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SEC Registered Investment Adviser
Disclosure Brochure
March 31, 2026
3393 Bargaintown Road
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 601-1200
www.VestGenIM.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of VestGen
Investment Management, LLC. (“VestGen” or the “Firm”). If you have any questions about the contents
of this brochure, please contact us at (609) 601-1200. The information in this brochure has not been
approved or verified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities
authority.
Additional information about VestGen is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
VestGen is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or
training.
Item 2. Material Changes
There have been no material changes to report.
Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 1. Cover Page ............................................................................................................................ 1
Item 2. Material Changes................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3. Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. 2
Item 4. Advisory Business ................................................................................................................. 3
Item 5. Fees and Compensation ......................................................................................................... 7
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management .....................................................9
Item 7. Types of Clients .....................................................................................................................9
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ............................................. 9
Item 9. Disciplinary Information ..................................................................................................... 11
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ......................................................... 11
Item 11. Code of Ethics ................................................................................................................... 12
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ........................................................................................................... 12
Item 13. Review of Accounts .......................................................................................................... 14
Item 14. Client Referrals and Additional Compensation ................................................................ 15
Item 15. Custody............................................................................................................................... 15
Item 16. Investment Discretion ....................................................................................................... 15
Item 17. Voting Client Securities .................................................................................................... 15
Item 18. Financial Information ........................................................................................................ 16
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Item 4. Advisory Business
VestGen provides investment advisory and investment management services to individuals,
investment companies, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations,
corporations and business entities (“clients”). VestGen has been an SEC registered investment adviser
since February 11, 2002.
The Firm operates a Managed Accounts Platform. The Managed Accounts Platform offers Unified
Managed Accounts (UMAs) and a robust offering of model portfolios (“Models”) via the Model
Marketplace, as well as proposal generation, new account opening, account investment management
and account servicing. Additionally, VestGen creates and manages its own proprietary Models and a
proprietary mutual fund. In addition to its own Managed Account Platform, VestGen implements its
investment strategies and services on a variety of platforms including through brokerage accounts,
variable insurance, retirement platforms and third-party sponsors.
VestGen’s Managed Account Platform (MAP)
The Firm provides a Platform to independent third-party financial representatives, investment advisers
and broker-dealers. (“advisers”).
The investment management and investment advisory services provided by VestGen are primarily
offered through its Platform. Through the Platform, VestGen provides advisers with access to several
of its own proprietary Models and those of third-party investment managers (the “Model Managers”)
selected by VestGen as well as access to supporting operational services. The Platform enables advisers
to outsource asset management and more efficiently serve their client base and grow their business.
At the beginning of the relationship with the client, an adviser will obtain the client’s financial
situation, investment objectives, financial goals, tolerance for risk, and investment time horizon
(“Investor Risk Profile”). The adviser determines if it is appropriate to recommend that the client opens
an account on the Platform. Clients will establish an account with a qualified custodian with whom
VestGen has an existing custodial arrangement.
Based on the Investor Risk Profile and investment goals, the adviser will determine the appropriate
allocation of the account among the various Models available and VestGen will manage or effect
purchases, sales, or other transactions for the account. In addition, VestGen will have the authority and
discretion to reallocate the assets to another Model, typically in the case where VestGen, as Platform
sponsor, has determined that a Model Manager needs to be replaced after a thorough review. In
managing the account assets, VestGen is specifically permitted to retain all or part of the original,
existing investments in the account on day one, or to liquidate such investments, at VestGen’s
discretion, unless noted otherwise by the client and/or their adviser.
Neither VestGen nor any of the Model Managers guarantees the future performance of any Platform
accounts, any specific level of performance, the success of any investment decision or strategy that a
Model Manager may recommend, or the success of VestGen’s or the Model Manager’s
recommendations in the Platform accounts. The investment and other decisions made by VestGen for
the Platform accounts are subject to various market, currency, economic, political, and business risks,
and those investment decisions will not always be profitable.
At least annually the adviser will contact the client to determine whether there have been any changes
in the client’s financial situation or investment objectives and whether any changes to the client’s
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account would be appropriate.
At least quarterly, VestGen or a third party selected by VestGen will provide a report to the client and
the adviser reflecting all activity in the account during the preceding period, including performance
calculations for the prior periods, all transactions made on behalf of the account, all contributions and
withdrawals, all fees and expenses, and the value of the account at the beginning and end of the period.
