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Item 1: Cover Page
TSFG, LLC
(Formerly Alchemy Advisors, LLC)
Form ADV Part 2A
Investment Adviser Brochure
1052 N Western Ave
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 735-7100
www.tsfinancialgroupllc.com
www.gibbonsfinancialgroup.com
March 2, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of TSFG, LLC. If you
have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact Michael Schremser, Chief
Compliance Officer. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Registration as an
investment advisor does not imply any level of skill or training.
Additional information about TSFG, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You may search this site using a unique identifying number, known as a CRD
number, TSFG, LLC’s CRD Number is 172555.
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes
Annual Update
In this Item of TSFG, LLC’s (the “Firm,” “we,” “us,” “our,” etc.) Form ADV Part 2A
Brochure, the Firm is required to discuss any material changes that have been made
since the Firm’s last annual amendment, dated January 25, 2024
Material Changes since the Last Update
Since the last annual updating amendment filing, TSFG, LLC had the following material
changes to report.
• TSFG, LLC has updated its types of advisory business to include a description of
its Retirement Planning services and fees. (Items 4 and 5)
• TSFG, LLC has updated payment methods for financial planning fees. (Item 5)
Full Brochure Available
The Firm’s Form ADV may be requested at any time, without charge by contacting us at
(847) 735-7100.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes ........................................................................ 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ............................................................................................. 3
Item 4: Advisory Business .......................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ................................................................................. 8
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ......................... 12
Item 7: Types of Clients ............................................................................................. 13
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................. 14
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................ 17
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................. 18
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading ......................................................................................................... 20
Item 12: Brokerage Practices .................................................................................... 22
Item 13: Review of Accounts ..................................................................................... 25
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................. 26
Item 15: Custody ........................................................................................................ 27
Item 16: Investment Discretion ................................................................................. 28
Item 17: Voting Client Securities............................................................................... 29
Item 18: Financial Information .................................................................................. 30
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Firm Description
TSFG, LLC is a registered investment adviser. We provide discretionary investment
advisory and financial planning services to our clients. The Firm was founded in 2014 as
Alchemy Holdings, LLC and was purchased by TSFG, LLC in March 2018. TSFG, LLC
is the direct owner of the Firm. Daniel Nagel, Daniel Bouska, Jeffrey Feinendegen and
Mike Gibbons are equal owners of TSFG, LLC.
Investment Advisory Services
We provide investment advisory services on a discretionary basis based on the individual
needs of our clients. This discretionary authority includes both asset allocation and
security selection. In large majority, client assets will be invested in readily marketable
stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds and notes, options, and mutual funds. Client
assets will be held by an independent custodian, which will employ controls to protect
client assets.
We provide continuous advice to clients regarding investment of client funds based on
the individual needs of the client. Through personal discussions in which goals and
objectives based on a client’s particular circumstances are established, we then create
and manage a portfolio based on those goals and objectives.
We may also provide financial planning and advice on retirement plans, educational
funding, taxes, insurance, reviews of “outside assets” (i.e. assets over which we do not
have discretion, such as 401(k) accounts or Executive Savings Plans) and/or estate
matters, but, we recommend our clients to also consult with their accountants/tax
professionals, insurance professionals, estate attorneys, or other relevant experts.
We will create a portfolio consisting of one or all of the following: individual equities,
bonds, other investment products, no-load or load-waived mutual funds, and ETFs. We
will allocate the client’s assets among various investments taking into consideration the
overall management style selected by the client. Mutual funds will be selected on the
basis of any or all of the following criteria: the fund’s performance history; the industry
sector in which the fund invests; the track record of the fund’s manager; the fund’s
investment objectives; the fund’s management style and philosophy; and the fund’s
management fee structure. Portfolio weighting between funds and market sectors will be
determined by each client’s individual needs and circumstances.
Use of Independent Managers
We may recommend that clients authorize the active discretionary management of a
portion of their assets by and/or among certain independent investment manager(s)
(Independent Manager(s)), based upon the stated investment objectives of the client. The
terms and conditions under which the client shall engage the Independent Manager(s)
shall be set forth in separate written agreements between the client and the designated
Independent Manager(s). We shall continue to render services to the client relative to the
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discretionary selection of Independent Manager(s) as well as the monitoring and review
of account performance and client investment objectives.
When selecting an Independent Manager for a client, we shall review information about
the Independent Manager(s) such as its disclosure statement and/or material supplied by
the Independent Manager(s) or independent third parties for a description of the
Independent Manager’s investment strategies, past performance and risk results to the
extent available.
investment objective(s),
the
Factors that we shall consider in selecting Independent Manager(s) include the client’s
stated
Independent Manager’s management style,
performance, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research.
