View Document Text
Form ADV Part 2A Brochure
Surience Private Wealth LLC
402 E. Yakima Avenue | Suite 120
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 853-1597
June 3, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Surience Private Wealth LLC.
You should review this brochure to understand your relationship with our firm and help you determine to hire or
retain us as your investment adviser. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us
at (509) 853-1597. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States of America
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Surience Private Wealth LLC also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by our firm name or by using a unique identifying number, known
as a CRD number. The CRD number for Surience Private Wealth LLC is 313055.
Surience Private Wealth LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply
any level of skill or training.
i
Item 2 – Material Changes
This item of the Brochure will discuss only specific material changes that were made to the Brochure since the last
annual update on February 14, 2025 and provide clients with a summary of such changes.
We encourage you to carefully review this Brochure prior to entering into an investment advisory contract with our firm.
You can receive an updated copy of this brochure at any time by contacting us at (509) 853-1597.
(Brochure Date: 06/03/2025)
ii
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ ii
Item 3 – Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business ............................................................................................................................ 1
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................................. 3
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................................... 6
Item 7 – Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................... 6
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies ................................................................................... 6
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................ 10
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................................... 10
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .................................. 10
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................................... 11
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ..................................................................................................................... 13
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................... 14
Item 15 – Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 15
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 15
Item 18 – Financial Information .................................................................................................................. 15
iii
Classification Approved Outside Entities
Item 4 – Advisory Business
About Our Firm
Surience Private Wealth LLC (“SPW” or “the Firm”) is a registered investment adviser that provides investment
management and financial advisory services to individual and institutional investors to help them achieve their financial
needs and goals. SPW is wholly owned by Armand Doucette and began operations in 2021.
Our firm takes pride in providing personalized service to our clients and acknowledges that it is held to a fiduciary
standard of care.
Types of Advisory Services We Offer
SPW offers a variety of advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals and families, pension and profit-
sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable institutions, foundations, corporations, and other business entities. These
services include:
Investment and wealth management
•
• Financial planning and consulting
We work with our clients to determine their investment objectives and risk profile and develop a customized investment
plan based on their individual needs and goals. SPW will utilize the financial information provided by the client to
analyze and develop strategies and solutions to assist the client in meeting their financial goals.
Prior to SPW rendering any of the foregoing services, clients are required to enter into one or more written advisory
agreements with SPW setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the advisory relationship.
Investment and Wealth Management Services
SPW manages our clients’ portfolios on a discretionary basis. Our investment and wealth management services are
tailored to the needs of our clients and are based on a comprehensive understanding of each client’s current situation,
past experiences, and future goals. With this acquired knowledge, we place clients in one of our strategies. These
strategies are actively managed using multiple data sources. Clients’ portfolios will be reviewed on a periodic basis to
ensure proper placement in our strategies.
Client assets are primarily allocated among individual equity and debt securities, and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") in
accordance with the strategies’ structures and risk/volatility parameters. Where appropriate, SPW can also provide
advice about many types of legacy positions or other investments held in client portfolios. Clients can also engage SPW
to manage and/or advise on certain investment products that are not maintained at their primary custodian, such as
variable life insurance and annuity contracts (to the extent permissible without an insurance license) and assets held in
employer sponsored retirement plans and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 529 plans). In these situations, SPW will direct or
make recommendations on a non-discretionary basis for the allocation of client assets among the various investment
1
Classification Approved Outside Entities
options available with the product. These assets are generally maintained at the underwriting insurance company or
custodian for the plan trustee or administrator and clients retain responsibility for effecting trades in these accounts.
SPW consults with clients on an initial and ongoing basis to assess their specific risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity
constraints and other related factors relevant to their placement in our strategies. You should promptly notify us if
there are changes in your financial situation or if you wish to place any limitations on the management of your account.
You can impose reasonable restrictions or mandates on the management of your account if SPW determines, in our sole
discretion, the conditions would not materially impact the performance of a management strategy or prove overly
burdensome to the firm's management efforts.
