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The Institute for Wealth Management, LLC
9878 W. Belleview Ave. #2306, Denver Colorado 80123
(303) 572-3500
www.instituteforwealth.com
March 23, 2026
This brochure (hereinafter referred to as the “Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and
business practices of The Institute for Wealth Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents
of this Brochure, please contact us at (303) 572-3500 or info@instituteforwealth.com. The information in this
Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
or by any state securities authority.
The Institute for Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC or any
state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about The Institute for Wealth Management, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The searchable Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD)/Central
Registration Depository (CRD) number for The Institute for Wealth Management, LLC is 127207.
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Item 2–Material Changes
The material changes in this brochure from the last annual updating amendment of Institute for Wealth
Management, LLC (“IWM”) on 03/22/2025 are described below. Material changes relate to IWM’s policies,
practices, or conflicts of interests only.
We will provide prospective and current clients with our current Brochure at any time without charge, upon
request.
• The Institute for Wealth Management, LLC has removed Seth Daniel Jensen from Item 10.
• The Institute for Wealth Management has updated other business activities in Item 10.
• The Institute for Wealth Management has added the MPWM Leonard Green Equity Fund IX, LP in
Items 4, 6, 10, 11 and 15.
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Item 3–Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page .................................................................................................................................. 1
Item 2 – Material Changes ........................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4 – Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................ 4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation .............................................................................................................. 8
Item 6 – Performance- Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ......................................................... 10
Item 7 – Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................... 11
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ..................................................... 11
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................................. 16
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................... 17
Item 11 – Code of Ethics ........................................................................................................................... 19
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................. 20
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................... 21
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................ 22
Item 15 – Custody ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................... 26
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................. 26
Item 18 – Financial Information ................................................................................................................ 27
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Item 4–Advisory Business
A. Firm Advisory Services
IWM is an SEC-registered investment adviser. IWM is a privately held Delaware limited liability
company, which was founded in 2003. IWM is wholly owned by The Institute for Wealth Holdings,
Inc. (“IWH”), which is principally owned by Mr. Matthew Medeiros. IWM is referred to as “The
Institute”. Mr. Medeiros is the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of IWM and IWH.
IWM has individuals registered as Investment Adviser Representatives (“IARs”), all of whom offer
IWM’s services to clients and prospective clients. IARs registered with IWM are referred to herein
as “IARs”. IARs remain subject to oversight and supervision by IWM with respect to the services that
they provide to IWM’s clients.
Certain IARs are independent contractors of IWM, and they may operate under a separate business
name or Doing Business As (“DBA”) name. The DBA name of an IAR can be found in the Form ADV
Part 1, Schedule D, Section 1.B, “Other Business Names” of IWM. Account statements and marketing
materials provided to IWM’s clients may include the DBA name and logo associated with the DBA
name of the IAR or group of IARs that services the relevant client.
In client written investment advisory agreements with IWM (the “Client Agreements”), clients
acknowledge that their accounts will be serviced by IWM and a specific IAR, if applicable.
When properly disclosed to The Institute as outside business activities, IARs may themselves provide
other products and services through their DBAs to third parties and individuals that are not clients
of, or affiliated with, The Institute. Those products and services are unrelated to The Institute and
are not associated with or supervised by The Institute.
B. Advisory Services via Managed Accounts
Each client enters into a Client Agreement whereby the client engages IWM and a specific IAR to
provide investment advisory services to the client. Within its Client Agreement, each client chooses
whether to (1) have IWM provide all investment advisory services, with the IAR providing only client
servicing and not having authority to make investment decisions or trade on behalf of the client’s
account (this option (1) is referred to below as “IWM as PM”); or (2) have the IAR serve as the
portfolio manager for the client’s account, with full investment discretion of the client’s account,
implementing a version of IWM’s proprietary investment program that is tailored to the specific
investment objectives chosen by the client (this option (2) is referred to below as the “Rep as PM”).
Item 8 below (“Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss”) describes IWM’s
investment program, including a full list of strategies along with certain risks associated with those
strategies. IWM’s Global Capital Markets Committee (the “Investment Committee”) utilizes a team
approach to build a model portfolio for each strategy. The Investment Committee is led by Mr.
Medeiros and consists of employees of the Institute, certain IARs, and individuals selected to act as
outside consultants to the Investment Committee due to specific knowledge or skills that the
Investment Committee believes add value to the investment selection process. IWM may also
engage from time-to-time unaffiliated investment managers to help advise on, and construct
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the models and portfolios for certain strategies, including advising on specific client accounts. IWM
pays any such unaffiliated investment manager directly, without increasing clients’ fees. IWM relies
on a combination of both fundamental and technical indicators when making decisions regarding
any of its strategies. Please see Item 8 (“Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of
Loss”) for additional details regarding the Investment Committee and Item 10 (“Other Financial
Industry Activities and Affiliations”) regarding potential conflicts with certain members of the
Investment Committee.
When a client selects IWM as PM, IWM will have full discretion to trade the client’s account and will
do so in accordance with the models approved by the Investment Committee, as described above.
When a client selects the Rep as PM, IWM and the IAR will both have authority to trade the client’s
account, but the IAR will be responsible for all investment decisions and will have significant flexibility
in providing tailored individualized investment advice to clients. Reps as PMs may invest in accordance
with the models developed by IWM’s Investment Committee, choose a combination of assets and
investments from within IWM’s models, or choose investments outside of IWM’s models and
strategies, as disclosed by the IAR to the relevant client. IWM may provide Reps as PMs with
operational and back-office support, including trade execution, in connection with the execution of a
client’s investment program. IARs are required by applicable rules and policies to obtain licenses and
complete training to recommend certain investment products and services. Therefore, certain IARs
may be unable to recommend investments, models or services that are otherwise approved and
available from IWM. Clients should ask their IAR about the investments, models, and services as they
are licensed to sell prior to engaging the IAR. For more information on the IARs and the Rep as PM
services, clients should refer to the Brochure Supplement for each IAR. The Brochure Supplement is a
separate document that is provided by each IAR along with this Brochure before or at the time a client
engages the IAR and IWM. Clients may contact IWM, at info@instituteforwealth.com, to get copies
of the most recent Brochure Supplement for any or all IARs any time without charge.
C. Financial Planning Services
Through IARs, IWM offers financial planning services to clients of IWM. Financial planning services
generally include an analysis of a client’s overall financial condition and investment needs; an analysis
of net worth, asset distribution, asset growth and cash flow; and estate planning, retirement and other
funding needs. IARs may also provide limited scope and consultation services focusing on specific areas
of client concerns (i.e. portfolio review and evaluations or education funding planning). Limited scope
and consultation services may not take all important financial issues into consideration.
IWM’s financial planning services are tailored to the needs of the client and may vary from informal
advice in connection with IWM’s investment advisory services (for clients that have entered into
Client Agreements) to a formal written financial plan developed by the IAR, in consultation with the
client, and used for the term of the engagement. It should be understood by clients that proper
financial planning is not a one-time event, and that as their circumstances change, their investment
goals and opportunities may change as well.
