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Item 1 – Cover Page
Genesis Private Wealth, LLC
doing business as
Form ADV Part 2A Brochure
November 20, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Genesis
Private Wealth, LLC, doing business as The Lewis Financial Group. You should review this
brochure to understand your relationship with our firm and help you determine to hire or retain
us as your investment adviser. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact us at 703-288-1272. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or
verified by the United States of America Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by
any state securities authority.
Additional information about The Lewis Financial Group also is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by our firm name or by using a unique
identifying number, known as a CRD number. The CRD number for The Lewis Financial Group
is 315692.
The Lewis Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment
adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.
20755 Williamsport Place, Suite 140, Ashburn, VA 20147
703-288-1272
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Item 2 – Material Changes
The Lewis Financial Group has the following changes since our last annual updating amendment in
March of 2025:
Item 8 has been updated to include the benefits and risks of investing in Unit Investment Trusts
Item 12 has been updated to include TradePMR as the qualified custodian for client accounts along
with the inclusion of an Asset Match program.
Item 14 has been updated to disclose conflicts of interest relating to a Trade PMR Asset Match
program.
(Brochure Date 11/20/2025)
(Date of Last Annual Updating Amendment 03/28/2025)
We will provide you with a Summary of Material Changes made to this brochure annually at no
cost. You may receive an updated copy of this brochure at any time by contacting us at 703-288-
1272.
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ..................................................................................................................................... i
Item 2 – Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... ii
Item 3 – Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business......................................................................................................................... 1
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................... 6
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ....................................................... 10
Item 7 – Types of Clients .......................................................................................................................... 10
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies ............................................................................ 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................... 15
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................................. 15
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ....................... 16
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................. 17
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................. 19
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ............................................................................. 20
Item 15 – Custody ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Item 16 – Investment Discretion .............................................................................................................. 21
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ........................................................................................................... 22
Item 18 – Financial Information .............................................................................................................. 22
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
About Our Firm
Genesis Private Wealth, LLC, doing business as The Lewis Financial Group (“LFG”) is a registered
investment adviser that provides investment management and financial advisory services to
individual and institutional investors to help them achieve their financial needs and goals. LFG has
been a registered investment adviser since 2021 and is owned by Andrew Lewis.
Our firm takes pride in providing personalized service to our clients and acknowledges that it is held
to a fiduciary standard of care.
Types of Advisory Services We Offer
LFG offers a variety of advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals and businesses.
These services include:
Investment and wealth management
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• Selection of Independent Managers
• Financial planning and consulting
We work with our clients to determine their investment objectives and risk profile and develop a
customized investment plan based on their individual needs and goals. LFG will utilize the financial
information provided by the client to analyze and develop strategies and solutions to assist the client
in meeting their financial goals.
Prior to LFG rendering any of the foregoing services, clients are required to enter into one or more
written advisory agreements with LFG setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the
advisory relationship.
Investment and Wealth Management Services
LFG manages our clients’ portfolios on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. Our investment
and wealth management services are tailored to the needs of our clients and are based on a
comprehensive understanding of each client’s current situation, past experiences, and future goals.
With this acquired knowledge we create, analyze, strategize, and implement goal-oriented
investment solutions. These solutions become our clients’ investment policy. This policy and our
matched strategies are designed to be risk appropriate, cost effective and tax efficient.
Our wealth management services generally include a broad range of comprehensive financial
planning and/or consulting services, as well as discretionary and non-discretionary management of
investment portfolios.
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Client assets are primarily allocated among individual equity and debt securities, mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and unit investment trusts (“UITs”) in accordance with the client's
stated investment objective and risk/volatility parameters. We may also recommend clients allocate
a certain portion of their assets to independent investment managers ("Independent Managers") or
alternative investments. Where appropriate, LFG may also provide advice about many types of
legacy positions or other investments held in client portfolios. Clients may also engage LFG to
manage and/or advise on certain investment products that are not maintained at their primary
custodian, such as variable life insurance and annuity contracts and assets held in employer
sponsored retirement plans and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 529 plans).
Our firm has entered into a service agreement with a third-party service provider to provide asset
management services for accounts held away from our primary custodial affiliations. Through this,
we are able to create a portfolio consisting of the securities and/or investment opportunities
available depending on the type of held away account being managed by our firm. LFG is limited
by the universe of investments offered by the custodian(s) for these held-away accounts. The
independent platform allows us to avoid being considered to have custody of Client funds since we
do not have direct access to Client log-in credentials to affect trades. We are not affiliated with the
platform in any way and receive no compensation from them for using their platform. A link will be
provided to the Client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform. Once Client
account(s) is connected to the platform, Adviser will review the current account allocations. We
seek to align the client’s held-away account(s) with their overall investment time horizon, risk
tolerance, and investment goals. When deemed necessary, LFG will rebalance the account
considering client’s investment profile, as well as changes in economic and market trends.
LFG consults with clients on an initial and ongoing basis to assess their specific risk tolerance, time
horizon, liquidity constraints and other related factors relevant to the management of their
portfolios. You should promptly notify us if there are changes in your financial situation or if you
wish to place any limitations on the management of your account. You may impose reasonable
restrictions or mandates on the management of your account if LFG determines, in our sole
discretion, the conditions will not materially impact the performance of a management strategy or
prove overly burdensome to the firm's management efforts.
To the extent a client’s assets are managed by an Independent Manager or are invested in a
particular fund, those managers and funds will have their own investment practices. Those
investment practices are described in each manager’s Form ADV or fund’s prospectus, or in its
offering or other disclosure documents. In addition, selected money managers or funds typically
have discretion to determine the type, and amount, of securities to be purchased or sold for the
portion of the assets managed by the money manager or fund.
