Overview
- Headquarters
- Chicago, IL
- Average Client Assets
- $3.5 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $1,000,000
- SEC CRD Number
- 160150
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (VIVALDI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP FORM ADV PART 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $2,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $2,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.95% |
| $10,000,001 | $25,000,000 | 0.85% |
| $25,000,001 | and above | 0.75% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $12,500 | 1.25% |
| $5 million | $53,500 | 1.07% |
| $10 million | $101,000 | 1.01% |
| $50 million | $416,000 | 0.83% |
| $100 million | $791,000 | 0.79% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 80.21%
- Total Client Accounts
- 9,855
- Discretionary Accounts
- 6,060
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 3,795
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Pooled Investment Vehicles, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients, Pension Consulting, Investment Advisor Selection, Educational Seminars
Regulatory Filings
Primary Brochure: VIVALDI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP FORM ADV PART 2A (2026-04-17)
View Document Text
Principal Office
225 W. Wacker Drive – Suite 2100 | Chicago | Illinois | 60606
Branch Offices
2010 Crow Canyon Place – Suite 100 | San Ramon | California | 94583
16185 Los Gatos Boulevard – Suite 205 | Los Gatos | California | 95032
12555 High Bluff Drive – Suite 301 | San Diego | California | 92130
3333 Richmond Road – Suite 480 | Beachwood | Ohio | 44122
11634 Maple Street – Suite 300 | Fishers | Indiana | 46038
April 17, 2026
ADV PART 2A:
FIRM BROCHURE
This brochure (the “Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Vivaldi Capital Management LP (“VCM”) and certain of its personnel. VCM is an investment adviser
registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Registration with the
SEC or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information in
this brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC or by any state securities authority.
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 312.248.8300 or
info@vivaldicap.com. Additional information about VCM is also available on the SECʼs website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
1
Vivaldi Capital Management LP | 225 W. Wacker Drive | Suite 2100 | Chicago, IL 60606 | P: 312.248.8300 | F: 847.386.2910
Material Changes
Since VCMʼs last Brochure, dated March 31, 2026, VCM entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Corient Private
Wealth LLC, as more fully described in the paragraph below. There have been no other material changes to the information
set forth in the last Brochure.
We will ensure that you receive a summary of any material changes to this and any subsequently issued Brochure
within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the close of our fiscal year-end. We may provide other disclosure
information about material changes to our business, products, services or personnel as necessary.
You may obtain a copy of the Brochure at any time, without charge, by contacting VCM at 312.248.8300. The
Firmʼs Brochure is also available free of charge on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website
(www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).
Asset Purchase Agreement with Corient Private Wealth LLC
On April 1, 2026, VCM and various affiliated parties entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Corient Private Wealth
LLC. Under the Agreement, Corient agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets and specified liabilities of VCM. The
transaction is subject to typical closing conditions, including U.S. antitrust clearance and consent by VCM clients, and is
expected to close during the second quarter of 2026. After closing, VCM’s wealth management business will operate as
part of Corient.
2
Vivaldi Capital Management LP | 225 W. Wacker Drive | Suite 2100 | Chicago, IL 60606 | P: 312.248.8300 | F: 847.386.2910
Table of Contents
ADV Part 2A: FIRM BROCHURE ____________________________________________________ 1
Material Changes ____________________________________________________________ 2
Advisory Business ___________________________________________________________ 4
Fees & Compensation _________________________________________________________ 7
Performance Based Fees & Side by Side Management ________________________________ 11
Types of Clients _____________________________________________________________ 12
Investment Strategies, Methods of Analysis & Risk of Loss ______________________________ 12
Disciplinary Information ______________________________________________________ 17
Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations ______________________________________ 17
Code of Ethics, Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading _______________________ 18
Brokerage Practices __________________________________________________________ 20
Review of Accounts ___________________________________________________________ 22
Client Referrals & Other Compensation ____________________________________________ 23
Custody ___________________________________________________________________ 24
Investment Discretion ________________________________________________________ 24
Voting Client Securities ________________________________________________________ 25
Financial Information ________________________________________________________ 26
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Vivaldi Capital Management LP | 225 W. Wacker Drive | Suite 2100 | Chicago, IL 60606 | P: 312.248.8300 | F: 847.386.2910
Advisory Business
Firm Overview
Vivaldi Capital Management LP (“VCM”) is an investment advisory firm that has been registered
with the SEC since February 2012. VCM is primarily owned by VFT Holdings LP, a Delaware
limited partnership. VFT Holdings’ principal owners are David Sternberg (through a
corporation), Michael Peck, Randal Golden (though a corporation), Chad Eisenberg, and Scott
Hergott (through a limited liability company).
As of December 31, 2025, VCM’s assets under management were $5,641,138,588, of which
$2,396,850,986 were managed on a discretionary basis and $3,244,287,602 were managed on
a non-discretionary basis.
Firm Products & Services
is an
investment advisory firm that specializes
in providing
integrated wealth
VCM
management solutions to high-net-worth individuals, family offices and institutions and their
related entities, including trusts and retirement plans.
Wealth Management Services
VCM primarily provides its clients with integrated investment and other wealth planning and
management services. Our wealth management philosophy is rooted in a dedication to
knowing our clients and their families personally so that we can thoroughly understand their
goals, interests, concerns, and risk tolerance. In accordance with that philosophy, each client
works with a dedicated wealth advisor to tailor wealth management solutions that address the
client’s unique needs.
VCM’s investment processes are designed to allow us to tailor investment recommendations
to each client and in turn to construct an allocation that is unique to a client’s needs, objectives
and circumstances. Prior to engaging VCM, each client is asked to enter into one or more
written agreements setting forth the terms, conditions, and objectives governing VCM’s
services. In addition, each client may be asked to furnish, or arrange to have furnished,
information regarding accounts held with other financial institutions along with information
about other assets in which they have an ownership interest.
For various clients, VCM provides separately managed accounts1 equity, mutual fund and fixed
1 A separately managed account (“SMA”) is a portfolio of securities directly owned by the investor and managed according to a
specific discipline and/or style by a professional investment manager. SMAs, while often managed in line with pooled vehicles
the investment manager may also be managing, differ from pooled vehicles like mutual funds in that each portfolio is unique
to a single account. As a result, there generally will not be an exact correlation between the holdings and transactions in the SMA
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income portfolio solutions; alternative investments; and institutional due diligence services
(through an affiliate) on various fund managers and products in which clients may invest (some
of which may be affiliated). In addition, VCM provides comprehensive wealth management,
asset and performance reporting, offers individualized financial planning, and helps
orchestrate professional services provided by third parties (including accountants, attorneys,
etc.)
