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TEAM FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
J. TEAM FINANCIAL, INC. d/b/a
TEAM FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
425 Cypress Street, Abilene, Texas 79601
PHONE: (325) 480-1587
FAX: (817) 796-2709
www.TeamFinancialStrategies.com
Granbury Office
3211 Fall Creek Highway, Granbury, TX 76049
PHONE: (817) 573-8326
DFW Office
3505 Yucca Dr, Ste 102, Flower Mound, TX 75028
PHONE: (972) 970-8093
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of the Advisor
of the Firm. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at:
(325) 480-1587, or by email at: jteam@teamstrategiesonline.com. 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.
The Firm is a federally registered investment adviser. This designation does not imply a specific
level of specialized skill or training.
information about
the Advisor
is available on
the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
March 30, 2026
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Item II: Material Changes
The Firm has not made any material changes to its Form ADV Part 2A since its last
amendment in March 2025.
A complete copy of our Firm Brochure is available on request, please contact TEAM by
telephone at: (325) 480-1587 or by email at: jteam@teamstrategiesonline.com
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Contents
Item II:
Material Changes ...................................................................................................................... 2
Item IV:
Advisory Business ...................................................................................................................... 5
Firm Description ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Principal Owners ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................................................ 6
Types of Agreements ................................................................................................................................ 7
Termination of Agreement ....................................................................................................................... 8
Rollover Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 8
Item V:
Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................ 8
Description ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Fee Billing ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Other Fees / Expenses ............................................................................................................................ 10
Item VI:
Performance-based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ...................................................... 12
Item VII:
Types of Clients ....................................................................................................................... 12
Description .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Account Minimums ................................................................................................................................. 12
Item VIII: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................ 12
Methods of Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 12
Investment Strategies ............................................................................................................................. 13
Risk of Loss .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Item IX:
Disciplinary Information .......................................................................................................... 14
Legal and Disciplinary .............................................................................................................................. 14
Item X:
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................. 14
Financial Industry Activities .................................................................................................................... 14
Affiliations ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Item XI:
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .......... 15
Code of Ethics ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Personal Trading Conflicts of Interest ..................................................................................................... 15
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ...................................................................................... 16
Item XII:
Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................ 16
Selecting Brokerage Firms ....................................................................................................................... 16
Best Execution ......................................................................................................................................... 17
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Soft Dollars .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Order Aggregation .................................................................................................................................. 17
Directed Brokerage ................................................................................................................................. 18
Item XIII:
Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................. 19
Item XIV: Client Referrals and Other Compensation .............................................................................. 19
Incoming Referrals .................................................................................................................................. 19
Referrals Out ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Other Compensation – The Texas Fund .................................................................................................. 19
Other Compensation – The TFS Private Opportunities Fund .................................................................. 19
Item XV:
Custody ................................................................................................................................... 20
Account Statements ................................................................................................................................ 20
Item XVI:
Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................. 20
Discretionary Authority for Trading ........................................................................................................ 20
Non-Discretionary Authority for Trading ................................................................................................ 21
Advisory Trading Authorization .............................................................................................................. 21
Item XVII:
Voting Client Securities ....................................................................................................... 21
Proxy Voting ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Item XVIII:
Financial Information .......................................................................................................... 21
Financial Condition.................................................................................................................................. 21
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Item IV: Advisory Business
Firm Description
J. Team Financial, Inc. d/b/a TEAM FINANCIAL STRATEGIES (“TEAM”, or the “Firm”) was founded
in 2005. TEAM provides continuous and regular investment management services with respect
to all accounts which include Separate and Mutual Fund Portfolio Management.
As of December 31, 2025, TEAM manages $262,026,877 in assets for 1,205 accounts, of which
$243,648,767 is managed on a discretionary basis and $18,378,110 on a non-discretionary basis.
Mutual Fund and Private Fund Management
TEAM serves as the investment manager of the TFS Private Opportunities Fund, LP (the
“Partnership”). Team Strategies Partners, LLC, an affiliate of TEAM, serves as general partner of
the Partnership. Any reference to the Partnership within this Form ADV Part 2A shall not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy interests in the Partnership. A
private placement of securities may only be made in conjunction with the respective offering
documents of the Partnership.
TEAM also serves as sub-adviser to the Texas Fund, a Registered Mutual Fund, which is a series
of the Monteagle Funds.
Separate Account Portfolio Management
The Firm provides personalized financial planning and investment management to individuals,
high net worth individuals, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts,
estates, charitable organizations, registered investment companies and small businesses.