Selection of Independent Managers
LFG selects, as appropriate, certain Independent Managers to actively manage all or a portion of its
clients' assets. Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement, LFG shall have the
discretion to appoint and terminate these third-party advisers. The specific terms and conditions
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under which a client engages certain Independent Managers is set forth in a separate written
agreement with the designated Independent Manager. Certain Independent Managers require a
separate investment advisory agreement with the Independent Manager, while others do not.
Disclosure of the use of an Independent Manager and their additional fees will be provided to
clients. Independent Managers utilized by LFG include sub-advisors, Unified Managed Account
(UMA) platforms, and third-party advisors. In addition to this brochure, clients will also receive the
written disclosure documents of the respective Independent Managers engaged to manage their
assets.
LFG evaluates a variety of information about Independent Managers, which includes the
Independent Managers' public disclosure documents, materials supplied by the Independent
Managers themselves and other third-party analyses it believes are reputable. To the extent possible,
LFG seeks to assess the Independent Managers' investment strategies, past performance, and risk
results in relation to its clients' individual portfolio allocations and risk exposure. LFG also takes
into consideration each Independent Manager's management style, returns, reputation, financial
strength, reporting, pricing, and research capabilities, among other factors.
LFG currently partners with Adhesion to offer unified managed account and separately managed
account programs available through Adhesion Wealth Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Adhesion”). When
utilizing the Adhesion platform, investment strategy recommendations will be provided by the
Independent Manager(s) and communicated to Adhesion as the overlay manager of UMA platform.
Taking into consideration such things as tax-loss harvesting, avoiding high-penalty trades due to
wash-sales and other trading considerations, Adhesion will then provide trading instructions to
custodian for execution.
LFG also utilizes unified managed account managers, separate account managers and a mutual fund
advisory program available through Wells Fargo Advisors. When utilizing Wells Fargo Advisors as
the Independent Manager, or managers available through a program offered by Wells Fargo
Advisors, investment management services are provided through the Personalized Unified Managed
Account Program, Private Advisor Network Program (a separately managed account program) or
FundSource® Program (a mutual fund advisory program). The Wells Fargo Advisors programs
require clients to sign an investment advisory agreement for access to their programs in addition to
our investment management agreement.
Use of Independent Managers can be a conflict of interest due to the division of advisory services
between two investment advisers. LFG views the use of Independent Managers as a significant benefit
to clients. Clients receive the benefit of the additional investment strategy, along with the continued
holistic overview of the portfolio(s) and additional planning services provided by LFG. As part of its
fiduciary duty to the client, LFG performs due diligence on Independent Managers and evaluates a
variety of information which may include the Independent Managers' public disclosure documents,
materials supplied by the Independent Managers themselves and other third-party analyses it believes
are reputable. To the extent possible, LFG seeks to assess the Independent Managers' investment
strategies, past performance and risk results in relation to its clients' individual portfolio allocations
and risk exposure. LFG also takes into consideration each Independent Manager's management style,
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investment returns, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research capabilities, among
other factors.
LFG continues to provide services relative to the discretionary or non-discretionary selection of the
Independent Managers. On an ongoing basis, LFG monitors the performance of those accounts
being managed by Independent Managers. LFG seeks to ensure the Independent Managers'
strategies and target allocations remain aligned with clients' investment objectives and overall best
interests.
Program Offered Through Adhesion
When utilizing third-party investment strategists available through Adhesion, LFG utilizes
separately managed account managers, model providers, mutual funds/ETF strategies and/or
individual equity and fixed income securities to construct a portfolio tailored to your needs. Through
the Adhesion program, Adhesion acts a sub-adviser to our firm and does not require clients sign a
separate investment advisory agreement for access to their program.
Programs Offered Through Wells Fargo Advisors
When utilizing Wells Fargo Advisors as the Independent Manager, or managers available through a
program offered by Wells Fargo Advisors, investment management services are provided through
the Personalized Unified Managed Account Program, Private Advisor Network Program (a
separately managed account program) or FundSource® Program (a mutual fund advisory program).
The Wells Fargo Advisors programs require clients to sign an investment advisory agreement for
access to their programs in addition to our investment management agreement.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
LFG offers different levels of financial planning and consulting services to help our clients identify,
prioritize and work towards their goals and objectives. Our consulting services give our clients the
ability to receive a broad range of financial advice and services, including specific security
recommendations, for the duration of the advisory agreement.
Our process starts with an extensive review of a client's family situation, which includes assets and
liabilities as well as estate, tax, and insurance needs. We then employ a risk tolerance and risk
capacity-focused simulation to get a detailed cash flow analysis and proposed asset allocation.
Together, this information is analyzed to develop a proposed financial plan, which is designed to be
dynamic in nature, ever-evolving due to life changes, along with changes in cash flow needs, risk
tolerance, time horizon, or investment objectives.
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LFG’s financial planning and consulting services include any of the following topics as contracted:
• Cash Flow Analysis
• Liability Management
Investment Consulting
• Risk Management
•
• Trust & Estate Planning
• Distribution Planning
• Charitable Giving
• Tax Planning
Insurance Review
• Education Planning
•
• Business Planning
• Next Generation Family
• Retirement Planning
• Retirement Plan Consulting and
Employee Benefits Analysis
• Cash Flow Forecasting
• Sale of a Business
• Death & Disability
• Divorce Planning
While each of these services is available on a stand-alone basis, certain services are also rendered in
conjunction with investment portfolio management services as part of a comprehensive wealth
management engagement. In performing these services, LFG is not required to verify any
information received from the client or from the client's other professionals (e.g., attorneys,
accountants, etc.), and is expressly authorized to rely on such information. LFG may recommend
clients engage the firm for additional related services, or we may recommend other professionals to
implement our recommendations. These additional services by LFG or another professional are
provided at an additional cost to you, which is based on the nature, extent, complexity, and other
characteristics of the services. This creates a conflict of interest because we will have an incentive to
recommend additional services based on the compensation to be received, rather than solely based
on your needs, and in some cases, based on the prospect of cross-referrals of advisory clients from
the other professional or his or her firm.