VCM believes that its clients may benefit from allocation to alternative investments. Investing
directly in hedge funds, private equity, venture capital and/or real estate funds can be difficult for
many individuals given that certain managers may require large minimum investments which
limit an individual’s ability to diversify his/her investments, may have restrictive liquidity terms,
or may no longer be open to new investors. To help offset these potential barriers to entry into these
types of investment opportunities, VCM has access (through an affiliated joint venture described
below) to a variety of private funds that allow VCM qualified clients to invest in relatively
diversified and carefully constructed pools of institutional-quality alternative investments,
including hedge funds, private equity, venture capital and real asset funds.
FTCS Investment Platform
On November 1, 2021, VFT Holdings and First Trust Capital Partners formed a joint venture to own
and operate a robust investment platform for registered investment advisors and their clients
focused on alternative investment solutions. The joint venture, called First Trust Capital Solutions
L.P. (“FTCS”), is owned by First Trust Capital Partners and VFT Holdings and its affiliates.
interval
funds and tender offer
The investment platform (the “FTCS Investment Platform”) specializes in alternative strategies
that include privately offered alternative investment allocation vehicles (together, the “First Trust
Private Funds”) and registered closed- end
funds
advised/managed by an affiliate, First Trust Capital Management (“FTCM”). FTCM operates as a
wholly owned subsidiary of FTCS. FTCS oversees proprietary strategy models (referred to as
building blocks) which span a range of asset classes and objectives. See “Investment Strategies
– Managed Portfolios” below.
As opposed to traditional “fund-of-funds,” the First Trust Private Funds provide clients with the
ability to customize their investment allocations to various underlying funds through the selection
of different single-manager or multi- manager classes within each investment strategy group. The
investment programs of each class of the First Trust Private Funds are based upon the specific
objectives of each over-arching strategy and the underlying fund(s) in which the class invests.
Investors should refer to these funds’ private placement memoranda and class supplement
documents, as well as the underlying funds’ private placement memoranda, for a more
complete discussion of these investments.
with that of the pooled vehicle or other accounts the investment manager is managing.
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FTCS also has a technology platform of private investment opportunities designed for investment
advisors and their high net worth and family office clientele. This business, which operates under
the name First Trust Innovative Technologies LP as a subsidiary of FTCS, performs due diligence
on managers across all asset classes and strategies, and maintains a proprietary database of
firms, portfolio managers, and all related correspondence.
VCM and FTCS are parties to a Platform Access Agreement that provides VCM advisors access
to the FTCS Investment Platform, including the First Trust Private Funds2, the proprietary strategy
models, research materials and technology platform, as well as certain administrative and other
services, for a fixed annual fee. VCM advisors utilize the models’ building blocks to construct
diversified client portfolios to meet client goals and objectives, which may include investments
in First Trust Private Funds and other investment vehicles (whether managed by FTCM or
unrelated managers). VCM utilizes the technology provided by the FTCS Investment Platform for
tracking, reporting and creating a more seamless and effective client experience.
ERISA Investment Fiduciary Services
VCM, doing business as VCM Retirement Plan Services, provides investment advisory services and,
through sub- advisory relationships with unaffiliated registered investment advisers, investment
management services to retirement plan sponsors and participants. In performing these services,
VCM, with the assistance of sub-advisors, acts as a fiduciary and performs those duties required of
a fiduciary as defined under Section 404 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
(“ERISA”) and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. VCM acts solely in the best interest of
retirement investors in accordance with the fiduciary responsibilities set forth in ERISA.
Under the sub-advisory agreements, VCM is primarily responsible for all communication with
the retirement plan sponsors and participants and determining which plan provided and
monitored by the sub-advisor is suitable for each client. As part of its process, VCM provides general
enrollment and education meetings with plan participants and meets with plan participants to
gauge their risk tolerance and their investment goals. The sub-advisor furnishes continuous and
regular supervision of ERISA 3(38) investment management for the plans and determines which
investments are added, eliminated, or replaced within the plans offered, in accordance with an
investment management methodology agreed upon by VCM.
VCM pays each sub-advisor a fee based on an agreed upon fee schedule. VCM does not charge clients
any fees or costs higher than its standard client fee schedule or otherwise pass the sub-advisory
fees on to its clients.
To help avoid conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, VCM does
not recommend or offer any of the public or private funds it or its affiliates manage as a
designated investment alternative or in model portfolios for 401(k) Plan Clients, and may
2 The First Trust Private Funds are limited liability companies or limited partnerships and are exempt from registration under
federal securities regulations, including the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) and the Securities Act of
1933 (the “Securities Act”). As a result, investment in the First Trust Private Funds is limited to persons who are “accredited investors”
as defined under Securities Act rules and, in most cases, “qualified purchasers” as defined in the Investment Company Act.
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recommend such investments to Plan participants only on a non-discretionary basis where the
Plan provides and the participant elects to use a designated brokerage window.
Sub-Advisor Services
VCM may act as a sub-advisor to other registered investment advisers (“RIAs”). An RIA may hire
VCM as a sub-advisor to provide certain investment-related services in connection with or in
addition to the advisory services the RIA already provides its clients. The scope of sub-advisory
services VCM provides an RIA may be tailored to meet the specific needs of each RIA, and may
include analysis of a client’s investment portfolio, developing investment proposals, and
investing the client’s assets as appointed and instructed by the RIA.
The sub-advisory services VCM provides an RIA are primarily provided directly to the RIA,
although the RIA may request that VCM communicate directly with the RIA’s clients. Whenever
VCM directly communicates with an RIA’s client, VCM generally is acting in a support capacity to
the RIA and does not provide investment advice or recommendations to the RIA’s client.
An RIA wishing to retain VCM as a sub-advisor will enter into a sub-advisory agreement with VCM
to establish the scope, fees, and other terms of the service relationship. If an RIA wants to
appoint VCM with viewing and trading authority over one or more of the RIA’s client account(s),
those client(s) must complete the appropriate agreements and authorization forms required by
the accounts’ qualified custodian.
Fees & Compensation
Wealth Management Services
VCM generally charges clients for which it provides Wealth Management Services an annual
asset-based fee (a “Management Fee”) based on a schedule that takes into consideration the size
of the clientʼs portfolio. The current schedule is as follows:
Assets Under Management
Total Assets Min ($)
Total Assets Max ($)
2 million
10 million
25 million
0
2 million
10 million
>25 million
Percent (%)
1.25
0.95
0.85
0.75
The Management Fee may vary based on certain client-specific factors such as timing of the
relationship, account size, number of accounts held together under a household, as well as the
asset classes in which the client invests and the complexity of the relationship. In many
circumstances, related family assets are aggregated for calculating fee breakpoints. Certain
clients may receive a discount based on the limited scope of services being provided or during
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the initial period of investment. When engagements involve multiple households, the fee schedule
is applied at the family level and a discount is applied for each household depending on the size
and complexity of the relationship.