Discretionary and non-discretionary advice is provided through consultation with the client and
may include: determination of financial objectives, identification of financial problems, cash flow
management, tax planning, insurance review, investment management, education funding,
retirement planning, and estate planning.
Investment advice is provided and changes are implemented by TEAM. TEAM does not act as a
custodian of client assets. TEAM places trades for clients under a limited power of attorney.
An evaluation of each client's initial situation is made, often in the form of an investment
analysis or net worth statement. Periodic reviews are also communicated to provide reminders
of the specific courses of action that need to be taken. More frequent reviews occur but are not
necessarily communicated to the client unless immediate changes are recommended. Clients
are encouraged to communicate any changes in their financial and/or risk objectives to the Firm
in writing.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly by
the client on an as-needed basis.
Conflicts of interest will be disclosed to the client in the unlikely event they should occur.
The initial meeting, which may be by telephone or in person, is free of charge and is considered
an exploratory interview to determine the extent to which financial planning and investment
management may be beneficial to the client.
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Principal Owners
Joseph Team is the principal owner of the firm, owning more than 75%.
Types of Advisory Services
TEAM provides investment supervisory services, also known as asset management services;
manages investment advisory accounts not involving investment supervisory services; furnishes
investment advice through consultations; issues special reports about securities; and issues
charts, graphs, formulas, or other devices which clients may use to evaluate securities.
On more than an occasional basis, TEAM furnishes advice to clients on matters not involving
securities, such as financial planning matters, taxation issues, and trust services that often
include estate planning.
“Wealth Management” Services
Clients who qualify and choose “Wealth Management” Services will receive ongoing, in-depth
advice. All applicable aspects of the client’s financial affairs are reviewed. Realistic and
measurable goals are set and objectives to reach those goals are defined. As goals and
objectives change over time, suggestions are made and implemented on an ongoing basis.
”Wealth Management” Services also include: cash flow management; insurance review;
investment management (including performance reporting); education planning; retirement
planning; estate planning; and tax planning, as well as the implementation of recommendations
within each area. Unless waived in specific instances, “Wealth Management” Clients must have
a minimum of $500,000 in assets under management to qualify.
“Wealth Planning” Services
Clients who select “Wealth Planning” services will receive ongoing planning advice including
retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, tax planning, insurance
planning, charitable planning and educational planning, all based on their goals and objectives.
Clients will have real-time access to their portfolio and plan through an online portal and will
receive periodic reviews with their planner.
Donor Advised Fund Services
The Advisor provides investment management services to Donor Advised Funds (“DAF”). Donor
Advised Funds are an IRS approved philanthropic vehicle established for the purpose of
managing charitable donations contributed by or on behalf of donor clients. The DAF allows the
Advisor to actively manage assets that have been donated to and are owned by charity, while
charging an investment management fee.
“Institutional Investment” Services
TEAM provides investment management services for institutional accounts, including
corporations, pensions, endowments, trusts, retirement plans, investment companies and
foundations. Accounts are managed in an ongoing discretionary fashion and reviews are
provided on a quarterly basis.
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We also offer advisory and consulting services to corporate and non-profit retirement plans and
plan sponsors. We generally act as either a co-fiduciary under Section 3(21) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) or as an Investment Manager under section
3(38) of ERISA.
When acting as a fiduciary, as defined in ERISA in Section 3(21), we provide non-discretionary
investment advice regarding the selection and monitoring of the plan’s investment options.
When acting as an Investment Manager to a plan, as defined in ERISA Section 3(38), we assume
discretionary authority to make decisions regarding the investment options made available to
plan sponsors.
Regardless of whether we are acting under Sections 3(21) or 3(38), our Retirement Plan
Consulting Services generally include supporting plan sponsors and retirement plan participants
with the following:
• Ongoing administration of the plan:
o Assisting plan fiduciaries with the selection and ongoing management of service
providers.
o Monitoring and benchmarking plan fees on a regular basis.
o Assisting with fiduciary oversight and committee education.
• Plan lineup construction and investment selection and monitoring
o Developing and updating an investment policy statement to govern the
selection and ongoing monitoring of the plan’s specific investment options.
o Advising on plan lineup construction as it relates to the various types of asset
classes to include in the plan lineup.
o Recommending and monitoring the specific investment options included in the
plan lineup.
“Other” Services
TEAM provides additional services to clients where needed such as Tax Management and
Preparation, Estate Settlement Consulting, Business Financial Consulting, Financial Plan
Preparation. These services are detailed in Schedule A of the client agreement.
Agreements may not be assigned without client consent.
