calculated based on “tier rates”, the overall fee rate will
decrease, as the asset value in the account increases. With an “All Assets Fee Rate” structure,
although the total client fee rate remains fixed, the program fees and the advisor fees could
fluctuate over time. In these cases, if the program fee rates decrease, the advisor fee rate could
increase.
You will receive a separate disclosure document (Form ADV Part 2 Brochure) prepared by FIWA
or the applicable investment adviser describing the specific fees charged within the FMAX
Program or the Fixed Income Program, as applicable, the minimum account requirements, billing
arrangements and service termination provisions. You are encouraged to review this disclosure
document, as well as the investment management agreement, regarding the particular
characteristics of the fees charged within the applicable program. Fees payable for your
participation under the FMAX Program or the Fixed Income Program, as applicable (the
“Program Fees”), are separate and in addition to the Advisor Fees paid to Popular Securities.
Program Fees
FMAX and/or the Fixed Income Manager will charge you a Program Fee that is established and
payable in accordance with the applicable investment adviser’s disclosure documents and any
written agreements you are required to execute in connection with the FMAX Program and/or
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Form ADV Part 2A
Page 8
the Fixed Income Program. The Program Fees are based on a percentage of assets under
management and are billed quarterly in advance by the applicable investment adviser based on
the market value of the assets on the last day of the preceding quarter. Fees will be assessed pro
rata in the event the services agreement is executed at any time other than the first day of a
calendar quarter. The Program Fee for each quarter will equal (on an annualized basis) the
percentage set forth in the Fee Schedule, of the fair market value of the assets under
management in the applicable category (including interest paid or accrued) as calculated on the
last business day of the pervious calendar quarter. The Investment Adviser will determine the
fair market value of the assets under management for purposes of calculating the Program Fee.
If the investment management agreement is terminated prior to the end of a quarter, a pro rata
portion of the Program Fee will be reimbursed to you.
Popular Securities and applicable investment advisers are authorized, pursuant to your
investment advisory agreement with such advisers, to instruct NFS to deduct from your account
the Program Fees payable for services rendered under the aforesaid agreements. NFS shall
retain the custodial fee due to NFS in connection with the applicable program and shall disburse
the remainder of the Program Fee to Popular Securities and/or the applicable investment advisor
in accordance with your investment management agreement or statement of investment
selection. FMAX or the Fixed Income Manager, as agent for you, shall retain or distribute to Sub-
Managers and any third-party service providers any amounts due such parties in connection with
the FMAX Program or the Fixed Income Program, as applicable. NFS will not determine whether
fees are properly calculated. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy of such fee
calculation.
Program Fees are composed of Custody Fees, Platform Fees and Manager Fees.
The agreed upon fees and terms will be stated in your investment advisory agreement with the
applicable investment adviser(s).
There is a minimum annual Program Fee charged per account for participation in the FMAX
Program or the Fixed Income Program. The Program Fee does not cover certain charges
associated with securities transactions in clients’ accounts, including: (i) dealer markups,
markdowns or spreads charged on transactions in over-the-counter securities; (ii) costs relating
to trading in certain foreign securities; (iii) the internal charges and fees that may be imposed by
any collective investment vehicles, such as mutual funds and closed-end funds, unit investment
trusts, ETFs or real estate investment trusts (such as fund operating expenses, management fees,
redemption fees and other fees and expenses.
You should be aware that Program Fees are charged on all mutual fund shares that are part of
your assets under management, including shares on which you may have previously paid a sales
charge. In addition, to the extent that cash used for investments in an account comes from
redemptions of your other non-managed mutual fund investments, you should consider the
cost, if any, of the sales charge(s) previously paid and redemption fees that would be incurred.
Such redemption fees would be in addition to the Program Fee on those assets. You should be
aware that such redemptions and exchanges between mutual funds that participate in the FMAX
Program might have tax consequences, which should be discussed with your independent tax
advisor.
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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The Program Fee does not cover certain custodial fees that may be charged to you by the
custodian. A custodian may charge a minimum account fee. You also may be charged for specific
account services, such as ACAT transfers, electronic fund and wire transfer charges, and for other
optional services elected by you. Similarly, the Program Fee does not cover certain non-
brokerage-related fees such as individual retirement account (“IRA”) trustee or custodian fees
and tax-qualified retirement plan account fees and annual and termination fees for retirement
accounts (such as IRAs).
If there is insufficient cash in your accounts at the time the Program Fee is to be debited from
your accounts, FMAX, the Sub-Managers or the Fixed Income Managers, as applicable, may sell
assets in your account to generate sufficient cash to pay the Program Fee. This may create a
taxable gain or tax loss for you. If the assets in your account are illiquid, FMAX, Popular Securities
or the Fixed Income Manager will send you an invoice for the Program Fee for the quarter, due
within ten (10) days of receipt.
Other Fees and Expenses
All fees paid to Popular Securities for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from
the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and ETFs to their shareholders. In the case of
mutual funds, these fees and expenses are described in each fund's prospectus. These fees will
generally include a management fee, other fund expenses, and possibly a distribution fee. You
will also incur transaction charges and/or brokerage fees when purchasing or selling securities.