Retirement Accounts
When the Firm provides investment advice to clients regarding ERISA retirement accounts or individual retirement
accounts (“IRAs”), SPW is a fiduciary within the meaning of Title 1 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
(“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. When
SPW considers it to be in the client’s best interest, the Firm will provide investment advice to regarding a distribution
from an ERISA retirement account or to roll over the assets to an IRA, or recommend a similar transaction including
rollovers from one ERISA sponsored Plan to another, one IRA to another IRA, or from one type of account to another
account (e.g. commission based account to a wrap fee-based account). Such a recommendation creates a conflict of
interest since SPW will earn a new (or increase its current) advisory fee as a result of the transaction. No client is under
any obligation to roll over a retirement account to an account managed by SPW.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
SPW offers different levels of financial planning and consulting services to help our clients identify, prioritize and work
towards their goals and objectives. Our consulting services give our clients the ability to receive a broad range of
financial advice and services, including specific security recommendations, for the duration of the advisory agreement.
Our process starts with an extensive review of a client's family situation, which includes assets and liabilities as well as
estate, tax, and insurance needs. We then employ a risk tolerance and risk capacity-focused simulation to get a detailed
cash flow analysis and proposed asset allocation. Together, this information is analyzed to develop a proposed financial
plan, which is designed to be dynamic in nature, ever-evolving due to life changes, along with changes in cash flow
needs, risk tolerance, time horizon, or investment objectives.
SPW’s financial planning and consulting services can include any of the following topics:
Liability Management
Investment Consulting
• Cash Flow Analysis
• Estate Planning
• Charitable Giving
• Education Planning
• Business Planning
• Concentrated Stock
Insurance Review
• Federal Benefits & Health Care
• Death & Disability
• Divorce Planning
•
•
• Tax Planning
•
2
Classification Approved Outside Entities
• Retirement Plan Consulting and Employee Benefits
Analysis
While each of these services is available on a stand-alone basis, certain services can also be rendered in conjunction
with investment portfolio management services as part of a comprehensive wealth management engagement. In
performing these services, SPW is not required to verify any information received from the client or from the client's
other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.), and is expressly authorized to rely on such information. SPW can
recommend clients engage the firm for additional related services, or we can recommend other professionals to
implement our recommendations. These additional services by SPW or another professional are provided at an
additional cost to you, which is based on the nature, extent, complexity, and other characteristics of the services. This
creates a conflict of interest because we will have an incentive to recommend additional services based on the
compensation to be received, rather than solely based on your needs, and in some cases, based on the prospect of
cross-referrals of advisory clients from the other professional or his or her firm. Implementation of financial planning
recommendations is entirely at your discretion.
You have complete freedom in selecting a financial adviser to assist you with implementing the recommendations made
in your financial plan and are under no obligation to act on the advice of SPW. Financial planning recommendations are
of a generic nature and are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a broker dealer or insurance
company. Should you choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, SPW suggests you work closely
with your attorney, accountant and/or insurance agent.
SPW will act solely in our capacity as a registered investment adviser and does not provide any legal, accounting or tax
advice. You should seek the counsel of a qualified accountant and/or attorney when necessary. As part of our advisory
services, we can assist clients with tax loss harvesting and will work with the client’s tax specialist to answer any
questions related to the client’s portfolio.
Fiduciary and Non-Fiduciary Services for Plan Sponsors
Retirement plan sponsors can retain our firm to provide advisory and consulting services for plan assets. Fiduciary
services available to plan sponsors include:
• Reviewing and assisting in the establishment of investment policies and objectives on behalf of the plan
• Assistance with development of an Investment Policy Statement
• Recommending core investments to be offered to plan participants for selection by the plan sponsor
• Recommending investment managers, within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(38), on behalf of the plan, to be
offered as investment options for plan participants
• Monitoring of the plan’s investments or investment managers in accordance with the plan’s Investment Policy
Statement or other relevant guidelines
Non-fiduciary consulting services available to plan sponsors include:
• Educating plan participants on investment options available within the plan
5
Classification Approved Outside Entities
• Preparation of periodic performance reports for the plan’s investments
• Assistance with monitoring the reasonableness of the fees and expenses of the plan’s investments or
investment managers in accordance with the plan’s Investment Policy Statement or other relevant guidelines
• Benchmarking existing plan service providers to industry peers, and where appropriate, conducting a search for
new providers for the plan sponsor’s consideration and providing our recommendation.
Portfolio Management Services for Wrap Fee Program
SPW offers portfolio management services through a wrap fee program. A bundled or “wrap fee” program is an advisory
fee program under which you pay one bundled fee to compensate SPW for portfolio management and trade execution.
A wrap fee program can not be the lowest cost option if you would like to restrict your investments to open-end mutual
funds or other long-term investment products. Please refer to our Wrap Brochure for further information on our wrap-
fee program, which is provided as an Appendix to this Brochure.
