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Item 1: Cover Page
Royal Harbor Partners, LLC
d/b/a RHP Wealth Management
a Registered Investment Adviser
12000 Aerospace Avenue, Suite 420
Houston, TX 77034
(713) 554-2252
http://royalharborpartners.com
October 23, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Royal Harbor Partners,
LLC d/b/a RHP Wealth Management (hereinafter “RHP” or the “Firm”). If you have any questions about the
contents of this brochure, please contact the Firm at the telephone number listed above. The information in this
brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
or by any state securities authority. Additional information about the Firm is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The Firm is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level of
skill or training.
Item 2. Material Changes
Since the most recent filing of Form ADV Part 2A, dated March 10, 2025, the following changes
have been made:
• No material changes
Future Changes
From time to time, we may amend this Disclosure Brochure to reflect changes in our business
practices, changes in regulations, and routine annual updates as required by the securities
regulators. Either this complete Disclosure Brochure or a Summary of Material Changes shall be
provided to each Client annually and if a material change occurs in the business practices of RHP.
At any time, you may view the current Disclosure Brochure online at the SEC's Investment Adviser
Public Disclosure website at http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching for our firm name or
by our CRD number 742579.
You may also request a copy of this Disclosure Brochure at any time by contacting us at (713) 554-
2252.
Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2. Material Changes ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3. Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4. Wealth Management Service ............................................................................................................................. 4
Item 5. Fees and Compensation ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ................................................................................. 10
Item 7. Types of Clients ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Item 9. Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................................................... 15
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .......................................................................................... 15
Item 11. Code of Ethics .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ....................................................................................................... 21
Item 15. Custody ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
Item 16. Investment Discretion ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Item 18. Financial Information ...................................................................................................................................... 22
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Item 4. Wealth Management Service
RHP offers a variety of Wealth Management services, which include investment management,
financial planning, project-based, subscription based, and retirement plan consulting. Prior to
RHP rendering any of the foregoing wealth management services, clients are required to enter
into one or more written agreements with RHP setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of
the advisory relationship (the “Advisory Agreement”).
RHP filed for registration as an investment adviser in June 2019 and is owned by Glenn Royal,
Michele Jones and Natalie Picha. As of December 2024, RHP had $307,027,066 in assets under
management, $277,730,626 of which was managed on a discretionary basis and $29,296,440 of
which was managed on a non-discretionary basis.
While this brochure generally describes the business of RHP, certain sections also discuss the
activities of its Supervised Persons, which refer to the Firm’s officers, partners, directors (or other
persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), employees or other persons
who provide investment advice on RHP’s behalf and are subject to the Firm’s supervision or
control.
Investment Management
With the client’s best interest in mind, RHP provides access to a broad spectrum of
investment solutions. We focus on delivering a personalized approach to developing and
maintaining a customized portfolio, utilizing disciplines for asset allocation, diversification, and
tax awareness. Our firm offers discretionary portfolio management services to our clients.
Discretionary portfolio management means we will make investment decisions and place
portfolio reallocation orders in your account without contacting you prior to each transaction.
These decisions would be made based upon your stated investment objectives. If you wish, you
may limit our discretionary authority by, for example, setting a limit on the type of securities that
can be purchased for your portfolio. Simply provide us with your restrictions or guidelines in
writing.
Financial Planning
Our financial planning process is based on an effort to gain a deep understanding of client needs,
personal values, and objectives that is designed to help clients achieve their financial goals. We
believe that time spent getting to know our clients and their finances in detail is an important
investment towards delivering quality advice. We do this by gathering information, reviewing
data, and working through our analytic tools and processes to understand and assess the various
facets of the client’s life and wealth.
Financial planning advice and services may include, but are not limited to:
● Net worth and cash flow assessment and coaching
● Emergency account and cash flow planning
● Debt analysis and reduction strategies
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● Behavioral risk analysis
● Retirement savings review
●
Insurance review and assessment
● Education planning and funding
● Retirement income planning and coordination
● Estate and beneficiary planning (in coordination with the client’s attorney)
● Tax planning (in coordination with the client’s tax professional)
● Outside asset review and advice
● Wealth transfer strategies
Our advice is based on your financial situation and the financial information you provide to our
firm. You must provide all items that are necessary or desirable for RHP to perform the fiduciary
and ministerial tasks required of us, including information that accurately reflects fees on assets
that may be rolled over into accounts managed by RHP. If your financial situation, goals,
objectives, or needs change, you must notify us promptly. You may choose to accept or reject our
recommendations. If you decide to proceed with our recommendations, you may do so either
through our firm or by using the advisory/brokerage firm of your choice.
