View Document Text
Item 1 – Cover Page
SB Advisory, LLC
Tower Place
3424 Peachtree Road
Suite 2200
Atlanta, Georgia 30326 (404) 704-0406
IARD #: 154680
Investment Advisory Brochure (“ADV Part 2A”)
October 6, 2025
NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS: READ THIS DISCLOSURE BROCHURE IN ITS
ENTIRETY
All the material within this Brochure must be reviewed by those who are considering becoming a client
of our firm. This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of SB
Advisory, LLC (“Advisor”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please
contact us at (404) 704-0406. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
In accordance with federal and state regulations, this Brochure is on file with the appropriate
securities regulatory authorities as required. The information provided within this Brochure is not to
be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by state securities authorities in any jurisdiction
within the United States, or by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. SB Advisory,
LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply any level
of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an Adviser provide you with information
about which you determine to hire or retain an Adviser. Additional information about SB Advisory,
LLC also is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Material Changes
This Brochure dated October 6, 2025 is an amended version of the previous Brochure dated May 14,
2025. Since the date of the last other than annual updating amendment of the Brochure, there have
been the following material changes:
•
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation - Updated to reflect a change in the Firm’s fee structure and
hourly fee rate.
Please see the respective Item for additional information.
Currently, our Brochure may be requested from our Chief Compliance Officer Danny Padilla. Mr. Padilla’s
email is Dp@sanblassecurities.com and his phone number is 404.334.0341.
information about SB Advisory, LLC
is also available via
Additional
the web site
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The web site also provides information about any persons affiliated with
SB Advisory, LLC who are registered, or are required to be registered, as investment adviser
representatives of SB Advisory, LLC.
Item 3 -Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 -Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4 – Advisory Business ............................................................................................................................. 4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ..................................................................................................................... 9
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................................... 14
Item 7 – Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................... 15
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................................ 15
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................................. 19
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................................... 19
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................. 21
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................................... 22
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ....................................................................................................................... 24
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..................................................................................... 24
Item 15 – Custody .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Item 16 – Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................... 25
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................. 25
Item 18 – Financial Information .................................................................................................................... 25
Item 4 – Advisory Business
THE FIRM
SB Advisory, LLC (the “Advisor” or the “Firm”) is an investment advisory firm registered with
the Securities & Exchange Commission that commenced providing investment advisory services
and investment advice in 2009. The Firm is principally owned by IFS Group. IFS Group is the
parent company of all SB entities (San Blas Securities, SB Advisory). Alexys McKenzie is the
Executive officer of IFS Group. As of December 31, 2024, the Firm manages assets totaling
$285,851,527 of which $21,613,914 is managed on a discretionary basis and $376,266,884 is
managed on a non-discretionary basis. The following paragraphs provide a description of the
programs and services offered by SB Advisory, LLC.
ADVISORY MANAGEMENT
Alex McKenzie – President & CEO
Alex McKenzie, Started in the financial services industry as a stockbroker in 1994 advising
business owners both domestically and abroad. Experience since then has been starting three
Broker/Dealers and three RIAs. Previously he served as treasurer of the Atlanta Workforce
Development Authority (AWDA) and a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.
McKenzie is knowledgeable in Retail Wealth Management/ Capital Markets. He holds the Series
7, 24, 63, 66, 79 and 99 licenses.
Danny Padilla –CCO
Prior to San Blas Securities, Padilla served as Managing Director and Head of Institutional Equity Trading
for IFS Securities. He also has held a series of senior roles at WBENC/MWBE firm Divine Capital and
Magna Securities. Padilla holds Series 7,24,55 and 62 licenses.
RBC
Accounts managed at RBC may be invested in a wide range of securities including mutual funds,
exchange traded funds, individual equities, fixed income securities, and many more. There is
no minimum investment amount for these advisory accounts.
Under this program, the Advisor will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as
financial condition, investment objectives, tax status, and general risk characteristics. The
information may be collected by the Advisor through investor profiles, account forms completed
by the Client, and through communication with the Client. On the basis of this information, the
Advisor will tailor the advisory services to the needs of the Client. The Advisor will utilize various
securities to implement the customized portfolio. Client reserves the right to impose restrictions
or guidelines on the management of the Client's assets, including any limitations on the purchase
or sale of securities or types of securities.
The Advisor can manage the assets on a discretionary basis, thereby allowing the Advisor to
determine what securities and investments are to be bought or sold, the amount of transactions,
and the timing of transactions, or on a non-discretionary basis where the Advisor will provide
recommendations to the Client and the Client has ultimate authority for the approval of such
transactions. All accounts are required to be at RBC. Clients will receive account statements from
RBC no less than quarterly concerning all transactions, balances and portfolio holdings within
their account.
Advisor Choice Program
The Advisor Choice Program offers Clients the opportunity to utilize various money managers in
managing all or a portion of their assets. The managers are selected by the Advisor, unless the
Advisor and Client have mutually agreed otherwise. Client assets will be custodied at a firm
of the money manager’ choosing, unless the Advisor has the authority to select such custodian.
A minimum investment may be required by the money manager.
Under this program, the Advisor will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as
financial condition, investment objectives, tax status, and general risk characteristics. The
information may be collected by the Advisor through investor profiles, account forms completed
by the Client, and through communication with the Client. The Advisor will select money
managers whose investment philosophy, style, and discipline are commiserate with information
obtained from the Client to meet the needs of the Client. Individual portfolios are determined
independent of the Client’s financial situation by the money manager. Should the Client desire to
limit the level and ability to select money managers by Advisor, the mutual agreement of the
Client and Advisor is required.
Client reserves the right to impose restrictions or guidelines on the management of the Client's
assets, including any limitations on the purchase or sale of securities or types of securities subject
to the terms and conditions imposed by the money manager. For more information on the ability
of a Client to impose restrictions, refer to the ADV Part 2A or other information provided by the
money manager.
Clients will receive account statements no less than quarterly from the money manager managing
the Client’s assets.
AssetMark Programs
These programs offer clients access to AssetMark’s mutual fund and exchange-traded fund
(“ETF”) programs as well as AssetMark’s privately managed accounts and unified managed
accounts. In the mutual fund and ETF asset allocation programs, AssetMark offers client’s asset
allocations composed by a group of independent investment strategists (“Portfolio Strategists”),
with the different model allocations designed to satisfy a gradient of risk/return objectives. The
Portfolio Strategists have no direct relationship with SB or the client, make no analysis of and do
not consider the clients’ individual circumstances or objectives, and do not tailor the model asset
allocation to any specific client’s needs, circumstances or objectives, but only to the stated
risk/return objectives.