VCM typically requires a minimum initial account size of $1,000,000 but reserves the right to accept
client accounts that do not meet this minimum condition.
As a component of its investment strategy, VCM utilizes the First Trust Private Funds. VCM clients
who invest a portion of their assets in the First Trust Private Funds pay a single Management Fee
on those assets (i.e., the client pays no additional fees because of its involvement with the First
Trust Private Funds). Depending on the circumstance, VCM may debit the entire Management
Fee from a custodial account and no management fee is charged on the clients’ investment in
the First Trust Private Funds, or vice versa, or the Management Fee could be charged in part
through a debit to a custodial account and in part by the First Trust Private Funds. The value of the
First Trust Private Fund investments is included in the client’s portfolio for purposes of
determining the applicable Management Fee rate, and detailed reconciliations are available for
clients to review. VCM also utilizes a private fund that it manages, Cornerstone Diversified Portfolio,
LP (the “Cornerstone Fund”), for which fees are handled in the same manner.
As a component of its investment strategy, VCM also utilizes registered mutual funds advised by
FTCM, for which FTCM receives fees as detailed in the offering materials for those funds. The value
of the FTCM-advised fund investments is included in the client’s portfolio for purposes of
determining the applicable Management Fee charged.
Fee Billing
The manner in which specific fees are calculated and charged is described in each client’s
written investment management agreement with VCM. In its agreement with its clients, VCM
reserves the right to modify its billing practices by advance written notice.
VCM bills the Management Fee on a calendar quarter basis. Typically, the Management Fee is
billed in arrears, although in certain situations it is billed in advance. To determine the
Management Fee when billed in arrears, the rate to which the client agreed in the client’s
investment management agreement will be multiplied by the average daily market value of assets
under management during the calendar quarter. When billed in advance, the rate to which the
client agreed in the client’s investment management agreement will be multiplied by the value
of the client’s portfolio on the last day of the previous quarter. For illiquid assets, where valuations
are not always readily available, VCM will normally utilize the last available value plus or minus
any intra-quarter capital activity. In any partial calendar quarter, the fee will be pro-rated based
on the number of days the client account was open during that quarter.
Clients may pay for advisory services by check or by wire or may give VCM the authority to have the
Management Fee debited directly from the client’s account(s). Clients typically grant VCM authority
to have the Management Fee deducted directly from the client's account(s) held by an
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independent custodian. VCM will notify the custodian of the amount of the Management Fee due
for each quarter through the custodian's electronic disbursement system. The custodian will send
each client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating the amounts disbursed from each
account, including the amount of the Management Fee paid directly to VCM. Clients are urged to
carefully review the reports received from the custodian and to compare those reports with any
reports received from VCM.
Additional Services
Fees for institutional due diligence (performed by an affiliate) and other additional services are
negotiated on a project-by-project basis.
Other Fees & Expenses
VCM’s fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and
expenses which may be imposed by custodians, brokers, third party managers, and other third
parties. These additional charges may include custodial fees, deferred sales charges, transfer
taxes, wire transfer fees, electronic fund fees, commissions or mark-ups, and other fees and
taxes on brokerage accounts and transactions in those accounts. Clients pay these fees directly
to the custodian and/or broker. See “Brokerage Practices” below for a description of the factors
that VCM considers in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for client transactions and in
determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions).
Separately managed accounts, non-affiliated managed funds, certain affiliated managed funds,
mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment products (including certificates of deposit (“CDs”) and
other instruments) are subject to additional fees, commissions and administrative costs that are
borne by their investors. Clients’ trading activity in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and other
financial instruments (including CDs) will result in commissions and other transaction costs in
accordance with each client’s arrangements with its broker/dealer and custodian. Mutual funds,
ETFs and private funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s
prospectus or offering documents.
Neither VCM nor its supervised persons accept compensation for the sale of securities or other
investment products.
Sub-Adviser Services Fees
VCM’s fees for sub-advisory services are negotiated and agreed upon in the sub-advisory
agreement between VCM and an RIA. VCM sub-advisor fees are charged to and paid for by the
RIA. VCM does not charge an RIA’s clients a fee for sub-advisory services performed for the RIA.
Cornerstone Fund Management Fees
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The Cornerstone Fund is subject to a variety of fees and expenses. These fees and expenses
include management and incentive fees and may include performance-based incentive
allocations and management fees collected by the managers chosen by VCM; fund legal, and
administrative costs; and costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, ownership,
financing, hedging or sale of investments; and taxes for the Cornerstone Fund and for the
underlying funds in which it invests. These fees and expenses are described in detail in the
Cornerstone Fund’s confidential offering materials.
Each client that invests in the Cornerstone Fund indirectly bears his or her proportional share
of the fees and expenses of the fund. These fees and expenses are charged to the fund and not
billed directly to the client.
The payment of management fees, performance-based fees, and administrative and operating
expenses at the underlying fund and possibly sub-fund levels, as well as the payment of
administrative and operating expenses incurred by the Cornerstone Fund, may result in a
layering of fees and significant expenses.
Waivers
Compensation payable to VCM is generally not negotiable, but under certain circumstances VCM
may, in its sole discretion, reduce or waive all or a portion of its Management Fee, other
compensation and/or expenses for a particular investor based on factors such as assets under
management with the firm, longevity, and type of investment.
Transactions or Arrangements Between Certain Related Parties
As discussed in this Brochure, VCM and FTCM are related companies. As a component of its
investment strategy, VCM may utilize the Cornerstone Fund it manages or registered mutual
funds, ETFs or private funds advised by FTCM or its affiliate(s) (“Affiliated Funds”). In such
situations, VCM or its affiliate(s) receive fees from the Affiliated Funds for serving as investment
adviser (in the case of the Cornerstone Fund) or benefit from fees collected by an Affiliated Fund
(in the case of the First Trust Private Funds, mutual funds or other funds advised by FTCM), as
detailed in the Affiliated Fund’s offering materials. These fees create a financial incentive for VCM to
utilize Affiliated Funds so that fees and expenses charged by the fund or manager benefit VCM or
its affiliate, rather than a non-affiliate.
Termination of Advisory Agreement
VCM’s investment management agreement provides for termination of the investment
management relationship between VCM and the client upon written notice. In the event a client
terminates its account or otherwise withdraws assets prior to the end of the quarter, a final invoice
will be issued for payment promptly upon such notice of termination. In addition, the client may
be subject to withdrawal fees, gates or other restrictions charged by any of the investments that the
client may wish to redeem or sell at the time of the termination.