Types of Agreements
TEAM has one agreement that includes multiple arrangements to meet the needs of the client.
All arrangements include an agreement whereby TEAM provides planning and investment
services depending on the clients needs and the scope of the engagement. Under the
agreement, TEAM acts as a Fiduciary for the client to work on their behalf. TEAM never accepts
commissions or revenue sharing arrangement from other parties.
The client pays TEAM in arrears either quarterly for ongoing services or upon completion of one-
time services. For various fee schedules, please see the “Fees and Compensation” section
below.
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Termination of Agreement
A Client may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by notifying TEAM in
writing. At termination, fees will be billed on a pro rata basis for the portion of the quarter
completed based on the asset value when termination notice is received.
TEAM may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by notifying the client
in writing.
Rollover Recommendations
As part of our investment advisory services to you, we may recommend that you withdraw the
assets from your employer's retirement plan and roll the assets over to an individual retirement
account ("IRA") that we will manage on your behalf. If you elect to roll the assets to an IRA that
is subject to our management, we will charge you an asset-based fee as set forth in the
agreement you executed with our firm. This practice presents a conflict of interest because
persons providing investment advice on our behalf have an incentive to recommend a rollover
to you for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather than solely based on your
needs. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover.
Moreover, if you do complete the rollover, you are under no obligation to have the assets in an
IRA managed by our firm.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company
plan. Also, current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before
they retire or change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to
the extent the following options are available, you should consider the costs and benefits of: 1))
Leaving the funds in your employer's (former employer's) plan; 2) moving the funds to a new
employer's retirement plan; 3) cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan;
and/or 4) rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account. Each of these options has advantages
and disadvantages and before making a change we encourage you to speak with your CPA
and/or tax attorney. Our recommendations may include any of them, depending on what we
feel is in your best interest.
We are fiduciaries under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and when we provide investment
advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we are
also fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts.
As a fiduciary, we are required to document the reason(s) for why the recommendation we
made is in your best interest.
Item V: Fees and Compensation
Description
TEAM is strictly a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. TEAM has
various fee structures to meet the needs of the client including: fees based on assets under
management, flat fees, and hourly rates. Asset management fees are collected quarterly in
arrears. Flat fees or hourly fees are collected in arrears and are due upon completion of the
project. The firm does not receive commissions for purchasing or selling annuities, insurance,
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stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited partnerships, or other commissioned products. No
commissions in any form are accepted. No finder’s fees are accepted.
Fees for services rendered are determined by the scope and complexities involved in managing
the needs of the client.
TEAM, at its sole discretion, may charge a lesser management fee, or reduce the minimum fee.
“Wealth Management” Services
The annual Advisory Service Agreement fee for “Wealth Management” Services is based on a
percentage of the investable assets that will not exceed the following schedule:
For Individual Accounts:
1.25% of the first $500,000 in assets under management; and
1.00% of the additional assets from $500,001 to $2,000,000; and 0.75% of assets above
$2,000,000
“Wealth Planning” Services Financial plan fee:
$2,000 (one-time fee includes data gathering, data entry, initial plan preparations and
recommendations)
Ongoing Advisory Fee:
Assets managed Rate
< $500,000
$500K-$2M
>$2M
1.25%
1.00%
0.75%
“Wealth Builder” Services
The annual Advisory Service Agreement fee for “Wealth Builder” Services is based on a
percentage of the investable assets and a monthly fee according to the following schedule:
1.00% of managed assets AND a $75/quarterly fee.
“Institutional Investment” Services For Institutional Accounts:
1% of the first $1,000,000 in assets under management; and
.75% of the additional assets from $1 to $5 million; and
.5% of assets above $5 million
For Registered Mutual Funds:
Specific management fee and related expense information can be found in the prospectus and
statement of additional information for each Registered Mutual Fund. The fees are based on the
portion of assets managed by us, which are calculated by each Registered Mutual Fund.
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For Partnerships:
In its capacity as investment manager, TEAM receives a management fee based on the amount
of assets under management in the Partnership and is disclosed in the offering documents.
Management fees are calculated by an independent, third party administrator, deducted from
each investor’s capital account, and verified annually by an independent auditor. The
Partnership’s General Partner reserves the right to negotiate fees with investors in the
Partnership when appropriate, typically in the form of a side letter, which is permitted in
accordance with the Partnership’s offering documents.
“Other” Services Fees
Estate Settlement Consulting – Flat fee for services provided, in arrears, quarterly
Business Financial Consulting – Flat quarterly fee, in arrears
Standalone Financial Plan Preparation – Flat fee due on delivery of plan
Flat Quarterly Fee in Lieu of AUM Fee – Quarterly fee billed in arrears for investment
management and financial planning.