Implementation of financial planning recommendations is entirely at your discretion. You have
complete freedom in selecting a financial adviser to assist you with implementing the
recommendations made in your financial plan and are under no obligation to act on the advice of
LFG. Financial planning recommendations are of a generic nature and are not limited to any
specific product or service offered by a broker dealer or insurance company. Should you choose to
implement the recommendations contained in the plan, LFG suggests you work closely with your
attorney, accountant and/or insurance agent.
LFG will act solely in our capacity as a registered investment adviser and does not provide any legal,
accounting or tax advice. You should seek the counsel of a qualified accountant and/or attorney
when necessary. As part of our advisory services and as needed we assist clients with tax loss
harvesting and will work with the client’s tax specialist to answer any questions related to the client’s
portfolio. Any incidental tax discussions on topics, such as required minimum distributions,
retirement plan contributions, etc. should be verified with your tax advisor.
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Portfolio Management Services for Wrap Fee Program
LFG offers portfolio management services through a wrap fee program. A bundled or “wrap fee”
program is an advisory fee program under which you pay one bundled fee to compensate LFG for
portfolio management and trade execution. A wrap fee program may not be the lowest cost option if
you would like to restrict your investments to open-end mutual funds or other long-term investment
products. Please see form ADV Part 2A – Appendix 1 for more information regarding the Wrap Fee
program.
Amount of Assets We Manage
As of December 31, 2024, LFG manages approximately $313,916,045 of regulatory assets under
management on a discretionary basis and $0 of regulatory assets under management non-
discretionary basis. In addition, LFG maintains $156,680,985 in assets under advisement as of the
same date. Discretionary assets under management are those for which we have an ongoing
responsibility to select and make securities recommendations that are in line with your financial
needs and objectives and then effect those securities transactions without first consulting you. Non-
discretionary assets under management are those for which we have an ongoing responsibility to
select and make securities recommendations that are in line with your financial needs and objectives
and then effect those securities transactions only after consulting with you to inform you of the
transaction(s) and obtaining your approval to move forward.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
How We Are Compensated for Our Advisory Services
Our fees vary among the different types of advisory services we offer and are negotiable at our sole
discretion. The specific fees and manner in which fees are charged and calculated are described in
your investment advisory agreement. You should carefully review the investment advisory
agreement prior to signing it.
Fees for our advisory services may be higher than fees charged by other advisers who offer similar
services. You may be charged different fees than similarly situated clients for the same services. You
should carefully review this brochure to understand the fees and other sources of compensation that
exist among our services prior to entering into an investment advisory contract with our firm.
Investment and Wealth Management Services
Fees for investment and wealth management services are based on the amount of assets under
management. The maximum fee for our wrap fee program is as follows:
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Maximum Annual Advisory Fee
1.5%
You should refer to your advisory agreement for your specific fee rate(s).
Fees are generally billed in advance each calendar quarter based on the market value of the assets
under management/advisement on the last day of the previous calendar quarter.
For investment and wealth management services LFG provides to certain clients or for specific
client holdings (e.g., held-away assets, 529 plans, etc.), we may negotiate a fee rate that differs from
our standard fee.
Selection of Other Independent Managers
Fees for other Independent Managers used to manage all or a portion of a client’s account are set
forth by the Independent Manager and are either included in or in addition to LFG’s fees. LFG
retains the discretion to select investment managers and investment programs in conjunction with
our investment agreement. While LFG’s wrap fee remains consistent, underlying managers’ costs
vary. You should refer to the Independent Manager’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure for information
on their fees and compensation. Fees are available to be reviewed via your quarterly statement from
the custodian.
Programs Offered Through Adhesion
Fees for the program available through Adhesion are inclusive of LFG’s advisory fees, the third-
party asset manager’s advisory fees and Adhesion’s overlay/platform fee, and are as follows:
Maximum Annual Advisory Fee
1.75%
You should refer to your investment management agreement for your specific fee rate(s).
Programs Offered Through Wells Fargo Advisors
Fees for advisory programs offered through Wells Fargo Advisors are inclusive of LFG’s and Wells
Fargo Advisors’ advisory fees and are as follows:
Maximum Annual Advisory Fee
1.75%
1.75%
Program
Private Advisor
Network
Personalized Unified
Managed Account
Program Type
Separately Managed
Account
Unified Managed
Account
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FundSource®
1.25%
Mutual Fund Advisory
Program
Advisory fees for the third-party manager utilized through the Private Advisor Network Program are
not included in the above program fee. You pay for the services of the third-party manager
separately. You should refer to your advisory agreement for your specific fee rate(s).
Wells Fargo Advisors will calculate and directly debit advisory fees from the clients’ accounts for
assets within their programs.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Fees for financial planning and/or consulting services are billed on an hourly or fixed rate in
advance. Hourly fees generally range up to $350 per hour. There is no minimum fee required for
financial planning or consulting services; however financial planning and consulting fees generally
range from $1,250 - $20,000 annually. Fees are due and payable as incurred. While financial
planning and consulting services are available on a stand-alone basis, certain services are also
rendered in conjunction with investment portfolio management services at no additional cost as part
of a comprehensive wealth management engagement.
