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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
CRD # 313265
100 Crescent Court Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75201
214.880.4600
March 17, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Smith Group
Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”). If you have any questions about the contents of this
Brochure, please contact us at 214.880.4600. The information in this Brochure has not been
approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any
state securities authority.
Smith Group 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 Smith Group provide
you with information about which you decide to hire or retain Smith Group.
information about Smith Group is also available on the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Material Changes
This brochure contains material changes since its last annual update on March 27, 2024. A
summary of the material changes are as follows:
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss:
Updated to include Cantor Fitzgerald Equity Opportunity and Cantor Fitzgerald High
Income strategies
Item 10 – Affiliations:
Updated to better reflect the affiliation of Smith Group Asset Management and Cantor
Fitzgerald Investment Advisors.
Item 15 – Custody:
Updated private fund custody paragraph.
Form ADV 2B
Updated to include David Schiffman as Director of Fixed Income Investments.
In addition, this brochure includes a variety of wording changes and clarifications from the
last update to the Firm Brochure.
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Item 3 -Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page .......................................................................................................................... i
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................... ii
Item 4 – Advisory Business .............................................................................................................. 4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................... 5
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ................................................ 9
Item 7 – Types of Clients .................................................................................................................. 9
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................ 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................. 13
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ....................................................... 13
Item 11 – Code of Ethics ................................................................................................................ 13
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................... 14
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ....................................................................................................... 18
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................... 19
Item 15 – Custody .......................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................... 20
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities .................................................................................................. 21
Item 18 – Financial Information ..................................................................................................... 22
Brochure Supplement(s)
Privacy Policy
ADV 2B for:
Stephen Smith
John Brim
Christopher Zogg
William Ketterer
Eivind Olsen
Stephanie Jones
David Schiffman
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 4 – Advisory Business
Smith Group is a registered investment advisory firm established in 2021. Smith Group is majority
owned by Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors, L.P., a registered investment advisor.
Smith Group focuses on providing equity investment advisory services. Smith Group manages the
investment and reinvestment of clients’ assets through investment in various securities including
equities, and, in certain cases, money market instruments. Investment advisory services are
offered in the marketplace under the following names: Cantor Fitzgerald, Cantor Fitzgerald Asset
Management and Smith Group.
Currently the firm manages assets for a diverse list of clients that include individuals, high net
worth individuals, banking and thrift institutions, investment companies including mutual funds,
corporate pension and profit-sharing plans, multi-employer plans, other pooled investment
vehicles, charitable institutions, corporations, and businesses not listed above, state or municipal
government entities, WRAP platforms and UMA’s.
Smith Group uses a team of portfolio managers to provide advisory services to clients. Because
Smith Group is primarily in the business of managing equity portfolios, the typical investment
objective of our clients is to produce investment performance that exceeds that of a stock market
benchmark. To ensure that portfolios are consistently managed, a model portfolio approach is
generally utilized and all clients utilizing the same investment strategy receive similar securities
with appropriate consideration given to any client’s specific restrictions and tailored needs.
Smith Group seeks to and does act as a portfolio manager for wrap fee programs. Smith Group
employs the same model portfolio approach in the management of wrap fee program accounts
as is utilized for non-wrap fee program accounts. Smith Group also seeks to and does serve as
sub-advisor for unified managed accounts, multiple strategy portfolios, multiple discipline
accounts, and other forms of model portfolio structures (collectively “UMA’s”). Within these
UMA’s Smith Group generally does not have final security selection authority and serves in a sub-
advisor role recommending security buys/sells and target position weightings to the client’s
advisor.
As of December 31, 2024, Smith Group’s assets under management and advisement were:
U.S. Dollar Amount t
$ 1,714,189,276
$ 0
Managed on a discretionary basis
Managed on a non-discretionary basis
Assets under Advisement
$ 583,253,822
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Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Clients pay Smith Group a fee for managing portfolios (the "Advisory Fee") which is based upon
the market value of the portfolio, including cash equivalents, as determined at the close of the
last day of each quarter. In some instances, clients pay monthly or use a daily average balance to
calculate payments. In most cases, the Advisory Fee will be computed quarterly in arrears and the
client will either authorize Smith Group to withdraw the fees from the portfolio or will be billed
for the fee. For certain accounts, when specified by the client, fees are billed in advance. In these
cases, if a client closes their account during the billing period, pro-rated fees will be calculated
and refunded to the client as specified in their advisory agreement.
Clients pay according to the fee schedule as specified in their Investment Advisory Agreement.
Based on the mandate size and client servicing requirements, fees may be negotiated to a level
lower than the Maximum Advisory fee schedule outlined below for each Smith Group strategy.
Fees charged for separate accounts are based on the assets under management and are
negotiated between Smith Group and the client.
Maximum Advisory Fee Schedules (per annum) are as follows:
Cantor Fitzgerald Large Cap Focused (f/k/a Large Cap Focused Equity)
Fee Structure
0.60% on all managed assets
0.25% of managed assets and +25% of the excess return over the
benchmark charged quarterly in arrears for the previous trailing
twelve-month period
Fee Type
Management Fee
Only
Management Fee
plus Performance
Based Fee
Cantor Fitzgerald Global Equity (f/k/a Global Equity)
Cantor Fitzgerald International Equity (f/k/a International Equity)
Fee Structure
1.00% on all managed assets
0.25% of managed assets and +25% of the excess return over the
benchmark charged quarterly in arrears for the previous trailing
twelve-month period
Fee Type
Management Fee
Only
Management Fee
plus Performance
Based Fee
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Cantor Fitzgerald Large Cap Diversified Growth (f/k/a Large Cap Diversified Growth)
Fee Structure
0.50% all assets
0.25% of managed assets and +25% of the excess return over the
benchmark charged quarterly in arrears for the previous trailing
twelve-month period
Fee Type
Management Fee
Only
Management Fee
plus Performance
Based Fee
For qualified clients, and at the client's option, the management fee may be charged as a
combination of a percentage of assets under management plus a performance-based fee. The
fees to be charged for this service will be determined by the client's individual circumstances and
will never exceed 25% of the account's excess return over the benchmark. Once agreed upon with
the client, the actual fees will be documented in the client’s investment advisory agreement. The
performance fee offered for the Large Cap Focused, Global Equity, International Equity and Large
Cap Diversified Growth products is paid based on the performance produced within the client’s
account. Anyone considering the usage of this type of fee should be aware that it might encourage
the manager to take an undue amount of risk with the client’s capital in order to potentially
increase the fee paid to the manager. Although Smith Group carefully monitors the risk level of
each client’s portfolio, the potential does exist for clients using the variable fee to have a higher
risk level than if that fee were not used. Although there is potential for increased risk associated
with the use of performance-based fees, Smith Group maintains policies and procedures designed
to mitigate such a risk, including those related to investment allocations.
Cantor Fitzgerld Dividend Growth (f/k/a Dividend Growth)
Fee Structure
0.50% on all managed assets
Fee Type
Management Fee
Only
Cantor Fitzgerald Small Cap Focused (f/k/a Small Cap Growth)
Fee Structure
0.75% on all managed assets
Fee Type
Management Fee
Only
Smith Group fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, custodial fees and
other related costs and expenses which may be charged by non-affiliated firms to transact trades
and provide custodial services to the client. In addition, mutual funds and exchange traded funds
also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus.
Such charges, fees, and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to Smith Group’s fee, and
Smith Group does not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Smith Group may, however, in its sole and absolute discretion, waive the payment of all or part
of the performance fee payable with respect to any Client (including people employed by Smith
Group and its affiliated people as Smith Group determines is appropriate).