We do not receive compensation for the recommendation of other Independent
Managers.
Financial Planning
Financial plans and financial planning may include, but are not limited to: investment
planning; life insurance; retirement planning; education planning; and debt/credit
planning.
Advisory Services to Retirement Plans and Plan Participants
Our advisory and consulting services may also be offered to employee benefit plans and
to the participants of such plans (“Participants”). The services we provide to these types
of clients are designed to assist plan sponsors (“Plan Sponsors”) in meeting their
management and fiduciary obligations to Participants. Plan Sponsors must make the
ultimate decision to retain us for pension consulting and other advisory services including,
but not limited to, services at the Participant level. The Plan Sponsor is free to seek
independent advice about the appropriateness of any recommended services for the plan.
For each plan, we develop an Investment Policy Statement which may include some of
the following areas: overview, investor circumstances, tax policy, reviews, diversification
and investment constraints, selection/retention criteria for investments, investment
monitoring and control procedures and duties and responsibilities.
We help the Plan Sponsor identify the type of services needed which may include:
management of vendor relationships; Request for Proposals (RFPs); assistance on plan
design strategies; fiduciary consulting and oversight; investment management; and
participant education and communication services. Once the type of services has been
determined, we will enter into a Retirement Plan Services Agreement with the Plan
Sponsor.
Tailored Relationships
We tailor investment advisory services to the individual needs of the client. Our clients
are allowed to impose restrictions on the investments in their account. All limitations and
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restrictions placed on accounts must be presented to us in writing. Clients will retain
individual ownership of all securities.
Sponsor and Manager of Wrap Program
We sponsor and manage the TSFG, LLC. Wrap Program (the Program), a wrap fee
program. In the event the client participates in the Program, we will provide investment
management services and arrange for brokerage transactions under a single annual
advisory fee for both advisory services and execution of transactions. Clients in the
Program do not pay brokerage commissions, or markups for execution of transactions in
addition to the advisory fee. The advisory fee is negotiable and is a percentage based on
the value of all assets in the account, including cash holdings. The advisory fee may be
higher than the fee charged by other investment advisors in the Firm as each DBA office
has its own fee schedule for similar services. Our advisory fee is shared with Investment
Advisor Representatives.
Clients should be aware that when we recommend the Program to a client, we will receive
compensation as a result of the client’s participation in the Program. The amount of this
compensation may be more or less than what we would receive if the client participated
in other broker-dealer programs, programs of other investment advisors or paid
separately for investment advice, brokerage and other client services. Therefore, we may
have a financial incentive to recommend a Program account over other programs and
services.
The investment products available to be purchased in the Program can be purchased by
clients outside of a Program account, through broker-dealers or unaffiliated investment
advisory firms.
A complete description of the Program’s terms and conditions (including fees) are
contained in the Program’s wrap fee brochure (See Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1). There
are no material differences between the way we manage wrap accounts and other
accounts. The wrap relationship exists primarily because of the preference of some
clients to not be subject to separate transaction charges.
Written Acknowledgement of Fiduciary Status
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money
creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a special rule that requires
us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under this special
rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations
(give prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations
(give loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
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• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in
your best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
Fiduciary Statement
TSFG, LLC and our employees are fiduciaries who must take into consideration the best
interests of our clients. We will act with competence, dignity, integrity, and in an ethical
manner, when dealing with clients. The Firm will use reasonable care and exercise
independent professional judgement when conducting investment analysis, making
investment recommendations, trading, promoting our services, and engaging in other
professional activities.
As a fiduciary, we have the obligation to deal fairly with our clients. We have the following
responsibilities when working with a client:
• To render impartial advice;
• To make appropriate recommendations based on the client’s needs, financial
circumstances and investment objectives;
• To exercise a high degree of care and diligence to ensure that information is
presented in an accurate manner and not in a way to mislead;
• To have reasonable basis, information, and understanding of the facts in order to
provide appropriate recommendations and representations;
• Disclose any material conflict of interest in writing; and
• Treat clients fairly and equitably.
Assets Under Management
As of December 2024, TSFG manages approximately $854,306,837 in assets under
management; all assets are managed on a discretionary basis.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Investment Advisory Services – Fees
As more specifically set out in the Investment Advisory Agreement, our investment
advisory fees, including wrap fee program accounts, range up to 2.00% annualized and
are negotiable.