Factors we consider when determining our financial planning and consulting fees include, but are
not limited to:
• The amount of time we expect to spend completing the financial planning or consulting
services and providing related advice;
• The complexity of your goals, issues and/or needs;
• The extensiveness and complexity of the data needed regarding your personal financial
information;
• Your net worth or the value of your investment accounts and/or other assets that are the
subject of the financial planning or consulting services; and/or
• Special circumstances related to life changes, marital status, health or special income needs,
or growth or decline of a personal business.
LFG requests a retainer to initiate financial planning and consulting services; however, we will not
request the prepayment of fees more than $1,200 in advisory fees more than six months in advance.
You may engage LFG for additional investment management services to assist with implementing
one or more financial planning recommendations. You will incur additional fees if you retain our
firm for such services. You have complete freedom in selecting an investment adviser to assist you in
implementing any recommendations by LFG and are under no obligation to act upon the advice we
provide.
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For consulting services, the investment advisory agreement between LFG and the client will
continue in effect until terminated by either party. For stand-alone financial planning services, the
agreement between LFG and the client will terminate upon delivery of the plan or completion of the
service.
Payment of Fees
Clients authorize LFG to instruct the account custodian to directly debit fees from the client’s
account. Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a prorated fee.
Fees for our advisory services generally require you to pay investment advisory fees in advance of
receiving services. Any pre-paid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded.
• For investment and wealth management services, refunds are calculated by taking the total
advisory fee billed for the calendar quarter, dividing that amount by the number of days in
the calendar quarter and multiplying that amount by the number of days services were not
provided during the calendar quarter.
• For Independent Managers, the Independent Manager determines the manner in which
advisory fees are billed (in advance or arrears). You should refer to the manager’s Form
ADV Part 2A Brochure for additional information on how fees are paid for their services.
• For financial planning and consulting services, refunds are calculated based on the value of
the services that were completed prior to termination of the advisory agreement.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses You May Incur
Clients incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, third-party investments and other third
parties, such as fees charged by Independent Managers, custodial fees, odd-lot differentials, transfer
taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and
securities transactions. Decisions to reallocate your account assets at times will result in you
incurring a redemption fee imposed by one or more mutual funds held in your account. Mutual
funds and exchange traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a
fund’s prospectus. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to LFG’s fee.
LFG shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs, including any distribution
or “12b-1” fees paid by the mutual funds in which your account assets are invested.
Other Types of Compensation We Receive
Certain Supervised Persons of LFG are licensed insurance agents and receive commissions for the
sale of fixed insurance products, and in some instances, ongoing compensation called trail
commissions. This compensation gives these financial professionals an incentive to recommend
insurance products in addition to advisory services. We address this conflict of interest by upholding
our fiduciary duty to provide investment advice that is in your best interest and disclosing the
conflict to you before or at the time you enter into an investment advisory contract with our firm.
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Clients are advised that the fees paid to LFG for investment advisory services are separate and
distinct from any fees and compensation earned, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with
the sale of fixed insurance. You have the option to purchase insurance that your investment adviser
representative recommends through other agents that are not affiliated with LFG.
LFG has contracted with Trade-PMR, Inc. (“Trade-PMR”) for brokerage services, including trade
processing, collection of management fees, marketing assistance and research. Item 12 – Brokerage
Practices further describes the factors that LFG considers in selecting or recommending broker-
dealers for client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g.,
commissions). These brokerage relationships provide services such as research, thought leadership,
technology to LFG that are not available to the general investing public.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
LFG does not charge any performance-based fees or participate in side-by-side management.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
LFG provides portfolio management services to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts,
estates, foundations, and other business entities.
LFG generally requires a minimum initial investment of $1,000,000 for investment management
services. The firm, in its sole discretion, will accept clients based upon each client’s particular
circumstances.
Certain Independent Managers impose more restrictive account requirements and varying billing
practices than LFG. In such instances, LFG would alter its corresponding account requirements
and/or billing practices to accommodate those of the Independent Managers.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
LFG seeks to carefully construct a risk-adjusted, tax-efficient, and cost-effective asset allocation
strategy based on a client’s unique cash flow needs, stated return and risk profile. Security selection
is based on qualitative, quantitative, technical, and relative strength metrics. Portfolio holdings are
constantly monitored and adjusted as market conditions and our clients’ circumstances dictate.
Clients may hold or retain other types of assets as well and LFG will offer advice regarding those
various assets only as contracted. Advice regarding such assets generally will not involve asset
management services.
LFG predominantly utilizes a combination of active and passive strategies to allocate client assets
primarily among publicly traded securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, UITs and/or
separately managed portfolios. Nevertheless, individual client circumstances dictate the use of other
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types of securities, actively managed portfolios, or alternative investments. Depending upon the
client’s financial needs, strategies implemented might include long-term purchases (securities held at
least a year), short term purchases (securities sold within a year), short sales, margin transactions,
option writing, including covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies, and other
securities transactions.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that you should be prepared to bear. All investments
present the risk of loss of principal – the risk that the value of securities (e.g., stocks, mutual funds,
ETFs, UITs, bonds, etc.), when sold or otherwise disposed of, may be less than the price paid for the
securities. Even when the value of the securities when sold is greater than the price paid, there is the
risk that the appreciation will be less than inflation. In other words, the purchasing power of the
proceeds would be less than the purchasing power of the original investment. There is no guarantee
that investment recommendations made by LFG will be successful. We cannot assure that your
account will increase, preserve capital, or generate income, nor can we assure that your investment
objectives will be realized. Although all investments involve risk, our investment advice seeks to
limit risk through diversification among various asset classes.
