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Item 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
March 2025
3658 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Suite 225
Lafayette, CA 94549
www.WallaceAdvisory.com
Firm Contact:
Joseph Wallace
Chief Compliance Officer
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Wallace
Advisory Group, LLC. If clients have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact
us by at (925) 284-6880. 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. Additional
information about our firm is also available on the SEC’s website by searching CRD#281049 at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Please note that the use of the term “registered investment adviser” and description of our firm
and/or our associates as “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Clients are
encouraged to review this Brochure and Brochure Supplements for our firm’s associates who advise
clients for more information on the qualifications of our firm and our employees.
Item 2: Material Changes
Wallace Advisory Group, LLC is required to make clients aware of information that has changed since
the last annual update to the Firm Brochure (“Brochure”) and that may be important to them. Clients
can then determine whether to review the brochure in its entirety or to contact us with questions
about the changes.
At this time, there are no material changes to report about the Brochure since the last annual
amendment filed on 01/24/2024.
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Item 3: Table of 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 & Compensation ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management ........................................................................... 7
Item 7: Types of Clients & Account Requirements .................................................................................................... 7
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss ................................................................... 8
Item 9: Disciplinary Information..................................................................................................................................... 10
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations .................................................................................. 10
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in ............................................................................................... 11
Client Transactions & Personal Trading ...................................................................................................................... 11
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Item 13: Review of Accounts or Financial Plans ....................................................................................................... 15
Item 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation ..................................................................................................... 15
Item 15: Custody .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Item 16: Investment Discretion ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 18: Financial Information ........................................................................................................................................ 16
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Our firm is dedicated to providing individuals and other types of clients with a wide array of
investment advisory services. Our firm is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the
State of California in 2015 and has been in business as an investment adviser since that time. Our
firm is wholly owned by Joseph Wallace.
Our firm provides asset management and investment consulting services for many different types of
clients to help meet their financial goals while remaining sensitive to risk tolerance and time
horizons. As a fiduciary it is our duty to always act in the client’s best interest. This is accomplished
in part by knowing the client. Our firm has established a service-oriented advisory practice with open
lines of communication. Working with clients to understand their investment objectives while
educating them about our process, facilitates the kind of working relationship we value.
Types of Advisory Services Offered
Asset Management:
As part of our Asset Management service, a portfolio is created, consisting of individual stocks, bonds,
exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), options, mutual funds and other public and private securities or
investments. The client’s individual investment strategy is tailored to their specific needs and may
include some or all of the previously mentioned securities. Portfolios will be designed to meet a
particular investment goal, determined to be suitable to the client’s circumstances. Once the appropriate
portfolio has been determined, portfolios are continuously and regularly monitored, and if necessary,
rebalanced based upon the client’s individual needs, stated goals and objectives.
Our firm utilizes the sub-advisory services of a third party investment advisory firm or individual
advisor to aid in the implementation of an investment portfolio designed by our firm. Before selecting a
firm or individual, our firm will ensure that the chosen party is properly licensed or registered. Our firm
will not offer advice on any specific securities or other investments in connection with this service. We
will provide initial due diligence on third party money managers and ongoing reviews of their
management of client accounts. In order to assist in the selection of a third party money manager, our
firm will gather client information pertaining to financial situation, investment objectives, and
reasonable restrictions to be imposed upon the management of the account.
Our firm will periodically review third party money manager reports provided to the client at least
annually. Our firm will contact clients from time to time in order to review their financial situation and
objectives; communicate information to third party money managers as warranted; and, assist the client
in understanding and evaluating the services provided by the third party money manager. Clients will
be expected to notify our firm of any changes in their financial situation, investment objectives, or
account restrictions that could affect their financial standing.
Comprehensive Portfolio Management:
As part of our Comprehensive Portfolio Management service clients will be provided asset
management and financial planning or consulting services. This service is designed to assist clients
in meeting their financial goals through the use of a financial plan or consultation. Our firm conducts
client meetings to understand their current financial situation, existing resources, financial goals, and
tolerance for risk. Based on what is learned, an investment approach is presented to the client,
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consisting of individual stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, mutual funds and other public and private
securities or investments. Once the appropriate portfolio has been determined, portfolios are
continuously and regularly monitored, and if necessary, rebalanced based upon the client’s individual
needs, stated goals and objectives. Upon client request, our firm provides a summary of observations
and recommendations for the planning or consulting aspects of this service.