TEAM, in its sole discretion, will waive its minimum fee and/or charge a lesser investment
advisory fee based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship, type of assets, anticipated
future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be
managed, related accounts, account composition, etc.). Unless specifically requested, TEAM will
combine the account values of family members living in the same household to determine the
applicable advisory fee. For example, account values may be combined for you and your minor
children, joint accounts with your spouse, and other types of related accounts. Combining
account values may increase the asset total, which may result in your paying a reduced advisory
fee based on the available breakpoints in the fee schedules stated above.
Fee Billing
Investment management fees are billed quarterly, in arrears, meaning that TEAM will invoice
clients after the three-month billing period has ended. Fees are usually deducted from a
designated client account to facilitate billing. The client must consent in advance to direct
debiting of their investment account. Clients also have the option of paying by check. If there
are significant capital flows within an account, or if an account is opened or closed prior to the
end of the quarter, then the quarterly fee will be prorated.
Fees for separate financial planning arrangements are due upon the delivery of the financial
plan or planning services outlined at engagement.
Other Fees / Expenses
Custodians or other financial institutions may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of
certain mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. The selection of the security is more
important than the nominal fee that the custodian charges to buy or sell the security.
Representatives of TEAM may invest, or recommend that you invest, in mutual funds and
exchange traded funds. The fees that are paid to TEAM for investment advisory services are
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separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds or exchange traded
funds (described in each fund's prospectus) to their shareholders. These fees will generally
include a management fee and other fund expenses. You will also incur transaction charges
and/or brokerage fees when purchasing or selling securities. These charges and fees are
typically imposed by the broker-dealer or custodian through whom your account transactions
are executed. We do not share in any portion of the brokerage fees/transaction charges
imposed by the broker-dealer or custodian. To fully understand the total cost you will incur,
you should review all the fees charged by mutual funds, exchange traded funds, TEAM, and
others. For information on our brokerage practices, refer to the Brokerage Practices section of
this brochure.
We will trade client accounts on margin. Each client must sign a separate margin agreement
before margin is extended to that client account. Fees for advice and execution on these
securities are based on the total asset value of the account, which includes the value of the
securities purchased on margin. While a negative amount may show on a client's statement for
the margined security as the result of a lower net market value, the amount of the fee is based
on the absolute market value. This creates a conflict of interest where we have an incentive to
encourage the use of margin to create a higher market value and therefore receive a higher
fee. The use of margin may also result in interest charges in addition to all other fees and
expenses associated with the security involved.
TEAM uses Mutual Funds to diversify client holdings and provide broader exposure to certain
markets depending on the clients’ risk profile and goals. Mutual Funds are generally offered in
different share classes (e.g. A Shares, I Shares, etc.) with varying fee structures, including share
classes with sales load, sales charges or 12B-1 fees. TEAM strives to use the lowest fee share
class in most circumstances, however on occasion TEAM does not meet certain criteria to
purchase I shares or similarly offered low expense share classes. In these cases, TEAM will use a
higher fee share class that may carry a 12B-1 fee. 12B-1 fees are deducted from the client’s
mutual funds’ assets on an ongoing basis and are paid to the client’s broker-dealers /
custodians. TEAM does not receive any portion of the 12B-1 fees that are paid to the Broker-
Dealer or custodian.
TEAM is sub-adviser to the Texas Fund, a series of the Monteagle Funds. Monteagle Funds is a
registered investment company. TEAM is not under any common ownership with the Monteagle
Funds. TEAM receives a separate fee for managing the portfolio of The Texas Fund. To the
extent The Texas Fund is selected to fill components of a client’s overall strategy, TEAM will
waive and/or discount the client’s overall fee by that same proportionate amount.
TEAM also serves as the investment manager of the TFS Private Opportunities Fund, LP (the
“Partnership”). Team Strategies Partners, LLC, an affiliate of TEAM, serves as general partner of
the Partnership. Currently, TEAM does not charge an advisory fee for clients that choose to
invest in the Partnership. In the event that TEAM should decide to charge an advisory fee for
the Partnership in the future, TEAM will waive and/or discount the client’s overall fee by that
same proportionate amount.
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Item VI: Performance-based Fees and Side-by-Side
Management
TEAM does not charge performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains or on
capital appreciation of the assets of the client) and consequently does not simultaneously
manage performance-based and non-performance-based accounts.
