View Document Text
Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 1
Cover Page
602 North Front Street
Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania 17043
26A East Roseville Road
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
Tel: (717) 736-7007
Fax: (717) 761-6127
August 2025
FORM ADV PART 2
FIRM BROCHURE
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact us at (717) 736-7007. The information in this brochure has not been approved or
verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities
authority.
Additional information about Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The searchable IARD/CRD number for Stonebridge Financial
Group, LLC is 327529.
Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not
imply a certain level of skill or training.
1
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 2
Material Changes
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually or when material
changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure. Each year, we will ensure that
you receive a summary of any material changes to this and subsequent brochures by April 30th.
We will further provide you with our most recent brochure at any time at your request, without
charge. You may request a brochure by contacting us at (717) 736-7007.
Material Changes since the Last Update
The following material changes have been made since the last update filed on May 6, 2025:
•
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation – Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC updated this section
to identify an inherent conflict when SFG encourages rollovers and the assets under SFG’s
management increases leading to an increase in revenue. SFG also updated this section to
disclose that certain SFG personnel who provide company-sponsored retirement plan
consulting services can receive a one-time bonus when they successfully refer individuals
at client companies to become advisory wealth management clients of SFG. Finally, SFG
updated disclosures indicating that SFG is affiliated with several other non-investment
advisory businesses such as payroll and human resource solutions and insurance products,
including Medicare plans and, on occasion, SFG personnel recommend these affiliated services
to clients.
•
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation – SFG updated disclosures regarding
solicitor agreements with Collaborative Advisory Group and Stambaugh Ness Wealth
Management under which SFG pays these parties a portion of the advisory fees collected
from referred clients in exchange for these referrals from these parties.
2
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 3
Table of Contents
Advisory Business ...................................................................................... 4
Fees and Compensation ............................................................................ 5
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ..................... 8
Types of Clients .......................................................................................... 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ........... 8
Disciplinary Information .............................................................................. 11
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations................................ 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading ......................................................................................... 12
Brokerage Practices .................................................................................... 12
Review of Accounts .................................................................................... 15
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ............................................... 16
Custody ........................................................................................................ 16
Investment Discretion ................................................................................. 17
Voting Client Securities.............................................................................. 17
Financial Information ................................................................................... 17
Requirements for State-Registered Advisers .......................................... 18
3
Form ADV Part 2A, Item 4
Advisory Business
Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC (hereinafter called “SFG”) is a Registered Investment
Adviser based in Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania, and incorporated under the laws of the State of
Pennsylvania. Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC registered as a Registered Investment Advisor
in November 2023 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), under the rules and
regulations of the US Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). SFG
is majority owned by Brian McCarver and Jonathan Freeman. SFG is registered with the SEC
and subject to the rules and regulations of the Advisers Act.
SFG provides investment advisory services, which may include, but are not limited to, the
review of client investment objectives and goals, recommending asset allocation strategies of
managed assets among investment products such as cash, stocks, mutual funds and bonds,
annuities, and/or preparing written investment strategies. Our investment advice is tailored to
meet our clients’ needs and investment objectives. Clients may impose restrictions on investing
in certain securities or types of securities (such as a product type, specific companies, specific
sectors, etc.) by providing a signed and dated written notification. Please note e-mail is an
acceptable form of written notification for these purposes. SFG also provides financial planning
consulting services including, but not limited to, risk assessment/management, investment
planning, estate planning, financial organization, or financial decision making/negotiation.
SFG provides investment advisory and other financial services through its Investment Advisory
Representatives ("IAR") to accounts opened with SFG. Managed Accounts are available to
individuals, high net worth individuals, charitable organizations, and corporations.
SFG provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services to some of its
clients through various managed account programs. SFG will assist clients in determining the
suitability of the Managed Account Programs for the client. The IAR is compensated through a
comprehensive single fee and the account may be assessed other charges associated with
conducting a brokerage business. SFG and its IAR, as appropriate, will be responsible for the
following:
• Performing due diligence
• Recommending strategic asset and style allocations
• Providing research on investment product options, as needed
• Providing client risk profile questionnaire
• Obtaining investment advisory contract from client with required financial, risk tolerance,
suitability and investment vehicle selection information for each new account
• Performing client suitability check on account documentation, review the investment
objectives and evaluate the investment vehicle selections
• Providing Firm Brochure (this document)
SFG may recommend a Wrap Fee Program for the client’s account(s). A “wrap fee program” for
purposes of the SEC is a program under which investment advisory and brokerage execution
services are provided for a single “wrapped” fee that is not based on the transactions in a client
4
account. Clients with Wrap Fee Program accounts will be provided with SFG’s Wrap Fee
Brochure. There is no difference between how SFG manages wrap fee accounts and how SFG
manages other accounts.
