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300 Barr Harbor Drive, Suite 705
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-260-2200
610-260-2239
www.towerbridgeadvisors.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of TOWER BRIDGE ADVISORS. If you have any questions about
the contents of this brochure, please contact us at: 610-260-2200, or by
jkachel@towerbridgeadvisors.com. The information in this
email at:
brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority. Tower
Bridge is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)
as an investment adviser; please note that registration does not imply a
certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about TOWER BRIDGE ADVISORS is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
This Brochure was last updated on May 12, 2025.
Tower Bridge Advisors
Table of Contents*
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................ 1
Firm Description ......................................................................................................... 1
Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................ 1
Assets Under Management ....................................................................................... 2
Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................... 2
Advisory Fees ............................................................................................................ 2
Other Fees and Expenses ......................................................................................... 4
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ........................................ 5
Types of Clients............................................................................................................. 6
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................. 6
Methods of Analysis ................................................................................................... 6
Investment Strategies ................................................................................................ 7
Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................... 7
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................... 9
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................... 9
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ......................................................................................................................... 10
Code of Ethics.......................................................................................................... 10
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ......................................................... 11
Personal Trading...................................................................................................... 11
Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................... 11
Selecting Brokerage Firms ....................................................................................... 11
Soft Dollars .............................................................................................................. 13
Trade Order and Aggregation .................................................................................. 13
* A NOTE ABOUT THE FORMAT OF THIS BROCHURE: The SEC requires all registered investment
advisers to use prescribed headings, even if those headings are not relevant to a particular adviser’s
operations. Where a required heading does not pertain to our business, we list the heading and explain
that the topic does not apply to us.
TOC 1
Tower Bridge Advisors
Review of Accounts .................................................................................................... 14
Periodic Reviews ..................................................................................................... 14
Reports .................................................................................................................... 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................ 14
Incoming Referrals ................................................................................................... 14
Referrals Out ........................................................................................................... 15
Custody ........................................................................................................................ 15
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................. 15
Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................. 16
Financial Information .................................................................................................. 16
Business Continuity Plan ........................................................................................... 16
General .................................................................................................................... 16
Information Security Program .................................................................................... 17
Privacy Notice ............................................................................................................. 17
TOC 2
Tower Bridge Advisors
Advisory Business
Firm Description
Founded in 2001, TOWER BRIDGE ADVISORS (“Tower Bridge” or the
“Company”) provides personalized confidential investment management
services and advice to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts,
estates, charitable organizations and small businesses and acts as an
investment manager of two private funds.
With the exception of two minority shareholders, the Company is all
employee-owned. The primary shareholder is James Meyer.
Types of Advisory Services
Discretionary Asset Management
Separately Managed Accounts
Tower Bridge’s principal business is providing discretionary investment
advisory services, also known as asset management services. We base
these services on a careful analysis of a client’s total financial position,
including the client’s documented financial resources and investment goals
and objectives. While a discretionary account arrangement generally
authorizes Tower Bridge to buy and sell securities for managed accounts
without obtaining specific client consent, clients may impose restrictions on
the purchase of certain securities or types of securities for their accounts.
We invest client assets primarily in equities (stocks) and fixed-income
securities, such as corporate debt securities, municipal securities and U.S.
government securities. Investments may also include: warrants, commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, investment company securities (variable
annuities, and no-load, low-load mutual funds or exchange-traded funds),
options contracts, futures contracts, and interests in partnerships (real estate,
and oil and gas).
Tower Bridge also provides its discretionary management services through
one or more “wrap-fee” programs. Under these programs the client is
introduced to Tower Bridge by a program sponsor, who also acts as
custodian of the funds and securities of the participating account; effects all
purchases and sales of securities for that account; monitors Tower Bridge’s
performance; and provides periodic reports to the client. The program
sponsor charges the client a comprehensive (or “wrap”) fee for all of the
portfolio management, brokerage execution, custodial and administrative
services rendered to the account and pays a portion of that comprehensive
fee to Tower Bridge for the investment advice Tower Bridge renders.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
Private Fund Management
Tower Bridge also manages two private investment funds, the TB
Concentrated Opportunities Fund, LP (“Concentrated Opportunities Fund”)
and the TB Technology Select Fund, LP (“Technology Fund”) (each a “Fund”
and collectively, the “Funds”). Each Fund is managed in accordance with its
own investment and trading objectives, as described in its offering and
governing agreements (collectively, “Fund Documents”).