However, the client should note that the statement provided by the custodian holding their account is
the official record for all account activity. The client should compare the custodial statement to the
report provided by VestGen for any discrepancies or omissions. If such a discrepancy or omission is
found, the client should call their adviser immediately.
Model Portfolio Management Services and Model Manager Selection
In addition to its own proprietary Models, VestGen provides continuous model portfolio management
services to clients using a selection of third-party Models provided by Model Managers. Each Model
is designed to meet a particular investment goal. Under a written agreement between the Model
Manager and VestGen, the Model Manager constructs a Model based on an asset allocation and selects
the underlying investments for each portfolio that is based upon a particular investment strategy and/or
philosophy. The Model Manager will provide the buy and sell recommendations on an ongoing basis
to VestGen for VestGen to implement within the Model and therefore those accounts that contain the
Model. VestGen provides an overlay management service for the Models selected for a client’s
account by performing all required trades. Depending on the size of the client’s account and the
number of and price of securities in a Model, VestGen, in its sole discretion, VestGen may allocate the
client’s assets to a smaller number of underlying securities in order to effectively manage the Model
strategy and may decide to reallocate the client’s assets to the complete Model holdings when VestGen
deems the timing to be appropriate. This variation from the Model portfolio may contribute to
performance deviation, including under performance.
VestGen serves as a Manager of Managers due to its ongoing due diligence, review, and selection of
the Model Managers available on its Platform. VestGen’s Research team reviews the universe of all
available asset managers and adds a curated list of best-in-class Models to be available on the Platform.
VestGen may hire or terminate a Model Manager at its complete discretion. In the event a Model
Manager is removed or departs from VestGen’s Platform, an appropriate replacement will be selected
at VestGen’s discretion. In addition to managing Models, VestGen’s Research team provides
scorecards on non-model assets based on proprietary and industry-sourced research.
Certain Model Managers may pursue an investment strategy that utilizes underlying mutual funds or
ETFs advised by the Model Manager or its affiliates, (“proprietary fund”). In such a situation, the
Model Manager may receive fees from this proprietary fund for serving as the investment adviser.
These fees are in addition to the management fees the Model Managers receive from the clients for the
ongoing management of the Model Portfolios available on VestGen’s Platform.
As discussed below, VestGen acts as the adviser on a mutual fund, the Tactical Dividend and
Momentum Fund. A conflict exists when clients and/or their adviser selects a VestGen Model because
many of the VestGen Models contain the VestGen managed Mutual Fund as part of the Model’s
underlying holdings. Depending on the Model, the allocation to the VestGen managed Mutual Fund
ranges from approximately 0% to 75% of the total Model holdings. When VestGen Models are
selected, VestGen will earn a dual fee – an investment advisory fee from the client in addition to
investment advisory fees paid to VestGen from the mutual fund.
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Investment Advisory Services
Brokerage Platforms:
VestGen provides discretionary investment management services, including Platform accounts, for
clients that hold assets at certain qualified custodians. For a list of these custodians please contact
VestGen at (888) 641-7100. In addition to Models, investments recommended and made by VestGen
in brokerage accounts include no-load and load-waived mutual funds, including mutual funds managed
by VestGen, ETFs, individual stocks and bonds.
See Item 5 for a summary of service fees and custodian fees associated with brokerage accounts.
Variable Insurance Products (Variable Annuities and Variable Life Insurance):
VestGen provides discretionary investment management services to the owners of variable annuities
and variable life insurance products issued by many different insurance carriers, which are all
registered as securities products with the SEC. Clients will execute a contract with VestGen to manage
the investible value of the clients’ insurance account among the available investment options, referred
to as “subaccounts.” The client accounts are held in custody at a qualified custodian chosen by the
issuing insurance company and listed in the prospectus. Each individual insurance carrier may require
the client to execute additional forms to allow VestGen to provide investment management services.
VestGen executes trades through a process defined by each individual insurance carrier or custodian.
In some instances, the issuer of the insurance contract has imposed limitations on the frequency of
transactions in certain insurance separate accounts. VestGen tracks those restrictions and adjusts
account allocations accordingly.
See Item 5 for a summary of service fees and custodian fees associated with variable insurance
products.
