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Item 1 – Cover Page
ACG Atlanta Consulting Group
Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
Main Office
5600 Glenridge Drive NE
Suite 230 – East
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
(888) 317-2810
d/b/a Brewer Private Wealth
340 South Broadway, Suite 100
Lexington, Kentucky 40508
(859) 551-0170
www.acgconsulting.com
Updated: March 28, 2025
This Brochure (“Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Atlanta Consulting Group Advisors, LLC (“ACG” or the “Firm”), a registered investment advisor, and
Brewer Private Wealth, a d/b/a name under which ACG also operates. Registration of an investment
adviser does not imply that ACG or any of our principals or employees possesses a particular level of
skill or training. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
+1 (888) 317-2810 or compliance@acgconsulting.com. The information in this Brochure has not
been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or
by any state securities authority.
.
Additional information about Atlanta Consulting Group Advisors, LLC also is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
Item 2 – Material Changes
Below is a summary discussing the material changes that Atlanta Consulting Group Advisors, LLC
(“ACG” or the “Firm”) has made to this Brochure since its last annual update on March 27, 2024:
Item 1 Cover Page
– The Firm updated its principal office address, its Lexington, Kentucky
office phone number, and its website address.
Item 4 Advisory Business
– This section was updated to indicate that the contents of this
Brochure also apply to Firm’s activities conducted under the d/b/a name of Brewer Private
Wealth. This section was also updated to further elaborate on the types of services provided by
ACG.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
– This section was updated to more fully describe the ways in
which ACG is compensated in conjunction with its provision of advisory and non-advisory
services to clients, including those related to facilitating retirement plan fiduciary services,
donor-advised funds, and trustee services.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
– This section was
updated to add additional risks.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
– This section was updated to
elaborate on ACG’s other financial industry activities and the potential conflicts of interest
associated with such activities. Certain information, related to “Other Compensation” and
previously included in this section, was moved to Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other
Compensation.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
– This section was updated to elaborate on ACG’s fiduciary status when providing
investment advice to clients regarding their retirement plan or individual retirement account.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
– This section was updated to remove certain direct or indirect
benefits, services, and/or compensation previously provided to ACG by Raymond James and
Charles Schwab that are no longer received by the Firm.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
– This section was updated to further
detail ACG’s client referral arrangements and other compensation received in connection with
other licensed and registered activities, as well as the potential conflicts of interest associated
with such activities.
Item 15 Custody
– This section was updated to disclose the use, by clients, of standing letters
of authorization and the implications of such use under the Custody Rule.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
– This section was updated to more concisely describe the
to manage securities
circumstances under which ACG will accept discretionary authority
accounts on behalf of clients, and any limitations clients
may place on this authority.
This Brochure also contains certain non-material updates, including routine updating changes and
enhanced disclosures. The Firm recommends that all recipients read this Brochure carefully and in
its entirety.
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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 and Compensation ................................................................................................................................. 7
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................................. 10
Item 7 – Types of Clients ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ...................................................... 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................................. 14
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................................... 14
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading . 15
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ......................................................................................... 18
Item 15 – Custody ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................................ 19
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................................. 20
Item 18 – Financial Information ................................................................................................................................. 20
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Atlanta Consulting Group Advisors, LLC (“ACG” or the “Firm”), a Georgia limited liability company, is
a boutique investment advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with an office Lexington,
Kentucky. ACG was originally founded in 1985, as a separate business unit within Morgan Keegan &
Co. In November of 2017, ACG became an independent employee/founder-owned investment adviser
registered with the SEC. From its Lexington office, ACG provides advisory services under the name
“Brewer Private Wealth.” The contents of this Brochure apply to the activities of both ACG and Brewer
Private Wealth.
ACG provides non-discretionary investment advisory services as well as discretionary/OCIO
portfolio management to retirement plans, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution
plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans and 457 plans, trusts, charitable organizations, endowments,
foundations, corporations, family offices, individuals, and high net worth individuals.
Investment Goals & Objectives
At the outset of each client relationship, ACG reviews the client’s investment objectives and identifies
the major investment goals of the client. Based on the information provided by the client, the Firm
will tailor its services and make recommendations regarding the portfolio structures, allocation
models, and investment strategies to be utilized with respect to each client. For institutional clients,
ACG typically considers the client’s assets, its capital structure, its operating expectations, and its
mission, among other factors.