We recommend a variety of security types for your account in an effort to achieve your individual
needs and goals. This includes, but is not limited to, stocks, bonds, ETFs, open-end and closed-end
mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, advisory accounts, real estate
investment trusts, or other private alternative or other investment funds. An investment in such other
funds or managers present risks specific to the particular investment vehicle, such as long-term
illiquidity, redemption notice periods or other restrictions on redemptions, capital calls, or periodic
taxable income distribution.
Described below are the material risks associated with investing in the types of securities we
generally use in client accounts:
Equity Securities
In general, prices of equity securities (common, convertible preferred stocks and other securities
whose values are tied to the price of stocks, such as rights, warrants and convertible debt securities)
are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities could decline
in value if the issuer’s financial condition declines or in response to overall market and economic
conditions. Investments in smaller companies and mid-size companies involve greater risk and price
volatility than investments in larger, more mature companies.
Fixed-Income Securities
The return and principal value of bonds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Fixed-income
securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit quality risk. The market value of fixed-income
securities generally declines when interest rates rise, and an issuer of fixed-income securities could
default on its payment obligations. Changes in interest rates generally have a greater effect on bonds
with longer maturities than on those with shorter maturities. If bonds are not held to maturity, they
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are worth more or less than their original value. Call risk is applicable to callable securities and
includes the risk that the bond or other fixed income security will be redeemed by the issuer before
its maturity date, which typically occurs when interest rates fall. This could lead to the holder having
to re-enter the market with less income opportunity, which is known as “reinvestment risk”. Credit
risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a bond will not be able to make principal and/or
interest payments. High yield bonds, also known as “junk bonds,” carry higher risk of loss of
principal and income than higher rated investment grade bonds.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are typically investment companies that are legally classified as open-end mutual funds or unit
investment trusts. ETFs differ from traditional mutual funds in that ETF shares are listed on a
securities exchange. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other
publicly traded companies. ETF shares trade at, at discount, or at premium to their net asset value.
This difference between the bid price and ask price is often referred to as the “spread.” The spread
varies over time based on the ETF’s trading volume and market liquidity. It is generally lower if the
ETF has high trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the ETF has low trading volume
and market liquidity. Liquidity risks are higher for ETFs with a large spread. ETFs are closed and
liquidated at the discretion of the issuing company.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds invest in different types of securities, such as value or growth stocks, real estate
investment trusts, corporate bonds, or U.S. government bonds. There are risks associated with each
asset class.
An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. Although money market funds seek to
preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in
the fund. Redemption is at the current net asset value, which may be more or less than the original
cost. Aggressive growth funds are most suitable for investors willing to accept price per share
volatility since many companies that demonstrate high growth potential can also be high risk.
Income from tax-free mutual funds at times will be subject to local, state and/or the alternative
minimum tax.
Because each mutual fund owns different types of investments, performance will be affected by a
variety of factors. The value of your investment in a mutual fund will vary from day to day as the
values of the underlying investments in a fund vary. Such variations generally reflect changes in
interest rates, market conditions and other company and economic news. These risks become
magnified depending on how much a fund invests or uses certain strategies. A fund’s principal
market segment(s), such as large-cap, mid-cap or small-cap stocks, or growth or value stocks may
underperform other market segments or the equity markets as a whole.
You can find additional information regarding these risks in the fund’s prospectus.
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Unit Investment Trusts
Similar to a mutual fund, Unit Investment Trusts (UIT) typically invest in a diversified portfolio of
stocks, bonds or other securities. Unlike mutual fund portfolios, UITs will make a one-time “public
offering” of only a specific, fixed number of units and are structured with the intention to be held
through a determined maturity date. These portfolios are fixed and unmanaged after inception,
meaning the underlying holdings are not actively traded or rebalanced in response to market
conditions and at times may trade at a premium or discount to the underlying NAV of the assets
held by the trust.
As the income and performance of a UIT is directly related to underlying holdings, UIT’s encounter
the same market, interest rate, credit, call, and inflation risk of underlying fixed income and equity
securities. As UITs are generally designed to be held until maturity, early redemptions may be
subject to limited liquidity or fees. Distribution of UITs can generate taxable events, and any
distributions or sales may have tax consequences.
International Investing
The risks of investing in foreign securities include loss of value as a result of political or economic
instability; nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation; changes in foreign exchange rates
and foreign exchange restrictions; settlement delays; and limited government regulation (including
less stringent reporting, accounting, and disclosure standards than are required of U.S. companies).
These risks may be greater with investments in emerging markets. Certain investments utilized by
LFG also contain international securities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As appropriate, a portion of your assets will be invested in cash or cash equivalents to achieve your
investment objective, provide ongoing distributions, and/or take a defensive position. Cash holdings
may result in a loss of market exposure.
Alternative Investments
Alternative investments are illiquid investments and do not trade on a national securities exchange.
Alternative investments typically include investments in direct participation program securities
(partnerships, limited liability companies, business development companies or real estate investment
trusts), commodity pools, private equity, private debt, or hedge funds. Alternative investments are
subject to various risks, such as illiquidity and property devaluation based on adverse economic
and/or real estate market conditions.
Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Investors considering an investment
strategy utilizing alternative investments should understand that alternative investments are
generally considered speculative in nature and involve a high degree of risk, particularly if
concentrating investments in one or few alternative investments. These risks are potentially greater
and substantially different than those associated with traditional equity or fixed income investments.
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Additional information regarding these risks can be found in the product’s prospectus or offering
documents.