Our firm utilizes the sub-advisory services of a third party investment advisory firm or individual
advisor to aid in the implementation of an investment portfolio designed by our firm. Before selecting a
firm or individual, our firm will ensure that the chosen party is properly licensed or registered. Our firm
will not offer advice on any specific securities or other investments in connection with this service. We
will provide initial due diligence on third party money managers and ongoing reviews of their
management of client accounts. In order to assist in the selection of a third party money manager, our
firm will gather client information pertaining to financial situation, investment objectives, and
reasonable restrictions to be imposed upon the management of the account.
Our firm will periodically review third party money manager reports provided to the client at least
annually. Our firm will contact clients from time to time in order to review their financial situation and
objectives; communicate information to third party money managers as warranted; and, assist the client
in understanding and evaluating the services provided by the third party money manager. Clients will
be expected to notify our firm of any changes in their financial situation, investment objectives, or
account restrictions that could affect their financial standing.
Financial Planning & Consulting:
Our firm provides a variety of standalone financial planning and consulting services to clients for the
management of financial resources based upon an analysis of current situation, goals, and objectives.
Financial planning services will typically involve preparing a financial plan or rendering a financial
consultation for clients based on the client’s financial goals and objectives. This planning or
consulting may encompass Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Charitable
Planning, Education Planning, Corporate and Personal Tax Planning, Cost Segregation Study,
Corporate Structure, Real Estate Analysis, Mortgage/Debt Analysis, Insurance Analysis, Lines of
Credit Evaluation, or Business and Personal Financial Planning.
Written financial plans or financial consultations rendered to clients usually include general
recommendations for a course of activity or specific actions to be taken by the clients.
Implementation of the recommendations will be at the discretion of the client. Our firm provides
clients with a summary of their financial situation, and observations for financial planning
engagements. Financial consultations are not typically accompanied by a written summary of
observations and recommendations, as the process is less formal than the planning service. Assuming
that all the information and documents requested from the client are provided promptly, plans or
consultations are typically completed within six (6) months of the client signing a contract with our
firm.
Tailoring of Advisory Services
Our firm offers individualized investment advice to our Asset Management and Comprehensive
Portfolio Management clients. General investment advice will be offered to our Financial Planning &
Consulting clients. Each Asset Management and Comprehensive Portfolio Management client has the
opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the types of investments to be held in the portfolio.
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Restrictions on investments in certain securities or types of securities may not be possible due to the
level of difficulty this would entail in managing the account.
Participation in Wrap Fee Programs
Our firm does not offer or sponsor a wrap fee program.
Regulatory Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, our firm manages $250,000,000 on a discretionary basis.
Item 5: Fees & Compensation
Compensation for Our Advisory Services
Asset Management & Comprehensive Portfolio Management:
The maximum annual fee charged for this service will not exceed 1.50%. Fees to be assessed will be
outlined in the advisory agreement to be signed by the client. Annualized fees are billed on a pro-rata
basis quarterly in arrears based on the value of the account(s) on the last day of the previous quarter.
Fees are negotiable and will be deducted from client account(s). In rare cases, our firm will agree to
bill clients directly. As part of this process, Clients understand the following:
a) The client’s independent custodian sends statements at least quarterly showing the market
values for each security included in the Assets and all account disbursements, including the
amount of the advisory fees paid to our firm;
b) Clients will provide authorization permitting our firm to be directly paid by these terms. Our
firm will send an invoice directly to the custodian; and
c) If our firm sends a copy of our invoice to the client, legend urging the comparison of
information provided in our statement with those from the qualified custodian will be
included.
For the sub-advisory services rendered to our clients, our firm compensates third party investment
advisory firms or individual advisors a percentage of the overall investment advisory fee charged by
our firm. The total fee paid by the client shall not exceed the maximum fee published for this service
and will be disclosed in the executed advisory agreement.
Financial Planning & Consulting:
Our firm charges on a flat fee basis for financial planning services. The total estimated fee, as well as
the ultimate fee charged, is based on the scope and complexity of our engagement with the client. Flat
fees range from $5,000 to $50,000. Our firm requires a retainer of fifty-percent (50%) of the ultimate
financial planning or consulting fee at the time of signing. The remainder of the fee will be directly
billed to the client and due within thirty (30) days of a financial plan being delivered or consultation
rendered. The firm charges a $5,000 per year fee for ongoing planning and consulting services.