Clients will be billed quarterly in advance based upon the market value of the account
(including cash) on the last business day of the previous quarter as valued by the
custodian. For the initial fee, it will be deducted at the beginning of the quarter following
the establishment of the account and will include a prorated fee for the initial quarter in
addition to the quarterly fee for the upcoming quarter. Subsequent fee deductions will
be made at the beginning of each quarter based on the value of the Account assets as
of the close of business on the last business day of the preceding quarter. Additional
deposits and withdrawals will be added or subtracted from the assets, which may lead
to an adjustment of TSFG’s fee. If the custodian is notified by Client or TSFG of the
termination or deactivation of the Account’s advisory account status at the custodian,
the custodian will process a prorated refund of Advisor’s fees that were pre-paid based
upon the number of days remaining in the quarter after the notice of termination to the
custodian and TSFG. Certain accounts may establish procedures to pay the Advisor’s
fee directly rather than through a debit to the Account. Any different method of billing
fees may result in the imposition of additional charges to cover the administrative costs
of billing.
We will provide the client with a statement detailing the calculation of our advisory fees
regardless of the method of payment.
Investment Advisory Services – Custody Fees
As disclosed below in Item 12: Brokerage Practices, we recommend that our client’s use
the brokerage services of LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”). Therefore, in addition to our
advisory fees charged, the client will be required to potentially pay other underlying fees
and ticket charges assessed by LPL that could include brokerage and other transaction
costs. Any custodian fee is negotiated directly between the client and the custodian. LPL
may also receive an administrative fee from certain money-market mutual funds; if this is
the case, it should be disclosed in LPL’s agreement with the client. The client bears
responsibility for verifying the accuracy of LPL fees and charges. Please refer to Item 12:
Brokerage Practices.
Investment Advisory Services – Individual-Security Fees, Expense Fees/Ratios
We do not include fees charged by any security or fund selected for the client. For
example, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds generally charge a fee for their
services as a manager. This management fee is part of the total compensation received
by the fund company and is included in its expense ratio. The Firm is not paid any sales,
service, or administrative fees for the sale of any securities or other products.
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These individual-security fees or expense ratios are disclosed in each security’s
disclosure document or in each fund’s prospectus.
Investment Advisory Services – Compensation for the Purchase or Sale of
Securities
We are compensated solely through investment advisory fees paid by the client. We are
not compensated on any sales, service, or administrative fees for the sale of any
securities or other investment products including asset-based sales charges or service
fees from the sale of mutual funds. However, our Investment Advisor Representatives
are registered representatives of LPL and, as such, are compensated for securities
transactions that are affected for our client accounts through LPL. See Item 10, Other
Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations.
Retirement Plan Service Fees
The Firm provides advisory and consulting services to Retirement Plans and Plan
Participants and charges an annualized fee of up to 2.00% of the plan’s assets and are
negotiable.
If a Retirement Plan Services Agreement is terminated before the end of the billing period,
the client is entitled to a prorated refund of any pre-paid fee based upon the total fee less
the time and services spent on the engagement prior to the termination. In addition, the
Retirement Plan Services Agreement may be terminated by the client within five (5)
business days of signing the agreement without incurring any advisory fees if the client
has not received the firm’s disclosure brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing the
Agreement.
Financial Planning Fees
Fixed Fees
The Firm provides Financial Planning services and charges a flat one time fee of
up to $5,000.00 per plan with the fee being negotiable. We will provide the client
with a statement detailing the calculation of the Financial Planning fee based on
complexity and time spent. Payment is accepted from client via check, ACH and
AdvicePay.
Hourly Fees
The hourly fee for these services is $250 per hour. The fees are negotiable and
the final fee schedule will be attached as Exhibit II of the Financial Planning
Agreement.
Clients may terminate the agreement without penalty, for full refund of our fees, within
five business days of signing the Financial Planning Agreement. Thereafter, clients may
terminate the Financial Planning Agreement with upon written notice. Fixed and Hourly
Financial Planning fees are withdrawn directly from the client’s accounts with client’s
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written authorization or may be invoiced and billed directly to the client and clients may
select the method in which they are billed. Fees are paid in arrears.
General Information on Compensation and Other Fees
In certain circumstances, fees, account minimums and payment terms are negotiable
depending on client’s unique situation – such as the size of the aggregate related party
portfolio size, family holdings, low cost basis securities, or certain passively advised
investments and pre-existing relationships with clients. Certain clients may pay more or
less than others depending on the amount of assets, type of portfolio, or the time involved,
the degree of responsibility assumed, complexity of the engagement, special skills
needed to solve problems, the application of experience and knowledge of the client’s
situation.
The fees we receive are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by
mutual funds and variable annuity sub-accounts to their shareholders. These fees and
expenses are described in each fund’s or sub account’s prospectus. These fees will
generally include a management fee, other expenses, and a possible distribution fee. If
the fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge.