As part of the financial planning services offered, certain conflicts exist (as discussed throughout this
Brochure) between the interests of IWM and the interests of clients because the financial plans may
recommend investments that can be affected through IWM’s investment advisory services. However,
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clients are under no obligation to act upon any financial planning recommendation made, to
implement any recommendations through IWM, or engage IWM for overall investment advisory
services. If a financial planning client chooses to implement a recommendation through IWM pursuant
to a Client Agreement, the IAR, in its discretion, may elect to waive or reduce the financial planning or
consultation fees by the amount of the fees received for investment advisory services under the Client
Agreement.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
IWM no longer offers a wrap fee program.
E. Private Fund Investments
Clients may be eligible to invest in IWM’s Madison Park Harbor Fund, L.P. or other opportunities offered by third
party fund managers. These types of investments are usually only offered to “accredited investors.”
Advisory Services to Private Funds:
IWM serves as investment adviser for Madison Park Harbor Fund LP (the “Fund”). The Fund is a private
investment fund, operated by Madison Park Fund Advisors, LLC (“Madison Park”) as general partner.
The principals of Madison Park are Mr. Randall Buck and Mr. Patrick Donnelly. Mr. Buck also serves
as portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Buck and Mr. Donnelly are IARs and independent contractors
of IWM. As portfolio manager of the Fund, Mr. Buck exercises primary investment advisory
responsibility over the Fund, pursuant to the investment program disclosed to investors in the Fund’s
offering documents.
IWM serves as investment adviser for the MPWM Leonard Green Equity Fund IX LP (“Access Fund”).
Madison Private Wealth Management Fund Advisors LLC (“MPWM”) serves as General Manager. The
principal of MPWM is Connor Donnelly. Mr. Donnelly also serves as investment adviser representative
(IAR), and independent contractor of IWM. The Access Fund expects to invest substantially all of its
assets in Leonard Green Equity Investors IX, LP, a Washington limited liability partnership. All details
are provided to accredited investors through a Private Placement Memorandum. The General
Manager of the Fund will be primarily responsible for initial and ongoing due diligence related to the
investors and the investment Neither IWM nor MPWM will receive fees from the Access Fund but will
be compensated on the based on total client assets under management inclusive of investments in
the Access Fund.
F. Client Imposed Restrictions
Investment selections for a client account are determined by IWM as PM or the Rep as PM (depending
on the option chosen by the client). A client may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain
securities or groups of securities for the client’s account, in accordance with the relevant Client
Agreement. Most clients do not restrict the types of investments that IWM or the IAR, as applicable,
can make on their behalf. In general, investments held in client accounts may include, and are not
limited to, exchange-traded funds (“ETF”), exchange-traded notes (“ETN”), mutual funds, structured
notes, single-stock equities, bonds, options, other fixed income securities, variable annuity sub-
accounts, REITs, and other private offerings. The actual assets held in client accounts are reported to
them in the account statements they receive.
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G. Sub-Advisor and Signal Services
IWM may also act as a sub-advisor (assisting a third-party investment adviser with the management
of such adviser’s client portfolios) and signal provider (providing proprietary trading information,
called signals, to third-party investment advisers). These third-party advisers outsource portfolio
management and/or portfolio strategist services to IWM. Each such relationship will be in a contract
between IWM and the third-
party adviser. Such contracts are usually terminable with or without cause at any time upon written
notice to IWM at least 24 hours in advance of the next trading session. The termination of the third-
party adviser by its client will automatically terminate IWM’s role as the sub-advisor. IWM does not
contract directly with any of the clients of the unaffiliated investment advisers for which IWM serves
as sub-adviser or signal provider.
The Institute may also retain sub-advisors or third-party managers to assist with managing portfolios.
Sub-advisors provide investment allocations and securities selections and may execute security
transactions in your accounts pursuant to the agreement between The Institute and the subadvisor.
This relationship will be fully disclosed with those sub-advisors in your Client Agreement. Certain sub-
advisors use ETFs and or mutual funds in Client portfolios to which they are manager or sub-advisor.
In these cases, the selection of these investments creates conflicts of interest for the sub-advisor. The
sub-advisors disclose conflicts of interests including their selection of such investments, in their Form
ADV 2. We advise you in establishing investment objectives, and work with the sub-advisors to ensure
an appropriate investment strategy for you. You are provided with the sub-advisor’s Form ADV Part 2,
to understand their business.
H. Cash Management
Upon client request or through our financial planning results, we will make available cash management
services. These services are outside of our portfolio management but made available through our
firm.
Currently, IWM makes available to clients the FICA For Advisors cash management program (“FICA
Program”) offered by StoneCastle Network, LLC (“StoneCastle”), an affiliate of StoneCastle Cash
Management, LLC. The FICA Program allows clients the ability to protect their money by placing it in
deposit accounts at banks, savings institutions, and credit unions (collectively, “Insured Depositories”)
in a manner that maintains full insurance of the funds by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(“FDIC”) or National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”), whichever is applicable. Funds will be
deposited within StoneCastle’s network of Insured Depositories (“Deposit Network”). StoneCastle
requires no minimum deposit to open a FICA Program account. IWM may earn a fee from StoneCastle
if clients participate in this program. IWM will assist clients in signing up for this program and
facilitating the transfer of funds between the client’s like-named accounts. (See fees for Cash
Management in Item 5.)
I. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2025, IWM managed $1,359,851,632.00
in discretionary assets and
$10,420,434.00 00 in non-discretionary assets. Certain assets are included as non-discretionary assets
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as The Institute believes it arranges for the purchase or sale by inputting trade information directly
onto each platform's online trade system. The aggregate of the above numbers reflects IWM’s total
Regulatory Assets Under Management of $ 1,370,272,066.00
Item 5–Fees and Compensation
A. Compensation and Fee Schedule
Investment Advisory Services – Fees are negotiable from client to client and are tailored to the specific
services that IWM and the IAR, as applicable, will provide to the client. The fee is negotiated between
the IAR and the client, and the amount of the fee, as well as how IWM and the IAR may share the fee,
is stated in the Client Agreement. In general, the maximum total fee that IWM may charge its advisory
clients is 2.00% per annum of a client’s assets under management, although certain clients may agree
to a higher fee in certain limited circumstances. IWM or an IAR, if applicable, may choose, in their
discretion, to waive all or portions of their fee for a specific client. It should be expected that advisory
fees will vary, materially and substantially, among IWM’s clients based on a variety of factors.
Investment Advisory Services for the Fund – IWM charges the Fund an annual fee of 0.80% of the
Fund’s total average annual net assets, calculated and paid quarterly.
Financial Planning Services – IWM charges a flat fee between $1,000 and $10,000 per engagement or
an hourly fee depending on the level of service agreed to by the client. The financial planning
consulting services may be complimentary and at no cost for certain clients with a broader
relationship with IWM, including those who are or become investment advisory clients. Any such fee
waivers will be determined on a case-by-case basis at IWM’s sole discretion. For financial planning
clients who do not have an advisory agreement with IWM, the financial planning consulting services
fee is collected upon execution of the financial planning consulting agreement, which is before the
financial plan is delivered to the client. IWM generally seeks to provide the financial plan to its clients
within weeks of receiving all required documents. IWM may provide the financial planning consulting
service to unaffiliated advisors, rather than to clients directly, and such advisors may pay the
applicable fees.