Engagements of significant ongoing complexity will have higher yearly retainer fees as disclosed in
the advisory agreement to be signed by the client. Our firm will not require a retainer exceeding
$1,200 when services cannot be rendered within 6 (six) months.
Other Types of Fees & Expenses
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Clients will incur transaction charges for trades executed in their accounts. These transaction fees
are separate from our firm’s advisory fees and will be disclosed by the chosen custodian. Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) does not charge transaction fees for U.S. listed equities and exchange
traded funds.
Clients may also pay charges imposed directly by a mutual fund, index fund, or exchange traded fund,
which shall be disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (i.e., fund management fees, initial or deferred sales
charges, mutual fund sales loads, 12b-1 fees, surrender charges, variable annuity fees, IRA and
qualified retirement plan fees, and other fund expenses). Our firm does not receive a portion of these
fees.
Termination & Refunds
Either party may terminate the advisory agreement signed with our firm for Asset Management and
Comprehensive Portfolio Management services in writing at any time. Upon notice of termination
pro-rata advisory fees for services rendered to the point of termination will be charged. If advisory
fees cannot be deducted, our firm will send an invoice for due advisory fees to the client.
Financial Planning & Consulting clients may terminate their agreement at any time before the
delivery of a financial plan by providing written notice. For purposes of calculating refunds, all work
performed by us up to the point of termination shall be calculated at the hourly fee currently in effect.
If Client has paid in advance, they will receive a pro-rata refund of unearned fees based on the time
and effort expended by our firm.
Commissionable Securities Sales
Representatives of our firm are registered representatives of M Holdings Securities, member
FINRA/SIPC. As such they are able to accept compensation for the sale of securities or other
investment products, including distribution or service (“trail”) fees from the sale of mutual funds.
Clients should be aware that the practice of accepting commissions for the sale of securities presents
a conflict of interest and gives our firm and/or our representatives an incentive to recommend
investment products based on the compensation received. Our firm generally addresses
commissionable sales conflicts that arise when explaining to clients these sales create an incentive
to recommend based on the compensation to be earned and/or when recommending
commissionable mutual funds, explaining that “no-load” funds are also available. Our firm does not
prohibit clients from purchasing recommended investment products through other unaffiliated
brokers or agents.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
Our firm does not charge performance-based fees.
Item 7: Types of Clients & Account Requirements
Our firm provides advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, and Charitable
Organizations. Our firm does not impose requirements for opening and maintaining accounts or
otherwise engaging us. However, Financial Plans are typically assessed a minimum fee of $5,000.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or managing
client assets:
Fundamental Analysis: We attempt to measure the intrinsic value of a security by looking at
economic and financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions, and the financial
condition and management of the company itself) to determine if the company is underpriced
(indicating it may be a good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time to sell).
Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a potential
risk, as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall market regardless of the
economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the stock.
Asset Allocation: Rather than focusing primarily on securities selection, we attempt to identify an
appropriate ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash suitable to the client’s investment goals and
risk tolerance. A risk of asset allocation is that the client may not participate in sharp increases in a
particular security, industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of securities, fixed income,
and cash will change over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no
longer be appropriate for the client’s goals.
Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis: We look at the experience and track record of the manager of
the mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to
invest over a period of time and in different economic conditions. We also look at the underlying
assets in a mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the
underlying investments held in another fund(s) in the client’s portfolio. We also monitor the funds
or ETFs in an attempt to determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy.
A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance
does not guarantee future results. A manager who has been successful may not be able to replicate
that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in a fund or
ETF, managers of different funds held by the client may purchase the same security, increasing the
risk to the client if that security were to fall in value. There is also a risk that a manager may deviate
from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which could make the holding(s)
less suitable for the client’s portfolio.
Quantitative Analysis: We use quantitative analysis that may include mathematical analysis in an
attempt to identify the impact of interest rate changes on individual securities and portfolios of
securities. The results of our quantitative analysis are taken into consideration in the decision to buy
or sell securities and in the management of portfolio characteristics. A risk in using quantitative
analysis is that the methods or models used may be based on assumptions that prove to be incorrect.
Qualitative Analysis: We use qualitative analysis to evaluate individual securities, focusing on non-
quantifiable factors such as quality of management and others not readily subject to measurement,
and incorporate that analysis into our security selection process. A risk in using qualitative analysis
is that our subjective judgment may prove incorrect.