The investment advisor representative assists the client in selecting the risk/return objective and
Portfolio Strategist that best suit the client’s objectives. The client then specifically directs the
account to be invested in accordance with the chosen asset allocation. When the client selects the
asset allocation, the client further directs that the account be automatically adjusted to reflect any
adjustment in the asset allocation by the selected Portfolio Strategist. This client authorization
results in the purchase and sale of certain mutual funds or ETFs without further authorization by
the client or any other party when the Portfolio Strategist changes the composition of the selected
model asset allocation. SB Advisory and the investment advisor
representative have no authority to cause any purchase or sale of securities in any client account
or change the selected model asset allocation or to direct the account to be invested in any manner
other than as previously authorized by the client. SB Advisory and the investment advisor
representative do not take any discretionary authority over client accounts.
Additionally, AssetMark may offer, through investment advisor representatives, Privately
Managed Accounts and Unified Managed Accounts. Under these accounts, the investment
advisor representative will introduce clients to, and advise on the selection of, independent
investment managers who provide discretionary management of individual portfolios using a
variety of different securities analysis methods, sources of information and investment strategies.
Clients receive separate disclosure from such investment managers regarding any such
investment manager’s advisory services.
Brinker Capital
Brinker furnishes or arranges for investment management and supervisory services to meet the
individual needs of its clients. The client's investment objectives will be determined based on
answers to an investment strategy questionnaire as discussed in more detail in Item 8 of this
Brochure. These programs are more fully described in the firm’s Disclosure Brochure Brinker
offers a variety of services to its clients in order to meet those needs. These services include
highly customized separate managed account manager-of- manager services.
Brinker may also recommend privately placed or publicly traded pooled investment vehicles
(such as hedge funds, mutual funds or exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), etc.) in lieu of allocating
assets separately to an investment manager. Brinker may provide discretionary management, in
which case Brinker can hire and fire investment managers and select investment vehicles, in its
sole discretion.
Brinker has been retained as a sub-adviser on various third-party platforms. For these programs,
Brinker provides asset allocation and manager selection services, and in some cases, may provide
other operational related services. Brinker also offers certain of its investment strategies and
programs on platforms of unaffiliated managers or sponsors.
Brinker’s services are generally provided to the client pursuant to an investment advisory
agreement between Brinker and the client. However, Brinker may also enter into a tri-party
investment advisory agreement with the client and another investment advisory firm that assumes
fiduciary responsibility for recommending and/or selecting the investment strategy for the client,
including, in the case of an account invested in the Core Asset Manager program, a suitable asset
allocation and selection of investment managers and other investments.
EQIS CAPTIAL MANAGEMENT, Inc.
EQIS Capital Management, Inc is a SEC registered investment adviser that sponsors wrap fee
programs. EQIS offers separately managed accounts. The account minimum to invest is
$25,000. EQIS has various model portfolios in asset classes such as stocks, American Depository
Receipts (ADR’s), ETFs, target term trusts, US Government bonds, money market funds and
mutual funds. The portfolios are actively managed on a discretionary basis.
FLEXIBLE PLAN INVESTMENTS, Ltd. -Referral Agreement
Flexible Plan Investments is a federally registered independent investment adviser that manages
individual investment accounts. As of 12.31.2017 Flexible Plan has $1.95 billion assets under
management. SB Advisory has a Referral Agreement in place with Flexible Plan Investments.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
SB Advisory offers financial planning services to Clients seeking advice and direction on various
aspects of financial planning. The level and extent of such financial planning services is
dependent upon the level of services desired by the Client. Such advice may include, but is not
limited to, analysis of financial plans, retirement planning, budget analysis, estate planning,
college planning, and cash flow analysis. The extent and nature of the financial planning is
tailored to the desires and needs sought by the Client. Services may include the development of
a written plan, providing analysis or recommendations, or may only involve consultation(s).
Three basic types of financial planning are offered to Clients to select are:
• Comprehensive Financial Planning
• Limited Financial Planning
• Hourly Financial Planning & Consultation
Each of these types of financial planning is discussed below.
In determining or selecting to receive financial planning services, the Client is under no obligation
to act upon the Advisor’s recommendation. If the Client elects to act on any of the
recommendations, the Client is under no obligation to affect the transaction through the Advisor.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
The Advisor will thoroughly review of all pertinent Client information, including financial
condition, tax status, and cash flow concerns, discuss Client objectives and needs, assess risk
tolerance, and mutually agree upon a set of assumptions. On the basis of this information, the
Advisor will provide Client with a customized written report of all analyses and
recommendations. The purpose of comprehensive financial planning is to conduct a holistic
review of the Client’s financial situation, goals, and risks to provide advice and recommendations
on aspects of the Client’s financial situation disclosed to the Advisor. Services will be rendered
to the Client within six months of entering into an agreement.
Limited Financial Planning
The Advisor will thoroughly review of all pertinent Client information, including financial
condition, tax status, and cash flow concerns, discuss Client objectives and needs, assess risk
tolerance, and mutually agree upon a set of assumptions as it pertains to the area(s) of financial
planning services desired by the Client. On the basis of this information, the Advisor will provide
Client with a customized written report of all analyses and recommendations. Unlike
Comprehensive Financial Planning, the purpose of such limited planning is to target area(s) of
financial planning services for which the Client desires. The financial planning activities of the
Advisor are not a holistic review of the Client’s financial situation, goals, and risk.
It is the responsibility of the Client to indicate to the Advisor what areas of financial planning
the Client seeks information and a written report. Among some of the areas the Client can choose
among are:
• College Funding
• Charitable Planning
• Retirement Planning
• Investment Planning and Analysis
• Estate Planning
• Business Planning
• Budget Analysis
• Insurance Planning
• Cash Flow Management
• Review of Prior Financial Plans
Services will be rendered to the Client within six months of entering into an agreement.
Hourly Financial Planning & Consultation
The Advisor will review pertinent Client information provided to it by the Client, discuss Client
objective and needs, and analyze and assess other factors necessary in providing information and
recommendations concerning area(s) of financial planning for which the Client seeks advice. The
Advisor is not responsible for providing a written report of analyses and recommendations. The
purpose of hourly financial planning is to provide a way for Clients to openly discuss financial
planning matters affecting them, their families, and/or their businesses. The Advisor reserves the
right, based on information obtained during consultations or through submissions, to provide
advice and recommendations at a time other than any consultations, as additional time may be
necessary to provide quality advice and recommendations. It is the responsibility of the Client
to indicate to the Advisor what areas of financial planning the Client seeks information and
potential recommendations.
Individuals Retirement and Retirement Plan Accounts:
When SB Advisory provides 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 SB Advisory makes 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);
• Put your financial interests ahead of ours 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.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
The following sections provide details on fees and compensation of the various programs and
services offered by SB Advisory, LLC.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Total Annualized fee charged to the client
Up to $500,000
$500,000 up to $1 Million
$1 Million up to $2 Million
$2 Million up to $5 Million
$5 Million and up
2.50%1
2.00%
1.75%
1.50%
1.25%
Fees are payable monthly or quarterly in advance and are negotiable. Currently there is no
account minimum for this program.