Options
Certain types of option trading is utilized, as appropriate, in accounts in order to generate income or
hedge a security held in the account. There are additional risks with using options. An option holder
runs the risk of losing the entire amount paid for the option in a relatively short period of time. The
risks of covered call writing include the potential for the market to rise sharply, which would likely
cause the security to be called away and no longer be held in the account. The risk of buying long
puts is limited to the loss of the premium paid for the purchase of the put if the option is not
exercised or otherwise sold. The writer of a put option bears a risk of loss if the value of the
underlying interest declines below the exercise price, and such loss could be substantial if the decline
is significant. The obligation of a writer of a put that is not cash-secured to meet margin
requirements creates additional risks. Combination transactions, such as option spreads, are more
complex than buying or writing a single option and carry additional risks.
You can find additional information regarding the risks associated with options trading on the
Options Industry Council website, www.optionseducation.org.
ESG Investing
ESG strategies prioritize ESG criteria over other investment criteria. As a result, such strategies will
be more limited in the number and types of investments available and may perform differently than
strategies that do not screen for ESG factors. Socially responsible investing is qualitative and
subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized, or judgment exercised, by
The Lewis Financial Group will reflect the beliefs or values of any one particular investor. Socially
responsible norms differ by region. There is no assurance that the socially responsible investing
strategy and techniques employed will be successful. Past performance is not a guarantee or reliable
indicator of future results. You should read the fund’s prospectus carefully before investing to
understand the fund’s investments, and how its ESG orientation may affect its risk. Some funds that
consider ESG factors may have different expense ratios than other funds that do not consider ESG
factors. Paying more in expenses will reduce the value of your investment over time.
Cybersecurity Risk
The computer systems, networks and devices used by LFG and service providers to us and our
clients to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent
damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication
failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections
utilized, systems, networks or devices potentially can be breached. A client could be negatively
impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
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Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection
from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow
or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity
breaches may cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial
losses to a client; impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers to transact
business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational
damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs, as well as the
inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities
in which a client invests; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other
financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions and other parties.
In additional substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity
breaches in the future.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
As a registered investment adviser, LFG is required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal
or disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of our firm or the integrity of our
management. LFG has no disciplinary information to report.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Certain Supervised Persons of LFG are licensed insurance agents and receive commissions for the
sale of fixed insurance products, and in some instances, ongoing compensation called trail
commissions. This compensation gives these financial professionals an incentive to recommend
insurance products in addition to advisory services. We address this conflict of interest by upholding
our fiduciary duty to provide investment advice that is in your best interest and disclosing the
conflict to you before or at the time you enter into an investment advisory contract with our firm.
Clients are advised that the fees paid to LFG for investment advisory services are separate and
distinct from any fees and compensation earned, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with
the sale of fixed insurance. You have the option to purchase insurance that your investment adviser
representative recommends through other agents that are not affiliated with LFG.
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Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
Our Code of Ethics
LFG is committed to providing investment advice with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
Our firm strives to identify manage and/or mitigate conflicts of interest and has adopted policies,
procedures, and oversight mechanisms to address conflicts of interest. We have adopted a Code of
Ethics that emphasizes our fiduciary obligation to put client interests first and is designed to ensure
personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of employees will not interfere with the
responsibilities to make decisions in the best interest of clients. All supervised persons of our firm
must acknowledge and comply with our Code of Ethics.
To request a copy of our Code of Ethics at no cost, contact us at 703-288-1272.
Participation in Client Transactions
LFG does not affect principal or agency cross securities transactions for client accounts. LFG also
does not cross trades between client accounts. Principal transactions are generally defined as
transactions where an adviser, acting as principal for its own account or the account of an affiliated
broker-dealer, buys from or sells a security to an advisory client. An agency cross transaction is
defined as a transaction where a person acts as an investment adviser in relation to a transaction in
which the investment adviser, or any person controlled by or under common control with the
investment adviser, acts as broker for both the advisory client and for another person on the other
side of the transaction. Agency cross transactions arise where an adviser is dually registered as a
broker-dealer or has an affiliated broker-dealer.
Employee Personal Trading
Supervised persons of LFG are permitted to purchase or sell the same securities that we recommend
for investment in client accounts. This creates a conflict of interest as there is a possibility that
employees of our firm might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by the
employee. Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions,
activities and interests of the employees of LFG will not interfere with making decisions in the best
interest of advisory clients and implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing
employees to invest for their own accounts. Under the Code of Ethics, certain classes of securities
have been designated as exempt transactions, based upon a determination that these would not
materially interfere with the best interest of LFG’s clients. Our Code of Ethics also places restrictions
on our employees’ personal trading activities. These restrictions include, but are not limited to, a
prohibition on trading based on non-public information and pre-clearance requirements for certain
types of transactions. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics in an
effort to prevent conflicts of interest between LFG and our clients.
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Certain affiliated accounts trade in the same securities with client accounts on an aggregated basis
when consistent with LFG’s obligation of best execution. In such circumstances, the affiliated and
client accounts will share commission costs equally and receive securities at a total average price.
LFG will retain records of the trade order (specifying each participating account) and its allocation,
which will be completed prior to the entry of the aggregated order. Completed orders will be
allocated as specified in the initial trade order. Partially filled orders will be allocated on a pro rata
basis. Any exceptions will be explained on the order.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Selection and Recommendation of Broker-Dealers
Though LFG recommends brokers with which we have negotiated pricing on behalf of our clients,
we do not have discretionary authority to select brokers. We endeavor to recommend broker-dealers
that will provide the best services at the lowest commission rates possible. The reasonableness of
commissions is based on the broker's ability to provide professional services, competitive
commission rates, research, and other services that will help our firm provide investment
management services to clients. LFG recommend brokers who provide useful securities transaction
services or research, even though a lower commission may be charged by a broker who offers no
research services and minimal securities transaction assistance.
