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Round Rock Advisors LLC
Form ADV Part 2A – Disclosure Brochure
September 18, 2025
This Form ADV Part 2A (“Disclosure Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Round Rock Advisors LLC (“Round Rock” or the “Advisor”). If you have any questions about the
contents of this Disclosure Brochure, please contact the Advisor at (203) 920-4774.
Round Rock is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The
information in this Disclosure Brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC or by any state securities
authority. Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training. This Disclosure
Brochure provides information about Round Rock to assist you in determining whether to retain the Advisor.
Additional information about Round Rock and its Advisory Persons is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with the Advisor’s firm name or CRD# 286007.
Round Rock Advisors LLC
187 Danbury Road, Suite 201, Wilton, CT 06897
Phone: (203) 920-4774 | Fax: (203) 594-7766
http://RoundRockAdvisors.com
Item 2 – Material Changes
Form ADV 2 is divided into two parts: Part 2A (the "Disclosure Brochure") and Part 2B (the "Brochure
Supplement"). The Disclosure Brochure provides information about a variety of topics relating to an Advisor’s
business practices and conflicts of interest. The Brochure Supplement provides information about Advisory
Persons of Round Rock.
Round Rock believes that communication and transparency are the foundation of its relationship with clients and
will continually strive to provide you with complete and accurate information at all times. Round Rock encourages
all current and prospective clients to read this Disclosure Brochure and discuss any questions you may have with
the Advisor.
Material Changes
The following material changes have been made to this Disclosure Brochure since the annual amendment filing
on March 28th, 2025:
• The Advisor has amended items 4, 5, 8, 12, 14 and 17 related to the operations of Agilis Investment
Management which ceased to be a division of Round Rock in June 2025.
• The Advisor has amended items 4 and 5 regarding Retirement Plan Services.
• The Advisor offers investment advisory services to the THB US Micro Cap Fund, a pooled investment
vehicles registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Please see Items 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, and 17 for additional information.
• Effective September 5, 2025, Erika Morro is no longer the Advisor’s Chief Operating Officer.
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 2 – Material Changes ................................................................................................................. 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents ................................................................................................................. 3
Item 4 – Advisory Services ................................................................................................................. 5
A. Firm Information .............................................................................................................................................. 5
B. Advisory Services Offered ................................................................................................................................ 5
Investment Management Services .................................................................................................................................... 5
Retirement Plan Services ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Independent Managers ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Fixed Income Portfolios ................................................................................................................................................. 7
The Crystal Capital Signal Service .................................................................................................................................. 7
Financial Planning Services ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Armstrong Shaw Division ................................................................................................................................................... 9
C. Client Account Management ........................................................................................................................... 9
D. Wrap Fee Programs ......................................................................................................................................... 9
E. Assets Under Management ............................................................................................................................ 10
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ..................................................................................................... 10
A. Fees for Advisory Services ............................................................................................................................. 10
Independent Managers ............................................................................................................................................... 10
The Crystal Capital Signal Service ................................................................................................................................ 10
Financial Planning Services .......................................................................................................................................... 11
B. Fee Billing ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
C. Other Fees and Expenses ............................................................................................................................... 12
D. Advance Payment of Fees and Termination .................................................................................................. 12
Investment Management Services .................................................................................................................................. 12
Independent Managers ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Financial Planning Services .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Retirement Plan Consulting Program Fee ....................................................................................................................... 13
E. Compensation for Sales of Securities ............................................................................................................. 13
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ................................................... 13
Item 7 – Types of Clients .................................................................................................................. 13
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ............................................. 13
A. Methods of Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 13
B. Risk of Loss ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................... 18
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................... 18
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ....... 19
A. Code of Ethics ................................................................................................................................................ 19
B. Personal Trading with Material Interest ........................................................................................................ 19
C. Personal Trading in Same Securities as Clients .............................................................................................. 19
D. Personal Trading at Same Time as Client ....................................................................................................... 19
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ......................................................................................................... 19
A. Recommendation of Custodian[s] ................................................................................................................. 19
B. Aggregating and Allocating Trades ................................................................................................................ 20
Item 13 – Review of Accounts .......................................................................................................... 20
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A. Frequency of Reviews .................................................................................................................................... 20
B. Causes for Reviews ........................................................................................................................................ 21
C. Review Reports .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................ 21
A. Compensation Received by Round Rock ....................................................................................................... 21
B. Compensation for Client Referrals ................................................................................................................. 22
Item 15 – Custody ............................................................................................................................ 22
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ...................................................................................................... 22
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities .................................................................................................... 22
Item 18 – Financial Information ....................................................................................................... 23
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Item 4 – Advisory Services
A. Firm Information
Round Rock Advisors LLC (“Round Rock” or the “Advisor”) is a registered investment advisor with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Round Rock is organized as a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”)
under the laws of the State of Connecticut. Round Rock was founded in April 2017. Round Rock is owned and
operated by Bert T. Bowler and Craig Jensen. This Disclosure Brochure provides information regarding the
qualifications, business practices, and the advisory services provided by Round Rock.
Round Rock’s advisory services are made available to clients primarily through individuals associated with the firm
as investment advisor representatives (“IARs”). Certain Round Rock IARs use separate marketing names or
“doing-business-as” (DBA) designations:
In September 2023 Jeffrey Shaw joined Round Rock to operate the Armstrong Shaw Division of Round Rock
(“ASD”). Mr. Shaw was previously Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager of Armstrong Shaw Associates
Inc., a registered investment adviser that terminated its operations in the Fall of 2023.
In July 2025, Christopher Cuesta join Round Rock to operate the Thomson, Horstmann & Bryant Asset
Management (“THB Asset Management”) Division of Round Rock. Mr. Cuesta was previously Chief Investment
Officer of THB Asset Management.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Round Rock offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, endowments, foundations, profit sharing plans and businesses (each referred to as a “Client”).
Round Rock’s THB Asset Management division has been appointed as investment manager to an Australian Fund
issued by Equity Trustees Limited. The THB US Micro Cap Fund is a pooled investment vehicle registered with
the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (herein rereferred to as the “Fund”).
The Advisor serves as a fiduciary to Clients, as defined under applicable laws and regulations. As a fiduciary, the
Advisor upholds a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards each Client and seeks to mitigate potential
conflicts of interest. Round Rock’s fiduciary commitment is further described in the Advisor’s Code of Ethics. For
more information regarding the Code of Ethics, please see Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in
Client Transactions and Personal Trading.
Investment Management Services
Round Rock provides customized investment advisory solutions for its Clients. This is achieved through continuous
personal Client contact and interaction while providing discretionary and non-discretionary investment
management and related advisory services. Round Rock devotes the time to work closely with each Client to
identify their unique needs, priorities, investment goals and objectives as well as risk tolerance and financial
situation in order to create a straightforward, intelligent portfolio strategy. Round Rock will then construct its
portfolios utilizing diversified mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), in order to achieve the Client’s
investment goals. The Advisor may also utilize individual stocks, bonds, alternative investments or options
contracts to meet the needs of its Clients. The Advisor may retain certain legacy investments based on portfolio fit
and/or tax considerations.
Round Rock’s investment approach is primarily long-term focused, but the Advisor may buy, sell or re-allocate
positions that have been held for less than one year to meet the objectives of the Client or due to market conditions.
Round Rock will construct, implement and monitor the portfolio to ensure it meets the goals, objectives,
circumstances, and risk tolerance agreed to by the Client. Each Client will have the opportunity to place reasonable
restrictions on the types of investments to be held in their respective portfolio, subject to acceptance by the Advisor.
Round Rock evaluates and selects investments for inclusion in Client portfolios only after applying its internal due
diligence process. Round Rock may recommend, on occasion, redistributing investment allocations to diversify the
portfolio. Round Rock may recommend specific positions to increase sector or asset class weightings. The Advisor
may recommend employing cash positions as a possible hedge against market movement. Round Rock may
recommend selling positions for reasons that include, but are not limited to, harvesting capital gains or losses,
business or sector risk exposure to a specific security or class of securities, overvaluation or overweighting of the
position[s] in the portfolio, change in risk tolerance of the Client, generating cash to meet Client needs, or any risk
deemed unacceptable for the Client’s risk tolerance.