Transaction Fees: Ticket charges/transaction fees may be negotiable at the time Client sets up their account
for accounts in the RBC program. In some accounts, Clients may negotiate whether their IAR incurs ticket
charges/transaction fees on their behalf. When Client pays the ticket charge, this fee is often marked up
above the rate charged by RBC for the transaction, resulting in additional revenue to SB Advisory, LLC’s
affiliated broker-dealer that acts as introducing broker-dealer to accounts custodied at RBC. This creates a
conflict of interest to trade more in these Client accounts, as it generates more revenue to SB Advisory,
LLC’ affiliate. When Client’s IAR agrees to incur tick charges on Client’s behalf, this creates a conflict of
interest to reduce trading in the Client’s account, as the IAR will reduce its costs when doing so.
Listed Equities: Up to $10 per transaction (buy & sell)
Mutual Funds: $Up to $15 per transaction (buy & sell)
Fixed Income: $Up to $20 per transaction (buy & sell)
*Lower fees for comparable services may be found from other sources.
The annual fees provided above are payable in advance on a quarterly basis. The initial fee will
be based on the value of assets at the inception of Client's program account(s) and then quarterly
thereafter based upon the value of the client's account at the last business day of the preceding
calendar quarter. The initial fee will be due upon inception. For accounts established in the first
or second month of a quarter, the amount due is prorated for the remainder of the quarter. For
1 Fees above 2% are higher than what is normally charged by investment advisers.
accounts established in the third month of a quarter, the amount due will include the prorated
amount for the remainder of the quarter as well as fees for the next quarter. The Client authorizes
the Asset Management Services department of RBC to debit fees for the Client's account(s) under
management by the Advisor.
If the Client or Advisor wishes to terminate their relationship with the Advisor or Client,
respectively, written notice shall be provided by the Client to the Advisor, or vice-versa. Said
termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the termination notice by the other
party. Client's death shall not terminate the authority granted to the Advisor hereunder until the
Advisor has received actual notification of said death. Any fees for Services paid in advance for
which Services have not been rendered will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
Advisory accounts at RBC
The Client will be assessed the following annual fees. The following fees are negotiable between
the Advisor and Client; however, no fee may exceed the stated level below listed.
Fee
2.50%2
2.00%
Portfolio Value
Up to $500,000
$500,000 up to $1
Million
$1 Million to $2 Million
$2 Million to $5 Million
$5 Million and up
1.75%
1.50%
1.25%
*Lower fees for comparable services may be found from other sources.
The annual fees provided above are payable in advance monthly. The initial fee will be based on
the value of assets at the inception of Client's program account(s) and then monthly thereafter,
based upon the value of the Client's account at the last business day of the preceding calendar
month.
Should the initial or a subsequent contribution of assets take place during a month, the fee for
such contribution will be prorated for the remainder of the month and will be due within a
reasonable period upon request. The initial fee will be due upon inception. For accounts
established during a month, the amount due is prorated for the remainder of the month. The
Client authorizes the custodian to debit fees for the Client's account(s) under management by the
Advisor.
In addition to the annual fees state above, the Client may incur additional charges from the
broker/dealer and custodian. Such fees include, but are not limited to, commission charges,
account maintenance fees, safekeeping fees, administrative fees, transfer fees, and transaction
expenses, such as ticket charges and mailing and posting charges.
When SB Advisory, LLC’s affiliate, San Blas Securities, acts as introducing broker-dealer for the
Client account custodied at RBC, it will earn compensation through various mark-up and revenue
sharing arrangements it maintains through its relationship and agreement with RBC, such as:
2 Fees above 2% are higher than what is normally charged by investment advisers.
Mark-ups to certain fees assessed by RBC: Annual account fees, domestic bank wires, outgoing
non-IRA ACAT fees and ticket charges are marked-up above the cost RBC charges San Blas
Securities for these services. The mark-up is retained by San Blas Securities, and this creates a
conflict of interest to recommend a custodian, such as RBC, that allows San Blas Securities to
mark-up fees.
Revenue sharing related to margin: should the Client choose to utilize margin lending, Client’s
account will incur margin interest. A portion of this margin interest will be shared with San Blas
Securities. This creates a conflict of interest to recommend margin borrowing, as it results in
increased revenue to SB Advisory, LLC’s affiliated broker-dealer.
For mutual funds, the Advisor will seek to purchase mutual funds not possessing a sales charge;
however, in some instances the Advisor will need to purchase a mutual fund with a sales charge
since a comparable mutual fund without a sales charge is not available in meeting the Client's
objectives. In these instances when mutual fund sales charges are paid to San Blas Securities, SB
Advisory, LLC has instructed RBC to rebate the fees back into the accounts that generated them.
If the Client or Advisor wishes to terminate their relationship with the Advisor or Client,
respectively, written notice shall be provided by the Client to the Advisor, or vice-versa. Said
termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the termination notice by the other
party. Client's death shall not terminate the authority granted to the Advisor hereunder until the
Advisor has received actual notification of said death. Any fees for Services paid in advance for
which Services have not been rendered will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
Advisor Choice Program/AssetMark Programs/Brinker Capital
The Client will be charged an advisory fee that will be in accordance to the money manager’s fee
schedule plus an additional negotiable fee of up to 1.25% of assets under management that will
be paid to the Advisor for advisory services, including communications with the money manager,
the selection of money managers if granted by Client, and the monitoring of Client activity, and
the monitoring of money manager’ transaction history in the Client’ account relative to the Client’
objectives and the objectives of the money manager. Total fees do not exceed 2.50% of assets
under management. Fees for such money managers offered through the Advisor Choice program
are not negotiable; however, the portion of the fee to be paid to the Advisor is negotiable. The
money manager is responsible for billing Clients and providing Advisor with its portion of the
aggregate fees for the program. For additional information concerning fees and billing, you
should consult with the Advisor and literature of the money manager.
In the event the Client or Advisor wishes to terminate their relationship with the Advisor or Client,
respectively, written notice shall be provided by the Client to the Advisor, or vice-versa. Said
termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the termination notice by the other
party. Client’ death shall not terminate the authority granted to the Advisor hereunder
until the Advisor has received actual notification of said death. Any fees for Services paid in
advance for which Services have not been rendered will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.
Flexible Plan Investments, Ltd. Referral agreement
Application of the Flexible fee schedule in connection with employee retirement accounts
managed by Adviser pursuant to its referral agreement shall result in a total advisory fee not to
exceed 1.5% annually of client’s weighted average account value. The fee is payable no less
frequently that quarter-annually in arrears, consisting of the Adviser’s portion, the referral portion
and the administrative portion. The Adviser’s portion shall be an annual amount to equal to .50%
of the client’s weighted average account value. The administrative portion shall be shared
by the record keeper and the third-party administrator for the retirement plan in amount (typically
.50% per annum or less) necessary to compensate them for their respective services to the plan.