Risks for All Forms of Analysis: Our securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the
companies whose securities we purchase and sell, the rating agencies that review these securities,
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and other publicly-available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate
and unbiased data. While we are alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk
that our analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
Investment Strategies We Use
We use the following strategies in managing client accounts, provided that such strategies are
appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the client's investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and time horizons, among other considerations. Typically, we employ this strategy when
we believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or we want exposure to a particular asset
class over time, regardless of the current projection for this class.
Long-Term Purchases: When utilizing this strategy, we may purchase securities with the idea of
holding them for a relatively long time (typically held for at least a year). A risk in a long-term
purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length of time, we may not take advantages
of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. Moreover, if our predictions are incorrect, a
security may decline sharply in value before we make the decision to sell. Typically, we employ this
sub-strategy when we believe the securities to be well valued; and/or we want exposure to a
particular asset class over time, regardless of the current projection for this class. The potential risks
associated with this investment strategy involve a lower than expected return, for many years in a
row. Lower-than-expected returns that last for a long time and/or that are severe in nature would
have the impact of dramatically lowering the ending value of your portfolio, and thus could
significantly threaten your ability to meet financial goals.
Asset Allocation: The implementation of an investment strategy that attempts to balance risk versus
reward by adjusting the percentage of each asset in an investment portfolio according to the
investor's risk tolerance, goals and investment time frame. Asset allocation is based on the principle
that different assets perform differently in different market and economic conditions. A fundamental
justification for asset allocation is the notion that different asset classes offer returns that are not
perfectly correlated, hence diversification reduces the overall risk in terms of the variability of
returns for a given level of expected return. Although risk is reduced as long as correlations are not
perfect, it is typically forecast (wholly or in part) based on statistical relationships (like correlation
and variance) that existed over some past period. Expectations for return are often derived in the
same way.
An asset class is a group of economic resources sharing similar characteristics, such as riskiness and
return. There are many types of assets that may or may not be included in an asset allocation strategy.
The "traditional" asset classes are stocks (value, dividend, growth, or sector-specific [or a "blend" of
any two or more of the preceding]; large-cap versus mid-cap, small-cap or micro-cap; domestic,
foreign [developed], emerging or frontier markets), bonds (fixed income securities more generally:
investment-grade or junk [high-yield]; government or corporate; short-term, intermediate, long-
term; domestic, foreign, emerging markets), and cash or cash equivalents. Allocation among these
three provides a starting point. Usually included are hybrid instruments such as convertible bonds
and preferred stocks, counting as a mixture of bonds and stocks. Other alternative assets that may be
considered include: commodities: precious metals, nonferrous metals, agriculture, energy, others.;
Commercial or residential real estate (also REITs); Collectibles such as art, coins, or stamps;
insurance products (annuity, life settlements, catastrophe bonds, personal life insurance products,
etc.); derivatives such as long-short or market neutral strategies, options, collateralized debt, and
futures; foreign currency; venture capital; private equity; and/or distressed securities.
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There are several types of asset allocation strategies based on investment goals, risk tolerance, time
frames and diversification. The most common forms of asset allocation are: strategic, dynamic,
tactical, and core-satellite.
• Strategic Asset Allocation: The primary goal of a strategic asset allocation is to create an asset
mix that seeks to provide the optimal balance between expected risk and return for a long-
term investment horizon. Generally speaking, strategic asset allocation strategies are
agnostic to economic environments, i.e., they do not change their allocation postures relative
to changing market or economic conditions.
• Dynamic Asset Allocation: Dynamic asset allocation is similar to strategic asset allocation in
that portfolios are built by allocating to an asset mix that seeks to provide the optimal balance
between expected risk and return for a long-term investment horizon. Like strategic
allocation strategies, dynamic strategies largely retain exposure to their original asset
classes; however, unlike strategic strategies, dynamic asset allocation portfolios will adjust
their postures over time relative to changes in the economic environment.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. While the stock
market may increase and the account(s) could enjoy a gain, it is also possible that the stock market
may decrease and the account(s) could suffer a loss. It is important that clients understand the risks
associated with investing in the stock market, are appropriately diversified in investments, and ask
any questions.