Project-Based Services
RHP provides project-based services that focus on the specific needs and concerns of the client. Project- based
services may include giving advice on investments and investment-related matters. These services may include
the identification of financial goals and objectives, collection and assessment of all relevant data, identification of
financial problems and formulation of solutions, and the preparation of a financial plan with specific
recommendations. The services we provide will typically focus on the following areas:
● Financial independence (retirement planning)
●
Investment management
● Net worth planning
● Estate planning
● Family meetings
● Education planning
●
Insurance reviews
● Tax strategy planning, review of tax returns
● Executive deferred compensation plans/pension pay-out elections
● Social Security planning
● Business consulting
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● General investment and asset allocation advice
If your financial situation, goals, objectives, or needs change, you must notify us promptly.
Subscription Based Services
RHP offers a subscription based service designed to provide clients with educational resources,
planning tools, and technology solutions to help them build and maintain a solid financial
foundation. This service delivers general financial guidance and access to a variety of resources
such as articles, calculators, and other planning technologies to support clients in understanding
key financial concepts and making informed personal decisions.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services
RHP provides various consulting services to qualified employee benefit plans and their fiduciaries.
This suite of institutional services is designed to assist plan sponsors in structuring, managing and
optimizing their corporate retirement plans. Each engagement is individually negotiated and
customized, and includes any or all of the following services:
● Plan Design and Strategy
● Plan Review and Evaluation
● Executive Planning & Benefits
Investment Selection
●
● Plan Fee and Cost Analysis
● Plan Committee Consultation
● Fiduciary and Compliance
● Participant Education
As disclosed in the Advisory Agreement, certain of the foregoing services are provided by RHP as
a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).
In accordance with ERISA Section 408(b)(2), each plan sponsor is provided with a written
description of RHP’s fiduciary status, the specific services to be rendered and all direct and
indirect compensation the Firm reasonably expects under the engagement.
While each of these services is available on a stand-alone basis, certain of them can also be
rendered in conjunction with investment. management
In performing these services, RHP is not required to verify any information received from the
client or from the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.,) and is expressly
authorized to rely on such information. RHP recommends certain clients engage the Firm for
additional related services, its Supervised Persons in their individual capacities as insurance
agents and/or other professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a
conflict of interest exists for the Firm to recommend that clients engage RHP or its affiliates to
provide (or continue to provide) additional services for compensation. Clients retain absolute
discretion over all decisions regarding implementation and are under no obligation to act upon
any of the recommendations made by RHP under a financial planning or consulting engagement.
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Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify RHP of any change in
their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or
revising RHP’s recommendations and/or services.
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
RHP offers Investment Management services based upon assets under management.
Investment Management
Total Assets Under Management
Less than $7,500,000
Next $7,500,000 - $10,000,000
$10,000,000+
Percentage of AUM
1.00%
0.85%
0.60%
The annual fee is prorated and charged monthly, in advance, based upon the market value of the
assets being managed by RHP on the last day of the previous month. If assets are deposited into
or withdrawn from an account after the inception of a billing period, the fee payable with respect
to such assets is adjusted to reflect the interim change in portfolio value. For the initial period of
an engagement, the fee is calculated on a pro rata basis. In the event the advisory agreement is
terminated, the fee for the final billing period is prorated through the effective date of the
termination and the outstanding or unearned portion of the fee is charged or refunded to the
client, as appropriate.
Additionally, for investment management services the Firm provides with respect to certain client
holdings (e.g., held-away assets, accommodation accounts, alternative investments, etc.), RHP
may negotiate a fee rate that differs from the range set forth above.
If the client’s held-away assets are managed through the Pontera platform, there is a 1%
additional fee. The fee is deducted from the client’s other assets at Schwab and cannot be
deducted from the held away asset on the Pontera platform.
For fee-based annuity and insurance products, RHP will receive payment directly from the
insurance courier, in an amount that reflects the client’s current fee as outlined in the
Advisory contract.
For the purpose of computing fees, RHP can agree to treat managed assets in related accounts as if all the assets
were in one account. After the fee is computed in this way, it is divided among the accounts involved, usually in
proportion to the market value of each account. This grouping of related accounts must be approved in advance
by the Firm, and approval is in the sole discretion of the Firm.
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Financial Planning
Ongoing Financial Planning consists of an upfront fee of $2,500, with an annual fee ranging
between
$5,000-$50,000. The fee upfront portion of the fee is due upon contract execution, and the
ongoing portion of the fee is charged monthly or quarterly in arrears and is based on complexity
and needs of the client. The fee may be negotiable in certain cases. Fees for this service may be
paid by electronic funds transfer or check. This service may be terminated with 30 days’ notice.
Upon termination of any agreement, the remaining fee will be calculated, and will be billed to
the client. Investment Management clients may receive financial planning services at no
additional cost.