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Termination of the investment management relationship with VCM does not terminate a
client’s obligations to meet capital calls for, or other commitments to, any private equity
investments made through or with VCM as described in those investments’ confidential offering
materials.
Performance Based Fees & Side By Side Management
Payment of management fees, performance-based fees, and administrative and operating
expenses charged by any of the funds in which a client directly or indirectly invests results in a
layering of fees which may result in a significant cost of investment.
Performance Based Fees
VCM may earn a performance fee from the Cornerstone Fund. The performance-based fee is
calculated based on a percentage share of the net profit on, or capital appreciation of, the assets
of the fund. The performance allocation may create an incentive for VCM to cause the
Cornerstone Fund to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be the
case if VCM were allocated only a fixed amount. Performance-based fees are only charged in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 205-3 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers
Act”) and any applicable state regulations. Please see the Cornerstone Fund’s offering materials
for additional information about the performance-based fee.
Side by Side Management
From time to time, VCM may become aware that certain of the private funds in which the First Trust
Private Funds invest are willing to accept direct investments from VCM’s clients. In such cases, VCM
may notify select clients about the investment opportunity. Although VCM will always try to treat
its clients fairly over time, these types of investment opportunities will only be presented to
those clients for whom VCM believes, based on the client’s stated financial profile and
investment objectives, they would be appropriate.3
In addition, conflicts could exist in the allocation of investment opportunities for SMAs, sub-
advised assets, the Cornerstone Fund and VCM’s affiliates. Conflicts may exist due to available
funds or restrictions defined in the investment management agreement. VCM has designed its
procedures to provide fair and equitable allocation among SMAs, sub-advised assets, the
Cornerstone Fund, and VCM affiliates.
Because we endeavor at all times to put the interest of our clients first, we take the following
additional steps to address any potential conflicts:
• We disclose to investors and prospective clients the existence of material conflicts of
interest, including the potential for our firm and its employees to earn more
3 Clients will only be presented with such opportunities if VCM knows that they can satisfy the higher minimums required
for a direct investment.
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compensation from some clients than others; and
• We have implemented policies and procedures for fair and consistent allocation of
investment opportunities among any funds, affiliates, or other client accounts, subject to the
fund’s/client’s underlying strategy, cash availability, availability of interests in the underlying
funds, and other appropriate considerations.
Types of Clients
VCM’s wealth management business generally services high net worth individuals, family offices
and institutions and their related entities, including trusts and retirement plans. The Cornerstone
Fund is also a client of VCM, as it serves as the manager of the General Partner and adviser to the
fund. VCM Retirement Plan Services provides investment advisory and investment management
services to retirement plan sponsors and participants. Where VCM serves as a sub-adviser to a
third-party RIA, the RIA is a VCM client.
Investment Strategies, Methods of Analysis & Risk of Loss
Model Portfolios and Investment Committee
Pursuant to the Platform Access Agreement, VCM has access to the FTCS Investment Platform,
including its model portfolios. The construction, management, and oversight of FTCS’s model
portfolios is overseen by members of the FTCS research team, many of whom were formerly
employees of VCM prior to formation of the First Trust Joint Venture.
VCM’s Investment Committee, which is comprised of VCM’s executive team and certain other VCM
employees, is responsible for the oversight of alternative investments in VCM client portfolios,
including client investments in the First Trust Private Funds and other FTCM-advised products.
The Investment Committee meets at least quarterly to review the investment opportunities
currently available through the FTCS Investment Platform and to determine whether changes
should be made to the list of investments made available to VCM clients.
Investment Strategies
Managed Portfolios
VCM constructs managed client portfolios using an asset allocation strategy that breaks down
the investment universe into five core asset classes – Equities, Fixed Income, Alternatives, Real
Estate and Private Equity – and then creates a customized asset allocation for each client across
traditional and alternative investment strategies tailored to the client’s particular circumstances
and investment objectives.
Within each core asset class, VCM employs a variety of strategies that form the “building blocks” for
client portfolio construction. These strategies and their relative emphasis will change over time,
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depending upon market conditions and perceived opportunities. Some of these strategies are
managed in-house or by FTCM, while others are managed by third-party managers. The strategies
differ in structure (e.g., mutual funds, ETFs, limited partnerships, closed-end funds, separately
managed accounts), liquidity (e.g., daily, monthly, quarterly or longer), investment minimums and
investor qualifications. VCM builds customized client portfolios using one or more strategies
within an allocated asset class depending upon a client’s goals, risk tolerance, investment
horizon, potential needs for liquidity and other factors.
Below is a list of VCM’s core asset classes and some of the strategies within each class.
Investments within these strategies usually are in the form of mutual funds, ETFs, closed-end
funds, interval or tender offer funds, private funds, or individual securities.
• Equities
o Global Equities
o Domestic Equities
o Tax Managed Equities
o Active Equities
o Thematic Equities
o Master Limited Partnerships
• Fixed Income
o Core Fixed Income Strategies
o Flexible Fixed Income Strategies
o Co-investments
• Alternatives
o Strategic Alternatives
o Multi-Manager Models
o Individual Managers
• Real Estate
o Real Estate Strategies (REITs)
o Select Real Estate
o Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds
o Co-investments
• Private Equity
o Private Equity Strategies
o Select Private Equity
o Co-Investments
o Private Companies
Private Funds
Each fundʼs offering materials contain a detailed discussion of the fundʼs investment objective
and investment strategies, which are summarized below.
First Trust Private Funds. Pursuant to the Platform Access Agreement, VCM has access to the
First Trust Private Funds, whose investment objective is to achieve capital appreciation by
providing investors with access to a variety of investment advisors who implement various
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proprietary investment programs. An investment in the First Trust Private Funds provides
investors with the opportunity to invest indirectly in various underlying hedge funds, managed
accounts, or other investment vehicles, the assets of which are traded and/or managed by FTCM
or by third-party hedge fund, real estate, venture capital and private equity advisors (some of
whom may have revenue sharing or other arrangements with VCM or its related parties).
Cornerstone Fund. The principal investment objective of the Cornerstone Fund is to achieve
attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing predominantly in private market opportunities.
However, the Cornerstone Fund may also invest in cash equivalent investments, private investment
entities, separately managed accounts, mutual funds, exchange traded funds and other
investment types.