Description of Material, Significant or Unusual Risks
Our firm generally invests client cash balances in money market funds, FDIC Insured Certificates of
Deposit, high-grade commercial paper and/or government backed debt instruments. Ultimately, our
firm tries to achieve the highest return on client cash balances through relatively low-risk
conservative investments. In most cases, at least a partial cash balance will be maintained in a money
market account so that our firm may debit advisory fees for our services related to our Asset
Management and Comprehensive Portfolio Management services, as applicable.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
There are no legal or disciplinary events that are material to the evaluation of our advisory business
or the integrity of our management.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
Representatives of our firm are registered representatives of M Holdings Securities, member
FINRA/SIPC, and licensed insurance agents. As a result of these transactions, they receive normal and
customary commissions. A conflict of interest exists as these commissionable securities sales create
an incentive to recommend products based on the compensation earned. To mitigate this potential
conflict, our firm will act in the client’s best interest.
Insurance services are provided through Wallace Financial Insurance Services, a DBA of Wallace
Advisory Group, LLC. These services are independent of our investment advisory and financial
planning services, and are governed under a separate agreement. Clients may be solicited to utilize
these services, however, they are under no obligation to do so.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in
Client Transactions & Personal Trading
As a fiduciary, it is an investment adviser’s responsibility to provide fair and full disclosure of all material
facts and to act solely in the best interest of each of our clients at all times. Our fiduciary duty is the
underlying principle for our firm’s Code of Ethics, which includes procedures for personal securities
transaction and insider trading. Our firm requires all representatives to conduct business with the
highest level of ethical standards and to comply with all federal and state securities laws at all times.
Upon employment with our firm, and at least annually thereafter, all representatives of our firm will
acknowledge receipt, understanding and compliance with our firm’s Code of Ethics. Our firm and
representatives must conduct business in an honest, ethical, and fair manner and avoid all circumstances
that might negatively affect or appear to affect our duty of complete loyalty to all clients. This disclosure
is provided to give all clients a summary of our Code of Ethics. If a client or a potential client wishes to
review our Code of Ethics in its entirety, a copy will be provided promptly upon request.
Our firm recognizes that the personal investment transactions of our representatives demands the
application of a Code of Ethics with high standards and requires that all such transactions be carried out
in a way that does not endanger the interest of any client. At the same time, our firm also believes that if
investment goals are similar for clients and for our representatives, it is logical, and even desirable, that
there be common ownership of some securities.
In order to prevent conflicts of interest, our firm has established procedures for transactions effected by
our representatives for their personal accounts1. In order to monitor compliance with our personal
trading policy, our firm has pre-clearance requirements and a quarterly securities transaction reporting
system for all of our representatives.
Neither our firm nor a related person recommends, buys or sells for client accounts, securities in
which our firm or a related person has a material financial interest without prior disclosure to the
client.
Related persons of our firm may buy or sell securities and other investments that are also
recommended to clients. In order to minimize this conflict of interest, our related persons will place
client interests ahead of their own interests and adhere to our firm’s Code of Ethics, a copy of which
is available upon request.
Likewise, related persons of our firm buy or sell securities for themselves at or about the same time they
buy or sell the same securities for client accounts. In order to minimize this conflict of interest, our
related persons will place client interests ahead of their own interests and adhere to our firm’s Code of
Ethics, a copy of which is available upon request. Further, our related persons will refrain from buying
or selling securities that will be bought or sold in client accounts unless done so after the client execution
or concurrently as a part of a block trade.
1 For purposes of the policy, our associate’s personal account generally includes any account (a) in the name of our associate, his/her spouse,
his/her minor children or other dependents residing in the same household, (b) for which our associate is a trustee or executor, or (c) which our
associate controls, including our client accounts which our associate controls and/or a member of his/her household has a direct or indirect
beneficial interest in.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Selecting a Brokerage Firm
Our firm does not maintain custody of client assets (although our firm may be deemed to have
custody of client assets if given the authority to withdraw assets from client accounts (see Item 15
Custody, below). Client assets must be maintained in an account at a “qualified custodian,” generally
a broker-dealer or bank. Our firm recommends that clients use Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”)
a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, as the qualified custodian. Our firm is
independently owned and operated, and not affiliated with Schwab. Schwab will hold client assets in
a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when instructed. While our firm recommends that
clients use Schwab as custodian/broker, clients will decide whether to do so and open an account
with Schwab by entering into an account agreement directly with them. Our firm does not open the
account. Even though the account is maintained at Schwab, our firm can still use other brokers to
execute trades, as described in the next paragraph.