The upfront portion of the Financial Planning fee is for Client onboarding, data gathering, and
setting the basis for the financial plan. This work will commence immediately after the fee is paid
and will be completed within the first 60 days of the date the fee is paid. Therefore, the upfront
portion of the fee will not be paid more than 6 months in advance.
Project-Based Services
Project-based or Hourly Expanded Consulting services will be performed at an hourly rate of $250
per hour. The client will receive an itemized invoice detailing the number of hours worked.
The terms and conditions of the Project-Based or Expand Consulting engagement are set forth in
the Advisory Agreement. The hourly fees will be invoiced to the client to be paid via check or
electronic funds transfer. The firm does not, however, take receipt of $1,200 or more in prepaid
fees in excess of six months in advance of services rendered.
Retirement Plan Consulting Fees
RHP charges as fixed project-based fee to provide clients with retirement plan consulting services.
Each engagement is individually negotiated and tailored to accommodate the needs of the
individual plan sponsor, as memorialized in the Agreement. These fees vary, based on the scope
of the services to be rendered, the assets to be managed and the individual providing the services.
Subscription Fees
Clients who enroll in the subscription service pay a recurring monthly fee ranging from $50 to
$500, depending on the level of access, features, and support selected. Fees for this service may
be paid by electronic funds transfer or check. The fee may be billed in arrears on a monthly basis
and may be adjusted with at least 30 days’ written notice. Upon termination of any agreement,
the remaining fee will be calculated, and will be billed to the client.
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Fee Discretion
RHP does not regard its fees as negotiable. However, in a limited instance, the Firm will grant
exceptions to the application of its regular fee schedules when the Firm believes there are highly
unusual factors involved that justify exceptional treatment. From time to time, the Firm will seek
to determine if such unusual factors continue to justify deviations from its regular fee schedule.
Additional Fees and Expenses
In addition to the advisory fees paid to RHP, clients also incur certain charges imposed by other
third parties, such as broker-dealers, custodians, trust companies, banks and other financial
institutions (collectively “Financial Institutions”). These additional charges include securities
brokerage commissions, transaction fees, custodial fees, fees charged by the Independent
Managers, margin costs, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or ETF in a client’s account,
as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund management fees and other fund expenses),
deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees,
and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. The Firm’s brokerage
practices are described at length in Item 12, below.
Direct Fee Debit, Invoice and Electronic Funds Transfer Payment
Clients provide RHP with the authority to directly debit their accounts for payment of the
investment advisory and financial planning fees. The Financial Institutions that act as the qualified
custodian for client accounts, from which the Firm retains the authority to directly deduct fees,
have agreed to send statements to clients not less than quarterly detailing all account
transactions, including any amounts paid to RHP. Alternatively, clients may elect to have RHP
send a separate invoice for direct payment. Fee minimums may also be paid via electronic funds
transfer.
Use of Margin and Other Borrowing
RHP can recommend that certain clients utilize margin in the client’s investment portfolio or other
borrowing, including structured lending. RHP typically recommends such borrowing for non-
investment needs, such as bridge loans and other financing needs. The Firm’s fees are determined
based upon the value of the assets being managed gross of any margin or borrowing and the Firm
does not receive a separate fee for recommending the borrowing.
Account Additions and Withdrawals
Clients can make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to RHP’s
right to terminate an account. Additions can be in cash or securities provided that the Firm
reserves the right to liquidate any transferred securities or declines to accept particular securities
into a client’s account. Clients can withdraw account assets on notice to RHP, subject to the usual
and customary securities settlement procedures. However, the Firm designs its portfolios as long-
term investments, and the withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s
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investment objectives. RHP may consult with its clients about the options and implications of
transferring securities. Clients are advised that when transferred securities are liquidated, they
may be subject to transaction fees, short-term redemption fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund
level (e.g., contingent deferred sales charges) and/or tax ramifications.
Commissions and Sales Charges for Recommendations of Securities
RHP or its employees do not accept compensation for the sale of securities or other investment
products.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
RHP does not provide any services for a performance-based fee (i.e., a fee based on a share of
capital gains or capital appreciation of a client’s assets).
Item 7. Types of Clients
RHP offers services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and
business entities.
Minimum Account Value
RHP does not impose account minimums, though they may have minimum fees. RHP may, in its
sole discretion, accept clients with smaller portfolios based upon certain criteria, including but
not limited to anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar
amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, pre-existing client,
account retention, and pro bono activities.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
RHP Investment Philosophy
We believe that financial markets are semi-efficient and that a security's price generally reflects
all publicly known and available material information. We also believe that investors can and do
act irrationally at times, which can create opportunities for astute investors.