B. Deduction of Advisory Fees
Client fees are most often directly-debited from client accounts by assigned custodians. Fees are
calculated and assessed either monthly or quarterly, in advance, based on the market value of the
assets in client accounts as of the last business day of the preceding month or calendar quarter, as
applicable. The investment advisory fee assessed on contributions into a client account during a
calendar month or quarter, as applicable, will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in
the month/quarter at the time of contribution. Fees are assessed on all assets under management,
including securities, cash, and money market balances.
C. Advanced Billing of Fees and Client Refunds
Clients may be billed monthly or quarterly in advance, as set forth in the relevant Client Agreement.
If a client has prepaid advisory fees and then chooses to terminate IWM’s management of the account
prior to the month-or quarter-end, the client is entitled to receive a prorated refund of the fees for the
days remaining in the month or quarter. A client may terminate the account by notifying IWM or the
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IAR, or by notifying the custodian and delinking the account from IWM, but subject to any notice
provisions or requirements in the Client Agreement. The reimbursement due will be calculated by
multiplying the advisory fee that was debited at the beginning of the month or quarter by the number
of days remaining in the month or quarter from the date the account was transferred or distributed
divided by the total number of days in the month or quarter. Such refunds are calculated and
submitted on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on the fee arrangement with the client.
Other Fees
Custodian fees are independent of our fees and should be disclosed to you by your custodian.
Unless stated in the Client Agreement, IWM’s investment advisory fees do not cover any applicable
trading costs. Clients will incur brokerage and other transaction costs, and those fees will be reflected
in the custodian statements. Please refer to Item 12 of this Brochure for a description of IWM’s
brokerage practices.
In addition, fees paid to IWM by clients are separate from any fees and expenses charged by the
individual investments, such as the ETFs, ETNs, Mutual Funds, Structured Notes, or Private Placements
held in client accounts. Clients may also incur certain charges imposed by other third parties, such as
broker-dealers, custodians, trust companies, banks and other financial institutions. These additional
charges may include: securities brokerage commissions, redemption fees, transaction fees, custodial
fees, management fees charged by the managers of private placement or other underlying assets,
margin costs, deferred sales charges, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or ETF in a client’s
account, as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund management fees and other fund expenses),
odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on
brokerage accounts and securities transactions. A complete explanation of the fees and expenses
charged by each individual investment is available in the prospectus or offering document for that
investment. Clients should contact their custodians to obtain copies of these documents.
D. Sub-Advisor and Signal Service Fees
When acting as sub-advisor or signal provider to unaffiliated investment advisers, IWM receives a
fixed asset-based fee according to assets under advisement. These fees are payable to IWM by the
third-party adviser, not directly by the clients of the third-party adviser. The fees charged are
negotiable. These fees vary based on the amount of assets under advisement and the complexity of
selected trading programs. Sub-advisory service fees range from 20-30 basis points annually of assets
under advisement. Signal service fees range from 10-15 basis points annually of signal applied assets.
The Institute does not directly contract with and/or bill third-party advisor/signal clients. IWM will
invoice third-party advisers for such fees, as provided by contract between IWM and the applicable
third-party adviser. If the agreement between IWM and the third-party adviser terminates, the
unaffiliated third-party advisor will pay the prorated portion of the fees as of the termination date.
When engaging a Sub-advisor, The Institute will be compensated a percentage of the fee paid to the
Sub-Advisor, this fee will be disclosed within the Client Agreement.
E. Cash Management Fees
Cash Management can be provided as an additional service as needed. Upon client request, advisor
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provides cash management services, including maintaining cash reserves or systematic withdrawals
more frequently than semi-annually. In order to make a clear distinction between invested assets and
short-term reserves, and in order not to distort the investment performance of the investment
portfolio, these services will be provided through the means of a separate Stone Castle account
registered in the client's name. For these services, these client accounts will be billed a flat rate of
0.10% per annum on the total market value of the account based on data provided by the account
custodian and usually deducted directly from the account. This fee is separate from any fees assessed
on the investment portfolio. Assets within the StoneCastle account are not included as assets under
management with IWM nor assessed an asset management fee.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
IWM does not charge its clients any performance-based fees. The Fund does not pay IWM any
performance-based compensation, although the Fund does pay its general partner an incentive fee. Mr.
Randall Buck, a principal of the general partner and portfolio manager of the Fund, is an IAR with IWM.
Therefore, although IWM does not directly receive the incentive fee, there could be a conflict of interest
between the side-by-side management by Mr. Buck of the Fund and the IWM clients that do not pay
performance-based compensation. Performance-based fees and allocation arrangements may create an
incentive for an investment adviser to recommend investments that may be riskier or more speculative
than those that are recommended under a different fee arrangement. Such fee arrangements also create
an incentive to favor higher fee-paying accounts over other accounts that use the same investment
strategy but charge only an asset-based fee. This incentive could cause an investment adviser to allocate
the “best” investment opportunities only to the higher-fee account and the better-executed trades to the
higher fee account.
Connor Donelly is the manager and provides advice to MPWM Leonard Green Equity Fund IX, LP. Any
and all fees received are set forth in the agreement between Connor Donelly and the Fund. Additional
details about the fees charged to an investor in such fund is available in the limited partnership
agreement for that specific fund.
Item 7– Types of Clients
IWM generally provides investment advice to individuals, trusts, estates, 401(k) plans, pension and
profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, corporations, state and municipal entities, and other
business entities. IWM also provides sub-advisory services to unaffiliated investment advisers and
serves as the investment adviser of the Fund.
In general, IWM requires a minimum initial account value of $100,000; however, IWM may accept
accounts for less than the minimum. When IWM elects to accept accounts for less than the minimum,
there may be a fee increase but not to exceed the maximum fee of 2.00%.
IWM does not set, nor can it waive, the minimum investment size with respect to the Fund.
Item 8–Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. General
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As described in Item 4 (“Advisory Business”), IWM’s clients, in their Client Agreements, elect IWM as
PM or a Rep as PM. When a client selects IWM as PM, IWM invests the client’s account in accordance
with the models and strategies approved by the Investment Committee. When a client selects the
Rep as PM, the IAR is responsible for all investment decisions and will have significant flexibility in
providing tailored individualized investment advice to clients. Reps as PMs may invest in accordance
with the models developed by IWM’s Investment Committee, may choose a combination of assets
and investments from within IWM’s models, or may choose investments outside of IWM’s models
and strategies, as disclosed by the IAR to the relevant client. The Investment Committee utilizes a
team approach to build a model portfolio for each strategy and relies on a combination of both
fundamental and technical indicators when making decisions regarding these strategies.
B. Investment Strategies
IWM’s strategies and sub-strategies as of the date of this Brochure are summarized below. The
descriptions of IWM’s strategies should not be understood to limit in any way the potential scope of
IWM’s or the Rep as PM’s investment activities or the securities, instruments or other assets in which
client accounts may invest. Strategies and sub-strategies may be recategorized from time to time.
Clients may obtain an updated list of all available strategies or sub-strategies at any time, upon
request. Investors in the Fund should review fully the description of the Fund’s investment program
described in the Fund’s offering documents, as it may be materially different from the strategies
described below.
The Institute’s investment methodology begins with clients’ specific needs and risk tolerances. Careful
attention is paid to individual goals to balance capital preservation with growth potential. Our unique
portfolio design approach utilizes a macro view that incorporates both in-house and external portfolio
managers. In sum, we strive to produce portfolios appropriate for each individual client via effective
and easy to adopt investing strategies.