Portfolio values are computed quarterly based on the quarter end market value and multiplied
by the applicable percentage/basis points. This amount is then divided by four (4) and deducted
from the portfolio value unless the client chooses to be billed for the fee. All fees and payment
specifications are detailed in the client’s investment advisory agreement.
Item 12 further describes the factors that Smith Group considers in selecting or recommending
broker dealers for client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation
(e.g., commissions).
Most Favored Nation Clauses for Institutional Separate Accounts
Certain Institutional Separate Account clients have negotiated “most favored nation” clauses in
their investment advisory agreements with Smith Group. These clauses may require Smith Group
to decrease the fees charged to the “most favored nation” client whenever Smith Group enters
into an advisory agreement at a lower fee rate with another Institutional Separate Account client.
The applicability of a “most favored nation” clause may depend on the degree of similarity
between institutional clients, including reporting requirements, investment restrictions, the
amount of assets under management and the particular investment strategy selected by each
client. Smith Group does not agree to “most favored nation” clauses in most circumstances.
Fees for Sub-Advisory Services to Registered Investment Companies
Smith Group provides sub-advisory services to a number of mutual funds. The advisory fees that
Smith Group receives for providing those services are negotiated between Smith Group and the
principal adviser for each sub-advised fund and are set forth in the sub-advisory agreement
between Smith Group and that principal adviser. Smith Group’s fee is a component of the total
investment advisory fee paid by an investor in the specific sub-advised mutual fund. Additional
details about the fees charged to an investor in any such fund are available in the then-current
prospectus for that fund.
Fees for Wrap Program
A client in a Wrap Program typically pays the sponsor of the program an annual fee typically
ranging from 1% to 3% of the client’s annual assets under management. In the event that Smith
Group is engaged by a Wrap Program sponsor to provide investment sub-advisory services to
clients of the program, Smith Group’s sub advisory agreement with the sponsor will specify the
amount of Smith Group’s sub-advisory fee. In general, Smith Group receives an annual fee ranging
from 0.24% to 0.50% of the client assets managed by Smith Group. The specific fee amount will
be negotiated between Smith Group and the program sponsor and will depend on a number of
factors, including the size of the Wrap Program and the particular Smith Group investment
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
strategy(ies) that the program will offer to clients. The Wrap Program client does not pay any fees
directly to Smith Group; instead, the sponsor pays Smith Group’s fee out of the proceeds of the
“wrap fee” paid by the client. In the event that Smith Group’s service to the Wrap Program is
terminated, any pre-paid advisory fee will be refunded to the client on a pro rata basis. Wrap
Program fees collected by a sponsor typically cover all brokerage commissions on trades that are
executed with the sponsor. A Wrap Program client will pay fees in addition to the Wrap Program
fees when trades are “stepped-out” to broker-dealers other than the sponsor. The additional fees
that are charged to the client are reflected in the “net price” a client pays for or receives from the
transaction. For more information about the types of brokerage commissions that may be
separately charged to Wrap Program clients, see Item 12.
Fees for Unified Managed Account Programs
Smith Group charges a fee to each sponsor of a UMA Program that enters into a contract to use
a Smith Group model portfolio to assist in the management of the sponsor’s client accounts. Smith
Group typically charges UMA Program sponsors an average annual fee of 0.22% to 0.50% of the
assets under management using a particular strategy, but the amount of the fee is negotiated
between Smith Group and the sponsor and may vary depending on a number of factors, including
the number of model portfolios that the sponsor utilizes.
Services to Employees, Family and Friends of Smith Group
In most cases, Smith Group provides portfolio management services to Smith Group, Smith Group
affiliates, Smith Group principals, employees, and their family members and friends without
charge, or for fee rates that are lower than the rates available to other clients Smith Group’s
employees are also eligible to invest in certain other pooled investment vehicles advised by Smith
Group, despite the fact that Smith Group’s employees may not otherwise satisfy the eligibility
requirements for investment in these pooled vehicles. Furthermore, in most cases, Smith Group
chooses to waive applicable performance-based fees with respect to assets invested by Smith
Group’s principals, affiliates, employees, and their family members and friends. In addition, we
now charge all “Cantor Employee” accounts 0.35% per annum.
Termination
Clients shall have the right to terminate the Investment Advisory Contract ("Agreement"), without
penalty, at any time within five (5) business days after the effective date of the Agreement.
Thereafter, either party may terminate the Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the
other party by certified or registered mail to the address set forth in the contract. In the event the
Agreement is terminated, and the client has advanced any fees which have not been earned as of
the effective date of termination, such unearned fees shall be refunded to the client.
Clients who pay a performance-based fee and elect to terminate their contracts will be charged
the performance-based fee based on the performance of the account for the measuring period
going back from the termination date and pro-rated from the date on which the performance-
based fee was last assessed. In measuring the client's assets for the calculation of the
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
performance-based fees, Smith Group shall include for the securities for which market quotations
are readily available, the realized capital losses and unrealized capital losses of securities over the
period and, if the unrealized capital appreciation of the securities over this period is included, the
unrealized capital depreciation of securities over the period. The client should note that the
performance-based fee arrangement may create an incentive for Smith Group to recommend
investments which may be riskier or more speculative than those which would be recommended
under a different fee arrangement. Smith Group may receive increased compensation with regard
to unrealized appreciation as well as unrealized gains in the client's account. The client must
understand the proposed method of compensation and its risks prior to entering into the
contract. Performance-based fees will only be charged in accordance with the provisions of Reg.
205-3 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Smith Group has entered into performance fee arrangements with qualified clients that differ from
the fee structures stated in Item 5: such fees are subject to individualized negotiation with each
client. Smith Group will structure any performance or incentive fee arrangement subject to
Section 205(a)(1) of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (The Advisors Act) in accordance with
the available exemptions there under, including the exemption set forth in Rule 205-3. In
measuring clients' assets for the calculation of performance-based fees, Smith Group shall include
realized and unrealized capital gains and losses. Performance-based fee arrangements might
encourage Smith Group to take an undue amount of risk with the client’s capital in order to
potentially increase the fee paid to the Smith Group. Although Smith Group carefully monitors
the risk level of each client’s portfolio, the potential does exist for clients using the variable fee to
have a higher risk level than if that fee were not used. Although there is potential for increased
risk associated with the use of performance-based fees, Smith Group maintains policies and
procedures designed to mitigate such a risk, including those related to investment allocations,
see Item 12 for more detailed trade allocation information.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Smith Group provides portfolio management services to individuals, high net worth individuals,
banking and thrift institutions, investment companies including mutual funds, corporate pension
and profit-sharing plans, multi-employer plans, other pooled investment vehicles, charitable
institutions, corporations, and businesses not listed above, state or municipal government
entities, WRAP platforms and UMA’s.
Smith Group principals, employees and affiliates may invest in Smith Group managed strategies,
mutual funds and private funds which could create an incentive for Smith Group to favor those
accounts over other clients. Although a potential for conflict of interest does exist, Smith Group
maintains policies and procedures designed to mitigate these conflicts.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
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Cantor Fitzgerald Core and Growth strategies:
1.) Cantor Fitzgerald Large Cap Focused (SMA)
2.) Cantor Fitzgerald Large Cap Diversified Growth (SMA)
3.) Cantor Fitzgerald Global Equity (SMA)
4.) Cantor Fitzgerald International Equity (SMA)
5.) Cantor Fitzgerald Small Cap Focused (SMA)
6.) Cantor Fitzgerald Equity Opportunity (SMA)
7.) Cantor Fitzgerald High Income (SMA)
Smith Group invests, under normal market conditions, in common stocks, other equity securities
and fixed income securities. These securities may be traded over the counter or listed on an
exchange.