Equities offer the best opportunity to achieve inflation-adjusted returns in the long run. To
minimize risks, they should be broadly diversified to avoid concentration in a few positions, styles,
or sectors. Fixed-income investments help reduce volatility in portfolios and generate income. As
with equities, broad diversification is preferred. Cash is used to meet spending needs and
minimize market exposure during periods of heightened volatility.
A discussion of investments should begin with a solid understanding of the financial planning
process, and investing should be viewed in the context of a client's financial goals. This process
educates clients about the interaction of investment returns and volatility, their spending and
savings habits, and how this can affect the probability of reaching their financial goals.
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RHP Investment Strategy
Investors are risk averse. The degree of risk aversion will vary across investors at any point in time
and for the same investor across time (as a function of their age, wealth, income, and health).
The more risk-averse an investor, the less their portfolio should be in risky assets such as equities.
An investor's time horizon reflects personal characteristics or a need for cash. Some investors
have the patience to hold investments for long periods, while others do not. Other investors with
significant cash needs in the near term have shorter time horizons than those without such
requirements. An investor's time horizon will influence the kinds of assets they will hold in their
portfolio and the weights of those assets. The longer an investor's time horizon, the more
significant the proportion of the portfolio should be in risky investments such as equities.
RHP has developed five investment strategies that address an investor's targeted time horizon.
Each model is geared to the client's investment time horizon and risk tolerance by either
increasing or decreasing the riskier asset class of equities.
CONSERVATIVE – 100% fixed income
MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE – 70% fixed income/30% equities
MODERATE – 40% fixed income/60% equities
MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE – 25% fixed income/75% equities
AGGRESSIVE – 100% equities
AGGRESSIVE PLUS – Multi Asset Fund with No Constraints
Suppose RHP perceives investment opportunities that favor either asset class of equities or fixed
income. In that case, RHP can shift the weighting of equities or fixed income up to 10% within the
balanced strategies of Moderately Conservative, Moderate, and Moderately Aggressive. For
example, at a 10% fixed income over-weight within the Moderate strategy, the neutral weight of
40% fixed income/60% equities will shift to 50% fixed income/50% equities.
Risk of Loss
The following list of risk factors does not purport to be a complete enumeration or explanation
of the risks involved with respect to the Firm’s Wealth Management activities. Clients should
consult with their legal, tax, and other advisors before engaging the Firm to provide Wealth
Management services on their behalf.
Market Risks
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and all investors should be guided
accordingly. The profitability of a significant portion of RHP’s recommendations and/or
investment decisions may depend to a great extent upon correctly assessing the future course of
price movements of stocks, bonds and other asset classes. In addition, investments may be
adversely affected by financial markets and economic conditions throughout the world. There
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can be no assurance that RHP will be able to predict these price movements accurately or
capitalize on any such assumptions.
Volatility Risks
The prices and values of investments can be highly volatile, and are influenced by, among other
things, interest rates, general economic conditions, the condition of the financial markets, the
financial condition of the issuers of such assets, changing supply and demand relationships, and
programs and policies of governments.
Cash Management Risks
The Firm may invest some of a client’s assets temporarily in money market funds or other similar
types of investments, during which time an advisory account may be prevented from achieving
its investment objective.
Company-specific risk
A company’s stock price may decline for numerous reasons that relate directly to the company,
such as a loss of competitive advantage, impairment of capital or earnings power, legal
difficulties, or management changes.
Risks associated with foreign companies
Special risks associated with investments in foreign companies may include greater exposure to
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, less comprehensive company information, different
financial reporting and legal standards, and political instability.
Allocation risk
Certain companies, industries or market sectors may be significantly over weighted or
underweighted relative to the broader market indices. Consequently, the performance of our
portfolios may be more or less sensitive than the overall market to factors affecting those
companies, industries or sectors.
Style risk
The Firm’s investment strategy focuses on high quality stocks with large market capitalizations.
As a result, the portfolios may underperform the broader market during intervals when such
securities are out of favor with investors.
Equity-Related Securities and Instruments
The Firm may take long in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers traded on national
securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The value of equity securities varies in
response to many factors. These factors include, without limitation, factors specific to an issuer
and factors specific to the industry in which the issuer participates. Individual companies may
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report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and
developments, and the stock prices of such companies may suffer a decline in response. In
addition, equity securities are subject to stock risk, which is the risk that stock prices historically
rise and fall in periodic cycles. U.S. and non-U.S. stock markets have experienced periods of
substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future. In addition, investments
in small- capitalization, mid-capitalization and financially distressed companies may be subject to
more abrupt or erratic price movements and may lack sufficient market liquidity, and these
issuers often face greater business risks.