A client could invest in a mutual fund or sub-account directly, without our services. In that
case, the client would not receive the services provided by us which are designed, among
other things, to assist the client in determining which mutual funds or sub-accounts are
most appropriate to each client’s financial condition and objectives. Accordingly, the
client should review both the fees charged by the funds/sub-accounts and the fees
charged by us to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client and to
thereby evaluate the advisory services being provided.
Clients should note that similar advisory services may (or may not) be available from other
registered investment advisers for similar or lower fees.
Commission or Sales Charges for Recommendations of Securities
Our clients may engage certain of our associate persons to render securities brokerage
services under a commission arrangement. Clients are under no obligation to engage
such persons and may choose brokers or agents not affiliated with us. Under this
arrangement, the client may implement securities transactions through certain of our
Investment Advisor Representatives, in their respective individual capacities as
registered representatives of LPL. Brokerage commissions may be charged by LPL to
affect these securities transactions and a portion of these commissions may be paid by
LPL to such registered representatives. Prior to effecting any transactions, the client will
be required to enter into a new account agreement with LPL. The brokerage commissions
charged by LPL may be higher or lower than those charged by other broker-dealers. In
addition, certain of our Investment Advisor Representatives, may also receive additional
ongoing 12b-1 fees for mutual fund purchases from the mutual fund company during the
period that the client maintains the mutual fund investment.
While TSFG does not sell securities products to our investment advisory clients for
commissions, some of our Investment Advisory Representatives, in their individual
capacities as registered representatives of LPL, are permitted to sell securities products
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to our investment advisory clients and earn commissions. A conflict of interest exists to
the extent that the Investment Advisor Representatives recommend the purchase of
securities where they receive commissions or other additional compensation as a result
of such recommendations. We have procedures in place to ensure that any
recommendations made by such Investment Advisor Representatives are in the best
interest of clients regardless of any additional compensation earned.
11 TSFG, LLC
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Neither the Firm nor any of its Supervised Persons (employees) accepts performance-
based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets
of a client).
We do not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential conflict of
interest. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to
recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client.
12 TSFG, LLC
Item 7: Types of Clients
We offer our investment advisory and financial planning services to various types of
clients, including individuals, high-net-worth individuals, related family members, trusts,
partnerships, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and other legal
entities.
We require a minimum asset level of $100,000 to establish an investment advisory
services relationship. However, in our sole discretion, we may reduce the required
minimum asset level or group certain related accounts for purposes of achieving the
minimum account size. After establishing a relationship with us, clients are not required
to maintain a particular balance in their accounts.
Certain Independent Manager(s) may impose more restrictive account requirements and
varying billing practices than us. In such instances, we may alter its corresponding
account requirements and/or billing practices to accommodate those of the Independent
Manager(s) or wrap program sponsor.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
We utilize fundamental analysis which attempts to measure the intrinsic value of a
security by looking at economic and financial factors (including the overall economy,
industry conditions, and the financial condition and management of the company itself) to
determine if the company is underpriced (indicating it may be a good time to buy) or
overpriced (indicating it may be time to sell). Fundamental analysis does not attempt to
anticipate market movements. This presents a potential risk, as the price of a security can
move up or down along with the overall market regardless of the economic and financial
factors considered in evaluating the securities.
Risk of Loss
All investing involves a risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear, including the
risk that the entire amount invested may be lost. The investment strategies offered by us
could lose money over short or long periods of time. There are no assurances that our
investment strategies will succeed and we cannot give any guarantee that it will achieve
the investment objectives established by a client or that any client will receive a return on
its investment.
Risks include:
Credit Risk – If debt obligations held by an account are downgraded by ratings agencies,
go into default, or if management, legislation or other government action reduces the
issuer’s ability to pay principal and interest when due, the obligation’s value may decline,
and an account’s value may be reduced. Because the ability of an issuer of a lower-rated
or unrated obligation (including particularly “junk” or “high yield” bonds) to pay principal
and interest when due is typically less certain than for an issuer of a higher rated
obligation, lower rated and unrated obligations are generally more vulnerable than higher-
rated obligations to default, ratings downgrades, and liquidity risk. Political, economic
and other factors also may adversely affect governmental issues.
Derivatives Risk – An account’s investments in derivatives involve risks associated with
the securities or other assets underlying the derivatives, as well as risks different or
greater than the risks affecting the underlying assets. Risk unassociated with the
underlying assets include the inability or unwillingness of the other party to a derivative to
perform its obligations to an account, an account’s inability or delay in selling or closing
positions in derivatives, and difficulties in valuing derivatives.
fluctuations
in currency exchange rates, political
Foreign Investment Risk – Investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve risks
including adverse
instability,
confiscations, taxes or restrictions on currency exchange, difficulty in selling foreign
investments, and reduced legal protection. These risks may be more pronounced for
investments in developing countries.