I. Complete Portfolios Global Impact:
Our flagship total portfolio solution incorporates the best of our strategic and tactical methodologies.
Core holdings feature Environmental, Social and Governances-focused Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs),
that are strategically allocated using the well-proven tenants of diversified market portfolio theory
across global equities, fixed income, and alternative asset classes to maximize the reward versus risk
ratio of each portfolio component.
Trading more tactically are the program’s satellite positions, where only the strongest ETF candidates
among stock sectors, styles, countries, and fixed income are held according to our selection
algorithms. Each of the satellites may incorporate cash-like holdings in the event no ETFs meet our
stringent criterion, potentially preserving capital during unfavorable market environments. Global
Impact allocates 60% to core positions, and 40% to tactical satellites.
It is appropriate for accounts $100,000 and larger, and is available for Conservative-, Moderate- and
Growth-oriented client goals.
Global Strategic Strategy:
As of May 15, 2021, IWM no longer offers the Global Strategic Strategy. Although current clients may
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still be invested in this passive, low-cost strategic asset allocation constructed from the Vanguard
family of funds, managed on a discretionary basis. Global Strategic combines enhanced portfolio
construction concepts with low-cost securities to capture the long-term performance of a globally
diversified portfolio with exposure to domestic equities, international equities, emerging market
equities, fixed income, real estate, commodities, and cash/money market. (Global Impact is replacing
Global Strategies Strategy).
Global ESG Core:
Provides balanced strategic solutions for investors focused on socially responsible ETFs that apply
Environmental, Social and Governance screens in their individual construction. We believe that
companies can increase profitability and long-term growth by utilizing sustainable efforts, investing
and maintaining talented people and implementing good corporate governance.
IWM applies
institutional-style market portfolio theory to allocate among these ETFs targeted within domestic,
international, and emerging nation stock, bond, and alternative ‘green’ asset classes. This
management style typically conducts semi-annual rebalances to keep portfolios in-line with desired
investment objectives in a manner that maximizes the anticipated reward to risk ratio. Global ESG
Core is appropriate for accounts $50,000 and larger, and is available for Conservative-, Moderate- and
Growth-oriented client goals. (fka; Impact Investment Strategy (SRI).
II. TACTICAL STRATEGIES
Sector Rotation: A rules-based strategy that seeks to preserve capital by closely observing sector
behavior and adjusting market exposure accordingly. The program is an active, tactical strategy
designed to capture a proportionate share of market upside in bull markets, while reducing
participation in bear markets by holding above-average cash or money market-like balances when any
of the eleven tracked sectors is underperforming. In addition, it may emphasize core exposure to
either the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq 100 depending on prevailing market dynamics.
Proprietary quantitative entry and exit criteria are used to manage risk, determine sector weightings,
and when to increase or decrease cash/money market balances using ETFs. The strategy may be
appropriate for investors with a Growth objective and a 3–5-year horizon, although other objectives
may be addressed by blending Sector Rotation with IWM’s MoneyPlus Strategy. MoneyPlus invests in
cash and fixed income mutual funds and ETFs, featuring a lower duration than traditional bond
benchmarks.
Alternative Income: Provides exposure to a variety of asset classes that feature reduced correlation
to equities. The portfolio is designed to provide the potential for income across a breadth of interest
rate environments, and may include tactical bond and buffered note funds, precious metal, treasury
inflation protected security, and other ETFs along the credit and duration spectrum as a stand-alone,
liquid alternative to traditional bond portfolios placing a premium on downside protection.
The approach may be blended with more stock-centric holdings, providing income while offsetting
equity risk with reduced interest rate-sensitivity as compared to traditional bond-only portfolios.
Alternative Income is most appropriate for accounts $50,000 and higher and can be used in
conjunction with other strategies for added diversification.
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III. Targeted Approaches:
Dynamic Equity Growth invests in portfolio of twenty-five growth stocks based on a combination of
tested fundamental and technical screens. Although the approach filters for growth companies among
diversified industries and capitalizations, the final selection focuses on lower volatility candidates,
reducing the daily noise often associated with this category of high-flying stocks. Equally important, a
robust sell-discipline helps to manage the potential for downside risk in today’s fast-moving markets.
Holdings are reassessed quarterly, making this an active strategy for the growth portion of an
overall diversified portfolio design for accounts
$100,000 and larger.
Dynamic Equity Income invests in portfolio of twenty-five high income stocks based on a combination
of tested fundamental and technical screens. While higher than average yield is a goal, the approach
also ranks on total return to avoid value traps and companies that offer yields that enticing, but
otherwise ‘too good to be true’. Equally important, robust sell-discipline helps to manage the
potential for downside risk in today’s fast-moving markets. Holdings are reassessed quarterly, making
this an active strategy for the growth portion of an overall diversified portfolio design for accounts
$100,000 and larger.
MoneyPlus seeks to manage duration while maximizing income. It incorporates a diversified set of
varying maturities and credit qualities, striving to enhance yield within a risk-managed framework. In
addition to serving as a standalone strategy for Defensive and Conservative investors with a short-
term investing horizon, the strategy may also act to reduce total risk as a component within a portfolio
containing riskier assets, such as stocks, while also producing yield.
Signature Portfolios: As markets bound ever higher in our current low-interest rate environment, many
investors are acutely aware that forward gains could become increasingly challenging to come by for
both stocks and bonds alike. Similarly, traditional stock and bond combinations may be less effective
than they have been in the past at reducing portfolio risk (Signature 5 Series Strategy).
At IWM, we’ve found our more conservative, sophisticated investors are particularly concerned about
the timing of their spending needs in addition to the production of income. Our Signature Portfolios are
designed to address both these concerns, allowing clients to remain fully invested while being
proactive in protecting capital while producing income by using diversified structured products in
combination with our time-tested Sector Rotation program.
The Seigel-Wisdom Tree Longevity Model Portfolio
The collaboration with Professor Siegel brings a unique solution to investors with mid-to long-range time
horizons who are trying to balance current income needs with longevity risk. The Siegel-WisdomTree
Longevity Model Portfolio was designed to outperform the traditional 60/40 portfolio in a risk-conscious
manner by structurally allocating more toward equities over fixed income and tilting toward factors such
as dividend yield and low P/E ratios to seek higher income generation and outperformance potential. This
model is strategic in nature, but also reflects tactical tilts based on market conditions. The strategy may
include both WisdomTree and non-WisdomTree ETFs.
C. Risk of Loss
13
Described below are what IWM believes are the material risks of its investment program, but this
section does not attempt to identify every risk or to describe completely those risks it does identify. In
particular, this Brochure does not include a description of any strategies employed, or investment
made, by Reps as PMs that are outside of IWM’s stated investment program. Reps as PMs may pursue
different strategies, with different risks, than those described below. The risks described below or
others could result in significant losses or even a complete loss of clients’ investments. Clients should
be prepared to bear all of the risks described below and others if they invest with IWM. Clients should
discuss with their IARs any questions regarding the investment strategies employed for their
particular accounts and their applicable risks.