Methods of Analysis
Wealth Management Services
VCM typically meets with new clients on several occasions, either
in person or by
phone/videoconference, before making investment recommendations. These customized
investment recommendations are based on a variety of factors, including the clientʼs current
financial situation (income; net worth; cash available for investment), investment objectives, risk
tolerances, and liquidity requirements. VCM works carefully to understand each clientʼs risk
tolerance, but clients should understand that all investing involves a risk of loss.
Investment Funds
Pursuant to the Platform Access Agreement, VCM has access to potential investment managers
through the FTCS Investment Platform, including the First Trust Private Funds and other
investment funds available thereon. VCM also has access to certain investment and operational
due diligence reports from FTCS’s research team, which address the underlying fund managers’
performance records and methods of evaluating and managing risk, as well as their back-office
support, infrastructure, and service providers to confirm that controls are in place designed to
safeguard client assets. FTCS’s due diligence process includes both direct research (such as
examining underlying governing documents and offering materials, past audits, the investment
team’s experience, sophistication and depth, and the firm’s operational processes and
infrastructure) as well as indirect methods of analysis (such as background checks, reference
checks, public filings, valuation confirmations, regulatory history reviews, and confirmation of
third-party service providers). VCM’s Investment Committee evaluates the FTCS reports and
may conduct additional due diligence in determining whether to invest client assets in First
Trust Private Funds or other investments available on the FTCS Investment Platform.
Principal Investment Risks
No investment is free of risk. Current and prospective clients are cautioned that investments in
securities involve risk of loss, including the possibility of a complete loss of the amount invested,
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and that they should be prepared to bear these risks. Based on the types of investments that
VCM may recommend, all clients should be aware of certain risk factors, which include, but are
not limited to, those discussed in the following paragraphs. Clients also should carefully review
the offering materials of any investment funds recommended by VCM to ensure that they are
aware of and understand the risks and costs involved with such investments.
Risks Associated with Equity Securities
All investments in equity securities are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to
fluctuate. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles and the value of the securities
may fluctuate substantially from day to day. Owning an equity security can also subject an
investor to the risk that the issuer may discontinue or reduce its dividend. Investments in common
stocks are subject to the risk that in the event a company is liquidated, the holders of preferred
stock and creditors of that company will be paid in full before any payments are made to the
holder of common stock. It is possible that all assets of that company will be exhausted before
any payments are made to a common stockholder.
An investment in rights and warrants may entail greater risks than certain other types of
investments. A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe
to shares of a new issue of common stock and it is issued at a predetermined price in proportion to
the number of shares already owned. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks,
are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than
the current market. Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specific price for a
specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of the securities, but only the right to
buy them. Hence, warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with
respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. Warrants differ from call options in that
the underlying corporation issues warrants, whereas call options may be written by anyone.
Generally, rights and warrants do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights
with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the
issuer. In addition, although their value is influenced by the value of the underlying security, their
value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have
value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date.
Risks Associated with Fixed Income Investments
The issuer of a fixed income security may not be able to make interest and principal payments when
due. Generally, the lower the credit rating of a security, the greater the risk that the issuer will default
on its obligation. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities is likely to
decrease. A nominal interest rate is the sum of a real interest rate and an expected inflation rate.
Traditional convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes and preferred stocks that may
be converted into or exchanged for common stock, and other securities that also provide an
opportunity for equity participation. These securities are convertible either at a stated price or a
stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of common stock or other security). As with
other fixed income securities, the price of a convertible security generally varies inversely with
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interest rates. While providing a fixed income stream, a convertible security also affords the
investor an opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation
of the common stock into which it is convertible. As the market price of the underlying common
stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not
experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the
market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of a convertible security tends
to rise as a reflection of higher yield or capital appreciation. In such situations, an investor may
have to pay more for a convertible security than the value of the underlying common stock.
Risks Associated with Exchange-Traded Funds
ETFs are open-end investment companies whose shares are listed on a national securities
exchange. An ETF is similar to a traditional mutual fund, but trades at different prices
throughout the day on a securities exchange like a stock. To the extent that a client invests in
ETFs which focus on a particular market segment or industry, the client will also be subject to the
risks associated with investing in those sectors or industries. To the extent the client invests in
inverse ETFs, these are subject to the risk that their performance will decline as the value of their
benchmark indices rises. As a purchaser of ETF shares on the secondary market, a client will be
subject to the market risk associated with owning any security whose value is based on market
price. ETF shares historically have tended to trade at or near their net asset value, but there is no
guarantee that they will continue to do so.
Risks Associated with Alternative Investments
VCM may recommend to qualified clients the use of alternative investments such as
investments in real estate, private equity, or hedge funds. VCM may also recommend a direct
investment into a private company. Investments in such “alternative assets” may be illiquid, which
may impair the ability of the client to exit such investments in times of adversity. Alternative
investments may utilize highly speculative investment techniques, including leverage, highly
concentrated portfolios, senior and/or subordinated securities positions, control positions and
illiquid investments. In addition, they may utilize derivative instruments to attempt to hedge
the risks associated with certain of their investments. Transactions in such derivative instruments
may expose the assets of investment funds to the risks of material financial loss. Clients who invest
in alternative investments will pay VCM’s advisory fees and those of the underlying investment
managers, and certain other fees and expenses of underlying investment funds in which the client
Invests. Investors in alternative investments may also pay carried interest, performance or
incentive allocations to an underlying manager or sponsor of an underlying investment fund in
which they invest, all of which contribute to the overall cost of the investment.
Risks Associated with Investments in Private Funds
Investments in pooled investments and other investment vehicles generally are subject to legal
or contractual restrictions on their resale. If the fund requests a complete or partial withdrawal of its
interest in an underlying fund, the investment adviser of the underlying fund generally may, in its
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discretion or at the election of the fund, (i) not satisfy the fund’s withdrawal request with respect
to the portion of the investment’s assets represented by illiquid investments until the disposition
of those illiquid investments, (ii) satisfy the fund’s withdrawal request with an in- kind distribution
of illiquid investments (either directly or through an in-kind distribution of interests in a special
purpose vehicle or other investment vehicle established to hold such illiquid investments), or
(iii) in some cases, satisfy the withdrawal amount by valuing illiquid investments at the lower of cost
or market or otherwise in the sole discretion of the applicable investment adviser. If the fund
receives distributions in-kind from an investment, the fund may incur additional costs and risks
to dispose of such assets. In addition, certain underlying funds may require maintenance of
investment minimums and/or have holding periods and/or other withdrawal provisions more
restrictive than those of the fund. These may include, but are not limited to, lock-ups, “side
pockets,” withdrawal “gates” and fees, suspensions and delays of withdrawals and other similar
limitations. In addition, investors should realize that VCM has no control over the day-to-day
operations of the First Trust Private Funds or of the underlying managers in the First Trust Private
Funds, the Cornerstone Fund or any other private fund VCM may recommend.