These charges and fees are typically imposed by the broker-dealer or custodian through whom
your account transactions are executed. Accordingly, the client should review the fees charged
by the funds, Popular Securities, FMAX, the Fixed income Manager, NFS, and others to fully
understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client and to thereby evaluate the
advisory services being provided.
Referral/Solicitation Compensation
We have referral/solicitation arrangements with Russell Investments and Appleton Partners, Inc.
(the “Unaffiliated Advisors”) pursuant to which we receive compensation from the Unaffiliated
Advisors if/when we refer clients to such Unaffiliated Advisors. That compensation is received
for the duration of the engagement. Therefore, we have a financial incentive to recommend the
Unaffiliated Firms over other firms offering similar services that do not pay us compensation for
referring clients to them. Moreover, we have no obligation to refer any clients to the
Unaffiliated Advisors.
Financial Planning
The fees for financial planning services are presented as a flat fee amount per plan for
customers. Fees may vary depending on the complexity of each financial plan and number of
modules prepared. Fees for financial planning services are typically billed directly to the
customer. However, advisory clients may also pay by deducting from their checking/savings
account at our affiliate Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. There may be instances where Popular
Securities may cover the cost of a financial plan partially or in its entirety. This may happen if the
client appears to have significant potential for establishing a new investments relationship or for
increasing his/her assets in an established investment account at Popular Securities. This creates
a conflict of interest because Popular Securities obtains a financial benefit when you increase
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Page 10
your assets or establish new investment relationships with us. The financial benefit includes the
ability to make additional brokerage recommendations (generating additional commissions).
Popular does not allow prepayment of fees in excess of $1200 per client six months or more in
advance of services rendered. For more information on financial plans and any additional fees
that may apply, please refer to the Understanding How We Are Compensated Disclosure by
following this link
https://www.popular.com/en/popularone/services/investments/understandinghowwearecomp
ensated.
Third Party Training and Conferences
Certain advisory money managers or mutual fund companies provide our advisors the
opportunity to attend training and education conferences. Such conferences include the
payment or reimbursement of travel, meals and logging expenses for attendees. Popular
Securities may have an incentive to recommend advisory money managers or mutual fund
companies that provide the above referenced opportunities over those that do not.
Revenue Sharing Compensation
Popular Securities maintains a revenue sharing arrangement with Russell Financial Services, LLC,
for which the Firm receives up to .03% in fees per annum, based on the average daily net asset
value of outstanding qualifying shares of Class S of Russell Investment Company’s (affiliated to
Russell Financial Services, LLC) mutual funds and .02% for sales related to those funds. Russell
Investment Company has access to our advisors to provide training and other educational
presentations and product information. Popular Securities’ advisors do not receive
compensation in connection with Russell’s revenue sharing arrangement. Nevertheless, advisors
may prefer recommending products offered by Russell Investment Company over other mutual
funds due to the access they have to Russell Investment Company’s resources and personnel.
Mutual Fund Share Class Selection and Rebates of 12b-1 Fees
Mutual funds are not offered under the Fixed Income Program. This section is applicable to the
FMAX Program. None of the mutual funds currently offered in the FMAX Program impose a
front-end sales charge. Advisory, institutional or other share classes that do not have a sales-load
and do not assess 12b-1 fees (collectively “Advisory Shares”) are offered in the FMAX Program as
the primary mutual fund share class, where available to us through a selling agreement or
through NFS Platform. Popular Securities seeks to make available to clients mutual funds, and
share classes of those mutual funds, that Popular Securities believes are suitable for investment,
but does not seek to offer mutual funds or share classes of mutual funds that are necessarily the
least expensive. Other mutual funds and share classes may have different charges, fees, and
expenses, which may be lower than the charges, fees, and expenses of the mutual funds we
make available. For example, Advisory Shares are less expensive than other share classes
because they typically do not pay a 12b-1 fee or assess a sales charge. Advisory Shares are not
always the least expensive available share class offered by a particular mutual fund. Some
mutual funds offer institutional shares in addition to the Advisory Share class offered in our
managed accounts that may be less expensive than the Advisory Share class we offer because
they do not use a portion of operating expenses for the payment of sub-transfer agent or
networking fees or pay cost reimbursement or marketing support to distributors. You may be
eligible to purchase a lower-cost institutional or other share class for a mutual fund that is less
expensive than the Advisory Share class offered in our FMAX Program for that fund. Please
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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contact your Financial Consultant for information on fund families and mutual funds offered in
our FMAX Program including the applicable Advisory Share and for information about any
limitations on share classes available through a managed account. To the extent that Popular
Securities receives 12b-1 fees for Non-Advisory Share classes in managed accounts, they will be
rebated to clients.
Termination of Services and Refund of Fees
You, our firm and/or the applicable investment advisor may terminate the advisory relationship
in accordance with the provisions of the applicable agreement. Any unearned, pre-paid fees shall
be refunded to you, but you shall be responsible for any transactions executed prior to Popular
Securities’ receipt of the cancellation notice.
