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Item 1: Cover Page
Item 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
April 29, 2025
Rothschild Wealth LLC
SEC File No. 801-74818
700 Commerce Drive, Suite 170
Oak Brook, IL 60523
phone: 630-448-5711
email: info@rothschildwealth.com
website: www.rothschildwealth.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Rothschild
Wealth LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
info@rothschildwealth.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 Securities and Exchange Commission or any State regulatory authority does
not imply a certain level of skill or expertise.
Additional information about Rothschild Wealth LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2: Material Changes
Item 2: Material Changes
This Firm Brochure is our disclosure document prepared according to regulatory requirements
and rules. Consistent with the rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary of any material
changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business’ fiscal
year. Furthermore, we will provide you with other interim disclosures about material changes as
necessary.
There are no material changes to this Brochure from the last annual update issued on March 26,
2025.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4: Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................................ 9
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ......................................................... 15
Item 7: Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ................................................. 17
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 31
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................................ 32
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal
Trading ........................................................................................................................................................... 35
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................... 37
Item 13: Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 43
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................ 44
Item 15: Custody .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Item 16: Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................... 46
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................................ 47
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................ 48
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Ownership/Advisory History
Rothschild Wealth LLC (“Rothschild Wealth” or the “firm”) is an Illinois limited liability company
principally owned by Tin Goose Holdings LLC. The Managing Member of Rothschild Wealth is
Sentinus Holdings, LLC. Rothschild Wealth has been providing investment advisory and financial
planning services since June 2012.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Rothschild Wealth is an independent investment advisory and financial planning firm offering a
variety of financial services to individuals and high-net-worth individuals, corporate executive
groups, trusts, corporations, partnerships, pension and profit sharing plans, institutional
retirement (both ERISA and non-ERISA) plans, tax exempt, and other legal entities. Advisory
services may include financial planning, investment strategy, portfolio management, tax
preparation, tax and estate planning, as well as recommendation of separate account managers.
Discretionary Asset Management Services
For its discretionary asset management services, Rothschild Wealth receives a limited power of
attorney to effect securities transactions on behalf of its clients. Clients may grant Rothschild
Wealth limited discretionary authority with respect to advisory client assets, including discretion
to select third-party managers on behalf of such Rothschild Wealth advisory clients. Investment
advisory services are provided on either a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, depending
on the agreement between the client and Rothschild Wealth. Rothschild Wealth recommends
securities transactions to its clients that include securities and strategies as described in Item 8
of this Brochure.
In preparing the asset allocation, Rothschild Wealth will analyze each client’s current
investments, investment objectives, goals, age, time horizon, financial circumstances, investment
experience, investment restrictions and limitations, and risk tolerance. Rothschild Wealth’s
objective is to review the client’s tax, financial, and estate planning objectives and goals in
connection with the client’s investment objectives, goals, tolerance for risk and other personal
and financial circumstances, and make appropriate asset allocation recommendations and
implementation decisions. Rothschild Wealth may engage third-party service providers to assist
with the tax and estate planning portion of the services provided to clients. In addition,
Rothschild Wealth may utilize third-party software to analyze individual security holdings and
separate account managers utilized within the client’s portfolio. Rothschild Wealth will monitor
those portfolios and make additional recommendations from time to time to rebalance and/or
reallocate each client’s investments.
Rothschild Wealth’s investment advisory services to clients are based on asset allocation models
that, as noted above, take into account a client’s personal financial circumstances, investment
objectives, and tolerance for risk (e.g., cash-flow, tax, and estate). Rothschild Wealth’s
engagement with a client will include, as appropriate, the following:
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Item 4: Advisory Business
▪ Providing assistance in reviewing the clients current investment portfolio against the
client’s personal and financial circumstances as disclosed to Rothschild Wealth in
response to a questionnaire and/or in discussions with the client and reviewed in
meetings with Rothschild Wealth.
▪ Analyzing the client’s financial circumstances, investment holdings and strategy, and
goals.
▪ Providing assistance in identifying a targeted asset allocation and portfolio design.
▪
Implementing and/or recommending mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and
individual equity and fixed income securities, each matched to the asset categories in the
client’s targeted asset allocation for consideration by the client.
▪ Reporting to the client on a quarterly basis or at some other interval agreed to with the
client, information on contributions and withdrawals in the client’s investment portfolio.
▪ Proposing changes in the client’s targeted asset allocation in consideration of changes in
the client’s personal circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk, the
performance record of any of the client’s investments, and/or the performance of any
fund or manager retained by the client.
Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions on the
management of their portfolio, which must be in writing and sent to the firm. Clients should
promptly notify the firm in writing of any changes in such restrictions or in the client's personal
financial circumstances, investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. Rothschild Wealth
will remind clients of their obligation to inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions
that should be imposed on the management of the client’s account. Rothschild Wealth will also
contact clients at least annually to determine whether there have been any changes in a client's
personal financial circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Retirement Rollovers – Conflicts and Added Fees. As a fee-based investment adviser, Rothschild
Wealth (and its investment adviser representatives) makes more money either when your
account assets grow or when you add money to your account. As a plan participant, clients may
be paying little or nothing for the plan’s investment services. As such, clients’ costs are likely to
be more post-rollover. We may compensate our investment professionals in a way that
incrementally rewards them based on the level of aggregate revenue they generate for our firm.
In this regard, we have policies and procedures for supervisory review to ensure we are advising
clients in a way that’s in their best interests. In addition, we conduct an annual review of rollover
transactions to ensure our business practices are aligned in a manner that places clients’
interests first. Such annual review is provided to a member of our executive team, who certifies
the firm’s compliance. We do not engage in sales contests, production awards, or related
giveaways that inhibit our ability to provide advice that’s in clients’ best interests. We regularly
update our conflicts of interest and will update clients accordingly on any material changes
affecting our relationship with them.
Institutional Investment Consulting
Rothschild Wealth also provides investment consulting and investment advisory services to
institutional ERISA (see detailed explanatory note under B.4. below) and non-ERISA retirement
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Item 4: Advisory Business
plans, trusts, foundations, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, or other business
entities. Institutional investment management services typically include portfolio design, asset
allocation modeling, preparation of investment policy statements, screening and selection of
investment managers, and performance monitoring. Depending on the client’s unique
circumstances, Rothschild Wealth may provide discretionary or non-discretionary investment
consulting services for institutions.
Financial Planning Services
Clients will receive a written or oral report (depending on the client’s preference) providing them
with a detailed financial plan designed to help achieve their stated financial goals and
objectives. Based on the client’s needs, financial planning services may include (but are not
limited to) the following:
▪ Preparation of a recommended asset allocation that serves to diversify the client’s
portfolio among different categories of investments, such as small, medium and large
capitalization securities; corporate and government fixed income (short-, intermediate-
and long-term maturities); emerging market securities (i.e., foreign issuers); and such
other asset categories that are suitable in light of the client’s investment goals,
objectives, and risk tolerance.
▪ Preparation of an investment policy statement setting forth the investment plan of the
client with specific direction in terms of diversification requirements, tax issues, estate
planning issues, risk tolerance, retirement, and other identified objectives of the client,
including a targeted rate-of-return objective.
▪ Preparation of a retirement plan that serves to identify whether the client is saving
enough and investing in a way that meets retirement objectives in light of the client’s
financial circumstances and risk tolerance.
▪ Preparation of cash flow projections to ensure that the client can meet daily living
expenses and obligations.
▪ An insurance plan to meet the needs of the client, taking into account family, business,
and other financial objectives of the client.
▪ Preparation of an estate plan to ensure that wealth transition, tax, and related issues are
met in accordance with the client’s wishes. In many instances, an outside attorney will
need to be hired to handle specific legal issues that arise in the formation and
implementation of an estate plan. Rothschild Wealth, as a matter of policy, does not
provide tax advice.
▪ A business exit/continuity plan, taking into account the business and personal goals and
objectives of the client, client’s family, employees, and other affected parties.
▪ Coordination of all planning into a single cohesive plan.
Rothschild Wealth gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews and
questionnaires. Information gathered includes a client’s current financial status, investment
objectives, future goals, and attitudes toward risk. Related documents supplied by the client are
carefully reviewed, and a report is prepared covering one or more of the above-mentioned
topics as directed by the client.
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Item 4: Advisory Business
401(k) Portfolio Management Services
Rothschild Wealth will provide non-discretionary portfolio management services to 401(k) plan
participants. The advice will consist of recommending suitable asset allocation based on the plan
participant’s tolerance for risk, and investment objectives accounting for the available
investment alternatives available to the plan participant. To the extent the client has a self-
directed account, Rothschild Wealth may recommend a model portfolio of diversified exchange-
traded funds. Once the plan participant has engaged Rothschild Wealth for this service,
Rothschild Wealth will provide its recommendations through an automated email notification to
the client, advising the client when the portfolio requires rebalancing. As a courtesy, Rothschild
Wealth will send applicable clients a follow-up reminder within a reasonable period of time after
the first email notification to rebalance the portfolio. Any transactions required to effect the
recommended rebalancing of the model portfolio will be the sole responsibility of the client.
Institutional Retirement Investment Advisory Services
Employees in qualified retirement plans are protected by the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), which requires employers, investment advisors, and plan
administrators to put employees’ interests first when managing retirement savings plans. Public
retirement systems are governed by similar state laws and often incorporate the protections of
ERISA.
In order to demonstrate that a plan fiduciary has operated in a prudent manner, there are
certain steps that the fiduciary must take. Rothschild Wealth is committed to helping fiduciaries
understand their roles and to assist them in implementing a process that allows them to fulfill
their duties and responsibilities.
Rothschild Wealth offers government retirement systems, sponsors of employee benefit plans
(defined contribution and defined benefit) qualified under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”),
and other retirement plans not qualified under the IRC (including Taft-Hartley organizations and
“church” plans), a range of discretionary and non-discretionary services, including the selection
of registered investment companies or other pooled investment funds to be offered under the
plan.