Retirement Platforms:
Pursuant to a written agreement between VestGen and a qualified plan and/or plan participant, VestGen
may serve as a fiduciary defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”)
on a variety of different retirement platforms. VestGen offers the following fiduciary services
described in greater detail in the written agreement. These services include but are not limited to
managing plan and participant accounts, Qualified Default Investment Alternative management
(“QDIA”), and selection and monitoring of Designated Investment Alternatives (“Core Funds
Services”).
The plan or participant accounts are held at a qualified custodian chosen by the plan. Investments
recommended and made by VestGen in retirement platforms include no-load and load-waived mutual
funds, ETFs, collective investment funds (“CIFs”), individual stocks and bonds. For certain plans,
VestGen may recommend that the VestGen Mutual Fund is one of the plan’s investment options.
See Item 5 for a summary of service fees associated with VestGen’s management on retirement
platforms.
Sponsored Investment Management Platforms or Investment Programs:
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Pursuant to a written agreement by VestGen and a program sponsor, VestGen provides model
investment advisory services to the program sponsor’s clients. The terms and conditions of this
relationship are determined by the program sponsor. The client signs an agreement with the program
sponsor with the help of a program sponsor representative. Through this agreement the program
sponsor obtains the information necessary to determine the client’s suitability. The client’s account
and funds will be held and cleared through a custodian and broker-dealer selected by the program
sponsor.
VestGen will provide discretionary investment advice on the portion of funds delegated to VestGen.
This power and authority are granted by the client in the program sponsor’s agreement. VestGen will
provide model trading instructions to the sponsor, or a third party as directed by the sponsor who will
be responsible for executing VestGen’s recommended trades. VestGen has no responsibility for
transaction execution.
The program sponsors’ representative is required to provide the client with a copy of VestGen’s
disclosure brochure. For a complete description of the Sponsored Investment Management Platform
or Investment Program, refer to the program sponsors Appendix 1 of Form ADV Part 2A.
See Item 5 for a summary of service fees associated with Sponsored Investment Management
Platforms or Investment Programs.
Sub-Advisory and Operational Services
VestGen also provides sub-advisory and operational services to clients indirectly. In this circumstance,
a third-party registered investment adviser, broker/dealer or other financial institution executes a Sub-
Advisory Agreement or a Platform Service Agreement (collectively “Platform Service Agreement”)
with VestGen. VestGen provides the independent third party with investment management, investment
advisory and/or operational services for their clients. As per the terms of the Platform Service
Agreement, the client will enter into a written agreement with the third party but not necessarily
directly with VestGen. When servicing a client’s account in coordination with a third party, the
Platform Service Agreement will specify those services to be provided by VestGen internally versus
those services to be provided by the third party as well as any fees to be charged for the specified
services.
Affiliated Mutual Fund
Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund
VestGen provides investment management services through its affiliated mutual fund, the Tactical
Dividend and Momentum Fund (HTDAX, HTDCX, HTDIX, HTDRX) (the “TDM Fund”), an
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The TDM Fund invests
in ETFs and stocks that represent the 11 sectors of the S&P 500, partially following a rules-based
sector allocation. In addition, the Fund is permitted to invest in other investments when market
conditions warrant such use. The prospectus, which is sent to clients, contains a complete description
of the TDM Fund, its strategy, objectives and costs.
Please Note – Combined Fee: Although all mutual funds charge fees (i.e. administrative and
investment management fees), because of the TDM Funds’ relationship to VestGen, a conflict of
interest is presented because VestGen may earn a dual fee. A dual fee may occur when clients open
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accounts on the VestGen Managed Account Platform, because VestGen will earn fees from both (1)
its services and investment advice as a separate account manager; and (2) fees from the TDM Fund.
VestGen’s Chief Compliance Officer remains available to address any questions that a client or
prospective client may have regarding the above conflict of interest.
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
VestGen provides investment management services for an annual fee based upon a percentage of the
market value of the clients’ assets being managed by VestGen.
VestGen’s standard fee schedule is as follows:
Portfolio Value
Up to $500,000
From $500,000 - $1,000,000
On $1,000,000 and Above
Base Fee
2.20%, then
1.85%, then
1.25%
VestGen reserves the right to charge a different management fee, no greater than 2.20% annually, on
any account value, in its sole discretion, as agreed to by the client.
