Overview
- Headquarters
- San Diego, CA
- Total Firm Assets
- $158 million
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $1.5 million
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ZERMATT WEALTH PARTNERS ADV PART 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 3.00% |
Minimum Annual Fee: $1,000
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $30,000 | 3.00% |
| $5 million | $150,000 | 3.00% |
| $10 million | $300,000 | 3.00% |
| $50 million | $1,500,000 | 3.00% |
| $100 million | $3,000,000 | 3.00% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 81.37%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 85
- Total Client Accounts
- 531
- Discretionary Accounts
- 531
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 105736
Primary Brochure: ZERMATT WEALTH PARTNERS ADV PART 2A (2026-06-17)
View Document Text
ADV Part 2A: Firm Brochure
2251 San Diego Ave. Suite B -257
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 491-0225
1427 Military Cutoff Road Suite 206
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 256-7400
E-mail: compliance@zermattholdingsllc.com
June 15, 2026
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Zermatt Wealth
Partners. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at: (619)
491-0225, or by email at: compliance@zermattholdingsllc.com. 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.
Zermatt Wealth Partners may refer to itself as a “registered investment adviser”. Clients should be
aware that registration with the SEC or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of
skill or training. Additional information about Zermatt Wealth Partners (CRD# 105736) is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
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ITEM 2 - MATERIAL CHANGES
ANNUAL UPDATE
We have made the following material changes to our Form ADV Part 2A since our last annual amendment
in March 2026:
• There have been no material changes.
FULL BROCHURE AVAILABLE
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure, please contact us by
telephone at: (619) 491-0225, or by email at: compliance@zermattholdingsllc.com
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Item 3-Table of Contents
Item 2 - Material Changes ........................................................................................................................... 2
Annual Update ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Full Brochure Available ................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 4-Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 5
Firm Description .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Other Professionals......................................................................................................................................... 5
Principal Owners ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Types of Advisory Services ............................................................................................................................. 5
Types of Agreements ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Assets under Management ............................................................................................................................. 9
Item 5-Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................................. 9
Investment Management ................................................................................................................................ 9
Flat “Fixed” Management Fees ..................................................................................................................... 10
401(k) Services ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Fee Collection ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Termination of Advisory Services .................................................................................................................. 11
Conflict of Interest Between Different Fee Structures ................................................................................... 11
Other Fees .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Item 6-Performance Based Fees .............................................................................................................. 12
Item 7-Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................. 12
Account Minimums ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Item 8-Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................. 12
Methods of Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Investment Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 12
Risk of Loss .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Item 9-Legal and Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................. 13
Item 10-Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 13
Item 11-Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ........ 14
Code of Ethics .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions .............................................................................................. 14
Personal Trading .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Item 12-Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 15
Research and Other Benefits ........................................................................................................................ 16
Directed Brokerage ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Order Aggregation ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Brokerage for Client Referrals ...................................................................................................................... 16
Item 13-Review of Accounts ..................................................................................................................... 17
Periodic Reviews .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Review Triggers ............................................................................................................................................ 17
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Regular Reports ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Item 14-Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................. 17
Client Referrals ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Referrals to Third Parties .............................................................................................................................. 17
Other Compensation ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 15-Custody ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Account Statements ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Performance Reports .................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 16-Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................. 18
Item 17-Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 18
Proxy Votes .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Class Action Lawsuits ................................................................................................................................... 18
Item 18-Financial Information ................................................................................................................... 18
Privacy Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 19
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ITEM 4-ADVISORY BUSINESS
FIRM DESCRIPTION
Zermatt Wealth Partners hereinafter (“Adviser” or “ZWP”) is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.
Zermatt Holdings, LLC and Louis Dworsky became the principal owners of ZWP in 2020.
The Adviser provides personalized confidential wealth planning and investment management to individuals,
pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses.
The Adviser is a fee-only wealth advisory and investment management firm. The firm does not sell securities
or receive compensation from any other source other than its clients.
The Adviser does not act as a custodian of client assets. The client always maintains ownership of his or
her assets.
OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc. may be engaged directly by the client on an as-needed basis.
Any conflicts of interest arising out of the Adviser’s or its associated persons are disclosed in this brochure.
PRINCIPAL OWNERS
WFA San Diego, LLC (“WFA SD”), and Zermatt Wealth Partners LLC (“ZWP”) are all entities owned or
controlled by Louis Dworsky and Zermatt Holdings, LLC.
TYPES OF ADVISORY SERVICES
The Adviser provides investment supervisory services, also known as asset management services;
manages investment advisory accounts not involving investment supervisory services; and furnishes
investment advice through consultations. On more than an occasional basis, the Adviser furnishes advice
to clients on matters not involving securities.