Non-Discretionary Asset Management
Tower Bridge also offers non-discretionary investment management services.
Under such an arrangement, Tower Bridge regularly monitors a client’s
account and makes buy/sell recommendations based on the client’s
resources and objectives. However, before executing each trade for a non-
discretionary account, a Tower Bridge portfolio manager must first obtain the
client’s permission.
Other Advisory Services
In addition to the foregoing investment supervisory services, Tower Bridge
may also, from time to time, furnish existing clients with generalized
investment advice through individual consultations or may prepare special
reports or analyses relating to securities or other business matters.
We also provide a limited financial planning service as an ancillary offering to
our clients. This service utilizes financial planning software to create
projections of cash flows based on the client’s specified criteria. Tower Bridge
does not charge a separate fee for this service, and does not provide tax-
planning advice.
Finally, several times a year, Tower Bridge prepares and distributes an
investment letter to clients and certain prospective clients and other parties.
Tower Bridge does not charge a separate fee for this product.
Assets Under Management
As of March 10, 2025, Tower Bridge managed approximately $1.32 billion in
assets for approximately 371 clients. Of this total amount, approximately
$1.294 billion was managed on a discretionary basis, and $23.0 million was
managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Fees and Compensation
Advisory Fees
Asset Management Services for Separately Managed Accounts (Other Than
Wrap Accounts)
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The annual asset management fee is based on a percentage of the
investable assets according to the following standard fee schedule:
1.0% on the first $1,000,000;
.85% on the next $2,000,000;
.75% on the next $2,000,000
.65% on the next $5,000,000; and
.45% on the assets above $10,000,000
The minimum annual fee is $5,000 and is negotiable. Fees higher or lower
than those listed above are sometimes charged where the circumstances so
warrant.
In its sole discretion, Tower Bridge sometimes agrees to aggregate related
accounts for the purpose of calculating investment management fees. In
such cases, the fee will be calculated on the aggregated portfolios’ values
and pro-rated to the individual portfolios if appropriate under the fee
agreement with the client.
Investment management fees are billed quarterly, in advance, meaning that
we invoice you before the three-month billing period has begun. Payment in
full is expected upon invoice presentation. In order to facilitate the billing
process, clients typically authorize Tower Bridge to directly deduct advisory
fees from the managed accounts. In such cases, Tower Bridge sends
invoices to both the client and the account’s custodian (described in the
“Custody” section below) showing the amount of fee to be deducted. The
custodian debits the account and remits the fees to Tower Bridge. In the
alternative, clients may choose to pay fee invoices themselves.
Either the client or the investment manager may terminate an advisory
agreement, at any time, by written notice to the other party. At termination,
fees for the uncompleted part of a quarter will be refunded to the client. No
refunds are made in the case of a partial withdrawal of the account.
Asset Management Services Through Wrap Accounts
As noted above, when Tower Bridge manages accounts through a wrap-fee
program, the program sponsor charges a comprehensive fee for all of the
portfolio management, brokerage execution, custodial and administrative
services provided to the managed account. In such cases, Tower Bridge
receives its management fee from the program sponsor and does not charge
a separate advisory fee to the client.
Asset Management Services to Private Funds
Tower Bridge receives both asset-based management fees and performance-
based compensation from the Funds, as described in the Fund Documents
and further explained below. Management fees are generally charged on a
quarterly or annual basis, in advance, and performance-based fees or
allocations from the Funds are received on an annual basis and upon the
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distribution of capital (such as a withdrawal by a Fund investor). In the event
of a contract termination, prepaid advisory fees for the remaining part of the
billing period will be refunded.
These fees and the expenses described below may be reduced or waived in
certain circumstances, including, without limitation, with respect to
investments in the Funds by our personnel and/or other related persons.
Other Advisory Services
Tower Bridge does not charge for its non-management investment advice or
consultations with existing clients.
Other Fees and Expenses
Separately Managed Accounts
In addition to the advisory fees Tower Bridge charges, clients may incur other
types of fees and expenses related to the investment of their assets. These
third-party fees and expenses include custodian fees, brokerage commissions
and other transaction-related charges. As noted above, some or all of these
fees may be bundled into a “wrap fee” if a client chooses to participate in such
a program.