Clients pay the investment management or advisory fees noted above which includes investment
management services comprised of client profiling assistance, asset allocation assistance, research and
evaluation of Model Managers and account performance, Model Manager hiring and termination, fee
billing, account rebalancing, account reporting, and other operational and administrative services. It
should be noted that the investment management fees may or may not include Model Manager fees,
custodial transaction fees or investment advisory fees, all of which may be assessed against a client’s
account. VestGen’s Platform accounts include brokerage, variable insurance, and sub-advised
arrangements.
The fee assessed by VestGen varies based upon the services an adviser and their firm have selected
and will be outlined in the agreement between VestGen and the firm. Generally, VestGen’s fee will
not exceed 2.20% per annum. If the client account was introduced to VestGen by a Co-Adviser or
Promoter, VestGen will share a portion of their fee with the Co-Adviser or Promoter’s firm pursuant
to an agreement between VestGen and the firm. VestGen’s fees are typically calculated on a per
account basis. Mutual funds, ETFs and alternative investments charge their own fees for investing the
pool of assets in the respective investment vehicles. Please see the prospectus or related disclosure
document for information regarding these fees.
Model Manager Fees:
The Platform fee or investment management fee does not include the fees for the Model Manager’s
services (“Model Manager Fee”). The Model Manager Fee is separate and distinct from the Platform
fee, custodial fees, and investment management fees. Model Manager Fees vary based on the manager
selected. The Model Manager Fee is calculated based on the account assets invested in the model.
Model Manager Fees typically range from 0.0% to 0.35% but may be higher and will be disclosed to
the client at the time of account opening. As part of its services, VestGen may collect fees on behalf
of the Model Manager. In addition, VestGen may collect administrative fees from Model Managers
for administration of the models, due diligence, etc.in its Platform.
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Retirement Platforms:
The annual management fee charged by VestGen along with the collection and timing of fees is
described in the written agreement between VestGen and the qualified plan and/or plan participant.
VestGen’s role and responsibilities are detailed in the terms of the agreement between VestGen and
the qualified plan and/or plan participant. Examples of VestGen’s responsibilities include creating and
managing models for participants, selecting, and managing the Core Funds to be made available to
plan participants, or managing Qualified Default Investment Alternative accounts (“QDIA”).
Management fees for these services range from 0.10% to 0.65% of assets under management.
Depending on the services provided, VestGen could receive this management fee based on the value
of individual participant accounts or on the total value of the plan. VestGen has reduced its
management fee for instances where VestGen has recommended that the VestGen Mutual Funds are
part of the plan’s investment options.
Sponsored Investment Management Platforms or Investment Programs:
Per the written agreement by VestGen and a program sponsor, VestGen may receive an annual fee
between .30% to 0.50% of the market value of the assets it provides services on. The exact fee
calculation and timing of the fee to be charged will be determined by the program sponsor. The
program sponsor will calculate and deduct the appropriate fees from the client account and remit those
fees to VestGen. For a complete description of the Sponsored Investment Management Platform or
Investment Program fees refer to the program sponsor’s Appendix 1 of Form ADV Part 2A.
Investment Company Management:
VestGen charges the fees described in the applicable advisory or sub-advisory agreement to the extent
consistent with applicable laws and the offering documents of the investment company client.
Generally, for investment company clients, VestGen receives approximately 1.00% of assets under
management from the VestGen Mutual Fund.
Charges and Fees by Third Parties
Clients may be charged certain fees and expenses imposed by third party broker-dealers, insurance
companies, investment companies and/or custodians such as custodial fees, charges imposed directly
by a mutual fund, ETF or CIF in the account, which are disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g. fund
management fees and other fund expenses), deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes,
wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities
transactions. Such charges fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to VestGen’s fee.
Fees for Management during Partial Quarters of Service
When a client engages VestGen to provide investment management services, the fees are calculated
on a pro rata basis for the initial period. VestGen’s investment management services will continue until
terminated by VestGen or the client pursuant to the written agreement.
Additional Compensation and Conflict of Interest
VestGen may enter into an arrangement with an Investment Product Manager or Model Manager
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where VestGen would receive additional compensation (referred to as “Revenue Sharing”) based on
the level of client assets invested in those investment products or the Model Manager’s Model(s).