Company-Sponsored Retirement Plan Consulting Services - Stonebridge Financial Group,
LLC provides company-sponsored retirement plan consulting services (hereinafter called
“retirement plan consulting services”). These services may include plan design, investment
lineup selection and monitoring, plan administration support, education, co-fiduciary support,
and benchmarking.
We will meet with the client to discuss the major plan goals, identify key employees, evaluate
employer contribution options, and analyze income tax considerations. SFG will assist with the
development of an appropriate investment strategy that reflects the plan sponsor’s stated
investment objectives for management of the plan. SFG will design an investment lineup that
meets the plan sponsor’s goals and objectives and will monitor the investments for potential
changes. To conduct certain retirement plan consulting services, SFG will utilize discretionary
authority to install platforms, add or remove funds to the plan’s investment portfolio, amend the
weightings of the fund components, move funds from the various models in use, etc.
As of December 31, 2024, the firm has the following assets under management: Discretionary
AUM of $1,689,661,086 and Non-Discretionary AUM of $141,632,193.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 5
Fees and Compensation
The following types of fees will be assessed:
Asset Management – Fees are charged quarterly in advance and are based primarily on asset
size and the level of complexity of the services provided. In individual cases, SFG has the sole
discretion to negotiate fees that are lower than the standard fee shown or to waive fees. Fees are
not based on the share of capital gains or capital appreciation of the funds or any portion of the
funds. Comparable services for lower fees may be available from other sources. Fees for the
initial quarter will be prorated based upon the number of calendar days in the calendar quarter
that the advisory agreement is in effect. Fees are based on the market value of the assets on the
last business day of the previous quarter. Annual fees are a maximum of 2%. Consulting
services are included in these fees for asset management services with the exception of unique
circumstances that may require a separate agreement for financial planning services (description
and fees are discussed below). If the situation warrants separate financial planning fees, it will
be discussed upfront, and a separate agreement will be negotiated.
Account Maintenance Fee – Each Asset Management account will be charged a management
fee on a calendar quarterly basis, which will be billed in advance of each calendar quarter. Each
nondiscretionary account where the client requests to have the nondiscretionary account
integrate and/or feed into Stonebridge's Black Diamond software for performance reporting
purposes will be charged a quarterly account maintenance fee of $25 per quarter.
5
Option Account Fee – An additional flat fee percentage, on top of the tiered or breakpoint fee,
will be applied to the billable assets of accounts with options trading authorized. Option
Account Fee ranges from 0.25% - 0.5%.
Accounts With Margin – Certain client accounts may have margin; however, it is not
Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC’s practice to trade on margin, therefore when advisory fees
are calculated the firm uses the market value of client accounts. The market values of client
accounts are derived from our custodian.
Wrap Accounts – Wrap accounts are subject to the same fees and fee schedule listed above as
non-wrap accounts.
Terms – As authorized in the client agreement, the account custodian withdraws Stonebridge
Financial Group, LLC’s advisory fees directly from the clients’ accounts according to the
custodian’s policies, practices, and procedures. The custodial statement includes the amount of
any fees paid to SFG for advisory services. You should carefully review the statement from your
custodian/broker-dealer’s statement and verify the calculation of fees. Your custodian/broker-
dealer does not verify the accuracy of fee calculations.
Fees for Asset Management and Cash Management are charged in advance on a quarterly basis,
meaning that advisory fees for a quarter are charged on the first day of the quarter. Clients may
terminate investment advisory services obtained from SFG, without penalty, upon written notice
within five (5) business days after entering into the advisory agreement with SFG. The client is
responsible for any fees and charges incurred by the client from third parties as a result of
maintaining the account such as transaction fees for any securities transactions executed and
account maintenance or custodial fees. Thereafter, the client may terminate advisory services
upon written notice delivered to and received by SFG. Clients who terminate investment
advisory services during a quarter are charged a prorated advisory fee based on the date of SFG’s
receipt of client’s written notice to terminate. Any earned but unpaid fees are immediately due
and payable, and any prepaid and unearned fees will be immediately refunded.