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At no time will Round Rock accept or maintain custody of a Client’s funds or securities, except for the limited
authority as outlined in Item 15 – Custody. All Client assets will be managed within their designated account[s] at
the Custodian, pursuant to the terms of the advisory agreement. For additional information, please see Item 12 –
Brokerage Practices.
Retirement Plan Services
Round Rock is a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)
with respect to investment management services and investment advice provided to ERISA plan clients, including
ERISA plan participants. Round Rock is also a fiduciary under the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”) with respect
to investment management services and investment advice provided to ERISA plans, ERISA plan participants,
IRAs and IRA owners. As such, Round Rock is subject to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the IRC
that include, among other things, prohibited transaction rules which are intended to prohibit fiduciaries from acting
on conflicts of interest. When a fiduciary gives advice in which it has a conflict of interest, the fiduciary must either
avoid or eliminate the conflict or rely upon a prohibited transaction exemption (a “PTE”).
Services for Plan Participants
Round Rock may establish a separate client relationship with one or more plan participants or beneficiaries. Such
client relationships develop in various ways, including, without limitation:
• as a result of a decision by a plan participant or beneficiary to purchase services from Round Rock not
involving the use of plan assets;
• as part of an individual or family financial plan for which any specific recommendations concerning the
allocation of assets or investment recommendations relating to assets held outside of the plan; and/or
through a rollover of an Individual Retirement Account ("IRA Rollover").
•
If a plan participant or beneficiary desires to affect an IRA Rollover from the plan to an account advised or managed
by Round Rock, or if we make a recommendation to affect a rollover, we will have a conflict of interest given that
our IRA advisory fees can reasonably be expected to be higher than those we receive in connection with the
Retirement Plan Services due to the individualized nature of our IRA-related services. To mitigate such conflicts,
Round Rock will disclose relevant information about the applicable fees we charge for advising or managing an
IRA prior to opening an account to receive the IRA rollover. The decision as to whether to take a distribution from
any retirement account rests solely with the individual participant and beneficiaries
Department of Labor Acknowledgement of Fiduciary Duty - When we provide investment advice to you regarding
your retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws
governing retirement accounts. The way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate
under a special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under this
special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
Non-Discretionary Retirement Plan Services under ERISA 3(21)
Round Rock may provide non-discretionary services to a Retirement Plan that does not include the authority to
control management of the plan or management or disposition of its assets or have any discretionary authority or
discretionary responsibility in the administration of the plan. For these Plans Round Rock is not a "fiduciary",
pursuant to ERISA except to the extent it renders "investment advice" to the plan within the meaning of section
3(21) of ERISA and Department of Labor regulations there under. The participants are responsible for any
individual investment selections made under the plan. Under ERISA 3(21), Round Rock acts as the advisor making
investment recommendations, but it is ultimately up to the plan sponsor to decide whether and how to implement
these recommendations. Furthermore, under ERISA 3(21), the participants are responsible for any individual
investment selections made under the plan.
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Discretionary Retirement Plan Services under ERISA 3(38)
Round Rock may serve as the investment manager for a Retirement Plan exercising discretionary authority with
regard to the mutual funds and other investment vehicles that it selects for investment under the Plan. Under
ERISA 3(38), these services allow the plan sponsor to transfer liability under his code section for selecting,
monitoring, and replacing the investment options to Round Rock.
Independent Managers
Round Rock may also recommend that a Client utilize one or more unaffiliated investment managers or investment
platforms (collectively “Independent Managers”) for all or a portion of a Client’s investment portfolio. In such
instances, the Client may be required to authorize and enter into an advisory agreement with the Independent
Manager[s] that defines the terms in which the Independent Manager[s] will provide investment management and
related services. The Advisor may also assist in the development of the initial policy recommendations and
managing the ongoing Client relationship. The Advisor will perform initial and ongoing oversight and due diligence
over the selected Independent Manager[s] to ensure the Independent Managers’ strategies and target allocations
remain aligned investment objectives and overall best interests. The Client, prior to entering into an agreement
with unaffiliated investment manager[s] or investment platform[s], will be provided with the Independent Manager's
Form ADV 2A (or a brochure that makes the appropriate disclosures), and Form CRS.
Fixed Income Portfolios – Round Rock generally recommends that a Client seeking a personalized portfolio of
fixed income investments utilize Smith Affiliated Capital Corp. (“SAC”) pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement
between Round Rock and SAC. SAC is an Independent Manager as described above, and is a registered
investment advisory firm specializing in fixed income investment that provides investment advice for separately
managed portfolios of individuals, including high net worth individuals and institutional investors, including,
public and corporate retirement plans, corporations, foundations and government entities. Additional
information regarding SAC is available in SAC’s Form ADV Brochure and Form CRS. Clients who may utilize
SAC’s services are advised to read those documents carefully. Also see Item 5 below for information about
SAC’s fees. Round Rock does not receive any compensation for referring clients to SAC.
The Crystal Capital Signal Service – For clients seeking rules-based investment strategies designed to reduce
downside risk for equity portfolios, Round Rock offers two strategies utilizing a systemic signal service from Crystal
Capital Advisors, LLC (“CCA”) a Colorado State Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Clients interested in the
Crystal Capital Signal Service should understand that there are specific risks associated with the service. See Item
8.B for more information. The Crystal Capital Signal Service is provided for an extra fee that is charged by Round
Rock in addition to the Client’s Investment Management Fee. See Item 5 for additional information.
1) Single Stock Quant Strategy:
The CCA single stock quant strategy is a model portfolio based on a 100% fully systematic, long-only
investment strategy to trade a group of 20 stocks, selected using a proprietary methodology, from the 30
stocks listed in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“DJIA”) and the top 25 market capitalization stocks listed
in the NASDAQ 100 stock index (“NDX”). The primary goal of the strategy is relative outperformance of
the S&P500 in bear markets by reducing losses compared to returns on the index. However, the strategy
may underperform the index during bull markets. Risk management, diversification and market timing are
all rules-based and designed to respond to market conditions. As a guideline, the model portfolio’s net
exposure can be from 0% to 100% net long.
The model portfolio of securities is rebalanced according to proprietary rules and risk parameters by
selecting 20 equity securities out of the investment universe from within the DJIA and NDX, allocating no
more than five percent (5%) of the total investment capital to each security selected. The strategy then
creates a revised model portfolio comprised of such weighted positions based on a $100,000 model
account. Rebalancing is done on a rolling schedule of one year and one day to minimize short-term capital
gains tax consequences. Clients who enter the strategy after a position has been established may incur
short-term capital gains consequences. The strategy itself is coded to avoid wash sales, however clients
who enter the strategy after a position has been established may incur wash sale tax consequences.
Initial positions for new accounts in the CCA single stock quant strategy are established on the first trading
day of each month by buying all stocks positions that are currently open in the model portfolio at that time,
while using the same exit points in the market as determined previously by the model portfolio.
The investment strategy was developed by Angle Intelligence, LLC (“Angle”). Pursuant to a licensing
arrangement between Angle and CCA, Angle operates the computerized strategy for Crystal Capital
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Advisors as the firm’s “R&D Service Provider” and provides CCA with (i) the composition of the model
portfolio for the Covered Period to determine portfolio stocks and position sizes (ii) the composition of the
model portfolio on the first trading day of each month for risk adjusted stub period entries during the
remainder of the Covered Period and (iii) the composition of the model portfolio at the end of each trading
session, for the next day’s trading session, in order to assist in updating entry prices for new positions, exit
prices for existing positions and position sizes for each security throughout the Covered Period.
2) ETF Quant Strategy:
The CCA ETF Quant Strategy is a model portfolio based on a 100% fully systematic, long-only investment
strategy to trade a group of four stock index ETFs using a proprietary methodology. The ETF portfolio
presently consists of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), the Vanguard
Mid-Cap Index Fund ETF (VO) and the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). The primary goal of the
strategy is relative outperformance of the S&P500 by reducing losses in bear markets compared to returns
on the index. However, the strategy may underperform the index during bull markets. As a guideline, the
model portfolio’s net exposure can be from 0% to 100% net long.