Rothschild Wealth will assist plan fiduciaries in the following:
▪
Investment Selection and Monitoring
• Creating an investment policy statement
• Modeling asset allocations
• Selecting investment managers
• Determining QDIA investment alternatives
• Monitoring the investment options against well-defined risk and return criteria
Rothschild Wealth’s investment professionals work in partnership with clients to create
sound solutions to investment challenges, including:
• Maximizing long-term return while not assuming unnecessary risk
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Item 4: Advisory Business
• Creating an optimal portfolio that includes a diverse array of investment options
that span the risk/return spectrum
• Keeping plan sponsors current on manager performance and the events that may
affect performance
▪ Vendor Search and Selection and Plan Implementation
Rothschild Wealth also assists its retirement plan clients in selecting trustees, custodians,
accountants, actuaries, record keepers, and other service providers. This process involves:
• Generating criteria to identify appropriate service providers
• Developing or responding to requests for proposals
• Evaluating highly rated service provider candidates
Once a service provider is selected, Rothschild Wealth will assist a client in implementing the
client’s retirement plan program. In implementing the program, Rothschild Wealth will, among
other things, review the plan design, develop performance standards, and review the service
provider’s contract.
Rothschild Wealth also provides assistance with strategic employee education and
communications in connection with client retirement plan programs.
Private Fund Portfolio Management
The firm serves as the investment manager to an affiliate private fund and continuously
manages the fund’s assets based on the investment goals and objectives as outlined in the
fund’s offering documents.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives, and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
Rothschild Wealth does not participate in wrap fee programs. (Wrap fee programs offer services
for one all-inclusive fee.)
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, Rothschild Wealth had $706,759,259 in discretionary assets under
management and $44,384,326 in assets under advisement.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Methods of Compensation and Fee Schedule
Asset-Based Fee Schedule
The annual fee for services provided by Rothschild Wealth will be charged as a percentage of
assets under supervision. The fees will be computed in the following manner and charged
quarterly in advance:
Basis point charge X market value of assets X actual number of days/365 days
Rothschild Wealth’s asset-based fee schedule for accounts is detailed below, although such fee
schedule is negotiable.
Tiered Pricing Schedule – Rothschild Wealth Managed Assets
Assets Under Supervision
Annual Fee (%)
$0–$250,000
$250,001–$1,000,000
$1,000,001–$3,000,000
$3,000,001–$5,000,000
$5,000,001–$10,000,000
Over $10,000,000
1.25%
1.15%
1.05%
0.95%
0.85%
Negotiable
Rothschild Wealth generally requires a minimum account value of $100,000 for accounts it
manages on either a discretionary or a non-discretionary basis. Prospective clients may find
comparable services at more favorable pricing elsewhere. For accounts utilizing third-party asset
managers, Rothschild Wealth imposes a minimum account size of $150,000. In the case of
Rothschild Wealth-advised assets, Rothschild Wealth, in its sole discretion, may waive the
required minimum. Similarly situated clients with different investment adviser representatives
may have different negotiated fee schedules.
Asset-based fees are always subject to the investment advisory agreement between the client
and Rothschild Wealth. Such fees are payable quarterly in advance. The fees will be prorated if
the investment advisory relationship commences otherwise than at the beginning of a calendar
quarter. The client and the client’s custodian or broker-dealer will be invoiced at the beginning
of each calendar quarter, based upon the market value (market value plus any credit balance or
minus any debit balance) of the client’s account at the end of the previous quarter, as mutually
agreed upon by the client and Rothschild Wealth. Adjustments for significant contributions to a
client’s portfolio are prorated for the quarter in which the change occurs; no adjustments will be
made for withdrawals.
A client investment advisory agreement may be canceled by either party by written notice. Upon
termination, and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable. The client has the right to
terminate an agreement without penalty within five business days after entering into the
agreement.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Financial Planning Fees – Hourly or Fixed
Rothschild Wealth offers either hourly or fixed fee arrangements to all financial planning clients.
Generally, the more complex the financial planning engagement the higher likelihood that fixed
fees will be negotiated, as it is difficult with respect to complex cases to discern the exact
number of hours required to provide services. In such a case a fixed fee would be negotiated.
Fixed fees are computed based upon a good faith estimate of hours required to perform
services. The applicant attempts to maintain parity with hourly and fixed charges while allowing
some flexibility in estimation, taking into account case complexity and client-specific
circumstances.
Financial planning fees will be billed at the rate of $400 per hour, or a fixed fee mutually agreed
upon by the client and Rothschild Wealth. For hourly or fixed fee arrangements, Rothschild
Wealth will provide the prospective client with an estimate of the charges prior to finalizing the
financial planning agreement. Deliverables, which is defined as the financial planning report
required to be delivered pursuant to the terms of the financial planning agreement, shall be
completed and presented to the client within 180 days of the date the financial planning
agreement is signed by the client, subject to the client providing the required personal and
financial information necessary for Rothschild Wealth to produce the deliverables.
Invoices will be mailed out on a periodic basis as reflected in 5 B.2 below. Clients seeking to
terminate this service must do so in writing. A financial planning agreement may be terminated
by either party for any reason upon receipt of written notice.
401(k) Portfolio Management Services Fees
Rothschild Wealth’s asset-based fees for non-discretionary portfolio management services to
401(k) plans and plan participants will be 1.25% and are negotiable.
Institutional Investment and Retirement Plan Advisory Fees
Rothschild Wealth’s fees for its institutional investment consulting services to retirement plan
sponsors, corporate trusts, endowments, etc., may be paid by the plan or trust or by the plan
sponsor, and may be a flat fee or a fee that is a percentage of the assets in the plan or a
combination of flat fee and percentage of assets.
Non-Discretionary Asset-Based Fee Alternative
Fees for institutional asset management are generally calculated based on a percentage of
client assets under advisement and are calculated quarterly. The asset-based fee ranges from
0.10% to 1.00% of assets under advisement and is negotiable.
Assets Under Advisement
Annual Fee Rate
Under $1,000,000
$1,000,001–$5,000,000
$5,000,001–$10,000,000
$10,000,001–$50,000,000
$50,000,001–$150,000,000
Up to 1.00%
Up to 0.80%
Up to 0.60%
Up to 0.40%
Up to 0.20%
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
$150,000,001–$500,000,000
Over $500,000,000
Up to 0.15%
Up to 0.10%
Rothschild Wealth generally requires a minimum annual fee of $10,000. This equates to a
minimum account size of $1,000,000. As such, clients with plan balances of less than
$1,000,000 may be charged a plan set-up fee in year 1 to account for the upfront work to
establish, set up, and implement a new plan. Rothschild Wealth may waive the required
minimum account values in special circumstances and reserves the right to make exceptions to
such minimum account values at its sole discretion.
Fees may be paid monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually (but typically quarterly or
monthly) in advance or arrears, as negotiated by Rothschild Wealth and the client. Fees that
are a percentage of the plan’s assets are based on the value of the aggregate assets as of the
end of the preceding period for which the fee is being calculated.
An agreement for institutional investment consulting services may be terminated upon 30
days’ notice to Rothschild Wealth. Any unearned, prepaid fees for the quarter will be promptly
refunded, and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
B. Client Payment of Fees
Asset-Based Fees
Rothschild Wealth will deduct advisory fees directly from the client’s account provided that (i)
the client provides written authorization to the qualified custodian, and (ii) the qualified
custodian sends the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from
the account.
The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s custodian
will not verify the calculation.
If the client’s account is managed by a separate account manager, such manager will generally
require that any fees be paid on a quarterly basis, in advance, directly from the client’s account
with the custodian of the portfolio assets.
For its 401(k) Portfolio Management Services, Rothschild Wealth will either invoice the record
keeper or the plan sponsor, as directed by the plan sponsor. Under no circumstances will clients
be billed $1200 or more, six months or more in advance.
For its institutional investment and retirement plan advisory accounts, Rothschild Wealth will bill
in accordance with the instructions of the institution.
Financial Planning Fees
Invoices will be mailed out upon the client and Rothschild Wealth signing a financial planning
contract. Unless otherwise arranged, all financial planning engagement fees are due in advance.
Clients seeking to terminate this service must do so in writing.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
In addition, clients may engage Rothschild Wealth for ongoing financial planning consulting on
an annual retainer, billed quarterly in advance. Such fees will be based upon a good faith
estimate of the charges necessary to fulfill Rothschild Wealth’s obligations, given the unique
personal and financial considerations relevant to the client. Clients seeking to terminate this
service must do so in writing.
C. Additional Client Fees Charged
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by Advisor Op (See Item 10.C.5 for additional disclosure re Advisor Op),
exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, separate account managers, broker-dealers, and
custodians retained by clients. Such fees and expenses are described in each exchange-traded
fund and mutual fund’s prospectus, each separate account manager’s Form ADV and Brochure
and Brochure Supplement or similar disclosure statement, and by any broker-dealer or
custodian retained by the client. If a mutual fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an
initial or deferred sales charge as further described in the mutual fund’s prospectus. A client
using Rothschild Wealth may be precluded from using certain mutual funds or separate account
managers because they may not be offered by the client’s custodian. Please refer to the
Brokerage Practices section (Item 12) for additional information regarding the firm’s brokerage
practices.
Please note that for client accounts the firm maintains, the custodian generally does not charge
clients separately for custody services but is compensated by charging commissions or other
fees on trades that it executes or that settle into the custodian’s accounts (“transaction-based
fees”). For some accounts, the client may be offered the choice of asset-based pricing, where the
custodian charges a percentage of the dollar amount of assets in the account in lieu of
transaction-based fees. If asset-based pricing is selected and very little trading is done for the
account, more fees could be paid by the client to the custodian than would have been charged
under transaction-based pricing. Factors the client should consider before selection asset-based
pricing instead of transaction-based pricing include the amount of trading expected in the
portfolio, the size of the portfolio, and the transaction fees and asset-based fees charged by the
custodian.
D. Prepayment of Client Fees
Asset-Based Fees
Rothschild Wealth requires the prepayment of fees for all of its investment advisory and
planning services, subject to the terms of the investment advisory agreement. Upon termination
of any account, any unearned, prepaid fees will be promptly refunded.
The custodian will deliver directly to the client an account statement, at least quarterly, showing
all investment and transaction activity for the period, including fee disbursements from the
account.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
For its 401(k) Portfolio Management Services, clients will be billed monthly or quarterly, in
advance or arrears, as negotiated by Rothschild Wealth and the client.
For its institutional investment and retirement plan advisory accounts, fees may be paid
monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually (but typically quarterly or monthly) in advance or
arrears, as negotiated by Rothschild Wealth and the institution.
A client investment advisory agreement may be canceled by either party by written notice. Upon
termination, any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable, and any unearned, prepaid fees
will be promptly refunded. The client has the right to terminate an agreement without penalty
within five business days after entering into the agreement.
