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Sentinel Pension Advisors LLC.
100 Quannapowitt Parkway
Wakefield, MA 01880
Phone: 781.914.1450
Fax: 781.213.7370
Website: www.sentinelgroup.com
SPA WRAP PROGRAM
FORM ADV Part2A
Appendix 1: The Wrap Fee Brochure
This brochure provides investors with information about Sentinel Pension Advisors LLC. and the
SPA Wrap Program (“SPA Program” or “Program”) that should be considered before becoming
a client of the SPA Program. This information has not been approved or verified by any state or
federal governmental authority.
This wrap fee program brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Sentinel Pension Advisors LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this
brochure, please contact us at 781-914-1450. 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.
Additional information about Sentinel Pension Advisors LLC. also is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Questions? Contact us anytime at:
P: 781.914.1450
F: 781.213.7370
E: compliance@sentinelgroup.com
The SPA Program is sponsored by:
Sentinel Pension Advisors LLC.
100 Quannapowitt Parkway,
Wakefield, MA 01880
March 31, 2025
1I. MATERIAL CHANGES
II. MATERIAL CHANGES.......................................................................................................................................... 2
Annual Update
III. TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 3
IV. SERVICES, FEES AND COMPENSATION ............................................................................................... 4
This brochure is filed as the annual update to the Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1: Wrap Fee
Program Brochure. The annual update occurred on March 29, 2025. The Material Changes
section of this brochure will be updated annually, and when material changes occur.
V. ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS AND TYPES OF CLIENTS ...........................................................13
Material Changes Since the Last Update
VI. PORTFOLIO MANAGER SELECTION AND EVALUATION ..................................................14
There have not been any material changes since the last update.
V.II CLIENT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PORTFOLIO MANAGERS ..............................15
VIII. CLIENT CONTACT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS ............................................................15
IX. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................15
X. REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE REGISTERED ADVISORS ............................................................22
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IV. SERVICES, FEES AND COMPENSATION
• Have a short/intermediate-term investment time horizon
• Seek a balance between income generation and growth of capital as the primary
objective
• Can tolerate a low-to-medium level of principal volatility
The SPA Wrap Fee Program (“Program”) is a fee-based program sponsored by Sentinel
Pension Advisors LLC. (“SPA”). Under the Program, SPA assists clients to develop,
monitor, and manage a custom-tailored investment portfolio to help achieve the client’s
investment objectives.
Moderate Plus Portfolio: Account objective is to pursue total return with consideration
for both income generation and capital growth. The portfolio typically invests the
majority of assets in fixed-income strategies. The remaining allocations will be divided
among other asset classes. SPA has discretion to increase or decrease the amount
allocated to any given asset class based on current market conditions and their
expectations for future performance. You should consider this portfolio if you:
• Have a intermediate-term investment time horizon
• Seek a balance between income generation and growth of capital as the primary
objective
• You can accept levels of risk below that of the equity markets, but greater than
the fixed income market
The client grants discretionary authority over the client’s assets to SPA to buy, sell and
trade investment vehicles which may include no-load and select load-waived mutual
funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and other securities approved for the Program
(including stocks, bonds and options) and to liquidate previously purchased load mutual
funds, stocks, bonds, options, ETFs and other investments; except for the fees related
to the Program itself, clients pay no transaction fees or commissions. Thus, an account
with more frequent trades, will, generally, pay less overall fees, than in an account type
that would charge transaction fees and commissions to clients. Conversely, an account
with less frequent trading may incur higher fees in this Program, than if it were invested
in another program. A portion of the fees paid to SPA are used to cover the securities
brokerage commissions and transactional costs attributed to the management of its
clients’ portfolios. In recent years custodians have introduced programs that eliminate
transaction-based fees for trades of equities and exchange-traded funds (ETF’s). For
equities and ETFs that are no longer subject to these transaction fees, SPA is no longer
paying those transaction costs on behalf of clients and thereby benefits from a reduction
in expenses associated with its wrap program. Although this change does not impose
any new costs on clients, it does reduce the economic benefit enjoyed by wrap program
clients.
Moderate ESG Portfolio: Account objective is twofold: 1) to pursue total return with
consideration for both income generation and capital growth by typically investing
the majority of the portfolio’s assets in US and Foreign Fixed-Income strategies.
The remaining allocations will be divided among other asset classes. 2) to invest in
designated environment, social and governance (ESG) targeted strategies as prudently
available and defined by the underlying strategies’ investment advisor. SPA has
discretion to increase or decrease the amount allocated to any given asset class based
on current market conditions and their expectations for future performance.
You should consider this portfolio if you:
• Have an intermediate/long-term investment time horizon
• Seek a balance between income generation and growth of capital with a greater
focus on income generation
• Seek a portfolio with a focus on targeting investments in ESG related sectors
SPA follows a disciplined research and evaluation process to determine appropriate
investments for each model portfolio based on its target allocation. Along with this
disciplined approach to managing client portfolios, SPA has the expertise and analytical
tools to choose from thousands of funds and fund families with a wide range of
investment managers. This provides SPA with the flexibility to analyze leading investments
in each asset class and develop risk based portfolios designed to develop investment
strategies used by three model portfolios offered by the Program.
and industries
• Can tolerate a medium to high level of principal volatility
The SPA Program diversified portfolios provide clients with access to professional
investment management services to help them invest confidently for their future. Each
portfolio is created with SPA’s in depth analysis and screening criteria. There are currently
nine model portfolios within the program – Moderate, Moderate Plus, Balanced, Growth,
Moderate ESG, Balanced ESG, Growth ESG, Municipal Income, and Qualified Income –
so clients can select the portfolio that will work best for their investment goals.
Balanced Portfolio: Account objective is to pursue total return with consideration for
both capital growth and income generation. The portfolio typically invests the majority
of the portfolio’s assets in US and Foreign Equity strategies. The remaining allocations
will be divided among other asset classes. SPA has discretion to increase or decrease
the amount allocated to any given asset class based on current marketing conditions
and their expectations for future performance. You should consider this portfolio if
you:
Each of the model portfolios is comprised of a different mix of investments depending
upon the criteria shown below. A SPA Advisory Representative can assist clients in their
decision regarding which portfolio most closely matches their investment strategy.