Initial positions for new accounts in the CCA ETF Quant Strategy are established on the first trading day
of each month by buying all ETF positions that are currently open in the model portfolio at such time, while
using the same exit points in the market as determined previously by the model portfolio. After closing out
a trade, the strategy rebalances itself according to its proprietary rules and risk parameters, allocating
approximately twenty five percent (25%) of the total investment capital to new trades. The strategy then
creates a model portfolio comprised of such weighted positions based on a $100,000 hypothetical account.
Clients who enter the strategy after a position has been established may incur short-term capital gains
consequences. The strategy itself is coded to avoid wash sales, however clients who enter the strategy
after a position has been established may incur wash sale tax consequences.
The investment strategy was developed by Angle Intelligence, LLC. Pursuant to a licensing arrangement
between Angle and CCA, Angle operates the computerized strategy for Crystal Capital Advisors as the
firm’s “R&D Service Provider” and provides CCA with the composition of the model portfolio at the end of
each trading session, for the next day’s trading session, in order to assist in updating entry prices for new
positions, exit prices for existing positions and position sizes for each
security.
Financial Planning Services
Round Rock will typically provide a variety of financial planning and consulting services to Clients, either as a
component of investment management services or pursuant to a written financial planning agreement. Services
are comprehensive in nature, which allows the Advisor to view the Client’s affairs holistically to address several
areas of a Client’s financial situation, based on their goals and objectives. Generally, such financial planning
services involve creating a solution focused approach to financial planning designed to allow the Client to make
an informed decision about investment planning, retirement planning, personal savings, education savings,
insurance needs, and other areas of a Client’s financial situation. Round Rock’s planning approach generally
consist of the following six (6) steps:
Identify needs and goals
Implement plan
1.
2. Gather information
3. Assess strategies and develop a plan
4. Present recommendations and finalize plan
5.
6. Review, measure and refine plan
In addition, Round Rock works with the Client’s accountant, attorney or other specialists, as appropriate for their
unique situation. By working with this network of skilled professionals, the Advisor leverages these unique insights
to provide solutions that comprehensively addresses the Client’s financial situation and helps to reach their goals
and objectives.
Financial planning and consulting recommendations pose a conflict between the interests of the Advisor and the
interests of the Client. For example, the Advisor has an incentive to recommend that Clients engage the Advisor
for investment management services or to increase the level of investment assets with the Advisor, as it would
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increase the amount of advisory fees paid to the Advisor. Clients are not obligated to implement any
recommendations made by the Advisor or maintain an ongoing relationship with the Advisor. If the Client elects to
act on any of the recommendations made by the Advisor, the Client is under no obligation to implement the
transaction through the Advisor.
Armstrong Shaw Division
The Armstrong Shaw Division has a disciplined, absolute value approach to the equity market. ASD believes that
investing in high quality businesses with strong cash flow generation run by proven management teams at attractive
prices will provide superior returns over time. ASD seeks to provide attractive long term returns by investing in a
concentrated portfolio assembled through bottom up, fundamentally driven stock selection. ASD invests in
securities where cash flow or asset value analysis determines that a company's stock is selling at a substantial
discount to its intrinsic value.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
The Advisor, through its THB Asset Management division, provides discretionary investment management services
to the Fund. THB Asset Management specializes in U.S. micro- and small-cap equity strategies, employing both
quantitative and qualitative disciplines to build diversified portfolios of high-quality businesses.
The Advisor manages the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies, and guidelines as set forth
in the applicable offering documents. The Fund is not managed in consideration of the individual investment
objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular investor. Prospective investors must meet the applicable
eligibility requirements (e.g., Wholesale Client or Wholesale Investor under Australian or New Zealand law) and
must acknowledge and accept the various risks associated with an investment in the Fund, as described in the
Fund’s offering documents.
Round Rock Advisors is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services license (AFSL) under
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of the financial services it provides to Australian wholesale clients.
Round Rock is relying on relief granted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under
ASIC Instrument 25-0572. Round Rock is regulated in the United States by the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) under U.S. laws, which differ from Australian laws.
THB Asset Management specializes in U.S. small and mid-capitalization strategies, employing both quantitative
and qualitative disciplines to build diversified portfolios of high-quality businesses. THB Asset Management
believes that a portfolio comprised of high-quality companies run by top caliber management teams that treat equity
holders well will achieve excess returns over a full market cycle. (3-7 years). Companies should be able to self-
fund their growth (organic or inorganic) with internally generated cash flows and not expense equity holders through
excessive share dilution.
C. Client Account Management
Prior to engaging Round Rock to provide investment advisory services, each Client is required to enter into one or
more agreements with the Advisor that define the terms, conditions, authority and responsibilities of the Advisor
and the Client. These services may include:
• Establishing an Investment Strategy – Round Rock, in connection with the Client, will develop a strategy
that seeks to achieve the Client’s investment goals and objectives.
• Asset Allocation – Round Rock will develop a strategic asset allocation that is targeted to meet the
investment objectives, time horizon, financial situation and tolerance for risk for each Client.
• Portfolio Construction – Round Rock will develop a portfolio for the Client that is intended to meet the stated
goals and objectives of the Client.
•
Investment Management and Supervision – Round Rock will provide investment management and ongoing
oversight of the Client’s investment portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
Round Rock does not manage or place Client assets into a wrap fee program. Investment management services
are provided directly by Round Rock.
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E. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, Round Rock the Advisor manages $814,558,622 in Client assets, $806,906,130 which
are managed on a discretionary basis and $7,652,492 on a non-discretionary basis. Clients may request more
current information at any time by contacting the Advisor.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
The following sections detail the fee structure and compensation methodology for services provided. Each Client
engaging the Advisor for services described herein shall be required to enter into one or more written agreements
with the Advisor.
A. Fees for Advisory Services
Investment Management Services
Investment management fees for Round Rock clients are typically paid monthly, at the end of each month, pursuant
to the terms of the investment management agreement. In some instances, investment advisory fees are paid
quarterly in arrears, at. the end of each calendar quarter. Investment management fees are based on the average
daily market value of assets under management during each month or quarter for accounts billed quarterly. This
billing period is determined in the Client agreement. Unless otherwise negotiated investment management fees for
accounts with less than $5,000,000 market value are based on the following schedule:
Assets Under Management ($)
First $1,250,000
Next $1,250,000
Next $1,250,000
Next $1,249,999
Annual Rate (%)
1.25%
0.90%
0.80%
0.70%
Investment management fees for accounts with greater than $5,000,000 market value are based on the following
schedule:
Assets Under Management ($)
First $5,000,000
The balance over $5,000,000
Annual Rate (%)
0.85%
0.50%
The investment management fee in the first month or quarter of service is prorated from the inception date of the
account[s] to the end of the first month or quarter, as applicable. Fees may be negotiable at the sole discretion of the
Advisor. The Client’s fees will take into consideration the aggregate fee-based assets under management with
Advisor. All securities held in accounts managed by Round Rock will be independently valued by the Custodian.
Round Rock will conduct periodic reviews of the Custodian’s valuations.
The Advisor’s fee is exclusive of, and in addition to any applicable securities transaction and custody fees, and other
related costs and expenses described in Item 5.C below, which may be incurred by the Client. However, the Advisor
shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Independent Managers
For Clients with accounts[s] allocated to an Independent Manager, the Client’s overall fee will be deducted from a
designated covered account of the Client by Round Rock. Round Rock is responsible for negotiating the fees with
the Independent Manager on behalf of the Client. Round Rock does not receive any compensation or fees from the
Independent Manager.
Fixed Income Portfolios – For Clients in the SAC Fixed Income Portfolio program, SAC will charge a fee
that is in addition to Round Rock’s Investment Management Fee. SAC’s fee will be determined by the
Client and Round Rock at the time the Client agrees to utilize SAC’s services. SAC’s fee is calculated and
deducted from a designated covered account by SAC.
The Crystal Capital Signal Service
For Clients who utilize the Crystal Capital Signal Service, Round Rock charges an extra annual fee in addition to
the Client’s Investment Management Fee, equal to 0.75% (75 basis points) of the assets under management in
the service. This extra fee offsets Round Rock’s costs for subscribing to the service.