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Interest Rate Risk – When interest rates increase, the value of the account’s investments
may decline, and the account’s share value may decrease. This effect is typically more
pronounced for intermediate and longer-term obligations. This effect is also typically
more pronounced for mortgage and other asset-backed securities, since value may
fluctuate more significantly in response to interest rate changes. When interest rates
decrease, the account’s current income may decline.
Liquidity Risk – Due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors, an account
may not be able to sell some or all of the investments promptly or may only be able to sell
investments at less than desired prices.
Management Risk – Our client accounts are actively managed portfolios. The accounts’
value may decrease if we pursue unsuccessful investments or fail to correctly identify
risks affecting the broad economy or specific issuers comprising the accounts.
Market and Economic Risk – An account’s investment value may decline due to changes
in general economic and market conditions. A security’s value held in an account may
change in response to developments affecting entire economies, markets or industries,
including changes in interest rates, political and legal developments, and general market
volatility.
Prepayment Risk – Decreases in market interest rates may result in prepayments of
obligations in the account, requiring the account to reinvest at lower interest rates.
Risks Affecting Specific Issuers – The value of an equity security or debt obligation may
decline in response to developments affecting the specific issuer of the security or
obligation, even if the overall industry or economy is unaffected. These developments
may comprise a variety of factors, including but not limited to management issues or other
corporate disruption, political factors adversely affecting governmental issuers, a decline
in revenues or profitability, an increase in costs, or an adverse effect on the issuer’s
competitive position.
Smaller Company Risk – Investments in smaller companies may involve additional risks
because of limited product lines, limited access to markets and financial resources,
greater vulnerability to competition and changes in markets, lack of management depth,
increased volatility in share price, and possible difficulties in valuing or selling the
investments.
ETF Risk – An investment in an ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. ETF
shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers of
the fund’s underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on
any fund-level capital gains, as ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains in the
event they sell securities for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in
the secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV,
15 TSFG, LLC
which is generally calculated at least once daily for indexed based ETFs and more
frequently for actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies may cause the
shares to trade at a premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also no guarantee
that an active secondary market for such shares will develop or continue to exist.
Generally, an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as creation units (usually
20,000 shares or more). Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for
shares of an ETF, a shareholder may have no way to dispose of such shares.
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) Risks – MLPs are collective investment vehicles, the
partnership interests of which are publicly traded on national securities exchanges. MLPs
invest primarily in companies within the energy sector that engage in qualifying lines of
business, such as natural resource production and mineral refinement. MLPs are
therefore subject to the underlying volatility of the energy industry and may be adversely
affected by changes to supply and demand, regional instability, currency spreads,
inflation and interest rate fluctuations, among other such factors. In addition, MLPs
operate as pass-through tax entities, meaning that investors are liable for their pro rata
share of the partnership taxes, regardless of the types of accounts where the interests
are held.
Real Estate and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Risks – We may recommend an
investment in, or allocate assets among, various real estate investment trusts (“REITs”),
the shares of which exist in the form of either publicly traded or privately placed securities.
REITs are collective investment vehicles with portfolios comprised primarily of real estate
and mortgage related holdings. Many REITs hold heavy concentrations of investments
tied to commercial and/or residential developments, which inherently subject REIT
investors to the risks associated with a downturn in the real estate market. Investments
linked to certain regions that experience greater volatility in the local real estate market
may give rise to large fluctuations in the value of the vehicle’s shares. Mortgage related
holdings may give rise to additional concerns pertaining to interest rates, inflation, liquidity
and counterparty risk.
Mutual Funds – Investing in mutual funds carries the risk of capital loss and thus you may
lose money investing in mutual funds. All mutual funds have costs that lower investment
returns. They can be of bond (fixed income) nature or stock (equity) nature, or a mix of
multiple underlying security types.
Additionally, our investment decisions always give consideration to both the prospects for
return on investment and the risk of loss on investment. In considering the risk of loss,
we contemplate both the probability of loss and the potential magnitude of such loss.
Some of the risks of loss include volatility risk, market risk, competitive risk, technological
risk, inflation risk, exchange-rate risk, interest-rate risk, reinvestment risk, political risk,
tax-law risk, regulatory risk, monetary-policy risk, and valuation risk.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in securities involves
a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to bear.
16 TSFG, LLC
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all pertinent facts regarding any
legal or disciplinary events that would-be material to your evaluation of the Firm or the
integrity of our management. There is no material, legal or disciplinary events to disclose
under this item.