Financial Planning Fees
Rothschild Wealth does require prepayment of financial planning fees. Financial planning fees
are billed in advance based upon the scope of the engagement. Deliverables, which is defined as
the financial planning report required to be delivered pursuant to the terms of the financial
planning agreement, shall be completed and presented to the client within 180 days of the date
the financial planning agreement is signed by the client, subject to the client providing the
required personal and financial information necessary for Rothschild Wealth to produce the
deliverables. Invoices will be mailed out upon the client and Rothschild Wealth signing a
financial planning contract. Unless otherwise arranged, all financial planning engagement fees
are due in advance. Clients seeking to terminate this service must do so in writing.
In addition, clients may engage Rothschild Wealth for ongoing financial planning consulting on
an annual retainer, billed quarterly in advance. Such fees will be based upon a good faith
estimate of the charges necessary to fulfill Rothschild Wealth’s obligations given the unique
personal and financial considerations relevant to the client. Clients seeking to terminate this
service must do so in writing. If clients terminate the agreement during the month, Rothschild
Wealth shall promptly refund all prepaid, unearned fees to the client.
A financial planning agreement may be terminated by either party for any reason upon receipt
of written notice within 5 days of the effective date of the contract. Upon termination of any
account, any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
E. External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Rothschild Wealth’s advisory professionals are compensated primarily through a salary and
bonus structure/ through a percentage of advisory fees charged to clients. Rothschild Wealth’s
advisory professionals may be paid sales, service or administrative fees for the sale of mutual
funds or other investment products. Rothschild Wealth’s advisory professionals may receive
commission-based compensation for the sale of securities and insurance products. Investment
adviser representatives, in their capacity as a Rothschild Investment LLC (“RI”) registered
representative, are prohibited from earning an advisory fee on the securities value transferred
from an advisory client’s RI brokerage account unless commissions earned on such securities
transactions occurred at least 12 months prior to the transfer. Please see Item 10.C. for detailed
information and conflicts of interest.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Rothschild Wealth may be paid performance-based fees by the affiliate private fund for which it
serves as the investment manager. Such performance-based fees create an economic incentive
for the investment manager to take additional risks in the management of a client portfolio that
may be in conflict with the client’s current investment objectives and tolerance for risk. Please
refer to Item 6 for more information on performance-based fees.
F. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that certain of the firm’s investment adviser representatives are registered
with a broker-dealer and/or the firm is a broker-dealer or affiliated with a broker-dealer. Under
these arrangements, we can access certain investment programs offered through the broker-
dealer that offer certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of
which clients need to be aware. As such, the investment adviser representative and/or the firm
may have an economic incentive to recommend the purchase of 12b-1 or revenue share class
mutual funds offered through the broker-dealer platform rather than from the investment
adviser platform. Please note the following:
Limitation on Mutual Fund Universe for Custodian Investment Programs: Please note that as a
matter of policy we prohibit the receipt of revenue share fees from any mutual funds utilized for
our advisory clients’ portfolios. There are certain programs in which we participate where a
client’s investment options may be limited in certain of these programs to those mutual funds
and/or mutual fund share classes that pay 12b-1 fees and other revenue sharing fee payments,
and the client should be aware that the firm is not selecting from among all mutual funds
available in the marketplace when recommending mutual funds to the client.
Conflict Between Revenue Share Class (12b-1) and Non-Revenue Share Class Mutual Funds:
Revenue share class/12b-1 fees are deducted from the net asset value of the mutual fund and
generally, all things being equal, cause the fund to earn lower rates of return than those mutual
funds that do not pay revenue sharing fees. The client is under no obligation to utilize such
programs or mutual funds. Although many factors will influence the type of fund to be used, the
client should discuss with their investment adviser representative whether a share class from a
comparable mutual fund with a more favorable return to investors is available that does not
include the payment of any 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees given the client’s individual needs
and priorities and anticipated transaction costs. In addition, the receipt of such fees can create
conflicts of interest in instances (i) where our adviser representative is also licensed as a
registered representative of a broker-dealer and receives a portion of 12b-1 and or revenue
sharing fees as compensation – such compensation creates an incentive for the investment
adviser representative to use programs which utilize funds that pay such additional
compensation; and (ii) where the custodian receives the entirety of the 12b-1 and/or revenue
sharing fees and takes the receipt of such fees into consideration in terms of benefits it may
elect to provide to the firm, even though such benefits may or may not benefit some or all of
the firm’s clients.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Rothschild Wealth may charge performance-based fees to qualified clients investing in the
private fund who meet certain criteria as described below. Clients are advised that performance-
based fees involve a sharing of any portfolio gains between the investor and the investment
manager. Such performance-based fees create an economic incentive for the investment
manager to take additional risks in the management of a client portfolio that may be in conflict
with the client’s current investment objectives and tolerance for risk. The investment manager is
also incentivized to allocate more time to the management of performance-based portfolios
and to preference investment allocations and investment ideas of performance-based clients.
Performance-based fees are described in the fund’s offering documents.Performance-based fees
may only be offered to clients who meet one of the following criteria:
▪ A natural person who or a company that immediately after entering into the contract has
at least $1,100,000 under the management of the investment adviser;
▪ A natural person or a company that the investment adviser entering into the contract
(and any person acting on his behalf) reasonably believes, immediately prior to entering
into the contract, either:
• Has a net worth (together, in the case of a natural person, with assets held jointly
with a spouse) of more than $2,200,000 at the time the contract is entered into,
exclusive of the value of their primary residence; or
•
Is a qualified purchaser as defined in section 2(a)(51)(AA) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (15U.S.C. 80a-2(51)(A)) at the time the contract is entered
into; or
• A natural person who immediately prior to entering into the contract is:
▪ An executive officer, director, trustee, general partner, or person serving in
similar capacity of the investment adviser; or
▪ An employee of the investment adviser (other than an employee performing
solely clerical, secretarial, or administrative functions with regard to the
investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or
duties, participates in the investment activities of such investment adviser,
provided that such employee has been performing such functions and duties
for or on behalf of the investment adviser, or substantially similar functions or
duties for or on behalf of another company for at least 12 months.
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Item 7: Types of Clients
Item 7: Types of Clients
Rothschild Wealth offers its investment services to various types of clients, including individuals
and high-net-worth individuals, corporate executive groups, trusts, corporations, partnerships,
retirement plans, tax exempt, proprietary private fund, and other legal entities. Although
Rothschild Wealth provides investment services to the various types of clients mentioned, the
services are conditioned upon meeting certain minimum criteria established by Rothschild
Wealth for each of the investment programs it offers.
For retail client accounts, Rothschild Wealth generally requires a minimum account value of
$100,000 for accounts it manages on a discretionary basis. Prospective clients may find
comparable services at more favorable pricing elsewhere. For accounts utilizing third-party asset
managers, Rothschild Wealth imposes a minimum account size of $150,000. In the case of
Rothschild Wealth supervised assets, Rothschild Wealth, in its sole discretion, may waive the
required minimum.
For institutional client accounts, Rothschild Wealth generally requires a minimum annual fee of
$10,000. This equates to a minimum account size of $1,000,000. As such, clients with plan
balances of less than $1,000,000 may be charged a plan set-up fee in year 1 to account for the
upfront work to establish, set up, and implement a new plan. Rothschild Wealth may waive the
required minimum account values in special circumstances and reserves the right to make
exceptions to such minimum account values at its sole discretion.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Rothschild Wealth uses a variety of sources of data to conduct its economic, investment and
market analysis, such as financial newspapers and magazines, economic and market research
materials prepared by others, conference calls hosted by mutual funds, corporate rating services,
annual reports, prospectuses, and company press releases. It is important to keep in mind that
there is no specific approach to investing that guarantees success or positive returns; investing
in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Rothschild Wealth and its investment adviser representatives are responsible for identifying and
implementing the methods of analysis used in formulating investment recommendations to
clients. The methods of analysis may include quantitative methods for optimizing client
portfolios, computer-based risk/return analysis, technical analysis, and statistical and/or
computer models utilizing long-term economic criteria.
▪ Optimization involves the use of mathematical algorithms to determine the appropriate
mix of assets given the firm’s current capital market rate assessment and a particular
client’s risk tolerance.
▪ Quantitative methods include analysis of historical data such as price and volume
statistics, performance data, standard deviation and related risk metrics, how the security
performs relative to the overall stock market, earnings data, price to earnings ratios, and
related data.
▪ Technical analysis involves charting price and volume data as reported by the exchange
where the security is traded to look for price trends.
▪ Computer models may be used to attempt the future value of a security based on
assumptions of various data categories such as earnings, cash flow, profit margins, sales,
and a variety of other company specific metrics.
In addition, Rothschild Wealth reviews research material prepared by others, as well as corporate
filings, corporate rating services, and a variety of financial publications. Rothschild Wealth may
employ outside vendors or utilize third-party software to assist in formulating investment
recommendations to clients.
Mutual Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds, Separate Account Managers, Individual Equity
and Fixed Income Securities, and Pooled Investment Vehicles
Rothschild Wealth may recommend (i) separate account managers to manage client assets; (ii)
mutual funds and individual securities (including fixed income instruments); and (iii) pooled
investment vehicles. Such investments may represent certain asset class styles, such as large-cap,
mid-cap and small-cap value, growth and core; international and emerging markets; and
alternative investments. Rothschild Wealth may also assist the client in selecting one or more
appropriate manager(s) for all or a portion of the client’s portfolio. Such managers typically
manage assets for clients who commit to the manager a minimum amount of assets established
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
by that manager—a factor that Rothschild Wealth will take into account when recommending
managers to clients.
A description of the criteria to be used in formulating an investment recommendation for
mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, individual securities (including fixed-income securities),
managers, and pooled investment vehicles is set forth below.
Rothschild Wealth has formed relationships with third-party vendors that provide a
technological platform for separate account management and perform due diligence
monitoring of mutual funds and managers that perform billing and certain other administrative
tasks. Rothschild Wealth may utilize additional independent third parties to assist it in
recommending and monitoring individual securities, mutual funds, managers, and pooled
investment vehicles to clients as appropriate under the circumstances.