Principal Investment Strategy: Growth, Focused and Diversified Growth strategies
Smith Group applies an engineering approach to investment management. By leveraging
technology and fundamental research, we identify companies with undiscovered growth
potential, creating portfolios designed to produce attractive return patterns. Using both
quantitative and qualitative analysis, we invest in high quality companies poised to accelerate
earnings growth and exceed investor expectations.
When selecting investments, Smith Group employs quantitative and qualitative analysis to
identify high quality companies that we believe have the ability to accelerate earnings growth and
exceed investor expectations. The security selection process consists of three steps. Beginning
with a universe of stocks appropriate for the objectives of the investment strategy, Smith Group’s
investment team first conducts a series of risk control and valuation screens designed to eliminate
those stocks that are more likely to underperform the market. Stocks that pass the initial screens
are then evaluated using a proprietary methodology that attempts to identify stocks with the
highest probability of producing an earnings growth rate that exceeds investor expectations. In
other words, the investment team seeks to identify stocks that are well positioned to benefit from
a positive earnings surprise. The first two screening steps produce a list of eligible companies that
may be subjected to traditional fundamental analysis to further understand each company’s
business prospects, earnings potential, strength of management and competitive positioning. The
investment team uses the results of this analysis to construct the portfolio for the Fund or client
accounts. The same systematic approach utilized in portfolio construction is utilized in
rebalancing and Smith Group employs systematic and fundamental analyses to evaluate portfolio
holdings.
Holdings in the portfolio become candidates for sale if the investment team identifies negative
investment or performance characteristics. Reasons to sell a stock may include negative earnings
forecast or report, valuation concerns, company official’s downward guidance on company
performance or earnings, or announcement of a buyout.
Principal Investment Strategy: Customized Solutions – Dividend Growth, Sector specific strategies
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Smith Group has developed and managed customized investment strategies for clients based on
their specific investment requirements in the past and will develop them in the future.
The same basic philosophy and engineering approach as described in the Growth, Focused and
Diversified Growth strategies section above is utilized when constructing custom solutions while
incorporating the client’s specific investment parameters to achieve their overall stated
investment objective.
Principal Investment Strategy: High Yield Fixed Income strategy
The bonds the strategy purchases can be of any maturity, but the average effective weighted
maturity of the portfolio will normally be within one year of the average maturity of the
Bloomberg US Corporate High Yield Total Return Index Value Unhedged. Maturity is the length of
time during which the owner of the bond will receive interest payments on the investment.
In addition to considering economic factors such as the effect of interest rates on the
investments, Smith Group applies a “bottom up” approach in choosing investments. Smith Group
considers the individual characteristics of each potential investment in income-producing security
to determine if it is an attractive investment opportunity and consistent with the Fund’s
investment policies. Smith Group also employs a relative value analysis (analysis based upon
valuations of investments with similar ratings and duration) and fundamental credit research
(examining published financial results for improving balance sheets, improving cash flow or
interest coverage, improving earnings, hidden or unappreciated value, management quality) on
potential investments in an effort to identify companies with attractive characteristics and/or
strong business models. Smith Group’s sell discipline may be driven by four major categories: (1)
sell or trim if a position becomes disproportionately large; (2) sell a position that may be
overpriced after a period of relative outperformance compared to similar positions; (3) sell when
a company’s long-term prospects weaken; (4) sell when external factors such as market shifts or
regulatory changes, create an unfavorable environment for the company.
Principal Risks of Investing in Smith Group ’s investment portfolios:
Equity Securities Risk: Since the portfolios predominantly hold equity securities, the portfolios are
subject to the risk that equity security prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Price
volatility is the principal risk of investing in these portfolios. You could lose all or some of your
investment in the portfolio. In addition, common stocks represent a share of ownership in a
company, and rank after bonds and preferred stock in their claim on the company’s assets in the
event of bankruptcy.
Market Risk: All portfolios are also subject to the risk that their primary market segment may
underperform other market segments or the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, Smith Group’s
investment approach may be contrary to general investment opinion at times or otherwise fail to
produce the desired result, causing the portfolio securities to underperform securities that also
seek capital appreciation but use different approaches to select stocks.
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Large Cap Company Risk: Investment in larger companies is subject to the risk that larger
companies are sometimes unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller
companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Small and Microcap Company Risk: Investing in securities of small and microcap sized companies
may involve greater volatility than investing in larger and more established companies. The
securities of small-sized companies may have greater price volatility and less liquidity than the
securities of larger companies. Smith Group may hold a significant percentage of a company’s
outstanding shares and may sell them at a discount from quoted prices.
Liquidity Risk: Due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors, an account may not
be able to sell some or all of the investments promptly or may only be able to sell investments at
less than desired prices or to sell the investment in a timely manner or at an acceptable price.
Economic Risk: The value of an account’s investments may decline due to changes in general
economic and market conditions. The value of a security in an account may change in response
to developments affecting entire economies, markets or industries, including changes in interest
rates, pandemic events, political and legal developments, changes in Federal Reserve policy, and
general market volatility.
Growth Investment Risk: A principal risk of growth stocks is that investors expect growth
companies to increase their earnings at a certain rate that is generally higher than the rate
expected for other companies. If a growth company does not meet these expectations, the price
of its stock may decline significantly, even if it has increased earnings. Growth companies also
typically do not pay dividends. Companies that pay dividends may experience less significant stock
price declines during market downturns.
Foreign Investment Risk: Investment strategies that make foreign investments are subject to
special risks not typically associated with U.S. stocks. These stocks may underperform other types
of stocks, and they may not increase or may decline in value. Investing in issuers headquartered
or otherwise located in foreign countries poses additional risks since political and economic
events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These events will
not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States.
Currency Risk: Investments are generally subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency
will change in relation to one or more other currencies, particularly when an investment is
denominated in a currency other than a client’s home currency or when a company’s revenue or
operating expenses are subject to fluctuating exchange rates. Among the factors that may affect
currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative
values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital
appreciation and political developments. Officials in foreign countries may, from time to time,
take actions with respect to their currencies that could significantly affect the value of a client’s
assets denominated in those currencies or the liquidity of such investments. For example, a
foreign government may unilaterally devalue its currency against other currencies, which would
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
typically have the effect of reducing the U.S. dollar value of investments denominated in that
currency. A foreign government may also limit the convertibility or repatriation of its currency or
assets denominated in that currency.
Cybersecurity Risk: Smith Group, the clients’ service providers and other market participants
increasingly depend on complex information technology and communications systems to conduct
business functions. These systems are subject to a number of different threats or risks that could
adversely affect the clients and the accounts, despite the efforts of Smith Group and the clients’
service providers to adopt technologies, processes and practices intended to mitigate these risks
and protect the security of their computer systems, software, networks, and other technology
assets, as well as the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information belonging to the
clients and the investors. For example, unauthorized third parties may attempt to improperly
access, modify, disrupt the operations of, or prevent access to these systems of Smith Group, the
clients’ service providers, counterparties, or data within these systems. Third parties may also
attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers, third-party service providers or other
users of Smith Group’s systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to Smith
Group’s data or that of the clients. A successful penetration or circumvention of the security of
Smith Group’s systems could result in the loss or theft of an investor’s data or funds, the inability
to access electronic systems, loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical
damage to a computer or network system or costs associated with system repairs. Such incidents
could cause Smith Group, the clients, or their service providers to incur regulatory penalties,
reputational damage, additional compliance costs or financial loss. Similar types of operational
and technological risks are also present for the companies in which clients invest, which could
have material adverse consequences for such companies, and may cause a client’s investments
to lose value.