Financial Planning – Financial planning services are charged in arrears through a fixed fee or
hourly arrangement as agreed upon between the client and Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC.
There will never be an instance where $1,200 or more in fees is charged six or more months in
advance. Hourly fees are generally charged when the scope of services cannot be determined or
if the services are limited to one meeting. Fixed fees are generally quoted to the client for longer
term consulting projects. Fees are negotiable and vary depending upon the complexity of the
client situation and the services to be provided. Hourly fees range from $250 - $350 per hour,
depending on what is negotiated between SFG and the client, with an initial planning fee
minimum of $5,000. Similar financial planning services may be available elsewhere for a lower
cost to the client. Fixed fees for longer-term consulting projects range from $3,000 to $5,000 per
project. An estimate for total hours and charges is determined at the start of the advisory
relationship.
Typically, clients will be invoiced monthly for all time spent by SFG as agreed upon by client or
upon completion of the services if less than a month. Clients who wish to terminate the planning
process prior to completion may do so with written notice. The client may obtain a refund of a
pre-paid fee if the advisory contract is terminated before the end of the billing period by
6
contacting Cody Gehman at (717) 736-7007. Upon receipt of written notification, any earned fee
will immediately become due and payable, and any prepaid and unearned fees will be
immediately refunded. A client may terminate an advisory agreement without being assessed
any fees or expenses within five (5) days of its signing.
Retirement Plan Services - Retirement Plan Services, whether a 3(38) or 3(21) account, will
result in a separate fee payable to SFG; for plans with assets of $800,000 or more, annual fees
are a maximum of 1.00%. Plans with assets less than $800,000 will be charged a flat fee of
$4,000. These fees are billed quarterly in advance or in arrears, depending on the Agreement.
Cash Balance Plan Services - Cash Balance Plan Services will result in a separate fee payable
to SFG. Annual fees are a maximum of 1.50%. These fees are billed quarterly in advance or in
arrears, depending on the Agreement.
Bonus Compensation – Certain IARs of SFG are involved in providing consulting services to
company-sponsored retirement plans. These IARs receive a one-time bonus if an individual at a
client company chooses to become an investment advisory client of SFG. This presents a conflict of
interest, as it means these IARs have a financial incentive to recommend that you transition to our
retail advisory services. Despite this incentive, we are obligated to act in your best interest when
making any recommendations.
Additional Fees and Expenses - In addition to advisory fees paid to SFG as explained above,
clients may pay custodial service, account maintenance, transaction, and other fees associated
with maintaining the account. These fees vary by broker and/or custodian. Clients should ask
SFG for details on transaction fees or other custodial fees specific to their account, as these fees
are not included in the annual advisory fee. SFG does not share any portion of such fees.
Additionally, for any mutual funds purchased, the client may pay their proportionate share of the
funds’ distribution, internal management, investment advisory and administrative fees. Such
fees are not shared with SFG and are compensation to the fund manager. Clients are urged to
read the mutual fund prospectus prior to investing.
Mutual fund companies impose internal fees and expenses on clients. These fees are in addition
to the costs associated with the investment advisory services as described above. Complete
details of such internal expenses are specified and disclosed in each mutual fund company’s
prospectus. Clients are strongly advised to review the prospectus(es) prior to investing in such
securities.
Mutual funds purchased or sold in broker-dealer accounts may generate transaction fees that
would not exist if the purchase or sale were made directly with the mutual fund company.
Mutual funds held in broker-dealer accounts also charge management fees. These mutual fund
management fees may be more or less than the mutual fund management fees charged if the
client held the mutual fund directly with the mutual fund company.
Clients may purchase shares of mutual funds directly from the mutual fund issuer, its principal
underwriter, or a distributor without purchasing the services of SFG or paying the advisory fee
on such shares (but subject to any applicable sales charges). Certain mutual funds are offered to
the public without a sales charge. In the case of mutual funds offered with a sales charge, the
prevailing sales charge (as described in the mutual fund prospectus) may be more or less than the
applicable advisory fee. However, clients would not receive SFG’s assistance in developing an
7
investment strategy, selecting securities, monitoring performance of the account, and making
changes as necessary.