Fixed Income Securities
While the Firm emphasizes risk-averse management and capital preservation in its fixed-income
bond portfolios, clients who invest in this product can lose money, including losing a portion of
their original investment. The prices of the securities in our portfolios fluctuate. The Firm does
not guarantee any particular level of performance. Below is a representative list of the types of
risks clients should consider before investing in this product.
●
Interest rate risk. Prices of bonds tend to move in the opposite direction to interest rate
changes. Typically, a rise in interest rates will negatively affect bond prices. The longer
the duration and average maturity of a portfolio, the greater the likely reaction to interest
rate moves.
● Credit (or default) risk. A bond’s price will generally fall if the issuer fails to make a
scheduled interest or principal payment, if the credit rating of the security is
downgraded, or if the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates.
● Liquidity risk. Sectors of the bond market can experience a sudden downturn in trading
activity. When there is little or no trading activity in a security, it can be difficult to sell
the security at or near its perceived value. In such a market, bond prices may fall.
● Call risk. Some bonds give the issuer the option to call or redeem the bond before the
maturity date. If an issuer calls a bond when interest rates are declining, the proceeds
may have to be reinvested at a lower yield. During periods of market illiquidity or rising
rates, prices of callable securities may be subject to increased volatility.
● Prepayment risk. When interest rates fall, the principal of mortgage-backed securities
may be prepaid. These prepayments can reduce the portfolio’s yield because proceeds
may have to be reinvested at a lower yield.
● Extension risk. When interest rates rise or there is a lack of refinancing opportunities,
prepayments of mortgage-backed securities or callable bonds may be less than expected.
This would lengthen the portfolio’s duration and average maturity and increase its
sensitivity to rising rates and its potential for price declines.
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Mutual Funds and ETFs
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual fund
and ETF shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers of
the fund’s underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-
level capital gains, as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains in the
event, they sell securities for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the fund
itself or a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is equal to
a fund’s stated daily per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholders fees (e.g., sales
loads, purchase fees, redemption fees). The per share NAV of a mutual fund is calculated at the
end of each business day, although the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday changes to the market
value of the fund’s holdings. The trading prices of a mutual fund’s shares may differ significantly
from the NAV during periods of market volatility, which may, among other factors, lead to the
mutual fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to actual NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is
generally calculated at least once daily for indexed based ETFs and potentially more frequently
for actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a
premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also no guarantee that an active secondary
market for such shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only redeems shares
when aggregated as creation units (usually 20,000 shares or more). Therefore, if a liquid
secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have no way
to dispose of such shares.
Management through Similarly Managed “Model” Accounts
RHP manages certain accounts through the use of similarly managed “model” portfolios, whereby
the Firm allocates all or a portion of its clients’ assets among various mutual funds and/or
securities on a discretionary basis using one or more of its proprietary investment strategies. In
managing assets through the use of models, the Firm remains in compliance with the safe harbor
provisions of Rule 3a-4 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The strategy used to manage a model portfolio may involve an above average portfolio turnover
that could negatively impact clients’ net after tax gains. While the Firm seeks to ensure that
clients’ assets are managed in a manner consistent with their individual financial situations and
investment objectives, securities transactions effected pursuant to a model investment strategy
are usually done without regard to a client’s individual tax ramifications. Clients should contact
the Firm if they experience a change in their financial situation or if they want to impose
reasonable restrictions on the management of their accounts.
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Use of Margin
While the use of margin borrowing for investments can substantially improve returns, it may also
increase overall portfolio risk. Margin transactions are generally affected using capital borrowed
from a Financial Institution, which is secured by a client’s holdings. Under certain circumstances,
a leading Financial Institution may demand an increase in the underlying collateral. If the client is
unable to provide the additional collateral, the Financial Institution may liquidate account assets
to satisfy the client’s outstanding obligations, which could have extremely adverse consequences.
In addition, fluctuations in the amount of a client’s borrowings and the corresponding interest
rates may have a significant effect on the profitability and stability of a client’s portfolio.
Currency Risks
An advisory account that holds investments denominated in currencies other than the currency
in which the advisory account is denominated may be adversely affected by the volatility of
currency exchange rates.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
RHP has not been involved in any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s
evaluation of its advisory business or the integrity of its management.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
This item requires investment advisers to disclose certain financial industry activities and affiliations.
Registered Representatives of a Broker-Dealer
None of the Firm’s Supervised Persons are Registered Representatives of a Broker-Dealer.
Licensed Insurance Agents
RHP has a relationship with third-party insurance networking agencies that provide insurance and
annuity education, comparisons, and solutions. These third-party insurance networking agencies have
relationships with third party broker-dealers who facilitate variable annuities and insurance products.