17 TSFG, LLC
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Activities and Affiliations
We are not registered as a broker-dealer. However, many of our Investment Advisor
Representatives are registered representatives of LPL, an unaffiliated registered broker-
dealer. As registered representatives, our Investment Advisor Representatives sell
securities for client accounts through LPL and receive normal and customary
commissions and other types of compensation, for example, mutual fund 12b-1 fees or
variable annuity trails. The potential for receipt of commissions and other compensation
when our Investment Advisor Representatives act as registered representatives gives
them an incentive to recommend investment products based on the compensation
received, rather than on the client's needs and may create a conflict of interest. We
address this conflict by ensuring that the client’s interest is always considered ahead of
our own personal gain.
Insurance Company or Agency
Investment Advisor Representatives of the Firm may be licensed insurance agents or
brokers and may be appointed with several insurance companies. They may earn
separate compensation for transactions implemented through various insurance
companies. Clients are not obligated to use any company for insurance product
purchases and may work with any insurance agent they choose. Insurance
compensation will be separate and distinct from investment advisory fees charged by us.
Independent Managers
As discussed above, we recommend that certain clients authorize the active discretionary
management of a portion of their assets by and/or among certain Independent
Manager(s). In certain circumstances, our compensation is included in the advisory fee
charged by such Independent Manager(s). We may recommend these Independent
Manager(s) if it is in the best interest of their clients.
Mr. Bouska is the Owner of the building, “Third Base Inn 3458 N Lincoln (Finley Dunnes) “.
From time to time, he may offer clients advice or products from those activities and clients
should be aware that these services may involve a conflict of interest. TSFG LLC always
acts in the best interest of the client and clients always have the right to decide whether or
not to utilize the services of any representative of TSFG LLC in such individual’s outside
capacities.
Mr. Nagel is the Owner of a building that has a bar and an apartment unit to be rented
out [3458 N Lincoln LLC (Third Base Inn / Finley Dunnes)]. From time to time, he may
offer clients advice or products from those activities and clients should be aware that
these services may involve a conflict of interest. TSFG LLC always acts in the best
interest of the client and clients always have the right to decide whether or not to utilize
the services of any representative of TSFG LLC in such individual’s outside capacities.
18 TSFG, LLC
Mr. Hennessey is also an Officer and Partner of Vazza Real Estate Group, where he
invests/sells/distributes on real estate transactions. Clients should be aware that this may
involve a conflict of interest. TSFG LLC always acts in the best interest of the client and
clients always have the right to decide whether or not to utilize the services of any
representative of TSFG LLC in such individual’s outside capacities.
19 TSFG, LLC
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
Our employees must comply with a Code of Ethics and Statement for Insider Trading.
The Code describes the Firms’ high standard of business conduct, and fiduciary duty to
its clients. The Code’s key provisions include:
• Statement of General Principles
• Policy on and reporting of Personal Securities Transactions
• A prohibition on Insider Trading
• Restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts
• Procedures to detect and deter misconduct and violations
• Requirement to maintain confidentiality of client information
All employee trading activity is reviewed each quarter. These reviews ensure that
personal trading does not affect the markets, and that clients of the Firm receive
preferential treatment.
Our employees must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics at least annually. Any
individual not in compliance with the Code of Ethics may be subject to termination.
Clients and prospective clients can obtain a copy of our Code of Ethics by contacting
TSFG, LLC directly at 847-735-7100.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions – Personal Securities Transactions
Our employees may buy or sell securities identical to those recommended to clients for
their personal accounts. The Code of Ethics, described above, is designed to assure that
the personal securities transactions, activities and interests of our employees will not
interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii)
implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for
their own accounts. Under the Code certain classes of securities, primarily mutual funds,
have been designated as exempt transactions, based upon a determination that these
would materially not interfere with the best interest of our clients. In addition, the Code
requires pre-clearance of many transactions. Nonetheless, because the Code of Ethics
in some circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same securities as
clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client
in a security held by an employee. Employee trading is continually monitored under the
Code of Ethics and designed to reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between us and
our clients.
Our employees may buy or sell securities identical to those recommended to customers
for their personal portfolios.
20 TSFG, LLC
Interest
in Client Transactions – Financial
Interest and
Participation or
Principal/Agency Cross
Neither us nor our employees recommend to clients, or buy or sell for client accounts,
securities in which they have a material financial interest.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions – Aggregation
Our employees may trade in the same securities with client accounts on an aggregated
basis when consistent with our 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. We 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.
It is the Firm’s policy that the Firm will not affect any principal or agency cross securities
transactions for client accounts. The Firm will also not cross trades between client
accounts.