• Have an intermediate/long term investment time horizon
• Seek a balance between growth of capital and current income, with a greater
focus on capital growth
A. Investment Portfolios
• Can tolerate a medium to high level of principal volatility
Moderate Portfolio: Account objective is to pursue total return with consideration for
both income generation and capital growth. The portfolio typically invests the majority
of assets in fixed-income strategies. The remaining allocations will be divided among
other asset classes. SPA has discretion to increase or decrease the amount allocated
to any given asset class based on current market conditions and their expectations for
future performance. You should consider this portfolio if you:
Balanced ESG Portfolio: Account objective is twofold: 1) to pursue total return with
consideration for both capital growth and income generation by typically investing the
majority of the portfolio’s assets in US and Foreign Equity strategies. The remaining
allocations will be divided among other asset classes. 2) to invest in designated
environment, social and governance (ESG) targeted strategies as prudently available
and defined by the underlying strategies’ investment advisor. SPA has discretion to
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increase or decrease the amount allocated to any given asset class based on current
market conditions and their expectations for future performance. You should consider
this portfolio if you:
pursued by typically investing the majority of the portfolio’s assets in fixed-income
strategies. The remaining allocations will be divided among other asset classes. We
have discretion to increase or decrease the amount allocated to any given asset class
based on current market conditions and their expectations for future performance.
You should consider this portfolio if you:
• Have an intermediate/long-term investment time horizon
• Seek a balance between growth of capital and income generation with a greater
focus on capital growth
• Seek a portfolio with a focus on targeting investments in ESG related sectors
and industries
• Have a short/intermediate-term investment horizon
• Primarily seek market-driven income generation
• Can tolerate a low to medium level of principal risk volatility
• Can tolerate a medium to high level of principal volatility
B. Strategic Portfolio Segments
Depending upon the model strategy managed by SPA, each investment within the
portfolios is generally assigned to one of the following segments:
Growth Portfolio: Account objective is to pursue capital growth by typically investing the
majority of the portfolio’s assets in US and Foreign Equity strategies. The remaining
allocations will be divided among other asset classes. SPA has discretion to increase
or decrease the amount allocated to any given asset class based on current market
conditions and their expectations for future performance. You should consider this
portfolio if you:
1. Fixed-Income: This segment is designed for stability and income generation.The
underlying managers generally have the freedom to invest across multiple sectors of
the bond market with the goal of generating long-term absolute total returns.
• Have an intermediate/long term investment time horizon
• Seek growth of capital as the primary objective, with minor consideration given
to current income
• Can tolerate a higher level of principal volatility
2. U.S. Equity: This segment will typically include domestic equity investment strategies
across the full range of market cap (small to large cap companies) and styles (value
and growth). Weightings to individual managers will vary according to market
expectations.
3. Foreign Equity: This segment will typically include foreign equity investment
strategiess across the full range of market cap (small to large cap companies) and
styles (value and growth). Weightings to individual managers will vary according to
market expectations. Emerging market investments and sector funds specializing in
certain countries or regions are eligible in this segment.
Growth ESG Portfolio: Account objective is twofold: 1) to pursue total return with
consideration for both capital growth and income generation by typically investing the
majority of the portfolio’s assets in US and Foreign Equity strategies. The remaining
allocations will be divided among other asset classes. 2) to invest in designated
environment, social and governance (ESG) targeted strategies as prudently available
and defined by the underlying strategies’ investment advisor. SPA has discretion to
increase or decrease the amount allocated to any given asset class based on current
market conditions and their expectations for future performance. You should consider
this portfolio if you:
• Have an intermediate/long-term investment time horizon
• Seek a growth of capital as the primary objective with income generation as a
secondary consideration
Portfolios managed by SPA may hold investments that aren’t categorized well within
any of the above segments. These may be multi-asset class strategies, funds that are
best classified as alternative investments or more narrowly focused investments
limited to certain sectors. In these instances, the funds will be placed into one of the
three core portfolio segments and reviewed under the same guidelines as the core
investments.
• Seek a portfolio with a focus on targeting investments in ESG related sectors
and industries
C. Account Rebalancing
• Can tolerate a medium to high level of principal volatility
Municipal Income Portfolio: Account objective is to pursue total return with an
emphasis on market-driven income generation followed by capital growth. This is
going to be pursued by typically investing the majority of the portfolio’s assets in
fixed-income strategies. The remaining allocations will be divided among other asset
classes. We have discretion to increase or decrease the amount allocated to any given
asset class based on current market conditions and their expectations for future
performance. You should consider this portfolio if you:
SPA’s investment committee contributes their expertise to create and monitor a
comprehensive strategy to help clients reach their investment goals by managing
the asset allocation and the investment selection within each client portfolio. SPA
monitors financial market conditions and the effect on investments, and makes
changes to keep the right balance of risk and return. As a result, client accounts will
be reviewed and rebalanced as needed to maintain stated investments objectives. As
detailed in the “Investment Selection Process” section, SPA’s investment committee
follows a disciplined approach to research, evaluate and monitor client portfolios.
• Have a short/intermediate-term investment horizon
• Primarily seek market-driven income generation
• Can tolerate a low to medium level of principal risk volatility
Qualified Income Portfolio: Account objective is to pursue total return with an emphasis
on market-driven income generation followed by capital growth. This is going to be
Client accounts are typically rebalanced at least annually. Client account rebalancing
may occur more frequently depending on the investment committee’s assessment of
overall market conditions. Client account rebalancing will be accomplished by buying
and selling Mutual Funds and ETFs that are approved by the Program, to the current
suggested asset allocation.
D. Terms
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The terms and conditions for client participation in the Program are set forth in the
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through other broker-dealers.
Client Agreement (as defined herein) and this wrap fee brochure, which is presented
to all prospective and existing Program clients in accordance with the disclosure
requirements of Rule 204-3 under the Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and Form
ADV (Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration).
E. Purpose of the Program
Furthermore, SPA may execute trades for the same securities for its other clients
through other broker-dealers ahead of a Program client’s trades. By executing non-
directed trades ahead of a Program client’s directed trades, such Program client may
receive less favorable executions to SPA’s other clients including, but not limited to,
less favorable prices due to, among other things, market movements.