Furthermore, mutual fund companies charge each fund shareholder an
investment management fee that is disclosed in the fund prospectus. Clients
whose accounts include mutual funds will incur such management fees
(known as “expense ratios”) in addition to the advisory fees Tower Bridge
charges. While Tower Bridge endeavors to help clients optimize their
investment returns, it does not guarantee that clients will be invested in the
lowest mutual fund expense share class at all times. New share classes are
introduced from time to time, and in some cases, investment in lower-cost
classes is restricted by the fund or the custodian.
Please refer to the “Brokerage Practices” discussion below for more
information on third-party fees.
Private Fund Clients
In addition to management and performance-based fees, the Funds generally
bear all costs and expenses associated with their operation as explained in
more detail in the Fund Documents. These costs and expenses include, but
are not limited to brokerage and other transaction-related fees, custody fees,
administrative fees, research fees, legal fees, other professional service
provider fees, information technology costs, insurance costs, and
organizational fees and expenses. A complete description of these additional
fees and expenses is available in the Fund Documents.
Please refer to the “Brokerage Practices” discussion below for more
information.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
Equitable Allocation
To the extent Tower Bridge incurs reimbursable expenses for the benefit of
one or both Funds, Tower Bridge will allocate the total of such expenses in
what it deems to be an equitable manner taking into account the Fund
Documents and applicable facts and circumstances, including the nature of
the product or service and the benefits derived from and the extent of use of
the product or service. Nonetheless, the portion of an expense allocated to a
Fund for a particular product or service might not reflect the relative benefit
derived by such Fund from that product or service in any particular instance.
Expense allocations often depend on inherently subjective determinations,
but are always made in good faith.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
invested capital generally
As discussed above, the Funds pay performance-based fees in addition to
asset-based management fees. The performance-based compensation is
based on a percentage of the capital appreciation of Fund assets or the return
the Funds. Performance-based
from
on
compensation may take the form of a performance allocation, performance fee,
carried interest or other payment, and typically is subject to a high-water mark
and a hurdle. Fund investors are provided with detailed disclosure in the
applicable Fund Documents as to how the relevant performance-based
compensation is calculated and charged. Performance-based compensation
conforms to Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended (the “Advisers Act”), to the extent applicable.
The receipt of fees based on the Funds’ profitability presents a possible conflict
of interest, because we may have an incentive to cause the Funds to make
investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case
otherwise. We mitigate this conflict through faithful adherence to our fiduciary
duty to act in the Funds’ best interests and we periodically assess the
appropriateness of the risks inherent in our investment decisions.
The simultaneous management of accounts paying performance-based
compensation and accounts paying only asset-based fees could present a
conflict of interest if Tower Bridge is called upon to allocate investment
opportunities of limited availability among client accounts, because we could
have an incentive to favor accounts from which we are entitled to receive
performance-based compensation over other accounts. As a practical matter,
it is unlikely that this type of conflict will arise due to the liquid nature of the
securities in which Tower Bridge invests. However, should such a conflict
arise, we will endeavor to allocate such opportunity among such clients in a fair
and equitable manner under the circumstances existing at such time.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
Types of Clients
As noted above, Tower Bridge generally provides investment advice to
individuals, pension or profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations and small businesses, as well as private investment funds.
When Tower Bridge provides investment advice regarding a client’s
retirement plan account or individual retirement account, Tower Bridge is a
“fiduciary” as that term is defined under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code. This fiduciary
status applies to the management of the retirement account and it might also
apply to any specific investment recommendation Tower Bridge makes to a
client about the account before being engaged to exercise discretion over the
client’s retirement assets. Because Tower Bridge will earn fees on the
assets it manages, a recommendation about a retirement account may
present a conflict between the Tower Bridge’s and the client’s interests.
Tower Bridge is legally bound to act in its clients’ best interests and not put its
own interest ahead of its clients’ interests. Tower Bridge has adopted policies
and procedures reasonably designed to satisfy this legal duty.
The minimum account size is $500,000 of assets under management, which
equates to an annual fee of $5,000. When an account falls below $500,000
in value, the minimum annual fee of $5,000 may be charged.
Depending upon circumstances, Tower Bridge sometimes waives the account
minimum. Accounts of less than $500,000 may be set up when the client and
the advisor anticipate that the client will add additional funds to the accounts
bringing the total to $500,000 within a reasonable time. Other exceptions
may apply to the Company’s employees and their relatives, or relatives of
existing clients.