Rothschild Wealth reviews certain quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds
and managers and to formulate investment recommendations to its clients. Quantitative criteria
may include:
▪
the performance history of a mutual fund or manager evaluated against that of its peers
and other benchmarks
▪ an analysis of risk-adjusted returns
▪ an analysis of the manager’s contribution to the investment return (e.g., manager’s
alpha), standard deviation of returns over specific time periods, sector and style analysis
▪
the fund, sub-advisor, or manager’s fee structure
▪
the relevant portfolio manager’s tenure
Qualitative criteria used in recommending mutual funds or managers include the investment
objectives and/or management style and philosophy of a mutual fund or manager, a mutual
fund or manager’s consistency of investment style, and employee turnover, efficiency, and
capacity. Rothschild Wealth will discuss relevant quantitative and qualitative factors pertaining
to its recommendations with clients prior to their determination to retain a mutual fund or
manager.
Quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and managers are reviewed by
Rothschild Wealth on a quarterly basis or such other interval as appropriate under the
circumstances. In addition, mutual funds or managers are reviewed to determine the extent to
which their investments reflect efforts to time the market, or evidence style drift such that their
portfolios no longer accurately reflect the particular asset category attributed to the mutual fund
or manager by Rothschild Wealth (both of which are negative factors in implementing an asset
allocation structure). Based on its review, Rothschild Wealth will make recommendations to
clients regarding the retention or discharge of a mutual fund or manager.
Rothschild Wealth may negotiate reduced account minimum balances and reduced fees with
managers under various circumstances (e.g., for clients with minimum level of assets committed
to the manager for specific periods of time, etc.). There can be no assurance that clients will
receive any reduced account minimum balances or fees, or that all clients, even if apparently
similarly situated, will receive any reduced account minimum balances or fees available to some
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
other clients. Also, account minimum balances and fees may significantly differ between clients.
Each client’s individual needs and circumstances will determine portfolio weighting, which can
have an impact on fees given the mutual funds or managers utilized. Rothschild Wealth will
endeavor to obtain equal treatment for its clients with mutual funds or managers but cannot
assure equal treatment.
Rothschild Wealth will regularly review the activities of mutual funds and managers utilized for
the client. Clients that engage managers or invest in mutual funds should first review and
understand the disclosure documents of those managers or mutual funds, which contain
information relevant to such retention or investment, including information on the methodology
used to analyze securities, investment strategies, fees, and conflicts of interest. Similarly, clients
qualified to invest in pooled investment vehicles should review the private placement
memoranda or other disclosure materials relating to such vehicles before making a decision to
invest.
Material Risks of Investment Instruments
Rothschild Wealth typically invests in equity securities, corporate debt instruments, municipal
fixed income instruments, government securities including asset-backed securities, and options
on securities as detailed below:
▪ Equity securities
▪ Warrants and rights
▪ Mutual fund securities
▪ Exchange-traded funds
▪ Corporate debt securities, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit
▪ Municipal securities
▪ U.S. government securities
▪ Private placements
▪ Pooled investment vehicles
▪ Structured products
▪ Exchange-traded notes
▪ Option contracts on securities
▪ Government and agency mortgage-backed securities
▪ Corporate debt obligations
▪ Mortgage-backed securities
▪ Collateralized obligations
Equity Securities
Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks relate to the
company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost of the
company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing
or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s ability to create
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price). Foreign securities, in
addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk, financial transparency
risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
Warrants and Rights
Warrants are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or bonds, that give the holder the
right to purchase a given number of shares of common stock at a specified price and time. The
price of the warrant usually represents a premium over the applicable market value of the
common stock at the time of the warrant’s issuance. Warrants have no voting rights with
respect to the common stock, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the
assets of the issuer.
Investments in warrants and rights involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid
market for the resale of the warrants and rights, potential price fluctuations due to adverse
market conditions or other factors, and failure of the price of the common stock to rise. If the
warrant is not exercised within the specified time period, it becomes worthless.
Mutual Fund Securities
Investing in mutual funds carries inherent risk. The major risks of investing in a mutual fund
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification, and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries. In addition, mutual funds tend to be
tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital gains taxes on fund investments while
not having yet sold the fund.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, streetTRACKS®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index
Tracking StockSM (“QQQs SM”), iShares® and VIPERs®. The funds could purchase an ETF to gain
exposure to a portion of the U.S. or foreign market. The funds, as a shareholder of another
investment company, will bear their pro rata portion of the other investment company’s
advisory fee and other expenses, in addition to their own expenses.
Investing in ETFs involves risk. Specifically, ETFs, depending on the underlying portfolio and its
size, can have wide price (bid and ask) spreads, thus diluting or negating any upward price
movement of the ETF or enhancing any downward price movement. Also, ETFs require more
frequent portfolio reporting by regulators and are thereby more susceptible to actions by
hedge funds that could have a negative impact on the price of the ETF. Certain ETFs may
employ leverage, which creates additional volatility and price risk depending on the amount of
leverage utilized, the collateral and the liquidity of the supporting collateral.
Further, the use of leverage (i.e., employ the use of margin) generally results in additional
interest costs to the ETF. Certain ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore have additional
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
volatility and liquidity risk. Volatility and liquidity can severely and negatively impact the price
of the ETF’s underlying portfolio securities, thereby causing significant price fluctuations of the
ETF.
Corporate Debt, Commercial Paper, and Certificates of Deposit
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of ten years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds also have liquidity and
currency risk.
Commercial paper and certificates of deposit are generally considered safe instruments,
although they are subject to the level of general interest rates, the credit quality of the issuing
bank and the length of maturity. With respect to certificates of deposit, depending on the
length of maturity there can be prepayment penalties if the client needs to convert the
certificate of deposit to cash prior to maturity.
Municipal Securities
Municipal securities carry additional risks than those of corporate and bank-sponsored debt
securities described above. These risks include the municipality’s ability to raise additional tax
revenue or other revenue (in the event the bonds are revenue bonds) to pay interest on its
debt and to retire its debt at maturity. Municipal bonds are generally tax free at the federal
level but may be taxable in individual states other than the state in which both the investor
and municipal issuer is domiciled.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. government securities include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and by U.S.
government agencies and instrumentalities. U.S. government securities may be supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States.
Private Placements
Private placements carry significant risk in that companies using the private placement market
conduct securities offerings that are exempt from registration under the federal securities laws,
which means that investors do not have access to public information and such investors are
not provided with the same amount of information that they would receive if the securities
offering was a public offering. Moreover, many companies using private placements do so to
raise equity capital in the start-up phase of their business, or require additional capital to
complete another phase in their growth objective. In addition, the securities issued in
connection with private placements are restricted securities, which means that they are not
traded on a secondary market, such as a stock exchange, and they are thus illiquid and cannot
be readily converted to cash.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Pooled Investment Vehicles
A pooled investment vehicle, such as a commodity pool or investment company, is generally
offered only to investors who meet specified suitability, net worth and annual income criteria.
Pooled investment vehicles sell securities through private placements and thus are illiquid and
subject to a variety of risks that are disclosed in each pooled investment vehicle’s confidential
private placement memorandum or disclosure document. Investors should read these
documents carefully and consult with their professional advisors prior to committing
investment dollars. Because many of the securities involved in pooled investment vehicles do
not have transparent trading markets from which accurate and current pricing information can
be derived, or in the case of private equity investments where portfolio security companies are
privately held with no publicly traded market, the firm will be unable to monitor or verify the
accuracy of such performance information.
Structured Products
Structured notes are fixed income securities that are issued by financial institutions with
returns that are linked to or based on, among other things, equity indices, a single equity
security, a basket of equity securities, interest rates, commodities, debt securities, exchange
traded funds, and/or foreign currencies (a “Structured Note”). The security, asset, or index on
which a Structured Note is based is often called the “Reference Instrument.” Structured Notes
have a fixed maturity date and include two components – a bond component and an
embedded derivative. While some Structured Notes offer substantial protection of invested
principal, others offer limited or no principal protection.
The embedded derivatives within Structured Notes adjust the note's risk/return profile by
including additional modifying structures that can increase potential returns. The return
performance of a Structured Note typically tracks the return profile of the underlying debt
obligation and the derivative that is embedded within it. Instead of simply paying straight
fixed or floating interest, Structured Notes can offer interest payments that are tailored to
specific indices and/or rates. The derivative securities that are embedded in the Structured
Note can also positively or negatively affect the redemption value and final maturity of the
security.
Depending on complexity, risk profile, and numerous other factors, Structured Notes often pay
interest or coupon rates that are above the prevailing market rate. Many Structured Notes cap
or limit the amount of upside participation in the Reference Instrument or underlying asset,
particularly in cases where the Structured Note offers principal protection or pays interest that
is above-market. Structured Notes are typically issued by investment banks or their affiliates,
and feature a fixed maturity date.
Structured Notes are not suitable for everyone. All investors assume full credit risk of the
security’s issuer and/or guarantor. This means that the investor may lose all the monies
invested, including all initial amounts invested as principal protection may not apply, if the
issuer and/or the guarantor become insolvent or fail in any way.
Each Structured Note involves varying degrees of risk and unique suitability issues that
investors must consider before investing in such securities. Structured Notes involve important
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
legal and tax consequences and investment risks, which each investor should discuss with
qualified financial, accounting, and tax advisors regarding the suitability of the specific
Structured Note in light of each investor’s particular circumstances.
Understanding the Risk Factors. Before investing in any Structured Note security, it is important
that you read the pricing supplement, accompanying prospectus, and prospectus supplements
to ensure that you understand the risks associated with the specific Structured Note that you
are purchasing.
Payment terms vary significantly for each Structured Note depending on the structure and
component of the specific security. While some Structured Notes may pay interest prior to
liquidation, others may include payments only upon maturity. Additionally, rates of return vary
based on many factors, including the performance of the underlying securities, assets, indices,
and/or commodities.
Unless a Structured Note is specifically stated to be 100% principal protected or FDIC insured,
some or all of your invested principal may be at risk. The return of your principal is guaranteed
only to the extent specified in the specific offering terms for the Structured Note security you
are purchasing, and is specifically subject to the credit and creditworthiness of the issuer and
the underwriter. If there is a negative return on the underlying security or Reference
Instrument, then you may receive an amount that is less than your invested principal at
maturity and you could lose up to the percentage indicated in your initial investment terms. In
some cases, you may end up owning the underlying security at a price that is lower than the
original purchase price.
As discussed in the risk factor explanation below, you are also advised that, in cases where the
return on the underlying securities is positive, payment may be limited if the structure includes
a cap on the percentage return for the underlying security or depending on how the
percentage increase for the underlying security is calculated as of the determination date. You
are also advised that it may be difficult to sell or liquidate the Structured Note or underlying
security as there may be little or no secondary market for such securities, and independent
market pricing may be limited or unavailable and market values may vary based on a variety of
factors affecting the underlying securities or assets. Such factors may include, among other
things: time to maturity; appreciation or depreciation of underlying securities; market volatility;
interest rate fluctuations; and myriad other events that that may positively or negatively affect
the value of underlying securities, indices, or assets.