Item VII: Types of Clients
Description
TEAM generally provides investment advice to individuals, high net worth individuals,
investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, or charitable
organizations, corporations or business entities.
Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Account Minimums
In order to be eligible for the “Wealth Management” tier of services with TEAM a client will be
assessed the minimum fee of $6,250 annually for these services which equates to $500,000
times the 1.25% asset based fee.
TEAM in its sole discretion may waive the account minimum, or make other adjustments as
deemed in the best interest of the firm. Other exceptions will apply to employees of TEAM and
their relatives. TEAM may also combine account values for related accounts in your household
to meet the stated minimums.
“Wealth Builder” Clients will pay a quarterly fee of $75 plus a percentage of assets managed by
TEAM for services each quarter. The set fee will be the minimum fee for these services.
There is no account asset minimum for “Wealth Planning” clients. The initial $2,000 planning fee
will apply and the asset fee management schedule is the same as for “Wealth Management”
clients.
Item VIII: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk
of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Security analysis methods may include fundamental analysis, financial analysis, technical
analysis, charting, cyclical and macro-economic analysis.
The main sources of information include, but are not limited to, financial newspapers and
magazines, research materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, annual reports,
prospectuses, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and company press releases.
TEAM also pays a subscription for certain services to provide current information on stocks,
bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETF), and index funds.
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Investment Strategies
TEAM maintains portfolio allocation strategies for various risk tolerance levels that can be
utilized in client accounts. These strategies consist of core mutual funds that are typically long
term holds in client portfolios as well as securities that are used in a more tactical nature. The
investment team reviews these holdings and makes updates as necessary to fit with the firm’s
overall investment philosophy and strategy at that time. The investment team analyzes the
macro-economic and market conditions for overall level market risk. Then there is also
discussion of future growth opportunities that need to be included in the portfolio. Then these
strategies are built out in risk management software and portfolio monitoring software for
overall allocation analysis, stress testing, and performance expectations. The investment team
builds and maintains these portfolio strategies for Conservative, Moderate Conservative,
Moderate, Moderate Aggressive, and Aggressive client risk tolerances.
Client risk tolerances are initially set when beginning a client relationship. This process is done
by a risk questionnaire or a mutually agreed upon risk ‘score’ in our Riskalyze platform. A clients
risk score will determine the strategy in which their portfolio(s) will be managed. While the
overall strategy will be determined by the risk score, our Advisors may choose to customize an
individual’s portfolio due to investment restrictions, client input or general market conditions.
Each Advisor is given discretion to buy and sell securities outside of the stated strategy. A
review of client accounts is conducted on a monthly basis. See Item 13 for more information
regarding our account reviews.
TFS Private Opportunities Fund
Please refer to the offering documents for a complete description of the investment strategies
employed by the TFS Private Opportunities Fund and related risks.
Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Clients should be
prepared to bear such loss.
TEAM’s investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investments in securities
involve risks which may include the following:
•
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to
fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less
attractive, causing their market values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
•
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external
factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For example,
political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much
as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar
against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as
exchange rate risk.
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• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to
be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily
relates to fixed income securities.
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
•
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil
and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a
higher risk of profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from a
steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic
environment is like.
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized
product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are
not.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk
of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good
times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations
may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Options Risk: Options are complex investments and can be very risky, especially if the
investor does not own the underlying stock. In certain situations, an investor's risk can
be unlimited.
TFS Private Opportunities Fund
Please refer to the offering documents for a complete description of the investment strategies
employed by the TFS Private Opportunities Fund and related risks.
Item IX: Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
The firm and its employees have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to past
or present investment clients.
Item X: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
TEAM is not registered as a securities broker- dealer or a futures merchant commodity pool
operator or commodity trading advisor and does not intend to seek any such registration and
does not participate in any other financial industry activities.
Affiliations
Certain representatives of TEAM serve as portfolio managers for the Texas Fund. TEAM is not
under common ownership with The Texas Fund, but representatives and/or agents of TEAM
perform investment related services associated with managing the portfolio of The Texas Fund.
This creates a conflict of interest in that to the extent that representatives invest TEAM client
funds into the Texas Fund, TEAM receives additional compensation. To the extent that clients
are invested in the Texas Fund, clients do not pay a dual fee because if The Texas Fund is
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selected to fill components of a client’s overall strategy, TEAM will waive and/or discount the
client’s overall fee by that same proportionate amount. Furthermore, clients are only invested in
the Texas Fund following disclosure and their written confirmation to allow said investment in
the investment advisory agreement, and TEAM has implemented policies and procedures to
review investments for suitability.