Zermatt Wealth Partners (“ZWP”) is a Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. ZWP provides advisory services to individuals, employee benefit plans, trusts, corporations,
or other businesses (collectively “Client”). Advisory fees vary according to the type of investment services
provided and higher or lower fees than those shown on the schedules below may be charged to particular
Clients. Any fee arrangements will be consistent with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations,
including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act"), Advisers Act Rule 205-3,
and if applicable, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). ZWP will
require each Client to make a selection of services in writing as part of the Asset Management Agreement(s)
herein referred as “AMA” which sets forth the rights and obligations of ZWP and the Client. Fees charged
for investment management services are payable quarterly, in advance, utilizing the then-current fee
structure, based upon the market value of assets on the last business day of the preceding quarter. On
occasion fees for investment management services are based upon a flat fee agreed to in advance and not
upon the value of the assets under management. A copy of ZWP's written disclosure statement as set forth
on Part 2 and Part 3 of Form ADV shall be provided to each Client before or at the time an AMA is executed.
ZWP generally provides investment supervisory services on a discretionary basis. Under limited
circumstances, ZWP may provide investment supervisory services on a nondiscretionary basis. In order to
determine a suitable course of action for an individual Client, ZWP may perform a review of the variables
that are presented. Such review may include, but may not be limited to investment objectives, consideration
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of the Client's overall financial condition, income and tax status, personal and business assets, risk profile
and other factors unique to the Client's particular circumstances.
ZWP's investment supervisory services may include the following:
• Design, revision and reallocation of Client’s portfolio. Investments may be determined by Client's
investment objectives, risk tolerance, net worth, net income, age, time horizon, tax situations and
other suitability factors. Client accounts are managed on an individualized basis. Restrictions and
guidelines imposed by Client may affect the composition and performance of portfolios. As a result,
performance of portfolios with the same investment objective may differ. Clients should not expect
that the performance of their portfolios will be identical to any other individual's portfolio
performance.
• Utilization of established third party research services to assist ZWP with formulating asset
allocation, industry and sector selection, and individual security investment recommendations in
constructing and maintaining Client portfolios. ZWP may provide investment advisory services that
do not involve investment supervisory services.
In determining a suitable course of action for a Client, ZWP may perform a review of the variables that are
presented. Such review may include, but is not necessarily limited to: investment objectives, consideration
of the Client's overall financial condition, income and tax status, personal and business assets, risk profile,
and other factors unique to the Client's particular circumstances.
ZWP may provide investment advice through consultations not included in either service described above
on a non-discretionary-only basis for Participant Directed Qualified Retirement Plans - 401(k)s. ZWP may
manage individual participant accounts in these 401(k)s and may provide specific investment advice to
individual participants in these plans.
In order to determine a suitable course of action for a 401(k) Client, ZWP may perform a review of the
variables that are presented. Such review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to: the needs
and objectives of the employer, the costs involved, and other factors unique to the Client's particular
circumstances.
As part of our investment advisory services to you, we may recommend that you withdraw the assets from
your employer's retirement plan and roll the assets over to an individual retirement account ("IRA") that we
will manage on your behalf. If you elect to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our management, we
will charge you an asset-based fee as set forth in the agreement you executed with our firm. This practice
presents a conflict of interest because persons providing investment advice on our behalf have an incentive
to recommend a rollover to you for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather than solely
based on your needs. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover.
Moreover, if you do complete the rollover, you are under no obligation to have the assets in an IRA managed
by our firm.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company plan. Also,
current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before they retire or change jobs.
In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to the extent the following options are
available, you should consider the costs and benefits of: 1)) Leaving the funds in your employer's (former
employer's) plan; 2) moving the funds to a new employer's retirement plan; 3) cashing out and taking a
taxable distribution from the plan; and/or 4) rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account. Each of these
options has advantages and disadvantages and before making a change we encourage you to speak with
your CPA and/or tax attorney. Our recommendations may include any of them, depending on what we feel
is in your best interest.
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We are fiduciaries under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and when we provide investment advice to
you regarding your retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we are also fiduciaries within
the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code,
as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. As a fiduciary, we are required to document
the reason(s) for why the recommendation we made is in your best interest.
Investments may include: equities (stocks), warrants, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit,
municipal securities, investment company securities (variable life insurance, variable annuities, and mutual
funds shares), U. S. government securities, options contracts, and interests in partnerships etc.
ZWP may offer advice on private equity and/or futures funds that contain investments in other private equity
funds, also known as a "fund of funds," and/or "hedge-funds." ZWP may also offer advice on private equity
and/or funds that contain investments in equities, futures, options, and other securities, such as commodity
futures. The prospectus or offering memorandum will reflect the investment objectives of the funds and the
typical investments purchased by the management of those private equity and/or futures funds.
ZWP may, on occasion, provide advice to Clients on matters not involving securities, and may include but
is not limited to Business Planning, Business Succession Planning, Estate Planning, Financial Planning,
Insurance Planning, and Wealth Management.