Amount of Assets We Manage
As of December 31, 2024, SPW managed $124,097,013 on a discretionary basis and $1,214,891 on a non-discretionary
basis for a total of $125,311,904 of Regulatory Assets Under Management.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
How We Are Compensated for Our Advisory Services
SPW offers our advisory services on a fee-only basis. Our fees vary among the different types of advisory services we
offer and can be negotiated at our sole discretion. The specific fees and manner in which fees are charged and
calculated are described in your investment advisory agreement. You should carefully review the investment advisory
agreement prior to signing it.
Fees for our advisory services can be higher than fees charged by other advisers who offer similar services. You can be
charged different fees than similarly situated clients for the same services. You should carefully review this brochure to
understand the fees and other sources of compensation that exist among our services prior to entering into an
investment advisory contract with our firm.
3
Classification Approved Outside Entities
Investment and Wealth Management Services
A. Growth, Moderate, and Balanced Strategies
Annual Fee*
1.75%
1.45%
1.15%
0.95%
Total Assets Under Management
$0 - $999,999
$1,000,000 - $2,499,999
$2,500,000 - $9,999,999
$10,000,000 - $25,000,000
* Minimum annual fee is $2,500 and will be billed $625 quarterly
B. Genesis Strategy
1.75% Flat fee for all Assets Under Management
*Minimum annual fee is $2,500 and will be billed $625 quarterly.*
Except for accounts in the Genesis Strategy, advisory fees are generally billed in advance each calendar quarter based on
the market value of the assets under management/advisement on the last day of the previous calendar quarter.
Advisory fees for accounts in the Genesis Strategy are billed in advance each calendar quarter based the flat annual rate
noted above. SPW, in our sole discretion, can waive the minimum annual fee based upon certain criteria, including, but
not limited to, anticipated future earning capacity and/or additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed,
related accounts, account composition, pre-existing client relationships, account retention, and pro bono activities. For
investment and wealth management services SPW provides to certain clients or for specific client holdings (e.g., held-
away assets, 529 plans, etc.), we can negotiate a fee rate that differs from our standard fee schedule.
As stated in the client’s investment advisory agreement, if services are provided for less than a full a calendar quarter,
the advisory fee will be prorated based on the number of days in the quarter the client received services or the assets
were under SPW’s management, and any pre-paid, unearned fees will be refunded. If a client has a significant one-off
cash flow within a calendar quarter equal to $250,000 or greater, the advisory fee will be prorated based on the number
of days remaining in the quarter, unless the fee would generally be less than $150.
Fees can be based on cumulative household assets under management. However, certain ERISA rules prevent
householding corporate plans with personal assets for fee reductions. You should refer to your advisory agreement for
your specific fee rate(s).
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Fees for financial planning and/or consulting services are billed at a flat rate in advance. Typically plans range from
$2,5000-$50,000. There is no minimum fee required for financial planning or consulting services; however financial
planning and consulting fees generally will not exceed $20,000 annually. Fees are due and payable as incurred. At its
discretion, the Firm can apply a fee discount for current investment management and wealth management clients.
4
Classification Approved Outside Entities
Financial planning fees could also vary based on the complexity of the financial plan and the services provided to existing
clients.
Factors we consider when determining our financial planning and consulting fees include, but are not limited to:
• The amount of time we expect to spend completing the financial planning or consulting services and providing
related advice;
• The complexity of your goals, issues and/or needs;
• The extensiveness and complexity of the data needed regarding your personal financial information;
• Your net worth or the value of your investment accounts and/or other assets that are the subject of the financial
planning or consulting services; and/or
• Special circumstances related to life changes, marital status, health or special income needs, or growth or
decline of a personal business.
We will not request the prepayment of fees more than $1,200 in advisory fees more than six months in advance.
You cancan engage SPW for additional investment management services to assist with implementing one or more
financial planning recommendations. You will incur additional fees if you retain our firm for such services. You have
complete freedom in selecting an investment adviser to assist you in implementing any recommendations by SPW and
are under no obligation to act upon the advice we provide.
For consulting services, the investment advisory agreement between SPW and the client will continue in effect until
terminated by either party. For stand-alone financial planning services, the agreement between SPW and the client will
terminate upon delivery of the plan or completion of the service.