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Financial Planning Services
Round Rock offers stand-alone financial planning services for an annual fee ranging up to $5,000. Fees may be
negotiable based on the on the nature and complexity of the services to be provided and the overall relationship with
the Advisor. An estimate for total costs will be determined prior to engaging for these services.
Armstrong Shaw Division
ASD’s fees to clients for investment advisory services vary with the size of the account. The primary basis of such
fees is a percentage of the quarter end assets under management as determined by our internal accounting system
or by the client’s independent custodian. ASD's fees are charged at an annual rate and are paid quarterly in arrears.
Accounts opened or closed during a calendar quarter will have the advisory fees pro-rated for the number of days in
the quarter that services were provided. Upon termination of any account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly
refunded, and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable. ASD’s services may be terminated by either party
upon written notification in accordance with the applicable contract language.
ASD’s standard fee structure is 1% of first $10 million under management, .75% on the next $15 million, and .5%
thereafter. Fees may vary from the standard schedule due to particular circumstances of the client (account size,
servicing requirements or strategy implementation) or as otherwise negotiated with particular clients.
Clients may choose to have their qualified custodian pay ASD fees directly or alternatively ASD can bill clients and
the clients can arrange for payment to ASD. With the former arrangement, ASD will get written client authorization for
the deduction of fees from their custodial account and will provide the client with copies of all fee invoices sent to the
custodian for payment.
Retirement Plan Services
Fees for retirement plan services are charged an annual asset-based fee of up to 1.25% and are billed in advance,
pursuant to the terms of the retirement plan advisory agreement. Retirement plan fees are based on the market value
of assets under management, and is payable monthly or quarterly, either in advance or in arrears, depending on the
plan provider. Fees may be negotiable depending on the size and complexity of the Plan.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
For its services, Round Rock receives an annual management fee of 1.25% of the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”),
which is accrued daily and paid monthly from Fund assets.
B. Fee Billing
Investment Management Services
Investment management fees are calculated by the Advisor or its delegate and deducted from the Client’s
account[s] at the Custodian. The Advisor or its delegate shall send an invoice to the Custodian indicating the
amount of the fees to be deducted from the Client’s account[s] at the end of the respective billing period. The
amount due is calculated by applying the average account balance (sum of the daily assets under management
balance of the billing period divided by the number of days in the billing period) multiplied by the fee, divided by
365 and multiplied by the number of days in the billing period. Clients will be provided with a statement from the
Custodian reflecting deduction of the investment management fee. It is the responsibility of the Client to verify the
accuracy of these fees as listed on the Custodian’s brokerage statement as the Custodian does not assume this
responsibility. Clients provide written authorization permitting advisory fees to be deducted by Round Rock directly
from their account[s] held by the Custodian as part of the investment management agreement and separate
account forms provided by the Custodian.
Use of Independent Managers
For Clients referred by Round Rock to an Independent Manager, other than SAC, the Client’s fee will be deducted
directly from the Client’s designated covered account[s] managed by Round Rock. Round Rock then pays the
independent manager the negotiated fee. At no time will an independent manager other than SAC have any
authority to deduct fees from Client accounts.
Fixed Income Portfolios – For Clients in the SAC Fixed Income Portfolio program, SAC’s fee will be calculated and
deducted from a designated covered account by SAC.
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Financial Planning Services
Annual financial planning fees are invoiced by Round Rock monthly, at the end of each month and are due upon
receipt.
Retirement Plan Services
Retirement plan advisory fees may be directly invoiced to the Plan Sponsor or deducted from the assets of the Plan,
depending on the terms of the retirement plan advisory agreement.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
For the Fund, the management fee is paid from Fund assets and reflected in the Fund’s unit price.
C. Other Fees and Expenses
Clients may incur certain fees or charges imposed by third parties, other than Round Rock, in connection with
investments made on behalf of the Client’s account[s]. The Client is responsible for all custody and securities
execution fees charged by the Custodian. The Advisor's recommended Custodian does not charge securities
transaction fees for ETF and equity trades in Client accounts, but typically charges for mutual funds and other
types of investments. The fees charged by Round Rock are separate and distinct from these custody and execution
fees.
In addition, all fees paid to Round Rock for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the
expenses charged by mutual funds and ETFs to their shareholders, if applicable. These fees and expenses are
described in each fund’s prospectus. These fees and expenses will generally be used to pay management fees for
the funds, other fund expenses, account administration (e.g., custody, brokerage and account reporting), and a
possible distribution fee. A Client may be able to invest in these products directly, without the services of Round
Rock, but would not receive the services provided by Round Rock which are designed, among other things, to
assist the Client in determining which products or services are most appropriate for each Client’s financial situation
and objectives. Accordingly, the Client should review both the fees charged by the fund[s] and the fees charged
by Round Rock to fully understand the total fees to be paid. Please refer to Item 12 – Brokerage Practices for
additional information.
Armstrong Shaw Division
The fees clients pay to ASD for our portfolio management services do not include the following fees. All of these fees
or charges are borne by the client (and we do not participate in any of this additional expense charged to the client):
• Brokerage commissions
• Transaction fees and other related costs and expenses
• Charges imposed by custodians, broker-dealers, third party investment and other third parties, including
but not limited to:
• Custodial fees
• Odd-Lot differentials
• Commissions or mark-ups / mark-downs on security transactions
• Transfer taxes
• Wire transfer and electronic fund processing fees
• Advisory fees, administrative fees and deferred sales charges by mutual funds
• Advisory and administrative fees charged by exchange traded funds (ETFs)
Other Items in this Brochure provide additional information and disclosure related to “other costs” you may incur.
Please see Item 12 on Brokerage Practices.
D. Advance Payment of Fees and Termination
Investment Management Services
Round Rock is compensated for its services at the end of the month, or quarter after investment management
services are rendered. Either party may terminate the investment management agreement, at any time, by providing
advance written notice to the other party. The Client may also terminate the investment management agreement
within five (5) business days of signing the Advisor’s agreement at no cost to the Client. After the five-day period, the
Client will incur charges for bona fide advisory services rendered to the point of termination and such fees will be due
and payable by the Client. The Client’s investment management agreement with the Advisor is non-transferable
without the Client’s prior consent.
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Independent Managers
In the event that a Client should wish to terminate their relationship with the Independent Manager, the terms for
termination will be set forth in the respective agreements between the Client and that Independent Manager. Round
Rock will assist the Client with the termination and transition as appropriate.
Financial Planning Services
Round Rock is compensated for its services at the end of each month. Either party may terminate the financial
planning agreement, at any time, by providing advance written notice to the other party. The Client may also terminate
the financial planning agreement within five (5) business days of signing the Advisor’s agreement at no cost to the
Client. After the five-day period, the Client will incur charges for bona fide advisory services rendered to the point of
termination and such fees will be due and payable by the Client. The Client’s financial planning agreement with the
Advisor is non-transferable without the Client’s prior consent.
Retirement Plan Services
Either party may request to terminate a retirement plan advisory agreement, at any time, by providing advance
written notice to the other party. The Advisor will refund any unearned, prepaid investment advisory fees from the
effective date of termination to the end of the quarter. The Client’s retirement plan services agreement with the
Advisor is non-transferable without the Client’s prior consent.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
Round Rock is compensated for its services at the end of each month. As such, investors in the Fund do not prepay
advisory fees to Round Rock, and therefore no refunds of prepaid advisory fees apply at the Fund level.
E. Compensation for Sales of Securities
Round Rock does not buy or sell securities and does not receive any compensation for securities transactions in
any Client account, other than the investment advisory fees noted above.
Certain Advisory Persons are also licensed as independent insurance professionals. As an independent insurance
professional, an Advisory Person will earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products,
including insurance products they sell to Clients. Insurance commissions earned by an Advisory Person are
separate and in addition to Round Rock’s advisory fees. This practice presents a conflict of interest because a
person providing investment advice on behalf of the Advisor who is also an insurance agent has an incentive to
recommend insurance products to a Client for the purpose of generating commissions rather than solely based on
Client needs. However, Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance products
through an Advisory Person. Please see Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Round Rock does not charge performance-based fees for its investment advisory services. The fees charged by
Round Rock are as described in Item 5 above.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Round Rock offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, endowments, foundations, Pension, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, businesses and the Fund.