The Firm may consider the tax implications of the investment strategies recommended to clients. In
addition, ACG may consult with the client’s outside professionals (e.g., legal and tax) to help ensure
the client’s strategy is consistent with the client’s larger wealth plan and/or investment objectives
and goals. With respect to certain matters, the Firm may advise clients to seek the assistance of, and
coordinate with, outside professionals.
A client’s strategy generally will be updated from time to time when requested by the client, or when
determined to be necessary or advisable by ACG based on updates to the client’s financial or other
circumstances.
Implementing the Strategy
To implement a client’s investment strategy, ACG will make recommendations for the client’s
investment portfolio on a non-discretionary basis or manage the client’s investment portfolio on a
discretionary basis, in each case pursuant to an Advisory Agreement with the client. When acting as
a non-discretionary investment adviser, the Firm receives authorization from the client before
executing trades. In such instances, the client retains responsibility for making the final decision with
respect to all actions taken in the portfolio.
Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (“OCIO”) Services
In addition to traditional investment advisory services, ACG offers discretionary and Outsourced
Chief Investment Officer (“OCIO”) advisory services. Discretionary/OCIO services help expedite the
implementation process by giving ACG the authority and discretion to determine client asset class
targets, select, hire, and terminate Managers, execute transactions within the client’s predetermined
investment guidelines, and rebalance the client’s portfolio. Together with the client, ACG establishes
target investment allocation ranges for individual asset classes during the investment policy
statement development and review stages. These ranges are established to help guide the allocation
of investments while maintaining the risk profile designated by the client. When acting as a
discretionary/OCIO investment adviser, ACG has the authority to supervise and direct the trading
within the portfolio without prior consultation with the client.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, clients may impose certain reasonable written restrictions in the
management of their investment portfolio, such as prohibiting the purchase of certain types of
investments or prohibiting the sale of certain investments held in the account at the commencement
of the relationship. However, any reasonable restrictions imposed by a client, and agreed upon by
ACG, can adversely affect the composition and performance of the client’s investment portfolio. For
these and other reasons, performance of client investment portfolios with the same or similar
investment objectives, goals, and/or risk tolerances will differ from each other, and clients should
not expect that the composition or performance of their investment portfolio will be consistent with
similar clients of the Firm.
Separate Account Managers
Where appropriate, ACG recommends or selects one or more Separate Account Managers (each, a
“Manager”) for a particular client through either the managed accounts program offered by Raymond
James & Associates, Inc. (“Raymond James”) or through the Managed Account Select Program offered
by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). ACG’s access to various Managers allows the Firm to offer
clients access to a wide variety of manager styles and provides the opportunity to utilize more than
one Manager. Factors that ACG considers in recommending/selecting Managers generally include the
client’s stated investment objectives, and the Manager’s management style, performance, risk level,
reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research.
Managers will generally be granted discretionary trading authority to provide investment
supervisory services for the portfolio. Under certain circumstances, ACG retains the authority to
terminate Manager relationships or to hire new Managers without the need to obtain client consent.
In other cases, the client will ultimately select one or more Managers recommended by the Firm. The
Firm monitors the investment approach and performance of such Managers.
Wrap Fee Programs
ACG also utilizes the Managers available in Wrap Fee Programs sponsored by Raymond James (the
“Raymond James Wrap Program”). A wrap fee program is one that charges a single bundled fee (the
“wrap fee”) which typically includes the Firm’s Advisory Fee, the fees of any Managers, and all
applicable brokerage expenses (e.g., for trading, custodial, and administrative services) incurred by
the account. The Raymond James Wrap Program offers a wide variety of Manager styles which gives
clients the opportunity to utilize more than one Manager, if necessary, to meet the needs and
investment objectives of the client.