Fiduciary and Non-Fiduciary Services for Plan Sponsors
Fees for retirement plan sponsors are either set at a flat rate or based upon the value of the plan assets that are the
subject of the consulting services and are generally payable in arrears on a quarterly basis. Fees for one-time projects
are payable either upon completion of the project or half paid upon execution of the agreement with the balance due
upon completion of the project. A graduated fee schedule can be set by the firm for fees based on the value of plan
assets, which will be described in your services agreement.
Payment of Fees
Clients authorize SPW to instruct the account custodian to directly debit fees from the client’s account. Accounts
initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a prorated fee.
Fees for our advisory services generally require you to pay investment advisory fees in advance of receiving services.
Upon termination of your advisory agreement with our firm, we will promptly refund any prepaid, unearned fees.
• For investment and wealth management services, refunds are calculated by taking the total advisory fee billed
for the calendar quarter, dividing that amount by the number of days in the calendar quarter and multiplying
that amount by the number of days services were not provided during the calendar quarter.
5
Classification Approved Outside Entities
• For financial planning and consulting services, refunds for incomplete plans are calculated based on the value of
the services that were completed prior to termination of the advisory agreement.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses You Can Incur
Clients can incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, third-party investments and other third parties, such
as fees charged by Independent Managers, custodial fees, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and
electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Decisions to reallocate
your account assets can result in you incurring a redemption fee imposed by one or more mutual funds held in your
account. 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 SPW’s fee. SPW shall not receive any
portion of these commissions, fees, and costs, including any distribution or “12b-1” fees paid by the mutual funds in
which your account assets are invested.
Other Types of Compensation We Receive
SPW has contracted with Trade-PMR, Inc. (“Trade-PMR”) for brokerage services, including trade processing, collection of
management fees, marketing assistance and research. Item 12 – Brokerage Practices further describes the factors that
SPW considers in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for client transactions and determining the reasonableness
of their compensation (e.g., commissions).
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
SPW does not charge any performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of
the assets of a client) or participate in side-by-side management.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
SPW provides portfolio management services to individuals, high net worth individuals and families, pension and profit-
sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable institutions, foundations, corporations, and other business entities.
SPW charges a minimum annual fee of $2,500. This minimum annual fee can be negotiable under certain circumstances.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
SPW utilizes proprietary investment strategies founded on the assumptions that markets are not efficient and trends are
real. Our investment strategies use econo-physics based mathematical models combined with qualitative and
quantitative analysis. The mathematical models are applied to several baskets of securities and predict which security
within each basket will outperform over the next several weeks to months. By owning only the leading security in each
6
Classification Approved Outside Entities
basket, we attempt to avoid holding underperforming or losing positions. The models are run daily but positions are
typically adjusted, if needed, at the beginning of each month.
While the models are based on valid mathematical concepts, there is no guarantee that a selected security will perform
as forecast. Our qualitative analysis models the “quality” of market movements and herd-behavior based upon cycle and
wave theory combined with fractal pattern analysis. Our quantitative analysis is a predictive analysis approach that
calculates numerous metrics on a wide range of market stratifications. The metrics are utilized to identify high
probability major tops/bottoms in various indices. Our quantitative approach also includes econo-physics based metrics
that measure persistency of trending properties (Hurst exponent). In periods of elevated market volatility, we can
become more active in adjusting position allocations. SPW allocates client assets primarily among publicly traded
securities, such as stocks, bonds, and ETFs. Nevertheless, individual client circumstances can dictate the use of other
types of securities or alternative investments. Under specific and limited circumstances, we can also invest in leveraged
or unleveraged inverse ETFs as well as inverse volatility ETFs.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that you should be prepared to bear. All investments present the risk of loss of
principal – the risk that the value of securities (e.g., stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, etc.), when sold or otherwise
disposed of, can be less than the price paid for the securities. Even when the value of the securities when sold is greater
than the price paid, there is the risk that the appreciation will be less than inflation. In other words, the purchasing
power of the proceeds can be less than the purchasing power of the original investment. There is no guarantee that
investment recommendations made by SPW will be successful. We cannot assure that your account will increase,
preserve capital, or generate income, nor can we assure that your investment objectives will be realized.
We can recommend a variety of security types for your account in an effort to achieve your individual needs and goals.
This can include, but is not limited to, stocks, bonds, ETFs, hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds,
advisory accounts, real estate investment trusts, or other private alternative or other investment funds. An investment
in such other funds or managers can present risks specific to the particular investment vehicle, such as long-term
illiquidity, redemption notice periods or other restrictions on redemptions, capital calls, or periodic taxable income
distribution.