Investors in the Funds generally must qualify as “accredited investors” (as
defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and
“qualified clients” (as defined in Advisers Act Rule 205-3), and may be subject
to other suitability requirements to the extent provided in the applicable Fund
Documents.
The minimum initial investment in the Funds is generally $500,000, subject to
the Funds’ discretion to accept lesser amounts.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
The security analysis methods Tower Bridge uses include fundamental
analysis and cyclical analysis.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and
magazines, inspections of corporate activities, research materials prepared
by others, corporate rating services, annual reports, prospectuses, filings with
the SEC, and company press releases. Tower Bridge Advisors also obtains
information from research and corporate meetings.
We perform our own primary research on securities selected for clients, and
supplement that research with work from outside sources.
Investment Strategies
Separately Managed Accounts
The primary investment strategy used on client accounts is strategic asset
allocation utilizing equity and fixed-income securities. The ratio between the
two categories will vary based on client needs, client preferences and market
conditions. The client may change his objectives at any time, so long as we
are notified in writing. Our core equity holdings will be a diversified portfolio of
individual securities chosen based on a philosophy of growth at a reasonable
price, possibly supplemented as appropriate with passively-managed index
and exchange traded funds that support complementary disciplines. For the
fixed-income portion of portfolios, we buy investment-grade bonds in laddered
maturities.
Other strategies may include long-term purchases, short-term purchases,
short sales, and option writing (including covered options, uncovered options
or spreading strategies).
Although we are committed to treating each client fairly, we have no obligation
to purchase or sell a security for one client solely because we purchase or sell
the same security for another client if, in our reasonable opinion, such security
does not appear to be suitable, practicable or desirable for such client.
Private Fund Clients
The primary investment strategy used for the Funds is to allocate a significant
portion of capital to a select few opportunities which we determine are likely to
generate index-beating performance. The Technology Fund specifically
focuses on the technology and technology-related sectors. The investment
process for each Fund is based on a fundamental research approach that
emphasizes macroeconomic, industry and company analysis. The Funds will
also seek to execute short sales and/or utilize options strategies for
opportunities with favorable risk/reward profiles.
Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that the investor must be prepared
to bear. Although our investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss
in mind, we cannot guarantee that our asset management services or other
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Tower Bridge Advisors
investment advice will produce any particular investment return or that there
will be any return of invested capital. In addition, investment results may vary
substantially over time.
Depending on the types of securities invested in, a client may face a wide
range of risks, including, but not limited to the following:
• Market Risk: The price of an equity security, bond, mutual fund or
exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) may drop in reaction to tangible and
intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by
external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying
circumstances, including epidemics, pandemics, political or social
instability, and natural disasters.
•
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment
prices to fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on
existing bonds become less attractive, causing their market values to
decline.
•
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will
not buy as much as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is
eroding at the rate of inflation. Rising inflation also leads to general
market uncertainty. There is no guarantee that we will be able to
successfully mitigate inflation risk or that interest rates will match
changes in inflation rates.
• Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the
value of the dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating
country. This is also referred to as exchange rate risk.
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or
a particular company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling
companies depend on finding oil and then refining it, a lengthy
process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a higher risk of
profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from
a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the
economic environment is like. Companies in the information
technology sector are subject to the risk that consumers and
businesses will not accept new services, equipment or technologies or
products and services will become rapidly obsolete due to an
accelerated rate of technological change. Profitability is also affected
by companies’ ability to obtain and protect patents and exposure to
significant competitive pressures, In addition, many information
technology sector companies have limited operating histories and
prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more
volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment
into cash. Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are
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Tower Bridge Advisors
interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are
highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
• Political and Regulatory Risk: The securities markets may be adversely
affected by international and domestic political developments and
instability, changes in government policies, tariffs, taxes, restrictions on
foreign investment, currency fluctuations and changes in laws and
regulations affecting portfolio companies. During periods of
uncertainty, market participants may react quickly to unconfirmed
reports of information leading to increased market volatility.
• Concentration Risk: Where permitted by law and the client agreement,
clients may hold a relatively large concentration in a limited number of
issuers, securities, industry sectors and/or geographic regions. Losses
incurred in connection with such portfolios could have a material
adverse effect on a client’s overall financial condition, because the
value of such portfolios will be more susceptible to any single
occurrence affecting one or more of those issuers, securities, industry
sectors or geographic regions than would be the case with a more
diversified investment portfolio.