Payment of Fees
We will deduct our fee directly from your account through the qualified custodian holding your
funds and securities. We will deduct our advisory fee only when you have given our firm written
authorization permitting the fees to be paid directly from your account. Further, the qualified
custodian will deliver an account statement to you at least quarterly. These account statements
will show all disbursements from your account. You should review all statements for accuracy.
If you have any questions about the statement(s) you receive from the qualified custodian call
our main office number located on the cover page of this brochure.
Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products
We are also a registered securities broker-dealer and a member of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Persons
providing investment advice on behalf of our firm are also registered representatives. In their
capacities as registered representatives, these persons will receive commission-based
compensation in connection with the purchase and sale of securities, including 12b-1 fees for the
sale of investment company products. Compensation earned by these persons in their capacities
as registered representatives is separate and in addition to our advisory fees. This practice
presents a conflict of interest because persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm
who are registered representatives have an incentive to effect securities transactions for the
purpose of generating commissions rather than solely based on your needs. You are under no
obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase securities products through any person
affiliated with our firm.
Financial Planning clients are not required to implement any of the recommendations delivered
through the financial planning services offered by Popular. However, should a financial planning
client decide to implement any of the recommendations made in the financial plan through
Popular, the client will pay any applicable charges, commissions or fees relating to the purchased
product or service. A significant portion of these charges or commissions will be paid to the
advisor in his/her capacity as a broker-dealer representative of Popular. The change in role from
an investment adviser to a broker-dealer means Popular and its advisors face conflicts of
interests and Popular’s interests may be different than those of the advisory client.
We may recommend that you purchase variable annuities to be included in your investment
portfolio(s). Persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm may earn commissions on
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Form ADV Part 2A
Page 12
the sale of the variable annuities in his or her capacity as a registered representative of our firm.
If these persons earn commission on the sale of variable annuities recommended to you, we will
not include the annuity accounts in the total value used for our advisory billing/fee computation.
Annuities will be purchased for your account only after you receive a prospectus disclosing the
terms of the annuity. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase
variable annuities through any person affiliated with our firm.
Persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm may also be licensed as insurance
agents. These persons will earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products,
including insurance products they sell to you. Insurance commissions earned by these persons
are separate and in addition to our advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest
because persons providing investment advice on behalf of our firm who are insurance agents
have an incentive to recommend insurance products to you for the purpose of generating
commissions rather than solely based on your needs. You are under no obligation, contractually
or otherwise, to purchase insurance products through any person affiliated with our firm.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management - Item 6
We do not charge performance‐based fees (i.e., fees based on a share of capital gains on or
capital appreciation of the assets of a client) nor engage in side‐by‐side management.
Performance-based fees are fees that are based on a share of a capital gains or capital
appreciation of a client's account. Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing
accounts that are charged performance-based fees while at the same time managing accounts
that are not charged performance-based fees. We do not accept performance-based fees or
participate in side-by-side management.
Our fees are calculated as described in the Fees and Compensation section above and are not
charged on the basis of a share of capital gains upon, or capital appreciation of, the funds in your
advisory account.
Types of Clients - Item 7
We offer advisory services to a wide array of clients, including, individuals, high net worth
individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, non‐profit
organizations, governmental organizations, corporations and certain private equity funds.
Popular Securities’ minimum initial account size requirement is $50,000 for certain products.
Many products may have a higher minimum requirement. However, the minimum requirement
may be waived if you appear to have significant potential for increasing your assets under
management. 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.
While the minimum account size requirement may be negotiable, a lower than required
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Form ADV Part 2A
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minimum size may result in higher fees. Your advisory relationship may be terminated if your
account falls below a minimum size which is too small to manage effectively.
You will receive a separate disclosure document (Form ADV Part 2 Brochure or equivalent
brochure) prepared by the Fixed Income Manager, FIWA and/or Sub-managers, as applicable,
describing account minimums and any other requirements for opening an account within the
FMAX Program or the Fixed income Program. You are encouraged to review all disclosure
documents to learn more about account requirements.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss - Item 8
We may use a variety of investment strategies and analytical methods in formulating its
investment advice. The strategies and analysis methods used will depend on the specific
situation being evaluated, but in general will be based on the client’s goals, risk tolerance, needs
and current holdings, amongst others. These will be used to determine an asset allocation and
suitable investment vehicles as well as to monitor and suggest on‐going monitoring and
recommendations. Analysis may include but is not necessarily limited to several quantitative
techniques and qualitative evaluations.
We may also use one or more third‐party services for manager/fund research and due diligence;
and Popular Securities may also conduct its own research and due diligence for certain
strategies, managers, and funds.
Third-Party Investment Analysis
Investment research and due diligence of investment vehicles, available on the FMAX Program,
will be conducted by FIWA. FIWA will rate each type of investment in one of four ratings:
“Available”, “Meets-Quantitative”, “Meets-Qualitative”, and “Preferred”. These ratings may
change without notice but will be communicated to Popular Securities. Popular Securities will
determine what investments are appropriate and in the best interest of specific clients.