The Program enables clients to pursue their financial objectives through the active
discretionary trading by SPA of a variety of investment vehicles including no-load
mutual funds, select load-waived mutual funds and ETFs and other securities approved
for the Program (including stocks, bonds and options), without transaction fees or
brokerage commissions.
F. Minimum Account Size
The Program fee includes compensation for brokerage services provided by Sentinel
Securities as introducing broker for the client account as well as custodial, clearing,
settlement and execution services (including brokerage commissions) provided by
the designated broker dealer. The Program fee does not cover, and clients will be
responsible and charged for, certain additional fees and charges as set forth under
“Additional Charges.”
H. Suitability and Investment Strategy
SPA requires an account minimum of $25,000 for participation in the Program.
However, SPA, in its sole discretion, may reduce the account minimum 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, and account composition.
G. Brokerage and Custody
The custodian of the client’s funds and securities under the Program (“Custodian”) is
generally Pershing, LLC (Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC) (“Pershing”). SPA does not have
custody of any client funds or securities under the Program.
Prior to opening an account, SPA determines an investor’s profile for the Program
by obtaining the appropriate financial and personal information from the investor
including investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon, as well as
any reasonable restrictions that the client wishes to impose upon the management
of the portfolio. SPA reviews the suitability of the investment strategy selected by
the client based upon an assessment of the information provided by the client.
Subsequently, SPA will invest client assets in accordance with the Model Portfolio
selected by clients subject to any investment limitations specified by the client to SPA.
Clients will have the opportunity (as agreed upon between SPA and the client) to
restrict the types of investments which may be made on the client’s behalf.
By participating in the Program, each client instructs SPA to direct all orders for the
purchase and sale of securities and other investments for the client’s account to
Sentinel Securities, LLC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC)
(“Sentinel Securities”) and SPA affiliate, as introducing broker for the client’s account.
Sentinel Securities is an affiliate of SPA, and the principals of SPA are also registered
representatives of Sentinel Securities.
SPA specifically does not make any representations as to the abilities, experience or
character of any of the managers of the mutual funds and ETFs that SPA selects as
investments in the Program. The client is responsible for advising SPA of any changes
to the client’s financial situation or objectives that may impact the prior determined
investment strategy. SPA may accept or reject a wrap fee client for any reason,
including but not limited to, such client’s investment goals and restrictions.
Sentinel Securities maintains a clearing arrangement with Pershing, LLC, a division
of Bank of New York (“Pershing”) whereby Sentinel Securities clears securities
transactions on a fully disclosed basis
through Pershing as an introducing broker, and Pershing holds customer funds and/
or securities on behalf of Sentinel Securities brokerage customers for purposes of the
Securities Investor Protection Act.
The SPA Program may not be suitable for everyone. In determining whether the SPA
Program is right for you, you should consider, among other things, your investment
goals and strategies and your trading patterns, including the number, size and
frequency of the transactions that SPA suggests for your Account. It is particularly
important that you consider the costs and potential benefits of the SPA Program as
compared to paying commissions on a per trade basis. The SPA Program may not
be appropriate if you are a “Buy and Hold” investor or if you anticipate engaging in a
lower level of trading activity, as greater transaction cost savings could be realized in a
traditional pay-per-trade commission structure.
I. Program Fees
Each client further directs Sentinel Securities to execute, clear and settle all client
orders received by Sentinel Securities from SPA through Pershing. In connection with
its clearing arrangement with Pershing, Sentinel Securities may receive (i) access to
certain services provided by Pershing (including, without limitation, communication
and content services, access to account and financial information, securities trading
and other services), and (ii) distribution assistance fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees and other
shareholder servicing fees) from Pershing with respect to account balances for certain
investments (including, among others, money market funds) held by Pershing for
Sentinel Securities’ clients, which may include Program clients.
Clients pay a single asset-based fee. The Program fee will be set forth in the Client
Agreement and is based on a percentage of the client’s total account assets under
management in the Program. The Program fee is calculated and charged on a
quarterly basis in advance (although in some cases, the Program fee may be calculated
and charged in arrears instead).
Our standard fee schedule for new clients is as follows:
Program clients may receive less favorable net prices, on transactions for their
accounts than would otherwise be the case if SPA had the discretion to place orders
for the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for client accounts
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prospectus (e.g. fund management fees and other fund expenses), certain deferred
sales charges on previously purchased mutual funds, odd-lot differentials, transfer
taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, charges by the Custodian to deliver
statements and reports in paper format, postage and overnight shipping, IRA account
maintenance fees, and other fees on securities transactions mandated by law. SPA
does do not receive, directly or indirectly any of these fees charged to you. They are
paid to your broker, custodian or the mutual fund or other investments you hold.
Asset Value (Annualized)
$25,000 to $249,999
from $250,000 to $499,999
from $500,000 to $999,999
from $1,000,000 to $4,999,999
from $5,000,000 and greater
Annual Fee*
1.50%
1.25%
1.00%
0.85%
0.60%
*Specified rate applies only to assets in this tier.
A percentage of the advisory fees paid by the client is provided to the Advisory
Representative for advisory services rendered. Similar investment advisory programs
may be available from other investment advisors for a lower fee. The advisory fee
(which includes transaction costs) may be more or less costly than paying for the
services separately. Some of that factors that may cause a differential in cost are the
investment advisory fees charged, the number of transactions for the account, the
level of brokerage and other fees that would be payable if the client obtained the
services available under the program individually.
All fees may be negotiated based on the specific situation of the client’s financial
plan and the asset levels and expected growth in the assets. Clients who engaged
SPA prior to January 1, 2024, are subject to fee schedules that use a blended fee rate
rather than the tiered fee rate shown above. A minimum of $25,000 of assets under
management is required for this service. However, this minimum may be negotiable
under certain circumstances. In some circumstances, clients may be charged an hourly
rate (negotiated) for certain financial plan related project work.
K. Termination
SPA may, in its sole discretion, negotiate the Program fee paid by the client depending
on considerations, including, but not limited to, the size of the client’s account, the
amount of time that the client has had an account or accounts with SPA and/or
Sentinel Securities, the total amount of business that the client conducts through SPA
and/or Sentinel Securities, the types of investments and services provided, anticipated
future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets and other relevant criteria.