How Brokers/Custodians Are Selected
Our firm seeks to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold client assets and execute
transactions on terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to other available
providers and their services. A wide range of factors are considered, including, but not limited to:
•
•
•
combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services (generally
without a separate fee for custody)
capability to execute, clear and settle trades (buy and sell securities for client accounts)
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 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
•
• prior service to our firm and our other clients
• availability of other products and services that benefit our firm, as discussed below (see
“Products & Services Available from Schwab”)
Custody & Brokerage Costs
Schwab generally does not charge a separate fee for custody services but is compensated by charging
commissions or other fees to clients on trades that are executed or that settle into the Schwab
account. For some accounts, Schwab may charge your account a percentage of the dollar amount of
assets in the account in lieu of commissions. Schwab’s commission rates and/or asset-based fees
applicable to client accounts were negotiated based on our firm’s commitment to maintain a
minimum threshold of assets statement equity in accounts at Schwab. This commitment benefits
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clients because the overall commission rates and/or asset-based fees paid are lower than they would
be if our firm had not made the commitment. In addition to commissions or asset-based fees Schwab
charges a flat dollar amount as a “prime broker” or “trade away” fee for each trade that our firm has
executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from the securities
sold are deposited (settled) into a Schwab account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or
other compensation paid to the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to minimize client
trading costs, our firm has Schwab execute most trades for the accounts.
Products & Services Available from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services (formerly called Schwab Institutional) is Schwab’s business serving
independent investment advisory firms like our firm. They provide our firm and 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 manage or administer our client accounts while others help
manage and grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an unsolicited
basis (our firm does not have to request them) and at no charge as long as out firm keeps a total of at
least $10 million of client assets in accounts at Schwab. If out firm has less than $10 million in client
assets at Schwab, our firm may be charged quarterly service fees. Here is a more detailed description
of Schwab’s support services:
Services that Benefit Clients
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 our firm might not otherwise have access or that would
require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by firm clients. Schwab’s services
described in this paragraph generally benefit clients and their accounts.
Services that May Not Directly Benefit Clients
Schwab also makes available other products and services that benefit our firm but may not directly
benefit clients or their accounts. These products and services assist in managing and administering
our client accounts. They include investment research, both Schwab’s and that of third parties. This
research may be used to service all or some substantial number of client accounts, including accounts
not maintained at Schwab. In addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available software
and other technology that:
• provides access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements);
facilitates trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts;
facilitates payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts; and
•
• provides pricing and other market data;
•
• assists with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Services that Generally Benefit Only Our Firm
Schwab also offers other services intended to help manage and further develop our business
enterprise. These services include:
• educational conferences and events
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Wallace Advisory Group, LLC
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting;
•
• 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, Schwab will arrange for third-party
vendors to provide the services to our firm. Schwab may also discount or waive fees for some of these
services or pay all or a part of a third party’s fees. Schwab may also provide our firm with other
benefits, such as occasional business entertainment for our personnel.
Irrespective of direct or indirect benefits to our client through Schwab, our firm strives to enhance
the client experience, help clients reach their goals and put client interests before that of our firm or
associated persons.
Our Interest in Schwab’s Services.
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits our firm because out firm does not have to
produce or purchase them. Our firm does not have to pay for Schwab’s services so long as a total of
at least $10 million of client assets in accounts are kept at Schwab. Beyond that, these services are
not contingent upon our firm committing any specific amount of business to Schwab in trading
commissions or assets in custody. The $10 million minimum may serve as an incentive to recommend
that clients maintain their account with Schwab based on our interest in receiving Schwab’s services
that benefit our business rather than based on the client’s interest in receiving the best value in
custody services and the most favorable execution of transactions. This is a potential conflict of
interest. Our firm believes, however, that the 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 Brokers/Custodians Are Selected”) and not
Schwab’s services that benefit only our firm. Our firm has over $100 million in client assets under
management, and do not believe that maintaining at least $10 million of those assets at Schwab in
order to avoid paying Schwab quarterly service fees presents a material conflict of interest.
Aggregation of Purchase or Sale
Our firm provides investment management services for various clients. There are occasions on which
portfolio transactions may be executed as part of concurrent authorizations to purchase or sell the same
security for numerous accounts served by our firm, which involve accounts with similar investment
objectives. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could be either advantageous or
disadvantageous to any one or more particular accounts, they are affected only when our firm believes
that to do so will be in the best interest of the effected accounts. When such concurrent authorizations
occur, the objective is to allocate the executions in a manner which is deemed equitable to the accounts
involved. In any given situation, our firm attempts to allocate trade executions in the most equitable
manner possible, taking into consideration client objectives, current asset allocation and availability of
funds using price averaging, proration and consistently non-arbitrary methods of allocation.