Retirement Plan Advisory Services
ACG provides retirement plan advisory services to employee benefit plans, which include defined
benefit plans, defined contribution plans, pooled and participant-directed 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans
and 457 plans, as well as to their fiduciaries based upon an analysis of the needs of each plan. In
general, these services include existing plan review, asset allocation advice, money management
services, communication and education services, investment performance monitoring, and/or
ongoing consulting.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
ACG also assists Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) plan sponsors who might not
have the time or resources to devote to the role of plan fiduciary, or who wish to avoid the personal
liability that accompanies the role. As a plan’s designated fiduciary, ACG can serve as the plan’s 3(38)
investment manager, offering a comprehensive investment strategy designed for ERISA retirement
plans and taking on the responsibility for meeting a plan’s many fiduciary obligations. ACG also has
access to other third-party service providers who can act in this capacity, if desired by the plan
sponsor. Please refer to
for additional information.
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Financial Planning
ACG offers financial planning services, in conjunction with portfolio management, to those in need of
additional guidance in shaping and reaching their financial goals. The Firm will use Goal Planning
and Monitoring (“GPM”) software to create and monitor a financial plan tailored to each individual
to whom such services are provided.
Model Portfolios
For certain private wealth clients, where appropriate, ACG offers several model portfolios which can
act as the foundation of a client’s investment strategy. ACG recommends the model portfolio it
believes best aligns with the client’s stated investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
The model portfolio can be tailored further depending upon the unique circumstances and needs of
each client.
Donor-Advised Funds
ACG supports its philanthropically minded clients by helping to simplify and streamline the
charitable giving process. ACG provides access to various Donor-Advised Fund (“DAF”) platforms
that can assume the responsibility for making grants to charitable organizations on behalf of clients
so that they can enjoy the power of giving without the hassle of timing, tax concerns, expenses, and
record-keeping. Donor-Advised Funds that are tax-qualified public charities can provide clients with
an immediate and full tax deduction for the contribution and, at the same time, seek to increase the
value of the original gift through prudent investing.
for additional information.
Since ACG does not provide tax or legal advice, clients considering charitable giving are urged to
consult their attorney, accountant, and/or tax advisor with questions related to the deductibility of
contributions made to a Donor-Advised Fund for federal and state tax purposes. Additional details
Item 5 – Fees and
about these programs, including associated fees and costs, are included in the Donor-Advised Fund
Compensation
platform’s disclosure brochure and other documentation. Please refer to
Trustee Services
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
for additional information.
ACG assists clients seeking to appoint a third-party Trustee to accept the responsibility of navigating
the daily complexities of Trust oversight. Trustees are obligated to act in the best interests of both
current and future trust beneficiaries – an often complex and time-consuming responsibility. They
must comply with specific trust document provisions as well as state and federal laws that govern
trusts. If desired, ACG can facilitate introductions to qualified Trustee service providers who can act
as a Trust’s sole trustee or as co-trustee alongside a family member, friend, or other trusted advisor.
Please refer to
Non-Advisory Services
From time to time, ACG offers non-advisory services to its clients such as Execution-Only trade or
Reporting-Only services.
Referral Services
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
For clients with needs beyond traditional investment advisory services, such as mortgage lending,
securities-based lines of credit, and investment banking, ACG can facilitate introductions to
unaffiliated third-party providers who offer such services. In some cases, ACG receives a referral fee
for making such introductions. Please refer to
for additional
information.
6
Regulatory Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, the Firm’s total Regulatory Assets Under Management (“RAUM”) was
approximately $13,586,544,360, of which approximately $1,912,700,247 was managed on a
discretionary/OCIO basis and $11,673,844,113 on a non-discretionary basis.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Advisory Services
ACG charges clients a fee for investment advisory services provided by the Firm (the “Advisory Fee”).
The Advisory Fee is typically established in either a Non-Discretionary Investment Consulting
Agreement or a Discretionary Investment Advisory Agreement between ACG and the client (the
“Advisory Agreement”).
ACG’s Advisory Fee is negotiated with each client and is typically expressed as an annual percentage
of Assets Under Management (“AUM”). Factors considered in determining ACG’s Advisory Fee include
but are not limited to: whether ACG is being engaged in a non-discretionary or discretionary/OCIO
capacity, the complexity of the client’s portfolio, the amount of assets to be placed under
management, the anticipation of future assets, whether the client has any related accounts, portfolio
style, account composition, and/or other special circumstances or requirements.