Disciplinary Information
Neither VCM nor any of its management has been involved in any legal or disciplinary events that
would be material to a client’s evaluation of VCM or its management.
Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
VCM is not actively engaged in a business other than providing investment advice to its clients.
Neither VCM nor any of its management is registered, or has an application pending to register,
as a broker-dealer, futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, commodity
trading adviser, or associated person of the foregoing, and VCM does not anticipate such
affiliations in the future.
As discussed above, VFT Holdings and First Trust Capital Partners are partners in the First Trust
Capital Solutions joint venture. FTCM, a subsidiary of FTCS, is an SEC-registered investment
advisory firm that provides advisory services to alternative strategy mutual funds and is the
manager of the First Trust Private Funds. FTCS and FTCM are related parties to VCM, and FTCS and
VCM are parties to the Platform Access Agreement described above. See “Firm Products & Services
– FTCS Investment Platform” above. In addition to serving as the manager of the First Trust
Private Funds, FTCM currently serves as the investment adviser to several registered investment
companies (“FTCM Mutual Funds”). Clients should note that:
• VCM and FTCS have certain overlapping officers and employees and share some office space,
although they operate independently.
• Certain VCM principals and advisors have indirect equity interests in FTCS and have an
incentive to recommend to clients investments in the First Trust Private Funds and/or in
FTCM Mutual Funds.
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A VCM affiliate is the General Partner of the Cornerstone Fund.
Other than as described in this Brochure, VCM has no arrangements with a related person who is
a broker-dealer, investment company, other investment adviser, financial planning firm,
commodity pool operator, commodity trading adviser or futures commission merchant, banking
or thrift institution, accounting firm, law firm, insurance company or agency, pension consultant,
real estate broker or dealer, or an entity that creates or packages limited partnerships that are
material to its advisory services or its clients.
VCM has and will continue to develop relationships with professionals who provide services it
does not provide, including legal, accounting, banking, tax preparation, insurance brokerage,
certain boutique investment strategies, and other personal services. None of these relationships
creates a material conflict of interest with any of VCM’s clients.
Code of Ethics, Interest in Client Transactions & Personal
Trading
Code of Ethics
VCM has adopted a Code of Ethics for all supervised persons that includes policies and procedures
governing their conduct and addressing the firm’s fiduciary duty to its clients. The Code of Ethics
includes provisions relating to standards of business conduct, the confidentiality of client
information, and a prohibition on insider trading. At the beginning of employment and at least
annually thereafter, all VCM supervised persons must acknowledge in writing the terms of the Code
of Ethics and agree to be bound by it. VCM employees who violate the Code of Ethics may be
subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, loss of trading for a period of time, profit
disgorgement, fines, censure, suspension or dismissal. Personnel are also required to promptly
report any violations of the Code of Ethics of which they become aware.
Subject to satisfying VCM’s policies as set forth in the Code of Ethics and applicable laws,
officers, directors and employees of VCM and its affiliates may trade for their own accounts in
securities which are recommended to and/or purchased for VCM’s clients. The Code of Ethics
is designed to allow employees to invest for their own accounts while assuring that material
non-public information is not being used and the personal securities transactions, activities and
interests of VCM’s employees will not interfere with making and implementing decisions in the best
interest of VCM’s clients.
VCM’s clients or prospective clients may request a copy of the firm's Code of Ethics by contacting
us at 312-248- 8300 or by emailing ClientService@vivaldicap.com.
Conflicts of Interest
The investment documents provided to each client contain a description of what VCM believes
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to be the most significant conflicts of interest associated with a VCM recommended investment.
Some of these conflicts are summarized in this Brochure; however, this summary does not
attempt to describe all of the conflicts of interest associated with a prospective investment.
Investors should carefully consider the conflicts of interest discussed in this Brochure, as well as
those outlined in offering materials provided to them.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
VCM anticipates that, in appropriate circumstances consistent with clients’ investment
objectives, it will recommend to clients or prospective clients the purchase or sale of securities
in which VCM, its affiliates and/or clients, directly or indirectly, have a position or interest. VCM
and certain employees and affiliates of VCM may invest in and alongside its clients and its funds
through the general partner, as direct investors in the fund, with outside fund managers, or
otherwise.
When providing investment advice to a client’s retirement plan or individual retirement account,
separate from VCM Retirement Plan Services, VCM is also acting as a fiduciary within the meaning
of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code. VCM is
required to act in the client’s best interest, but at the same time VCM’s fee structure creates a
conflict with client interests. Certain investment advice may involve transactions which increase
client assets under management and thus increases the fee received by VCM. In these situations,
VCM has policies and procedures in place to ensure it provides retirement plan and individual
retirement account clients with documentation stating the specific reasons the recommendation
is in the best interest of the client prior to or at the time the recommendation is made.
VCM will not effect any principal or agency cross securities transactions for client accounts
without pre-approval from the client. Principal transactions are generally transactions where an
adviser, acting as principal for its own account or the account of an affiliate, buys any security from
or sells any security to any advisory client. A principal transaction may also be deemed to have
occurred if a security is crossed between an affiliated fund and a client account. An agency cross
transaction is a transaction where an investment adviser, or any person controlled by or under
common control with the investment adviser, acts as broker for both the advisory client and for
another person on the other side of the transaction. VCM will seek pre-approval from the
underlying investor(s) prior to executing a cross trade.
Revenue Sharing Arrangements
VCM has negotiated arrangements with several unrelated third-party fund managers to receive
payments (called “revenue sharing payments”) from those managers equal to a portion of the
management fees or other revenues they earn for managing their funds. These revenue sharing
payments create a financial incentive for VCM to invest with third-party fund managers with
whom it has such an arrangement. VCM provides clients with specific disclosures regarding these
payments in the offering materials for any investments where there are revenue sharing
arrangements.
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Transactions or Arrangements between Certain Related Parties
VCM and FTCS are related companies. As a component of its investment strategy, VCM advisors may
utilize Affiliated Funds (private funds managed by FTCM, a subsidiary of FTCS, or mutual funds for
which FTCM is the adviser, which often include the word “First Trust” or a derivation of it (e.g., “FT”) as
part of their name). See “Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations” above.
that
it would be
impractical
When applicable, VCM aggregates and allocates investment opportunities among its clients by
applying such considerations as it deems appropriate, including the client’s relative size,
amount of available capital, size of existing positions in the same or similar securities, leverage
and other factors. VCM will attempt to allocate investment opportunities pro rata, when
possible, among participating clients. VCM may, however, increase or decrease the amount of
securities allocated to each account if necessary to avoid holding odd-lot or small numbers of
shares for particular clients. Additionally, if VCM is unable to fully execute a batched transaction
to allocate a small number of
and determines
securities/investments among the participating accounts in the transaction on a pro-rata basis,
VCM may allocate such securities/investments in a manner determined in good faith to be a
reasonable and fair allocation.