Transition Assistance
In October 2015, our firm received economic assistance from Schwab to purchase reporting software
and technology services aimed at easing the administrative burdens in the transition of client accounts
from their previous adviser or custodian. We are no longer receiving this economic assistance from
Schwab.
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Wallace Advisory Group, LLC
Item 13: Review of Accounts or Financial Plans
Our management personnel or financial advisors or Chief Compliance Officer, Joseph Wallace review
accounts on at least a quarterly basis for our Asset Management, Comprehensive Portfolio
Management clients. The nature of these reviews is to learn whether client accounts are in line with
their investment objectives, appropriately positioned based on market conditions, and investment
policies, if applicable. Our firm does not provide written reports to clients, unless asked to do so.
Verbal reports to clients take place on at least an annual basis when our Asset Management,
Comprehensive Portfolio Management clients are contacted.
Our firm may review client accounts more frequently than described above. Among the factors which
may trigger an off-cycle review are major market or economic events, the client’s life events, requests
by the client, etc.
Financial Planning clients do not receive reviews of their written plans unless they take action to
schedule a financial consultation with us. Our firm does not provide ongoing services to financial
planning clients, but is willing to meet with such clients upon their request to discuss updates to their
plans, changes in their circumstances, etc. Financial Planning clients do not receive written or verbal
updated reports regarding their financial plans unless they separately engage our firm for a post-
financial plan meeting or update to their initial written financial plan.
Item 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Our firm receives economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the support products and services
made available to our firm and other independent investment advisors that have their clients
maintain accounts at Schwab. These products and services, how they benefit out firm, and the related
conflicts of interest are described above (see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices). The availability of
Schwab’s products and services is not based on our firm giving particular investment advice, such as
buying particular securities for our clients.
Referral Fees
In accordance with Rule 206 (4)-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, our firm does not provide
cash or non-cash compensation directly or indirectly to unaffiliated persons for testimonials or
endorsements (which include client referrals).
Item 15: Custody
All of our clients receive account statements directly from their qualified custodians at least quarterly
upon opening of an account. If our firm decides to also send account statements to clients, such notice
and account statements include a legend that recommends that the client compare the account
statements received from the qualified custodian with those received from our firm. Clients are
encouraged to raise any questions with us about the custody, safety or security of their assets and
our custodial recommendations.
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Wallace Advisory Group, LLC
The SEC issued a no‐action letter (“Letter”) with respect to the Rule 206(4)‐2 (“Custody Rule”) under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The letter provided guidance on the Custody
Rule as well as clarified that an adviser who has the power to disburse client funds to a third party
under a standing letter of instruction (“SLOA”) is deemed to have custody. As such, our firm has
adopted the following safeguards in conjunction with our custodian:
• 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.
• The client authorizes the investment adviser, 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.
• 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.
• The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s qualified
custodian.
• The investment adviser 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.
• The investment adviser maintains records showing that the third party is not a related party
of the investment adviser or located at the same address as the investment adviser.
• The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming the
instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients have the option of providing our firm with investment discretion on their behalf, pursuant to
an executed investment advisory client agreement. By granting investment discretion, our firm is
authorized to execute securities transactions, determine which securities are bought and sold, and
the total amount to be bought and sold. Limitations may be imposed by the client in the form of
specific constraints on any of these areas of discretion with our firm’s written acknowledgement.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Our firm does not accept the proxy authority to vote client securities. Clients will receive proxies or
other solicitations directly from their custodian or a transfer agent. In the event that proxies are sent
to our firm, our firm will forward them to the appropriate client and ask the party who sent them to
mail them directly to the client in the future. Clients may call, write or email us to discuss questions
they may have about particular proxy votes or other solicitations.
Item 18: Financial Information
Inclusion of a Balance Sheet
Our firm does not require nor is prepayment solicited for more than $1,200 in fees per client, 6
months or more in advance. Therefore, our firm has not included a balance sheet for our most recent
fiscal year.
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Wallace Advisory Group, LLC
Disclosure of Financial Condition
Our firm has nothing to disclose in this regard.
Bankruptcy Petition
Our firm has nothing to disclose in this regard.
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