Clients can have existing assets transferred in under our management that were not purchased or recommended by
SPW. While SPW endeavors at all times to make appropriate recommendations pursuant to its fiduciary duty, we cannot
warrant the appropriateness or reasonableness of assets not recommended by SPW. Clients should be aware of these
risks when deciding to keep such investments.
Though our analysis is mathematically driven, there is the risk that the trend proves fleeting, leading to whipsaw risk.
This is a change in a securities trend, triggering buy or sell action, followed quickly by another change in the opposite
direction. Whipsaw risk will impact account performance should our trends not trigger exit or re-entry. Positions in
taxable accounts will be, at times, subject to short- and long-term taxable gains and losses. SPW models have a
qualitative overlay of the portfolio manager to assist in mitigating these risks and do not act on triggers alone.
We invest in and actively traded securities using strategies and investment techniques with risk characteristics, including
risks arising from the volatility of the global equity markets, the risks of leverage, and the risk of loss from counterparty
7
Classification Approved Outside Entities
defaults. Described below are the material risks associated with investing in the types of securities and associated risks
we generally use in client portfolios:
Equity Securities
In general, prices of equity securities (common, convertible preferred stocks and other securities whose values are tied
to the price of stocks, such as rights, warrants and convertible debt securities) are more volatile than those of fixed-
income securities. The prices of equity securities could decline in value if the issuer’s financial condition declines or in
response to overall market and economic conditions. Investments in smaller companies and mid-size companies can
involve greater risk and price volatility than investments in larger, more mature companies.
While SPW has negotiated pricing for trading with their custodians, certain strategies and models of SPW incur frequent
trading. Frequent trade activity will result in increased brokerage and other transaction-related costs, and less favorable
tax treatment in the case of short-term capital gains.
Fixed-Income Securities
The return and principal value of bonds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Fixed-income securities are subject
to interest rate risk and credit quality risk. The market value of fixed-income securities generally declines when interest
rates rise, and an issuer of fixed-income securities could default on its payment obligations. Changes in interest rates
generally have a greater effect on bonds with longer maturities than on those with shorter maturities. If bonds are not
held to maturity, they can be worth more or less than their original value. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the
issuer of a bond will not be able to make principal and/or interest payments. High yield bonds, also known as “junk
bonds,” carry higher risk of loss of principal and income than higher rated investment grade bonds.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are typically investment companies that are legally classified as open-end mutual funds or unit investment trusts.
ETFs differ from traditional mutual funds in that ETF shares are listed on a securities exchange. Shares can be bought and
sold throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly traded companies. ETF shares can trade at a discount or
premium to their net asset value. This difference between the bid price and ask price is often referred to as the
“spread.” The spread varies over time based on the ETF’s trading volume and market liquidity. It is generally lower if the
ETF has high trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the ETF has low trading volume and market liquidity.
Liquidity risks are higher for ETFs with a large spread. ETFs can be closed and liquidated at the discretion of the issuing
company. Risks associated with leveraged or unleveraged inverse ETFs as well as inverse volatility ETFs include
compounding risk where two or more risks interact potentially experiencing a collective effect, derivative securities risk
where an investor can not be able to exit a position quickly or at a fair price, correlation risk regarding simultaneous
losses from a single event and short sale exposure risk which is the potential for unlimited losses.
8
Classification Approved Outside Entities
As most leveraged or inverse ETFs reset daily, their performance can differ from the performance of the underlying
index or benchmark. In these cases, clients could experience losses even when the performance of the index/benchmark
indicates gains. This effect can be magnified in volatile markets.
International Investing
The risks of investing in foreign securities include loss of value as a result of political or economic instability;
nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation; changes in foreign exchange rates and foreign exchange
restrictions; settlement delays; and limited government regulation (including less stringent reporting, accounting, and
disclosure standards than are required of U.S. companies). These risks can be greater with investments in emerging
markets. Certain investments utilized by SPW can also contain international securities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
A portion of your assets can be invested in cash or cash equivalents to achieve your investment objective, provide
ongoing distributions, and/or take a defensive position. Cash holdings can result in a loss of market exposure.
Alternative Investments
Alternative investments are illiquid investments and do not trade on a national securities exchange. Alternative
investments typically include investments in direct participation program securities (partnerships, limited liability
companies, business development companies or real estate investment trusts), commodity pools, private equity, private
debt, or hedge funds. Alternative investments are subject to various risks, such as illiquidity and property devaluation
based on adverse economic and/or real estate market conditions.
Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Investors considering an investment strategy utilizing
alternative investments should understand that alternative investments are generally considered speculative in nature
and can involve a high degree of risk, particularly if concentrating investments in one or few alternative investments.
These risks are potentially greater and substantially different than those associated with traditional equity or fixed
income investments. Additional information regarding these risks can be found in the product’s prospectus or offering
documents.
Cryptocurrency
Certain strategies utilized by SPW participate in exchange traded products that are based or benchmarked off of
Cryptocurrency holdings. While these products permit investors to participate in the cryptocurrency environment, they
have some unique risks due to their underlying relationship with Cryptocurrency. Crypto assets can be volatile and
undergo broad swings daily. Crypto based ETF’s can only be traded during market hours and can be affected by those
9
Classification Approved Outside Entities
off-market swings. Due to the structure of the product, the management fees included in the ETF can be higher, or
lower, than other similar ETFs not based on Crypto assets.
Financial Planning Software
SPW Financial Planning services are provided utilizing selected financial planning software packages. While SPW has
selected these programs based on capabilities, security and client experience, the output from these programs are
dependent on information provided by you, the client. Inaccurate or outdated information can affect the quality of the
report and the program’s analysis.
SPW contracted software utilizes Monte Carlo simulation; where results of your plan are run many times, each using a
different sequence of returns. Some returns will give better results while others will give worse results. The intention of
the Monte Carlo simulation is to attempt to predict the probability of an outcome where random variables are present.
Monte Carlo utilizes historical data as the basis for this probability; past performance does not guarantee future returns.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
As a registered investment adviser, SPW is required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary
events that would be material to your evaluation of our firm or the integrity of our management. SPW has no
disciplinary information to report.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
SPW has no other financial industry activities or affiliations.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Our Code of Ethics
SPW is committed to providing investment advice with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Our firm strives to
identify manage and/or mitigate conflicts of interest and has adopted policies, procedures, and oversight mechanisms to
address conflicts of interest. We have adopted a Code of Ethics that emphasizes our fiduciary obligation to put client
interests first and is designed to ensure personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of employees will not
interfere with the responsibilities to make decisions in the best interest of clients. All supervised persons of our firm
must acknowledge and comply with our Code of Ethics.
You can request a copy of our Code of Ethics by contacting us at (509) 853-1597.
Participation in Client Transactions
10
Classification Approved Outside Entities
SPW does not affect principal or agency cross securities transactions for client accounts. SPW also does not 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 a security to an advisory
client. An agency cross transaction is defined as a transaction where a person acts as an investment adviser in relation to
a transaction in which the investment adviser, or any person controlled by or under common control with the
investment adviser, acts as broker for both the advisory client and for another person on the other side of the
transaction. Agency cross transactions can arise where an adviser is dually registered as a broker-dealer or has an
affiliated broker-dealer.
Employee Personal Trading
Supervised persons of SPW can purchase or sell the same security that we recommend for investment in client accounts.
This creates a conflict of interest as there is a possibility that employees of our firm might benefit from market activity
by a client in a security held by the employee. Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities
transactions, activities and interests of the employees of SPW will not interfere with making decisions in the best
interest of advisory clients and implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for
their own accounts. Under the Code of Ethics, certain classes of securities have been designated as exempt transactions,
based upon a determination that these would not materially interfere with the best interest of SPW’s clients. Our Code
of Ethics also places restrictions on our employees’ personal trading activities. These restrictions include, but are not
limited to, a prohibition on trading based on non-public information and pre-clearance requirements for certain types of
transactions. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics in an effort to prevent conflicts of
interest between SPW and our clients.
Certain affiliated accounts can trade in the same securities with client accounts on an aggregated basis when consistent
with SPW’s obligation of best execution. In such circumstances, the affiliated and client accounts will share commission
costs equally and receive securities at a total average price. SPW will retain records of the trade order (specifying each
participating account) and its allocation, which will be completed prior to the entry of the aggregated order. Completed
orders will be allocated as specified in the initial trade order. Partially filled orders will be allocated on a pro rata basis.