VCM’s principals devote as much of their time to the business of VCM as in their judgment is
reasonably required, but are not required to devote a particular amount of time to this business.
As described above, some of the principals are currently involved in other business ventures
and/or may organize or become involved in other business ventures in the future. VCM clients will
not share in the risks or rewards of such other ventures, which may compete with current
investments made by VCM clients for the time and attention of the principals and therefore create
additional conflicts of interest.
Brokerage Practices
Recommending Brokerage Firms
VCM has a relationship with the advisory services division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”). Schwab is a registered broker/dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC, and unaffiliated with
VCM. Schwab offers an institutional platform to advisers which include custody of securities,
trade execution, clearance, and settlement of transactions. VCM typically recommends that
clients establish brokerage accounts with Schwab to maintain custody of client assets and to
effect trades in their accounts.
Factors that VCM considers in recommending Schwab (or any other broker-dealer/custodian
to Clients) include historical relationship with VCM, execution capabilities, reputation, access
to the markets for the securities being traded, amount of transaction costs, the quality of
execution, the expertise in particular markets, the experience and financial stability of the firm,
the availability of stock loans, the quality of service, the familiarity both with investment
practices generally and the techniques employed by VCM particularly, the research and analytic
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services, and clearing and settlement capabilities. Broker-dealers such as Schwab can charge
transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (refer to the “Fees and
Compensation” section above). To the extent that a transaction fee is payable by the client to
Schwab, the transaction fee is in addition to VCM’s Management Fee. To the extent that a
transaction fee is payable, VCM has a duty to obtain best execution for such transaction.
However, that does not mean that the client will not pay a transaction fee that is higher than
another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where VCM
determines, in good faith, that the transaction fee is reasonable. In seeking best execution, the
determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction fee represents
the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s
services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, transaction rates, and
responsiveness.
Schwab provides VCM with access to its institutional trading and custody services, which are
typically not available to their retail investors. That includes access to a trading desk serving VCM
clients, block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions for
execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts), and an electronic
communications network for client order entry and account information. In addition, these
services include brokerage, custody, research and access to mutual funds and other investments
that are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a
significantly higher minimum initial investment. These services are not otherwise contingent
upon VCM’s commitment to any specific amount of business (i.e., assets in custody or trading).
These services generally are also available to independent investment advisers on an unsolicited
basis, at no charge to them, so long as a total of at least $10 million of VCM's clients’ assets are
maintained in accounts at the broker.
By availing itself of the institutional platform, VCM and its affiliates may receive products and
services (provided without cost or at a discount) that may not directly benefit VCM’s clients’
accounts, but which may benefit VCM by assisting in managing and administering those
accounts. These include software and other technology that (i) provide access to client account
data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), (ii) facilitate trade execution (and
allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), (iii) provide research, pricing
information, and other market data, (iv) facilitate payment of VCM's fees from client accounts,
and (v) assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting. The platform also
provides discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology and practice management
products or services provided to VCM by third party vendors.
Schwab also makes available to VCM other services intended to help VCM manage and further
develop its business enterprise. These services may include consulting, publications and
conferences on practice management,
information technology, business succession,
regulatory compliance, and marketing. In addition, they may make available, arrange and/or pay
for these types of services rendered to VCM by independent third parties. Schwab may discount or
waive fees that it would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees
of a third party providing these services to VCM. VCM endeavors to act in its client’' best interests;
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however, VCM’'s recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts at Schwab may be
based in part on the benefit to VCM of the availability of some of the foregoing products and services
and not solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided.
VCM receives some benefits from Schwab through its participation in the Schwab Advisor
Network® as described more fully below.
Order Aggregation
As a matter of general policy and practice, VCM will aggregate transactions for its advisory clients
where practicable, except in the case of alternative investments. Aggregating transactions allows
the trading of aggregate blocks of securities from multiple client accounts. Generally,
aggregating client transactions allows VCM to execute transactions in a more timely, efficient,
and equitable manner and to seek best execution and/or to reduce commission charges.
VCM may not necessarily apportion shares to participating clients in equal percentage amounts,
but endeavors to achieve balance where possible. Additionally, VCM may aggregate trades of its
advisory personnel with those of clients so that firm personnel participate alongside clients in
such trades. In general, VCM will endeavor to make all investment allocations in a manner that it
considers to be the most equitable to all managed entities and clients. All participants in an
aggregated trade generally will be allocated securities on a pro rata, average price per share
basis, subject to adjustment if necessary to avoid holding odd lot or small numbers of shares for
particular clients.
Trade Errors
VCM has policies and procedures in place to minimize the occurrence of trade errors and, should a
trade error occur, VCM will correct such trade errors in a timely manner. While the method of
correction may vary depending on the nature of the error, the intent is to make the client whole.
Review of Accounts
VCM reviews each client account at least quarterly but may review accounts more often if
investment conditions require. Accounts are reviewed by VCM’s principals or chief investment
officer or their designees, who will also monitor economic, investment and market conditions that
might dictate changes in strategy or portfolio holdings. VCM will attempt to contact each client at
least annually but will meet with each client more often, if needed, to review investment needs
and to provide economic analysis, performance review, and other pertinent information.
Clients receive confirmation notifications from the custodian for all transactions. Clients also
have access to monthly custodial statements providing a summary of account transactions.
Clients with assets in private funds receive a quarterly report reflecting the net asset value of the
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investor’s capital account as of the end of the quarter; some private funds may report more
frequently. In addition, clients will receive a copy of the applicable fund’s annual audited financial
statements within one hundred and twenty (120) days after fiscal year end, or one hundred and
eighty (180) days after fiscal year end in the case of “fund of funds”.
Client Referrals & Other Compensation
investors seeking fee-based personal
Prior to April 1, 2022, VCM received client referrals from TD Ameritrade through its participation
in TD Ameritrade AdvisorDirect. TD Ameritrade established AdvisorDirect as a means of referring
its brokerage customers and other
investment
management services or financial planning services to independent investment advisers. VCM
pays an on-going solicitation fee for each successful client referral through AdvisorDirect. This
fee is usually a percentage (not to exceed 25%) of the advisory fee that the client pays to VCM. VCM
will also pay the solicitation fee on any advisory fees received by VCM from any of a referred
client’s family members who hired VCM on the recommendation of the referred client. VCM does
not charge clients referred through AdvisorDirect any fees or costs higher than its standard client fee
schedule or otherwise pass solicitation fees paid to its clients.