Institutional Fee Schedule
ACG’s Fee Schedule for Non-Discretionary Institutional clients is generally as follows:
Assets Under Management (“AUM”)
Annual Fee
First $100 million
0.35%
Next $100 million
0.25%
Next $200 million
0.15%
AUM over $400 million
0.10%
ACG’s Fee Schedule for Discretionary/OCIO Institutional clients is generally as follows:
Assets Under Management (“AUM”)
Annual Fee
First $100 million
0.50%
Next $100 million
0.40%
Next $200 million
0.30%
AUM over $400 million
0.20%
The minimum annual Advisory Fee for Institutional clients is $25,000.
ACG reserves the right to make exceptions to the foregoing where the Firm deems it appropriate
under the circumstances.
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Private Wealth Fee Schedule
ACG’s Fee Schedule for Private Wealth clients is generally as follows:
Assets Under Management (“AUM”)
Annual Fee
For AUM up to $2,000,000
1.00%
For AUM from $2,000,001 - $5,000,000
0.90%
For AUM from $5,000,001 - $7,500,000
0.80%
For AUM from $7,500,001 - $10,000,000
0.70%
For AUM from $10,000,001 - $20,000,000
0.60%
For AUM from $20,000,001 - $50,000,000
0.40%
For AUM from $50,000,001 - $100,000,000
0.30%
For AUM over $100,000,000
Negotiable
ACG reserves the right to make exceptions to the foregoing where the Firm deems it appropriate
under the circumstances.
The specific manner in which ACG’s Advisory Fees are charged is usually established in the Advisory
Agreement between the client and the Firm. Generally, ACG’s Advisory Fee is billed and payable
quarterly in advance. However, in its sole discretion, ACG permits certain clients to pay Advisory Fees
in arrears, typically quarterly. Where ACG’s advisory services commence after the start of a billing
period, the Advisory Fee will be pro-rated based upon the number of days remaining in the initial
billing period. Advisory Fees for accounts not held at Raymond James or Schwab are normally billed
directly to the client. Advisory Fees for accounts for which Raymond James or Schwab serves as
custodian are normally debited directly from the client’s accounts, but a client may choose to be
invoiced directly for the Advisory Fee. Advisory Fees for accounts participating in Wrap Fee
Programs or Separate Account Manager Programs offered by Raymond James will be debited directly
from the client’s account.
Either ACG or the client may terminate the services of ACG at any time, subject to any written notice
requirements included in the Advisory Agreement. In the event of termination, Advisory Fees paid in
advance will be refunded to the client on a pro-rata basis based on the number of days from the
termination date to the end of the billing period. For clients who are billed and pay Advisory Fees in
arrears, any Advisory Fee due to the Firm, from the beginning of the billing period through the
termination date, will be invoiced or deducted from the client’s account prior to termination.
Separate Account Manager Fees
ACG
’s Advisory Fee.
When one or more Managers are utilized outside a Wrap Fee Program, each Manager’s fee will be
billed separately from and in addition to
Wrap Fee Programs
Where suitable, ACG recommends third-party Wrap Fee Programs to certain clients. The fees
associated with Wrap Fee Programs are usually “bundled” together and include ACG’s Advisory Fee,
as described above, in addition to applicable brokerage expenses (e.g., for trading, custodial, and/or
administrative services), as well as the fees of any Managers. Since the fees associated with Wrap Fee
Item 12 – Brokerage
Programs are typically inclusive of all the fees and costs described, they are generally higher than if
Practices
ACG’s Advisory Fee was charged to the client separately. Please refer to
for additional information.
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Retirement Plan Advisory Fees
In connection with its pooled and participant-directed retirement plan services, ACG’s Advisory Fee
is negotiated with the plan sponsor and is detailed in the Advisory Agreement between the client and
ACG or other plan documents. ACG’s Advisory Fee is typically negotiated with the client based on the
value of the plan’s assets and the complexity of the plan and its needs. The Advisory Fee is normally
billed directly to the client. However, in some circumstances, ACG’s Advisory Fee is directly debited
from the client’s account by the plan’s recordkeeper, third-party administrator, or custodian, and
paid to ACG.
ACG’s Advisory Fee does not include fees and expenses charged by the plan’s underlying investments,
nor does it include fees charged by other service providers, engaged by the plan sponsor, for sub-
advisory management, recordkeeping, administration, fiduciary, trustee, and/or other services.