• Short Sale Risk: A short sale involves the sale of a security that a
client does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security
(or a security exchangeable therefor) at a later date at a lower price.
To make delivery to the buyer, the client must borrow the security and
the client is obligated to return the security to the lender, which is
accomplished by a later purchase of the security by the client. A short
sale involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market
price of the security that would result in a theoretically unlimited loss to
the client.
Disciplinary Information
There are no legal or disciplinary events that would be material to a client’s or
prospective client’s evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our
management.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
The Principals of the general partner of the Concentrated Opportunities Fund (TB
Concentrated GP, LLC) and the general partner of the Technology Fund (TB
Technology Select GP, LLC) (collectively the “General Partners”) are also senior
officers, directors and shareholders of Tower Bridge. Thus the General Partners
and Tower Bridge are under common control and are related persons.
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The relationship between Tower Bridge and the General Partners is material to
our advisory business and creates conflicts of interest that could adversely affect
our clients. In addition to the conflicts arising from our receipt of performance
based compensation and the side-by-side management of accounts that pay
asset-based fees and accounts that also pay performance-based fees that are
described above, we have an incentive to recommend that eligible Separately
Managed Account clients invest in one or both Funds because we may possibly
earn higher fees. Another potential conflict arises from the fact that Tower Bridge
and the General Partners share personnel whose time and attention must be
divided among the related businesses.
Tower Bridge has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to
manage these conflicts; to ensure that investment opportunities are fairly
allocated to all Tower Bridge clients; to ensure that recommendations to invest in
the Fund will be made only where such investment is in the clients’ best interests;
and to ensure that shared personnel’s time and attention is allocated fairly.
Furthermore, although the General Partners are not, themselves, registered as
investment advisers under the Advisers Act, all of their investment advisory
activities are subject to Tower Bridge’s supervision and control in accordance
with Tower Bridge’s code of ethics and compliance policies and procedures.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
Tower Bridge has adopted a Code of Ethics that describes certain standards
of conduct that the Company’s employees must follow; forbids trading on the
basis of inside information; and addresses personal trading by officers,
directors and employees and certain of their family members.
With regard to standards of conduct, the Code affirms the Company’s
fiduciary relationship with our clients and obligates all employees to carry out
their duties solely in the clients’ best interests, and free from all compromising
influences and loyalties. In addition, employees are expected to comply with
the spirit and letter of all applicable laws, regulations and Tower Bridge
compliance procedures and to be sensitive to and act appropriately in
situations that may give rise to actual as well as perceived conflicts of interest
or violations of the Code of Ethics. In this last regard, the Code restricts the
giving or receipt of certain gifts and business entertainment and prohibits or
imposes limits on political contributions in certain circumstances.
The Company will provide a copy of its Code of Ethics to any client or
prospective client upon request.
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Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
As noted above, Tower Bridge may recommend that its Separately Managed
Account clients invest in the Funds whose General Partners are Tower
Bridge’s related persons. Tower Bridge’s personnel may also invest in the
Funds, giving us an even greater economic interest in the Funds’ success.
This presents conflicts of interest related to the enhanced compensation
Tower Bridge may receive from the Funds. Tower Bridge endeavors to
manage such conflicts as described on page 5 above.
Personal Trading
Tower Bridge and its officers, directors, employees and certain of their family
members (collectively referred to here as “related persons”) sometimes invest
in the same securities that are bought and sold for, or are recommended to,
clients, and sometimes do so at or around the same time that trades are
placed for or recommendations are made to clients. This presents a potential
conflict between the interests of the Company and its related persons on the
one hand, and the interests of clients on the other.
The Company takes a number of steps to address these potential conflicts.
For example, the Code of Ethics requires that all trades effected for and all
recommendations made to clients must be independent of the proprietary or
personal investments of the Company or its related persons. In order to
ensure this independence, Tower Bridge maintains a restricted list of
securities being traded or being considered for trading on behalf of client
accounts, and the Company and related persons are prohibited from buying
or selling any securities on that list. Related persons must receive permission
from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) before investing in
IPOs, private placements or other limited offerings and before engaging in
day trading. (The Company typically does not engage in such investment
activities for clients.) Related persons also are obliged to report their
personal trading activity to the CCO on a quarterly basis. He reviews all
employee trades to ensure that clients of the firm receive preferential
treatment. He also confirms that the Company’s proprietary trades comply
with the restricted list. The CCO’s own personal trades are reviewed by the
Company’s CFO, Jeff Kachel.
Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
Tower Bridge has discretion to select the broker-dealers that execute trades
for the Funds and for a relatively small number Separately Managed
Accounts. In making such selections, the Company endeavors to achieve
“best execution,” which is typically defined as executing trades at the most
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Tower Bridge Advisors
favorable net price in light of all relevant circumstances. Among the best
execution factors we consider when we select broker-dealers are:
commission rates; the quality, accuracy and efficiency of trade executions;
the size and complexity of a particular transaction; the creditworthiness of the
broker-dealer; the level of service the broker-dealer provides; and research
services supplied to Tower Bridge.
The vast majority of asset management clients direct Tower Bridge to place
trades for their accounts with particular broker-dealers. In many cases, the
client has an established relationship with the broker-dealer and wishes to
continue that relationship by having that firm execute the portfolio trades,
while Tower Bridge makes the investment decisions. Clients do this for a
variety of reasons, including the receipt of free or reduced-cost custody or
other personalized services from the firms they select. In other cases, the
client seeks free or reduced-cost custody or other services but does not
already know which broker-dealer it wants to select. If the client wishes,
Tower Bridge will assist the client in choosing a broker-dealer who will
maintain custody of the client’s assets and effect trades for the account. In
providing this assistance, Tower Bridge will discuss with the client the relative
costs and benefits of discount and full-service brokerage firms, as appropriate
for the client’s circumstances. Please note that while Tower Bridge is happy
to provide advice about brokerage selection, we do not require clients to
direct their brokerage to any particular firm. If the client prefers, Tower Bridge
will exercise discretionary authority to select the broker-dealer on each
portfolio trade.
Please also note that in directed brokerage cases, Tower Bridge will trade
only with the broker-dealer the client selects and generally will not negotiate
the commission rates charged to the account. The client will be responsible
for negotiating those rates. As a result, in some cases, it is possible that a
directed account will pay higher commissions, receive less favorable net
prices or pay more administrative costs than it would if Tower Bridge were
authorized to select the broker-dealer. Where fixed-income securities are
traded, clients who direct their trades to a particular firm may pay a
commission in addition to a mark-up or mark-down on the securities.
Furthermore, directed accounts may not be eligible to participate in any block
trade that Tower Bridge may be able to effect for accounts that have
authorized it to select the broker-dealer. (Please see the discussion of “Trade
Order and Aggregation” below.) For all of these reasons, directing trades to a
particular broker-dealer could compromise Tower Bridge’s ability to seek best
execution on clients’ behalf.
The broker-dealers Tower Bridge recommends or exercises discretionary
authority to select sometimes refer investment management clients to the
Company. Receiving such referrals creates a conflict between Tower
Bridge’s interest in generating business and the interests of our clients.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
Soft Dollars
Tower Bridge receives research from broker-dealers who effect trades for
managed accounts. These services (which are sometimes called “soft-dollar”
services) include economic statistics and forecasting services, industry and
company analyses, portfolio strategy services, quantitative data, market
information systems and consulting services from economists and political
analysts. Tower Bridge may cause clients to pay higher commissions than
those charged by other broker-dealers in return for research services and
may use these services for the benefit of all managed accounts, not just those
accounts whose commissions paid for them; Tower Bridge does not seek to
allocate soft-dollar benefits to accounts in proportion to the commissions the
accounts generate. While our receipt of research in connection with client
securities transactions benefits clients by enabling us to make more informed
investment decisions, such arrangements might also be seen to benefit us,
because we do not have to produce or pay for the research we receive in this
way. For this reason, we might be seen to have an incentive to select or
recommend a broker-dealer based on our interests instead of those of our
clients.
In order to protect our clients’ interests, Tower Bridge has adopted policies
and procedures designed to ensure that our soft-dollar practices qualify for
the safe harbor established under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. In this regard, we take steps to confirm that client commissions
are used only for services that provide lawful and appropriate assistance to us
in carrying out our investment decision-making responsibilities. Where one
service is useful both in making investment decisions for managed accounts
and in performing administrative or other non-brokerage or research
functions, we reasonably allocate the cost of the service, so that the portion or
specific component that assists in the investment decision making process is
obtained for portfolio commissions from managed accounts and the portion or
specific components that provides non-brokerage or research assistance is
paid for from Tower Bridge’s own funds.