For an asset-based fee, RHP may contract directly with third party broker-dealers to provide advisory
consulting services to their clients. The services provided by RHP under these third-party relationships
are limited to a) serving as the client relationship manager, b) providing advice based on client
relationship summaries, c) providing investment analysis based on disclosed client assets. RHP does not
receive nor share in commissions in these relationships. FIRM does not assume discretionary authority
over any brokerage accounts.
Through these same relationships, RHP may recommend non-variable life and annuity product and
receive compensation in the form advisory fees directly from insurance carriers.
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Item 11. Code of Ethics
RHP has adopted a code of ethics in compliance with applicable securities laws (“Code of Ethics”)
that sets forth the standards of conduct expected of its Supervised Persons. RHP’s Code of Ethics
contains written policies reasonably designed to prevent certain unlawful practices such as the
use of material non-public information by the Firm or any of its Supervised Persons and the
trading by the same of securities ahead of clients in order to take advantage of pending orders.
The Code of Ethics also requires certain of RHP’s personnel to report their personal securities
holdings and transactions and obtain pre-approval of certain investments (e.g., initial public
offerings, limited offerings). However, the Firm’s Supervised Persons are permitted to buy or sell
securities that it also recommends to clients if done in a fair and equitable manner that is
consistent with the Firm’s policies and procedures. This Code of Ethics has been established
recognizing that some securities trade in sufficiently broad markets to permit transactions by
certain personnel to be completed without any appreciable impact on the markets of such
securities. Therefore, under limited circumstances, exceptions may be made to the policies stated
below.
When the Firm is engaging in or considering a transaction in any security on behalf of a client, no
Supervised Person with access to this information may knowingly affect for themselves or for
their immediate family (i.e., spouse, minor children and adults living in the same household) a
transaction in that security unless:
•
the transaction has been completed;
•
the transaction for the Supervised Person is completed as part of a batch trade with clients; or
•
a decision has been made not to engage in the transaction for the client.
These requirements are not applicable to: (i) direct obligations of the Government of the United
States; (ii) money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit,
commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments,
including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by money market funds; and iv) shares issued
by other unaffiliated open-end mutual funds.
Clients and prospective clients may contact RHP to request a copy of its Code of Ethics.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Recommendation of Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
RHP recommends that clients utilize the custody, brokerage and clearing services of Charles
Schwab & Co, Inc. through its Schwab Advisor Services division (“Schwab”) for Wealth
Management accounts. The final decision to custody assets with Schwab is at the discretion of
the client, including those accounts under ERISA or IRA rules and regulations, in which case the
client is acting as either the plan sponsor or IRA accountholder. RHP is independently owned and
operated and not affiliated with Schwab. Schwab provides RHP with access to its institutional
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trading and custody services, which are typically not available to retail investors.
Factors which RHP considers in recommending Schwab or any other broker-dealer to clients
include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research and service.
Schwab enables the Firm to obtain many mutual funds without transaction charges and other
securities at nominal transaction charges. The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by
Schwab may be higher or lower than those charged by other Financial Institutions.
The commissions paid by RHP’s clients to Schwab comply with the Firm’s duty to obtain “best
execution.” Clients may pay commissions that are higher than another qualified Financial
Institution might charge to effect the same transaction where RHP determines that the
commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but
whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the
full range of a Financial Institution’s services, including among others, the value of research
provided, execution capability, commission rates and responsiveness. RHP seeks competitive
rates but may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
Transactions may be cleared through other broker-dealers with whom the Firm and its custodians
have entered into agreements for prime brokerage clearing services. Should an account make
use of prime brokerage, the Client may be required to sign an additional agreement, and
additional fees are likely to be charged.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions are directed to certain broker-
dealers in return for investment research products and/or services which assist RHP in its
investment decision-making process. Such research will be used to service all of the Firm’s clients,
but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research that is not used
in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products and/or services
as well as the allocation of the benefit of such investment research products and/or services
poses a conflict of interest because RHP does not have to produce or pay for the products or
services.