FIWA’s Research Team performs the investment due diligence for the FMAX Program. Different
solutions will demand unique due diligence process, all FIWA evaluations follow a systematic
process.
For actively and passively managed Funds available on the Platform, a quantitative rating process
is performed to determine if the Fund meets the criteria to be awarded a Meets-Quantitative
rating. The quantitative rating process is performed at least quarterly. A concurrent qualitative
due diligence process is conducted on a select group of investment vehicles to provide deeper
coverage and to determine if a Meets-Qualitative or Preferred rating should be applied. The
qualitative rating process is performed at least annually. When combined, these processes result
in the list of Meets and Preferred investment vehicles. Both quantitative and qualitative
processes are executed simultaneously and continuously for ongoing evaluation of the
characteristics of the investment options on the Platform. Both the quantitative and qualitative
processes follow a common structure of assessing four major pillars of analysis: performance,
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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cost, style alignment, and people and process consistency. For asset allocated strategies, such as
investment manager’s model portfolios within the FSP Program, additional information about
the portfolio construction process is considered given the importance of multi asset allocation
techniques.
Preferred
Preferred investment vehicles have FIWA’s highest conviction and are comprised of a subset of
Meets-Qualitative investment vehicles. For Preferred investment vehicles, the FIWA Research
Team completes the due diligence process mentioned above for Meets-Qualitative. In addition,
the FIWA Research Team conducts a quarterly touchpoint with one or more members of the
product’s investment team. The FIWA Research Team seeks to understand the drivers of
differentiation that allow these investment options to stand out across the four pillars of
research. Investment vehicles sponsored by Investment Managers that Fidelity has deemed not
to be in good standing on Fidelity FundsNetwork, Fidelity’s mutual fund platform, due to
insufficient shareholder servicing compensation are not eligible for consideration for a
“Preferred” research rating but are eligible to receive a “Meets-Quantitative” or “Meets-
Qualitative” research rating.
Additional Information
The investment advice provided along with the strategies we suggest will vary depending on
each client’s specific financial situation and goals. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that
you should be prepared to bear. In light of the risks associated with investing in financial
markets, you should fully understand the nature of the contractual relationship(s) into which you
are entering and the extent of your exposure to risk. Certain investing strategies may not be
suitable for many members of the public. You should carefully consider whether the strategies
employed will be appropriate for you in light of your investment experience, objectives, financial
resources and other relevant circumstances. You should understand that investing in any
securities involves a risk of loss of both income and principal and that diversification of a
portfolio does not ensure a profit or operate as a guarantee against a loss.
We advise on various types of securities. Each client has different needs and different tolerances
for risk. We do not necessarily recommend one particular type of security over another. Each
type of security has its own unique set of associated risks. Risks can vary widely, even within the
same type of securities. However, in very general terms, the higher the anticipated return of an
investment, the higher the risk of loss associated with it. When appropriate for your specific
investment objectives, we will recommend third-party investment programs, and we will provide
advice to you in accordance with the relevant programs offered. As disclosed above, we will
assist you in selecting investment programs and strategies that have been reviewed by Popular
Securities and have been determined appropriate for you based on your individual
circumstances and investment goals. If there is a deviation in characteristics or performance
from the stated strategy and/or benchmark, we will alert you and recommend replacing
portfolio models or managers/sub-managers, as appropriate for your individual circumstances
and objectives.
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Disciplinary Information - Item 9
We are required to disclose the facts of any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a
client's evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management. Our firm has
been involved in the event(s) described below.
• On December 11, 2014, Popular Securities executed a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and
Consent (“AWC”) pursuant to which FINRA agreed to accept a settlement to conclude its
examination of the firm. Under the terms of the AWC, Popular Securities (1) accepted that the
firm’s written supervisory procedures (“WSPs”) for the period beginning on July 1, 2011 and
ending on June 30, 2013 did not outline the steps that the firm should have taken to review its
customers’ securities purchases in Puerto Rico securities for concentration, and that, apart from
a procedure that required quarterly reviews of “elderly” customer accounts for concentration of
one product in client’s account, the firm did not establish, maintain, or enforce any systems or
procedures that required supervisors to review for concentrated purchases in Puerto Rico
securities or document such reviews; and (2) agreed to a censure and a fine of $125,000. The
firm has accepted the above referenced finding without admitting or denying the same.
• On March 11, 2019, Popular Securities LLC entered into an agreement with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to settle charges relating to the sale of certain mutual
funds under the SEC’s Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative. Pursuant to the terms of that
Initiative, without admitting or denying the findings, Popular Securities voluntarily self-reported
its failure during the period from January 1, 2014 to February 28, 2017 to disclose a conflict of
interest related to the sale of higher-cost mutual fund share classes when a lower-cost share
class was available. Specifically, the settlement found that Popular placed its clients in mutual
fund share classes that charged higher 12b-1 fees – which are recurring fees deducted from the
fund’s assets – when lower-cost share classes of the same fund were available to its clients
without adequately disclosing that the higher cost share class would be selected. Because these
12b-1 fees were paid to Popular Securities, and Popular Securities did not rebate these fees to its
clients, this created a conflict of interest with its clients. As part of the settlement, Popular
Securities agreed (1) that it violated Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act, (2) to promptly disgorge
to its current and former clients who were affected by this situation the difference between the
fees they actually paid and the lower fees they would have paid, had they been placed into the
lower-cost share class (the total amount paid was $544,577, comprised of disgorgement of
$490,020 and prejudgment interest of $54,557), and (3) to undertake to (a) review and correct
disclosure documents concerning mutual fund share class selection, (b) evaluate whether
existing clients should be moved to a lower-cost share class and move clients as necessary, (c)
evaluate and update (if necessary) policies and procedures relating to disclosures regarding
mutual fund share class selection, (d) notify affected investors of the settlement terms of this
Order, and (e) certify, in writing, compliance with the undertakings. Consistent with the terms of
the Initiative, the SEC agreed not to impose penalties against Popular Securities.