Initial public offerings (IPOs) are not available through the Adviser.
TYPES OF AGREEMENTS
Wealth Planning Agreement
The Adviser will assist Client in the comprehensive management of affairs surrounding Client’s wealth,
including:
• Review, maintenance, and retention of documents including wills, trusts contracts, corporate
documents, family records, etc.
• Recommendations pertaining to estate planning, retirement planning, generation planning issues,
corporate issues, tax issues, asset protection, offshore asset planning, real estate, etc.
• Meetings, phone calls, and other coordination efforts with Client’s other advisors including attorney,
accountant, pension administrator, trustee, banker, insurance agent, etc.
• Other such services as may be agreed to in writing by Adviser and Client attached to the “AMA”.
The Adviser is not an attorney, accountant, or expert in many of the areas covered by the Asset
Management Agreement “AMA”, and does not provide such services. The role of Adviser is to act as a
catalyst and as Client’s agent in dealing with the matters under the “AMA”.
There is an inherent conflict of interest for the Adviser whenever a wealth plan recommends use of
professional investment management services. The Adviser or its associated persons may receive
compensation for wealth planning and investment management services. The Adviser does not make any
representation that these services are offered at the lowest available cost and the Client may be able to
obtain the same services at a lower cost from other providers. The Client is under no obligation to accept
any of the recommendations of the Adviser or use the services of the Adviser.
Investment Management Agreement
Adviser will direct, in Adviser’s sole discretion and without first consulting Client, the investment and
reinvestment of the assets in Client’s account (the “Account”) in securities and cash or cash equivalents.
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The investment management services provided as outlined in the “AMA” are as follows:
• Evaluation. Determine Client’s investment objectives, time horizons, investment bias, risk
tolerance, and other factors that may impact the portfolio design.
• Portfolio Review. Review Client’s existing portfolio for continuity with Client’s objectives and risk
tolerance.
• Asset Allocation. Determine the most efficient allocation of capital to appropriate asset classes for
Client’s portfolio.
• Asset/Asset Manager Selection. Select the assets and/or asset managers.
• Portfolio Monitoring. Regularly monitor Client’s portfolio to ensure that economic conditions, market
performance, and the asset mix remain consistent with Client’s objectives and risk tolerance.
• Periodic Reporting. Provide a comprehensive quarterly inventory of Client’s investments under
Adviser’s management.
• Regular Meetings. Provide regular meetings with Client to review the Account.
Client’s financial circumstances and investment objectives and any special instructions or limits that Client
wishes Adviser to follow in managing the Account are described in Client’s Investment Policy Statement.
Client agrees to notify Adviser promptly of any significant change in the information provided by Client or
any other significant change in Client’s financial circumstances or investment objectives that might affect
the manner in which Client’s Account should be managed. Client also agrees to provide Adviser with such
additional information as Adviser may consistent with obtaining best execution, transactions for Client’s
Account may be directed to brokers in return for research services furnished by them to Adviser. Such
research generally will be used to service all of Adviser’s Clients, but brokerage commissions paid by Client
may be used to pay for research that is not used in managing Client’s Account. The Adviser may, in its
discretion, cause the Account to pay brokers commission greater than another qualified broker might charge
to effect the same transaction where Adviser determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received.
Hourly Planning Engagements
The Adviser provides hourly planning services for Clients who need advice on a limited scope of work.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
As of December 31st, 2024, ZWP manages approximately $116,022,167. $80,581,030 in assets are
managed on a discretionary basis for 237 Client Account and $35,441,137 in assets are managed on a non-
discretionary basis for 17 client accounts.
ITEM 5-FEES AND COMPENSATION
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
The Adviser bases its fees on a percentage of assets under management, hourly charges, and fixed fees.
Although the Client Agreement is an ongoing agreement and constant adjustments are required, the length
of service to the Client is at the Client’s discretion. The Client or the Adviser may terminate an Agreement
by thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. At termination, fees will be reimbursed to the client on
a pro rata basis for the portion of the quarter completed. The portfolio value at the completion of the prior
full billing quarter is used as the basis for the fee computation, adjusted for the number of days during the
billing quarter prior to termination.
•
Between 0.80% to 2.5% on non-discretionary accounts*
•
Between 0.80% to 3.0% on discretionary accounts*
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*This fee is inclusive of the separate technology platform fee of up to .25% charged which covers the firm's
technology platforms used for billing, reporting and accessing a wide field of money managers.
The investment management fee schedules are tiered. The management fee is calculated by applying
different rates to different values of the account. Total fees will be the sum of fees charged for AUM within
all applicable ranges.
The above stated fee schedule is not inclusive of any additional fees that would be charged by any affiliated
or unaffiliated sub-advisor.