Issuance price and note value. The price you will pay for a Structured Note at the time of
issuance will often be higher than the fair market value of the Structured Note on the date of
issuance. The cover page of the offering prospectus discloses the issuer’s estimated value of
the Structured Note in order to enable you to note the difference between the issuance price
and the issuer’s estimated value of the note. The issuance price of the note is typically higher
than the estimated market value of the note because issuers include in the initial price the
costs for selling, structuring, and/or hedging their exposure on the note. Additionally,
Structured Notes often may not be resold on a daily basis, which makes it difficult to value
them, particularly given their complexity as compared to other financial products.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Liquidity. With the exception of Exchange Traded Notes (“ETNs”), Structured Notes are
typically not listed on any national securities exchange and can be difficult to sell, trade, or
liquidate, especially in any large quantity or within any limited period of time. Although some
Structured Notes are listed on national securities exchanges, such securities are often thinly
traded and difficult to sell, trade, or liquidate. As a result, the issuing financial institution’s
broker-dealer affiliate or the broker-dealer distributor of the note may be the only potential
buyers for your Structured Note, and many issuers often specifically disclaim their intention to
repurchase or make markets in the notes that they issue. If you choose to invest in a
Structured Note, you must be prepared to hold the note until it reaches the maturity date, or
bear the risk of selling the note at a discount to its value at the time of sale.
Payoff structure. Structured Notes often have complicated payoff structures that make it
difficult to accurately assess their value, risk, and growth potential over the term of the note. It
can be complex to determine each note’s performance, as the payoff structures and features
vary considerably among different notes. For example, payoff structures may be leveraged,
inverse, or inverse-leveraged, which can result in larger returns or losses for the investor. You
should review the prospectus and pricing supplements carefully for each Structured Note to
ensure that you thoroughly understand how the payoff on each note will be calculated. For
example, the payoff on Structured Notes can depend on:
Participation rates. Many Structured Notes provide a minimum payoff of the invested principal
plus an additional payoff amount to the investor. This is calculated by multiplying the increase
in the Reference Instrument by a fixed percentage, which is often called the “participation
rate.” The participation rate determines how much of the increase in the Reference Instrument
will be paid to you a purchaser of the Structured Note.
Capped maximum returns. Some Structured Notes provide payments that are linked to a
Reference Instrument with a leveraged or enhanced participation rate, but the payoff amount
is capped at a pre-set maximum payoff amount. This means that the investor does not
participate in any increase in the Reference Instrument above the maximum payoff level.
Knock-in feature. Structured Notes often include a pre-specified threshold for the Reference
Instrument that is called a knock-in feature (also known as a barrier or trigger) that affects the
payout return on the note. If the Reference Instrument falls below a pre-specified level during
the term of the note, you could lose some or all of your principal investment at maturity. You
could also lose the coupon payments scheduled throughout the term of the note.
Credit Rating. While many Structured Notes, Reference Instruments, and underlying securities
may be assigned a credit rating from a national rating organization, many Structured Notes
and underlying securities have no credit rating. To the extent that a particular credit rating
may pertain to the creditworthiness of the issuer, it is not necessarily indicative of the risk
associated with a specific Structured Note or Reference Instrument, index, or asset. The
presentation of a credit rating in relation to any Structured Note or underlying security may
not indicate or reflect the safety of the principal invested or the potential investment returns
associated with the investment. Such credit ratings may not affect or enhance the likely
performance of the Structured Note investment.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Tax
. The Structured Note investment may be treated as a “contingent payment debt
instrument” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, even in cases where any
accrued interest is not payable until maturity, investors may be required to accrue such
interest as ordinary income based on the “comparable yield” of the underlying securities as
determined by the underwriter. Rothschild Wealth strongly recommends that you consult your
tax advisor regarding such tax treatment and implications prior to purchasing any Structured
Note security.
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)
ETNs are structured debt securities. ETN liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the
issuer. Most ETNs are designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETNs have
expenses associated with their operation. When a fund invests in an ETN, in addition to
directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear its pro rata portion of
the ETN’s expenses. The risks of owning an ETN generally reflect the risks of owning the
underlying securities the ETN is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETN could
result in it being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. In addition, because
of ETN expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly it may be more costly
to own an ETN. The value of an ETN security should also be expected to fluctuate with the
credit rating of the issuer.
Options on Securities
A call option is a contract under which the purchaser of the call option, in return for a
premium paid, has the right to buy the security (or index) underlying the option at a specified
price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option, who receives the
premium, has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security
against payment of the exercise price. A put option gives its purchaser, in return for a
premium, the right to sell the underlying security at a specified price during the term of the
option. The writer of the put, who receives the premium, has the obligation to buy, upon
exercise of the option, the underlying security (or a cash amount equal to the value of the
index) at the exercise price. The amount of a premium received or paid for an option is based
upon certain factors, including the market price of the underlying security, the relationship of
the exercise price to the market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying security,
the option period and interest rates.
Government and Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
The principal issuers or guarantors of mortgage-backed securities are the Government
National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), Fannie Mae (“FNMA”) and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). GNMA, a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), creates pass-through securities
from pools of government-guaranteed (Farmers’ Home Administration, Federal Housing
Authority or Veterans Administration) mortgages. The principal and interest on GNMA pass-
through securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
FNMA, which is a U.S. government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private
stockholders that is subject to regulation by the secretary of HUD, and FHLMC, a corporate
instrumentality of the U.S. government, issue pass-through securities from pools of
conventional and federally insured and/or guaranteed residential mortgages. FNMA
guarantees full and timely payment of all interest and principal, and FHMLC guarantees timely
payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal of its pass-through securities.
Mortgage-backed securities from FNMA and FHLMC are not backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. government.
Corporate Debt Obligations
Corporate debt obligations include corporate bonds, debentures, notes, commercial paper
and other similar corporate debt instruments. Companies use these instruments to borrow
money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and must
repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Commercial paper (short-term unsecured promissory
notes) is issued by companies to finance their current obligations and normally has a maturity
of less than nine months. In addition, Rothschild Wealth may invest in corporate debt
securities registered and sold in the United States by foreign issuers (Yankee bonds) and those
sold outside the U.S. by foreign or U.S. issuers (Eurobonds).
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in a pool of mortgage loans originated by
lenders such as commercial banks, savings associations, and mortgage bankers and brokers.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by governmental or government-related entities,
or by non-governmental entities such as special-purpose trusts created by commercial
lenders.
Pools of mortgages consist of whole mortgage loans or participations in mortgage loans. The
majority of these loans are made to purchasers of between one and four family homes. The
terms and characteristics of the mortgage instruments are generally uniform within a pool but
may vary among pools. For example, in addition to fixed-rate, fixed-term mortgages,
Rothschild Wealth may purchase pools of adjustable-rate mortgages, growing equity
mortgages, graduated payment mortgages and other types. Mortgage poolers apply
qualification standards to lending institutions, which originate mortgages for the pools as well
as credit standards and underwriting criteria for individual mortgages included in the pools. In
addition, many mortgages included in pools are insured through private mortgage insurance
companies.
Mortgage-backed securities differ from other forms of fixed income securities, which normally
provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity
or on specified call dates. Most mortgage-backed securities, however, are pass-through
securities, which means that investors receive payments consisting of a pro rata share of both
principal and interest (less servicing and other fees), as well as unscheduled prepayments as
loans in the underlying mortgage pool are paid off by the borrowers. Additional prepayments
to holders of these securities are caused by prepayments resulting from the sale or foreclosure
of the underlying property or refinancing of the underlying loans. As prepayment rates of
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
individual pools of mortgage loans vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict the
average life of a particular mortgage-backed security. Although mortgage-backed securities
are issued with stated maturities of up to 40 years, unscheduled or early payments of principal
and interest on the mortgages may shorten considerably the securities’ effective maturities.
Collateralized Obligations
Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are collateralized by mortgage-backed
securities issued by GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA (“mortgage assets”). CMOs are multiple-class
debt obligations. Payments of principal and interest on the mortgage assets are passed
through to the holders of the CMOs as they are received, although certain classes (often
referred to as “tranches”) of CMOs have priority over other classes with respect to the receipt
of mortgage prepayments. Each tranche is issued at a specific or floating coupon rate and has
a stated maturity or final distribution date. Interest is paid or accrues in all tranches on a
monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis. Payments of principal and interest on mortgage
assets are commonly applied to the tranches in the order of their respective maturities or final
distribution dates, so that generally no payment of principal will be made on any tranche until
all other tranches with earlier stated maturity or distribution dates have been paid in full.
Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”),
collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and
CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust that is backed by a diversified pool
of high-risk, below-investment-grade fixed income securities. A CLO is a trust typically
collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign
senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans
that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans.
B. Investment Strategy and Method of Analysis Material Risks
Leverage
Although Rothschild Wealth, as a general business practice, does not utilize leverage, there may
be instances in which exchange-traded funds, other separate account managers and, in very
limited circumstances, Rothschild Wealth will utilize leverage. In this regard please review the
following:
The use of leverage enhances the overall risk of investment gain and loss to the client’s
investment portfolio. For example, investors are able to control $2 of a security for $1. So, if the
price of a security rises by $1, the investor earns a 100% return on their investment. Conversely,
if the security declines by $.50, then the investor loses 50% of their investment. The use of
leverage entails borrowing, which results in additional interest costs to the investor.
Broker-dealers who carry customer accounts have a minimum equity requirement when clients
utilize leverage. The minimum equity requirement is stated as a percentage of the value of the
underlying collateral security with an absolute minimum dollar requirement. For example, if the
price of a security declines in value to the point where the excess equity used to satisfy the
minimum requirement dissipates, the broker-dealer will require the client to deposit additional
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
collateral to the account in the form of cash or marketable securities. A deposit of securities to
the account will require a larger deposit, as the security being deposited is included in the
computation of the minimum equity requirement. In addition, when leverage is utilized and the
client needs to withdraw cash, the client must sell a disproportionate amount of collateral
securities to release enough cash to satisfy the withdrawal amount based upon similar reasoning
as cited above.
Regulations concerning the use of leverage are established by the Federal Reserve Board and
vary if the client’s account is held at a broker-dealer versus a bank custodian. Broker-dealers and
bank custodians may apply more stringent rules as they deem necessary.