The management personnel of Popular Securities do not have any disciplinary events to disclose.
Details related to our firm's disciplinary history can be found at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
Popular Securities, LLC
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Other Financial Industry Activities or Affiliations - Item 10
Popular Securities is also a FINRA‐member broker-dealer. Many of our management persons and
other employees are also broker-dealer registered representatives and offer brokerage services
to various types of clients. Some of these brokerage clients may also become advisory clients.
Further, our management persons and registered representatives may recommend these
brokerage services to advisory clients for which they will receive separate and customary
compensation. However, neither Popular Securities nor its management persons and/or
registered representatives will receive commissions from the sale of securities during the
provision of the advisory services described above at Item 4. The sole compensation earned by
Popular Securities and its management persons and/or registered representatives from the
provision of advisory services is disclosed above in Item 5.
Popular Securities is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Popular Inc., a bank holding company. As
a subsidiary of Popular Inc. our firm is under common ownership and control with several
financial institutions, including the following with which we have a material business relationship
(referred to collectively as the "Related Companies"):
• Banco Popular of Puerto Rico (BPPR): a banking institution that offers a broad spectrum of
banking products and financial services to consumers, small businesses and commercial
clients.
• Popular Bank: a banking institution offering banking related services in the US.
• Popular Auto LLC: a leasing and auto loan company that also provides daily rental services.
• Popular Insurance LLC: a licensed insurance agency.
• Popular Risk Services LLC: a licensed insurance producer.
• Popular Asset Management, LLC.: a registered Investment Advisor which provides investment
advice to certain open-end mutual funds which are more commonly known as the “Popular
Family of Funds” and certain closed-end mutual funds which are more commonly known as
the “PRRTFF Family of Funds”. The Popular Family of Funds and the PRRTFF Family of Funds
are registered investment companies under the Puerto Rico Investment Company Act.
Popular Securities is a distributor of the Popular Family of Funds and receives compensation
as part of an on‐going 12(b)1 distribution fee. The PRRTFF is co-advised by Popular Asset
Management, LLC. and UBS Asset Managers of Puerto Rico, Inc.
Where appropriate, Popular Securities and its employees may recommend various investments,
including the Popular and PRRTFF Family of Funds and the banking, insurance, and other
investment-related services of the Related Companies to our advisory clients. This constitutes a
conflict of interest insofar as Popular Securities and/or its employees may earn additional
compensation as a result of such recommendations. To the extent that such recommendation
involves an investment in the Popular or PRRTFF Family of Funds, Popular Asset Management,
LLC. may receive additional compensation as investment adviser to each of the aforesaid funds.
The Related Companies and their employees may also recommend the advisory services of our
firm to their clients. The services provided by the Related Companies are separate and distinct
from our advisory services and are provided for separate and additional compensation. There
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Form ADV Part 2A
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may also be arrangements between Popular Securities and these Related Companies where
Popular Securities and/or the Related Companies and their employees receive payment in
exchange for client referrals. No Popular Securities client is obligated to use the products or
services of any of the Related Companies.
In addition to Popular Securities branch locations and BPPR branch office sites, the services of
Popular Securities are being offered through office centers under the trade name of Popular One.
Popular One office centers are a place where customers can obtain an integrated service offering
from a multidisciplinary team of specialized professionals from Popular Securities, BPPR, Popular
Insurance and Popular Risk Services, respectively, who will work with the customer to help him
reach his/her financial goals.
Registered representatives of Popular Securities may also be insurance agents for Popular
Insurance or Popular Risk Services, respectively. In their separate capacities as insurance agents,
the registered representatives are able to purchase insurance and insurance‐related investment
products for Popular Securities' advisory clients, for which they will receive separate and
additional compensation. Clients, however, are not under any obligation to engage registered
representative in such a separate capacity when considering the purchase/sale of insurance
products. Related persons of our firm may spend 20% to 60% of their time on these related
activities.
Wealth Advisors and other BPPR employees with appropriate securities registrations may
become investment advisor representatives in certain accounts for which they also provide
financial planning, or other banking related services for which they are compensated. The receipt
of such additional compensation constitutes a conflict of interest.
Our registered representatives are sometimes invited to due‐diligence trips to managers’ offices
or other places based on assets levels of production with those managers and some other events
may be paid by managers. In such cases this may present a conflict of interest as the Investment
Advisor Representative may be inclined to offer such products.