Furthermore, we periodically review the soft-dollar products and services we
receive to confirm their continued usefulness in making or implementing
investment decisions for our clients.
Trade Order and Aggregation
Because most clients direct their portfolio trades to specific broker-dealers,
Tower Bridge does not typically have the opportunity to aggregate the
purchase or sale of securities for various client accounts. However, the
Company may engage in such aggregate or block trading where we have the
opportunity to do so on behalf of clients who have authorized us to select the
broker-dealer, including the Funds. Partial fills of block orders are generally
allocated randomly to accounts, in order to minimize the impact of
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Tower Bridge Advisors
commissions and to ensure fairness. However, Tower Bridge may alter its
allocation practices as needed, to keep client accounts balanced or if the
circumstances otherwise so warrant.
Where the same security is being bought or sold for multiple client accounts
at or around the same time, Tower Bridge generally routes orders in the
following way: First, we effect trades for clients who have authorized us to
select the broker-dealer. Second, we place trades for clients who have
directed us to use particular broker-dealers. We do this on a random basis, to
ensure that all clients are treated fairly. If possible, we may aggregate the
orders of clients using the same broker-dealer. Finally, we effect trades for
accounts that participate in a wrap program.
Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Tower Bridge reviews client accounts in various ways.
First, the trade log is reviewed daily to ensure the accuracy of trading in each
account. Second, the Company reviews account activity during the quarterly
reconciliation process.
Finally, each managed account is reviewed by a portfolio manager and at
least one other member of the investment committee at least annually, to
ensure that the account is being managed in accordance with the information
and direction the client has provided to us or the Fund Documents, as the
case may be. Account reviews are performed more frequently when market
conditions dictate; when there are changes in tax laws; or when there are
changes in a client’s financial situation or investment objectives.
Reports
In addition to the custodian reports described in the “Custody” section below,
asset management clients also receive written quarterly reports from Tower
Bridge. These reports include details of trades, account balances,
performance, dividends, interest, fees and contributions and withdrawals.
Additional reports to Fund investors are described in the Fund Documents.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Incoming Referrals
As explained above, Tower Bridge receives client referrals from broker-
dealers who then execute all trades for the referred clients’ accounts. On
occasion, the Company also may compensate individuals or corporations for
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Tower Bridge Advisors
client referrals. These arrangements are treated as compensated
endorsements under the Advisers Act’s Marketing Rule. The direction of
trades to referring broker-dealers and the payment of cash referral fees
(which typically are a portion of the advisory fee) will be made in accordance
with the Marketing Rule.
Referrals Out
Tower Bridge does not accept referral fees or any form of remuneration from
other professionals when Tower Bridge refers a prospect or client to such
parties.
Custody
Client funds and securities are held by qualified custodians, such as banks or
broker-dealers to the extent required by Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act
(the “Custody Rule”). These custodians provide account statements directly
to our Separately Managed Account clients, at least quarterly. Clients are
urged to compare the account statements they receive from their custodians
with the performance report statements provided by Tower Bridge, and notify
us promptly of any inconsistencies. Clients should also notify us if they do not
receive statements from their custodian.
Although Tower Bridge does not have physical custody of any managed
assets, we may be deemed to have “constructive” custody under the Custody
Rule of Fund assets because we are related to the Funds’ General Partners.
Investors in the Funds receive audited financial statements annually, as the
Custody Rule requires.
Investment Discretion
As described in the discussion of “Advisory Services” on page 1 above, Tower
Bridge typically exercises investment discretion over client accounts. Tower
Bridge’s authority in this regard derives from the advisory contract, in which the
client gives Tower Bridge a limited power of attorney to act on the client’s
behalf. As noted above, even where such authority has been granted, clients
may impose reasonable restrictions on the securities or types of securities
purchased for their accounts.
Investors in the Funds generally may not place any limits on our authority
beyond the limitations set forth in the Fund Documents.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
Voting Client Securities
Unless a client directs otherwise, Tower Bridge exercises proxy voting
authority for securities over which it maintains discretionary authority. Tower
Bridge has engaged Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”), a third-
party proxy advisory firm, to provide proxy vote recommendations and to
assist with the mechanics of voting. In this regard, Tower Bridge has issued
standing instructions that client votes be cast in a manner consistent with
recommendations based on ISS’ Benchmark Policy, which is designed to
promote long-term shareholder value, good governance and risk mitigation.