Short-Term Trading
Although Rothschild Wealth, as a general business practice, does not utilize short-term trading,
there may be instances in which short-term trading may be necessary or an appropriate
strategy. In this regard, please read the following:
There is an inherent risk for clients who trade frequently in that high-frequency trading creates
substantial transaction costs that in the aggregate could negatively impact account
performance.
Option Strategies
Various option strategies give the holder the right to acquire or sell underlying securities at the
contract strike price up until expiration of the option. Each contract is worth 100 shares of the
underlying security. Options entail greater risk but allow an investor to have market exposure to
a particular security or group of securities without the capital commitment required to purchase
the underlying security or groups of securities. In addition, options allow investors to hedge
security positions held in the portfolio. For detailed information on the use of options and
option strategies, please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for the current Options Risk
Disclosure Statement.
Rothschild Wealth as part of its investment strategy may employ the following option strategies:
▪ Covered call writing
▪ Long call options purchases
▪ Long put options purchases
▪ Option spreading
▪ Short call option strategy
▪ Short put option strategy
▪ Equity collars
▪ Long straddles
Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the money call option against a long
security position held in the client portfolio. This type of transaction is used to generate
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
income. It also serves to create downside protection in the event the security position declines
in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such income may be
reduced to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior to its expiration.
This strategy may involve a degree of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses
if the underlying security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally
suited for companies with little price volatility.
Long Call Option Purchases
Long call option purchases allow the option holder to be exposed to the general market
characteristics of a security without the outlay of capital necessary to own the security. Options
are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of issuance), and as a result can
expose the investor to significant loss.
Long Put Option Purchases
Long put option purchases allow the option holder to sell or “put” the underlying security at
the contract strike price at a future date. If the price of the underlying security declines in
value, the value of the long put option increases. In this way long puts are often used to hedge
a long stock position. Options are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of
issuance), and as a result can expose the investor to significant loss.
Option Spreading
Option spreading usually involves the purchase of a call option and the sale of a call option at
a higher contract strike price, both having the same expiration month. The purpose of this
type of transaction is to allow the holder to be exposed to the general market characteristics
of a security without the outlay of capital to own the security, and to offset the cost by selling
the call option with a higher contract strike price. In this type of transaction, the spread holder
“locks in” a maximum profit, defined as the difference in contract prices reduced by the net
cost of implementing the spread. There are many variations of option spreading strategies;
please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for a current Options Risk Disclosure
Statement that discusses each of these strategies.
Short Call Option Strategy
Short call option strategy is highly speculative and has theoretical potential for unlimited loss.
The seller (writer) of the call option receives proceeds (premium) from the sale of the option.
The expectation is that the value of the underlying security will remain below the contract
strike price and the option will expire worthless, allowing the option writer to keep the entire
amount of the sale proceeds (premium). Should the value of the underlying security increase
above the contract strike price, then the option writer can either purchase the call option at a
loss, or through a process of exercise and assignment be forced to sell the stock at the
contract strike price. If this happens, the option writer will have to go in the open market and
buy an equivalent amount of stock to cover the sale at prices that can be materially higher
than the amount received from the sale.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Short Put Option Strategy
Short put option strategy is highly speculative and has theoretical potential for significant loss.
The seller (writer) of the put option receives proceeds (premium) from the sale of the option.
The expectation is that the value of the underlying security will remain above the contract
strike price and the option will expire worthless, allowing the option writer to keep the entire
amount of the sale proceeds (premium). Should the value of the underlying security decrease
below the contract strike price, the option writer can either purchase the put option at a loss,
or through a process of exercise and assignment be forced to buy the stock at the contract
strike price. If this happens, the option writer will be purchasing the underlying security at a
price potentially well above its then-current market value, exposing the investor to potential
loss.
Equity Collar
A collar combines both a cap and a floor. A cap gives the purchaser of the cap the right (for a
premium payment), but not the obligation, to receive the difference in the cost on some
amount when a specified index rises above the specified “cap rate.” A floor is the opposite of a
cap—it gives the purchaser of the floor the right (for a premium payment), but not the
obligation, to receive the difference in interest payable on an amount when a specified index
falls below the specified “floor rate.” A collar involving stock is called an “equity collar.” In a
collar transaction, the buyer of the collar purchases a cap while selling a floor indexed to the
same rate or asset. A zero-cost collar results when the premium earned by selling a floor
exactly offsets the cap premium.
Long Straddle
A long straddle is the purchase of a long call and a long put with the same underlying security,
expiration date and strike price. This is a speculative trade that may be profitable when
volatility is high and will result in a loss when prices of the underlying security are relatively
stable.
C. Concentration Risk
There is an inherent risk for clients whose investment portfolios lack diversification—that is, they
have their investment portfolios heavily weighted in a specific investment style, security, industry
or industry sector, geographic location, investment manager, type of investment instrument
(equities versus fixed income). Clients, who have diversified portfolios, as a general rule, incur
less volatility and therefore less fluctuation in portfolio value than those who have concentrated
holdings. Concentrated holdings may offer the potential for higher gain, but also offer the
potential for significant loss.
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
There are no current or pending disclosure items to report on behalf of Rothschild Wealth.
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
There is nothing to report for this item.
B. Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report for this item.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report for this item.
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Rothschild Wealth is not registered as a broker-dealer, but its related person, Rothschild
Investment LLC (“RI”) is a broker-dealer and investment adviser registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Financial Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Certain
Rothschild Wealth professionals are registered representatives of RI. As a result, such
professionals are subject to the oversight of RI and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority,
Inc. (“FINRA”). As such, clients of Rothschild Wealth should understand that their personal and
account information is available to FINRA and RI personnel in the fulfillment of their oversight
obligations and duties.
Rothschild Wealth professionals who effect transactions for advisory clients may receive
transaction or commission compensation from RI. The recommendation of securities
transactions for commission creates a conflict of interest in that Rothschild Wealth is
economically incented to effect securities transactions for clients. Although Rothschild Wealth
strives to put its clients’ interests first, such recommendations may be viewed as being in the
best interests of Rothschild Wealth rather than in the client’s best interest. Rothschild Wealth
advisory clients are not compelled to effect securities transactions through RI.
B. Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither Rothschild Wealth nor its affiliates are registered as a commodity firm, futures
commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or commodity trading adviser and do not
have an application to register pending.
C. Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and
Conflicts of Interest
Broker-Dealer Activities
Please see Item 10.A. above.
Dual Registration as Investment Adviser Representatives
Certain Rothschild Wealth professionals are dually registered with our affiliate, Rothschild
Investment LLC, as investment adviser representatives. As a result, such professionals are
economically incented to recommend the adviser platform that yields the highest economic
benefit to themselves. Please discuss with your financial advisor whether the services can be
provided through the platform that is more financially advantageous to the client.
Sentinus Insurance Services
Sentinus Insurance Services (“SIS”) is an affiliate that is utilized for the sales of insurance
products. Certain managers, members, and registered employees of Rothschild Wealth are
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
agents for certain insurance carriers. With respect to the provision of financial planning services,
Rothschild Wealth professionals may recommend insurance products offered by such carriers for
whom they function as agents and receive a commission for doing so. These insurance sales are
placed through SIS. Clients are advised that there is a conflict of interest in that there is an
economic incentive to recommend insurance and other investment products of such carriers.
Clients are also advised that Rothschild Wealth professionals strive to put their clients’ interests
first and foremost. Other than for insurance products that require a securities license, such as
variable insurance products, clients are not required to utilize SIS for insurance products and
may utilize any insurance carrier or insurance agency they desire.
MM Money Managers Insurance Services
MM Money Managers Insurance Services (“M3IS”) is an affiliate that is utilized for the sales of
insurance products. Certain managers, members, and registered employees of Rothschild
Wealth are agents for certain insurance carriers. With respect to the provision of financial
planning services, Rothschild Wealth professionals may recommend insurance products offered
by such carriers for whom they function as agents and receive a commission for doing so. These
insurance sales are placed through M3IS. Clients are advised that there is a conflict of interest in
that there is an economic incentive to recommend insurance and other investment products of
such carriers. Clients are also advised that Rothschild Wealth professionals strive to put their
clients’ interests first and foremost. Other than for insurance products that require a securities
license, such as variable insurance products, clients are not required to utilize M3IS for insurance
products and may utilize any insurance carrier or insurance agency they desire.
Advisor Op
Rothschild Wealth has formed a strategic relationship with Advisor Op (“AOP”), a Rothschild
Wealth affiliate that provides a platform that can act as an enterprise system for financial
advisors by seamlessly integrating the many vendors required to operate. AOP uses an
application program interface to common vendors: CRM Aggregator, Custodian, Portfolio
Accounting, Billing, Risk Analyzer, and related functionality to provide a single point of contact
with customized reporting across all systems.
AOP’s platform assists investment advisors with various operations functions such as billing,
trading, rebalancing, risk analysis, performance reporting, and a platform for the use of third-
party managers. Advisor Op is owned by Jason Rolence, George Logemann, Britt Reynolds,
Sentinus Holdings, and Reynolds Financial Group, and is controlled by Jason Rolence and
George Logemann. In addition to its back-office support services, AOP will make available
through this platform various third-party managers to manage subscriber firms’ advisory clients’
portfolio assets. AOP does not act as an investment adviser. Rather, it provides solely back office
software to assist advisers with various operations, trading and reporting functions and provides
a technological interface for third party managers. All investment advice and client facing
obligations are the responsibility of the platform subscriber. AOP fees are in addition to any
Rothschild Wealth and third-party manager fees and represent an additional cost to the
Rothschild Wealth client.
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Proprietary Private Fund
Rothschild Wealth is the investment manager for an affiliate private fund. Investment advisory
clients of Rothschild Wealth may be solicited to invest in the fund. A conflict of interest arises in
that there is an economic incentive for Rothschild Wealth to solicit clients to invest directly in
the fund versus a separately managed account. Rothschild Wealth receives a performance fee
allocation as disclosed in the Fund’s offering documents. Performance-based fees may (i) create
an incentive for the investment manager to incur trading and strategy risks that may conflict
with an investor's risk tolerance and investment objectives, (ii) create an incentive to allocate
more time to the management of the Fund, and (iii) create an incentive to allocate favorable
investment allocations to the Fund.