Please refer to Item 12 “Brokerage Practices” of this brochure for additional information.
Rollovers – SFG and our advisory personnel have a financial incentive when you, as a plan participant,
decide to roll over assets from an external retirement plan (such as a 401(k) or IRA with another
institution) into a retirement plan that our firm manages. When you roll over assets into a plan we
manage, those assets are included in the total assets upon which our firm calculates its ongoing advisory
fee. This means that a rollover increases the assets we manage and, thus, increases the advisory fee
revenue our firm receives. This creates a financial incentive for our firm to recommend or encourage
such rollovers. This incentive exists regardless of whether remaining in your current plan, rolling over
to another provider, or choosing a different option might be equally or more beneficial for you when
considering all relevant factors, including fees, services, investment options, and your individual
financial situation. We are fiduciaries and are required to act in your best interest. To address this
conflict, we require our advisors to provide you with information about your various options concerning
your retirement assets, including leaving them in your former employer's plan (if permissible), rolling
them over to an IRA (at our firm or another firm), or rolling them into a new employer's plan (if
permissible).
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC does not charge performance-based fees or participate in
side-by-side management. Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing accounts
that are charged performance-based fees while at the same time managing accounts that are not
charged performance-based fees. Performance-based fees are fees that are based on a share of
capital gains or appreciation of the assets of a client. Our fees are calculated as described in Fees
and Compensation section above and are not charged on the basis of performance of your
advisory account.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 7
Types of Clients
SFG offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, charitable
organizations, corporations, and pension plans. There is no minimum account size to open and
maintain an advisory account.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
SFG’s methods of analysis and investment strategies incorporate the client’s needs and
8
investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. SFG is not bound to a specific
investment strategy for the management of investment portfolios, but rather consider the risk
tolerance levels pre-determined gathered at the account opening, as well as on an on-going basis.
Examples of methodologies that our investment strategies may incorporate include:
Asset Allocation – Asset Allocation is a broad term used to define the process of selecting a mix
of asset classes and the efficient allocation of capital to those assets by matching rates of return
to a specified and quantifiable tolerance for risk.
Dollar-Cost Averaging – Dollar-cost averaging is the technique of buying a fixed dollar amount
of securities at regularly scheduled intervals, regardless of the price per share. This will
gradually, over time, decrease the average share price of the security. Dollar-cost averaging
lessens the risk of investing a large amount in a single investment at the wrong time.
Technical Analysis – involves studying past price patterns and trends in the financial markets to
predict the direction of both the overall market and specific stocks.
Long-Term Purchases – securities purchased with the expectation that the value of those
securities will grow over a relatively long period of time, generally greater than one year.
Short-Term Purchases – securities purchased with the expectation that they will be sold within a
relatively short period of time, generally less than one year, to take advantage of the securities’
short term price fluctuations.
Our strategies and investments may have unique and significant tax implications. Regardless of
your account size or other factors, we strongly recommend that you continuously consult with a
tax professional prior to and throughout the investing of your assets.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Although we
manage your portfolio with strategies and in a manner consistent with your risk tolerances, there
can be no guarantee that our efforts will be successful. You should be prepared to bear the risk
of loss.
All investments involve the risk of loss, including (among other things) loss of principal, a
reduction in earnings (including interest, dividends, and other distributions), and the loss of
future earnings. These risks include market risk, interest rate risk, issuer risk, and general
economic risk. Regardless of the methods of analysis or strategies suggested for your particular
investment goals, you should carefully consider these risks, as they all bear risks.
SFG’s primary goal for investing is to help the client maintain purchasing power over the long
term. This may result in short term variability and loss of principal. Time horizon and risk
tolerance are key determinates of the proper asset allocation. SFG’s approach focuses on taking
appropriate risks for which clients are compensated (i.e. market risk) and seeking to limit or
eliminate risks that do not provide compensation over the long term (i.e. individual stock risk or
lack of portfolio risk).
Below are some more specific risks of investing:
Market Risk. The prices of securities in which clients invest may decline in response to certain
events taking place around the world, including those directly involving the companies whose
9
securities are owned by the client or an underlying fund; conditions affecting the general
economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic
instability; and currency, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. Investors should have a
long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in market value.
Management Risk. SFG’s investment approach may fail to produce the intended results. If our
perception of the performance of a specific asset class or underlying fund is not realized in the
expected time frame, the overall performance of client’s portfolio may suffer.