An understanding of risk in different forms can help clients to understand the opportunities, trade-offs
and costs involved with different investment approaches. The principal risk of any investment is that,
despite any comprehensive analysis, the security will not perform as expected. This can be due to,
among other things:
Market Risk: The success of investment activities will be affected by general economic and market
conditions, such as interest rates, availability of credit, inflation rates, commodity prices, economic
uncertainty, changes in laws, trade barriers, currency fluctuations and controls, and national and
international political circumstances. These factors may affect the level of volatility of securities prices
and the liquidity of investments in client portfolios. Such volatility or illiquidity could impair
profitability or result in losses.
Management Risk: Certain strategies are actively managed, and their performance therefore will
reflect in part IWM’s and the Rep as PM’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to
achieving an account’s investment objective. Due to its active management, an account could
underperform investments with similar investment objectives.
Investment Selection: The investments chosen for clients may decline in value. Investment selection
risk may cause an account to underperform other accounts with a similar investment objective.
Investments are selected in part on the basis of criteria developed and implemented from time to
time. Those selection criteria do not include all of the information available regarding a particular
security. In addition, investment decisions rely on information obtained from others regarding
financial, economic, business and market conditions, factors and trends, and IWM and Reps and PMs
will not be in a position to confirm the completeness, genuineness or accuracy of such information and
data.
Volatility of Securities Markets: The value of securities held in client accounts that are traded on
exchanges, and the risks associated with holding these positions, vary in response to events that affect
asset markets in general. Market disruptions could lead to dramatic price swings in securities held
within client portfolios and could result in substantial losses.
Liquidity: Some investments may lack liquidity or be thinly traded. This could present a problem in
realizing the prices quoted and in effectively trading the position(s). Certain portfolios may invest in
illiquid investments, which will reduce an account’s overall liquidity and could result in significant
losses. In addition, an account could be exposed to substantial losses should we find it necessary to
liquidate positions during periods of illiquidity.
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Price and Interest Rate Risk: When interest rates change, the price of a bond is likely to adjust up or
down so that its yield, based on the new price, is in line with the new level of interest rates. Interest
rate risk is probably the most significant risk facing clients in fixed income securities because it affects
all bonds similarly.
Tax Risk: Investment may be made without considering a client’s specific tax consequences. Some
strategies, including transactions in options, can be subject to special tax rules, which may have
adverse tax consequences for the account holder.
Extraordinary Events: Global terrorist activity and U.S. involvement in armed conflict may negatively
affect general economic fortunes, including sales, profits, and production, and may lead to depressed
securities prices and problems with trading facilities and infrastructure.
Concentration Risk: Client portfolios may have highly concentrated positions in issuers engaged in one
or a few industries. This increases the risk of loss relative to the market as a whole.
ETF and ETN Risks: While the prospectus for each underlying ETF or ETN contains detailed descriptions
of the risks associated with these investments, in particular, they include the potential for: (1) tracking
error (in which the ETF/ETN does not accurately track its index as a result of factors such as transaction
fees and expenses, or changes in the composition of the underlying index); (2) pricing error (in which
the ETF/ETN trades at a discount or premium to its inherent net asset value); (3) liquidity risk (which
may occur if an ETF/ETN fails to attract a sufficient number of market makers); and (4) counterparty
risk specific to ETNs (a risk regarding the creditworthiness of a party that assists in the replication of
the underlying index).
Leveraged and/or Inverse ETFs and Mutual Funds Risks: Holding a levered and/or inverse single-stock
ETF is not the same as holding the underlying stock, a traditional ETF, or even a non-single stock
levered and/or inverse ETF. It is riskier for several reasons. Importantly, like many other complex
exchange-traded products, levered and/or inverse single-stock ETFs aim to provide returns over
extremely short time periods (in some cases even a single day). New risks may emerge for investors
who hold these products for longer than that. Investors should be aware that if they were to hold
these funds for longer than a day, the performance of these funds may differ significantly from the
levered and/or inverse performance of the underlying stock during the same period of time.
Equity Risk: Investments in equity securities generally involve a high degree of risk. Prices are volatile
and market movements are difficult to predict. These price movements may result from factors affecting
individual companies or industries. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. In
addition to, or in spite of, the impact of movements in the overall stock market, the value of investments
may decline if the particular investments within the portfolio do not perform well in the market. Prices of
growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than prices of other
stocks. Prices of stocks may fall or fail to appreciate regardless of movements in securities markets. A
higher turnover rate, or increased trading may result in higher transactions costs and higher taxes in
taxable accounts and may also affect the strategies’ overall performance.
Private Equity Funds: In addition to the risks associated with hedge funds, there are risks specifically
associated with investing in private equity. Capital calls can be made on short notice, and the failure
to meet capital calls can result in significant adverse consequences, including but not limited to a total
15
loss of investment.
Fixed Income Risks: Investments in fixed income securities represent numerous risks such as credit,
interest rate, reinvestment, and prepayment risk, all of which affect their price/value. These risks
represent the potential for a large amount of price volatility. In general, securities with longer
maturities are more sensitive to price changes. Additionally, the prices of high-yield fixed income
securities fluctuate more than high quality debt issues. Prices are especially sensitive to developments
affecting the company’s business and to changes in the ratings assigned by rating agencies. Prices are
often closely linked with the company’s stock prices. High-yield securities can experience sudden and
sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market activity, large
sales by major investors, default, or other factors. In the event of a default, the investment may suffer
a partial or total loss.
Options Risk: Options involve the risk that the counterparty who wrote the option will be unable or
unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract, or the option may become illiquid and
difficult to close. An option derives its value from the price of the underlying stock. Therefore, their
value is heavily dependent on underlying stock price. Structured notes often have a derivative
component imbedded within.
Foreign Security Risk: The special risks associated with investing in foreign securities include
fluctuating currencies, political risk, social or economic instability, trade imbalances, imposition of
exchange control regulation, withholding taxes, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets,
and possible nationalization of assets or industries.
Leverage/Margin Risk: The use of borrowed capital, such as margin, to increase the potential return
of an investment may increase the risk of an investment and can magnify the effect of any losses. The
use of leverage is a speculative technique and may not be suitable for all investors. Using borrowed
money (whether through trading on margin or any other method of borrowing) to finance the
purchase of securities involves interest charges and entails greater risk than using cash resources only.
Cybersecurity Breaches: IWM, the IARs, clients and their service providers are subject to a possible
cybersecurity attack or breach. Cybersecurity is a broad term referring to the body of technologies,
processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack,
damage or unauthorized access. If a cybersecurity breach were to occur, substantial costs could be
incurred, including without limitation those associated with forensic analysis of the origin and scope
of the breach; increased and upgraded cybersecurity; investment or other losses; identity theft;
unauthorized use of proprietary information; litigation; adverse investor or client reaction; the
dissemination of confidential and proprietary information; and reputational damage. Any such breach
could expose IWM and the IARs to liability as well as regulatory inquiry and/or action.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered Investment Advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to the evaluation of the adviser or the integrity of its
management and individuals associated with the firm. IWM has the following reportable disclosures.
Mr. Douglas Donnelly has the following disciplinary events: On or about 1/26/2015, the State of
Washington and Mr. Donnelly entered into a Consent Order, paid an individual fine of $100,000,
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disclosure is related to a Regulation D offering made to clients without written approval by employer.
On or about 8/7/2013, the State of Michigan filed a Denial of Registration regarding Mr. Donnelly, based
on events giving rise to termination from Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. On or about 3/25/2013, Mr.