Round Rock generally does not impose a minimum account size for establishing a relationship.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
B. Methods of Analysis
Round Rock primarily employs fundamental analysis in developing investment strategies for its Clients. Research
and analysis from Round Rock are derived from numerous sources, including financial media companies, third-
party research materials, Internet sources, and review of company activities, including annual reports,
prospectuses, press releases and research prepared by others.
Fundamental analysis utilizes economic and business indicators as investment selection criteria. These criteria are
generally ratios and trends that may indicate the overall strength and financial viability of the entity being analyzed.
Assets are deemed suitable if they meet certain criteria to indicate that they are a strong investment with a value
discounted by the market. While this type of analysis helps the Advisor in evaluating a potential investment, it does
not guarantee that the investment will increase in value. Assets meeting the investment criteria utilized in the
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fundamental analysis may lose value and may have negative investment performance. The Advisor monitors these
economic indicators to determine if adjustments to strategic allocations are appropriate. More details on the
Advisor’s review process are included below in Item 13 – Review of Accounts.
As noted above, Round Rock generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its Clients, as consistent with
their financial goals. Round Rock will typically hold all or a portion of a security for more than a year, but may hold
for shorter periods for the purpose of rebalancing a portfolio or meeting the cash needs of Clients. At times, Round
Rock may also buy and sell positions that are more short-term in nature, depending on the goals of the Client
and/or the fundamentals of the security, sector or asset class.
Armstrong Shaw Division
ASD’s decision-making process includes market screening for potential new ideas, fundamental research including
financial modeling, diversification guidelines and a strict sell discipline. Inherent in ASD’s absolute value approach
is our objective to minimize downside risk. To further this aim, ASD screens for companies with proven track
records, strong balance sheets and medium to large capitalizations. ASD’s investment time horizon is 18 to 24
months.
Idea generation begins with screening our universe for businesses that are growing earnings and generating good
returns on capital but have fallen out of favor in the market. Anything that creates uncertainty (such as earnings
shortfalls, management changes, restructurings, legislative changes, industry events and spin-offs) provides a
potential investment opportunity. Industry contacts are another good source of ideas. Once a new idea is identified,
ASD begins its fundamental research to better understand the company.
ASD’s fundamental research focuses on forward and backward-looking financial modeling, including an analysis
of the income statement, the balance sheet and cash flow statement. In calculating valuations, ASD uses a private
purchase test to determine the price that a company could bring in a sale to a sophisticated buyer.
ASD focuses on companies that generate predictable and sustainable free cash flows. ASD believes this helps to
avoid businesses that are in long term secular decline as well as those that are highly cyclical and cannot earn in
excess of their cost of capital throughout the cycle. High cash flow generation allows for increased research and
development, the ability to capitalize quickly on opportunities, make acquisitions to further grow the business, or
return value to shareholders. ASD also compares the company to its peers, the broader market, and any
transactions that may have taken place in its industry. Ultimately, our goal is to purchase these companies at prices
equal to or less than 70% of what we determine to be the intrinsic value.
Jeffrey Shaw is the ultimate decision maker on client investments for ASD clients. ASD client portfolios are
concentrated and generally hold between 25 and 40 securities. Constant monitoring of these positions are crucial
parts of our approach. In conjunction with our view that market timing is generally an unrewarding exercise, we
have pre-set buy and sell levels for each security we own. These target points help us to avoid the emotional
excesses of the market.
ASD seeks to control risk by adhering to a strict sell discipline. On the upside if a stock reaches its target without
significant change in the fundamentals, ASD sells the stock. ASD may also sell a stock in order to replace it with a
new holding that offers more attractive risk/reward attributes. On the downside, if a stock price has dropped 25%
from our average cost, the position undergoes a thorough review and a decision is made whether to sell or hold
the security at that time.
THB Asset Management
THB Asset Management, specializes in U.S. micro, small, and mid-cap equity strategies. THB Asset Management
strategies are based on belief that there are inefficiencies in the small to mid-size segment of the share markets
due to lack of analyst coverage, difficulty in identifying value, and the significant impact management skill has on
the direction of these smaller corporations. They aim to construct a diversified portfolio of holdings of listed equities
of quality companies drawn from particular strategy universe (Russell Microcap. Russell Small Cap, Russell Mid
Cap) through deep fundamental bottom-up research. On the style spectrum THB’s approach would be described
as “core” with elements of both growth and value. THB also seeks to limit exposure to higher risk securities as
measured by their proprietary Risk Grade and Quality Assessment.
THB Asset Management favors investments that possess the following qualities:
• High Quality – Companies with sizable market shares, high barriers to entry, low cost structure versus
peers and rising margins.
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• Culturally Strong – Companies led by stable, visionary managers who have a track record of success and
monetary alignment with equity owners.
• Low Risk – Attractively valued companies with low debt levels, high levels of free cash flow, good corporate
governance and overall corporate responsibility.
• Special Situations – Companies with improving demand dynamics that may benefit from secular industry
changes, have a unique “advantage” not fully valued by the market or that present opportunities through
spin offs and acquisitions.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. The value of client accounts and
the Fund may fluctuate due to market conditions and other factors, and clients may lose money. Past performance
is not indicative of future results. Key risks include, but are not limited to:
• Market Risk – Securities prices may decline due to market-wide events.
• Micro-Cap Risk – Micro-cap companies are often less liquid, more volatile, and more vulnerable to
business or economic downturns than larger companies.
• Liquidity Risk – Certain holdings may be difficult to sell at desired times or prices.
• Currency Risk – The Fund invests in U.S. securities but reports in AUD; fluctuations in exchange rates
•
may affect returns.
International Risk – Investments outside of Australia are subject to political, economic, and regulatory risks
unique to foreign markets.
• Manager Risk – The Fund’s success depends on Round Rock’s investment decisions; there is no
guarantee these will achieve the intended results.
• General Investment Risk – Laws and regulations, tax treatment, or unexpected events (e.g., pandemics,
natural disasters) may negatively affect investments.
Clients should carefully consider whether an investment in micro- and small-cap equities is appropriate in light of
their overall investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances.
B. Risk of Loss
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Therefore, current and prospective clients should never assume
that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable. Investing in securities
(including stocks, bonds, and pooled investment vehicles) involves risk of loss. Further, depending on the different
types of investments there may be varying degrees of risk. Clients and prospective clients should be prepared to
bear investment loss including loss of original principal.
We do not represent to any client, either directly or indirectly, any level of performance or any representation that
our professional services will not result in a loss to the Client’s invested assets. We do our very best as an
investment adviser to manage risk exposures and to prevent losses; however, losses cannot be prevented in all
cases. Below are certain additional risks associated when investing in securities through our investment
management program.
• Market Risk – Any market, whether stocks, bonds, or other asset classes goes up and down as a result of
overall market conditions. When markets go down, this can result in a decrease in the value of client
investments. This is also referred to as systemic risk.
• Equity (stock) market risk – Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to
volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change.
If you held common stock, or common stock equivalents, of any given issuer, you would generally be
exposed to greater risk than if you held preferred stocks and debt obligations of the issuer.
• Fixed Income Risk – When investing in bonds, there is the risk that issuer will default on the bond and be
unable to make payments. Further, individuals who depend on set amounts of periodically paid income
face the risk that inflation will erode their spending power. Fixed-income investors receive set, regular
payments that face the same inflation risk.
• Small Stock Risk – Investments in small-capitalization companies may involve greater risks, including less
liquidity, greater volatility, and limited financial resources, than investments in larger, more established
companies.
• Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities are subject to various risks based on factors such as
economic and regulatory developments, changes or proposed changes in the federal and state tax
structure, deregulation, court rulings and other factors. Repayment of municipal securities depends on the
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•
ability of the issuer or project backing such securities to generate taxes or revenues. There is a risk that
the interest on an otherwise tax-exempt municipal security may be subject to federal income tax.