Also, our registered representatives and management receive incentives to increase assets under
management and fees, as bonuses and other forms of recognition are tied to this. This practice
results in a conflict of interest.
Clients should be aware that the receipt of additional compensation by Popular Securities and its
management persons or employees creates a conflict of interest that may impair the objectivity
of our firm and these individuals when making advisory recommendations.
Popular Securities endeavors at all times to put the interest of its clients first. In order to comply
with this general principle:
• we disclose to clients the existence of all material conflicts of interest, including the potential
for our firm and our employees to earn compensation from advisory clients in addition to our
firm's advisory fees;
• we disclose to clients that they are not obligated to purchase recommended investment
products from our employees or affiliated companies;
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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• we collect, maintain and document accurate, complete and relevant client background
information, including the client’s financial goals, objectives and risk tolerance;
• our firm's management conducts regular reviews of each client account to verify that all
recommendations made to a client are suitable to the client’s needs and circumstances;
• we require that our employees inform Popular Securities of any outside employment activity
so that we may ensure that any conflicts of interests in such activities are properly addressed;
• we periodically monitor these outside employment activities to verify that any conflicts of
interest continue to be properly addressed by our firm; and
• we educate our employees regarding the responsibilities of a fiduciary, including the need for
having a reasonable and independent basis for the investment advice provided to clients.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading - Item 11
We strive to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our practices. Therefore, we
have adopted a written Code of Ethics that includes guidelines for professional standards of
conduct for all persons associated with our firm. Our goal is to protect your interests at all times
and to demonstrate our commitment to our fiduciary duties of honesty, good faith, and fair
dealing with you. All persons associated with our firm are expected to adhere strictly to these
guidelines. Our Code of Ethics also requires that certain persons associated with our firm submit
reports of their personal account holdings and transactions to a qualified representative of our
firm who will review these reports on a periodic basis. Persons associated with our firm are also
required to report any violations of our Code of Ethics. Additionally, we maintain and enforce
written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse or dissemination of material, non-
public information about you or your account holdings by persons associated with our firm.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is available to our advisory clients and prospective clients. You may
request a copy by email sent to popular_securities@popular.com or by calling Popular Securities
at (787) 758‐7400.
Participation or Interest in your Transactions
Our firm or persons associated with our firm may buy or sell the same securities that we
recommend to you or securities in which you are already invested. A conflict of interest exists in
such cases because we have the ability to trade ahead of you and potentially receive more
favorable prices than you will receive. To eliminate this conflict of interest, it is our policy that
neither our Associated Persons nor we shall have priority over your account in the purchase or
sale of securities.
Our firm or persons associated with our firm may buy or sell securities for you at the same time
we or persons associated with our firm buy or sell such securities for our own account. We may
also combine our orders to purchase securities with your orders to purchase securities ("block
trading"). Refer to the Brokerage Practices section in this brochure for information on our block
trading practices.
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Brokerage Practices - Item 12
If you participate in the Fixed Income Program, you will be required to open a brokerage account
with NFS.
NFS is designated to provide trade execution and custodial services with respect to the Fixed
Income Program. Services provided by NFS in this capacity are governed by a separate
agreement between you and NFS. By participating in the Fixed Income Program, you authorize
the Fixed Income Program managers and Popular Securities to direct brokerage to NFS;
therefore, you may not receive the benefit of the lowest trade price then available for any
particular transaction for the accounts. In effecting brokerage transactions, Fixed Income
Program Managers or Popular Securities may consider not only available prices and commission
rates (including the fact that certain transaction effected through NFS are included in the
Program Fee), but also other relevant factors such as execution capabilities, research and other
services provided by the broker-dealer.
NFS is designated to provide trade execution and custodial services with respect to the FMAX
Program. Services provided by NFS in this capacity are governed by a separate agreement
between you and NFS. By participating in the FMAX Program, you authorize FMAX, Popular
Securities, any Sub-Manager to direct brokerage to NFS; therefore, you may not receive the
benefit of the lowest trade price then available for any particular transaction for the Accounts. In
effecting brokerage transactions, Sub-Manager, FIWA, or Popular Securities may consider not
only available prices and commission rates (including the fact that certain transaction effected
through NFS are included in the Program Fee), but also other relevant factors such as execution
capabilities, research and other services provided by the broker-dealer.