Donnelly was terminated from Northwest Asset Management, related to breach of customer
authorization policies. 3/1/2012, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, termination, discharge related to
regulation D offering without written approval by the firm. Details can be found through Broker Check
or the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site by performing name searches.
For more information about disciplinary events involving IARs, and which provide services to clients
of IWM, please refer to Investment Advisor Public Disclosure at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov or FINRA
BrokerCheck at www.finra.org.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
As discussed in Item 4 (“Advisory Business”), IWM is controlled and managed by IWH. None of The
Institute or any of its management persons are registered as broker-dealers, futures commission
merchants, commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors, or associated persons of the
foregoing entities.
Mr. Matthew Medeiros, President & CEO of The Institute, serves on an advisory board for a New York-
based mutual fund company, Exceed Investments LLC (“Exceed”), for which he is eligible to receive
equity in the company. Exceed offers a collection of index-based investment solutions and is affiliated
with a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) registered broker-dealer (Exceed
Securities LLC), a registered investment advisor that seeks to offer investment services and products
(Exceed Advisory LLC), and a non-registered entity which publishes and licenses financial indexes
(Exceed Indexes LLC). Mr. Medeiros may benefit based on his position on the Exceed board because
the IWM’s models/strategies, or other Rep as PM investments, may include shares of mutual funds and
other investment products offered by Exceed. IWM believes that this conflict is mitigated by the fact
that investment decisions for IWM’s client accounts, including any investment in an Exceed-affiliated
entity, are made by the Investment Committee or the Reps as PM, as applicable, rather than by Mr.
Medeiros individually. The Investment Committee is permitted to engage non-affiliated outside
consultants as members of the committee, and each outside consultant may have outside business
interests.
Matthew Medeiros is the Chairman of the Board of Eagle County (Colorado), Emergency Responder’s
Fund
(ECERF).
Matthew Medeiros is a board member of the Brain Injury Association of
Colorado (BIAC). Matthew Medeiros serves on an advisory panel for Goldman
Sachs Advisory Solutions. Jeff Jorgensen serves on an advisory panel for
Goldman Sachs Advisory Solutions
These activities do not create a conflict of interest that would affect the advisory activities
of IWM. Creg V Shaffer is a contract manager/officer at Organic Waste Recovery and
Recycling Startup.
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Creg V Shaffer is the president at Sustainable Alternative Feed Enterprises, Inc.
Connor Donelly is Manager of MPWM Leonard Green Equity Fund IX, LP, a private fund. This presents
a conflict of interest in that AAA or its related persons may receive more compensation from
investment in the fund than from other investments. Nevertheless, IWM acts in the best interest of
the client consistent with its fiduciary duties and clients are not required invest in the private fund if
they do not wish to do so.
IWM permits IARs, including Reps as PMs, to engage in outside business activities. In certain cases, an
IAR could receive greater compensation through the outside business than through The Institute. For
example, an IAR could also be an accountant, real estate agent, tax preparer, lawyer or refer
customers to other service providers and receive referral fees. Similarly, an IAR could provide advisory
or financial planning services through an unaffiliated investment advisory firm, sell insurance through
a separate business, or provide third-party administration to retirement plans through a separate
firm. If an IAR provides investment services to an IWM client as a representative of IWM and also
provides other services to such client directly or through a separate firm, this typically means the
IAR is compensated for the two services, as agreed to with the specific client.
Anyone who engages with an IAR for services outside of The Institute should specifically discuss with
the IAR the compensation that he or she receives from the engagement.
None of the entities within The Institute are broker-dealers. If an IAR is required to be registered with
a broker-dealer due to an outside business activity not associated with their services with The Institute,
the IAR is permitted to register with a broker dealer with the Institute’s approval.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
Ensuring an ethical culture is of critical importance to The Institute. As such, The Institute has
adopted a Code of Ethics that sets forth standards of conduct expected of its personnel. The Code of
Ethics addresses, among other things, personal trading, outside business activities, gifts, the
prohibition against the use of inside information, and other situations where there is a possibility for
conflicts of interest. The Code of Ethics is reasonably designed to protect The Institute’s clients by
deterring misconduct, educating personnel regarding expectations and laws governing their conduct,
reminding personnel that they are in a position of trust and must act with complete propriety at all
times, guarding against violations of the securities laws, and establishing procedures for personnel to
follow so that the Institute may determine whether personnel are complying with ethical principles.
All supervised persons must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics annually, and as amended.
The Institute’s officers, directors and employees may trade for their own accounts in securities which
are recommended to or purchased for clients. The Code of Ethics is reasonably designed to ensure that
the personal securities transactions, activities and interests of the 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. In addition, the Code of Ethics
requires pre-clearance of certain transactions and restricts trading in close proximity to client trading
activity. Nonetheless, because The Institute permits employees to invest in the same securities as
clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client in a security
held by an employee.
The Institute will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
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Please call (303) 572-3500, or email info@instituteforwealth.com.
Connor Donelly is Manager of MPWM Leonard Green Equity Fund IX, LP, a private fund. This presents
a conflict of interest in that AAA or its related persons may receive more compensation from
investment in the fund than from other investments. Nevertheless, IWM acts in the best interest of
the client consistent with its fiduciary duties and clients are not required invest in the private fund if
they do not wish to do so.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
As a fiduciary, IWM’s policy is to seek to execute client securities transactions in a manner that a
client’s total cost or proceeds in each transaction are most favorable under the circumstances.
Whenever possible, IWM will seek to aggregate securities transactions for execution and then allocate
the appropriate shares to client accounts. The determining factor in the selection of a broker-dealer
to execute transactions for client accounts is not simply the lowest possible transaction cost but
whether the broker-dealer can provide what is, in IWM’s view, the best qualitative execution for a
client account (i.e., best execution).
Unless otherwise specified in a Client Agreement, IWM and/or the Rep as PM, as applicable, has
authority to select brokers on behalf of client accounts and to determine the commissions and other
fees that the clients will pay to those brokers. Generally, clients do not direct IWM or the IAR to utilize
a particular broker-dealer to execute some or all transactions for the client’s account. However,
clients do choose their custodians, generally from a list provided by IWM of custodians with whom it
has an existing relationship. Once a client selects its custodian of choice, the client directs IWM and/or
the IAR, as applicable, to transmit trading instructions to such custodian. Custodians execute client
trades or transmit orders for the execution of trades to other broker-dealers. IWM and the IARs do
not execute trades or monitor the quality of execution in client accounts by the custodian or its
selected broker-dealers on a trade-by-trade basis. IWM and the IARs do review holdings in client
accounts and the general performance and reliability of client custodians and the trade execution
process. However, in these circumstances, IWM and the IAR are unable to influence the transaction
costs charged by the custodian to settle trades for clients. Clients should be aware that if they, or their
custodians, direct trading to a particular broker or dealer, clients may pay higher transaction costs or
execution prices as neither IWM nor the IARs will have authority to obtain volume discounts, lower
commissions, or narrower spreads. Consequently, clients directing the use of a particular broker or
dealer may not receive best execution and may incur higher trading costs.
When IWM or an IAR does select brokers and dealers for client accounts, it does so based on factors
that it deems relevant at the time of determining whether the broker can provide best execution.