The Referral Portion shall be paid to Solicitor not less frequently than quarterly-annually in
amount equal to the Client’s Weighted Average Account Value Multiplied by one-fourth (One-
twelfth if paid monthly) of the annual referral fee percentage elected by Solicitor’s agent on behalf
of solicitor. The aggregate of the annual percentages elected as the referral portion and the
administrative portion shall, in no event, exceed 1%. The percentage designated as referral fee
with respect to any plan participant account shall:
a. be elected on a plan by plan basis such that the elected percentage is uniformly applied to
each Participant account under a specific plan,
b. be stated as an annual amount in increments of five basis points,
c. in no event, when coupled with the administrative portion, exceed an annual percentage rate
of 1% of weighted average account value,
d. be subject to automatic reduction by that amount necessary to assure that such referral
portion, when coupled with the adviser portion and the administrative portion, not exceed an
annual percentage rate of 1.5% of weighted average account value.
e. be subject to decrease at any time by written directive signed by an authorized agent of
solicitor.
f. be subject to increase only pursuant to written directive signed by plan sponsor, plan trustee
and each plan participant who has contracted with adviser for management services as well as
by an authorized agent of Solicitor.
For further information please send a request to the SB Compliance department at 404.382.5223 or
judy@sanblassecurities.com.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Comprehensive Financial Planning
The Client will be assessed a maximum fee of $15,000 unless the Client and Advisor agree to a
fee of up to 1% of the assets covered by the financial planning. The fee can be negotiated between
the Client and Advisor. For the Client to negotiate the fee, the Client must communicate to the
investment adviser representative of the Advisor in writing or orally their desire to pay an
alternative amount. Prior to providing any such services, the investment adviser representative of
the Advisor and Client must agree to the amount of compensation negotiated, which will be stated
in the Financial Planning Agreement.
A portion of the fee will be payable upon execution of an agreement for services with the
remaining amount due within one month of completion of the service. Services will be rendered
to the Client within six months of entering into an agreement. Lower fees for comparable services
may be found from other sources.
If the Client or Advisor wishes to terminate their relationship with the Advisor or Client,
respectively, written notice shall be provided by the Client to the Advisor, or vice-versa. Said
termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the termination notice by the other
party. Client’ death shall not terminate the authority granted to the Advisor hereunder until the
Advisor has received actual notification of said death. The Client will not be eligible for a refund
if the Advisor has provided a customized written report of all analyses and recommendations. If
a customized written report has not been provided to the Client, the Client will receive a refund
of their entire amount paid in advance if notice is received within 10 days of execution of an
agreement to provide Comprehensive Financial Planning Services. After the 10th day from the
date of execution of an agreement to provide the services, the Client will receive a pro-rated
amount of any fees paid in advance based on the level of completion as of the date of termination.
However, if the monetary value of the level of completion exceeds the amount paid in advance,
the Client will not receive a pro-rated amount of any fees paid in advance and will be subject to
a pro-rated amount of the agreed upon fee for the services. The calculation of the monetary value
of the level of completion will be determined based on the amount of time spent as a percentage
of the anticipated amount of time to be spent on the services times the dollar amount agreed to
by Client and Advisor for the services.
Limited Financial Planning
The Client will be assessed a maximum fee of $600/hour. Fees are negotiable between the Client
and Advisor. For the Client to negotiate the hourly fee, the Client must communicate to the
investment adviser representative of the Advisor in writing or orally their desire to pay an
alternative amount. Prior to providing any such services, the investment adviser representative
of the Advisor and Client must agree to the amount of compensation negotiated, which will be
stated in the Financial Planning Agreement.
A portion of the fee will be due and payable to Advisor either upon completion of the services or
in monthly installments based on the accrued number of hours spent to date on financial planning.
No fees will be due upon execution of an agreement for services. Lower fees for comparable
services may be found from other sources.
If the Client or Advisor wishes to terminate their relationship with the Advisor or Client,
respectively, written notice shall be provided by the Client to the Advisor, or vice-versa. Said
termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the termination notice by the other
party. Client’ death shall not terminate the authority granted to the Advisor hereunder until the
Advisor has received actual notification of said death. The Advisor is entitled to fees accrued to
date based on the number of hours spent by the Advisor as of the date of termination. The Client
will not be eligible for the refund of fees earned by the Advisor for limited financial planning.
Limited financial planning and consultations are billed in arrears.
Hourly Financial Planning and Consulting
The Client will be assessed a maximum fee of $600/hour. Fees for hourly financial planning
services are negotiable between the Client and Advisor. For the Client to negotiate the hourly fee,
the Client must communicate to the investment adviser representative of the Advisor in writing
or orally their desire to pay an alternative amount.
Prior to providing any such services, the investment adviser representative of the Advisor and
Client must agree to the amount of compensation negotiated, which will be stated in the Financial
Planning Agreement.
A portion of the fee will be due and payable to Advisor upon completion of the services or
monthly based on the accrued number of hours spent to date on financial planning. Lower fees
for comparable services may be found from other sources.
If the Client or Advisor wishes to terminate their relationship with the Advisor or Client,
respectively, written notice shall be provided by the Client to the Advisor, or vice-versa. Said
termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the termination notice by the other
party. Client’ death shall not terminate the authority granted to the Advisor hereunder until the
Advisor has received actual notification of said death. The Client will not be eligible for the
refund of fees earned by the Advisor for hourly financial planning and consultation is billed in
arrears. The Client will be responsible for any hourly fees accrued up to the date of termination.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
Investment adviser representatives of the Advisor in the role of a broker/dealer representative
receive commissions for the sale of investments through San Blas Securities, LLC, and
compensation for the sale insurance products as insurance agents. Commissions for the sale of
investments may be the result of transactions conducted as part of the above-stated programs
pursuant to an advisory agreement entered into by the Client or for transactions in Client accounts
and assets that are not being managed pursuant to an advisory agreement executed by a Client.
Any compensation or commissions received by an agent for insurance transactions are received
outside the scope of an advisory agreement executed by a Client. The receipt of commissions and
compensation for transactions represents a conflict of interest as the investment adviser
representative have an incentive to recommend securities and insurance products on the basis of
compensation received rather than on the Client’s needs. The Advisor has adopted policies for
the review of commissions along with the quality of executions as part of its procedures on best
execution to mitigate potential negative consequences to the Client, such as the payment of higher
commissions relative to the enhanced ability of the Advisor and its investment adviser
representatives to service Clients. The Advisor has adopted policies prohibiting the
recommendation of a money manager/program to a Client solely on the basis of compensation
received. The Advisor has also adopted practices for the review of accounts to ensure that
programs selected are in the best interest of the Client. For financial planning services, the
Advisor has adopted practices and policies to review financial plans and financial planning
services to ensure that services provided are in the best interest of Clients and are consistent with
the Advisor’s fiduciary duty to Clients.