In connection with the acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Schwab, VCM no longer receives new
referrals through AdvisorDirect. VCM still pays the on-going solicitation fee for prior client
referrals. All new referrals are now made through the Schwab Advisor Network® described below.
Schwab Advisory Network®
VCM receives client referrals from Schwab through VCM’s participation in Schwab Advisor
Network® (the “Network”). VCM may recommend Schwab to clients for custody and brokerage
services. There is no direct link between VCM’s participation in the Network and the investment
advice it gives to its clients, although VCM receives benefits through its participation in the
Network.
The Network is designed to help investors find an independent investment advisor. Schwab is
a broker-dealer independent of and unaffiliated with VCM. Schwab does not supervise VCM and
has no responsibility for VCM’s management of clients’ portfolios or VCM’s other advice or services.
VCM pays Schwab fees to receive client referrals through the Network. VCM’s participation in the
Network raises potential conflicts of interest described below.
VCM pays Schwab a participation fee on all referred clients’ accounts that are maintained in custody
at Schwab and a separate one-time transfer fee on all accounts that are transferred to another
custodian. The transfer fee creates a conflict of interest that encourages VCM to recommend that
client accounts be held in custody at Schwab. The participation fee paid by VCM is a percentage of
the value of the assets in the client’s account. VCM pays Schwab the participation fee for so long as
the referred client’s account remains in custody at Schwab. The participation fee and any transfer
fee are paid by VCM and not by the client. VCM has agreed not to charge clients referred through the
Network fees or costs greater than the fees or costs VCM charges clients with similar portfolios who
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were not referred through the Network.
The participation and transfer fees are based on assets in accounts of VCM’s clients who were
referred by Schwab and those referred clients’ family members living in the same household.
Thus, VCM will have incentives to recommend that client accounts and household members of
clients referred through the Network maintain custody of their accounts at Schwab.
Other Third Party Referrals
VCM may also compensate third parties for client referrals. Under this arrangement, VCM pays a
portion of the referred client’s management fee earned by VCM to the referring party. The referral
fee will be paid entirely by VCM and not the referred client. A conflict of interest exists between the
solicitors’ referral of clients to us and their receipt of fees for such referral and the conflict is fully
disclosed to clients.
Custody
Under Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act, VCM is deemed to have custody of client assets in
certain circumstances where VCM is appointed investment advisor under discretionary
agreements and clients maintain standing letters of authorization to move money to accounts
affiliated with VCM under their agreements with qualified custodians. These assets under
advisement are held by unaffiliated qualified custodians such as Schwab. These qualified
custodians provide clients with statements showing all trades, holdings, and other transactions
at least quarterly. VCM urges clients to compare the statements provided by their custodians or
unaffiliated fund managers with the reports provided by VCM. In cases where VCM is deemed to
have custody, VCM engages a third-party unaffiliated auditor to conduct an annual surprise
asset verification examination.
In its capacity as the managing member of the general partner of the Cornerstone Fund, VCM is
deemed to have custody of assets in the Cornerstone Fund. To abide by the Custody Rule, the
fund’s assets are held by a qualified custodian and included within the annual surprise asset
verification examination. The third-party administrator for the Cornerstone Fund distributes
statements at least quarterly to each of the fund’s investors.
Investment Discretion
Discretionary Trading Authority
Generally, VCM is retained on a fully discretionary basis and is authorized to determine and
direct execution of portfolio transactions pursuant to the terms of the investment management
agreement and other documents executed between VCM and each client. The terms upon which
VCM serves as an adviser are established at the time each client retains VCM as their investment
manager. Unless otherwise set forth in writing between VCM and the client, VCM is not required
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to contact a client prior to transacting any business once such client executes these documents.
If a VCM client opts not to have some or all of its account assets managed on a discretionary
basis, those assets must be identified at the onset of the relationship and will be held and
reported upon as non-discretionary assets. VCM will not execute transactions involving a non-
discretionary asset without first contacting the client and receiving the client’s explicit approval
to move forward with each such transaction.
VCM does not exercise discretion over individual client accounts’ investments in private funds,
including the First Trust Private Funds or the Cornerstone Fund. Each client investing in any of
these funds determines whether and how much to invest, and in which class(es) to participate.
VCM has complete discretionary authority to manage the Cornerstone Fund’s investment portfolio
pursuant to the fund’s organizational documents.
Limited Power of Attorney
Clients who have granted discretionary trading authority to VCM grant a “limited power of
attorney” to VCM over clients’ custodial account(s) for purposes of trading and fee deduction.
Voting Client Securities
VCM generally votes proxies for its clients on all matters. When VCM clients retain authority and
responsibility to vote proxies with respect to their investments, they will receive proxy
information from their custodians and may contact VCM about a particular solicitation and
receive assistance from VCM personnel.
When VCM votes proxies on a client’s behalf, VCM votes in accordance with its Proxy Voting Policy,
a copy of which is available from our Chief Compliance Officer upon request. VCM’s Proxy Voting
Policy is based on the principle that proxies are voted in the best long-term economic interest of
the client. VCM maintains records pertaining to its proxy voting as required under the Advisers
Act. Clients may contact our Chief Compliance Officer for information pertaining to how VCM
voted the client’s proxies on any specific proxy issue. In addition, clients may inform VCM in writing
that they want to vote one or more proxies themselves and may also at any time instruct VCM to
vote proxies per their direction by sending instructions in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer.
As noted under “Fees and Compensation” above, VCM may utilize Affiliated Funds (including
mutual funds advised by FTCM) as a component of a client’s investment strategy. When VCM has
voting authority with respect to proxies solicited by Affiliated Funds, it votes those proxies in
accordance with VCM’s Proxy Voting Policy.
The Cornerstone Fund invests predominantly in unaffiliated private funds rather than publicly
traded securities, so VCM does not exercise proxy voting authority for these investments in the
conventional sense. From time to time private fund managers seek consent from their fund
Vivaldi Capital Management LP | 225 W. Wacker Drive | Suite 2100 | Chicago, IL 60606 | P: 312.248.8300 | F: 847.386.2910
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investors, including the Cornerstone Fund. VCM’s investment team will carefully evaluate all such
proposals and seek to act in the Cornerstone Fund’s best interests.
Financial Information
VCM has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual or any other
obligations to clients, and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
Vivaldi Capital Management LP | 225 W. Wacker Drive | Suite 2100 | Chicago, IL 60606 | P: 312.248.8300 | F: 847.386.2910
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