D. Recommendation or Selection of Other Investment Advisors and
Conflicts of Interest
The firm may enter into arrangements with promoters who will promote the advisory firm for
compensation. The receipt of such compensation creates a conflict of interest in that the
promoter is economically incented to promote our firm. See Item 14 of this Brochure for
additional disclosure.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal Trading
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions,
and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics Description
In accordance with the Advisers Act, Rothschild Wealth has adopted policies and procedures
designed to detect and prevent insider trading. In addition, Rothschild Wealth has adopted a
Code of Ethics (the “Code”). Among other things, the Code includes written procedures
governing the conduct of Rothschild Wealth’s advisory and access persons. The Code also
imposes certain reporting obligations on persons subject to the Code. The Code and applicable
securities transactions are monitored by the Chief Compliance Officer of Rothschild Wealth.
Rothschild Wealth will send clients a copy of its Code of Ethics upon written request.
Rothschild Wealth has policies and procedures in place to ensure that the interests of its clients
are given preference over those of Rothschild Wealth, its affiliates, and its employees. For
example, there are policies in place to prevent the misappropriation of material non-public
information, and such other policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with federal
and state securities laws.
B. Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and
Conflicts of Interest
Rothschild Wealth recommends, provides advice on, and manages a proprietary investment
product. Rothschild Wealth does not engage in principal trading (i.e., the practice of selling
stock to advisory clients from a firm’s inventory or buying stocks from advisory clients into a
firm’s inventory).
C. Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and
Conflicts of Interest
Rothschild Wealth, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, and retirement plans established by it may purchase the same securities as are
purchased for clients in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures. The personal
securities transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise potential conflicts
of interest when they trade in a security that is:
▪ owned by the client, or
▪ considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client), which
Rothschild Wealth specifically prohibits. Rothschild Wealth has adopted policies and procedures
that are intended to address these conflicts of interest. These policies and procedures:
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest,
▪ prohibit front-running, and
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal Trading
▪ provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee benefitting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow Rothschild Wealth’s procedures when
purchasing or selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client.
D. Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory
Firm Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
Rothschild Wealth, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, and retirement plans established by it may effect securities transactions for their
own accounts that differ from those recommended or effected for other Rothschild Wealth
clients. Rothschild Wealth will make a reasonable attempt to trade securities in client accounts at
or prior to trading the securities in its affiliate, corporate, employee or employee-related
accounts. Trades executed the same day will likely be subject to an average pricing calculation. It
is the policy of Rothschild Wealth to place clients’ interests above those of Rothschild Wealth
and its employees.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
Custodian Recommendations
Rothschild Wealth does not maintain custody of client assets that we manage, although we may
be deemed to have custody of your assets if the client gives us authority to withdraw assets
from the client’s account (see Item 15: Custody, below). Client assets must be maintained in an
account at a “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or bank. We recommend that our
clients use Pershing LLC, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., or SEI (hereinafter collectively referred to as
“custodian”), FINRA-registered broker-dealers, members SIPC, as the qualified custodian.
We are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with the custodian. The
custodian will hold client assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when we
instruct them to. While we recommend that clients use one of the above-named custodians, the
client will decide whether to do so and will open their account with the custodian by entering
into an account agreement directly with them. Conflicts of interest associated with this
arrangement are described below as well as in Item 14: Client Referrals and Other
Compensation. Clients should consider these conflicts of interest when selecting their custodian.
We do not open the account for the client, although we may assist in doing so. Even though
your account is maintained at the custodian, and we anticipate that most trades will be executed
through the custodian, we can still use other brokers to execute trades for the client’s account as
described below (see "Your Brokerage and Custody Costs").
Soft Dollar Arrangements
Rothschild Wealth does not utilize soft dollar arrangements. Rothschild Wealth does not direct
brokerage transactions to executing brokers for research and brokerage services.
How We Select Brokers/Custodians
We recommend the above-mentioned custodians to hold client assets and execute
transactions. When considering whether the terms that the custodian provides are, overall,
most advantageous to the client when compared with other available providers and their
services, we take into account a wide range of factors, including:
▪ Combination of transaction execution services and asset custody services (generally
without a separate fee for custody)
▪ Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account)
▪ Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers,
check requests, bill payment, etc.)
▪ Breadth of available investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded
funds, etc.)
▪ Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ Quality of services
▪ Competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates,
other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate the prices
▪ Reputation, financial strength, security and stability
▪ Prior service to us and our clients
▪ Services delivered or paid for by the custodian
▪ Availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below (see
"Products and Services Available to Us from Custodian")
Your Brokerage and Custody Costs
For our clients' accounts that the custodian maintains, the custodian generally does not charge
the client separately for custody services but is compensated by charging the client either
transaction fees or custodian asset-based fees on trades that it executes or that settle into the
client’s custodial account. Certain trades (for example, mutual funds and ETFs) do not incur
custodian commissions or transaction fees. They custodian may also be compensated by
earning interest on the uninvested cash in client accounts. The custodian’s commission rates
and asset-based fees applicable to our client accounts were negotiated based on the
condition that our clients collectively maintain a certain minimum amount of client assets at
the custodian. This commitment benefits the client because the overall commission rates you
pay are lower than would be otherwise. In addition to commissions or asset-based fees, the
custodian charges clients a flat dollar amount as a "prime broker" or "trade away" fee for each
trade that we have executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or
the funds from the securities sold are deposited (settled) into clients’ custodial accounts. These
fees are in addition to the commissions or other compensation clients pay the executing
broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to minimize client trading costs, we have the custodian
execute most trades for client accounts.
We are not required to select the broker or dealer that charges the lowest transaction cost,
even if that broker provides execution quality comparable to other brokers or dealers.
Although we are not required to execute all trades through the custodian, we have
determined that having the custodian execute most trades is consistent with our duty to seek
"best execution" of client trades. Best execution means the most favorable terms for a
transaction based on all relevant factors, including those listed above (see "How we select
brokers/custodians"). By using another broker or dealer, clients may pay lower transaction
costs.
Products and Services Available to Us from the Custodian
The custodian provides us and our clients with access to their institutional brokerage services
(trading, custody, reporting, and related services), many of which are not typically available to
the custodian’s retail customers. However, certain retail investors may be able to get
institutional brokerage services from the custodian without going through us. The custodian
also makes available various support services. Some of those services help us manage or
administer our clients' accounts, while others help us manage and grow our business.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Schwab's support services are generally available on an unsolicited basis (we don't have to
request them) and at no charge to us. Following is a more detailed description of the
custodian’s support services:
Services that benefit you. The custodian’s institutional brokerage services include access to a
broad range of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client
assets. The investment products available through the custodian include some to which we
might not otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial
investment by our clients. The custodian’s services described in this paragraph generally
benefit our clients and their accounts.
Services that do not directly benefit you. The custodian also makes available to us other
products and services that benefit us but do not directly benefit our clients or their accounts.
These products and services assist us in managing and administering our clients' accounts and
operating our firm. They include investment research, both the custodian’s own and that of
third parties. We use this research to service all or a substantial number of our clients'
accounts, including accounts not maintained at the custodian. In addition to investment
research, the custodian may also make available software and other technology that:
▪ Provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements)
▪ Facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts
▪ Provide pricing and other market data
▪ Facilitate payment of our fees from our clients' accounts
▪ Assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting
Services that generally benefit only us. The custodian also offers other services intended to help
us manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services may include:
▪ Educational conferences and events
▪ Consulting on technology and business needs
▪ Consulting on legal and compliance related needs
▪ Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
▪ Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance
providers
▪ Marketing consulting and support
The custodian may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for
third-party vendors to provide the services to us. The custodian also discounts or waives its
fees for some of these services or pays all or a part of a third party's fees. The custodian may
also pay for business consulting and professional services received by Rothschild Wealth’s
related persons, and may pay or reimburse expenses (including client transition expenses,
travel, lodging, meals and entertainment expenses for Rothschild Wealth personnel to attend
conferences). If you did not maintain your account with Schwab, we would be required to pay
for those services from our own resources.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Our Interest in the Custodian’s Services
The availability of these services from the custodian benefits us because we do not have to
produce or purchase them. We don't have to pay for the custodian’s services. The custodian
has also agreed to pay for certain technology, research, marketing, and compliance consulting
products and services on our behalf once the value of our clients' assets in accounts at the
custodian reaches certain thresholds. The fact that we receive these benefits from the
custodian is an incentive for us to recommend the use of the custodian rather than making
such a decision based exclusively on our clients’ interest in receiving the best value in custody
services and the most favorable execution of their transactions. This is a conflict of interest. We
believe, however, that taken in the aggregate our recommendation of the custodian as
custodian and broker is in the best interests of our clients. Our selection is primarily supported
by the scope, quality, and price of the custodian’s services (see "How we select brokers/
custodians") and not the custodian's services that benefit only us.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Rothschild Wealth does not engage in the practice of directing brokerage commissions in
exchange for the referral of advisory clients.
Directed Brokerage
Rothschild Wealth Recommendations
Rothschild Wealth typically recommends Pershing, Schwab, or SEI as custodian for clients’
funds and securities and to execute securities transactions on its clients’ behalf.
Client-Directed Brokerage
Occasionally, clients may direct Rothschild Wealth to use a particular broker-dealer to execute
portfolio transactions for their accounts or request that certain types of securities not be
purchased for their accounts. Clients who designate the use of a particular broker-dealer
should be aware that they will lose any possible advantage Rothschild Wealth derives from
aggregating transactions. Such client trades are typically effected after the trades of clients
who have not directed the use of a particular broker-dealer. Rothschild Wealth loses the ability
to aggregate trades with other Rothschild Wealth advisory clients, potentially subjecting the
client to inferior trade execution prices as well as higher commissions.
B. Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
Best Execution
Rothschild Wealth, pursuant to the terms of its investment advisory agreement with clients, may
have discretionary authority to determine which securities are to be bought and sold and the
amount of such securities. Rothschild Wealth recognizes that the analysis of execution quality
involves a number of factors, both qualitative and quantitative. Rothschild Wealth will follow a
process in an attempt to ensure that it is seeking to obtain the most favorable execution under
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
the prevailing circumstances when placing client orders. These factors include but are not
limited to the following:
▪ The financial strength, reputation, and stability of the broker
▪ The efficiency with which the transaction is effected
▪ The ability to effect prompt and reliable executions at favorable prices (including the
applicable dealer spread or commission, if any)
▪ The availability of the broker to stand ready to effect transactions of varying degrees of
difficulty in the future
▪ The efficiency of error resolution, clearance, and settlement
▪ Block trading and positioning capabilities
▪ Performance measurement
▪ Online access to computerized data regarding customer accounts
▪ Availability, comprehensiveness, and frequency of brokerage and research services
▪ Commission rates
▪ The economic benefit to the client
▪ Related matters involved in the receipt of brokerage services
Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, Rothschild Wealth seeks to ensure that clients
receive best execution with respect to the clients’ transactions by blocking client trades to
reduce commissions and transaction costs. To the best of Rothschild Wealth’s knowledge, these
custodians provide high-quality execution, and Rothschild Wealth’s clients do not pay higher
transaction costs in return for such execution.