Clients have the option to purchase investment products recommended by the Advisor or its
investment adviser representatives in their capacity as registered representatives of the
broker/dealer affiliate or through other broker/dealers or registered representatives not affiliated
with the SB Advisory. The Advisor and its investment adviser representatives are primarily
compensated through fees discussed above and not commissions from advisory clients of the
Advisor. In programs with commission charges, Clients incur a reduced commission charge than
would be otherwise be available if the Client were to affect the recommended transactions
through a brokerage account established through the San Blas Securities, LLC. More so, the
advisory fees charged to Clients have been reduced to offset commission or markup charges.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
None of the advisors at SB Advisory accepts performance-based fees – that is, fees based on a
share of capital gains or capital appreciation of assets (such as a client that is a hedge fund or
other pooled investment vehicle). We also do not participate in side-by-side management, where
an advisor manages accounts that are both charged a performance-based fee and accounts that
are charged another type of fee, such as an hourly or fixed fee or an asset-based fee.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
SB Advisory provides investment advisory services and investment advice to individuals, high
net worth individuals, and businesses. The Advisor at its discretion may provide investment
advisory services on a going forward basis to entities and programs, such as pension and profit-
sharing plans, Taft- Hartley plans, charitable
institutions, foundations, endowments,
municipalities, registered mutual funds, trust programs, sovereign funds, foreign funds such as
UCITs and SICAVs, and other and international institutions.
As discussed above in Section 4, account minimums have been established to be eligible to
participate in certain programs. These minimums are:
• AssetMark ($25,000 - $50,000 for mutual funds and $100,000 for ETFs)
• Brinker Capital ($50,000)
• Financial Planning Programs – no minimums
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
SB Advisory, LLC may utilize a wide variety of sources and tools for analyzing securities and
providing advice. SB Advisory, LLC may utilize a wide variety of sources and tools for
analyzing securities and providing advice. This includes, among others, print media
(newspapers, journals, and magazines); third party research; corporate rating services; annual
reports; company press releases; filings with the SEC; sales literature of product sponsors; and
information generally available through the Internet. Software or web-based programs for
security analysis may also be utilized. SB Advisory, LLC may use technical, fundamental,
qualitative, or a combination of analysis methods in making recommendations to a Client
and/or making investment transactions for a Client’s account.
SB Advisory, LLC may employ technical, fundamental, qualitative, or a combination of
analysis methods in making recommendations to a Client and/or making investment
transactions for a Client’s account.
Technical Analysis
Technical analysis is the forecasting of future price movements of a given security based on an
examination of past price movements. With this method of analysis, there is a general belief that
one can identify a trend and conduct transactions based on a trend to generate profits. Price
movements may be examined based on the movements on a security or relative to other securities,
industry benchmarks, and competitors. Further, price movements may be applied to varying time
frames. The primary tools used in technical analysis are charts of price movements.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluation that attempts to measure the value of a
security by examining economic, industry, and company condition. Fundamental analysis
typically focuses on key statistics in a company’s financial statements to determine the
valuation of a security. Common tools used in fundamental analysis are the review of financial
ratios and financial statements.
Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis is a method of evaluating non-quantifiable factors of a security such as the
quality of management, labor relations, and the strength of research and development factors not
readily subject to measurement. The risk of qualitative analysis is that by itself it does not factor
in the attributes of fundamental or technical analysis. It is a limited approach that must be utilized
with fundamental and/or technical analysis in making recommendations or selections of securities.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under the Portfolio Management Programs, SB Advisory, LLC may employ a variety of
investment strategies and securities to tailor a portfolio that meets the needs of its Clients.
Accordingly, there is no uniform investment strategy applied for all Clients. However, among the
strategies that may be utilized with a Client are as follows:
1. an asset allocation program utilizing mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds to
provide customers broad-based diversification among asset and sector classes; and,
2. investing in financially strong, undervalued stocks of companies. Additional strategies
or methods may be employed based on the needs and desires of the Client.
Asset Allocation Utilizing Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
Asset allocation utilizing mutual funds and exchange-traded funds is primarily utilized to
provide customers broad-based diversification among asset and sector classes. This strategy
enables Clients to indirectly invest in the securities of indexes, sectors, industries, and
compilations of companies thus limiting downside risk, in particular non-systematic risk,
associated with investing in a security of a particular company. This is also a more cost-
effective approach than trying to invest in individual securities of companies to replicate the
composition of an index, sector, or industry.
Asset allocation programs utilizing mutual funds and exchange-traded funds involve risks. 1)
Exchange traded funds and mutual funds may not be able to replicate the performance of
underlying index or sector because of expenses, composition, or other factors. 2) Mutual funds
and exchange traded funds possessing international investments are subject to the risk of capital
loss due to unfavorable fluctuations in currency exchange rates, difference in accounting
principles, or economic or political instability in other nations. 3) News or performance affecting
a particular industry or market sector may negatively impact the performance of an entire mutual
fund or exchange traded fund. 4) The use of leverage exchange traded funds may result in greater
losses or gains as such exchange traded funds increase or decrease at a multiple (i.e. 2x or 3x) of
most exchange traded funds.
In using mutual funds, as part of an asset allocation program or not, the Client may be subject to
sales loads, otherwise known as commissions, in the purchase or sale of a mutual fund. Sales
loads vary widely based on the underlying portfolio, class of share selected, and dollar amount
invested. The Advisor and its investment adviser representative will seek to purchase mutual
funds possessing no sales load. For no-load funds or mutual funds possessing a sales load, a
Client’s mutual fund holding will be subject to annual fees that are assessed by the mutual fund.
Sales loads and annual fees negatively impact the net performance of a mutual fund. The
objectives and positions of mutual funds vary in nature and type. Accordingly, the performance
of mutual funds may deviate significantly to the performance of market benchmarks, such as the
Dow Jones Industrial Average or the Standard and Poor’s’ 500 Index.
Investments in Strong, Undervalued Companies
A strategy that may be employed by SB Advisory, LLC is to seek opportunities to invest in
companies that are financially strong, yet undervalued. SB Advisory, LLC will look for
potential buying opportunities of stocks of companies who SB Advisory, LLC has researched
and determined that the stock price is not reflective of the underlying value and strength of
the company. It is common that SB Advisory, LLC performs financial measurements,
statement analysis, and comparative analysis of a company’s industry and sector in addition
to third-party research in assessing whether a stock trades below an assumed value(s).
Technical analysis may also be utilized as to when to purchase/recommend a security and
when to exit/sale a security.
Investments in financially strong, undervalued stocks of companies involve risks. 1) By investing
in securities of individual companies, Clients will generally possess a lower level of
diversification than would otherwise be available by investing in a mutual fund based on a broad-
based, market index. A lack of diversification may result in a portfolio being more adversely
impacted by news and/or events affecting a company or its industry. 2) Appreciation or the
growth rate in the price of the security may be lower than other types of securities, including
stocks. It is common that the stock price of many companies may not appreciate as much as a
growth or aggressive stock, such as a stock of a technology company. 3) Stock investing may
result in substantial or total losses. 4) The individual stock may not perform or increase as well
as or at the time a recommendation/purchase takes place.