Interest Rate Risk – The value of fixed income investments tends to decline as interest rates rise. As a
result, investors who own fixed income investments through pooled vehicles such as ETFs or mutual funds,
and investors who seek to sell fixed income investments prior to maturity, may incur losses.
•
• ETF and Mutual Fund Risk – When our firm invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional
expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETFs or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the
potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the
risks of owning the underlying securities held by the ETF or mutual fund, including equities, fixed income,
commodities, and derivatives on such securities. In addition, ETFs and closed-end mutual funds may trade
at a premium or discount to the net asset value of their underlying portfolio securities. As a result, there is
a risk that an investment in an ETF or a closed end mutual fund may result in the client paying more for,
or selling for less, the portfolio securities, than a direct investment in the underlying securities. This risk,
however, is offset by the additional costs of investing directly in the underlying securities.
Interval Funds – An interval fund is a type of closed-end fund with shares that do not trade on the secondary
market. Instead, the fund periodically offers to buy back a percentage of outstanding shares at net asset
value (NAV). This repurchase option typically comes on a quarterly basis, but some funds operate with
longer intervals, such as bi-annually or annually. Interval funds are illiquid. While shareholders are not
required to take advantage of the “interval” repurchase option, the flip side is that they can only exit the
fund at certain intervals. Interval funds invest in a diverse mix of assets, including private securities. Assets
that make up an interval fund vary and might include commercial property, such as tracts of farmland or
forestry land, hedge funds and other private equity funds, business loans, catastrophe bonds and real
estate securities. Interval fund investments can be costly. Interval fund fees and expenses tend to be
much higher than other closed-end funds and mutual funds.
• Structured Notes – Structured notes are intermediate debt securities with interest payments that are
determined by the performance of an underlying benchmark (e.g., interest rates, stock price, index,
commodity or currency). In addition to the risks associated with the specific benchmark, structured note
holders are also subject to various counterparty concerns. In this respect, the value of a structured note
maybe adversely impacted by a downgrade to the issuer’s credit rating and/or an unwillingness or inability
to of the issuer to perform its contractual obligations. If a structured note is sold in the market prior to
maturity, the client will receive the price offered in the secondary market, which could be a loss.
• Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) – MLPs are collective investment vehicles, the partnership interests
in which are publicly traded on national securities exchanges. MLPs invest primarily in companies within
the energy sector that engage in qualifying lines of business, such as natural resource production and
mineral refinement. MLPs are therefore subject to the underlying volatility of the energy industry and may
be adversely affected by changes to supply and demand, regional instability, currency spreads, inflation
and interest rate fluctuations, and environmental risks among other such factors. In addition, MLPs operate
as pass- through tax entities, meaning that investors are liable for their pro rata share of the partnership
taxes, regardless of the types of accounts where the interests are held.
•
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) – REITs are collective investment vehicles, the interests in which
exist in the form of either publicly traded or privately placed securities. REITs are collective investment
vehicles with portfolios comprised primarily of real estate and mortgage related holdings. Many REITs hold
heavy concentrations of investments tied to commercial and/or residential developments, which inherently
subject REIT investors to the risks associated with a downturn in the real estate market. Investments linked
to certain regions that experience greater volatility in the local real estate market may give rise to large
fluctuations in the value of the vehicle’s shares. Mortgage related holdings may give rise to additional
concerns pertaining to interest rates, inflation, liquidity and counterparty risk.
Liquidity Risk – High volatility and/or the lack of deep and active liquid markets for a security may prevent
a Client from selling their securities at all, or at an advantageous time or price because Round Rock and
the Client’s broker may have difficulty finding a buyer and may be forced to sell at a significant discount to
market value. Some securities (including ETFs) that hold or trade financial instruments may be adversely
affected by liquidity issues as they manage their portfolios.
• Concentration Risk – Portfolios managed by Round Rock may from time to time be concentrated in a single
security, geographic region, or asset class. The value of Client accounts will vary considerably in response
to changes in the market value of that individual security, region or asset class. This may result in higher
volatility.
• Foreign Investing and Emerging Markets Risk – Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated
with U.S. investments, and the risks may be exacerbated further in emerging market countries. These risks
may include, among others, adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, as well as adverse political,
social and economic developments affecting one or more foreign countries. In addition, foreign investing
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•
•
may involve less publicly available information and more volatile or less liquid securities markets,
particularly in markets that trade a small number of securities, have unstable governments, or involve
limited industry. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by factors not present in the U.S., such
as restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country, foreign tax laws or tax
withholding requirements, unique trade clearance or settlement procedures, and potential difficulties in
enforcing contractual obligations or other legal rules that jeopardize shareholder protection. Foreign
accounting may be less transparent than U.S. accounting practices and foreign regulation may be
inadequate or irregular.
Inflation, Currency, and Interest Rate Risks – Security prices and portfolio returns will likely vary in
response to changes in inflation and interest rates. Inflation causes the value of future dollars to be worth
less and may reduce the purchasing power of an investor’s future interest payments and principal. Inflation
also generally leads to higher interest rates, which in turn may cause the value of many types of fixed
income investments to decline. In addition, the relative value of the U.S. dollar-denominated assets
primarily managed by Round Rock may be affected by the risk that currency devaluations affect Client
purchasing power.
Legislative and Tax Risk – Performance may directly or indirectly be affected by government legislation or
regulation, which may include, but is not limited to: changes in investment advisor or securities trading
regulation; change in the U.S. government’s guarantee of ultimate payment of principal and interest on
certain government securities; and changes in the tax code that could affect interest income, income
characterization and/or tax reporting obligations (particularly for ETF securities dealing in natural
resources). In certain circumstances a Client may incur taxable income on their investments without a cash
distribution to pay the tax due.
• Counterparty Risk – Counterparty risk is the risk to Round Rock that the counterparty to a services contract
will not fulfill its contractual obligations. Should the counterparty fail to fulfill its obligations to Round Rock,
clients could potentially incur significant losses and may have access to their accounts and investments
limited or restricted.
• Advisory Risk – There is no guarantee that Round Rock’s judgment or investment decisions about
particular securities or asset classes will necessarily produce the intended results. Round Rock’s judgment
may prove to be incorrect, and a Client might not achieve her investment objectives. In addition, it is
possible that we fail to manage our business such that Round Rock remains a going concern which would
be disruptive to our Clients as they would need to find a new investment advisor.
• Risks That Apply Primarily to Alternative Investments:
•
• Long-term Commitment Required. A commitment to an alternative investment is typically a long-
term investment. Investors should be willing to hold their interests until the liquidation of the funds.
Illiquidity; Restrictions on Transfer and Withdrawal. Alternative investments are often highly
illiquid. Except in certain very limited circumstances investors will not be permitted to transfer their
interests without the prior written consent of the board of managers or general partner of the relevant
fund, which may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion. The transferability of interests in the funds
also is subject to certain restrictions contained in the funds’ constitutive documents and restrictions on
resale imposed under applicable securities laws.
• Speculative nature: Alternative investments are typically highly speculative in nature, are subject to
many risks and are only appropriate for the portion of client portfolios that can withstand a total loss of
investment. Clients are urged to carefully review the offering memoranda for the investment for a
complete description of material risks associated with the investment.
• Systematic Signal Provider Service:
Subscribers to the systematic signal provider service should understand there is material risk in active
management. The system may raise high cash balances in an effort to decrease market risk. There is
a material risk that this will result in increased brokerage transaction costs as well as taxes. There is
currently a higher tax rate for those investors who realize gains in less than one year when compared
to those who realize gains after one year.
It is possible that these strategies will result in relative and/or absolute losses. It is also possible the
certain investors may incur losses that will not be eligible for favorable tax treatment under the Internal
Revenue Service’s wash sale rule. Clients are urged to consult with their accountant or tax professional
for additional information.
Additional risks exist due to this systematic nature of the service. There is risk that the system could
be disrupted by a technological issue, such as a mass internet outage, that could render the service
inoperable for a period of time. While the signal service is 100% systematic, there is also a risk of
human failure in correctly delivering that information to the client.