Equity Risk. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices. The value
of an individual mutual fund or ETF can be more volatile than the market as a whole. This
volatility affects the value of the client’s overall portfolio. Small- and mid-cap companies are
subject to additional risks. Smaller companies may experience greater volatility, higher failure
rates, more limited markets, product lines, financial resources, and less management experience
than larger companies. Smaller companies may also have a lower trading volume, which may
disproportionately affect their market price, tending to make them fall more in response to selling
pressure than is the case with larger companies.
Fixed Income Risk. The issuer of a fixed income security may not be able to make interest and
principal payments when due. Generally, the lower the credit rating of a security, the greater the
risk that the issuer will default on its obligation. If a rating agency gives a debt security a lower
rating, the value of the debt security will decline because investors will demand a higher rate of
return. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities is likely to decrease. A
nominal interest rate is the sum of a real interest rate and an expected inflation rate.
Municipal Securities Risk. The value of municipal obligations can fluctuate over time, and may
be affected by adverse political, legislative and tax changes, as well as by financial developments
that affect the municipal issuers. Because many municipal obligations are issued to finance
similar projects by municipalities (e.g., housing, healthcare, water and sewer projects, etc.),
conditions in the sector related to the project can affect the overall municipal market. Payment
of municipal obligations may depend on an issuer’s general unrestricted revenues, revenue
generated by a specific project, the operator of the project, or government appropriation or aid.
There is a greater risk if investors can look only to the revenue generated by the project. In
addition, municipal bonds generally are traded in the “over-the-counter” market among dealers
and other large institutional investors. From time to time, liquidity in the municipal bond market
(the ability to buy and sell bonds readily) may be reduced in response to overall economic
conditions and credit tightening.
Investment Companies Risk. When a client invests in open end mutual funds or ETFs, the
client indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those
funds. Therefore, the client will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In
addition, the client’s overall portfolio may be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the
level of risk arising from the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of
derivatives). ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a
market price that is above or below their net asset value; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment
strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the
listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the
exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases
in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. SFG has no control over the risks taken by the
10
underlying funds.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 9
Disciplinary Information
Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC or its Principal Executive Officers have not had any
reportable disclosable events in the past ten years.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Some representatives of SFG are separately licensed as registered representatives of an unaffiliated
broker-dealer. These individuals, in their separate capacity, can effect securities transactions for
which they will receive separate, yet customary compensation.
Some representatives of SFG are also licensed insurance agents. From time to time, they will offer
clients advice or products from those activities. Clients should be aware that these services pay a
commission and involve a possible conflict of interest, as commissionable products can conflict
with the fiduciary duties of a registered investment adviser. SFG always acts in the best interest of
the client; including the sale of commissionable products to advisory clients. Clients are in no way
required to implement the plan through any representative of SFG in their capacity as an insurance
agent. Not more than 30% of these representatives’ time is spent on this activity.
Some representatives may also be registered with investment advisors other than our firm. The
fiduciary standard to the client will be always met regardless of which entity they are representing
when acting on the client’s behalf. Clients are in no way required to utilize the services of other
investment advisors when engaged with SFG.
SFG is affiliated with several other non-investment advisory businesses. These other non-investment
advisory businesses offer non-advisory services such as payroll and human resource solutions and
insurance products, including Medicare plans. IARs may recommend these affiliated services. This
creates a conflict of interest because our affiliates earn additional compensation if clients use these
services, potentially incentivizing recommendations that may not be the most suitable or cost-effective
for clients compared to unaffiliated options. Clients are never obligated to use any recommended
affiliated service
Certain principals of SFG also own a portion of MPC Insurance Group (“MPC”), an insurance and
advisory service company that provides health and financial security solutions such as Medicare plans.
This creates a potential conflict of interest as these owners may have a financial incentive to encourage
clients of the SFG to utilize the services of MPC. SFG representatives, in their discussions with plan
participants and clients, may refer individuals to MPC for Medicare insurance services. This referral
practice presents a potential conflict of interest. Plan participants and clients are under no obligation to
utilize the services of MPC and are free to explore other Medicare insurance providers.
