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Item 1: Cover Page
Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC
1053 W. Rex Road, Suite 102
Memphis, TN 38119
Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Brochure
(901) 216-1600
Dated April 8, 2025
www.VBFinancialGroup.com
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Vishria Bird Financial
Group, LLC, “VBFG”. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (901)
216-1600. 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.
Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an
investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.
Additional information about VBFG is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be
found using the firm’s identification number 291979.
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Item 2: Material Changes
This Brochure dated April 8, 2025, contains material changes since our last Brochure update on
February 14, 2025.
Mercer Global Advisors Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC.
The transaction closed on March 31, 2025, and resulted in a change of ownership. Mercer Global
Advisors Inc. owns one hundred (100%) percent of the operating assets of Vishria Bird Financial Group,
LLC. Due to the Acquisition of Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC, the firm has provided notice to affected
clients of the assignment to Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (a SEC-registered investment advisor) of such
clients’ advisory arrangements with Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC to the extent required under
applicable law. Once the account transfer process is complete at the custodial level, Vishria Bird
Financial Group, LLC will file a Form ADV-W to wind down the advisory business.
Copies of Mercer Global Advisors’ Part 2A, form CRS and Privacy Notice are available upon request by
calling 888.565.1681 or at www.merceradvisors.com.
In addition, Item 4 has been updated to reflect the discontinuation of the Vishria Bird Financial Group
Wrap Fee Program for new clients.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Contents
Item 1: Cover Page .................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes ......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4: Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................... 8
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ........................................................... 9
Item 7: Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................ 9
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................... 10
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................. 13
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 13
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ........... 14
Item 12: Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................. 16
Item 13: Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................. 19
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ............................................................................... 19
Item 15: Custody ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16: Investment Discretion .............................................................................................................. 20
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................ 21
Item 18: Financial Information ............................................................................................................... 21
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Description of Advisory Firm
Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. We were founded in January 2018. Khakuji Trust and Khakal Trust II are the principal
owners of VBFG. As of December 31, 2024, VBFG manages $ 534,694,479 on a discretionary basis and
$64,983,746 on a non-discretionary basis.
Types of Advisory Services
Investment Management Services
We are in the business of managing individually tailored investment portfolios. Our firm provides
continuous advice to a client regarding the 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 develop a client's personal investment policy or an investment plan
with an asset allocation target and create and manage a portfolio based on that policy and allocation
target. During our data-gathering process, we determine the client’s individual objectives, time
horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. We may also review and discuss a client’s prior investment
history, as well as family composition and background.
Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the client (e.g., maximum capital appreciation,
growth, income, or growth and income), as well as tax considerations. Clients may impose reasonable
restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors. Fees pertaining to
this service are outlined in Item 5 of this brochure.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state by using
currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal plans. The key
defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions,
information and analysis will be considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and
life situation of the client. Clients purchasing this service will receive a written or an electronic report,
providing the client with a detailed financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals
and objectives.
The client always has the right to decide whether or not to act upon our recommendations. If the client
elects to act on any of the recommendations, the client always has the right to affect the transactions
through anyone of their choosing.
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In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas of concern. The client and
advisor will work together to select the specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Business Planning: We provide consulting services for clients who currently operate their own
business, are considering starting a business, or are planning for an exit from their current
business. Under this type of engagement, we work with you to assess your current situation,
identify your objectives, and develop a plan aimed at achieving your goals.
Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to
determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus
should be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be
provided on which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt
and any income tax ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an
appropriate cash reserve that should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals,
along with a review of accounts (such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies
to save desired amounts.
College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other
post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired
amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review
your financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to
grandchildren (if appropriate).
Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an
employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a
business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various benefit programs that can be
structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals.
Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your
current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts and
other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid
future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of
applicable trusts.
We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or
complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys
who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From
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time-to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney
with your approval or request.
Financial Goals: We will help clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them.
We will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen,
how much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-
term care, liability, home and automobile.
Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet clients’
financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies,
reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment
account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we
may recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure.
Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your
likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the
primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may
make recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting
certain variables (e.g., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with
investments).
If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution
strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter
spending during your retirement years.
Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major
risks that could have a significantly adverse effect on your financial picture, such as premature
death, disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long-term care planning. Advice
may be provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing
insurance versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing
insurance (“self-insuring”).
Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes
as a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make
recommendations on which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based
in part on their “tax efficiency,” with consideration that there is always a possibility of future
changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that may affect your situation.
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We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any tax
planning strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants or
attorneys who specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes. We will
participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your tax professional with your
approval.
Pension Consulting
As part of our financial planning service, we offer pension consulting for clients as part of their financial
planning fee. We work with various third-party administrators and based on your business’s
circumstances and needs, we will assist you in determining which third-party service provider’s services
are appropriate for implementing a retirement plan for your business. Factors considered in making
this determination, include the number of participants, expected or current annual deposits, employee
census, and plan type, which are discussed during our consultation.
Discretionary Fiduciary Services
Accept discretionary fiduciary liability within the meaning of Section 3(38) of ERISA for the investment
selection and monitoring process of investment options in a retirement plan, with the exception of
company stock.
Participant Education/Communication
Attend educational workshops and enrollment meetings for plan participants
Create and deliver educational workshops for plan participants
Prepare customized participant communications
Conduct enrollment meetings
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
We offer the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client financial plans and their
implementation are dependent upon a client suitability form, which outlines each client’s current
situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels) and is used to construct a client specific plan to
aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions, needs, and targets.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do sponsor and participate in a wrap fee program. This program is no longer offered to new clients.
Please see our Appendix 1 regarding our wrap program information.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Please note, unless a client has received the firm’s disclosure brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing
the investment advisory contract, the investment advisory contract may be terminated by the client
within five (5) business days of signing the contract without incurring any advisory fees and without
penalty. How we are paid depends on the type of advisory service we are performing. Please review
the fee and compensation information below.
Investment Management Services
Our standard advisory fee is based on the market value of the assets under management and is
calculated as follows:
Account Value
Annual Advisory Fee
$0 - $1,000,000
1.50%
$1,000,001 - $2,000,000
1.25%
$2,000,001 - $3,000,000
1.00%
$3,000,001 - $13,000,000
0.75%
$13,000,001 and Above
0.50%
The annual fees are negotiable and are pro-rated and paid in arrears on a monthly basis. The advisory
fee is a blended fee and is calculated by assessing the percentage rates using the predefined levels of
assets as shown in the above chart, resulting in a combined weighted fee. No increase in the annual
fee shall be effective without agreement from the client by signing a new agreement or amendment to
their current advisory agreement.
Advisory fees are directly debited from client accounts, or the client may choose to pay by check.
Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a pro-rated fee based on
the amount of time remaining in the billing period. An account may be terminated with written notice
at least 30 calendar days in advance. Since fees are paid in arrears, no rebate will be needed upon
termination of the account.
Financial Planning Fixed Fee
Financial Planning will generally be offered on a fixed fee basis. The fixed fee will be agreed upon
before the start of any work. The fixed fee can range between $500.00 and $10,000.00, depending on
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the complexity of case and client’s needs. The fee is negotiable and will be due at the completion of
the engagement.
Pension Consulting Services
This service is only available to our financial planning clients and included in the financial planning
fee.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses
Our fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, fees for trades executed away from
the custodian, and other related costs and expenses that may be incurred by the client. Clients may
incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties such as custodial fees,
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. Mutual fund and exchange
traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such
charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to our fee, and we shall not receive any
portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Item 12 further describes the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for
client’s transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions).
We do not accept compensation for the sale of securities or other investment products including asset-
based sales charges or service fees from the sale of mutual funds.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-
By-Side Management
We do not offer performance-based fees.
Item 7: Types of Clients
We provide financial planning and portfolio management services to individuals, high net-worth
individuals and pension and profiting sharing plans.
We do not have a minimum account size requirement.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies and Risk of Loss
Our primary methods of investment analysis are fundamental and cyclical analysis.
Fundamental analysis involves analyzing individual companies and their industry groups, such as a
company’s financial statements, details regarding the company’s product line, the experience, and
expertise of the company’s management, and the outlook for the company’s industry. The resulting
data is used to measure the true value of the company’s stock compared to the current market value.
The risk of fundamental analysis is that information obtained may be incorrect and the analysis may
not provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock’s value. If securities
prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not result in favorable
performance.