Geopolitical and Pandemic Risk: The investment strategies are subject to the risk that war,
terrorism and related geopolitical events or a Global Pandemic may lead to increased short-term
market volatility and have adverse long- term effects on the U.S. and world economies and
markets generally, as well as adverse effects on issuers of securities and the value of a client’s
investments. A Pandemic, War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the
future may lead, to increased short term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects
on U.S. and non-U.S. economies and markets generally. Those events as well as other changes in
U.S. and non-U.S. economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers
or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor
sentiment and other factors affecting the value of a client’s investments. At such times, a client’s
exposure to a number of other risks described elsewhere in this area can increase.
Fixed Income Risk: Fixed income securities held are subject to fluctuation in value based on
changes in interest rates or in the creditworthiness of individual issuers.
1.) Interest Rate Risk – The value of fixed income securities will normally vary inversely with
the direction of prevailing interest rate movements. Generally, when interest rates rise,
the value of fixed income securities can be expected to decline.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
2.) Maturity Risk – The value of fixed income securities also depends on their maturity.
Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed income security, the greater its sensitivity
to changes in interest rates.
3.) Credit Risk – The value of fixed income securities also depends on the creditworthiness
of an issuer. A deterioration in the financial condition of an issuer, or a deterioration in
general economic conditions could cause an issuer to fail to pay its principal and interest
when due. Corporate debt obligations rated in the fourth highest category by a nationally
recognized rating agency have speculative characteristics and changes in economic
conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
principal and interest than is the case with higher-grade securities. While obligations of
some U.S. Government- sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government, several are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from
the U.S. Government, and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuer itself.
The guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the U.S.
Government securities held by the account. Tax-exempt issues often are un-rated due
to the size of the offering or of the outstanding issue. These issues require credit analysis
by our firm, and we may be incorrect in our assessment of the creditworthiness of the
issuer.
4.) Risks Associated with Credit Rating – A rating by a nationally recognized rating agency
represents the agency’s opinion as to credit quality of a security but is not an absolute
standard of quality or guarantee as to the credit worthiness of an issuer. Ratings of
nationally recognized rating agencies present an inherent conflict of interest because
such agencies are paid by the entities whose securities they rate. The credit rating of a
security does not necessarily address its market risk (that is, the risk that movements in
the overall financial markets or changes in the level of interest rates will adversely affect
the value of a security). In addition, ratings may not be revised promptly to reflect
developments in the issuer’s financial condition.
5.) Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk is the risk that a security could not be sold at an
advantageous time or price due to a security downgrade or adverse conditions within
the fixed income market.
Risk of Loss: The portfolios should only be purchased by investors seeking capital appreciation
who can withstand the share price volatility of equity investing. Investing in securities involves
risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group or the integrity of
Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Affiliated Investment Advisors
As mentioned in Item 1, Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors, LP (CFIA) currently holds 51% of
the ownership shares in Smith Group Asset Management, LLC.
• Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors, LP is registered as an investment advisor with the
SEC.
• Smith Group Asset Management, LLC is currently employed by CFIA as a sub-advisor on the
Cantor Fitzgerald Large Cap Focused, Cantor Fitzgerald International, Cantor Fitzgerald
Equity Opportunity, and Cantor Fitzgerald High Income mutual funds.
Smith Group is the general partner and the investment adviser to the Smith Asset Management
Group Equity Opportunity Fund, LP, a private fund. The Fund is exempt from registration as
investment companies pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (“1940 Act”). Partners, employees, and related people invest in these funds.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
Smith Group operates for the purpose of providing investment management services to its clients.
The firm has a code of ethics (“Code”) that governs the behavior of its employees. An important
element of the Code is to ensure that client benefit overrides employee benefit in the area of
obtaining profit from investment ideas developed by Smith Group. The Code details the
employee reporting and approval mechanism used to monitor the activities of employees.
Occasionally employees may buy and/or sell securities for their own account when Smith Group
holds the same securities in its clients’ accounts. This practice is allowed as long as (a) proper
documentation of this trading is reported and (b) the trading does not have a detrimental impact
on any client’s account and (c) all personal trading policies and procedures have been adhered to.
In an effort to minimize any potential impact employee trading may have on client accounts,
Smith Group has placed several restrictions on the trading activities of employees. Smith Group
employees, directors and officers (each an “Access Person”) may purchase or sell securities within
the parameters for personal securities transactions stipulated in the Code.
A copy of Smith Group's Code is available to clients and prospective clients upon request.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Brokerage Selection
Smith Group will make the investment decisions and then arrange for the placement of buy and
sell orders and the execution of portfolio transactions for each of the Funds and all other
discretionary client accounts.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Smith Group generally will have discretionary authority, and will determine the broker dealer
used for the execution of all securities transactions. In some instances, clients may direct Smith
Group, in writing, to place orders for execution whenever practicable with a specifically identified
broker dealer.
If a client elects to direct securities transactions to a particular broker dealer, Smith Group may
not be able to obtain best execution and may not have the flexibility to negotiate commissions,
which may result in increased commissions for that client.
Smith Group has a duty to obtain execution of securities transactions at prices that are
advantageous to the client at a reasonable, competitive commission rate. In choosing broker-
dealers for execution of securities transactions, Smith Group considers a range of factors on
where and how to place an order an behalf of a client; including any or all of the following: the
size and type of the transactions, the nature and character of the market for the securities, the
broker-dealer firm's financial stability, confidentiality, back office capabilities, trading desk
capabilities, referrals, custody, settlement, familiarity with derivative securities strategies and the
overall value and quality of the services offered by the broker dealer firm.
Soft Dollars
Smith Group receives research, statistical and quotation services, data, information and other
services and materials that assist Smith Group in the performance of its investment advisory
responsibilities from broker-dealer firms that execute transactions for Smith Group's clients.
Where such services are provided, Smith Group has agreed to compensate such broker-dealer or
third party in either "hard" dollars (directly paid by Smith Group), "soft dollars" (commission
generated) or some combination of the two. A broker-dealer providing such research services
may receive a commission that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer
would have received for effecting that transaction provided Smith Group determines in good faith
that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the research and brokerage
services provided by the broker-dealer. Any such research service may be broadly useful and of
value to Smith Group in rendering investment advice to all or a significant portion of its clients or
may be relevant and useful for the management of one client's account or only a few clients'
accounts, regardless of whether such account or accounts paid commissions to the broker-dealer
through which the research service was provided. Smith Group will only make securities
transactions that in good faith believe are in the best interest of the client.
The exact amount paid is negotiated by Smith Group to be commensurate with the value of the
brokerage service provided. This amount is typically higher than is available from brokerage firms
which do not provide research services. Brokers are selected based on their ability to transact the
trades with the best price and execution. These trading relationships are not exclusive and are
subject to change at any time without notification. Smith Group conducts periodic analysis to
measure transaction costs.
The research services which are paid for by trading commissions are selected because Smith
Group believes they will add value to the client's portfolio. The vast majority of these services are
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
databases of financial information which are used by the portfolio managers in the investment
decision-making process.