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The foregoing list of risk factors does not purport to be a complete enumeration or explanation of the risks
involved in an investment in any or all of the strategies managed by Round Rock. Prospective Clients
should read this entire Form ADV and all accompanying materials provided by Round Rock before
deciding whether to invest with us. In addition, as our investment philosophy develops and changes over
time, an investment with Round Rock may be subject to additional and different risk factors. Clients are
encouraged to periodically review this section for updated information concerning risks associated with
their investments.
Cybersecurity
The computer systems, networks and devices used by Round Rock and service providers to us and our clients to
carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption
from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized
persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized, systems, networks, or devices potentially
can be breached. A client could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from
computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt
operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions
and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to a client; impediments to trading; the
inability by us and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws;
regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional
compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which a
client invests; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators,
banks, brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions; and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be
incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
its Advisory Persons are available on
the
There are no legal, regulatory or disciplinary events involving Round Rock or any of its management
persons. Round Rock values the trust you place in the Advisor. The Advisor encourages Clients to perform the
requisite due diligence on any advisor or service provider that the Client engages. The backgrounds of the Advisor
and
Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with the Advisor’s firm name or CRD# 286007.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Broker-Dealer Affiliation
On December 31, 2024 Round Rock terminated its relationship with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Inc. and
has entered into an agreement with Johnstone Brokerage Services (“JBS”), a FINRA Member broker-dealer, and
its affiliate DPL Financial Partners, LLC, to provide advisory consulting services to clients who use JBS to act as
both their broker/dealer and insurance agent for annuities and wish to receive advice from Round Rock at no
additional cost to the client. Pursuant to this agreement, JBS and its registered representatives provide those
clients with securities brokerage services under a separate agreement with the client. Representatives of Round
Rock are no longer registered representatives of a FINRA Member broker-dealer.
Insurance Agency Affiliations
As noted in Item 5.E, certain Advisory Persons are also licensed insurance professionals. Implementations of
insurance recommendations are separate and apart from one’s role with the Advisor. As an insurance professional,
an Advisory Person will receive customary commissions and other related revenues from the various insurance
companies whose products are sold. An Advisory Person is not required to offer the products of any particular
insurance company. Commissions generated by insurance sales do not offset regular advisory fees. This creates
a conflict of interest in recommending certain products of the insurance companies. Clients are under no obligation
to implement any recommendations made by an Advisory Person or the Advisor.
Round Rock Tax Advisors PLLC
Round Rock Tax Advisors PLLC (“RRTA”) is an affiliate of the Advisor that offers tax consulting services for a fee
under a separate agreement with clients who want to utilize its services. RRTA’s fee may be more or less than that
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charged by other firms and the fee does not affect the fee otherwise charged by the Advisor. RRTA’s services include
tax planning and filing, but they do not include or affect tax related investment strategies. This creates a conflict of
interest however Round Rock Advisors clients are under no obligation to utilize Round Rock Tax Advisors.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
As noted in Item 4, Round Rock through its THB Asset Management division, serves as the investment manager
to the Fund, an Australian-domiciled managed investment scheme. As investment manager, Round Rock receives
management fees from the Fund as described in Item 5 of this brochure. The Fund is operated by Equity Trustees
Limited (“EQT”), an independent Australian financial services company that serves as the Fund’s Responsible
Entity. EQT oversees the Fund’s compliance with applicable Australian law and retains responsibility for its
operations. In addition, Brookvine Investment Advisers Pty Ltd (“Brookvine”), an Australian firm, provides
fundraising and marketing support for the Fund. Brookvine is compensated by the Advisor out of its management
fee; no additional cost is borne directly by investors.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics
Round Rock has implemented a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that defines the Advisor’s fiduciary commitment to
each Client. This Code applies to all persons associated with Round Rock ( “Supervised Persons”). The Code was
developed to provide general ethical guidelines and specific instructions regarding the Advisor’s duties to each
Client. Round Rock and its Supervised Persons owe a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards each Client.
It is the obligation of Round Rock’s Supervised Persons to adhere not only to the specific provisions of the Code,
but also to the general principles that guide the Code. The Code covers a range of topics that address employee
ethics and conflicts of interest. To request a copy of our Code, please contact the Advisor at (203) 920-4774.
B. Personal Trading with Material Interest
Round Rock allows Supervised Persons to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended to and
purchased on behalf of Clients. Round Rock does not act as principal in any transactions. In addition, the Advisor
does not act as the general partner of a fund. Round Rock does not have a material interest in any securities traded
in Client accounts.
C. Personal Trading in Same Securities as Clients
Round Rock allows Supervised Persons to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended to and
purchased on behalf of Clients. Owning the same securities that are recommended (purchase or sell) to Clients
presents a conflict of interest that, as fiduciaries, must be disclosed and mitigated through policies and procedures.
As noted above, the Advisor has adopted the Code to address insider trading (material non-public information
controls); gifts and entertainment; outside business activities and personal securities reporting. When trading for
personal accounts, Supervised Persons have a conflict of interest if trading in the same securities. The fiduciary
duty to act in the best interest of its Clients can be violated if personal trades are made with more advantageous
terms than Client trades, or by trading based on material non-public information. This risk is mitigated by Round
Rock requiring reporting of personal securities trades by its Supervised Persons pursuant to its Code of Ethics.
The Advisor has also adopted written policies and procedures to detect the misuse of material, non-public
information.
D. Personal Trading at Same Time as Client
While Round Rock allows Supervised Persons to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended
to and purchased on behalf of Clients, such trades are typically aggregated with Client orders or traded afterward.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
A. Recommendation of Custodian[s]
Round Rock does not have discretionary authority to select the broker-dealer/custodian for custody and execution
services. The Client will engage the broker-dealer/custodian (herein the "Custodian") to safeguard Client assets
and authorize Round Rock to direct trades to the Custodian as agreed upon in the investment advisory agreement.
Further, Round Rock does not have the discretionary authority to negotiate commissions on behalf of Clients on a
trade-by-trade basis.
Where Round Rock does not exercise discretion over the selection of the Custodian, it may recommend the
Custodian to Clients for custody and execution services. Clients are not obligated to use the Custodian
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recommended by the Advisor and will not incur any extra fee or cost associated with using a Custodian not
recommended by Round Rock. However, the Advisor may be limited in the services it can provide if the
recommended Custodian is not engaged. Round Rock may recommend the Custodian based on criteria such as,
but not limited to, reasonableness of commissions charged to the Client, services made available to the Client, its
reputation and/or the location of the Custodian’s offices.
Round Rock will generally recommend that Clients establish their account[s] at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”) a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and member SIPC. Schwab will serve as the Client’s “qualified
custodian”. Round Rock maintains an institutional relationship with Schwab whereby the Advisor receives
economic benefits from Schwab. Please see Item 14 below.
The following are additional details regarding the brokerage practices of the Advisor:
1. Soft Dollars - Soft dollars are revenue programs offered by broker-dealers/custodians whereby an
advisor enters into an agreement to place security trades with a broker-dealer/custodian in exchange for
research and other services. Round Rock, including ASD and THB, may participate in soft dollar programs
sponsored or offered by any broker-dealer/custodian. The Advisor uses soft dollars to pay for for research
related expenses that reasonably benefit clients. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to,
subscriptions to Bloomberg, FactSet, software or other approved services that provide eligible research or
execution support. This creates a conflict of interest as the Advisor is incentivized to direct trades to this
broker-dealer that provides soft dollar arrangements, rather than to those that may offer better execution
or prices for Clients. The Advisor has established policies and procedures designed to address these
conflicts, including periodic reviews of soft dollar arrangements and the broker-dealers with whom the
Advisor works. The Advisor also receives certain economic benefits from the Custodian that are not
deemed soft dollars, please see Item 14 for additional information.
2. Brokerage Referrals - Round Rock does not receive any compensation from any third party in
connection with the recommendation for establishing an account.
3. Directed Brokerage – Except as set forth below, all Clients are serviced on a “directed brokerage
basis”, where the firm will place trades within the established account[s] at the custodian designated by
the Client. For these Clients, the Firm will not be obligated to select competitive bids on securities
transactions and does not have an obligation to seek the lowest available transaction costs. These costs
are determined by the Custodian.