Any exceptions will be explained on the order.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Selection and Recommendation of Broker-Dealers
Though SPW recommends brokers with which we have negotiated pricing on behalf of our clients, we do not have
discretionary authority to select brokers. We endeavor to recommend broker-dealers that will provide the best services
at the lowest commission rates possible. The reasonableness of commissions is based on the broker's ability to provide
professional services, competitive commission rates, research and other services that will help our firm provide
investment management services to clients. SPW can recommend brokers who provide useful research and securities
transaction services even though a lower commission can be charged by a broker who offers no research services and
minimal securities transaction assistance.
11
Classification Approved Outside Entities
We have negotiated competitive pricing and services with Trade-PMR for brokerage back-office and trade execution
services and First Clearing for clearing and custodial services. First Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing
Services, LLC., a non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Trade-PMR and First Clearing are members of SIPC and are
unaffiliated registered broker-dealers and FINRA members. The brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees charged
by Trade-PMR are included in SPW’s advisory fee. SPW regularly reviews the reasonableness of the compensation
received by the broker-dealers used for executing client transactions in an effort to ensure that our clients receive
favorable execution consistent with our fiduciary duty. Factors which SPW considers in recommending Trade-PMR and
First Clearing or any other broker-dealer to clients include, but is not limited to, their respective financial strength,
reputation, execution, pricing, research, and service. The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by these brokers
can be higher or lower than those charged by other broker-dealers.
In addition, Trade-PMR provides SPW with access to its institutional trading and custody services, which are typically not
available to retail investors. These brokerage services include the execution of securities transactions, custody, research,
and access to mutual funds and other investments that are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors
or would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment. Other benefits we can receive include receipt of
duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; access to a trading desk that exclusively services its
participants; access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then allocates
the appropriate shares to client accounts; and access to an electronic communication network for client order entry and
account information.
The commissions paid by SPW’s clients are intended to be consistent with our duty to obtain “best execution.” However,
a client can pay a commission that is higher than what another qualified broker-dealer might charge to affect the same
transaction when SPW determines, in good faith, that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible
cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a
broker-dealer’s services, including among others, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness.
Consistent with the foregoing, while SPW will seek competitive rates, it can not necessarily obtain the lowest possible
commission rates for client transactions.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
SPW does not participate in soft-dollar relationships.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
When selecting broker-dealers for the execution of client securities transactions, SPW does not consider whether we will
receive any client referrals from the broker-dealer or any other third-party.
Directed Brokerage
As SPW will not request the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used or the commission rates
to be paid, clients must direct SPW as to the broker-dealer to be used. The commissions and transaction fees charged by
these broker-dealers could be higher or lower than those charged by other custodians and broker-dealers. When
12
Classification Approved Outside Entities
directing the use of a particular broker-dealer, it should be understood that SPW will not have authority to negotiate
commissions among various broker-dealers or obtain volume discounts. As such, best execution can not be achieved.
Not all investment advisers require clients to direct the use of specific broker-dealers
Aggregation of Orders
Transactions for each client will generally be effected independently. For certain trades, SPW will block trades where
possible and when advantageous to clients. The blocking of trades permits the trading of aggregate blocks of securities
composed of assets from multiple client accounts where transaction costs are shared equally and on a pro-rated basis
between all accounts included in the block. Block trading allows us to execute equity or fixed income trades in a timely,
equitable manner and to reduce overall commission charges to clients. Clients who do not provide SPW with discretion
will not participate in block trades, and their trades in similar securities will be placed with brokers after trades for
discretionary accounts. Accounts owned by supervised persons of our firm can participate in block trading with your
accounts; however, these individuals will not be given preferential treatment of any kind.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Accounts at SPW are reviewed on a periodic basis. This informal review includes assessing client goals and objectives
and monitoring the account. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client’s stated investment objectives and
guidelines. More frequent reviews can be triggered by material changes to a client’s individual circumstances, market
conditions, or the political or economic environment.
SPW can also review tax-planning needs, cash-flow needs, as well as charitable giving, insurance, and estate planning as
part of our ongoing client reviews. Reviews are tailored to the services we provide to you, as well as your individual
needs and goals. We encourage you to discuss your needs, goals, and objectives with us and keep us informed of any
changes. If you engage our firm for ongoing investment advisory services, we will contact you at least annually to
determine whether there have been any changes to your financial situation or investment objectives and whether you
wish to impose any reasonable restrictions on the management of your account or reasonably modify any existing
restrictions. At this time, we will advise you of any account changes we feel are necessary to help you stay on track with
meeting your financial goals and consider whether the current services provided by our firm continue to be suitable for
your needs.