Cyclical analysis is a type of technical analysis that involves evaluating recurring price patterns and
trends based upon business cycles. Economic/business cycles may not be predictable and may have
many fluctuations between long term expansions and contractions. The lengths of economic cycles
may be difficult to predict with accuracy and therefore the risk of cyclical analysis is the difficulty in
predicting economic trends and consequently the changing value of securities that would be affected
by these changing trends.
Passive Investment Management
We primarily practice passive investment management. Passive investing involves building portfolios
that are comprised of various distinct asset classes. The asset classes are weighted in a manner to
achieve a desired relationship between correlation, risk and return. Funds that passively capture the
returns of the desired asset classes are placed in the portfolio. The funds that are used to build passive
portfolios are typically index mutual funds or exchange traded funds.
Passive investment management is characterized by low portfolio expenses (i.e. the funds inside the
portfolio have low internal costs), minimal trading costs (due to infrequent trading activity), and
relative tax efficiency (because the funds inside the portfolio are tax efficient and turnover inside the
portfolio is minimal).
In contrast, active management involves a single manager or managers who employ some method,
strategy or technique to construct a portfolio that is intended to generate returns that are greater than
the broader market or a designated benchmark.
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Material Risks Involved
All investing strategies we offer involve risk and may result in a loss of your original investment which
you should be prepared to bear. Many of these risks apply equally to stocks, bonds, commodities and
any other investment or security. Material risks associated with our investment strategies are listed
below.
Market Risk: Market risk involves the possibility that an investment’s current market value will fall
because of a general market decline, reducing the value of the investment regardless of the success of
the issuer’s operations or its financial condition.
Strategy Risk: The Adviser’s investment strategies and/or investment techniques may not work as
intended.
Small and Medium Cap Company Risk: Securities of companies with small and medium market
capitalizations are often more volatile and less liquid than investments in larger companies. Small and
medium cap companies may face a greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility
of the client’s portfolio.
Turnover Risk: At times, the strategy may have a portfolio turnover rate that is higher than other
strategies. A high portfolio turnover would result in correspondingly greater brokerage commission
expenses and may result in the distribution of additional capital gains for tax purposes. These factors
may negatively affect the account’s performance.
Limited markets: Certain securities may be less liquid (harder to sell or buy) and their prices may at
times be more volatile than at other times. Under certain market conditions we may be unable to sell
or liquidate investments at prices we consider reasonable or favorable or find buyers at any price.
Concentration Risk: Certain investment strategies focus on particular asset-classes, industries, sectors
or types of investment. From time to time these strategies may be subject to greater risks of adverse
developments in such areas of focus than a strategy that is more broadly diversified across a wider
variety of investments.
Interest Rate Risk: Bond (fixed income) prices generally fall when interest rates rise, and the value may
fall below par value or the principal investment. The opposite is also generally true: bond prices
generally rise when interest rates fall. In general, fixed income securities with longer maturities are
more sensitive to these price changes. Most other investments are also sensitive to the level and
direction of interest rates.
Legal or Legislative Risk: Legislative changes or Court rulings may impact the value of investments, or
the securities’ claim on the issuer’s assets and finances.
Inflation: Inflation may erode the buying-power of your investment portfolio, even if the dollar value
of your investments remains the same.
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Risks Associated with Securities
Apart from the general risks outlined above which apply to all types of investments, specific securities
may have other risks.
Commercial Paper is, in most cases, an unsecured promissory note that is issued with a maturity of
270 days or less. Being unsecured the risk to the investor is that the issuer may default.
Common stocks may go up and down in price quite dramatically, and in the event of an issuer’s
bankruptcy or restructuring could lose all value. A slower-growth or recessionary economic
environment could have an adverse effect on the price of all stocks.
Corporate Bonds are debt securities to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic
interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at
maturity. Alternatively, investors can purchase other debt securities, such as zero-coupon bonds, which
do not pay current interest, but rather are priced at a discount from their face values and their values
accrete over time to face value at maturity. The market prices of debt securities fluctuate depending
on such factors as interest rates, credit quality, and maturity. In general, market prices of debt
securities decline when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. The longer the time to
a bond’s maturity, the greater its interest rate risk.
Bank Obligations including bonds and certificates of deposit may be vulnerable to setbacks or panics
in the banking industry. Banks and other financial institutions are greatly affected by interest rates and
may be adversely affected by downturns in the U.S. and foreign economies or changes in banking
regulations.