Certain Clients pay fees according to a fee schedule previously used by the Adviser that may differ from
the above schedule.
ZWP may, at its discretion, make exceptions to the foregoing or negotiate special fee arrangements where
ZWP deems it appropriate under the circumstances. Each client’s specific fee schedule will be included in
their Advisory Management Agreement.
FLAT “FIXED” MANAGEMENT FEES
The Adviser charges a Flat Management Fee based on certain criteria which may include; the complexity of
the portfolio, the type of assets held, the activity in the portfolio, etc. The retainer fee will be reflected in
Schedule A of the “AMA” and will be billed quarterly, in advance. There is a minimum annual retainer fee of
$1,000.
401(K) SERVICES
The Adviser normally charges an annual fee for 401(k) consultation services as detailed in the “AMA”
agreement for the design, implementation, investment management, reporting and participant education.
FEE COLLECTION
ZWP's investment management fee is paid quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the
assets (subject to the scope of the AMA) on the last business day of the previous quarter. All fees are
rounded up or down to the nearest dollar. Fee adjustments will be prorated for flows into/out of the account
which are greater than $10,000 will be debited/credited in the next quarterly billing cycle.
BY CUSTODIAN
Client authorizes the custodian(s) of Client's account(s) to debit such account(s) for the amount of ZWP's
investment advisory fee and to directly remit those advisory fees to ZWP in accordance with required SEC
procedures as follows:
(1) ZWP will send the Client and the custodian(s) a bill showing the amount of fees charged.
(2) The custodian(s) will send the Client a statement, at least quarterly (Trust Clients may direct the
trust company to provide statements less frequently), indicating all amounts disbursed from the
account including the amount of advisory fees paid directly to ZWP.
HOURLY FEES
The Hourly Fee is applied occasionally for miscellaneous services. ZWP's hourly fees range from $100 to
$500 per hour depending on staff billing rates based on the nature and scope of services.
FEE COLLECTION
A Client's Flat Management Fee is detailed in Schedule A of the “AMA”. To the extent so engaged by Client
in Schedule A of the “AMA”, the Flat Management Fee will be billed quarterly in advance.
FLAT (FIXED) CONSULTATION FEES
The Flat (Fixed) Consultation Fee is determined by the scope of the project and may include but is not
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limited to business planning, business succession planning, estate planning, financial planning, insurance
planning, and wealth management.
FEE COLLECTION
Flat (Fixed) Consultation Fees will be billed in advance as detailed in the “AMA”, from the date of signing
of the “AMA” by Client. The fee is fully earned upon signing of the “AMA” by Client. As ZWP's services may
not be proportionally delivered, if Client terminates the contract before the completion of the engagement
for any reason except fraud, all remaining balances will become immediately due and payable. Upon
termination of the “AMA”, ZWP will deliver any work in progress to Client with no further obligation to ZWP.
TERMINATION OF ADVISORY SERVICES
In the event of termination, fees will be pro-rated to the date of termination (30 days after the receipt of
notification of intent to terminate) and a refund from the account will be made to client.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST BETWEEN DIFFERENT FEE STRUCTURES
The Adviser offers several different investment management services detailed in this brochure that
compensate the Adviser differently depending on the service selected. There is a conflict of interest for the
Adviser and its associated personnel to recommend the services that offer a higher level of compensation
to the Firm through either/both higher management fees or reduced administrative expenses. The Adviser
mitigates this conflict through its procedures to review Client accounts relative to the Client or investors
personal financial situation to ensure the investment management service provided is appropriate. Further,
the Adviser is committed to its obligation to ensure associated persons adhere to the Firm’s Code of Ethics
and to ensure that the Firm and its associated persons fulfill their fiduciary duty to Clients or investors.
OTHER FEES
There are a number of other fees that can be associated with holding and investing in securities. In addition
to the advisory fees paid to ZWP, clients may also incur certain charges imposed by other third parties,
such as broker-dealers, custodians, trust companies, banks and other financial institutions (collectively
“Financial Institutions”). These additional charges may include securities brokerage commissions,
transaction fees, custodial fees, margin costs, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or ETF in a client’s
account, as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (i.e., fund management fees, 12b-1 fees, and other fund
expenses), deferred sales charges, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on
brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Management fees charged by ZWP are separate and
distinct from the fees and expenses charged by the third parties in connection with the securities that may
be recommended to you.
A separate technology platform fee of up to .25% (subject to a $10 minimum quarterly technology platform
fee - $40 annually) per account is charged which covers the firm's technology platforms used for billing,
reporting and accessing a wide field of money managers. To the extent that the overall quarterly fee
assessed on each account is less than $10, the difference shall be assessed and charged to the client.
Fees may be customizable depending on the needs of the client. Additionally, no increase in the annual fee
shall be effective without prior written notification to the Client.