Services provided to Smith Group as a result of these trading commissions include but are not
limited to: information and analyses related to the economy, industries or specific companies;
technical and quantitative information about the markets; research reports on companies,
industries, and securities; financial publications; access to computer databases; order routing and
quotation services; other brokerage and research services. Smith Group makes extensive use of
these services in its investment decision-making processes. In order to coordinate soft dollar
credits (trading commissions) with its executing brokers, Smith Group has a standing request with
each of its executing brokers with whom they have soft dollar arrangements that all soft dollar
credit balances are remitted to Investment Technology Group, Inc. (ITG), an effecting broker. The
balances at ITG are then used solely for the payment of the research and brokerage services
described above on Smith Group’s behalf.
When the cost of a research service exceeds the commission amount generated by an individual
account, commissions are commingled with other accounts to pay for the research service. Soft
dollar benefits are not limited to those clients who may have generated a particular benefit,
although certain soft dollar allocations are connected to particular clients or groups of clients.
Smith Group may allocate brokerage on the basis of the broker's agreement to pay all or part of
certain research-related expenses. Smith Group will enter into such allocation arrangements,
however, only where it determines that the commission charges are reasonable relative to the
amount of expenses paid. In general, all brokerage allocations for Smith Group will be subject to
principles of best execution and the other allocation policies described above as well as any
restrictions imposed by applicable law.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), provides
a "safe harbor" to investment managers who use commission dollars of their advisory accounts
to obtain investment research, brokerage and other services that provide lawful and appropriate
assistance to the manager in performing investment decision-making responsibilities, provided
that the amount of any increased commission costs on account of such research or other services
is reasonable relative to the value of the services provided. Smith Group will utilize allocations of
commission dollars solely to pay for (1) certain expenses which would otherwise be borne by the
Smith Group, as described above (and which therefore do not involve the conflict of interest
issues normally presented by "soft dollar" arrangements covered by the Exchange Act) and/or (2)
products or services that qualify as "research and brokerage services," within the meaning of
Section 28(e), pursuant to arrangements that meet the other requirements of that Section.
In certain cases, Smith Group may deem research provided by the broker dealer to be an
important consideration when executing a trade. Subject to the Exchange Act, Smith Group may
pay higher commissions than would be obtainable for execution by other broker dealers where
research is not obtainable in recognition of the value of the useful information provided by such
brokerage firms. In paying the higher commissions, Smith Group will make a good faith
determination that the higher commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the research
and brokerage services provided viewed in the terms of either that particular transaction or Smith
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Group believes that access to research provided by brokers is an important resource for its
research and investment processes; however, research services furnished or paid for by broker-
dealers through whom Smith Group effects transactions for a particular client may be used by
Smith Group in servicing its other clients, and not all such services may be used for the benefit of
the client that pays the brokerage commission that results in the receipt of such research services.
The use of soft dollar arrangements creates a potential conflict of interest for Smith Group, since
Smith Group would otherwise have to generate the research internally, raise management fees
on client accounts, or pay for the services from its own resources in order to obtain comparable
research. Smith Group has adopted policies and procedures to mitigate this risk.
Trade Allocations
Smith Group has adopted a trade allocation policy (“Policy”) to promote fair and equitable
treatment for all the clients of Smith Group. The Policy applies to the allocation of securities
purchased or sold by Smith Group on behalf of its clients, including those purchased or sold
through an aggregation (“bunching”) of trades. The Policy is designed to minimize the risk that
any particular client would benefit over another client by the allocation of trades among clients.
Smith Group may aggregate trade orders for clients if Smith Group deems it appropriate to do so
and if such practices are not inconsistent with disclosures made to clients. Smith Group may
consider various factors when determining whether an investment is appropriate for allocation,
including, but not limited to: (1) the investment objectives of the client; (2) the potential
investment needs of the client; (3) the existing diversification of the portfolio; (4) existing levels
of portfolio ownership in the investment and in similar types of companies; and (5) liquidity
factors, including the availability of cash to fund the investment. Smith Group will typically make
preliminary allocation determinations before placing a block order.
If a pre-allocated block trade is partially filled, Smith Group will allocate the securities among
participating client accounts in the pre-allocation on a pro-rata basis. Accounts in which Smith
Group or any officer, partner or employee of Smith Group has a beneficial interest that in the
aggregate exceeds 10% of the net assets of such account (“Affiliated Accounts”) may not
participate in partial executions of a pre-allocated security transaction until after all non-
affiliated, participating client accounts have been filled.
If a complete execution of a pre-allocated block trade occurs on a trade date, the purchased or
sold securities will be allocated among the applicable accounts in accordance with the pre-
determined allocation at a single average execution price, before taking into consideration the
commission, mark-up, or mark-down. Affiliated Accounts may participate in a complete execution
of a pre-allocated block trade with unaffiliated client accounts if the Affiliated Accounts
participate at the same average execution price as the client accounts, before taking into
consideration the commission, mark-up, or mark-down.
In some instances, Smith Group may not make preliminary allocations prior to placing a trade
order. In such instances, Smith Group will allocate those securities among suitable client accounts
in an equitable manner, considering such factors as it deems appropriate. If there is a “partial fill”
of client portfolio needs, Smith Group will allocate the order among client portfolios on a pro rata
basis. However, Affiliated Accounts, including the Funds, may not participate in partial executions
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
until after all non-affiliated client accounts have been filled.
For the purposes of the policy, pro rata trade allocation means an allocation of the trade at issue
among applicable advisory clients in amounts that are proportional to the participating advisory
client’s relative net assets.
Cross Trading
It is Smith Group’s policy that the firm will not affect any principal or agency cross-securities
transactions for client accounts. Effective January 2019, Smith Group will not consent to broker
initiating cross trades between client accounts. Principal transactions are generally defined as
transactions where an adviser, acting as principal for its own account or the account of an
affiliated broker-dealer, buys from or sells any security to any advisory client.
Directed Brokerage
Smith Group seeks to implement all transactions in a manner consistent with best execution
practices. Smith Group selects brokers based on their ability to provide the lowest available net
execution price as well as efficient back-office operations such as clearing and settling of trades.
Smith Group will generally aggregate directed orders into a block order and use step-outs to
satisfy certain clients’ restrictions on directing brokerage to preferred broker dealers. In a step-
out arrangement, Smith Group selects a broker to execute the block order and requires the
executing broker to step-out a portion of the brokerage commissions to another broker. Step-
outs permit Smith Group to seek to achieve best execution and the orderly transaction of the
block trade, and at the same time satisfy client restrictions with regard to the direction of
brokerage to desired broker-dealers. Smith Group has a substantial number of clients with
directed brokerage arrangements.
If a client’s broker dealer is unable to accept a step out, Smith Group implements a trade rotation
policy for each trade which determines the timing of order releases. This list is made up of all
directed accounts, the discretionary block order, and assets under-management (UMA) accounts.
For purposes of speed, all clients who share a particular broker are assumed to be a single block
on the trade rotation schedule. The execution of trades is rotated among all members of the list.