its policies and procedures regarding
its
RHP periodically and systematically reviews
recommendation of Financial Institutions in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
Management of Held Away Assets
RHP uses a third-party platform, Pontera Solutions Inc. (“Pontera”) to facilitate management of
held away assets such as defined contribution plan participant accounts, with discretion. The
platform allows RHP to avoid being considered to have custody of Client funds since RHP does
not have direct access to Client log-in credentials to affect trades. RHP is not affiliated with the
platform in any way and receive no compensation from Pontera for using their platform. A link
will be provided to the Client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform. Once Client
account(s) is connected to the platform, RHP will review the current account allocations. When
deemed necessary, RHP will rebalance the account, considering client investment goals and risk
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tolerance, and any change in allocations will consider current economic and market trends. The
goal is to improve account performance over time, minimize loss during difficult markets, and
manage internal fees that harm account performance. Client account(s) will be reviewed at least
semi-annually, and allocation changes will be made as deemed necessary.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
RHP has access to research, products, or other services from its broker/dealer in connection with
client securities transactions (“soft dollar benefits”) consistent with (and not outside of) the safe
harbor contained in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and may
consider these benefits in recommending brokers. There can be no assurance that any particular
client will benefit from any particular soft dollar research or other benefits. RHP benefits by not
having to produce or pay for the research, products or services, and RHP will have an incentive to
recommend a broker-dealer based on receiving research or services. Clients should be aware that
RHP’s acceptance of soft dollar benefits may result in higher commissions charged to the client.
RHP receives without cost from Schwab administrative support, computer software, related
systems support, as well as other third-party support as further described below (together
“Support”) which allows RHP to better monitor client accounts maintained at Schwab and
otherwise conduct its business. RHP receives the Support without cost because the Firm renders
Wealth Management services to clients that maintain assets at Schwab. The Support is not
provided in connection with securities transactions of clients (i.e., not “soft dollars”). The Support
benefits RHP, but not its clients directly. Clients should be aware that RHP’s receipt of economic
benefits such as Support from a broker-dealer creates a conflict of interest since these benefits
will influence the Firm’s choice of broker-dealer over another that does not furnish similar
software, systems support or services, especially because the support is contingent upon clients
placing a certain level(s) of assets at Schwab. In fulfilling its duties to its clients, RHP endeavors at
all times to put the interests of its clients first and has determined that the recommendation of
Schwab is in the best interest of clients and satisfies the Firm's duty to seek best execution.
Specifically, RHP receives the following benefits from Schwab: i) receipt of duplicate client
confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; ii) access to a trading desk that exclusively
services its institutional traders; iii) access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate
securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts; and iv) access
to an electronic communication network for client order entry and account information.
These services generally are available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited
basis, at no charge to them so long as a certain amount of the advisor’s clients’ assets are
maintained in accounts at Schwab Advisor Services. Schwab’s services include brokerage services
that are related to the execution of securities transactions, custody, research, including that in
the form of advice, analyses and reports, and access to mutual funds and other investments that
are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly
higher minimum initial investment.
For client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab generally does not charge separately for
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custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions or other
transaction-related or asset- based fees for securities trades that are executed through Schwab
or that settle into Schwab accounts.
Schwab also makes available to the Firm other products and services that benefit the Firm but
may not benefit its clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional or Firm
specific educational events organized and/or sponsored by Schwab. Other potential benefits may
include occasional business entertainment of personnel of RHP by Schwab personnel, including
meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf tournaments, and other forms of
entertainment, some of which may accompany educational opportunities. Other of these
products and services assist RHP in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These include
software and other technology (and related technological training) that provide access to client
account data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade execution
(and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), provide research, pricing
information and other market data, facilitate payment of the Firm's fees from its clients’ accounts,
and assist with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Many of these services generally may be used to service all or some substantial number of the
Firm’s accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. Schwab also makes available to
RHP other services intended to help the Firm manage and further develop its business enterprise.
These services may include professional compliance, legal and business consulting, publications
and conferences on practice management, information technology, business succession,
regulatory compliance, employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, insurance and
marketing. In addition, Schwab may make available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these types
of services rendered to the Firm by independent third parties. Schwab may discount or waive fees
it would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees of a third-
party providing these services to the Firm. While, as a fiduciary, RHP endeavors to act in its clients’
best interests, the Firm's recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts at
Schwab may be based in part on the benefits received and not solely on the nature, cost or quality
of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab, which creates a conflict of interest.
The Firm receives funds to be used toward qualifying third-party service providers for services
that can include research, marketing, compliance, technology and software platforms and
services. The initial funds are available regardless of assets held at Schwab. Subsequent funds are
expected to become available when certain thresholds for new assets added to Schwab, are met.
This results in a conflict of interest since the Firm has an incentive to place additional client assets
with Schwab.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
RHP does not consider, in selecting or recommending broker-dealers, whether the Firm
receives client referrals from the Financial Institutions or other third party.
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Directed Brokerage
The client may direct RHP in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute some or
all transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for
the account with that Financial Institution, and the Firm will not seek better execution services or
prices from other Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution
through other Financial Institutions with orders for other accounts managed by RHP (as described
above). As a result, the client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs, greater
spreads or may receive less favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than would
otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best execution, RHP may decline a client’s request
to direct brokerage if, in the Firm’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would
result in additional operational difficulties or violate restrictions imposed by other broker-dealers
(as further discussed below).