ZWP may implement all or a portion of the accounts on an investment management platform through the
use of investment managers available on the Investment Platform. The Adviser, in its discretionary
authority, shall select, remove and/or modify allocation to investment products with the Manager. If a
Managed Accounts Program is used, an additional 0.10-0.20% Program Fee will be charged for the
Program Assets. Additionally, no increase in the annual fee shall be effective without prior written
notification to the Client.
ZWP will take into account the internal fees and expenses associated with each share class when selecting
mutual funds that have multiple share classes for recommendation to clients, and it is ZWP policy to choose
the lowest-cost share class available, absent circumstances that dictate otherwise. For complete discussion
of expenses related to each mutual fund, you should read a copy of the prospectus issued by that fund.
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ZWP can provide or direct you to a copy of the prospectus for any fund that we recommend to you.
We generally invest Client’s cash balances in money market funds, FDIC Insured Certificates of Deposit,
high-grade commercial paper and/or government backed debt instruments. Ultimately, we try to achieve a
reasonable return on your cash balances through relatively low-risk and 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 service. Advisor can at their discretion
charge its management fee on the total market value of your account quarterly, including money market
values/cash as advisor considers this a separate asset class.
ITEM 6-PERFORMANCE BASED FEES
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of managed securities. The
Adviser does not use a performance-based fee structure.
ITEM 7-TYPES OF CLIENTS
The Adviser generally provides investment advice to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts,
estates, charitable organizations, corporations or business entities. Client relationships vary in scope and
length of service.
ACCOUNT MINIMUMS
ZWP will, at its sole discretion, determine the minimum size account it will manage based upon the client
relationship, type of account, and other factors.
ITEM 8-METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
RISK OF LOSS
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
Security analysis methods may include fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and cyclical analysis.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines, research materials prepared by
others, corporate rating services, annual reports, prospectuses and filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Strategies may include long-term purchases, short-term purchases, margin transactions, and option writing
(including covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies). ZWP utilizes an asset allocation
process that involves selecting a mix of asset classes and the efficient allocation of capital to those asset
classes. Portfolios are globally diversified to control the risk associated with traditional markets.
The investment strategy for a specific Client is based upon the objectives stated by the Client during
consultations. The Client may change these objectives at any time. The Adviser’s strategies do not involve
frequent trading.
RISK OF LOSS
Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. It should not be assumed that future
performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and or investment
strategies recommended or undertaken by ZWP) will be profitable or equal any specific performance
level(s). Securities investments are not guaranteed and you may lose money on your investments. Clients
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should understand that investing in any securities involves a risk of loss of both income and principal.
The adviser primarily invests in equity, fixed income and ETF securities to carry out its investment
strategies. The basic risks for each of these securities are discussed below.
The fundamental risks of investing in equity securities include the following: market risk (the risk that an
investment will decline in value); liquidity risk (the risk that you will be unable to sell an asset); economic
risk (the risk of a general downturn in the economy); and tax risk (the risk that the value of investments will
be adversely affected by changes in tax laws).
The fundamental risks of investing in fixed income securities include the following: market risk (the risk that
an investment will decline in value); liquidity risk (limited or no marketability); economic risk (the risk of a
general downturn in the economy); tax risk (the risk that the value of investments will be adversely affected
by changes in tax laws); and business risk (the risk of inadequate profits or losses due to uncertainties.)
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are investment funds that are traded on stock exchanges. They invest in
different securities like stocks, bonds, real estate investment trusts, etc. The prices of ETFs may differ from
the underlying value of the securities within the ETF as they are traded on an exchange and thus exposed
to the supply and demand forces of market participants. Price premiums and discounts arise, especially for
those ETFs that aren’t traded very frequently. (ETFs) shareholders are subject to the risks stemming from
the individual issuers of the fund’s underlying portfolio securities such as the equity and fixed income risks
discussed above. In addition, shareholders are liable for taxes on any fund-level capital gains, as ETFs are
required by law to distribute capital gains in the event they sell securities for a profit
Before entering into an agreement with ZWP, a Client should carefully consider: (1) committing to
management only those assets that the Client believes will not be needed for current purposes and that can
be invested on a long-term basis, usually a minimum of three to five years, (2) that volatility from investing in
the stock market can occur, and (3) that over time the Client’s assets may fluctuate and at anytime be worth
more or less than the amount invested.
ITEM 9-LEGAL AND DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
The firm and its employees have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to past or present
investment Clients.
ITEM 10-OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND
AFFILIATIONS
As noted in Item 4, ZWP is owned by Louis Dworsky and Zermatt Holdings, LLC. WFA San Diego, LLC
(“WFA SD”), and Zermatt Wealth Partners LLC (“ZWP”) are all entities owned or controlled by Louis Dworsky
and Zermatt Holdings, LLC.