If a trade for a particular rotation is not completed during the trading day, any remaining portion
of the trade will be completed on the following day(s) before any trade in the same security may
be initiated for the next rotation. WRAP and assets under-management accounts are included as
a single member within the main trade rotation and there is a secondary rotation within each
group. There is a wide disparity in the implementation time and communication received from
various UMA sponsors. If a sponsor notifies Smith Group of the start of their trading activity, and
provides updates as to the status of their trading activity and then notifies Smith Group when
trading is completed, orders for the next rotation member will not be released until this
communication is received. If the sponsor does not provide this level of communication, the UMA
sponsor will be notified of the trade(s), and the trading staff will determine the appropriate time
to release orders for the next member in the rotation. After the trades have been completed, the
schedule is moved up in order and the next broker is put first on the list for the next
implementation of trades.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
If a client decides to direct where its brokerage is placed by Smith Group, the client should
consider: (1) Smith Group's brokerage placement practices; (2) a client who directs Smith Group
to use a specific broker may pay higher commissions on some transactions that might be
attainable by Smith Group, or may receive less favorable execution of some transactions, or both;
(3) a client who directs Smith Group may forego any benefit from savings on execution costs that
Smith Group could obtain for its clients through negotiating volume discount on batched
transactions; (4) a client who directs Smith Group may restrict Smith Group from receiving
research-related products and services available from other brokers; and (5) clients directing
commission may not generate returns equal to clients which do not direct commissions.
Consultant Payments
Occasionally clients use the brokerage commissions paid as a result of trading in their account to
compensate their investment consultant. Smith Group accepts these relationships under the
following conditions: (1) The client must send written documentation requesting that their
account's trades be conducted by a trading firm affiliated with the consultant, (2) Unless directed
in writing to cease this trading relationship for any reason, including the client's determination
that they are not receiving best execution, all trades will be directed to the firm affiliated with the
consultant. These accounts are considered by Smith Group to be directed brokerage and are
included in the rotation described above.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Review of accounts
Smith Group uses a team of portfolio managers to review the client accounts. Smith Group’s
portfolio managers work together to review all client accounts on a regular basis, at least
quarterly. Most if not all accounts will be reviewed more frequently, as often as daily. Among
other things, the reviewers evaluate the composition of the portfolios relative to the benchmark
and review tracking error, risk, and other statistics. They have access to a proprietary daily risk
assessment report that monitors each portfolio’s growth and valuation characteristics along with
the largest over weighted and underweighted positions relative to the benchmark. Portfolio
managers also utilize external risk tools to conduct portfolio risk assessments.
Reporting
Smith Group will provide comprehensive portfolio performance reports to clients quarterly,
unless otherwise agreed upon with the client. These reports typically contain (1) a list of the assets
held, (2) a report on investment performance, and (3) information to help explain the
performance. Such reports are usually sent to the client in the month after the end of the calendar
quarters March, June, September, and December.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
In addition to its own internal marketing efforts, Smith Group has in the past and may enter into
agreements in the future with promoters (formerly solicitors) to promote and endorse Smith
Group and one or more of its investment strategies. When Smith Group enters into an
endorsement relationship with an individual or firm it will do so because it has been determined
they are instrumental to the acquisition of or servicing of a client relationship and will agree to
compensate the person or organization for their endorsement. This payment will be borne solely
by Smith Group and will not increase the amount paid by the client for the services provided by
Smith Group.
Paid endorsers receiving greater than $1000.00 annually (de minimis compensation) must notify
prospective clients that they are being compensated by Smith Group to promote Smith Group
and one or more of its investment strategies and must disclose the material terms of their
compensation arrangement with Smith Group. The endorser must also provide prospective
clients with a brief statement of any material conflicts resulting from their relationship with Smith
Group.
Smith Group will require any paid endorser to provide a written statement assuring Smith Group
that they have complied with the disclosure requirements outlined above.
Smith Group does not utilize paid testimonials.
In accordance with specified rules and regulations, as amended, either the endorser or Smith
Group will provide prospective clients Part 2A & 2B of Form ADV of Smith Group.
From time to time, Smith Group makes payments to firms or people that offer Smith Group’s
services in a wrap fee, UMA, or other managed account program. These payments may be for
conference attendance, participation, sponsorship, or exhibition fees; educational and training
fees; or fees tied to program participation or for a specific marketing initiative within a program.
Smith Group may pay travel, meals, and other expenses for a firm’s representatives and others
who visit Smith Group’s offices or other locations to learn about its products and services.
Smith Group also makes charitable contributions and sponsors charitable events at the request
of others.
Smith Group is not required to make such payments to firms as a condition of participating in a
program.
These payments vary from firm to firm depending on, among other things, the amount of the
program’s separate account client assets under Smith Group’s management. Clients should
review their program sponsor’s brochure (Schedule H of Form ADV) for a description of business
arrangements between program sponsors and investment advisers.
Item 15 – Custody
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Smith Group does not act as a custodian for client assets and does not have physical custody of
client funds or securities at any time. However, Smith Group may be deemed to have “custody”
of certain clients’ assets when Smith Group, pursuant to a written agreement, has authority to
have a client’s custodian deduct an investment advisory fee from the client’s account.
Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from the broker dealer, bank, or other
qualified custodian that holds and maintains client’s investment assets. Smith Group urges you to
carefully review such statements and compare such official custodial records to the account
statements that we may provide to you. Our statements may vary from custodial statements
based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain
securities.
For Private Fund(s), for which Smith Group (or an Affiliate) is the general partner, the general
partner due to its role, is deemed to have custody of assets under SEC rules; however, it does not
have physical custody of any assets. The Private Fund(s) are subject to an annual independent
audit and the audited financial statements are distributed to investors within 120 days of the end
of the funds’ fiscal year. Investors also may receive quarterly account statements, which should
be read carefully, from the Private Funds’ qualified custodian.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Smith Group usually receives discretionary authority from the client at the outset of an advisory
relationship to select the identity and number of securities to be bought or sold. In all cases,
however, such discretion is to be made in a manner consistent with the stated investment
objectives for the particular client account.
When selecting securities and determining amounts, Smith Group observes the investment
policies, limitations, and restrictions of the clients for which it advises. For registered investment
companies Smith Group’s authority to trade securities may also be limited by certain federal
securities and tax laws that require diversification of investments and favor the holding of
investments once made.
Investment guidelines and restrictions must be provided to Smith Group in writing.
The portfolio managers of Smith Group have discretion as to the stock selection made in client's
account including (1) which securities are to be purchased and sold; (2) the amount of the
securities to be traded; and (3) the timing for which trades are to be made. However, Smith
Group’s authority may be restricted by conditions placed by the client. These restrictions could
include, but not be limited to, investing in specific companies or industries. Smith Group does not
have access to any customer funds or securities since these will be held in custody at the client's
selected broker/dealer, commercial bank, or other qualified custodian. In addition, neither Smith
Group nor any affiliated person trades ahead of any stock selections made on behalf of a client's
account.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Clients may obtain a copy of Smith Group’s complete proxy voting policies and procedures upon
request. Clients may also obtain information from Smith Group about how Smith Group voted
any proxies on behalf of their account(s).
Proxy Voting Procedures
Smith Group has a written policy for the voting of proxies. Smith Group believes that voting client
proxies is an important tool for maintaining long-term shareholder value for its clients in
conjunction with the overall portfolio management process. This policy is designed to ensure that
these ideals are effectively maintained in accordance with the client's best interests.
Voting Responsibility and Oversight
An advisory committee has been established by Smith Group that consists of senior members of
the management team as well as senior portfolio managers and the CCO. It is this committee’s
responsibility to construct Smith Group’s overall voting guidelines as well as the procedures in
order to ensure compliance. The committee meets quarterly to address ongoing issues and adapt
guidelines to meet changes in the corporate governance environment.
To ensure proper implementation of Smith Group’s stated proxy guidelines, Smith Group has
adopted the following procedures for voting proxies.
For each client with whom Smith Group has received stated proxy voting authority, as
outlined in its advisory contract, the custodial bank or trustee has been instructed to
forward proxy materials to Smith Group’s designated third-party proxy vendor.