Either client or SPA may terminate the Client Agreement effective as of the end of a
quarter upon advance written notice to the other prior to the end of such quarter.
In the event of termination of the Client Agreement, SPA shall have no obligations
whatsoever to recommend any action with respect to or to liquidate the assets in the
client’s account. SPA shall be entitled to be paid its fees in connection with its services
provided under the Client Agreement for the period to such effective termination.
Thus, SPA may withhold a pro rata portion of the prepaid advisory fees for bona
fide advisory services actually rendered during the quarter prior to such effective
termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to applicable laws, SPA will
refund excess advance payment to the extent that bona fide services have not been
provided during such period. In addition, each client is required to notify SPA in the
event that the client intends to withdraw assets in the client’s Program account to a
level below the account minimum.
Under the Program, an investor receives both investment advisory services and the
execution, clearing and settlement of securities brokerage transactions for a single
specified fee. Pershing, LLC provides Program clients with quarterly billing under
its automated billing system at no additional fee to Program clients. An investor’s
participation in the Program may cost the investor more or less than purchasing such
advisory, brokerage and other services separately. In addition, the Program fee may
be higher or lower than that charged by sponsors of other comparable wrap fee
programs.
Upon termination of any account, any prepaid unearned fees will be promptly
refunded based upon the number of days remaining in the quarter after the
termination date, and any earned unpaid fees will be due and payable.
For example, if there is heavy trading activity in an Account and high custodial charges,
the Program fee may cost an investor less than if purchasing advisory and custodial
services separately and being charged brokerage commissions for each trade.
L. Conflicts of Interest
SPA, together with its affiliated entities (as discussed above under “Other Business
Activities”), and in its capacity as an investment adviser, is routinely engaged in various
securities transactions and trading activities for various clients and customers (in
addition to the Program clients) which could create conflicts of interest among its
duties to the Program clients and its duties to other clients.
Conversely, little trading activity and low custodial fees could result in the Program fee
exceeding the cost of the services being charged separately. Furthermore, an investor
could invest directly in the securities included in a Portfolio outside of the Program
without incurring the Program fee, but such an investor would not receive the active
management services SPA provides and may incur transaction charges.
Program fees will be automatically deducted from the client’s account. Fee deductions
will be funded from available cash or the proceeds of the sale of securities and other
investments in the client’s account. Please see the Client Agreement for additional
information regarding fees.
J. Additional Charges
SPA, its affiliates, and each of their respective associated persons may purchase or sell
securities for his, her or its own account that have been recommended to, or have
been purchased or sold by, or on behalf of, clients in the Program. SPA, in accordance
with applicable state and federal securities laws, rules and regulations, maintains and
enforces written policies reasonably designed to: (1) prevent the misuse of material
nonpublic information by SPA or any person associated with SPA, and (2) monitor
the personal securities transactions of its associated persons to prevent any potential
material conflicts of interest between SPA, any person associated with SPA, and any of
The client may be responsible for paying certain charges in addition to the Program
fees. Such charges include, but are not limited to, charges imposed directly by a mutual
fund purchased for the client’s account, which shall be disclosed in the mutual fund’s
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its clients.
SPA does not represent, warrant or imply that the services or methods of analysis
used by SPA can or will predict future results, successfully identify market tops or
bottoms, or insulate clients from losses due to major market corrections or crashes.
No guarantees can be offered that clients’ goals or objectives will be achieved. Further,
no promises or assumptions can be made that the advisory services offered by SPA
will provide a better return than other investment strategies.
SPA, its affiliates, and each of their respective associated persons may give advice or
take action in performing their duties on behalf of a client, or for their own account,
that differs from advice given or action taken on behalf of other clients. Neither SPA,
nor its affiliates, nor any of their respective associated persons is obligated to buy,
sell or recommend for any client any investment that such person may buy, sell or
recommend for any other client or for their own account.
The managers of the mutual funds and ETFs that SPA selects to participate in the
Program may employ the same or substantially similar investment strategies, and may
hold similar portfolios of investments, in other investment products or programs that
they manage, such as managed account programs. Such other products or programs
may be available through SPA or elsewhere. The costs and the services relating to the
other products or programs in which these strategies are offered will differ.
Varied fluctuations in the price of investments are a normal characteristic of securities
markets due to a variety of influences. Managed account programs should be
considered a long-term investment and thus long-term performance and performance
consistency are the major goals.
Furthermore, as discussed above under “Brokerage and Custody,” Sentinel Securities
may receive access to certain services provided by, and distribution assistance fees
(i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees and other shareholder servicing fees) from, Pershing, LLC, with
respect to account balances for certain investments (including, among others, money
market funds) held by Pershing for Sentinel Securities’ clients, which may include
Program clients. Sentinel Securities and/or SPA may receive similar services and fees
from other Custodians and/or broker-dealers to the extent used under the Program.
Thus, there may be a financial incentive for SPA to invest client assets under the
Program in such investments over other investments, or to place client orders with
such Custodians and broker-dealers over other Custodians and broker-dealers, for
which Sentinel Securities, SPA or another SPA affiliate would not receive such services
and fees.
There is no assurance that the no-load mutual funds, select load-waived mutual funds
and ETFs will perform in any particular manner. Past performance of any mutual fund,
ETF or asset class is no guarantee of future performance. Clients should carefully read
the prospectus of each mutual fund and ETF before they invest.
No guarantees can be offered that client’s goals or objectives will be achieved. Further,
no promises or assumptions can be made that the advisory services offered by SPA
will provide a better return than other investment strategies.
SPA may recommend third parties for custody or brokerage services under the
Program. SPA (or its affiliates) may receive direct or indirect benefits through
participation in such Program, such as, among other things, access to research related
products and tools and shareholder servicing payments. In addition, as discussed
above, a person may receive a referral fee for recommending the Program. The
amount of that referral fee may be more than what the person would receive if
the person recommended another wrap fee program or the referred person paid
separately for investment advisory services, brokerage, and other services, and,
therefore, that person may have a financial incentive to recommend the Program over
other programs or services.