LFG has negotiated relationships with TradePMR and First Clearing Services. Factors which LFG
considers in recommending these, or any broker-dealer to clients include, but is not limited to, their
respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research, and service. The commissions
and/or transaction fees charged by these brokers may be higher or lower than those charged by other
broker-dealers.
We have negotiated competitive pricing and services with TradePMR for brokerage back-office and
trade execution services and First Clearing for clearing and custodial services. First Clearing is a
trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC., a non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo &
Company. TradePMR and First Clearing are members of SIPC and are unaffiliated registered
broker-dealers and FINRA members. The brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees charged
by TradePMR are included in LFG’s advisory fee. LFG regularly reviews the reasonableness of the
compensation received by the broker-dealers used for executing client transactions in an effort to
ensure that our clients receive favorable execution consistent with our fiduciary duty.
In addition, TradePMR provides LFG with access to its institutional trading and custody services,
which are typically not available to retail investors. These brokerage services include the execution
of securities transactions, custody, research, and access to mutual funds and other investments that
are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly
higher minimum initial investment. Other benefits we receive include receipt of duplicate client
confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; access to a trading desk that exclusively services its
participants; access to block trading, which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions
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and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts; and access to an electronic
communication network for client order entry and account information.
The commissions paid by LFG’s clients are intended to be consistent with our duty to seek to obtain
“best execution.” However, a client may pay a commission that is higher than what another
qualified broker-dealer might charge to affect the same transaction when LFG determines, in good
faith, that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost,
but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the
full range of a broker-dealer’s services, including among others, execution capability, commission
rates, and responsiveness. Consistent with the foregoing, while LFG will seek competitive rates, it
may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
Independent Managers selected to manage clients' assets will generally also request the discretion to
select brokers and negotiate commissions on behalf of a client. LFG will not have control over
trading execution by such managers. Clients should review the Form ADV disclosure documents of
such managers regarding their trading practices.
TradePMR provides our firm with access to its Fusion platform, trading technology, research,
compliance support, and operational services that help us manage client accounts. Some of these
services benefit our firm but may not directly benefit you or your account.
In addition, from time to time TradePMR offers a program under which it provides a deposit match
or incentive for eligible deposits made by clients who open or fund accounts at TradePMR during
specific time periods (“Asset Match”). When in effect, this deposit match increases the value of the
client’s account and, when made into fee-bearing accounts, increases the total assets under
management (“AUM”) upon which our advisory fees are calculated.
This arrangement creates a material conflict of interest because our firm has a financial incentive to
recommend TradePMR as custodian or to encourage clients to make deposits to fee-bearing
accounts that qualify for a TradePMR Asset Match program, since doing so could increase the assets
on which our advisory fees are based.
We mitigate this conflict by: disclosing the incentive and its effect on our compensation; evaluating
TradePMR’s custodial services independently of any such programs; recommending custodians
based on overall service quality, technology, and execution, not deposit incentives; and acting in a
fiduciary capacity to place client interests ahead of our own.
We believe TradePMR provides a combination of custody, trading, and client service capabilities
that serve the best interests of our clients.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
LFG does not participate in soft-dollar relationships. While custodians and brokers selected by LFG
provide trade execution and research services to contracted advisers, LFG does not receive research,
brokerage services, or other benefits in exchange for directing client transactions to any particular
broker-dealer or custodian.
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Brokerage for Client Referrals
When selecting broker-dealers for the execution of client securities transactions, LFG does not
consider whether we will receive any client referrals from the broker-dealer or any other third-party.
Directed Brokerage
As LFG will not request the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used, or the
commission rates to be paid, clients must direct LFG as to the broker-dealer to be used. The
commissions and transaction fees charged by these broker-dealers could be higher or lower than
those charged by other custodians and broker-dealers. When directing the use of a particular broker-
dealer, it should be understood that LFG will not have authority to negotiate commissions among
various broker-dealers or obtain volume discounts. As such, best execution may not be achieved.
Not all investment advisers require clients to direct the use of specific broker-dealers.
Aggregation of Orders
LFG will generally block trades where possible and when advantageous to clients. Certain trades
will be effected independently. The blocking of trades permits the trading of aggregate blocks of
securities composed of assets from multiple client accounts where transaction costs are shared
equally and on a pro-rated basis between all accounts included in the block. Block trading allows us
to execute equity or fixed income trades in a timely, equitable manner and to reduce overall
commission charges to clients. LFG does not block trades across custodians; trades are executed in
block, when possible and advantageous, at directed custodians. Clients who do not provide LFG
with discretion will not participate in block trades, and their trades in similar securities will be placed
with brokers after trades for discretionary accounts. Accounts owned by supervised persons of our
firm participate in block trading with your accounts; however, these individuals will not be given
preferential treatment of any kind.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Accounts at LFG are reviewed on a periodic basis. This informal review includes assessing client
goals and objectives, monitoring the account, and addressing the need to rebalance, as necessary.
Individual securities held in client accounts are periodically monitored by the firm, while any
selected third-party managers are monitored on a quarterly basis. Accounts are reviewed in the
context of each client’s stated investment objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews can be
triggered by material changes to a client’s individual circumstances, market conditions, tax law
changes or the political or economic environment.