The receipt of these Revenue Sharing payments creates the appearance of a conflict of interest as the
amounts received may influence (i) which securities may be included in Models managed by
VestGen and (ii) VestGen’s decision of which Model Managers to offer on the Platform, and (iii)
which Investment Product Manager VestGen invests client assets with. VestGen mitigates this
conflict of interest by conducting the same level of due diligence screening on all investment
products and Model Managers whether VestGen receives Revenue Sharing payments or not. This
due diligence includes the initial selection and the continuous monitoring of investment products and
Model Manager availability.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
VestGen does not provide any services for performance-based fees.
Item 7. Types of Clients
VestGen provides its services to individuals, investment companies, pension and profit-sharing plans,
trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and business entities.
Minimum Account Size
A condition for starting and maintaining a relationship with VestGen is generally a portfolio size of
$50,000. VestGen makes an exception for qualified plans in which VestGen has been hired by the
qualified plan or participant to serve as the investment adviser. VestGen reserves the right to accept
clients with smaller portfolios based upon certain criteria including anticipated future earning capacity,
anticipated future additional assets, account composition, related accounts, and pre-existing clients.
VestGen only accepts clients with less than the minimum portfolio size if, in the sole opinion of
VestGen, the smaller portfolio size will not cause a substantial increase of investment risk beyond the
client’s identified risk tolerance. At its sole discretion, VestGen may allocate the client’s assets to a
smaller number of underlying securities to effectively manage the Model strategy and may decide to
reallocate the client’s assets to the complete Model holdings when VestGen deems the timing to be
appropriate. This variation from the Model portfolio may contribute to performance deviation,
including under performance. VestGen may aggregate the portfolios of family members to meet the
minimum portfolio size.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
VestGen tailors its investment management services to the individual needs of clients. VestGen
manages clients’ portfolios in one or more investment models appropriate for the client. A description
of the Model(s) used for that client is provided at or prior to entering into an investment management
agreement with VestGen.
VestGen primarily composes Models consisting of mutual funds that are no-load or load-waived,
ETFs, closed-end funds, individual securities, and where applicable, variable annuity and variable
universal life sub-accounts.
For the VestGen Models, VestGen shall perform economic and market analysis, Model design and
securities selection. This requires VestGen, at its sole discretion, to be responsible for asset class
analysis and selection, capital market assumptions, asset allocation, tactical moves in certain VestGen
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Models, vetting and selecting the investment funds and/or listed securities for each asset class,
finalizing the weights for all asset classes and holdings, and establishing rebalancing thresholds.
For the VestGen Models, VestGen follows one of three general investment strategies – Strategic,
Dynamic or Tactical. The Strategic strategies follow a buy and hold approach; the Dynamic strategies
generally consist of index-based buy and hold investments supplemented with actively managed
tactical and alternative holdings; and the Tactical strategies are actively managed and can be fully
invested in the market but can also allocate part or all the model to cash depending on market
conditions. VestGen implements these same strategies for creating and managing models for
retirement plan participants, selecting, and managing the Core Funds to be made available to retirement
plan participants, or managing QDIA accounts.
VestGen also makes third-party Model Managers available on the Platform. VestGen’s Research team
conducts a Model Manager search, on-boards the Model Manager, maintains the third-party models,
and performs ongoing due diligence on the Model Managers.
In addition to managing Models, VestGen’s Research team provides scorecards on non-model assets
based on proprietary and industry-sourced research.
Mutual Funds, Collective Investment Funds (“CIF”) and ETFs
An investment in a mutual fund, CIF or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual
funds, CIFs, and ETFs are subject to secondary market trading risks. Shares of mutual funds and ETFs
will be listed for trading on an exchange, however, there can be no guarantee that an active trading
market for such shares will develop or continue. There can be no guarantee that a mutual funds and
ETF’s exchange listing or ability to trade its shares will continue or remain unchanged. Shares of the
mutual fund or ETF may trade on an exchange at prices at, above or below their most recent net asset
valuation (NAV), which is the price at which an investor would buy or sell the mutual fund or ETF.
The per share NAV of a mutual fund is calculated at the end of each business day and fluctuates with
changes in the market value of the mutual fund’s holdings. The trading prices of an ETF’s shares may
differ significantly from the value of its underlying holdings during periods of market volatility, which
may, among other factors, lead to the ETF’s shares trading at a premium or discount to the value of its
underlying holdings.