Client has been informed, understands and acknowledges that unless stated
otherwise in a supplemental disclosure document related to a specific investment or
program, the investments in client’s Program account are not insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), are not deposits with or the obligation of or
guaranteed by SPA or the Custodian or any of their affiliates, are subject to investment
risk, including possible loss of principal invested, and that past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
V. ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS AND TYPES OF CLIENTS
Potential conflicts of interest may arise regarding the allocation of investment
opportunities among clients advised by SPA. SPA will seek to allocate investment
opportunities believed appropriate for more than one client on a fair and equitable
basis. There can be no assurance that any particular investment opportunity will be
allocated in any particular manner.
Minimum Account Size
M. Risk of Loss
SPA requires an account minimum of $25,000 for participation in the Program. However, SPA,
in its sole discretion, may reduce the account minimum based upon certain criteria including,
among others, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar
amount of assets to be managed, related accounts and account composition.
Client understands, acknowledges and agrees that no assurance has been or can be
given to client that client will achieve his or her investment objectives by accepting or
implementing in whole or in part any investment strategy and/or allocation or any
specific recommendation by SPA to purchase or sell any security or other investment
or participate in the Program.
Types of Clients
SPA provides portfolio management services to individuals, pensions and profit sharing
plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and other business entities.
Account Opening
Once suitability for the client is established, the investor opens an account by signing the
Program’s investment management agreement (the “Client Agreement”) with SPA and a
Securities markets fluctuate substantially over time. All investments in securities include
a risk of loss of money invested (principal) and any unrealized profits (i.e., profits
in the account that have not been liquidated, sometimes called “paper profits”). In
addition, as recent global and domestic economic events have indicated, performance
of any investment is not guaranteed. As a result, there is a risk of loss of the assets
SPA manages that may be out of our control. SPA cannot guarantee any level of
performance or that clients will not experience a loss of account assets.
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new account agreement with Sentinel Securities.
1. Mutual Funds/Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs): The process begins with analysis of
Transactions, Confirmations and Account Statements
thousands of mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
2. Quantitative Analysis: The field is narrowed through quantitative analysis, which
compares each fund to its peer group in areas such as investment style, track
record, past performance, expense, risk management, and turnover of investments
within the fund.
The Custodian will provide the client with the following reports of relevant activity in the
account: (i) trade confirmations reflecting all transactions effected with or through the
Custodian (other than cash sweep transactions) and (ii) account statements not less than
quarterly itemizing all transactions in cash and securities and all deposits and withdrawals
of principal and income and listing securities in custody held in the account (monthly
statements may not be generated if there is no activity in the account during the month).
Performance Reports
3. Qualitative Analysis: The selection is further narrowed through qualitative analysis,
which looks at less tangible aspects such as the experience and skill of the
investment manager and their research, analysis and decision-making process.
4.
Clients will receive investment performance reports from SPA on a quarterly basis in the
form of mail, electronic delivery or a client meeting based upon the client’s request.
Core Line Up: Finally, the investment committee reviews all the information and
selects a prudent mix of investments that will be included in the each model
portfolio.
VI. PORTFOLIO MANAGER SELECTION AND EVALUATION
A. About Sentinel Pension Advisors, LLC.
5. Ongoing Reviews: Performance of each portfolio and the underlying strategies are
regularly monitored to assess that the investments continue to meet SPA’s strict
criteria. The committee also monitors market conditions and, if needed, rebalances
the portfolios to return them to their target asset allocation.
VII. CLIENT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Sentinel Pension Advisors “SPA” is an SEC-registered investment adviser located at
100 Quannapowitt Parkway, Suite 300, Wakefield, MA 01880. SPA provides investment
advisory services to individual and institutional clients such as corporate, trust, estate and
retirement accounts as well as pension and profit sharing plans outside of this Program.
SPA’s investment committee is responsible for identifying and selecting the no-load
mutual funds, select load-waived mutual funds and ETFs offered under the Program
based on each client’s individual goals, investment objectives and investment restrictions
as presented by the client to SPA. SPA is a subsidiary of Focus Operating, LLC, which is a
subsidiary of Focus Financial Partners, LLC.
The portfolio managers receive information regarding investment objective and risk
tolerance parameters. SPA does not disclose any nonpublic personal information about
its customers or former customers to any nonaffiliated third parties, except as permitted
by law. SPA may share some information with its service providers, such as transfer
agents, custodians, broker-dealers, accountants, and lawyers. SPA restricts internal access
to nonpublic personal information about the Client to those associated persons of the
Firm who need access to that information in order to provide services to the Client.
The managers of the mutual funds and ETFs that SPA selects to participate in the
Program may employ the same or substantially similar investment strategies, and may
hold similar portfolios of investments, in other investment products or programs that
they manage, such as managed account programs. Such other products or programs may
be available through SPA or elsewhere. The costs and the services relating to the other
products or programs in which these strategies are offered will differ.
SPA Investment Advisor Representatives meet with clients no less than annually. Any
changes in client investment objectives and risk tolerance parameters will be promptly
transmitted to the portfolio managers.
B. Portfolio Performance Review
SPA will update this Brochure when there are any material changes in this program or
the services provided, but in any event SPA will review this brochure no less frequently
than annually, and make any necessary changes at that time.
VIII. CLIENT CONTACT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Program is managed in one of two ways: a financial advisor managed portfolio or
a portfolio managed by a third manager. There are no restrictions placed on a client’s
ability to contact and consult with their financial advisor, or members of the Investment
Committee.
IX. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Portfolio performance is reviewed on an ongoing basis by SPA. SPA has retained the
services of an independent third party, to prepare model portfolio and individual client
performance reports at no additional fee to Program Clients.This Independent Third
Party incorporates a daily, time-weighted performance measurement with multi-period
returns calculated in compliance with CFA GIPS standards. Performance dimensions
include style, class, asset type, and sector variables. All Program Clients are encouraged to
discuss their investment objectives, needs and goals with SPA and to keep SPA informed
of any changes. All Program clients are encouraged to meet, at least annually, with SPA
to comprehensively review their investment objectives. The SPA Investment Committee
manages the SPA Wrap Fee Program based on the stated objectives of the program
guidelines.
A. Disciplinary information
C. SPA’s Investment Selection Process
There are no legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or prospective
client’s evaluation of this advisory business or the integrity of our management.