In using stocks as an investment vehicle, the Client is advised that use of stocks of companies
may result in a commission charge based on the program selected. Clients are advised that stocks
may fluctuate widely due to firm specific events, financial market events, political events, and
changes in regulations. The degree to which a stock may fluctuate is not certain or predictable;
however, it is noted that some stocks move in a higher degree of correlation to overall stock
markets. Conversely, the investment in financially strong, undervalued stocks may be indicative
of stocks whose price movement has been generally less than that of the overall markets.
Investing in individual securities provides less diversification by themselves than investments in
multiple stocks, a mutual fund comprised of securities of multiple companies or issuers, or
through the use of multiple types of investment vehicles (i.e. stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.).
For any strategy employing the frequent trading of securities, investment performance may be
negatively impacted due to increased transactions costs (i.e. commissions) as well as higher tax
rates due to differentials in tax rates between short-term and long-term holdings. Clients are
advised to be mindful of these potential negative consequences.
RISK OF LOSS AND ADDITIONAL RISKS
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear. There can be
no guarantee of success with the strategies or programs offered by SB Advisory, LLC. Past
performance is not a guarantee of future returns. For Turnkey Asset Management Programs, risks
of investing are further discussed in the Form ADV of the money manager.
As risk is present in any form of investing, some of the more common risks that a Client may
be exposed to are:
•
Interest-Rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to
fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less
attractive, causing their market values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
For example,
•
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external
factors independent of a security’s underlying circumstances.
political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more
than a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the
dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also
referred to as exchange rate risk.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have
to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily
relates to fixed income securities.
• Dividend Risk: The risk that the dividend rate offered by a company for an
investment in their stock may change due to decisions by the company on whether
eliminate or decrease a dividend offered with an investment in a stock.
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding
oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They
carry a higher risk of profitability than an electric company which generates its
income from a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the
economic environment is like.
• Default Risk: The inability of an issuer of repay fixed income securities or meet
continuing payment obligations.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized
product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are
not.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the
risk of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in
good times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan
obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Long-term Trading - Long term trading allows for a longer time period for prices of
securities to fluctuate. This may result a Client receiving an execution price at the
time of exiting a position that is lower than the price of the security at some point
during the holding of such security. Further, by holding a security for a longer length
of time, SB Advisory, LLC may not be able to take advantage of short-term trading
that could be profitable to a Client.
• Short-term trading – Short term trading, particularly frequent trading, can affect
investment performance particularly through increased brokerage and other
transaction costs and taxes due to differential in tax rates between short-term and
long-term holdings. Clients are advised to be mindful of these potential negative
consequences. Further, short-term trading creates the potential for sudden losses in
addition to gains.
• Margin Risk - The use of margin transactions results in higher costs and generally
holds a greater risk. The increased costs are due to interest owed by a Client in
borrowing money for effecting and maintaining transactions in securities. The use of
margin allows Advisor the ability purchase an increased number of securities, which
due to their inherent risk, can result in greater fluctuation in the value of a portfolio or
exposure to any one security.
• Short Sales – Short sales are when a Client sells a security for which it does not own
in anticipation that the price of the underlying security will go down in value so that it
can be repurchased to close the outstanding short sale and obtain in a profit in the security.
The risk is that the underlying security may go up in value and cannot be bought at a price
lower than for which it was sold thus resulting in a loss to the Client.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
accessible
by
selecting
the
Investment Advisor Search
option
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of SB Advisory, LLC or the integrity
of SB Advisory LLC’s management. Any such disciplinary information for the company and the
company’s investment advisor representatives would be provided herein and
at
publicly
http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. SB Advisory, LLC has no items to report that apply to the
management team or the Advisor; however, the individual disclosure brochures for certain
investment advisor representatives include disciplinary information that requires disclosure.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
IFS Group Inc. is the holding company of SB Advisory and San Blas Securities. Management
personnel of SB Advisory, LLC may be registered as Registered Representatives and Investment
Advisor representatives of San Blas Securities.
Investment Adviser Representatives of SB Advisory, LLC who do not serve in a management
capacity are usually registered representatives of San Blas Securities. Investment adviser
representatives of SB Advisory, LLC may also serve as insurance agents in conducting business
through FMO.
In providing the various programs stated above, the Advisor recommends and/or selects its San
Blas Securities, LLC, to serve as the broker/dealer of record for Clients of the Advisor. In this
capacity, the broker/dealer will transmit orders placed by the Advisor. Upon execution of
transactions and depending on the program selected, the broker/dealer may receive commissions
for the execution of transactions on behalf of Clients of the Advisor, which are distributed in part
to registered representatives of the broker/dealer, who also serve as investment adviser
representatives of the Advisor. Accordingly, investment adviser representatives of the Advisor
may receive a portion of
the commissions along with a portion of any fees of the Advisor.
Commissions may or may not be higher than commission charged by other broker/dealers.
The practice of utilizing the Advisor’s affiliated broker/dealer presents a conflict of interest.
Investment adviser representatives of the Advisor may recommend a security to a Client to be
purchased through the affiliated broker/dealer due to the additional commissions the investment
adviser representative and the affiliated broker/dealer will receive. More so, the investment
adviser representatives and the affiliated broker/dealer are entitled to commissions they would
not otherwise be entitled to have the transaction been placed with another broker/dealer.
SB Advisory, LLC endeavors to put the interests of Clients first as part of its fiduciary duty. SB
Advisory, LLC has taken several actions and practices to mitigate conflicts of interests. These
are: 1) adopted a Code of Ethics, which is detailed in Item 11, for which all investment advisor
representatives are required to uphold and follow; 2) adopted supervisory procedures to further
define supervision and policies required to be followed; 3) implemented a compliance program
for monitoring and reviewing advisory business, including reviewing accounts, transactions, and
best execution; 4) prohibited the management of annuity sub-accounts for a fee so we do not
receive commissions and on-going advisory portfolio management fees for sub-accounts; and 5)
implemented regular education on pertinent topics through its affiliated broker/dealer.
For Turnkey Asset Management Programs, the Advisor receives compensation for referring the
Client to the money manager(s) in the form of a percentage of assets under management. A
portion of such fees are distributed to investment adviser representatives of the Advisor. This
includes the portion of the fee owed to the portfolio manager, any amount owed to the custodian,
and the amount owed to SB Advisory, LLC. The receipt of fees by the Advisor for recommending
a money manager/program does not result in the Client incurring fees that would be higher than
they would have been had the Client obtained the services directly from the money
manager/program selected. The allowable amount of compensation received by the Advisor may
vary based on the money manager/program selected. This presents a conflict of interest as the
Advisor and its investment adviser representatives may be entitled to greater compensation by
recommending one Turnkey Asset Management Program versus another in lieu of what program
is in the best interest of the Client.