Neither SFG nor its representatives are registered as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity
11
Pool Operator, or a Commodity Trading Advisor.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
SFG’s Code of Ethics includes guidelines for professional standards of conduct for our Associated
Persons. Our goal is to protect client interests at all times and to demonstrate our commitment to
fiduciary duties of honesty, good faith, and fair dealing. All of SFG’s Associated Persons are
expected to strictly adhere to these guidelines. Persons associated with Stonebridge Financial
Group, LLC are also required to report any violations to the Code of Ethics. Additionally, the firm
maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse or dissemination of
material, non-public information about our clients or client accounts by persons associated with our
firm.
SFG and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients. It is the expressed
policy of the advisor that no person employed by our firm purchase or sell any security prior to the
transaction being implemented for an advisory account; therefore, preventing such employees
from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of the advisory clients.
The advisor may have an interest or position in a certain security, which may also be recommended
to the client. As these situations may present a conflict of interest, the advisor has established the
following restrictions in order to ensure its fiduciary responsibilities should this issue ever arise:
1. A director, officer or employee of the advisor shall not buy or sell a security for their
personal portfolio(s) where their decision is substantially derived, in whole or part, by
reason of his or her employment, unless the information is also available to the investing
public. No owner/employee of SFG shall prefer their own interest to that of the client.
2. The advisor maintains a list of all securities held by the company and all directors, officers,
and employees. These holdings are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the principal of the
firm.
3. The advisor requires that all employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal
and State regulations governing registered investment advisors.
4. The advisor may block personal trades with those of clients but will ensure that clients are
not at a disadvantage.
SFG’s Code of Ethics is available to you upon request. You may obtain a copy of our Code of
Ethics by contacting Cody Gehman at (717) 736-7007.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 12
Brokerage Practices
In order for SFG to provide asset management services, we request you utilize the brokerage and
custodial services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), for which we have an existing
relationship. SFG and Schwab are not affiliated companies. In considering which independent
qualified custodian will be the best fit for SFG’s business model, we are evaluating the following
12
factors, which is not an all-inclusive list:
Financial strength
Reputation
Reporting capabilities
Execution capabilities
Pricing, and
Types and quality of research
While you are free to choose any broker-dealer or other service provider, we recommend that
you establish an account with a brokerage firm with which we have an existing relationship.
Such relationships may include benefits provided to our firm, including, but not limited to
research, market information, and administrative services that help our firm manage your
account(s). We believe that recommended broker-dealers provide quality execution services for
our clients at competitive prices. Price is not the sole factor we consider in evaluating best
execution. We also consider the quality of the brokerage services provided by the recommended
broker-dealers, including the value of research provided, the firm’s reputation, execution
capabilities, commission rates, and responsiveness to our clients and our firm. You may direct
us in writing to use a particular broker-dealer to execute some or all of the transactions for your
account. If you do so, you are responsible for negotiating the terms and arrangements for the
account with that broker-dealer. We may not be able to negotiate commissions, obtain volume
discounts, or best execution. In addition, under these circumstances a difference in commission
charges may exist between the commissions charged to clients who direct us to use a particular
broker or dealer and other clients who do not direct us to use a particular broker or dealer.
SFG does not receive client referrals from broker-dealers in exchange for cash or other
compensation, such as brokerage services or research.
SFG does not have any formal soft dollar arrangements.
When SFG buys or sells the same security for two or more clients (including our personal
accounts), we may place concurrent orders to be executed together as a single “block” in order to
facilitate orderly and efficient execution. Each client account will be charged or credited with
the average price per unit. We receive no additional compensation or remuneration of any kind
because we aggregate client transactions. No client is favored over any other client. If an order
is not completely filled, it is allocated pro-rata based on an allocation statement prepared by SFG
prior to placing the order. Because of an order’s aggregation, some clients may pay higher
transaction costs, or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices on transactions than
would otherwise be the case if the order had not been aggregated.
YOUR BROKERAGE AND TRADING COSTS
For our clients’ accounts that Schwab maintains, Schwab generally does not charge you
separately for custody services but is compensated by charging you commissions or other fees on
trades that it executes or that settle into your Schwab account. Certain trades (for example, many
mutual funds, and U.S. exchange-listed equities and ETFs) may not incur Schwab commissions
or transaction fees. Schwab is also compensated by earning interest on the uninvested cash in
your account in Schwab’s Cash Features Program. For some types of accounts and upon our
request, Schwab will charge you a percentage of the dollar amount of assets in the account in lieu
13
of commissions, where we have determined that this pricing structure is appropriate for your
account . In cases where we choose to execute a trade with different broker-dealer but where the
securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited (settled) into your Schwab
account, Schwab charges you a flat dollar amount as a “prime broker” or “trade away” fee for
each trade. These fees are in addition to the commissions or other compensation you pay the
executing broker-dealer. Because of this, to minimize your trading costs, we have Schwab
execute most trades for your account.