21 TSFG, LLC
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
TSFG receives support services and/or products from LPL Financial, many of which
assist the TSFG to better monitor and service program accounts maintained at LPL
Financial; however, some of the services and products benefit TSFG and not client
accounts. These support services and/or products may be received without cost, at a
discount, and/or at a negotiated rate, and may include the following:
investment-related research
•
• pricing information and market data
• software and other technology that provide access to client account data
• compliance and/or practice management-related publications
• consulting services
• attendance at conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events
• marketing support
• computer hardware and/or software
• other products and services used by [Advisor] in furtherance of its investment
advisory business operations
LPL Financial may provide these services and products directly or may arrange for third
party vendors to provide the services or products to Advisor. In the case of third party
vendors, LPL Financial may pay for some or all of the third party’s fees.
These support services are provided to TSFG based on the overall relationship between
TSFG and LPL Financial. It is not the result of soft dollar arrangements or any other
express arrangements with LPL Financial that involves the execution of client
transactions as a condition to the receipt of services. TSFG will continue to receive the
services regardless of the volume of client transactions executed with LPL Financial.
Clients do not pay more for services as a result of this arrangement. There is no
corresponding commitment made by the TSFG to LPL or any other entity to invest any
specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific securities as a result of
the arrangement. However, because TSFG receives these benefits from LPL Financial,
there is a potential conflict of interest. The receipt of these products and services
presents a financial incentive for Advisor to recommend that its clients use LPL
Financials’ custodial platform rather than another custodian’s platform.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
We do not receive client referrals from broker/dealers.
Directed Brokerage
While not routine, the client may direct us to use a particular broker-dealer to execute
some or all transactions for the client. This brokerage direction must be requested by the
client in writing. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the
22 TSFG, LLC
account with that broker-dealer, and we will not seek better execution services or prices
from other broker-dealers or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution through
other broker-dealers with orders for other accounts managed by us. By directing
brokerage, the client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater
spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than would
otherwise be the case. Not all advisers require or allow their clients to direct brokerage.
Subject to its duty of best execution, we may decline a client’s request to direct brokerage
if, in our sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would result in additional
operational difficulties.
If the client requests that we arrange for the execution of securities brokerage
transactions for their account, we shall direct such transactions through LPL, who we
reasonably believe will provide best execution.
Wrap Fee Programs
As disclosed in Item 4, clients may participate in wrap fee programs. In evaluating a wrap-
fee program, a client should recognize that brokerage commissions for the execution of
transactions in their account are not negotiated. Transactions are effected net, i.e.,
without commission and a portion of the wrap fee is generally considered to be in lieu of
commissions. Trades are generally expected to be executed only with the broker dealer
with which the client has entered into the wrap fee arrangement.
We may not, therefore, be free to seek best price and execution by placing transactions
with other broker dealers. Our experience indicates that certain broker dealers under
clients’ wrap fee agreements generally offer best price for transactions in listed equity
securities, but no assurance can be given that such will continue to be the case with those
or other broker dealers which may offer wrap fee arrangements, nor with respect to
transactions in other types of securities. The client may wish to ensure that the broker
dealer offering the wrap-fee arrangement can provide adequate price and execution of
most or all transactions. The client should also consider that depending on the wrap-fee
charged by the broker dealer, the amount of portfolio activity in the client’s account, the
value of custodial and other services which are provided under the arrangement, and
other factors, the wrap-fee may or may not exceed the aggregate cost of such services
were they to be provided separately and if the firm were free to negotiate commissions
and seek best price and execution of transactions for the client’s account.
Trade Aggregation
We may aggregate trades for multiple accounts. Orders for the same security entered on
behalf of more than one client may be aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to
the aggregation being in the best interests of all participating clients. If the order is filled
at different prices during the day, the prices are averaged for the day so that all
participating accounts receive the same price. If an order has not been filled completely
so that there are not enough shares to allocate among all the clients equally, shares will
be allocated in good faith, based on the following considerations: amount of cash in the
account, existing asset allocation and industry exposure, risk profile, and type of security.
If a partial execution is attained at the end of the trading day, we will generally allocate
shares on a pro rata basis but may fill small orders entirely before applying the pro rata
23 TSFG, LLC
allocation. All clients participating in each aggregated order shall receive the average
price and subject to minimum ticket charges, pay a pro-rata portion of commissions.
Our allocation procedure seeks to be fair and equitable to all clients with no particular
group or client(s) being favored or disfavored over any other clients.
Accounts for us or our employee accounts may be included in a block trade with client
accounts.
We generally recommend that clients utilize for their managed accounts the brokerage
and clearing services of LPL.