The Advisor has adopted policies prohibiting the recommendation of a money manager/program
to a Client solely on the basis of compensation received. The Advisor requires all
recommendations of money managers/programs to be in the best interest of the Client based on
the information ascertained from the Client by the Advisor and its investment adviser
representatives.
The recommendation of programs where commission charges exist presents a conflict of interest
as investment advisor representatives of the Advisor have an incentive to recommend programs
with commission charges to increase their compensation rather than meet the needs of Clients.
The Advisor has also adopted practices for the review of accounts to ensure that programs
selected are in the best interest of the Client. In providing Financial Planning Services, the
Advisor and its investment adviser representatives may recommend, based on the services
selected by the Client, action to be undertaken by the Client that includes recommendations of
investments, advisory services, or insurance products. This presents a conflict of interest as
Clients may feel obligated to adhere to recommendations made by the Advisor and its investment
adviser representatives through the use of the Advisor, its investment adviser representatives, or
the Advisor’s affiliated companies. The providing of financial planning advice where
investments, insurance, or advisory services are recommended also creates a conflict of interest
as the Advisor and its investment adviser representatives have an incentive to recommend
transactions or services that optimizes their compensation in the form of commissions and fees.
The Advisor strictly prohibits itself and its investment adviser representatives from placing undue
pressure on Clients to utilize the Advisor, its investment adviser representatives, or the Advisor’s
affiliated company, in implementing any recommendations made as part of financial planning
services. The Advisor strictly prohibits itself and its investment adviser representatives from
making as a condition of providing financial planning services that any recommendations are
required to be implemented through the Advisor, its investment adviser representatives, or the
Advisor’s affiliated company. The Advisor has adopted practices and policies to review financial
plans and financial planning services to ensure that services provided are in the best interest of
Clients and are consistent with the Advisor’s fiduciary duty to Clients.
In conducting insurance transactions, registered Representatives of San Blas Securities will
receive commissions and premiums for sales of life and health insurance as well as annuities.
Such compensation is split with the insurance agent, who may also be an investment adviser
representative of the Advisor, in conducting the transaction. Investment adviser representatives
of the Advisor may also receive compensation from the sale of insurance products and annuities
conducted away from San Blas Securities, who will not receive any compensation for such
transactions. This presents a conflict of interest as the Advisor and its investment adviser
representatives have an incentive to recommend, in providing financial planning services or
otherwise in the role of an insurance agent, insurance products based on compensation received
rather than the Client’s needs. The Advisor and its affiliates, have adopted policies requiring all
insurance transactions be in the best interest of Clients based on information ascertained from the
Client. Further, the Advisor prohibits investment adviser representatives of the Advisor to
manage subaccounts of variable annuity holdings pursuant to an advisory agreement.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
SB Advisory, LLC has adopted a Code of Ethics for all supervised persons of the firm describing
its high standard of business conduct, and fiduciary duty to its Clients. The Code of Ethics
includes provisions relating to the confidentiality of Client information, a prohibition on insider
trading, restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts and the reporting of certain gifts and
business entertainment items, and personal securities trading procedures, among other things. SB
Advisory, LLC’s Clients or prospective clients may request a copy of the firm's Code of Ethics
by contacting the Chief Compliance Officer, Danny Padilla at (404) 334- 0341.
Subject to satisfying this policy and applicable laws, officers, directors and investment adviser
representatives of SB Advisory, LLC and its affiliates may trade for their own accounts in
securities which are recommended to and/or purchased for SB Advisory, LLC’s Clients. This
presents a conflict of interest as investment adviser representatives of the Advisor could receive
an execution for a transaction for an account in which they have financial interest that is superior
to that received by a Client. To address this conflict, the Code of Ethics is designed to assure that
the personal securities transactions, activities and interests of the supervised persons of the
Advisor will not interfere with 1) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clientsand2)
implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own
accounts. Further, the Advisor requires investment adviser representatives, in conducting
accounts in which they have beneficial ownership or control, to only affect transactions in their
accounts after all allocations have been made to Clients unless their order is entered in concert
with other Client orders at the same time to receive the same execution price.
Neither SB Advisory, LLC nor any of its supervised persons, including investment adviser
representatives, maintain a material financial interest in any securities recommended to a Client
for purchase. Supervised persons are prohibited from making recommendations in securities in
which they have a material financial interest.
It is SB Advisory, LLC’s policy to not permit the firm or its affiliated broker/dealer to affect any
agency cross securities transactions for Client accounts. An agency cross transaction is defined
as a transaction where a person acts as an investment adviser in relation to a transaction in which
the investment adviser, or any person controlled by or under common control with the investment
adviser, acts as broker for both the advisory client and for another person on the other side of the
transaction.
SB Advisory, LLC may execute client transactions, infrequently, on a riskless principal basis
through its affiliated broker-dealer. In such transactions, our affiliated broker-dealer first
purchases or sells a security for its own account and then immediately sells to or buys from the
client at the same price, typically with a markup or markdown. These transactions present a
conflict of interest, as SB Advisory, LLC or its affiliate typically receive compensation in the
form of dealer markups or markdowns in addition to any advisory fees. SB Advisory, LLC seeks
to ensure that all such transactions are conducted on terms that are fair and reasonable to clients,
consistent with its duty of best execution. Further, SB Advisory, LLC will require written,
informed consent from clients before the settlement of any such trade, after providing disclosures
outlining the material terms of the transaction, the capacity in which we, through our affiliated
broker-dealer, is acting, and the associated conflicts of interest.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
SB Advisory, LLC, in providing services to Clients, recommends its affiliated broker/dealer, San
Blas Securities, for the entering of transactions for routing to its custodian RBC for execution.
All client assets are maintained at RBC for accounts serviced under the Portfolio Management
Programs other than in the case of the Advisor Choice Program, AssetMark, and Brinker Capital,
in which case the custodian utilized is, subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the third-
party manager and/or custodian.
SB Advisory, LLC does not receive any referral fee in recommending its affiliated broker/dealer
from any third party or for routing transactions to particular broker/dealers for execution. SB
Advisory, LLC does receive compensation from third parties as discussed in Section 5 for
recommending money managers as part of its Turnkey Asset Management Programs. This
presents a conflict of interest as the Advisor and its investment adviser representatives may
be entitled to greater compensation by recommending one Turnkey Asset Management Program
versus another in lieu of what program is in the best interest of the Client. The Advisor has
adopted policies prohibiting the recommendation of a money manager/program to a Client solely
on the basis of compensation received. The Advisor makes all recommendations of money
managers/programs to be in the best interest of the Client based on the information ascertained
from the Client by the Advisor and its investment adviser representatives.
The Client is advised that not all advisers recommend, require, or request their clients to direct
brokerage through a particular broker/dealer, whether affiliated or not affiliated. Accordingly, the
Client may have more flexibility in the selection of a broker/dealer through which to direct
brokerage at an adviser other than SB Advisory, LLC.