Team Strategies Partners, LLC serves as general partner for the TFS Private Opportunities Fund,
LP, which is managed by TEAM. The principals of Team Strategies Partners, LLC are employees of
TEAM. The Partnership is offered to certain sophisticated investors, who meet certain
requirements under applicable state and/or federal securities laws. Investors to whom the
Partnership is offered will receive a private placement memorandum and other offering
documents. Refer to the respective offering documents for a complete description of the fees,
investment objectives, risks and other relevant information associated with investing in the
Partnership. Persons affiliated with TEAM have made investments in the Partnership.
Item XI: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
Our firm has adopted a Code of Ethics which sets forth high ethical standards of business
conduct. TEAM and each employee owe a duty of loyalty, fairness, and good faith towards our
clients, and have a fiduciary duty to adhere not only to specific provisions of the Code of Ethics,
but to the general principles that guide the Code of Ethics. Our firm also maintains and enforces
written policies reasonably designed to prevent the Adviser or any person associated with
Adviser from misusing material non-public information to comply with Section 204A of the
Investment Advisers Act. Neither the Adviser, nor any related person of the Adviser, will
recommend, buy, or sell securities within client accounts which the Adviser or a related person
of the Adviser has a material financial interest.
You can request a copy of the Firm’s Code of Ethics by contacting its Chief Compliance Officer at
202-753-6940.
Personal Trading Conflicts of Interest
To address the potential for conflict of interests, we have adopted a Code that applies to our
representatives who have access to non-public information relating to advisory client accounts
(“Access Persons”). Access Persons must take the following steps when making personal
securities transactions:
• Report initial holdings
• Certify all holdings on a quarterly and annual basis
• Pre-clear certain transactions
The Code prohibits Access Persons from using knowledge about advisory client account
transactions to profit personally, directly or indirectly, by trading in his/her personal accounts.
In addition, an Access Person who has discretionary authority over client accounts must
generally pre-clear his/her trades or obtain prior authorization from the Adviser’s Chief
15
Compliance Officer before executing a trade. Unless an enumerated exception exists, the Code
also prohibits Access Persons who have discretionary authority over client accounts from
executing a security transaction for their personal accounts during a blackout period that can
extend from one to seven days before or after the date that a client transaction in that same
security is executed.
Other procedures regarding other potential Conflicts of Interest include:
• Confidentiality
Our firm prohibits the use of material non-public information. Where we have access to
nonpublic information, all employees are reminded that such information shall not be used in a
personal or professional capacity and is subject to the firm’s insider trading policy.
• Gifts
Gifts of a nominal value can be offered or received. Gifts in excess of a nominal value must be
declined or returned. TEAM’s Political Contributions Policy, which aims to ensure compliance
with SEC Rule 206(4), however, places significant restrictions on the ability of TEAM’s supervised
persons to make political contributions.
• Outside Business Activities
Any outside business activity involving a non-affiliated company must be pre-approved.
Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities, and
interests of our employees will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of
advisory clients, and (ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing
employees to invest for their own accounts.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Our firm representatives are permitted to engage in securities transactions for their own
accounts, including the same or related securities that are recommended to or owned by clients
of the Adviser. These transactions include trading in securities in a manner that differs from, or
is inconsistent with, the advice given to clients of the Adviser, and the transactions could
potentially occur at or about the same time that such securities are recommended to or are
purchased or sold for client accounts. This creates a potential for a conflict between the interest
of the clients and the interests of the Adviser and/or its representatives. We will ensure,
however, that such transactions are remain in incompliance with all under the provisions under
Section 206(3) of the Advisers Act governing principal transactions to advisory clients. The Firm
is prohibited from engaging in agency cross transactions.
Item XII: Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
TEAM does not maintain custody of client assets. Instead, client assets are held at a “qualified
custodian.” TEAM is not affiliated with any broker-dealer or custodian. Specific custodian
recommendations are made to clients based on their need for such services. TEAM recommends
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custodians based on the proven integrity and financial responsibility of the firm and the best
execution of orders at reasonable transaction costs.
TEAM recommends brokerage firms and trust companies (qualified custodians). TEAM does not
receive any compensation for recommending any brokerage firm or custodian. Generally, TEAM
recommends that clients use the brokerage services of Fidelity or Charles Schwab.
TD Ameritrade and Fidelity enable TEAM to obtain many mutual funds without transaction
charges and other securities at nominal transaction charges. The commissions and/or
transaction fees charged by Charles Schwab and Fidelity may be higher or lower than those
charged by other Financial Institutions.