These factors may include, without limitation, whether the broker provides a combination of
transaction execution services along with asset custody services (generally without a separate fee for
custody); capability to execute, clear and settle trades (buy and sell securities for the client account);
capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check requests,
bill payment, etc.); breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds,
exchange traded funds (ETFs), etc.); availability of investment research and tools that assist IWM or
the IAR in making investment decisions; quality of services; competitiveness of the price of services
(commission rates, margin interest rates, other fees, etc.)and willingness to negotiate them;
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reputation, financial strength and stability of the provider; and their prior service to The Institute or
the IAR and their other clients.
IWM recommends Charles Schwab & Co., Member FINRA/SIPC (Schwab). Schwab is an independent
and unaffiliated SEC-registered broker-dealer.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
IWM, through the Investment Committee, and/or the Reps as PMs, as applicable, monitor and review
client portfolios on a periodic basis. The frequency of reviews is at the discretion of IWM and, if
applicable, the Rep as PM, but accounts are typically reviewed not less than annually. Accounts are
reviewed for performance, consistency with the targeted investment strategy or model, and other
account parameters to determine if any adjustments are necessary. Results are often compared to the
performance of an applicable benchmark. In cases where material deviations appear between client
account performance and composite account performance, IWM or the Rep as PM, as applicable,
may take steps to rebalance accounts to bring them more closely aligned with the respective models.
Clients receive written monthly statements from their account custodians. These statements will
include the account balances, positions held and transactions that were made throughout the period
and will reflect a deduction for the monthly or quarterly advisory fee, as applicable. In addition, IWM
may produce a written monthly or quarterly performance report for certain clients. These reports
may include transactions made in the account, account positions, time-weighted returns, a summary
of investment advisory fees, market commentary, and such other information as IWM elects to
provide to clients from time to time. Clients who receive this additional report are urged to carefully
review and compare the official custodial statements to the monthly/quarterly performance report.
The monthly/quarterly performance reports may vary from custodial statements based on
accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities. Clients
should notify IWM or the applicable IAR immediately if there is ever a material difference between
the two documents.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
IWM shares its investment advisory and financial planning fees with the IARs that service the
relevant client accounts, as disclosed to clients in their Client Agreements.
In addition, unaffiliated IARs, RIAs or broker-dealers may recommend to their clients IWM’s
investment advisory services. In such instances, IWM will share a portion of its investment advisory
fee with such third parties, as documented in writing and disclosed to clients in accordance with
applicable law. The fee percentage shared varies and is negotiated by IWM and such third parties. As
disclosed in Item 5 (“Fees and Compensation”), in no event will clients’ annual advisory fee to IWM
exceed 2.25%, even when IWM shares its fee with third- parties.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services provides IWM with access to Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Advisor Services’ institutional trading and custody services, which are typically not available to
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services retail investors. These services generally are available to
independent investment advisers on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so long as a total of
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at least $10 million of the adviser’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at Charles Schwab &
Co., Inc. Advisor Services. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services includes brokerage services that
are related to the execution of securities transactions, custody, research, including that in the form of
advice, analyses and reports, 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. For IWM client accounts maintained in its custody, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Advisor Services generally does not charge separately for custody services but is compensated by
account holders through commissions or other transaction-related or asset-based fees for securities
trades that are executed through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services or that settle into
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services accounts.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services also makes available to IWM other products and services that
benefit IWM but may not benefit its clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional or IWM
specific educational events organized and/or sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services. Other
potential benefits may include occasional business entertainment of personnel of IWM by Charles Schwab &
Co., Inc. Advisor Services personnel, including meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf
tournaments, and other forms of entertainment, some of which may accompany educational opportunities.
Other of these products and services assist IWM in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These
include software and other technology (and related technological training) that provide access to client
account data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade execution (and allocation
of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts, if applicable), provide research, pricing information
and other market data, facilitate payment of IWM ’s fees from its clients’ accounts (if applicable), and assist
with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping and client reporting. Many of these services
generally may be used to service all or some substantial number of IWM ’s accounts. Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc. Advisor Services also makes available to IWM other services intended to help IWM manage and further
develop its business enterprise. These services may include professional compliance, legal and business
consulting, publications and conferences on practice management, information technology, business
succession, regulatory compliance, employee benefits providers, and human capital consultants, insurance
and marketing. In addition, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services may make available, arrange and/or
pay vendors for these types of services rendered to IWM by independent third parties. Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc. Advisor Services may discount or waive fees it would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay
all or a part of the fees of a third-party providing these services to IWM. IWM is independently owned and
operated and not affiliated with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services.
Client Referrals:
IWM received client referrals from Charles Schwab through its participation in the Program. Charles
Schwab established the referral program as a means of referring its brokerage customers and other
investors seeking fee- based personal investment management services or financial planning services
to independent investment advisers. Charles Schwab does not supervise IWM or the Reps as PMs
and has no responsibility for the management of client portfolios or IWM’s other services.
IWM pays Charles Schwab as they acquired Charles Schwab an on-going fee for each successful client
referral. This fee is usually a percentage of the advisory fee (not to exceed 0.25%) that the clients pay
to IWM for the life of IWM’s relationship with the referred client (“Solicitation Fee”). IWM also pays
Charles Schwab as they acquired Charles Schwab the Solicitation Fee on any advisory fees received
from any family members of a referred client, including a spouse, child, or any other immediate family
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member who resides with the referred client and hires IWM on the recommendation of such referred
client. IWM does not charge clients referred through the Program any fees or costs higher than its
standard fees. For information regarding additional or other fees paid directly or indirectly to Charles
Schwab as they acquired Charles Schwab, please refer to the Charles Schwab Advisor Direct Disclosure
and Acknowledgement Form which was provided prior to establishing an account.
Referred Client Assets
For (i) referred client relationships initiated on or after April 10, 2017; or (ii) any referred client
relationship initiated before April 10, 2017, or such later date as the Conflict of Interest Rule,
Retirement Investment Advice, 29 CFR 2509 & 2510 (“Conflict of Interest Rule”) becomes applicable,
that receives additional Program referral services provided by Charles Schwab; or (iii) at our one-
time election to move all existing and new client relationships to the new referral fee set forth in
our agreement with TD Ameritrade, the following referral fee applies:
Referral Fee
on Assets
Assets up to $2 million
0.25%
0.10%
Assets over $2 million up
to $10 million
Assets over $10 million
0.05%
Charles Schwab most likely referred clients through the Program to investment advisers that
encourage their clients to custody their assets at Charles Schwab and whose client accounts are
profitable to Charles Schwab. Consequently, in order to obtain client referrals from Charles Schwab,
IWM had incentive to (i) recommend to clients that the assets under management be held in custody
with Charles Schwab, (ii) to provide trading instructions to Charles Schwab for clients whose
accounts were custodied at Charles Schwab, and (iii) to the extent trading in a client account may
have caused Charles Schwab to absorb additional trading expenses, to reduce trading in such client
accounts. In addition, IWM agreed not to solicit clients referred to through the Program to transfer
their accounts from Charles Schwab or to establish brokerage or custody accounts at other
custodians, except when our fiduciary duties require doing so.