Smith Group has contracted with a third-party proxy vendor to help with administrative
functions such as collecting and sorting proxy materials and voting the proxies per stated
guidelines.
Proxy items that do not fall under the stated guidelines set forth by Smith Group are
reviewed on a case-by-case basis and voted in the client’s best interest as determined by
the proxy committee.
Conflicts of Interest
There may be certain situations that arise where Smith Group’s interests potentially conflict with
the interests of the client. These situations could include:
• Smith Group provides advisory services to public firms that the company also owns in
its client’s portfolio.
• Smith Group, its affiliates, and/or its employees have business or personal
relationships with public firms that Smith Group also holds in its client portfolios.
• Smith Group may be partially owned by a publicly traded company whose shares may
also be held for its client portfolios.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
If these situations arise and management is soliciting proxy votes, the following guidelines will be
applied:
•
•
If the proxy voting guidelines already determine a course of action, votes will be cast
according to the guidelines.
If the proxy item does not fall under the specified guidelines or has been identified to
be voted on a case-by-case basis, votes will be cast in accordance with the third-party
proxy vendors corporate governance policy. The third-party proxy vendor has been
contracted by Smith Group to provide guidance on proxy items determined to be in
the best interest of Smith Group’s clients.
Proxy Voting Record Keeping
Smith Group will maintain records of all policies, procedures and guidelines as well as any
amendments or updates. In addition, Smith Group will maintain records of proxy votes recorded
for each client and any documentation that was used to determine the basis on which to vote the
specific item. Client requests for documentation will also be maintained by Smith Group in order
to comply with current rules and regulations governing proxy voting.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Smith Group is required to provide you with certain financial information or disclosures about
Smith Group’s financial condition. Smith Group has no financial commitment that impairs its
ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients and has not been the subject
of bankruptcy proceedings.
24
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75201
214-880-4600
Privacy Policy
March 17, 2025
FACTS
WHAT DOES SMITH GROUP ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC, DO WITH YOUR FINANCIAL
INFORMATION?
Why?
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers
the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect,
share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what
we do.
The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have
with us. This information can include:
What?
▪
▪
▪
▪
Social Security number
Account balances and assets
Income and transaction history
Credit history and credit scores
How?
All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday
business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’
personal information; the reasons Smith Group Asset Management, LLC chooses to share; and
whether you can limit this sharing.
Reasons we can share your personal
information
Does Smith Group Asset
Management, LLC share?
Can
you limit this
sharing?
Yes
No
For our everyday business purposes –
such as to process your transactions, maintain your
account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus
For our marketing purposes –
Yes
No
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Reasons we can share your personal
information
Does Smith Group Asset
Management, LLC share?
Can
you limit this
sharing?
to offer our products and services to you
No
We do not share
For joint marketing with other financial
companies
Yes
No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your transactions and experiences
No
We do not share.
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your creditworthiness
For our affiliates to market to you
No
We do not share.
For non-affiliates to market to you
No
We do not share.
Call (214) 880-4600.
Questions?
Who we are
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Who is providing this notice?
What we do
How does Smith Group Asset Management,
LLC protect my personal information?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and
use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These
measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does Smith Group Asset Management,
LLC collect my personal information?
We collect your personal information, for example, when you:
▪ Open an account or provide account information
▪ Deposit/withdraw money from your account
▪
Seek advice about your investments
▪
Enter into an investment advisory contract with us
▪ Give us information about your investments, retirement
portfolio or earnings
We also collect your personal information from other companies.
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
▪
Why can’t I limit all sharing?
▪
▪
sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your creditworthiness
affiliates from using your information to market to you
sharing for non-affiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to
limit sharing. See below for more on your rights under state law.
Definitions
Companies related by common ownership and control. They can be
financial and nonfinancial companies.
Affiliates
▪ Our affiliates include companies that utilize the Cantor
Fitzgerald name, including financial companies, such as
investments advisers, brokers, dealers and
insurance
agencies.
Companies not related by common ownership and control. They can
be financial or nonfinancial companies.
Nonaffiliates
▪ We do not share your personal information with non-affiliates
so they can market to you.
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Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Definitions
▪ We may share your personal information with certain non-
affiliates to provide you with the services for which you have
engaged us, to perform services on our behalf, or where
required by law to do so. Such non-affiliates may include
brokers, dealers, custodians, insurance companies, and other
financial or nonfinancial counterparties. If your Cantor
Fitzgerald Investment Adviser Financial Advisor is also a
registered representative of an unaffiliated broker-dealer
with which you have an account, we may share your personal
information with that broker-dealer.
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that
together market financial products or service to you.
Joint marketing
▪ We do not jointly market.
Other important information
California: We limit the sharing of your personal information among our affiliates to the extent required by
California law. We do not share information we collect about you with non-affiliates, unless the law allows. For
example, we may, with your consent, share your personal information with non-affiliates to provide you with the
services for which you have engaged us.
Vermont: We limit the sharing of your personal information among our affiliates to the extent required by Vermont
law. For example, we may, without your consent, share information with our affiliates about your transactions and
experience; however, we do not share information about your credit worthiness without your consent. We do not
share information we collect about Vermont residents with non-affiliates, unless the law allows. For example, we
may, with your consent, share your personal information with non-affiliates to provide you with the services for
which you have engaged us.
If you prefer that we not disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you
may opt out of those disclosures, that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than
disclosures permitted by law or required to facilitate the fulfillment of duties in our role as investment
adviser). If you wish to opt out of disclosures to nonaffiliated third parties, you may do so by contacting Smith
Group Asset Management at (214) 880-4600 or Smith.Compliance@Cantor.com and request that your information
be removed.
27
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
Stephen S. Smith
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about Stephen S. Smith that supplements
the Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have
that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or
received a copy of
Smith.compliance@cantor.com if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have
any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Stephen S. Smith is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
28
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Stephen S. Smith (born 1947) is a founding partner of Smith Group. Mr. Smith served as Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer from the firm’s founding in 1995 to 2019. In 2019,
he transitioned the role of Chief Investment Officer to John Brim. Mr. Smith began his investment
management career as a portfolio manager with Wachovia Bank in 1976. In 1983 he joined the
predecessor to Bank of America, where he held a variety of senior investment management
positions. His other work includes a stint with NASA as an aerospace engineer. Mr. Smith’s
educational background includes a B.S. in Industrial Engineering (graduating with honors) and an
M.B.A., both received from the University of Alabama. Mr. Smith was awarded the Chartered
Financial Analyst (“CFA”) designation in 1981 and is a member of the CFA Institute. (The
requirements to earn a CFA charter include passing all three exam levels of the CFA program and
meeting certain professional and ethical requirements.)
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Stephen S. Smith
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
Stephen S. Smith that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Stephen S. Smith or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
of Stephen S. Smith that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Stephen S. Smith
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Mr. Smith’s advisory activities on behalf of the firm is the
President and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, John D. Brim. Mr. Brim can be reached at
(214) 880-4600. Mr. Smith participates as a member of the firm’s investment management team,
which generally develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its investment
strategies. Mr. Smith’s investment advice is monitored by the team. The firm’s investment team
29
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
typically meets weekly.
30
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
John D. Brim
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about John D. Brim that supplements the
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have received
a copy of that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or Smith.compliance@cantor.com
if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have any questions about the contents
of this supplement.
information about John D. Brim
is available on the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
31
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
John D. Brim (born 1967) joined Smith Group in March 1998 is President and Chief Investment
Officer of the firm. From April 1997 to March 1998, Mr. Brim was a manager within the Institutional
Investment Consulting Group of Deloitte & Touche, LLP. From June 1990 to April 1997, he held a
variety of positions, including senior client manager, with NationsBank Asset Management in
Dallas. Mr. Brim earned his B.S. in Economics from Texas A&M University. Mr. Brim was awarded
the Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA") designation in 1998 and is a member of the CFA Institute.