Our overriding objective in selecting broker-dealers for effecting portfolio transactions for
client accounts is to obtain the best combination of price and execution. The best net
price is an important factor, but we also consider the full range and quality of a broker-
dealer’s services, including the value of research provided; execution, clearance, and
settlement capabilities; commission rates; financial responsibility; length and quality of
the business relationship with us; our trust and confidence in the broker-dealer; and
responsiveness to us. Certain broker-dealers who provide best execution may also
furnish us investment research, such as analyses, reports concerning issuers, industries,
and the economy for use in managing portfolios. We may use these broker-dealers to
effect securities transactions in return, in part, for investment research. Investment
research furnished by broker-dealers is used in servicing all accounts and may not
necessarily be used in connection with the accounts that paid commissions to the broker-
dealers providing such research. Please also see Item 10 regarding our Investment
Advisor Representatives’ affiliation with LPL.
Commissions or Sales Charges for Recommendations of Securities
Certain of our Investment Advisor Representatives are also registered representatives of
LPL. As such, they are subject to FINRA Rule 3040 which restricts registered
representatives from conducting securities transactions away from their broker-dealer
unless LPL provides written consent. Therefore, clients are advised that Investment
Advisor Representatives may be restricted to conducting securities transactions through
LPL unless they first secure written consent from LPL to execute securities transactions
though a different broker-dealer. Absent such written consent or separation from LPL,
Investment Advisor Representatives are prohibited from executing securities transactions
through any broker-dealer other than LPL under LPL’s internal supervisory policies. Due
to this relationship, we have put in place policies and procedures reasonably designed to
ensure our clients receive best execution.
24 TSFG, LLC
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
We review our client accounts regularly and specific guidelines and restrictions are
reviewed periodically by our Investment Advisor Representatives. A more thorough
review is typically performed quarterly and formal reviews, including client contact;
typically occur at least once a year. More frequent reviews may occur if there are changes
in financial-market, political or economic conditions, tax laws, or when we have new
information or perspective on a particular security or asset class.
Non-Periodic Reviews
We may perform non-periodic reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material
changes in the client’s guidelines or restrictions, or a material change relating to client
deposits, withdrawals, or other financial changes.
information, deposits and withdrawals, accrued
Reporting
Each quarter (and monthly if there is activity), the custodian provides clients with an
account statement for each client account, which may include individual holdings, cost
basis
income, dividends, and
performance. In addition, the custodian provides clients with trade confirmations for each
position bought and sold.
25 TSFG, LLC
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Other Compensation
We do not receive any economic benefits (other than normal compensation and benefits
described in Item 12) from any firm or individual for providing investment advice.
Compensation – Client Referrals
We do not make or accept referral fees or any form of remuneration from other
professionals when a prospect or client is referred to them.
26 TSFG, LLC
Item 15: Custody
Custody – Fee Debiting
Clients may authorize us (in the client agreement) to debit fees directly from the client’s
account at the broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian (custodian). Client
investment assets will be held with a custodian agreed upon by the client and us. The
custodian is advised in writing of the limitation of our access to the account. The
custodian sends a statement to the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts
disbursed from the account including the amount of advisory fees paid directly to us.
Custody is also disclosed in Form ADV because we have authority to transfer money from
client account(s), which constitutes a standing letter of authorization (SLOA). Accordingly,
we will follow the safeguards specified by the SEC rather than undergo an annual audit.
Custody – First Party Money Transfers
Clients may provide us with written ongoing authorization to wire money between the
client’s accounts held with the qualified custodian directly to an outside financial institution
(i.e. a client’s bank account). A copy of this authorization is provided to the qualified
custodian. The authorization includes the client’s account number(s) at the outside
financial institution(s) as required.
Custody – Account Statements
As described above and in Item 13, clients receive at least quarterly statements from the
broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains client’s
investment assets. Clients are urged to carefully review such statements and compare
such official custodial records to the reports that we provide. Our reports may vary from
custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation
methodologies of certain securities.
27 TSFG, LLC
Item 16: Investment Discretion
We may accept limited power of attorney to act on a discretionary basis on behalf of
clients. A limited power of attorney allows us to execute trades on behalf of clients.
When such limited powers exist between us and the client, we have the authority to
determine, without obtaining specific client consent, both the amount and type of
securities to be bought to satisfy client account objectives. Additionally, we may accept
any reasonable limitation or restriction to such authority on the account placed by the
client. All limitations and restrictions placed on accounts must be presented to us in
writing.
If we have not been given discretionary authority, we consult with the client prior to each
trade.
28 TSFG, LLC
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
We do not have any authority to and do not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Clients retain
the responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for securities maintained in their
portfolios; clients receive these proxies directly from either custodians or transfer agents.
29 TSFG, LLC
Item 18: Financial Information
We have no financial commitment that impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary
commitments to clients, and ha we have not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
We do not require prepayment of fees of both more than $1,200 per client, and more than
six months in advance; and therefore, we are not required to provide a balance sheet to
clients.
30 TSFG, LLC