Other Benefits
IWM may have received other benefits through the Program. These benefits include the following
products and services (provided without cost or at a discount): receipt of duplicate client statements
and confirmations; research-related products and tools; consulting services; access to a trading desk;
access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions for execution
and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts); the ability to have advisory fees
deducted directly from client accounts; access to an electronic communications network for client
order entry and account information; access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain
institutional money managers; and discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and
practice management products or services provided by third party vendors. Charles Schwab may
have also paid for business consulting and professional services received by The Institute. These
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products or services may have assisted IWM in managing and administering client accounts, including
accounts not maintained at Charles Schwab. Other services that were made available by Charles
Schwab were intended to help us manage and further develop the Institute’s business. The benefits
received by The Institute through participation in the Program do not depend on the amount of
brokerage transactions that were directed to TD Ameritrade.
The prior Institute’s relationship with Charles Schwab posed a number of conflicts of interest. It is
IWM’s goal to ensure that all clients receive the full benefit of its investment advice. In order to
address potential conflicts of interest with TD Ameritrade, IWM monitored client account
performance to identify situations in which the performance of any group of client accounts lags that
of other, substantially similar client accounts, and will take steps, when practicable, to ensure
comparable performance among similarly situated client accounts. The Institute’s participation in
the Program does not diminish IWM’s duty to seek best execution of trades for client accounts.
Charles Schwab & Co.
IWM may recommend/require that clients establish brokerage accounts with the Schwab Advisor
Services division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC,
to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. The final decision to
custody assets with Schwab is at the discretion of the Advisor’s clients, including those accounts
under ERISA or IRA rules and regulations, in which case the client is acting as either the plan sponsor
or IRA accountholder. IWM is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Schwab.
Schwab provides IWM with access to its institutional trading and custody services, which are typically
not available to Schwab retail investors. These services generally are available to independent
investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so long as a total of at least $10
million of the advisor’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at Schwab Advisor Services.
Schwab’s services include brokerage services that are related to the execution of securities
transactions, custody, research, including that in the form of advice, analyses and reports, 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.
For IWM client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab generally does not charge separately for
custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions or other transaction-
related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through Schwab or that settle into
Schwab accounts.
Schwab also makes available to IWM other products and services that benefit IWM but may not
benefit its clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional or IWM specific
educational events organized and/or sponsored by Schwab Advisor Services. Other potential
benefits may include occasional business entertainment of personnel of IWM by Schwab Advisor
Services personnel, including meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf tournaments, and
other forms of entertainment, some of which may accompany educational opportunities. Other of
these products and services assist IWM in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These
include software and other technology (and related technological training) that provide access to
client account data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade execution
(and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), provide research, pricing
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information and other market data, facilitate payment of IWM’s fees from its clients’ accounts, and
assist with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping and client reporting. Many of
these services generally may be used to service all or some substantial number of IWM’s accounts,
including accounts not maintained at Schwab Advisor Services. Schwab Advisor Services also makes
available to IWM other services intended to help IWM manage and further develop its business
enterprise. These services may include professional compliance, legal and business consulting,
publications and conferences on practice management,
information technology, business
succession, regulatory compliance, employee benefits providers, human capital consultants,
insurance and marketing. In addition, Schwab may make available, arrange and/or pay vendors for
these types of services rendered to IWM by independent third parties. Schwab Advisor Services may
discount or waive fees it would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of
the fees of a third-party providing these services to IWM. While, as a fiduciary, IWM endeavors to
act in its clients’ best interests, IWM’s recommendation/requirement that clients maintain their
assets in accounts at Schwab may be based in part on the benefit to IWM of the availability of some
of the foregoing products and services and other arrangements and not solely on the nature, cost
or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab, which may create a potential
conflict of interest.
Products & Services Available to Us from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services (formerly called Schwab Institutional) is Schwab’s business serving
independent investment advisory firms like ours. They provide us and our clients with access to its
institutional brokerage – trading, custody, reporting and related services – many of which are not
typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support services.
Some of those services help us manage or administer our clients’ accounts while others help us
manage and grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an unsolicited
basis and at no charge to us as long as we maintain a total of at least
$10 million of our clients’ assets in accounts at Schwab.
Services that Benefit Client
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment products available
through Schwab includes
some to which we might not otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher
minimum initial investment by our clients. Schwab’s services described in this paragraph generally
benefit clients or their account(s).
Services that May Not Directly Benefit Clients
Schwab also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us but may not directly
benefit the client or their account(s). These products and services assist us in managing and
administering our clients’ accounts. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that
of third parties. We may use this research to service all or some substantial number of our clients’
accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In addition to investment research, Schwab
also makes available software and other technology that: provides access to client account data
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(such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements); facilitates trade execution and
allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts; provides pricing and other market
data; facilitates payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts; and assists with back-office
functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business
enterprise. These services include educational conferences and events; technology, compliance,
legal, and business consulting; publications and conferences on practice management and business
succession; and access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party
vendors to provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for some of these
services or pay all or a part of a third party’s fees.
Irrespective of direct or indirect benefits to our client through Schwab, we strive to enhance the client’s
experience, help reach their goals and put their interests before that of our firm or its associated persons.
Item 15 – Custody
Asset Management accounts: IWM does not take physical custody of client funds nor constructive
custody of client assets other than to deduct fees for advisory services. Clients receive monthly
account statements from their respective custodians. These statements will include the account
balances, positions held and transactions that were made throughout the period and will reflect a
deduction for the monthly or quarterly advisory fee, as applicable.
Private Funds: IWM does claim custody of client funds held within the Madison Park Harbor Fund
and MPWM Leonard Green Equity Fund IX, LP. IWM adheres to the regulatory requirements of
claiming custody by engaging in an annual surprise audit of the Fund, and quarterly distribution of
account statements to Fund Investors.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
IWM and each Rep as PM, if applicable, receive discretionary authority from a client at the outset of
an advisory relationship through the Client Agreement and the applicable custodian’s paperwork.
These agreements provide IWM and the Rep as PM, if applicable, with the discretionary authority
(e.g., through a limited power of
attorney) to select the identity and number of securities or other assets to be bought or sold for the
relevant client account. For customized advisory services, a client may engage IWM and the Rep as
PM, if applicable, on a non- discretionary basis as stated in the Client Agreement. In all cases,
investment selections and recommendations are made in a manner consistent with the clients
stated investment objectives. IWM and the Rep as PM, as applicable, will use their best efforts to
ascertain the suitability of investment strategies and products to be implemented in the
management of a client’s accounts.
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Item 17–Voting Client Securities
As a matter of policy and practice, IWM and the IARs do not have the authority to vote, and do
not vote, proxies on behalf of advisory clients. Clients retain the responsibility for receiving and
voting proxies for all securities maintained in client portfolios. Clients should contact their
custodians if they have questions about proxy voting. Clients may also contact IWM by phone at 303-
572-3500 if they have questions about a particular proxy solicitation.
Item 18–Financial Information
Neither IWM, nor its management, have any adverse financial situations that would reasonably
impair the ability of IWM to meet all obligations to its clients. Neither IWM, nor any of its advisory
persons, has been subject to bankruptcy or financial compromise. IWM is not required to deliver
a balance sheet along with this Disclosure Brochure as the Advisor does not collect fees of $1,200
or more for services to be performed six months or more in advance.
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