We are not required to select the broker or dealer that charges the lowest transaction cost, even if
that broker provides execution quality comparable to other brokers or dealers. Although we are
not required to execute all trade through Schwab, we have determined that having Schwab
execute most trades is consistent with our duty to seek “best execution” of your trades. Best
execution means the most favorable terms for a transaction based on all relevant factors,
including those listed above (see “How we select brokers/custodians”). By using another broker
or dealer you may pay lower transaction costs.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO US FROM SCHWAB
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory firms
like ours. They provide us and our clients with access to its institutional brokerage – trading,
custody, reporting and related services – many of which are not typically available to Schwab
retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support services. Some of those services
help us manage or administer our clients’ accounts while others help us manage and grow our
business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an unsolicited basis and at no
charge to us as long as we maintain a total of at least $10 million of our clients’ assets in accounts
at Schwab.
Services that benefit you. Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad
range of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets.
The investment products available through Schwab include some to which we might not
otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by
our clients. Schwab’s services described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your
account.
Services that do not directly benefit you. Schwab also makes available to us other products and
services that benefit us but do not directly benefit you or your account. These products and
services assist us in managing and administering our clients’ accounts and operating our firm.
They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that of third parties. We use this
research to service all or a substantial number of our clients’ accounts, including accounts not
maintained at Schwab. In addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available software
and other technology that:
• Provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements)
• Facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts
• Provide pricing and other market data
• Facilitate payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts
• Assist with back-office functions, record keeping, and client reporting
14
Services that generally benefit only us. Schwab also offers other services intended to help us
manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services include:
• Educational conferences and events
• Consulting on technology and business needs
• Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
• Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance
providers
• Marketing consulting and support
Schwab provides some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party
vendors to provide the services to us. Schwab also discounts or waives its fees for some of these
services or pays all or a part of a third party’s fees. Schwab also provides us with other benefits,
such as occasional business entertainment of our personnel. If you did not maintain your account
with Schwab, we would be required to pay for these services from our own resources.
OUR INTEREST IN SCHWAB’S SERVICES
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do not have to produce or
purchase them. We don’t have to pay for Schwab’s services. These services are not contingent
upon us committing any specific amount of business to Schwab in trading commissions or assets
in custody. The fact that we receive these benefits from Schwab is an incentive for us to
recommend the use of Schwab rather than making such decision based exclusively on your
interest in receiving the best value in custody services and the most favorable execution of your
transactions. This is a conflict of interest. We believe, however, that taken in the aggregate, our
recommendation of Schwab as custodian and broker is in the best interests of our clients. Our
selection is primarily supported by the scope, quality, and price of Schwab’s services (see “How
we select brokers/custodians”) and not Schwab’s services that benefit only us.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 13
Review of Accounts
Client accounts are reviewed at least quarterly by Cody Gehman, Chief Compliance Officer of
the firm. Cody Gehman reviews clients’ accounts with regards to their investment policies and
risk tolerance levels. All accounts at SFG are assigned to this reviewer.
All financial planning accounts are reviewed upon financial plan creation and plan delivery by
Cody Gehman, Principal Executive Officer of the firm. There is only one level of review and that
is the total review conducted to create the financial plan.
Reviews may be triggered by material market, economic or political events, or by changes in
client's financial situations (such as retirement, termination of employment, physical move, or
inheritance).
Each client will receive at least quarterly a written report that details the clients’ account which
may come from the custodian. Clients are encouraged to review these statements to verify
accuracy and calculation correctness.
15
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Our firm may engage in promoter arrangements for client referrals. These individual promoters
offer our services to the public. The Firm pays a referral fee to the promoter based on a portion of
the management fees charged by the Firm and memorialized in a written agreement (“Promoter
Agreement”). In all cases, the Firm will comply with the cash solicitation rules established by the
SEC, state regulators and the client disclosure requirements. If a referred prospective client enters
into an investment advisory agreement with the Firm, a referral fee is paid to the referring party.