Upon your signing of any required trade authorizations Fixed Income Managers, Sub-Managers,
FIWA, or Popular Securities will have the authority to effect transactions for the Accounts with or
through another broker, dealer or bank if Fixed income Managers, Popular Securities, FIWA, or
Sub-Manager believes that “best execution” of transactions may be obtained through such other
broker, dealer or bank, including any broker-dealer that is affiliated with The Fixed Income
Manager, Popular Securities, FIWA, or Sub-Manager, as applicable. As such, you agree that the
Fixed Income Manager, Popular Securities or FIWA will instruct NFS to accept instructions
regarding Program Assets from FMAX, Fixed Income Manager, Popular Securities, and Sub-
Managers (as applicable) to whom Popular Securities, Fixed Income Manager and/or FIWA has
delegated investment discretion. You will also authorize FIWA and/or Fixed Income Manager, as
applicable, to open broker-dealer accounts at applicable executing brokers, and you authorize
FIWA and/or the Fixed Income Manager as attorney-in-fact to give instructions to an appropriate
broker. All transactions effected by Sub-Managers for your accounts shall be cleared and settled
with NFS. Sub-Managers may execute transactions through brokers, dealers and banks that have
certain arrangements with Popular Securities and/or Sub-Managers pursuant to which Popular
Securities or Sub-Managers receive credit (toward acquisition of research products and services)
for brokerage placed with such firms by Advisor or Sub-Managers. When FIWA, Popular
Securities, Fixed income Manager, or a Sub-Manager deems a transaction to be in your best
interest as well as that of other clients of FMAX, Fixed Income Manager, Popular Securities, or
Sub-Manager, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulation, FIWA, Fixed income
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Form ADV Part 2A
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Manager, Popular Securities, or Sub-Manager is permitted to aggregate multiple client orders
(“block trade”) to obtain what FIWA, Fixed Income Manager, Popular Securities, or Sub-Manager
believes will be the most favorable price and/or lower execution costs at the time of execution.
Additionally, licensed individuals associated with our firm, are eligible to receive commissions in
their capacities as registered representatives of our firm for securities transactions and/or 12b-1
distribution fees from investment companies (mutual funds) in connection with transactions
placed on your behalf. These commissions and fees are in addition to and separate from the
investment advisory fees charged by the program.
As part of its fiduciary duties, we strive at all times to put your interests first; however, you are
advised that the receipt of additional compensation creates a potential conflict of interest.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
We do not receive client referrals from broker-dealers in exchange for cash or other
compensation, such as brokerage services or research.
Directed Brokerage
Transactions for Program Assets are routinely directed to NFS. As such, we may be unable to
achieve the most favorable execution of your transactions and you may pay higher brokerage
commissions than you might otherwise pay through another broker-dealer that offers the same
types of services. Not all advisers require their clients to direct brokerage.
As a broker-dealer, our firm also clears securities transactions through NFS. It may be the case
that NFS charges higher transactions costs and/or custodial fees than another broker charges for
the same types of services.
Economic Benefits
As a registered investment adviser, we have 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 transactions may be greater
than the amounts another broker who did not provide research services or products might
charge.
Review of Accounts - Item 13
Refer to FIWA’s and/or the Fixed Income Manager’s disclosure document for the FMAX Program
or the Fixed Income Program, as applicable, (Form ADV Part 2 Brochure) for information
Popular Securities, LLC
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regarding the nature and frequency of reviews and reports provided by FIWA, the Fixed Income
and/or the applicable Sub‐Managers.
Popular Securities will provide reviews of a client account(s) with FMAX and Fixed Income
Managers on at least an annual basis. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client's
stated investment objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered by
material changes in variables such as the client’s individual circumstances, or the market, political
or economic environment.
Popular Securities does not typically provide reports in addition to those provided by the FMAX
Program. Additionally, clients will receive statements from their account custodian on at least a
quarterly basis.
You will not receive trade confirmations for each transaction made by the Sub-Managers,
FMAX, the Fixed Income Manager or Popular Securities (as applicable) unless you notify Popular
Securities that you wish to receive such confirmations.
All communications from Popular Securities, the Fixed Income Manager and/or FMAX may be by
electronic means. As soon as possible, but in no event later than 45 days, after the end of each
calendar quarter, Popular Securities will provide you via electronic means a quarterly statement
containing a description of all activity in your accounts during the previous quarter.
You should contact Popular Securities if there have been any changes in your financial situation
or investment objectives, if you wish to impose reasonable restrictions on the management of
your account, or if you wish to reasonably modify existing restrictions. Otherwise, Popular
Securities will contact you at least annually to determine whether there have been any changes
in your financial situation or investment objectives, and whether you wish to impose any
reasonable restrictions, or reasonably modify existing restrictions on the management of your
Accounts.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation - Item 14
It is Popular Securities’ policy not to accept or allow our related persons to accept any form of
compensation, including cash, sales awards or other prizes, from a non‐client in conjunction with
the advisory services we provide to our clients.
Popular Securities’ employees are not allowed to give or receive gifts or gratuities to or from
clients in excess of $100 per client per year. This, however, does not prohibit occasional gifts or
gratuities related to normal business dealings as long as the limit of $100 is not exceeded.
Except as otherwise provided in this brochure, it is our policy not to engage solicitors or to pay
any non‐related persons for referring potential clients to our firm. However, we do have a
referral arrangement with our affiliate, Banco Popular, whereby we pay Banco Popular a nominal
referral fee for each client or potential client referred to Popular Securities. All prospective
clients receive a separate disclosure statement that includes the fact that Banco Popular is being
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Form ADV Part 2A
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paid a referral fee. As a matter of firm practice, the advisory fees paid to Popular Securities by
clients referred by Banco Popular are not increased as a result of any referral.