WFA SD, and ZWP are registered as investment advisers with the SEC and are under common control.
WFA SD and ZWP have common members on the entities’ Boards of Managers.
Serving on the Board of Managers of multiple advisers could create a conflict of interest due to competing
priorities, although this risk is expected to be minimal as all the above named entities are owned or
controlled by Louis Dworsky and Zermatt Holdings, LLC and are managed with a common strategic
direction. Furthermore, the Board of Managers are subject to the ZWP’s Code of Ethics. ZWP’s Code of
Ethics requires personnel to place client interests ahead of all personal interests. For more information on
the Code of Ethics, see Section 11: Code of Ethics.
ITEM 11-CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT
TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL TRADING
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CODE OF ETHICS
The Adviser has adopted a Code of Ethics which establishes standards of conduct for its supervised
persons. The Code of Ethics includes general requirements that such supervised persons comply with their
fiduciary obligations to Clients and applicable securities laws, and specific requirements relating to, among
other things, personal trading, insider trading, conflicts of interest and confidentiality of Client information.
It requires supervised persons to report their personal securities transactions and holdings quarterly to the
Adviser’s Compliance Officer, and requires the Compliance Officer to review those reports. Additionally, it
requires that all new access persons submit an initial holdings report within ten (10) days of becoming an
access person. Access persons must also submit holdings reports on an annual basis by January 30th each
year. ZWP also requires supervised persons to report any violations of the Code of Ethics promptly to the
Adviser’s Compliance Officer. Each supervised person of the Adviser receives a copy of the Code of Ethics
and any amendments to it and must acknowledge in writing having received the materials. Annually, each
supervised person must certify that he or she complied with the Code of Ethics during that year. Clients and
prospective Clients may obtain a copy of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics by contacting the Compliance Officer
of the Adviser.
PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS
Under the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, the Adviser and its managers, members, officers and employees may
invest personally in securities of the same classes as are purchased for Clients and may own securities of
the issuers whose securities are subsequently purchased for Clients. If an issue is purchased or sold for
Clients and any of the Adviser, managers, members, officers and employees on the same day purchase or
sell the same security, either the Clients and the Adviser, managers, members, officers or employees shall
receive or pay the same price or the Clients shall receive a more favorable price. The Adviser and its
managers, members, officers and employee may also buy or sell specific securities for their own accounts
based on personal investment considerations, which the Adviser does not deem appropriate to buy or sell
for Clients.
PERSONAL TRADING
The Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser is David White. He reviews all employee trades each quarter
(except for his own trading activity that is reviewed by another principal or officer of the Firm). The personal
trading reviews are designed to ensure that the personal trading of employees does not adversely affect
the markets, and that Clients of the firm receive preferential treatment.
ITEM 12-BROKERAGE PRACTICES
ZWP does not have the authority over the selection of the brokerage firm to be used or the commission
rates to be paid without obtaining specific Client consent. However, the Adviser may recommend brokerage firms
as qualified custodians and for trade execution. ZWP generally recommends that Clients use either Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. (“CS&Co.”) or Folio Investments, Inc. d/b/a Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (together
“Custodians”), FINRA-registered broker-dealers, members SIPC, as their qualified custodian. ZWP is
independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Custodians. The Custodians will hold Client
assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when ZWP instructs them to do so. While ZWP
recommends that Clients use Custodian as custodian/broker, each Client must decide whether to do so and
open an account with Custodian by entering into an account agreement directly with them.
ZWP takes into account a number of factors when recommending a brokerage firm including commission
rates, the financial stability and reputation, the quality of the investment research, investment strategies,
special execution capabilities, clearance, settlement, custody, record keeping and other services the
financial stability and reputation of brokerage firms and the brokerage and research services provided by
such brokers.
Custodians generally offer a variety of share classes of open-end mutual funds for client accounts, which
typically include: (1) Retail shares - generally available for purchase without a transaction fee, but by and
large have a higher internal expense ratio than institutional class shares); and (2) Institutional class shares
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- typically have a lower internal expense ratio than the retail share class, but often require the payment of
a transaction fee and may require a minimum dollar purchase or be subject to other restrictions that make
them impractical for certain clients.
Even though the transaction fees and applicable fund expenses (i.e., 12b-1 fees) are payable to the account
custodian, and not ZWP or any of its employees, ZWP must still undertake a review to determine what
share class is most appropriate for the client, considering such factors as the intended purchase amount,
the amount of the transaction fee, the difference in expense ratios, the intended holding period, and the
availability of the institutional share class.