LFG also reviews tax-planning needs, cash-flow needs, as well as charitable giving, insurance, and
estate planning as part of our ongoing client reviews. Reviews are tailored to the services we provide
to you, as well as your individual needs and goals. We encourage you to discuss your needs, goals,
and objectives with us and keep us informed of any changes. If you engage our firm for ongoing
investment advisory services, we will contact you at least annually to determine whether there have
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been any changes to your financial situation or investment objectives and whether you wish to
impose any reasonable restrictions on the management of your account or reasonably modify any
existing restrictions. At this time, we will advise you of any account changes we feel are necessary to
help you stay on track with meeting your financial goals and consider whether the current services
provided by our firm continue to be suitable for your needs.
As a convenience to our clients, at their direction, in addition to reporting on clients’ financial assets,
we are able to prepare a global consolidated report that also includes certain non-financial assets
(e.g., real assets). In such instances, LFG relies on the client to provide current and accurate price or
other valuation information for those assets to be included in the client’s consolidated account
report. LFG does not independently verify, and expressly disclaims responsibility for, the accuracy
of any non-financial asset values clients provided to us to include in their reporting. In no instance
are non-financial assets included in any performance reporting.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Other Compensation Arrangements
LFG receives compensation from broker-dealers used for your account, and your account custodian
in the form of access to electronic systems that assist us in the management of client accounts, as
well as research, software and other technology that provide access to client account data (such as
trade confirmations and account statements), pricing information and other market data, facilitate
trade execution (and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), and client
reporting capabilities. Your account custodian also offers us discounts for products and services
offered by vendors and third-party service providers, such as software and technology solutions.
These economic benefits create a conflict of interest in that it gives our firm an incentive to
recommend one broker-dealer or custodian over another that does not provide similar electronic
systems, support, or services. We address this conflict of interest by disclosing to our clients the types
of compensation that our firm receives so clients can consider this when evaluating our firm. It is
important that you consider the fees, level of service and investment strategies, among other factors,
when selecting an investment manager.
We do not receive compensation, client referrals, or reimbursements from TradePMR. However,
TradePMR’s Asset Match program provides deposit-matching benefits directly to clients who make
eligible deposits. Although these incentives are provided to clients rather than our firm, they may
create a conflict of interest because if those deposits are made to fee-bearing accounts, they can
indirectly increase our compensation by raising the total value of assets under management on
which our advisory fee is based.
We address this conflict by disclosing it to clients and by ensuring our custodian recommendations
are based on factors such as execution quality, technology, cost, and service—not on the presence or
absence of promotional programs. Clients are not obligated to participate in any such program and
may custody their assets elsewhere.
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Client Referrals
LFG does not pay any referral fees to other individuals or entities for referring clients to our firm.
Item 15 – Custody
When you establish a relationship with our firm for investment management services, your assets
will be maintained by a bank, broker -dealer, mutual fund transfer agent or other such institution
deemed a ‘qualified custodian’ by the SEC. We rely on the custodian to price and value assets,
execute and clear transactions, maintain custody of assets in your account and perform other
custodial functions. LFG does not maintain physical possession of any client account assets. Clients’
assets must be held by a bank, broker dealer, mutual fund transfer agent or other such institution
deemed a qualified custodian. We utilize First Clearing as the qualified custodian for client
accounts.
Nevertheless, LFG is deemed to have custody, pursuant to Rule 206(4)-2 of the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940, as amended, due to its authority over certain accounts to distribute assets subject to
third-party standing letters of authorization. LFG relies on the SEC No-Action Letter issued to the
Investment Advisers Association, dated February 21, 2017, which provides an exemption from the
annual surprise custody examination by an independent accountant.
You will receive monthly and/or quarterly account statements directly from the qualified custodian.
LFG provides you with written quarterly performance reports for your account upon your request.
We urge you to carefully review your account statements and compare the account balances with
the balances reflected on any performance report you receive from our firm for accuracy. Balances
on our reports at times will vary slightly from custodial statements due to differences in accounting
procedures, reporting dates, valuation methodologies of certain securities or other operational
factors. You should promptly notify us if you do not receive account statements from your custodian
at least quarterly, or if you believe the information on your account statements is inaccurate.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
LFG typically has investment discretion over clients’ securities accounts. Investment discretion is
the authority to determine the securities or other assets to purchase or sell on behalf of an account.
Investment discretion also includes the authority to select or terminate a third-party asset
manager(s). This authority is exercised in a manner consistent with your stated investment objective
for the particular account. You must provide written authorization to our firm before we can assume
discretionary authority over your account. Any investment guidelines or restrictions you would like
to place on your account must be provided to LFG in writing.
Clients that wish to maintain discretion over their accounts should understand that LFG cannot
effect any account transactions without first obtaining your consent. LFG may not accept consent
via email or voicemail.
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Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
As a matter of policy and practice, LFG does not accept the authority to vote, and does not vote
proxies on behalf of clients. Clients are responsible for all decisions concerning the voting of proxies
for securities held in their accounts. In certain situations, the Independent Manager is responsible for
the voting of client proxies.
LFG has no responsibility to render legal advice or take any legal action on behalf of clients relating
to class action lawsuits and related settlements. Clients are responsible for retaining their own legal
counsel to assist with such matters, when necessary.
As LFG historically accepted proxy voting authority, you can request a copy of our prior Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures and/or a record of ballots voted upon by contacting us at 703-288-
1272.
Item 18 – Financial Information
As a registered investment adviser, LFG is required to provide you with certain financial
information about our firm.
Prepayment of Fees
We do not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six months or more
in advance.
Our Financial Condition
We do not have any financial commitment that is reasonably likely to impair our contractual
commitments to our clients, nor has our firm ever been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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