Market Risks
The profitability of a significant portion of VestGen’s recommendations and investment selections in
client accounts may depend to a great extent upon correctly assessing the future course of price
movements of stocks and bonds. There can be no assurance that VestGen will be able to predict those
price movements accurately.
Management through Similarly Managed Accounts
VestGen’s management using the investment strategy complies with the requirements of Rule 3a-4 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Rule 3a-4 provides similarly managed accounts,
such as the investment strategy, with a safe harbor from the definition of an investment company.
The investment strategy may involve an above-average portfolio turnover that could negatively impact
the net after-tax gain experienced by an individual client. Securities in the investment strategy are
usually exchanged and/or transferred without regard to a client’s individual tax ramifications. Certain
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investment opportunities that become available to VestGen’s clients may be limited. For example,
various mutual funds or insurance companies may limit the ability of VestGen to buy, sell, exchange
or transfer securities consistent with its investment strategy. VestGen allocates investment
opportunities among its clients on a fair and equitable basis.
Use of Margin
To the extent that a client authorizes the use of margin, and margin is thereafter employed by VestGen
in the management of the client’s investment portfolio, the market value of the client’s account and
corresponding fee payable by the client to VestGen will be increased. As a result, in addition to
understanding and assuming the additional principal risks associated with the use of margin, clients
authorizing margin are advised of the potential conflict of interest whereby the client’s decision to
employ margin correspondingly increases the management fee payable to VestGen. Accordingly, the
decision as to whether to employ margin is left totally to the discretion of the client.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such losses.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
VestGen does not have any required disclosures that would be material to a client’s evaluation of its
advisory business or the integrity of management.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
VestGen must disclose any relationship or arrangement material to its advisory business or clients with
certain related persons. VestGen has described such relationships and arrangements below.
Affiliated Registered Investment Adviser
VestGen is affiliated by way of common ownership and control with VestGen Advisers LLC
(“VGA”) also registered with the SEC as a registered investment adviser. During the normal course
of business, VGA may utilize the VestGen Managed Account Platform and other services.
Registered Representatives of Broker Dealer
Certain persons associated with VestGen are also registered representatives of Private Client Services
(“PCS”), SEC registered broker-dealers and members of FINRA. Clients may engage these persons on
matters not related to VestGen managed accounts to implement securities transactions and brokerage
services under a commission arrangement. Clients are under no obligation to engage such persons and
may choose brokers or agents not affiliated with VestGen to satisfy those brokerage needs. PCS may
charge brokerage commissions to affect these securities transactions and services. A portion of these
commissions may be paid by PCS to such associated persons. Prior to effecting any transactions, clients
are required to enter into a new account agreement with PCS. The brokerage commissions charged by
PCS may be higher or lower than those charged by other broker-dealers.
In addition, certain of VestGen’s associated persons may also receive ongoing 12b-1 or shareholder
service fees for mutual fund purchases not related to any assets in VestGen managed accounts; these
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fees are received from the mutual fund company during the period that the client maintains the mutual
fund investment. A conflict of interest may exist to the extent that VestGen recommends the purchase
of securities where a VestGen associated person receives commissions or other additional
compensation because of VestGen’s recommendations. VestGen has procedures in place to ensure that
any recommendations made by such associated persons are in the best interest of clients.
On certain occasions, a PCS registered VestGen associate may earn selling or trail compensation for a
qualified plan; and that the plan or some portions of the plan are managed by VestGen. On such
occasions, the amount of selling or trail compensation shall be considered by VestGen in setting the
percentage of management fee to be charged.
Less than 0.1% of the total revenues generated by VestGen in 2023 were Registered Representative
related business.
Item 11. Code of Ethics
VestGen and persons associated with VestGen are permitted to buy or sell securities that it also
recommends to clients only when consistent with VestGen’s policies and procedures. VestGen has
adopted a code of ethics that sets forth the standards of conduct expected of its associated persons and
requires compliance with applicable securities laws (“Code of Ethics”).
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Code of Ethics contains
written policies reasonably designed to prevent the unlawful use of material non-public information
by VestGen or any of its associated persons. The Code of Ethics also requires that certain of VestGen’s
personnel (called “Access Persons”) report their personal securities holdings and transactions and
obtain pre-approval of certain investments such as initial public offerings and limited offerings.