Client Solicitation/Referrals
As disclosed in the Fees and Compensation at Item 5 of this brochure, we have
solicitation/referral arrangements with Russell Investments and Appleton Partners, Inc. for
certain institutional/large clients whereby we receive a referral/solicitation fee for the duration
of the engagement (while the Unaffiliated Advisor is the consultant).
Other Compensation
As disclosed under the "Fees and Compensation" section in this brochure, persons providing
investment advice on behalf of our firm who are licensed insurance agents and/or who are
registered representatives with our firm in its capacity as a securities broker-dealer, and a
member of FINRA and SIPC are eligible to earn commission-based compensation for the sale of
certain insurance or securities products. For information on the conflicts of interest this presents,
and how we address these conflicts, please refer to the "Fees and Compensation" section.
Custody - Item 15
We previously disclosed in the Fees and Compensation section (Item 5) of this brochure that our
firm’s custodian directly debits advisory fees from client accounts. On at least a quarterly basis,
the custodian is required to send to the client a statement showing all transactions within the
account during the reporting period. You should contact Popular Securities directly if you have
any questions regarding your advisory fees shown on your statement.
Where you participate in the FMAX Program and or the Fixed Income Program, FMAX or the
Fixed Income Manager, as applicable, will calculate our advisory fees based on your account
balance and in accordance with the agreement with the applicable investment advisor. FMAX
and/or the Fixed income Manager will submit the amount of the fee to be paid to your account
custodian. As paying agent, your custodian will directly debit your account(s) for the payment of
our advisory fees based on your written authorization. You will receive account statements from
the independent, qualified custodian(s) holding your funds and securities at least quarterly. The
account statements from your custodian(s) will indicate the amount of our advisory fees
deducted from your account(s) each billing period. You should carefully review account
statements for accuracy. If you have a question regarding your account statement, or if you did
not receive a statement from your custodian, please contact Popular Securities directly at the
telephone number on the cover page of this brochure.
Investment Discretion - Item 16
If you enter into an advisory agreement with Popular Securities, FIWA, and/or a Fixed Income
Manager, you will be appointing each as your investment manager and will be granting each full
discretionary authority to invest, reinvest and otherwise deal with the assets in your account in
Popular Securities, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
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its discretion, including without limitation the authority to select, allocate and reallocate such
assets to different Sub-Managers and to delegate such investment discretion to such Sub-
Managers. Such discretionary authority allows Popular Securities, FIWA or the Fixed Income
Manager to make all investment decisions with respect to your accounts and, when it deems
appropriate and without prior consultation with you, to buy, sell, exchange, convert and
otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds, mutual funds, alternative investments and other securities.
FIWA, Popular Securities and/or the Fixed Income Manager will recommend an appropriate asset
allocation among the investment options in the FMAX Program or the Fixed Income Program and
recommend investment vehicles and/or Sub-Managers within that program for your accounts. In
selecting investment vehicles and Sub-Managers for your accounts, Popular Securities, FIWA
and/or the Fixed Income Manager will consider factors it deems relevant, including but not
limited to, your investment goals and objectives, and any reasonable restrictions imposed by you
on management of your accounts including the designation of particular securities or types of
securities that should not be purchased for your accounts, or that should be sold if held in the
accounts. You should understand and be willing and able to accept the risk involved in the
selection of investments before entering into an advisory agreement. There is no assurance that
your investment objective will be achieved.
Sub-Managers shall be retained by FIWA or the Fixed Income Manager, as applicable, pursuant to
agreements entered. For certain Sub-Managers, FIWA has entered into a licensing agreement
with the Sub-Manager, whereby FMAX performs administrative and/or trading duties pursuant
to the direction of the Sub-Manager. In such situation the Sub-Manager is acting in the role of a
Model Provider. Your execution of the advisory agreement authorizes Popular Securities, FIWA,
the Fixed Income Manager and/or any Sub-Manager expressly designated by Popular Securities,
FIWA or the brokers, and retained by , as its agent and attorney-in-fact, to issue to brokers,
dealers, and banks in its sole discretion, without prior consultation with you, instructions to
purchase, sell, exchange, convert and otherwise trade in and deal with any security or cash in the
Accounts for your account at your risk and generally to perform the services described in the
advisory agreement.
Voting Client Securities - Item 17
Popular Securities does not vote client proxies and does not typically provide advice to clients
regarding the clients’ voting of proxies. You should refer to FIWA or the Fixed Income Manager’s
disclosure document for the FMAX Program or the Fixed income Program, as applicable (Form
ADV Part 2), for information regarding the proxy voting policy of FMAX the Sub‐Managers or the
Fixed Income Manager.
If you have not designated a representative to receive proxy materials and to vote on your
behalf, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian.
Popular Securities, LLC
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Financial Information - Item 18
We do not have any financial condition or impairment that would prevent Popular Securities
from meeting our contractual commitments to you. We do not take physical custody of client
funds or securities, or serve as trustee or signatory for client accounts, and we do not require the
prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six or more months in advance. Therefore, we are not
required to include a financial statement with this brochure. We have never been the subject of a
bankruptcy petition.