In the execution of transactions, SB Advisory, LLC may aggregate transactions into a single order
for various Client accounts. The Advisor permits its investment adviser representatives to engage
in such a practice if the action will be of positive impact to the Client. By aggregating
transactions, SB Advisory, LLC may be able to reduce transaction costs and time necessary to
individually place transactions for each Client account. In those cases where aggregation is not
utilized, Clients may receive multiple execution prices and increased transaction-related charges.
Depending on movements in the price of securities being traded, each individual Client may
or may not receive a better execution price for aggregating orders versus not doing so. The
Advisor has adopted policies concerning the aggregation of orders for Client accounts.
When SB Advisory, LLC’s affiliate, San Blas Securities, acts as introducing broker-dealer for the
Client account custodied at RBC, it will earn compensation through cash sweep revenue sharing
arrangements it maintains through its relationship and agreement with RBC.
Client’s IAR will discuss, at account setup, the cash sweep options available to Client’s account.
Specific details and disclosures regarding each cash sweep option available in RBC’s sweep
program can be found in the “Customer Account Agreement & Disclosures” section of Client’s
RBC account application document. Client should be aware that certain cash sweep options pay
revenue to RBC and SB Advisory, LLC’s affiliated broker-dealer, thus reducing (and in some
cases, significantly reducing) the yield to Client. Therefore, SB Advisory, LLC has a conflict of
interest to recommend cash sweep options that generate more revenue to its affiliated broker-
dealer. Below are some examples of how this specifically applies to the cash sweep options
available to Client:
• Money market mutual funds – when Client or Client’s IAR chooses to sweep unallocated cash
balances to money market mutual funds, SB Advisory, LLC’s affiliated broker-dealer earns
revenue, via 12b-1 fees, from these funds
• Bank deposit sweep program – when Client or Client’s IAR chooses this option, unallocated
cash will be swept through the Bank Deposit Sweep Program (“BDSP”) into an interest‐
bearing deposit account at one of the program banks selected by RBC. The interest rate for
BDSP assets is determined by RBC and the program banks. Interest earned by program banks
on deposited funds will be shared with RBC, which in turn shares this revenue with San Blas
Securities. The amount of interest shared with San Blas Securities is based upon the amount
of assets in the program, and therefore SB Advisory, LLC has a conflict of interest to increase
assets deposited into the program. Although assets held in the deposit account at each program
bank are protected by FDIC insurance, neither SB Advisory, LLC nor RBC will monitor
whether BDSP deposits, individually or in combination with other deposits you hold at each
program bank, exceed FDIC insurance limitations. Client should review their cash balance
held in the deposit accounts and other accounts they may have at the program banks to ensure
that cash balances do not exceed FDIC insurance coverage levels, or alternatively, in the event
Client’s cash balance exceeds FDIC insurance limitations, that Client is comfortable with the
risks associated with having uninsured cash.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
The Chief Compliance Officer and any designee he/she may appoint reviews selected accounts
on a periodic basis. In such a review, the Chief Compliance Officer is evaluating transaction
history relative to the Client’s profile and the underlying investment adviser representative’s
compliance with firm policies and fiduciary standards. Additional account reviews may be
triggered by a specific client request; a customer complaint; or, as needed, based on activity levels
within an account. A sample of financial plans will be reviewed as needed by the Chief
Compliance Officer. Investment Adviser Representatives of SB Advisory, LLC are responsible
for continuously monitoring Client accounts in considering the Client’s profile, various events
(i.e.. political, market, etc.), and changes in securities and companies that are currently being held
by a Client. Investment adviser representatives providing financial planning services are
responsible for reviewing such financial plans in accordance with any contractual agreements
entered into by the Client.
At the present time, SB Advisory, LLC does not provide any reports regarding the assets and
account(s) of Clients. The qualified custodian provides no less than quarterly account statements
concerning the Client’s assets.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
The Advisor does not receive any economic benefit from anyone or any entity other than the
Client, with the exception of compensation the Advisor may receive in connection with
Turnkey Asset Management Programs. As discussed in Section 5, SB Advisory, LLC will
receive compensation as a percentage of assets under management for referring the Client to
the respective program and its money managers. This presents a conflict of interest as the
Advisor and its investment adviser representatives may be entitled to greater compensation by
recommending one Turnkey Asset Management Program versus another in lieu of what
program is in the best interest of the Client. The Advisor has adopted policies prohibiting the
recommendation of a money manager/program to a Client solely on the basis of compensation
received. The Advisor requires all recommendations of money managers/programs to be in the
best interest of the Client based on the information ascertained from the Client by the Advisor
and its investment adviser representatives.
The Advisor does not compensate any entity or persons as solicitors in referring Clients to the
Advisor for services.
Item 15 – Custody
All Client assets are maintained with a qualified custodian. Clients will receive at least quarterly
statements from the broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains
Client’s investment assets. SB Advisory, LLC urges you to carefully review such statements. SB
Advisory, LLC does not provide alternative statements.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
SB Advisory, LLC may receive discretionary authority from the Client at the outset of an advisory
relationship to select the identity and amount of securities to be bought or sold, broker or dealer
to be used, and commission rates to be applied. The Advisor obtains such authority through the
execution of an advisory agreement which provides for and Client consents to discretionary
authority being granted to the Advisor. The Client reserves the right, with agreement by the
Advisor, to request and have their assets managed on a non-discretionary basis.
In all cases, discretion is to be exercised in a manner consistent with the stated investment
objectives for the particular Client account. When selecting securities and determining amounts,
SB Advisory, LLC observes the investment policies, limitations and restrictions of the Clients for
which it advises. Investment guidelines and restrictions must be provided to SB Advisory, LLC
in writing.
SB Advisory, LLC maintains discretion on the selection of brokers/dealers to be used, unless
agreed to otherwise by the Client and Advisor. The Advisor will frequently recommend San Blas
Securities, to serve as a broker/dealer, through which the Advisor has discretion on the amount
of commissions to be paid subject to the terms and conditions of the program in which the Client
enters.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
As a matter of policy and practice, SB Advisory, LLC does not have any authority to and does
not vote proxies on behalf of separately managed account Clients. Clients retain the responsibility
for receiving and voting proxies for securities maintained in Client portfolios. SB Advisory, LLC
may provide advice to Clients regarding the clients’ voting of proxies. All proxies or other
solicitations for proxy voting come directly from the custodian or transfer agent and not from SB
Advisory, LLC. Clients having questions about proxies or other solicitations may contact their
investment adviser representative at SB Advisory, LLC. Contact information for the investment
adviser representative is provided for in the ADV Part 2B, which provides details concerning the
investment adviser representative.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial
information or disclosures about SB Advisory LLC’s financial condition. SB Advisory, LLC has
no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments
to clients and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding. Further, the Advisor has not
been subject to any bankruptcy petition at any time.