As a convenience to our clients, in addition to reporting on clients’ financial assets, at a client’s request we can prepare a
global consolidated report that also includes certain non-financial assets (e.g., real assets). In such instances, SPW relies
on the client to provide current and accurate price or other valuation information for those assets to be included in the
client’s consolidated account report. In no instance are non-financial assets included in performance reporting. SPW
does not independently verify, and expressly disclaims responsibility for, the accuracy of any non-financial asset values
clients provided to us to include in their reporting.
13
Classification Approved Outside Entities
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Other Compensation Arrangements
SPW receives compensation from Trade-PMR, Inc., the broker-dealer used for your account, and your account custodian
in the form of access to electronic systems that assist us in the management of client accounts, as well as research,
software and other technology that provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements), pricing information and other market data, facilitate trade execution (and allocation of aggregated trade
orders for multiple client accounts), and client reporting capabilities. Your account custodian also offers us discounts for
products and services offered by vendors and third-party service providers, such as software and technology solutions.
These economic benefits create a conflict of interest in that it gives our firm an incentive to recommend one broker-
dealer or custodian over another that does not provide similar electronic systems, support, or services. We address this
conflict of interest by disclosing to our clients the types of compensation that our firm receives so clients can consider
this when evaluating our firm. It is important that you consider the fees, level of service and investment strategies,
among other factors, when selecting an investment manager.
Client Referrals
SPW does not pay any referral fees to other individuals for referring clients to our firm.
Item 15 – Custody
Custody is defined under Rule 206(4)-2 of the Advisors Act (“Custody Rule”) generally as holding, having legal control
over or having authority to access or instruct a qualified custodian to withdraw funds or securities of advisory clients.
When you establish a relationship with our firm for investment management services, your assets will be maintained by
a bank, broker -dealer, mutual fund transfer agent or other such institution deemed a ‘qualified custodian’ by the SEC.
We rely on the custodian to price and value assets, execute and clear transactions, maintain custody of assets in your
account and perform other custodial functions. SPW does not maintain physical possession of any client account assets.
Clients’ assets must be held by a bank, broker dealer, mutual fund transfer agent or other such institution deemed a
qualified custodian. We utilize First Clearing as the qualified custodian for client accounts. SPW has custody over client
assets due to the authority granted by clients via an executed standing letter of authorization (SLOA), for SPW to instruct
the custodian to transfer assets to client designated third-party accounts. Additionally, as required by Rule 204-2 of the
Advisers Act (“Custody Rule”), and the SEC’s February 2017 no-action letter, SPW works with First Clearing as the
qualified custodian, to keep certain records of client accounts with SLOA instructions. The Firm does not obtain a
custody audit with respect to the SLOAs as it relies on the no-action relief in the SEC’s February 2017 letter.
You will receive monthly and/or quarterly account statements directly from the qualified custodian. SPW can also
provide you with written quarterly performance reports for your account. We urge you to carefully review your account
statements and compare the account balances with the balances reflected on any performance report you can receive
from our firm for accuracy. Balances on our reports can vary slightly from custodial statements due to differences in
accounting procedures, reporting dates, valuation methodologies of certain securities or other operational factors. You
14
Classification Approved Outside Entities
should promptly notify us if you do not receive account statements from your custodian at least quarterly or if you
believe the information on your account statements is inaccurate.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
SPW typically has investment discretion over clients’ securities accounts. Investment discretion is the authority to
determine the securities or other assets to purchase or sell on behalf of an account. Investment discretion can also
include the authority to select or terminate a third-party asset manager. This authority is exercised in a manner
consistent with your stated investment objective for the particular account. You must provide written authorization to
our firm before we can assume discretionary authority over your account. Any investment guidelines or restrictions you
would like to place on your account must be provided to SPW in writing.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
As a matter of firm policy and practice, SPW does not have any authority to and does not vote proxies on behalf of
advisory clients. Clients retain the responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for any and all securities maintained in
client portfolios. Clients will receive applicable proxies directly from the issuer of securities held in clients’ investment
portfolios. However, SPW can provide advice to clients regarding the clients voting of proxies.
Item 18 – Financial Information
As a registered investment adviser, SPW is required to provide you with certain financial information about our firm.
Prepayment of Fees
We do not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six months or more in advance.
Our Financial Condition
We do not have any financial commitment that is reasonably likely to impair our contractual commitments to our
clients, nor has our firm ever been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
15