Municipal Bonds are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes,
including the construction of public facilities. Municipal bonds pay a lower rate of return than most
other types of bonds. However, because of a municipal bond’s tax-favored status, investors should
compare the relative after-tax return to the after-tax return of other bonds, depending on the
investor’s tax bracket. Investing in municipal bonds carries the same general risks as investing in bonds
in general. Those risks include interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, inflation risk, market risk, call or
redemption risk, credit risk, and liquidity and valuation risk.
Options and other derivatives carry many unique risks, including time-sensitivity, and can result in the
complete loss of principal. While covered call writing does provide a partial hedge to the stock against
which the call is written, the hedge is limited to the amount of cash flow received when writing the
option. When selling covered calls, there is a risk the underlying position may be called away at a price
lower than the current market price.
Exchange Traded Funds prices may vary significantly from the Net Asset Value due to market
conditions. Certain Exchange Traded Funds may not track underlying benchmarks as expected.
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Investment Companies Risk. When a client invests in open end mutual funds or ETFs, the client
indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those funds.
Therefore, the client will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the
client’s overall portfolio may be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the level of risk arising
from the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of derivatives). ETFs are also
subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above or below
their net asset value; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios;
or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action
appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit
breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Adviser
has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which clients invest.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Actions
VBFG and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil action.
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
VBFG and its management have not been involved in administrative enforcement proceedings.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
VBFG and its management have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events that are material to a
client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of VBFG or the integrity of its management.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities
and Affiliations
Associates of Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC are independent insurance agents. As such, in their
separate capacity as an insurance agent, will be able to purchase insurance products for your account,
for which they will receive separate and customary compensation. While Vishria Bird Financial Group,
LLC endeavors always to put the interest of our clients first as part of our firm's fiduciary duty, you
should be aware that the receipt of additional compensation itself creates a conflict of interest and
may affect their judgment when making recommendations.
No VBFG employee is registered, or have an application pending to register, as a futures commission
merchant, commodity pool operator or a commodity trading advisor.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or
Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
As a fiduciary, our firm and its associates have a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best
interests of each client. Our clients entrust us with their funds and personal information, which in turn
places a high standard on our conduct and integrity. Our fiduciary duty is a core aspect of our Code of
Ethics and represents the expected basis of all of our dealings. The firm also adheres to the Code of
Ethics and Professional Responsibility adopted by the CFP® Board of Standards Inc. and accepts the
obligation not only to comply with the mandates and requirements of all applicable laws and
regulations but also to take responsibility to act in an ethical and professionally responsible manner in
all professional services and activities.
Code of Ethics Description
This code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and literal compliance with each
of its specific provisions will not shield associated persons from liability for personal trading or other
conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to advisory clients. A summary of the Code of Ethics' Principles is
outlined below.
•
Integrity - Associated persons shall offer and provide professional services with integrity.
•
Objectivity - Associated persons shall be objective in providing professional services to clients.
•
Competence - Associated persons shall provide services to clients competently and maintain
the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which they are engaged.
•
Fairness - Associated persons shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair and
reasonable to clients, principals, partners, and employers, and shall disclose conflict(s) of
interest in providing such services.
•
Confidentiality - Associated persons shall not disclose confidential client information without
the specific consent of the client unless in response to proper legal process, or as required by
law.
•
Professionalism - Associated persons’ conduct in all matter shall reflect credit of the profession.
•
Diligence - Associated persons shall act diligently in providing professional services.
We periodically review and amend our Code of Ethics to ensure that it remains current, and we require
all firm access persons to attest to their understanding of and adherence to the Code of Ethics at least
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annually. Our firm will provide of copy of its Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon
request.
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and
Conflicts of Interest
Neither our firm, its associates or any related person is authorized to recommend to a client, or effect
a transaction for a client, involving any security in which our firm or a related person has a material
financial interest, such as in the capacity as an underwriter, adviser to the issuer, etc.
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and
Conflicts of Interest
Our firm and its “related persons” may buy or sell securities similar to, or different from, those we
recommend to clients for their accounts. Our policy is designed to assure that the personal securities
transactions, activities and interests of the employees of our firm 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. 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. In an effort to reduce or eliminate certain conflicts of interest involving the firm or personal
trading, our policy may require that we restrict or prohibit associates’ transactions in specific
reportable securities transactions. Any exceptions or trading pre-clearance must be approved by the
firm principal in advance of the transaction in an account, and we maintain the required personal
securities transaction records per regulation.