The SPA investment committee follows a disciplined research and evaluation process to
determine appropriate investments for each portfolio based on its target allocation.
B. Other Industry Activities and Affiliations
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or advise limited partnerships, private funds, or investment companies as disclosed on their
respective Form ADVs. In addition, certain employees of Focus Affilliates are also registered
representatives of Sentinel Securities. SPA may recommend investments managed or advised
by Focus Affiliates.
The principal executive officers of SPA, are also pension consultants and/or officers of
Sentinel Benefits Group, Inc. (‘’SBG’’), a third party administration firm for pension plans. SBG
is affiliated with SPA through common ownership and control. SPA clients can choose to use
the pension administration services of SBG. Fees for SBG’s pension administration services
are in addition to SPA advisory fees. No SPA client is obligated to use SBG for pension
administration services. SBG may recommend the advisory services of SPA to its clients.There
is no referral fee arrangement between SPA and SBG.
To the extent SPA employees who, in their registered representative capacity with Sentinel
Securities, serve as broker of record for a qualified retirement plan (“Plans”), the registered
representatives may recommend the purchase of a group annuity policy as the funding vehicle
for the Plan through its affiliated insurance agency, Sentinel Insurance. In no event will such
Plan also be a client of SPA. If a registered representative refers a Plan whose funding vehicle is
a group annuity to Sentinel Insurance, the registered representative may be paid a portion of
commissions received by Sentinel Insurance.
The principal executive officers of SPA are also agents, and/or officers of Sentinel Insurance
Agency.These individuals are also independent agents for various insurance companies.
Therefore, these individuals will be able to purchase insurance products for any client in need
of such services.These individuals will be able to receive separate, yet typical compensation
for the purchase of insurance products. SPA, its Advisory Representatives and related
persons have a conflict of interest to recommend clients purchase insurance products since
commissions may be earned in addition to fees for advisory services. Clients are not obligated
to purchase insurance products through SPA or its Advisory Representatives.
Clients are under no obligation to purchase or sell securities through SPA agents. However,
if a client chooses to implement the recommendations, commissions may be earned by SPA
agents (i.e. Sentinel Securities or Sentinel Insurance Agency) in addition to any fees paid for
advisory services.
SPA provides certain advisory services with respect to the accounts of Participants of Plans in
connection with the investment advisory services that SPA provides to the plan sponsors of
such Plans. In some instances, a participant may elect to transfer his/her account (e.g., an IRA)
out of the Plan to be managed separately by SPA. SPA may recommend the use of Sentinel
Securities (and other brokers unaffiliated with SPA), who provide brokerage services, to such
participant in such event. Under these circumstances, the participant may pay greater fees
to SPA and commissions to the selected broker-dealer with respect to his/her account for
the same services that the participant would have received had his/her account remained in
the Plan.Thus, there may be a financial incentive for SPA (and/or its affiliated broker-dealer,
Sentinel Securities) to encourage participants to transfer their accounts out of their respective
Plans to be managed separately by SPA.
Commissions may be higher or lower at Sentinel Securities than at other broker-dealers.
SPA Advisory Representatives may have a conflict of interest in having clients purchase
securities and/or insurance related products through Sentinel Securities, in that the higher
their production with Sentinel Securities the greater potential for obtaining a higher payout
on commissions earned. Further, Advisory Representatives may be restricted to only offering
those products and services that have been reviewed and approved for offering to the public
through Sentinel Securities.
Advice offered by SPA’s Advisory Representatives may involve investment in mutual funds.
Mutual funds may carry loads (i.e. sales charges) that may be up-front or on a contingent
deferred basis, or can be no-loads with no initial or contingent deferred sales charges. Clients
are advised that Advisory Representatives are registered representatives of Sentinel Securities.
, a registered broker-dealer, member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)
and SIPC. Therefore, Advisory Representatives have a conflict of interest in recommending
mutual funds that carry a load since such mutual funds will pay Advisory Representatives a
commission should the purchase be made through Advisory Representatives.
The principal executive officers and other related “employees” of SPA are officers, managers,
and/or registered representatives of Sentinel Securities, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA
member. Sentinel Securities is affiliated with SPA through common ownership and control.
These individuals will be able to effect separate securities transactions for advisory clients
and Sentinel Securities may receive separate and customary compensation for this activity
and may pay a portion of the compensation to these individuals. In some circumstances,
Sentinel Securities may receive customary compensation from mutual fund companies and/or
variable annuity companies, including 12b1 fees, for performing certain administrative and/or
shareholder servicing related tasks associated with a SPA client’s investments in such securities.
Sentinel Securities’ securities business is primarily limited to mutual fund shares and variable
insurance contracts.
A conflict of interest may exist between the interests of SPA and/or its Advisory
Representatives and the interests of the client in that SPA and Advisory Representatives offer
financial planning and investment advisory services for a fee and also offer various securities
products for which they may be paid a commission.The securities products available through
SPA may be limited to certain products that have been reviewed and made available for
offering through the broker/dealer with which Advisory Representatives may be registered
representatives. Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
Material conflicts of interest disclosed to the client in writing via this Form ADV, Part 2 could
cause SPA or its Advisory Representatives to not render unbiased and objective advice.
Clients are advised that the investment recommendations, and advice offered by SPA, are not
legal recommendations or advice, nor does it constitute accounting advice. Clients should
coordinate and discuss the impact of financial advice with their attorney and/or accountant.
Clients are advised that it is necessary to inform SPA promptly with respect to any changes in
the client’s financial situation and investment goals and objectives. Failure to notify SPA of any
such changes could result in investment recommendations being made that are based upon
inaccurate information, thus will not meet the needs of the client.
SPA is part of the Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus LLC”) partnership. Specifically, SPA is
a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Focus LLC. Focus Financial Partners, Inc. LLC is the sole
managing member of Focus LLC. Ultimate governance of Focus LLC is conducted through
the board of directors at Ferdinand FFP Ultimate Holdings, LP. Focus LLC is majority-owned,
indirectly and collectively, by investment vehicles affiliated with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC
(“CD&R”). Investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point Capital LLC (“Stone Point”) are
indirect owners of Focus LLC. Because SPA is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Focus
LLC, CD&R and Stone Point investment vehicles are indirect owners of SPA.