Trade Aggregation
Transactions for each client will be affected independently, unless RHP decides to purchase or
sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. RHP may (but is not
obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to obtain best execution, to negotiate more
favorable commission rates or to allocate equitably among the Firm’s client’s differences in prices
and commissions or other transaction costs that might not have been obtained had such orders
been placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and
allocated among RHP’s clients pro rata to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client on
any given day. To the extent that the Firm determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase
or sale of securities, including securities in which RHP’s Supervised Persons may invest, the Firm
does so in accordance with applicable rules promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action
guidance provided by the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. RHP does not
receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of the aggregation.
In the event that the Firm determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the
particular circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which
include: (i) when only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the
account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to an account that is out of line with
respect to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios, with similar mandates; (ii)
allocations may be given to one account when one account has limitations in its investment
guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other securities which are expected to produce
similar investment results and can be purchased by other accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an
investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to
other accounts (this may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after an order is
placed); (iv) with respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash; (v)
in cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis allocation
in one or more accounts, the Firm may exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the
transactions may be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases
where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may be allocated to one
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or more accounts on a random basis.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Account Reviews
RHP monitors client portfolios on a continuous and ongoing basis, including weekly model
tracking error checks for client accounts. Such reviews are conducted by the Firm’s Principal
and/or investment adviser representatives. All investment advisory clients are encouraged to
discuss their needs, goals and objectives with RHP and to keep the Firm informed of any changes
thereto. The Firm contacts ongoing investment advisory clients at least annually to review its
previous services and/or recommendations and quarterly to discuss the impact resulting from
any changes in the client’s financial situation and/or investment objectives.
Account Statements and Reports
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account
statements directly from the Financial Institutions where their assets are custodied. From time-
to-time or as otherwise requested, clients may also receive written or electronic reports from RHP
and/or an outside service provider, which contain certain account and/or market-related
information, such as an inventory of account holdings or account performance. Clients should
compare the account statements they receive from their custodian with any documents or
reports they receive from RHP or an outside service provider.
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services provides RHP with access to Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Advisor Services’ institutional trading and custody services, which are typically not available to
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services retail investors. These services generally are available
to independent investment advisers on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so long as a total
of at least $10 million of the adviser’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at Charles Schwab
& Co., Inc. Advisor Services. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services includes brokerage services
that are related to the execution of securities transactions, custody, research, including that in the
form of advice, analyses and reports, and access to mutual funds and other investments that are
otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly higher
minimum initial investment. For RHP client accounts maintained in its custody, Charles Schwab &
Co., Inc. Advisor Services generally does not charge separately for custody services but is
compensated by account holders through commissions or other transaction-related or asset-based
fees for securities trades that are executed through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services or
that settle into Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services accounts.
The Firm does not currently provide compensation to any third-party solicitors for client referrals.
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Item 15. Custody
RHP is deemed to have custody of client funds and securities because the Firm is given the ability
to debit client accounts for payment of the Firm’s fees. As such, client funds and securities are
maintained at one or more Financial Institutions that serve as the qualified custodian with respect
to such assets. Such qualified custodians will send account statements to clients at least once per
calendar quarter that typically detail any transactions in such account for the relevant period.
In addition, as discussed in Item 13, RHP will also send, or otherwise make available, periodic
supplemental reports to clients. Clients should carefully review the statements sent directly by
the Financial Institutions and compare them to those received from RHP. Any other custody
disclosures can be found in the Firm’s Form ADV Part 1.
Custody is also disclosed in Form ADV because RHP has authority to transfer money from client
account(s), which constitutes a standing letter of authorization (SLOA). Accordingly, RHP will
follow the safeguards specified by the SEC rather than undergo an annual audit.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
RHP is given the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of clients. RHP is considered to exercise
investment discretion over a client’s account if it can affect and/or direct transactions in client
accounts without first seeking their consent. RHP is given this authority through a power-of-
attorney included in the agreement between RHP and the client. Clients may request a limitation
on this authority (such as certain securities not to be bought or sold). RHP takes discretion over
the following activities:
The securities to be purchased or sold;
The amount of securities to be purchased or sold;
•
•
• When transactions are made;
•
•
The broker-dealer that executes trades (in the case of a prime brokerage relationship); and
The Independent Managers to be hired or fired.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Acceptance of Proxy Voting Authority
RHP will not ask for, nor accept voting authority for client securities. Clients will receive proxies
directly from the issuer of the security or the custodian. Clients should direct all proxy
questions to the issuer of the security.
Item 18. Financial Information
•
The Firm does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six
months or more in advance of services rendered; and
•
The Firm has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten years.
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