Commission rates and securities transaction fees charged to effect such transactions are
established by the client’s independent custodian and/or broker-dealer. Based upon its own
knowledge of the securities industry, Rothschild Wealth believes that such commission rates are
competitive within the securities industry. Lower commissions or better execution may be able
to be achieved elsewhere.
Security Allocation
Since Rothschild Wealth may be managing accounts with similar investment objectives, the firm
may aggregate orders for securities for such accounts. In such event, allocation of the securities
so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, is made by Rothschild
Wealth in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary
obligations to such accounts.
Rothschild Wealth’s allocation procedures seek to allocate investment opportunities among
clients in the fairest possible way, taking into account the clients’ best interests. Rothschild
Wealth will follow procedures to ensure that allocations do not involve a practice of favoring or
discriminating against any client or group of clients. Account performance is never a factor in
trade allocations.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Rothschild Wealth’s advice to certain clients and entities and the actions of Rothschild Wealth
for those and other clients are frequently premised not only on the merits of a particular
investment but also on the suitability of that investment for the particular client in light of his or
her applicable investment objectives, guidelines, and circumstances. Thus, any action of
Rothschild Wealth with respect to a particular investment may, for a particular client, differ or be
opposed to the recommendation, advice or actions of Rothschild Wealth to or on behalf of
other clients.
Order Aggregation
Orders for the same security entered on behalf of more than one client will generally be
aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to the aggregation being in the best interests of
all participating clients. Subsequent orders for the same security entered during the same
trading day may be aggregated with any previously unfilled orders. Subsequent orders may also
be aggregated with filled orders if the market price for the security has not materially changed
and the aggregation does not cause any unintended duration exposure. All clients participating
in each aggregated order will receive the average price and, subject to minimum ticket charges
and possible step outs, pay a pro rata portion of commissions.
To minimize performance dispersion, “strategy” trades should be aggregated and average
priced. However, when a trade is to be executed for an individual account and the trade is not in
the best interests of other accounts, then the trade will only be performed for that account. This
is true even if Rothschild Wealth believes that a larger size block trade would lead to best overall
price for the security being transacted.
Allocation of Trades
All allocations will be made prior to the close of business on the trade date. In the event an
order is “partially filled,” the allocation will be made in the best interests of all the clients in the
order, taking into account all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the size of each
client’s allocation, clients’ liquidity needs, and previous allocations. In most cases, accounts will
get a pro forma allocation based on the initial allocation. This policy also applies if an order is
“over-filled.”
Rothschild Wealth acts in accordance with its duty to seek best price and execution and will not
continue any arrangements if it determines that such arrangements are no longer in the best
interests of its clients.
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and
Advisory Persons Involved
The review of accounts of high-net-worth and affluent clients, including corporations,
partnerships and trusts, are conducted in the first instance by the investment adviser
representative servicing the client relationship on at least an annual basis. Such professionals are
subject to the general authority of Rothschild Wealth’s Managing Member. The Managing
Member or his designee(s) must review and approve the opening of each new advisory
relationship and oversee reviews of client accounts. The Managing Member or his designee(s) is
also responsible for ensuring that any significant change in a client's investment strategy or in
the concentration of a client's assets is appropriate for and has been reviewed with the client.
The fund is managed in accordance with the terms of the fund’s offering documents.
B. Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
Rothschild Wealth investment adviser representatives may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-
needed basis if there have been material changes in the client’s investment objectives or risk
tolerance, or a material change in how Rothschild Wealth formulates investment advice.
For fund clients, Rothschild Wealth’s portfolio manager may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-
needed basis if there have been material changes in the fund’s investment objectives or
investment strategies, economic or market outlook.
C. Content of Client-Provided Reports and Frequency
Rothschild Wealth reports to the client on a quarterly basis or at some other interval agreed
upon with the client, information on contributions and withdrawals in the client's investment
portfolio, and the performance of the client's portfolio measured against appropriate
benchmarks (including benchmarks selected by the client).
For investment advisory clients, the client’s independent custodian provides account statements
directly to the client no less frequently than quarterly. The custodian’s statement is the official
record of the client’s securities account and supersedes any statements or reports created on
behalf of the client by Rothschild Wealth.
Financial planning clients receive written reports pursuant to the terms of their financial
planning agreement.
For the private fund, please refer to the offering documents for more information.
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Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources
and Conflicts of Interest
Economic Benefits Received from Custodians
We receive an economic benefit from the custodian in the form of the support products and
services it makes available to us and other independent investment advisors whose clients
maintain their accounts at the custodian. In addition, the custodian has also agreed to pay for
certain products and services for which we would otherwise have to pay once the value of our
clients' assets in accounts at the custodian reaches a certain size. Clients do not pay more for
assets maintained at the custodian as a result of these arrangements. However, we benefit from
the arrangement because the cost of these services would otherwise be borne directly by us.
Clients should consider these conflicts of interest when selecting a custodian. The products and
services provided by the custodian, how they benefit us, and the related conflicts of interest are
described above (see Item 12: Brokerage Practices).
Referral Fees for Recommending Investment Managers
Rothschild Wealth may refer clients to certain investment management firms in return for an
ongoing portion of the advisory fee received by such investment manager. All such
arrangements are in compliance with Investment Advisers Act rule 206(4)-3. Generally, these
requirements require the solicitor, Rothschild Wealth, to have a written agreement with the
investment management firm. Rothschild Wealth must provide the client with a disclosure
document describing the fees it receives from the investment management firm, whether those
fees represent an increase in fees that the investment management firm would otherwise charge
the client, and whether an affiliation exists between Rothschild Wealth and the investment
management firm.
B. Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
Rothschild Wealth may enter into arrangements with promoters, endorsers, solicitors, or with
clients for testimonials (herein collectively referred to as “promoter”) who will promote the
advisory firm for compensation. Agreements are required when compensation to the promoter
is equal to or greater than $1,000. The receipt of such compensation creates a conflict of interest
in that the promoter is economically incented to promote our firm. Please be advised that the
firm’s payment of compensation to the promoter does not increase the client’s advisory fee paid
to the firm.
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Item 15: Custody
Item 15: Custody
Rothschild Wealth is considered to have custody of client assets for purposes of the Advisers Act
for the following reasons:
▪ The client authorizes us to instruct their custodian to deduct our advisory fees directly
from the client’s account. The custodian maintains actual custody of clients’ assets.
▪ Our authority to direct client requests, utilizing standing instructions, for wire transfer of
funds for first-party money movement and third-party money movement (checks and/or
journals, ACH, Fed-wires). The firm has elected to meet the SEC’s seven conditions to
avoid the surprise custody exam, as outlined below:
1. The client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes
the client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or
the third party’s account number at a custodian to which the transfer should be
directed.
2. The client authorizes the investment adviser, in writing, either on the qualified
custodian’s form or separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a
specified schedule or from time to time.
3. The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction,
such as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization, and
provides a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
4. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s
qualified custodian.
5. The investment adviser has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity
of the third party, the address, or any other information about the third party
contained in the client’s instruction.
6. The investment adviser maintains records showing that the third party is not a
related party of the investment adviser or located at the same address as the
investment adviser.
7. The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming
the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
▪ The firm or its affiliate is a managing member or general partner to a private fund
vehicle. An independent public accountant annually audits a pooled investment
vehicle(s) the firm manages and the audited financial statements are distributed to the
investors in the pooled vehicle within 120 days from the end of the private fund’s fiscal
year end or 180 days in the event of a feeder/master fund structure.
Individual advisory clients will receive at least quarterly account statements directly from their
custodian containing a description of all activity, cash balances, and portfolio holdings in their
accounts. Clients are urged to compare the account balance(s) shown on their account
statements to the quarter-end balance(s) on their custodian's monthly statement. The
custodian’s statement is the official record of the account.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients may grant a limited power of attorney to Rothschild Wealth with respect to trading
activity in their accounts by signing the appropriate custodian limited power of attorney form. In
such cases, Rothschild Wealth will exercise full discretion as to the nature and type of securities
to be purchased and sold and the amount of securities for such transactions, and in certain
instances have discretionary authority to select separate account managers for its clients.
Investment limitations may be designated by the client as outlined in the investment advisory
agreement.
With respect to its proprietary fund, Rothschild Wealth has full discretionary authority as to the
management of the fund.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Rothschild Wealth does not take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients.
Rothschild Wealth will endeavor to make recommendations to clients on voting proxies
regarding shareholder vote, consent, election or similar actions solicited by, or with respect to,
issuers of securities beneficially held as part of Rothschild Wealth supervised and/or managed
assets. In no event will Rothschild Wealth take discretion with respect to voting proxies on
behalf of its clients.
Except as required by applicable law, Rothschild Wealth will not be obligated to render advice or
take any action on behalf of clients with respect to assets presently or formerly held in their
accounts that become the subject of any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies.
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. Rothschild Wealth has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are
subject to a pending or resolved class action lawsuit. Rothschild Wealth also has no duty to
evaluate a client’s eligibility or to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities
class action settlement or verdict. Furthermore, Rothschild Wealth has no obligation or
responsibility to initiate litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who may have been
injured as a result of actions, misconduct, or negligence by corporate management of issuers
whose securities are held by clients.
Where Rothschild Wealth receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit,
settlement, or verdict affecting securities owned by a client, it will forward all notices, proof of
claim forms, and other materials to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate
and where the client has authorized contact in this manner.
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Item 18: Financial Information
Item 18: Financial Information
A. Balance Sheet
Rothschild Wealth does not require the prepayment of fees of $1,200 or more, six months or
more in advance, and as such is not required to file a balance sheet.
B. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability
to Meet Commitments to Clients
Rothschild Wealth does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to provide
services to clients.
C. Bankruptcy Petitions During the Past Ten Years
There is nothing to report for this item.
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