The referral relationship will not result in clients being charged any fees over and above the normal
advisory fees charged for the advisory services provided. The Firm will pay the promoter their
share of the total fee. The Promoter Agreement requires that the promoter be appropriately
registered under federal and state securities laws where applicable. Clients receive all related
agreements and disclosures prior to or at the time of entering into an Investment Advisory
Agreement with the Firm.
SFG has entered into solicitor agreements with Collaborative Advisory Group and Stambaugh Ness
Wealth Management (collectively the “Solicitors”) under which the Solicitors refer prospective clients
to Stonebridge for investment advisory services. In exchange for these referrals, Stonebridge pays the
Solicitors a portion of the advisory fees collected from referred clients. Specifically, the Solicitors
receive 20% of the net investment advisory fees that Stonebridge earns from such clients on an ongoing
basis. This arrangement creates a conflict of interest, as the Solicitors have a financial incentive to
recommend Stonebridge's services. To mitigate this conflict and ensure transparency, all referred
clients receive a written solicitor disclosure that outlines the nature of the arrangement, the
compensation to be received by the Solicitors, and any potential conflicts of interest. Clients also
receive Stonebridge's Form ADV Part 2A and Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS) prior to or at
the time of entering into an advisory agreement.
SFG does not receive compensation for referring clients to other professional service providers.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 15
Custody
SFG does not have physical custody of any client funds and/or securities and does not take
custody of client accounts at any time. Client funds and securities will be held with a bank,
broker dealer, or other independent qualified custodian. However, by granting SFG written
authorization to automatically deduct fees from client accounts, SFG is deemed to have limited
custody. You will receive account statements from the independent, qualified custodian holding
your funds at least quarterly. The account statement from your custodian will indicate the
amount of advisory fees deducted from your account(s) each billing cycle. Clients should
carefully review statements received from the custodian.
Under securities regulations, we are deemed to have custody of your assets if, for example, you
authorize us to instruct Schwab to deduct our advisory fees directly from your account or if you
grant us authority to move your money to another person’s account. Schwab maintains actual
custody of your assets. You will receive account statements directly from Schwab at least
16
quarterly. They will be sent to the email or postal mailing address you provided to Schwab. You
should carefully review those statements promptly when you receive them.
Some clients may execute limited powers of attorney or other standing letters of authorization
that permit the firm to transfer money from their account with the client’s independent qualified
Custodian to third-parties. This authorization to direct the Custodian may be deemed to cause
our firm to exercise limited custody over your funds or securities and for regulatory reporting
purposes, we are required to keep track of the number of clients and accounts for which we
may have this ability. We do not have physical custody of any of your funds and/or securities.
Your funds and securities will be held with a bank, broker-dealer, or other independent,
qualified custodian. You will receive account statements from the independent, qualified
custodian(s) holding your funds and securities at least quarterly. The account statements from
your custodian(s) will indicate any transfers that may have taken place within your account(s)
each billing period. You should carefully review account statements for accuracy.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 16
Investment Discretion
Before SFG can buy or sell securities on your behalf, you must first sign our discretionary
management agreement, a limited power of attorney, and/or trading authorization forms. By
choosing to do so, you may grant the firm discretion over the selection and amount of securities
to be purchased or sold for your account(s) without obtaining your consent or approval prior to
each transaction. Clients may impose limitations on discretionary authority for investing in
certain securities or types of securities (such as a product type, specific companies, specific
sectors, etc.), as well as other limitations as expressed by the client. Limitations on discretionary
authority are required to be provided to the IAR in writing. Please refer to the “Advisory
Business” section of this Brochure for more information on our discretionary management
services.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 17
Voting Client Securities
We do not vote proxies on behalf of your advisory accounts. At your request, we may offer you
advice regarding corporate actions and the exercise of your proxy voting rights. If you own
shares of common stock or mutual funds, you are responsible for exercising your right to vote as
a shareholder.
In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in
the event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them
directly to you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in
which case, we would forward any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.
17
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 18
Financial Information
SFG is not required to provide financial information to our clients because we do not require or
solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 six or more months in advance.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 19
Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
This section is not applicable as SFG is SEC registered and not state registered.
18