Tower Bridge reserves the right to vote in a different manner, or not to vote on
a particular ballot issue at all, where Tower Bridge determines that doing so is
in clients’ best interest. A copy of the ISS Benchmark Policy is available at:
US-Voting-Guidelines.pdf (issgovernance.com).
Clients may request that proxies relating to their portfolio securities be voted
in a specific manner, provided that such requests are made in writing to us at
least 60 days prior to the voting deadline.
Although unlikely, it is theoretically possible that our proxy voting authority
could entail a conflict of interest for the Company. Such a conflict could arise,
for example, where the Company or one of its portfolio managers has a
business or personal relationship with the proponent of a proxy proposal or a
candidate for corporate directorship. The Company’s engagement of ISS
mitigates such conflicts. We have considered ISS’ policies regarding, and
disclosure of, its own potential conflicts of interest in the selection and use of
this service. In the event that a proxy vote raises a potential conflict of interest
that cannot be mitigated by our existing voting procedures, we will disclose
the potential conflict to clients and obtain their consent to our proposed vote.
Financial Information
This item does not apply to our business.
Business Continuity Plan
General
Tower Bridge maintains electronic and hardcopy information which is
essential to performing services for our clients. Tower Bridge also maintains
a basic Business Continuity Plan that provides steps in the event that our
office is not accessible. This Plan covers natural disasters such as snow
storms, hurricanes, tornados, and flooding. The Plan also covers man-made
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Tower Bridge Advisors
disasters such as loss of electrical power, loss of water pressure, fire and
bomb threats. Electronic files are backed up daily and archived offsite.
Information Security Program
The operations of Tower Bridge and its service providers are subject to a host
of electronic information security threats, including: 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. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to data, disable
or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult
to detect for long periods of time. Our systems or facilities may be susceptible
to employee error or malfeasance, government surveillance, or other security
threats. Cybersecurity breaches may cause information relating to client
transactions and personally identifiable information of Separately Managed
Account clients or Fund investors to be lost or improperly accessed, used or
disclosed, and may otherwise cause disruptions and impact business
operations in a way that harms our clients.
Tower Bridge maintains an information security program to mitigate the
foregoing risks. Among other things, we employ firewalls, electronic access
restrictions, virus-scanning software and other methods to help ensure that
client information is protected.
Privacy Notice
Please refer to the next page for a description of Tower Bridge’s privacy policy.
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Tower Bridge Advisors
Rev. 03/2011
FACTS
WHAT DOES TOWER BRIDGE ADVISORS, INC.
DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why?
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives
consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you
how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to
understand what we do.
What?
The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you
have with us. This information can include:
Social Security number and income
assets and transaction history
investment experience and risk tolerance
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in
this notice.
How?
All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday
business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their
customers’ personal information; the reasons Tower Bridge Advisors, Inc. chooses to share and
whether you can limit this sharing.
Reasons we can share your personal information
Can you limit this sharing?
Does Tower Bridge
Advisors, Inc. share?
Yes
No
For our everyday business purposes–
such as to process your transactions, maintain
your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus
Yes
No
For our marketing purposes–
to offer our products and services to you
For joint marketing with other financial companies
No
We don’t share
No
We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes–
information about your transactions and experiences
No
We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes–
information about your creditworthiness
For nonaffiliates to market to you
No
We don’t share
Questions? Call 866-959-2200 or go to www.towerbridgeadvisors.com/privacy.html
Page 2
What we do
How does Tower Bridge Advisors,
Inc. protect my personal
information?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access
and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law.
These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and
buildings.
How does Tower Bridge Advisors,
Inc. collect my personal
information?
We collect your personal information, for example, when you
open an account or give us contact information
enter into an investment adviser contract or give us your income
information
tell us about your investment or retirement portfolio
We also collect your personal information from other companies.
Why can’t I limit all sharing?
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes—information
about your creditworthiness
affiliates from using your information to market to you
sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to
limit sharing
Definitions
Affiliates
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be
financial and nonfinancial companies.
Tower Bridge Advisors, Inc. has no affiliates
Nonaffiliates
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be
financial and nonfinancial companies.
Tower Bridge Advisors, Inc. does not share with nonaffiliates so they
can market to you
Joint marketing
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that
together market financial products or services to you.
Tower Bridge Advisors, Inc. doesn’t jointly market
Other important information