B. Aggregating and Allocating Trades
Round Rock’s primary objective in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities for Client accounts is to
obtain the most favorable net results taking into account such factors as 1) price, 2) size of the order, 3) difficulty
of execution, 4) confidentiality and 5) skill required of the Custodian. Round Rock will execute each transaction
through the Custodian designated by the Client. Round Rock will seek to execute securities transactions by the
close of each business day and will be allocated in a manner that is consistent with the initial pre-allocation or other
written statement. This must be done in a way that does not consistently advantage or disadvantage any particular
Client accounts.
Round Rock has discretionary authority to select the broker-dealer for execution services. Trades for clients are
generally executed using a trade rotation system that provides for the equitable treatment of all client accounts
during the trade execution phase of the investment process. The Advisor may aggregate security trades with other
accounts managed by the Advisor. The Advisor is authorized in its discretion to aggregate purchases and sales
and other transactions made for client Account with purchases and sales and other transactions in the same or
similar securities or instruments of the same issuer or counterpart for other clients of the Advisor or with affiliates
of the Advisor.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
A. Frequency of Reviews
Securities in Client accounts are monitored on a regular and continuous basis by each advisor. Formal reviews are
generally conducted at least annually or more or less frequently depending on the needs of the Client.
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Fixed Income Portfolios - SAC monitors Client accounts in the SAC Fixed Income Portfolio program on a
continuous basis and conducts regular account reviews. SAC Clients may request interim reviews at any
time to discuss their investment account. SAC encourages clients to review their investment strategy and
update SAC when changes occur in their investment objectives.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
Round Rock manages the portfolio on a continuous basis in accordance with the Fund’s stated investment
objective and guidelines.
B. Causes for Reviews
In addition to the investment monitoring noted in Item 13.A. above, each Client account shall be reviewed at least
annually. Reviews may be conducted more frequently at the Client’s request. Accounts may be reviewed as a
result of major changes in economic conditions, known changes in the Client’s financial situation, and/or large
deposits or withdrawals in the Client’s account[s]. The Client is encouraged to notify Round Rock if changes occur
in the Client’s personal financial situation that might adversely affect the Client’s investment plan. Additional
reviews may be triggered by material market, economic or political events.
C. Review Reports
The Client will receive brokerage statements no less than quarterly from the Custodian. These brokerage
statements are sent directly from the Custodian to the Client. The Client may also establish electronic access to
the Custodian’s website so that the Client may view these reports and their account activity. Client brokerage
statements will include all positions, transactions and fees relating to the Client’s account[s]. The Advisor may also
provide Clients with periodic reports regarding their holdings, allocations, and performance.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Compensation Received by Round Rock
Round Rock may refer Clients to various unaffiliated, non-advisory professionals (e.g. attorneys, accountants, estate
planners) to provide certain financial services necessary to meet the goals of its Clients. Likewise, Round Rock may
receive non-compensated referrals of new Clients from various third-parties.
Participation in Institutional Advisor Platform
Schwab – Round Rock has established an institutional relationship with Schwab through its “Schwab Advisor
Services” unit, a division of Schwab dedicated to serving independent advisory firms like Round Rock. As a
registered investment advisor participating on the Schwab Advisor Services platform, Round Rock receives access
to software and related support without cost because the Advisor renders investment management services to
Clients that maintain assets at Schwab. Services provided by Schwab Advisor Services benefit the Advisor and
many, but not all services provided by Schwab will benefit Clients. In fulfilling its duties to its Clients, the Advisor
endeavors at all times to put the interests of its Clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of
economic benefits from a custodian creates a conflict of interest since these benefits may influence the Advisor's
recommendation of this custodian over one that does not furnish similar software, systems support, or services.
Services that Benefit the Client – Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad
range of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of Client’s funds and
securities. Through Schwab, the Advisor may be able to access certain investments and asset classes
that the Client would not be able to obtain directly or through other sources. Further, the Advisor may be
able to invest in certain mutual funds and other investments without having to adhere to investment
minimums that might be required if the Client were to directly access the investments.
Services that May Indirectly Benefit the Client – Schwab provides participating advisors with access to
technology, research, discounts and other services. In addition, the Advisor receives duplicate statements
for Client accounts, the ability to deduct advisory fees, trading tools, and back office support services as
part of its relationship with Schwab. These services are intended to assist the Advisor in effectively
managing accounts for its Clients, but may not directly benefit all Clients.
Services that May Only Benefit the Advisor – Schwab also offers other services and financial support to
Round Rock that may not benefit the Client, including: educational conferences and events, consulting
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services and discounts for various service providers. Access to these services creates a financial incentive
for the Advisor to recommend Schwab, which results in a conflict of interest. Round Rock believes,
however, that the selection of Schwab as Custodian is in the best interests of its Clients.
B. Compensation for Client Referrals
Armstrong Shaw Division
ASD compensates one individual who is not an ASD employee for Client referrals. All ASD Clients that have been
referred to ASD via a third party have received a copy of the solicitation agreement between ASD and the solicitor
and have provided a written acknowledgement that ASD and the solicitor share the management fees earned from
the client. Fees paid by clients referred to ASD are generally in line with those paid by other ASD clients and are
not increased to compensate for ASD and the solicitor sharing the management fee.
Round Rock does not otherwise compensate, either directly or indirectly, any persons who are not supervised
persons, for Client referrals.
Item 15 – Custody
Round Rock does not accept or maintain custody of any Client accounts, except for the authorized deduction of
the Advisor’s fees. All Clients must place their assets with a “qualified custodian”. Clients are required to engage
the Custodian to retain their funds and securities and direct Round Rock to utilize the Custodian for the Client’s
security transactions. Clients should review statements provided by the Custodian and compare to any reports
provided by Round Rock to ensure accuracy, as the Custodian does not perform this review. For more information
about custodians and brokerage practices, see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices.
If the Client gives the Advisor authority to move money from one account to another account, the Advisor may
have custody of those assets. In order to avoid additional regulatory requirements, the Custodian and the Advisor
have adopted safeguards to ensure that the money movements are completed in accordance with the Client’s
instructions.
Australian Fund Advisory Services
With respect to the Fund, the Fund’s assets are held by an independent custodian appointed by the Fund’s
Responsible Entity, Equity Trustees Limited. Round Rock does not serve as custodian and does not maintain
possession of Fund assets.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Round Rock generally has discretion over the selection and amount of securities to be bought or sold in Client
accounts without obtaining prior consent or approval from the Client. However, these purchases or sales may be
subject to specified investment objectives, guidelines, or limitations previously set forth by the Client and agreed
to by Round Rock. Discretionary authority will only be authorized upon full disclosure to the Client. The granting of
such authority will be evidenced by the Client's execution of an investment advisory agreement containing all
applicable limitations to such authority. All discretionary trades made by Round Rock will be in accordance with
each Client's investment objectives and goals.
However, Clients may engage Round Rock on a non-discretionary basis. In such engagements, Round Rock will
not have the authority to purchase or sell an investment in the Client’s account[s] without obtaining prior one-time
approval from the Client for the transaction[s]. In such instances, the Advisor will contact the Client and obtain
approval prior to executing trades or allocating investment assets.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Round Rock, including ASD, does not accept proxy-voting responsibility for any Client. Clients will receive proxy
statements directly from the Custodian. The Advisor will assist in answering questions relating to proxies, however,
the Client retains the sole responsibility for proxy decisions and voting.
THB Asset Management
THB Asset Management will vote proxies on behalf of certain SMA Clients in accordance with their proxy-voting
policy, as outlined in the executed agreement with the Client. With respect to the Fund, THB Asset Management
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votes proxies for portfolio securities held by the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy. Individual
Fund investors do not have the right to direct the voting of proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Neither Round Rock, nor its management have any adverse financial situations that would reasonably impair the
ability of Round Rock to meet all obligations to its Clients. Neither Round Rock, nor any of its Advisory Persons
have been subject to a bankruptcy or financial compromise. Round Rock is not required to deliver a balance sheet
along with this Disclosure Brochure as the Advisor does not collect fees of $1,200 or more for services to be
performed six months or more in advance.
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