Focus LLC also owns other registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, pension
consultants, insurance firms, business managers and other firms (the “Focus Partners”),
most of which provide wealth management, benefit consulting and investment consulting
services to individuals, families, employers, and institutions. Some Focus Partners also manage
The level of experience of Advisory Representatives will vary. Additionally, the fees charged
by various Advisory Representatives will not exceed the fee schedules disclosed herein
but may vary.Therefore, clients receiving similar services may pay higher or lower fees than
another client depending on their Advisory Representative. A higher fee is not necessarily
commensurate with the experience of the Advisory Representative.
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or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.
The Code is designed to ensure that the high ethical standards long maintained by SPA
continue to be applied. The purpose of the Code is to preclude activities which may lead to
or give the appearance of conflicts of interest, insider trading and other forms of prohibited
or unethical business conduct. The excellent name and reputation of our firm continues to
be a direct reflection of the conduct of each employee.
Advisory Representatives who are Registered Representatives of Sentinel Securities may
receive trail commissions (i.e. 12b-1 fees) for a period of time. Load and no-load mutual funds
may pay annual distribution charges, sometimes referred to as 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees come
from fund assets, therefore, indirectly from client assets. 12b-1 fees may be initially paid to
Sentinel Securities and a portion passed to the Advisory Representatives.The receipt of such
fees could represent an incentive for Advisory Representatives to recommend funds with
12b-1 fees over funds that have no fees or lower fees. As a result, there is a potential conflict
of interest.
A copy of the SPA Code of Ethics is available to clients and potential clients upon request.
The SPA Code may also be viewed online at www.sentinelgroup.com.
Pursuant to Section 206 of the Advisors Act, both SPA and its employees are prohibited
from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. Compliance with this
section involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. In meeting its fiduciary
responsibilities to its clients, SPA expects every employee to demonstrate the highest
standards of ethical conduct for continued employment with SPA.
Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code shall be considered a basic condition of
employment with SPA. SPA reputation for fair and honest dealing with its clients has taken
considerable time to build. This standing could be seriously damaged as the result of even
a single securities transaction being considered questionable in light of the fiduciary duty
owed to our clients. SPA employees are urged to seek the advice of the Chief Compliance
Periodically Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”), our parent company, holds partnership
meetings and other industry and best-practices conferences, which typically include Focus firm
and external attendees.These meetings provide sponsorship opportunities for asset managers,
asset custodians, vendors and other third party service providers. Sponsorship fees allow
these companies to advertise their products and services to Focus firms, including Sentinel
Pension Advisors, LLC., and facilitate access to our advisors and employees to discuss ideas,
products and services.This could be deemed a conflict: the marketing and education activities
conducted, and the access granted, at such meetings and conferences may lead advisors to
focus on those conference sponsors in the course of their duties. Focus attempts to mitigate
any such conflict by having the fees only go towards defraying the cost of such meeting or
future meetings and not as revenue for itself or any affiliate. Conference sponsorship fees are
not dependent on assets placed with any specific provider, or the revenue generated by asset
placement.
Officer for any questions about the Code or the application of the Code to their individual
circumstances. A material breach of the provisions of the Code by an employee may
constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment with SPA.
Privacy Policy
SPA also holds meetings and other industry and best-practices conferences, which typically
include firm and external attendees.These meetings provide sponsorship opportunities for
asset managers, asset custodians, vendors and other third party service providers. Sponsorship
fees allow these companies to advertise their products and services to SPA and other
attendees and facilitate access to our advisors and employees to discuss ideas, products and
services.
SPA recognizes and respects the privacy of each of its customers and their expectations
for confidentiality. The protection of customer information is of fundamental importance in
SPA’s operation and SPA takes its responsibility to protect nonpublic personal information
seriously.
SPA collects, retains and uses information that assists SPA in providing the best service
possible. This information comes from the following sources:
This could be deemed a conflict: the marketing and education activities conducted, and the
access granted, at such meetings and conferences may lead advisors to focus on those
conference sponsors in the course of their duties. SPA attempts to mitigate any such conflict
by having the fees only go towards defraying the cost of such meeting or future meetings and
not as revenue for itself or any affiliate. Conference sponsorship fees are not dependent on
assets placed with any specific provider, or the revenue generated by asset placement.
C. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal Trading
• Account applications and other required forms
• Written, oral, electronic or telephonic communications and
• Account and transaction histories with us, our affiliates, or others
Code of Ethics
SPA has in place a Code of Ethics that provides for SPA and its Advisor Representatives to
exercise its fiduciary duty to clients to act in the best interest of the client and always place
the client’s interests first and foremost. SPA takes its compliance and regulatory obligations
seriously and requires all staff to comply with such rules and regulations as well as SPA’
policies and procedures.
SPA does not disclose any nonpublic personal information about SPA’s customers or
former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law. SPA restricts access to nonpublic
personal information about you to those employees, affiliates, and service providers who
need to know that information to provide SPA products or services to you. SPA requires
that these entities limit the use of the information provided to the purposes for which it
was disclosed and as permitted by law.
SPA maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal
standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
As SPA and its Advisory Representatives are aware of recommendations to clients,
a conflict of interest exists where there is a possibility that SPA or its Advisory
Representatives may take advantage of this knowledge and engage in transactions prior to
The Code of Ethics (the “Code”) has been adopted by SPA and is designed to comply with
Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisors Act”). The
Code establishes rules of conduct for all employees of SPA and is designed to, among other
things; govern personal securities trading activities in the accounts of employees. The Code
is based upon the principle that SPA and its employees owe a fiduciary duty to clients to
conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as
to avoid (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients, (ii) taking inappropriate
advantage of their position with the firm and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest
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stated goals or objectives.
At a minimum, quarterly reports will be furnished by the custodian. SPA does not provide
monthly or quarterly statements to clients. Account activity in any given month will
generate an account statement for that month.
E. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
clients being given recommendations. To address this conflict, it is the express policy of SPA
that no person employed by SPA may purchase or sell any security prior to a transaction(s)
being implemented for an advisory account, and therefore, preventing such employees from
benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts. Thus, Sentinel and its
related persons do not recommend securities to clients, or buy or sell securities for client
accounts, at or about the same time that Sentinel or a related person buys or sells the
same securities for its own (or the related person’s own) account.