When VestGen is purchasing or considering purchasing any security on behalf of a client, no Access
Person may affect a transaction in that security prior to the completion of the purchase or until a
decision has been made not to purchase such security. Similarly, when VestGen is selling or
considering the sale of any security on behalf of a client, no Access Person may affect a transaction in
that security prior to the completion of the sale or until a decision has been made not to sell such
security. These requirements are not applicable to: (i) direct obligations of the Government of the
United States; (ii) money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit,
commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high-quality, short-term debt instruments,
including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by mutual funds or money market funds; and (iv)
shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual funds.
Clients and prospective clients may contact VestGen to request a copy of its Code of Ethics.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
As discussed above, in Item 4, VestGen provides discretionary investment management for clients
with brokerage accounts at certain qualified custodians. Factors which VestGen considers in
recommending which custodians a client can use include the custodians’ respective financial strength,
reputation, execution, pricing, research, and service. The custodian must enable VestGen to obtain
many mutual funds without transaction charges and other securities at nominal transaction charges.
The commissions paid by VestGen’s clients comply with VestGen’s duty to obtain “best execution.”
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Clients may pay commissions that are higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to
affect the same transaction. VestGen determines that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the
value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative
factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative
execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s services. The services reviewed
are the value of research provided, execution capability, competitive commission rates and
responsiveness of the broker-dealer. VestGen periodically and systematically reviews its policies and
procedures regarding its recommendation of broker-dealers considering its duty to obtain best
execution.
The client may direct VestGen in writing to use a particular broker-dealer to execute some or all
transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the account
with that broker-dealer. VestGen 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 VestGen. As a result, the client may pay higher commissions, other
transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net price on transactions for the account
than would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best execution, VestGen may decline a client’s
request to direct brokerage if, in VestGen’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements
would result in additional operational difficulties or violate restrictions imposed by other broker-
dealers.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to certain broker-
dealers in return for investment research products and/or services which assist VestGen in its
investment decision-making process. Such research generally will be used to service all of VestGen’s
clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research that is not used
in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products and/or services as well
as the allocation of the benefit of such investment research products and/or services pose a conflict of
interest because VestGen does not have to produce or pay for the products or services.
VestGen’s Chief Compliance Officer remains available to address any questions that a client or
prospective client may have regarding the above conflict of interest.
“Batch” Transactions
Transactions for each client generally will be executed independently, unless VestGen decides to
purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. VestGen may
(but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to obtain best execution, to negotiate more
favorable commission rates, or to allocate equitably among VestGen’s client’s differences in prices
and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently. Under this procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price and allocated
among VestGen’s clients pro rata to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client on any given
day. To the extent that VestGen determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of
securities, including securities in which VestGen’s Supervised Persons may invest, VestGen generally
does so in accordance with applicable rules promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action
guidance provided by the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. On many occasions,
due to the management platform chosen by the client, VestGen must use a certain broker-dealer to
execute a trade. Due to trade execution delay constraints mandated by the executing broker-dealer,
clients may not receive the same price for certain securities purchased the same day in other VestGen
managed products. VestGen does not receive any additional compensation or remuneration due to the
aggregation. In the event that VestGen determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under
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the particular circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which may
include: (i) when only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the
account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to an account that is out of line with respect
to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios, with similar mandates; (ii) allocations may
be given to one account when one account has limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit
it from purchasing other securities which are expected to produce similar investment results and can
be purchased by other accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot
participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to other accounts (this may be due to unforeseen
changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed); (iv) with respect to sale allocations, allocations
may be given to accounts low in cash; (v) in cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution
would result in a very small allocation in one or more accounts, VestGen may exclude the
account(s) from the allocation; the transactions may be executed on a pro rata basis among the
remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts,
shares may be allocated to one or more accounts on a random basis.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
Although not a material consideration when recommending custodians, VestGen may receive without
cost, computer software and related systems support. Such services allow VestGen to better monitor
client accounts maintained at the custodian. VestGen may receive the software and related support
without cost because VestGen renders investment management services to clients that, in the
aggregate, maintain a certain level of assets at the custodian.