Trading Securities at/Around the Same Time as Client’s Securities
From time to time, our firm or its “related persons” may buy or sell securities for themselves at or
around the same time as clients. We will not trade non-mutual fund securities prior to the same
security for clients on the same day.
Investment Advice Relating to Retirement Accounts
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).
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Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal
advice).
Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments.
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.
Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
In addition, and as required by this rule, we provide information regarding the services that we provide
to you, and any material conflicts of interest, in this brochure and in your client agreement.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers
Vishria Bird Financial Group, LLC does not have any affiliation with Broker-Dealers, however we
recommend that our clients use Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer,
member SIPC, as the qualified custodian. We are independently owned and operated and not affiliated
with Schwab. Schwab will hold your assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when
instructed. While we recommend that you use Schwab as custodian/broker, you will decide whether
to do so and open your account with Schwab by entering into an account agreement directly with them.
We seek to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold your assets and execute transactions on
terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to other available providers and their
services. We consider a wide range of factors, including, among others, these:
combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services
capability to execute, clear and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account)
capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check
requests, bill payment, etc.)
breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded
funds (ETFs), etc.)
availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions
quality of services
competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates, other
fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them
reputation, financial strength and stability of the provider
their prior service to us and our other clients
availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below (see "Products
and Services Available to Us from Schwab")
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Your Custody and Brokerage Costs
For our clients' accounts it maintains, Schwab generally does not charge you separately for custody
services but is compensated by charging you fees on trades that it executes or that settle into your
Schwab account. Schwab's fees applicable to our client accounts were negotiated based on our
commitment to maintain a certain level of our clients' assets statement equity in accounts at Schwab.
This commitment benefits you because the overall fees you pay are lower than they would be if we
had not made the commitment Schwab charges you a flat dollar amount as a "prime broker" or "trade
away" fee for each trade that we have executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities
bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited (settled) into your Schwab account. These
fees are in addition to the fees or other compensation you pay the executing broker-dealer. Because
of this, in order to minimize your trading costs, we have Schwab execute most trades for your account.
Products and Services Available to Us from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services (formerly called Schwab Institutional) is Schwab's business serving
independent investment advisory firms like us. They provide us and our clients with access to its
institutional brokerage - trading, custody, reporting and related services - many of which are not
typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support services.
Some of those services help us manage or administer our clients' accounts while others help us manage
and grow our business. Schwab's support services are generally available on an unsolicited basis (we
don't have to request them) and at no charge to us as long as we keep a certain level of our clients'
assets in accounts at Schwab. Here is a more detailed description of Schwab's support services:
Services that Benefit You. Schwab's institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of
investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment
products available through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that
would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. Schwab's services
described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your account.
Services that May Not Directly Benefit You. Schwab also makes available to us other products and
services that benefit us but may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and services
assist us in managing and administering our clients' accounts. They include investment research, both
Schwab's own and that of third parties. We may use this research to service all or some substantial
number of our clients' accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In addition to
investment research, Schwab also makes available software and other technology that:
provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements);
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts;
provide pricing and other market data;
facilitate payment of our fees from our clients' accounts; and
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assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Services that Generally Benefit Only Us. Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage
and further develop our business enterprise. These services include:
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting;
educational conferences and events
publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance providers.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors
to provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or
pay all or a part of a third party's fees. Schwab may also provide us with other benefits such as
occasional business entertainment of our personnel.
Our Interest in Schwab's Services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do not have to produce or
purchase them. We don't have to pay for Schwab's services so long as we keep a total of at least $10
million of client assets in accounts at Schwab. The $10 million minimum may give us an incentive to
recommend that you maintain your account with Schwab based on our interest in receiving Schwab's
services that benefit our business rather than based on your interest in receiving the best value in
custody services and the most favorable execution of your transactions. This is a potential conflict of
interest. We believe, however, that our selection of Schwab as custodian and broker is in the best
interests of our clients. It is primarily supported by the scope, quality and price of Schwab's services
(based on the factors discussed above - see "How We Select Brokers/Custodians") and not Schwab's
services that benefit only us.
1. Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits
We currently do not receive soft dollar benefits.
2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
We receive no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that broker-dealer or
third party.
3. Directed Brokerage
We do recommend a specific custodian for clients to use, however, clients may custody their assets at
a custodian of their choice. Clients may also direct us to use a specific broker-dealer to execute
transactions. By allowing clients to choose a specific custodian, we may be unable to achieve most
favorable execution of client transaction and this may cost clients money over using a lower-cost
custodian.
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Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
Generally, we combine multiple orders for shares of the same securities purchased for advisory
accounts we manage (this practice is commonly referred to as “block trading”). We will then distribute
a portion of the shares to participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The distribution of the
shares purchased is typically proportionate to the size of the account, but it is not based on account
performance or the amount or structure of management fees. Subject to our discretion, regarding
particular circumstances and market conditions, when we combine orders, each participating account
pays an average price per share for all transactions and pays a proportionate share of all transaction
costs. Accounts owned by our firm or persons associated with our firm may participate in block trading
with your accounts; however, they will not be given preferential treatment.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Client accounts with the Investment Management Service will be reviewed regularly on a quarterly
basis by Harish Vishria, Manager. The account is reviewed with regards to the client’s investment
policies and risk tolerance levels. Events that may trigger a special review would be unusual
performance, addition or deletions of client-imposed restrictions, excessive draw-down, volatility in
performance, or buy and sell decisions from the firm or per client's needs.
Clients will receive trade confirmations from the broker(s) for each transaction in their accounts as well
as monthly or quarterly statements and annual tax reporting statements from their custodian showing
all activity in the accounts, such as receipt of dividends and interest.
VBFG will provide written reports to investment management clients on a quarterly basis. We urge
clients to compare these reports against the account statements they receive from their custodian.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
We receive an economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the support products and services it makes
available to us and other independent investment advisors that have their clients maintain accounts at
Schwab. These products and services, how they benefit us, and the related conflicts of interest are
described above (see Item 12 - Brokerage Practices). The availability to us of Schwab's products and
services is not based on us giving particular investment advice, such as buying particular securities for
our clients.
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Item 15: Custody
Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from the broker dealer, bank or other qualified
custodian that holds and maintains client's investment assets. We urge you to carefully review such
statements and compare such official custodial records to the account statements or reports that we
may provide to you. Our statements or reports may vary from custodial statements based on
accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
Standing Letters of Authorization: VBFG does maintain a standing letter of authorization (SLOA) where
the funds or securities are being sent to a third party, and the following conditions are met:
a. The client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes the client’s
signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or the third party’s
account number at a custodian to which the transfer should be directed.
b. The client authorizes VBFG, in writing, either on the qualified custodian’s form or separately, to
direct transfers to the third party either on a specified schedule or from time to time.
c. The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction, such as a
signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization and provides a transfer of
funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
d. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s qualified
custodian.
e. VBFG has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity of the third party, the
address, or any other information about the third party contained in the client’s instruction.
f. The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming the
instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
g. VBFG maintains records showing that the third party is not a related party of VBFG or located
at the same address as VBFG.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
For those client accounts where we provide investment management services, we maintain discretion
over client accounts with respect to securities to be bought and sold and the amount of securities to
be bought and sold. Investment discretion is explained to clients in detail when an advisory relationship
has commenced. At the start of the advisory relationship, the client will execute a Limited Power of
Attorney, which will grant our firm discretion over the account. Additionally, the discretionary
relationship will be outlined in the advisory contract and signed by the client. Clients may impose
reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities
We do not vote Client proxies. Therefore, Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) voting
proxies, and (2) acting on corporate actions pertaining to the Client’s investment assets. The Client shall
instruct the Client’s qualified custodian to forward to the Client copies of all proxies and shareholder
communications relating to the Client’s investment assets. If the client would like our opinion on a
particular proxy vote, they may contact us at the number listed on the cover of this brochure.
In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in the
event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them directly to
you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in which case, we
would forward you any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.
Item 18: Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial
information or disclosures about our financial condition. We have no financial commitment that
impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and we have not been
the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
We do not have custody of client funds or securities or require or solicit prepayment of more than
$1,200 in fees per client six months in advance.
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