(The requirements to earn a CFA charter include passing all three exam levels of the CFA program
and meeting certain professional and ethical requirements.).
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, John D. Brim or the
integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
the John D. Brim that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, John D. Brim or the
integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
of John D. Brim that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, John D. Brim or the
integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Mr. Brim’s advisory activities on behalf of the firm is the
Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Stephen S. Smith. Mr. Smith can be reached at (214) 880-4600.
Mr. Brim participates as a member of the firm’s investment management team, which generally
develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its investment strategies. Mr.
Brim’s investment advice is monitored by the team, and the firm’s Chief Executive Officer. The
firm’s investment team typically meets weekly.
32
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
Christopher Zogg
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about Christopher Zogg that supplements
the Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have
received a copy of
that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or
Smith.compliance@cantor.com if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have
any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Christopher Zogg is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
33
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Mr. Zogg joined Smith Group in November 1997 and is Director of Domestic Equities and
Research. Prior to joining Smith Group, Mr. Zogg served as an Independent Computer Consultant,
specializing in network design and systems integration. Prior to that, he held the position of
Account Executive at Spaeth Communications, a public relations firm. He earned his B.B.A. from
the University of Texas at Dallas. Mr. Zogg was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
designation in 2006. He is also a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Dallas-Ft.
Worth.
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Christopher Zogg
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
the Christopher Zogg that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Christopher Zogg
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
of Christopher Zogg that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Christopher Zogg
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Mr. Zogg’s advisory activities on behalf of the firm is the
President and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, John D. Brim. Ms. Brim can be reached at
(214) 880-4600. Mr. Zogg participates as a member of the firm’s investment management team,
which generally develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its investment
strategies. Mr. Zogg’s investment advice is monitored by the team and the firm President. The
firm’s investment team typically meets weekly.
34
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
William Ketterer
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about William Ketterer that supplements
the Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have
received a copy of
that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or
Smith.compliance@cantor.com if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have
any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about William Ketterer is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
35
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Mr. Ketterer joined Smith Group in January 2007 and is a member of the Portfolio Management
team. Prior to joining Smith Group, he served as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager
with The Private Bank at Bank of America from 1999 to 2007. From 1993 to 1999, he worked in
corporate development within the healthcare industry. Prior to 1993, he was Vice President and
General Manager of a west coast startup. He earned his B.S. in Economics from Miami University,
Oxford, Ohio and has completed course work at a number of universities including the University
of California, San Diego, the University of Dallas and the University of Texas at Dallas. Mr. Ketterer
was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2001. Mr. Ketterer is a
member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Dallas-Ft. Worth and the DFW Association for
Business Economics.
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, William Ketterer
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
William Ketterer that would-be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, William Ketterer or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
of William Ketterer that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, William Ketterer
or the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Mr. Ketterer’s advisory activities on behalf of the firm is
the President and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, John D. Brim. Mr. Brim can be reached at
(214) 880- 4600. Mr. Ketterer participates as a member of the firm’s investment management
team, which generally develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its
investment
36
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
Eivind Olsen
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about Eivind Olsen that supplements the
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have received
a copy of that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or Smith.compliance@cantor.com
if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have any questions about the contents
of this supplement.
information about Eivind Olsen
is available on the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
37
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Mr. Olsen joined Smith Group in May 2008 and is a member of the portfolio management team.
Prior to joining Smith Group, he was a Portfolio Manager with Brazos Capital Management/John
McStay Investment Counsel from 1998 to 2008. From 1994 to 1996, he did equity research as an
Associate Analyst with Rauscher, Pierce, Refsnes, Inc. He earned a BBA in Accounting and Finance
from Texas Christian University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas. Mr. Olsen
was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2001. He is a member of the
CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Dallas-Ft. Worth. Mr. Olsen has been appointed Honorary
Consul in Dallas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Eivind Olsen or the
integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
Eivind Olsen that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Eivind Olsen or the
integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
of Eivind Olsen that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Eivind Olsen or the
integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Mr. Olsen’s advisory activities on behalf of the firm is the
President and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, John D. Brim. Mr. Brim can be reached at
(214) 880-4600. Mr. Olsen participates as a member of the firm’s investment management team,
which generally develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its investment
strategies. Mr. Olsen’s investment advice is monitored by the team, and the firm’s President. The
firm’s investment team typically meets weekly.
38
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
Stephanie Jones
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about Stephanie Jones that supplements
the Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have
received a copy of
that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or
Smith.compliance@cantor.com if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have
any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Stephanie Jones is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
39
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Mrs. Jones joined Smith Group in February 2010 and is Director of International Equities. From
2006 to 2010, she was an Equity Analyst for Cimarron Asset Management, LLC. From 2001 to 2006
she was a Principal for Mercer Human Resource Consulting. Previously she held positions at
Halliburton Co., where she was part of the corporate financial and SEC reporting group, and Price
Waterhouse, LLP., where she worked as an auditor. Mrs. Jones graduated with a BBA in Accounting
from Texas A&M University and has an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Southern
Methodist University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Stephanie Jones or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
Stephanie Jones that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Stephanie Jones or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
of Stephanie Jones that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, Stephanie Jones or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Ms. Jones’ advisory activities on behalf of the firm is the
President and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, John D. Brim. Mr. Brim can be reached at
(214) 880-4600. Ms. Jones participates as a member of the firm’s investment management team,
which generally develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its investment
strategies. Ms. Jones’ investment advice is monitored by the team, and the firm’s President. The
firm’s investment team typically meets weekly.
40
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Brochure Supplement for
David Schiffman
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
a business of Cantor Fitzgerald
Investment Advisors, L.P.
100 Crescent Court, Suite 1150
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.880.4600
www.cantorassetmanagement.com
March 17, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about David Schiffman that supplements
the Smith Group Asset Management, LLC (“Smith Group”) Brochure. You should have
received a copy of
that Brochure. Please contact us at 214.880.4600 or
Smith.compliance@cantor.com if you did not receive Smith Group’s Brochure or if you have
any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about David Schiffman is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
41
Smith Group Asset Management, LLC
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Mr. Schiffman joined Smith Group in October 2024 and is a Portfolio Manager and Director of
Fixed Income Investments. From 2021 to 2024, he was a Portfolio Manager for Aquila
Investment Management, LLC. Mr. Schiffman graduated with a BA in Economics from Binghamton
University and has an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Binghamton University.
Item 3- Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, David Schiffman or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 4- Other Business Activities
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other business activities of
David Schiffman, that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, David Schiffman or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 5- Additional Compensation
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material other forms of compensation
for David Schiffman that would be material to your evaluation of Smith Group, David Schiffman or
the integrity of Smith Group’s management. Smith Group has no information applicable to this
Item.
Item 6 - Supervision
The person responsible for supervising Mr. Schiffman’s advisory activities on behalf of the firm is
the President and Chief Investment Officer of the firm, John D. Brim. Mr. Brim can be reached at
(214) 880-4600. Mr. Schiffman participates as a member of the firm’s investment management
team, which generally develops and reviews the firm’s investment approach for each of its
investment strategies. Mr. Schiffman’s investment advice is monitored by the team, and the firm’s
President. The firm’s investment team typically meets weekly.
42