Best Execution
The commissions paid by TEAM’s clients comply with TEAM’s duty to obtain “best execution.”
Clients may pay commissions that are higher than another qualified Financial Institution might
charge to effect the same transaction where TEAM determines that the commissions are
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 Financial Institution’s services, including among others, the value of research provided,
execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. TEAM seeks competitive rates but
may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
Soft Dollars
TEAM does not currently participate in “soft dollar” arrangements. By virtue of custodying
client assets at certain custodians, TEAM receives support services that enable us to monitor
and service our client accounts. These support services are not exclusive to TEAM and, except in
certain circumstances, do not depend on the volume of transactions directed by TEAM to the
custodian. The types of support offered include amongst others: dedicated trading desks that
services custodial clients exclusively; dedicated service group and an account services manager
dedicated to our accounts; electronic download of trades, balances, prices, and positions in
portfolio management software; electronic access to the Custodian’s proprietary internet site
and their software-based system, electronic download of client statements, confirmations, and
year-end summaries, the ability to have advisory fees directly debited from client accounts (in
accordance with Federal and State requirements); newsletters and other publications; client
access to the Custodian’s online service; and discounted or gratis attendance at conferences,
meetings, and other educational events.
Order Aggregation
In general, the Firms portfolio managers will execute trades for their client accounts in a non-
aggregated manner. Transactions for each client account will generally be affected
independently. Portfolio Managers will review accounts individually within each of the Firms
custodians and determine if any transactions should be made to bring the account back in
tolerance with the strategy.
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In certain circumstances, however, if we are buying or selling the same securities on behalf of
more than one client at approximately the same time, we will aggregate or bunch, the securities
to be purchased or sold for multiple clients in order to seek more favorable prices, more
efficient execution, or lower brokerage commissions. In such a scenario, we would place an
aggregate order with the broker on behalf of all such clients and the transaction would be
averaged as to price and will be allocated among client accounts in proportion to the purchase
and sale orders placed for each client account. We do not receive any additional compensation
or remuneration as a result of such aggregation.
The Advisor does not aggregate trades unless the Firm has decided a trade across client
accounts has significant volume and immediacy. When determining whether it will aggregate
orders, the Firm generally bases this decision on the total trading volume and number of clients
participating in a transaction and the need for immediate execution. For example, if the Firm
determines that it will need to sell a specific security out of all client accounts, it will bunch the
trades together at each custodian. However, the Firm does not generally make investment
decisions and implement them at the strategy level. In the vast majority of cases, each portfolio
manager in the Firm will determine the applicability of a suggested trade for each individual
client. Accounts will need to be reviewed individually as the Firm reviews for tax considerations,
cash availability, investment restrictions and other factors when determining if a client should
make a transaction. The Firm will rotate the order in which custodians receive the block trade
instructions in a sequential manner, such that the custodian trading first on one day, is moved to
last for the next day. For example:
Day 1: Trade Order
1. Charles Schwab
2. Fidelity
Day 2: Trade Order
1. Fidelity
2. Charles Schwab
Directed Brokerage
The client may direct TEAM in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute some or
all transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for
the account with that Financial Institution, and TEAM will not seek better execution services or
prices from other Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution
through other Financial Institutions with orders for other accounts managed by TEAM (as
described below). As a result, the client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs
or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than
would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best execution, TEAM may decline a client’s
request to direct brokerage if, in TEAM’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements
would result in additional operational difficulties or violate restrictions imposed by other broker-
dealers.
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Item XIII: Review of Accounts
TEAM Portfolio Managers monitors client portfolios, at least monthly. This review is conducted
by reviewing the initial risk score or risk tolerance as agreed upon by the client and Advisor,
against the current risk score and holdings of the portfolio. Should the Portfolio Manager see a
discrepancy when reviewing client portfolios each month, the Portfolio Manager will review the
account and determine if the account should be brought back into tolerance with their risk
score. More frequent reviews are triggered by material changes in such factors as the client’s
individual circumstances (marriage/divorce, job change, children, etc.), or increased/decreased
risk due to external factors, such as market volatility resulting in asset allocations deviating
significantly from target.
In addition to the statements and confirmations of transactions that clients receive from their
custodian(s), we generally provide reports summarizing account performance, balances, and
holdings on a quarterly basis depending on the client’s preference. Clients can also access their
accounts online directly through the custodian or through our website.
Registered Mutual Funds managed by TEAM receive reports as requested by their boards or as
required by relevant laws. Additionally, investors in the Partnership receive an annual K-1 and a
copy of the annual Partnership audit in addition to investor reports and letters from TEAM.