ZWP will seek to achieve the best execution possible but this does not require it to solicit competitive bids
and ZWP does not have an obligation to seek the lowest available commission cost. The Adviser is not
required to negotiate "execution only" commission rates, thus the Client may be deemed to be paying for
research and related services provided by the broker which are included in the commission rate. Research
and related services furnished by brokers may include, but are not limited to, investment-related research,
duplicate statements, access to a trading desk, access to an investment adviser portion of their website,
pricing information and market data, software and other technology that provide access to Client account
data, compliance and or practice management-related publications, consulting and educational services,
computer hardware and or software, and or other products used by ZWP to augment its investment
management business operations.
ZWP’s relationships with brokers or dealers that provide benefits other than execution creates a conflict of
interest because ZWP has an incentive to recommend a brokerage firm based on its interest in receiving
research and related services. ZWP examined this conflict of interest when the firm decided to enter into a
relationship with the Custodians and determined that the relationships are in the best interest of ZWP’s
Clients and satisfy ZWP’s Client obligations, including the firm’s duty to seek best execution. It is the policy
and practice of ZWP to strive for the best price and execution costs which are competitive in relation to the
value of the transaction. Nevertheless, Clients should understand that they may pay compensation on a
transaction in excess of the amount of compensation that another broker or dealer may charge; the Client
may not, in any particular instance, be the sole direct or indirect beneficiary of the research services
provided; and the Adviser makes no warranty or representation regarding compensation paid on
transactions.
RESEARCH AND OTHER BENEFITS
ZWP has arrangements with Custodians to receive their “platform” services including brokerage, custodial,
administrative support, record keeping and related services that are intended to support ZWP in conducting
business and in serving the best interests of ZWP’s Clients.
Custodians also make certain research and brokerage services available at no additional cost (or at a
reduced price relative the retail cost) to ZWP including third-party research reports on recommendations or
other information about, particular companies or industries; economic surveys, data and analyses; financial
publications; portfolio evaluation services; financial database software and services; computerized news
and pricing services; quotation equipment for use in running software used in investment decision-making;
and other products or services that provide lawful and appropriate assistance by Custodians to ZWP in the
performance of ZWP’s investment decision-making responsibilities for Client accounts. Without this
arrangement, ZWP might be compelled to purchase the same or similar services at a greater cost to the
firm.
ZWP also has access to other products and services that help ZWP manage and administer Client
accounts. These include software and other technology that provide access to Client account data (i.e.,
trade confirmations and account statements); facilitate trade executions; provide research, pricing
information, and other market data; facilitate in the payment of ZWP’s advisory fees from its Clients’
accounts; and assist with back-office functions, record-keeping, and Client reporting. The availability of
these services from Custodians benefits our firm because ZWP does not have to produce or purchase
them. Many of these services may be used to service all or a substantial number of ZWP accounts.
DIRECTED BROKERAGE
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Clients may direct the Adviser in writing to use a particular broker-dealer to execute some or all transactions
for the Client (“Directed Brokerage”). However, Clients should understand that if they direct the use of a
particular broker or dealer, ZWP may not:
• Have the authority to negotiate commissions or obtain volume discounts
• Best execution may not be achieved
• Commission charges may vary between Clients depending on the custodian holding the Client
account
ORDER AGGREGATION
As part of its efforts to obtain best execution, ZWP aggregates orders (“block trade”) for its Clients whenever
possible. ZWP has adopted policies and procedures regarding the aggregation and allocating of block
trades, which include the following: (1) ZWP will only aggregate trades when it believes that such
aggregations are consistent with its duty to seek best execution; (2) ZWP will strive to ensure that no single
account participating in the block trade would be favored over any other participating account; (3) each
account that participates in a block trade will participate at the average price for that security; and (4) all
transaction costs will be pro rata based upon each account’s participation in such blocked order.
If ZWP is unable to bunch or aggregate an order because Client accounts are held at multiple
custodians/brokers, it is the policy of ZWP to contact each of the brokers on a random basis. For example,
ZWP may elect to buy 20,000 shares of Company XYZ across its advisory accounts through two or three
custodians/brokers. ZWP would generally have no specific order in which the custodians/brokers would be
contacted to execute the buy order – the timing of ZWP’s contacting the custodians/brokers would be
random.
BROKERAGE FOR CLIENT REFERRALS
ZWP does not receive Client referrals from a broker-dealer or third party when recommending brokers for
Client accounts.
ITEM 13-REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
PERIODIC REVIEWS
Account reviews are performed quarterly by the primary investment adviser. In addition to quarterly
supervision of accounts, the firm regularly reviews accounts to ensure that the investments and portfolio
mix are consistent with the Client’s Investment Policy Statement.
REVIEW TRIGGERS
Accounts are reviewed quarterly or more frequently when market conditions dictate. Other conditions that
may trigger a review are changes in the tax laws, new investment information, and changes in a Client's
financial or personal situation.
REGULAR REPORTS
Clients receive reports on a periodic basis. The written reports may include account valuation, performance
stated in dollars and as a percent, net worth statement, portfolio statement, and a summary of objectives
and progress towards meeting those objectives. Clients receive statements of account positions directly
from the account custodian.