Notwithstanding the restriction on engaging in transactions prior to clients, SPA, or
individuals associated with SPA, may buy or sell securities identical to those recommended
to customers for their personal accounts. It is the policy of SPA that such transactions
cannot be made to the detriment of the client. SPA’s Compliance Department monitors
the trading of SPA employees and Advisory Representatives, and has in place processes to
address violations of this policy.
If a client is introduced to SPA by either an unaffiliated or an affiliated promoter, SPA will
pay that promoter a referral fee only if an agreement is in place that is in accordance with
the requirements of Rule 206(4)-3 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended
(the “Advisors Act”), and any applicable state securities law requirements. SPA has entered
into promoter relationships with other investment advisers, broker-dealers, and financial
planning firms whereby the promoter will refer clients to SPA which clients may be a
candidate for the investment advisory services offered by SPA. SPA shares advisory fees
with promoters on a negotiated basis for soliciting business for SPA. Compensation to
promoters will be an agreed upon percentage of SPA’s advisory fee. This fee is paid in
arrears and in most instances continues to be paid to promoters for as long as SPA
receives fees on the account.
Additionally, SPA or its related persons may have a material financial interest in securities
which may also be recommended to a client. A conflict of interest exists in these situations
whereby client transactions in such entities could have a financial benefit to SPA or its
related persons. To address this conflict, in addition to the requirement to always act in the
clients’ best interest, SPA has established the following restrictions:
1. A director, officer or employee of SPA shall not buy or sell securities for their
personal portfolio(s) where their decision is substantially derived, in whole or in part,
by reason of his or her employment unless the information is also available to the
investing public on reasonable inquiry. No person of SPA shall prefer his or her own
interest to that of the advisory client.
Any such referral fee shall be paid solely from the Program fee paid to SPA, and shall not
result in any additional charge to the client. If the client is introduced to SPA by an
unaffiliated promoter, the promoter shall provide the client with a copy of Form ADV Part
2, the Wrap Fee Program brochure, Form CRS and a copy of the disclosure statement
between SPA and the promoter containing the terms and conditions of the solicitation
arrangement, including compensation. Any affiliated promoter of SPA shall disclose the
nature of his/her relationship to prospective clients at the time of the solicitation and will
provide all prospective clients with a copy of the Form ADV Part 2, Wrap Fee Program
brochure, and the Form CRS at the time of the solicitation.
2.
SPA maintains a list of all securities holdings for itself, and anyone associated with
this advisory practice with access to advisory recommendations. These holdings are
reviewed on a regular basis by an appropriate officer/individual of SPA.
3. All clients are fully informed that certain individuals may receive separate
compensation when effecting transactions during the implementation process.
4.
SPA emphasizes the unrestricted right of the client to decline to implement any
advice rendered, except in situations where SPA is granted discretionary authority of
the client’s account.
SPA’s principal executive officers and advisor representatives, from time to time, receive
incentive awards or non-cash compensation for the recommendation/ introduction of
investment products. While these individuals endeavor at all times to put the interest of
the clients first as part of SPA’s fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that the receipt of
additional compensation itself creates a conflict of interest, and may affect the judgment
of these individuals when making recommendations. All non-cash compensation must be
disclosed to and, in certain instances, approved by the SPA Compliance Department. The
SPA Compliance Department reviews and tracks all non-cash compensation or incentive
awards provided to any SPA investment advisory representative from an outside firm to
ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
5.
SPA emphasizes the unrestricted right of the client to select and choose any broker
or dealer, and/or insurance company (s)he wishes.
6.
SPA requires that all individuals must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and
State regulations governing registered investment advisory practices.
7. Any individual not in observance of the above may be subject to termination.
D. Review of Accounts
Certain mutual funds and variable annuities in which you are invested may pay marketing
fees, service fees, including shareholder service fees, 12b-1 fees, to SPA or Sentinel
Securities, LLC our affiliated broker/dealer for marketing assistance or the performance of
certain administrative tasks associated with making an investment in such fund or annuity.
Any such fees received by us will not be credited against the fees otherwise payable by
individual clients to us. Our employees or associated persons on occasion are invited to
attend seminars and meetings with the costs associated with such meetings borne by a
sponsoring brokerage firm or other party extending the invitation.
Account assets for Investment Advisory clients are supervised continuously and formally
reviewed at least annually by the Advisory Representative assigned to the account. The
review process will include, but is not limited to, comparing the current asset allocation to
the asset allocation models, or the recommended asset allocation and evaluating the need
for rebalancing. Additional account reviews may be triggered by any of the following events;
a specific client request, deposit or withdrawal of client funds, or a change in the client’s
SPA will recommend the Sentinel Securities, LLC, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), or
Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC. (“Fidelity”) FINRA registered broker dealers, to clients in
need of brokerage services. While there is no direct linkage between the investment advice
given and implementation of securities transactions through these arrangements, economic
benefits are received which would not be received if SPA did not give investment advice
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to clients. These benefits include: receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled
duplicate statements; access to a trading desk serving participants exclusively; access to
block trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then
allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts; ability to have investment advisory fees
deducted directly from client account; access, for a fee, to an electronic communication
network for client order entry and account information; receipt of compliance publications;
and access to mutual funds which generally require significantly higher minimum initial
investments or are generally available only to institutional investors.
The benefits received through participation in the SPA , Schwab or Fidelity programs
may or may not depend upon the amount of transactions directed to, or amount of assets
custodied.
In addition, certain employees of SPA hold securities licenses at and are deemed “registered
representatives” of Sentinel Securities. From time to time, such employees may act in their
“registered representative” capacity as “broker of record” for a Plan. Pursuant to such
arrangement, the registered representative will receive commission compensation from the
Plan. In all cases, whether acting through SPA or as a registered representative of Sentinel
Securities, the employee (who is a registered representative) does not have discretion over
any client’s account.
F. Financial Information
SPA has not attached a balance sheet for its most recent fiscal year because it does not
have custody of client assets, or require prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client
and six or more months in advance. SPA 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.
X. REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE-REGISTERED ADVISORS
Not Applicable
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