Item XIV: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Incoming Referrals
TEAM has been fortunate to receive many client referrals over the years. The referrals came
from current clients, estate planning attorneys, accountants, employees, personal friends of
employees and other similar sources. TEAM does not compensate any third parties for client
referrals or solicitations and does not maintain any promoter arrangements.
Referrals Out
TEAM does not accept referral fees or any form of renumeration from other professionals when
a prospect or client is referred to them.
TEAM may receive economic benefits from non-clients for providing advice or other advisory
services to clients. This type of relationship poses a conflict of interest and any such relationship
is disclosed in response to Item 12 (Brokerage Practices), above.
Other Compensation – The Texas Fund
TEAM acts as adviser to the Texas Fund (a registered mutual fund) for which it receives a
management fee. With written client consent, and to the extent the Texas Fund is selected to fill
components of a client’s overall strategy, TEAM may allocate a portion of client assets to the
Texas Fund. TEAM will waive or discount the clients overall fee by the amount assessed on
client’s assets invested in the fund.
Other Compensation – The TFS Private Opportunities Fund
TEAM also serves as the investment manager of the TFS Private Opportunities Fund, LP (the
“Partnership”). Team Strategies Partners, LLC, an affiliate of TEAM, serves as general partner of
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the Partnership. Currently, TEAM does not charge an advisory fee for clients that choose to
invest in the Partnership. In the event that TEAM should decide to charge an advisory fee for
the Partnership in the future, TEAM will waive and/or discount the client’s overall fee by that
same proportionate amount.
Item XV: Custody
Account Statements
TEAM does not have physical custody of client assets, as all assets are held by a bank, broker-
dealer, or other qualified custodian. However, TEAM is deemed to have limited custody due to
the ability to directly debit fees from separately managed accounts. The custodian sends
quarterly statements to clients showing all transactions occurring on behalf of the client during
the quarter, and the funds, securities and other property of the client held in the client’s
account at the end of the quarter. TEAM urges you to carefully review such statements and
compare such official custodial records to the account statements that we may provide to you.
TEAM statements may vary from custodial statements based on accounting procedures,
reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
TEAM has been deemed to have custody of the Partnership’s assets for which it (or an affiliated
entity) serves as General Partner. Consistent with the requirements under the Advisers Act, the
assets of the Partnership are held in accounts maintained with a qualified custodian within the
meaning of the Advisers Act. The financial statements of the Partnership are audited annually (in
accordance with GAAP) by an independent public accounting firm that is registered with, and
subject to regular inspection by, the PCAOB (the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board).
For the Partnership, copies of the audited financial statements are independently distributed to
each investor within 120 days of the Partnership’s fiscal year end. Each investor should carefully
review these statements upon receipt.
Item XVI: Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
TEAM accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients by the
execution of a discretionary investment advisory agreement by the client. TEAM has the
authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, the securities to be bought or
sold, and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold. TEAM consults with the client prior
to each trade to obtain concurrence if a blanket trading authorization has not been given.
The client approves the custodian to be used and the transaction fees paid to the custodian.
TEAM does not receive any portion of the transaction fees paid by the client to the custodian on
certain trades.
Discretionary trading authority facilitates placing trades in your accounts on your behalf so that
we may promptly implement the firm investment policy.
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Non-Discretionary Authority for Trading
TEAM also works in a non-discretionary relationship with clients in some instances. In a non-
discretionary relationship TEAM cannot make any changes to a client’s account without
obtaining specific client consent, the securities to be bought or sold, and the amount of the
securities to be bought or sold.
The client approves the custodian to be used and the transaction fees paid to the custodian.
TEAM does not receive any portion of the transaction fees paid by the client to the custodian.
Advisory Trading Authorization
TTEAMFS acts as an agent on behalf of the client through a signed Advisor Authorization
Agreement with each qualified custodian. This authorization is granted in the custodian’s initial
account application.
Item XVII:
Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
TEAM does not vote proxies on securities. Clients will receive proxies directly from the
custodian. TEAM may provide advice and answer questions relating to voting the proxy to assist
the client in making an informed decision, but the ultimate decision as to how to vote is left to
the client.
Item XVIII:
Financial Information
Financial Condition
TEAM has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time since its inception. A
balance sheet is not required to be provided because TEAM does not serve as a custodian for
client funds or securities, and does not require prepayment of fees of more than $600 per client,
and six months or more in advance.
The Firm is not aware of any financial conditions reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet
contractual commitments to its clients.
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