VestGen may receive the following benefits from the custodian/broker-dealer: receipt of duplicate
client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; access to a trading desk; access to block trading
which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares
to client accounts; access to an electronic communication network for client order entry and account
information; and attendance at custodians’/broker-dealers’ sponsored conferences.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
VestGen monitors clients’ portfolios as part of an ongoing process with account reviews conducted
periodically. Such reviews consist of system-generated reports identifying client portfolios that may
be out of tolerance for the allocation selected. Quarterly, the portfolios are reviewed for performances
falling outside the expected range. When such inconsistencies are discovered, the allocation, executed
trades and other transactions of the portfolio are analyzed by a staff member of VestGen under the
supervision of the Co-Chief Investment Officer. Reviews may also be conducted with the client by the
referring solicitor. More frequent reviews may be triggered by a change in the investment objectives
of the client such as tax considerations, large deposits or withdrawals, or the opinion of VestGen that
a tactical reallocation of accounts is appropriate.
All clients are encouraged to discuss their needs, goals and objectives with VestGen or the soliciting
financial representative and to keep VestGen informed of any changes thereto.
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account statements
directly from the broker-dealer or custodian for the accounts. VestGen may also provide clients with
quarterly performance reports.
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Item 14. Client Referrals and Additional Compensation
As disclosed in the written agreement between client and VestGen, VestGen may pay a portion of the
advisory fee to a sponsor who referred the client to VestGen. Any such referral fee is paid solely from
VestGen’s investment management fee and does not result in any additional charge to the client. The
sponsor is also required to provide the client with a copy of this disclosure brochure which meets the
requirements of Rule 204-3 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and a copy of a disclosure brochure
containing the terms and conditions of the sponsor’s arrangement including compensation.
As discussed in Item 5 of this Brochure under the heading “Additional Compensation and Conflicts
of Interest”, VestGen may receive Revenue Sharing payments from certain investment product
managers or Model Managers based on the level of client assets allocated to those investment
product managers or Model Managers by VestGen. VestGen mitigates this conflict of interest by
conducting the same level of due diligence on all investment products and Model Managers whether
or not VestGen receives Revenue Sharing Payments. This due diligence includes the initial selection
and the continuous monitoring of investment products and Model Managers.
Item 15. Custody
VestGen does not serve as a custodian of client accounts. Clients will receive statements, at least
quarterly, directly from the broker-dealer, other custodian or a third party on their behalf for their
account.
However, VestGen is deemed to have inadvertent custody of clients’ funds and securities when clients
have standing authorizations with their custodian to move money from the client’s account to a third
party (“SLOA”) and under that SLOA authorize us to designate the amount or timing of transfers with
the custodian. The SEC has set forth a set of standards intended to protect client assets in such
situations, which we follow. We do not have a beneficial interest on any of the accounts we are deemed
to have Custody where SLOAs are on file. In addition, account statements reflecting all activity on the
account(s) are delivered directly from the qualified custodian to each client at least quarterly. You
should carefully review those statements against reports received from us. When you have questions
about your account statements, you should contact us, your Financial Representative or the qualified
Custodian preparing the statement.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
The agreements signed by the client give VestGen the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of
clients. VestGen is considered to exercise investment discretion over a client’s account if it can affect
transactions for the client without first having to seek the client’s consent. VestGen is given this
authority through a limited power-of-attorney included in the agreement between VestGen and the
client. Clients may request a limitation on this authority (such as requesting that certain securities are
not to be bought or sold).
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
VestGen, or its delegated non-affiliated third-party vendor, may vote client securities (proxies) on
behalf of its clients. When VestGen accepts such responsibility, it will only cast proxy votes in a
manner consistent with the best interest of its clients. Absent of special circumstances, all proxies will
be voted consistent with guidelines established and described in VestGen’s Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures, as they may be amended from time-to-time. Clients may contact VestGen to request
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information about how VestGen voted proxies for that client’s securities or to get a copy of VestGen’s
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
In situations where there may be a conflict of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or
personal relationships that VestGen maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain
votes, VestGen takes appropriate steps to ensure that its proxy voting decisions are made in the best
interest of its clients and are not the product of such conflict.
Item 18. Financial Information
VestGen has not attached a balance sheet for its most recent fiscal year because it does not require or
solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client and six months or more in advance.
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