ITEM 14-CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
CLIENT REFERRALS
The Firm does not have any solicitor relationships.
REFERRALS TO THIRD PARTIES
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The Adviser does not accept referral fees or any form of remuneration from other professionals when a
prospect or Client is referred to them.
OTHER COMPENSATION
ZWP receives an economic benefit from Custodians in the form of the support products and services they
make available to ZWP and other independent investment advisers that have their Clients maintain
accounts at Custodians. These products and services, how they benefit ZWP, and the related conflicts of
interest are described above (see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices).
ITEM 15-CUSTODY
The Adviser does not accept or permit ZWP or its associated persons to obtain physical custody of Client
assets to include cash, securities, acting as trustee, providing bill paying service, have password access to
control account activity or any other form of controlling Client assets. All checks or wire transfer to fund.
Client accounts are required to be made out to/sent to the account custodian and transferred to the
custodian by the end of the next business day.
ACCOUNT STATEMENTS
All assets are held at qualified custodians and the custodians provide account statements not less than
quarterly to Clients at their address of record. Clients should carefully review such statements for any
discrepancies or inaccuracies.
PERFORMANCE REPORTS
Clients are urged to compare the account statements received directly from their custodians to the
statements provided by the Adviser to compare position holdings and valuations.
ITEM 16-INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Client grants Adviser discretionary authority to transact securities on behalf of Clients. The Adviser has the
authority to determine, without obtaining specific Client consent, the securities to be bought or sold, and
the amount of the securities to be bought or sold. The firm's discretionary authority regarding investments
may, however, be subject to certain limitations. These limitations are recognized as the restrictions and
prohibitions placed by the Client on transactions in certain types of business or industries. All such
restrictions are to be agreed upon in writing at the account's inception.
The Adviser will consult with the Client where discretion is not obtained prior to each trade in order to obtain
Client approval for the transaction(s).
ITEM 17-VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
PROXY VOTES
The Adviser will not vote nor advise Clients how to vote proxies for securities held in Client accounts. The
Client keeps the authority and responsibility for the voting of these proxies. The Adviser does not give any
advice or take any action with respect to the voting of these proxies. For accounts subject to the provisions
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), the plan fiduciary specifically keeps
the authority and responsibility for the voting of any proxies for securities held in plan accounts. The
custodian will promptly forward any proxy voting information to Clients or their representatives.
CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS
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From time to time, securities held in the accounts of Clients may be subject to class action lawsuits. ZWP
has no obligation or responsibility to (1) determine if securities held by the Client are subject to a pending
or resolved class action lawsuit; (2) evaluate a Client's eligibility or to submit a claim to participate in the
proceeds of a securities class action settlement or verdict; and (3) to initiate litigation to recover damages
on behalf of Clients who may have been injured as a result of actions, misconduct or negligence by
corporate management of issuers whose securities are held by Clients.
ITEM 18-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Adviser does not have any financial impairment that will preclude the firm from meeting contractual
commitments to Clients and the Adviser has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
The Adviser is not required to provide a balance sheet as it does not serve as a custodian for Client funds
or securities, and does not require prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per Client, and six months or
more in advance.
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PRIVACY POLICY
Below is a summary of the Adviser’s Privacy Policy regarding Client personal information. A complete
version may be obtained by contacting the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser.
Zermatt Wealth Partners:
(A) Collects non-public personal information about its Clients from the following sources:
•
Information received from Clients on applications or other forms;
•
Information about Clients’ transactions with the Adviser, its affiliates and others;
•
Information received from our correspondent clearing broker with respect to Client
accounts;
•
Information received from service bureaus or other third parties.
(B) The Adviser will not share such information with any affiliated or nonaffiliated third party except:
• When necessary to complete a transaction in a customer account, such as with the clearing
firm or account custodians;
• When required to maintain or service a customer account;
• To resolve customer disputes or inquiries;
• With persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf of the customer;
• With rating agencies, persons assessing compliance with industry standards, or to the
attorneys, accountants and auditors of the firm;
•
In connection with a sale or merger of The Adviser’s business subject to a nondisclosure
agreement;
• To protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud, identity theft, unauthorized
transactions, claims or other liability;
• To comply with federal, state or local laws, rules and other applicable legal requirements;
•
In connection with a written agreement to provide investment management or advisory
services when the information is released for the sole purpose of providing the products or
services covered by the agreement;
•
In any circumstances with the customer’s instruction or consent.
(C) Restricts access to confidential Client information to individuals who are authorized to have access
to confidential Client information and need to know that information to provide services to Clients.
(D) Maintains physical, electronic and procedural security measures that comply with applicable state
and federal regulations to safeguard confidential Client information.
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