Clients are encouraged to review all account documents, mutual fund and other investment
disclosures to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid under these arrangements.
Donor-Advised Fund Fees
Clients wishing to conduct their charitable giving through a Donor-Advised Fund will typically pay
an asset-based Administration Fee, as determined by the DAF service provider, which is separate
from and in addition to ACG’s Advisory Fee. The Administrative Fee is used by the DAF service
provider to cover the operating expenses of the Fund. In certain circumstances, the DAF service
provider shares a portion of the Administration Fee with ACG, which is credited to the Firm quarterly.
In instances where the DAF service provider shares a portion of their fee with ACG, the Firm will not
charge a separate Advisory Fee on the assets held within the same account.
Donor-Advised Fund accounts will also incur other fees and expenses, separate from and in addition
to the Fund’s Administration Fee and ACG’s Advisory Fee. These other fees and expenses include
mutual fund expense ratios and/or asset management services fees. Clients are encouraged to review
all account documents, mutual fund and other investment disclosures to fully understand the total
amount of fees to be paid by participating in Donor-Advised Funds.
Trustee Services Fees
Clients wishing to engage the services of a third-party Trustee will typically pay an asset-based
Trustee Fee, as determined by the Trustee service provider, which is separate from and in addition
to ACG’s Advisory Fee. In certain circumstances, the third-party Trustee service provider shares a
portion of the Trustee Fee with ACG, which is credited to the Firm quarterly. In instances where the
Trustee service provider shares a portion of their fee with ACG, the Firm will not charge a separate
Advisory Fee on the assets held within the same account. Clients are encouraged to review all account
documents, mutual fund and other investment disclosures to fully understand the total amount of
fees to be paid by utilizing these services.
Non-Advisory Services Fees
From time to time, ACG enters into fee arrangements for non-advisory services, such as Execution-
Only trading or Reporting-Only services. The Fee for such services can be asset-based or a fixed dollar
amount, and is billed to the client, in advance, on a quarterly basis.
Clients have the option of purchasing investment products recommended by the Firm through other
brokers or agents, without the services of ACG. However, by doing so, clients will not receive the
services provided by the Firm which are designed, among other things, to assist them in determining
which products or services are most appropriate for their financial condition and objectives.
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The fees noted above are separate and distinct from the internal fees and expenses charged by mutual
funds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), variable annuities, or other investment pools to their
investors, as described in each investment’s prospectus or offering materials. Clients should review
all fees charged by funds, brokers/custodians, ACG, and others to fully understand the total amount
of fees to be paid by the client for investment and financial-related services.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
for additional information
Please refer to
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
ACG does not charge performance-based fees to clients.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
ACG provides investment advisory services to retirement plans, including defined benefit plans,
defined contribution plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans and 457 plans, trusts, charitable
organizations, endowments, foundations, corporations, family offices, individuals, and high net
worth individuals. ACG’s minimum portfolio value is generally set at $5,000,000. However, ACG may,
in its sole discretion, accept accounts below the minimum portfolio value.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
ACG uses a variety of methods of analysis in formulating its advice to clients. Generally, the Firm
employs one or more of the following investment processes for clients:
• Asset Allocation
– ACG develops customized, strategic investment structures designed to
meet clients’ unique goals and objectives. Utilizing key data such as actuarial assumptions
and spending rates, the Firm develops capital market assumptions using third-party asset
allocation modeling software. ACG works with clients to determine what it believes is an
appropriate asset allocation based on their investment objectives, constraints, risk tolerance,
and other factors.
Investment Manager Search, Evaluation & Selection
•
– ACG’s Manager search process
begins with developing an understanding of the client’s requirements, preferences, and
existing portfolio. The Firm conducts quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the
Managers it recommends. Quantitative analysis indicates what caused a Manager’s
performance, whereas qualitative analysis, including operational due diligence for
alternative asset classes, illustrates the future potential of a Manager’s performance.
• Performance Measurement & Evaluation
– ACG provides custom performance reports that
illustrate a portfolio’s performance over a variety of time periods. The Firm’s analysis and
reporting capabilities include Manager performance versus static, custom or dynamic
benchmarks, asset allocation analysis, portfolio performance and attribution analysis, and
Manager universe comparisons. Additionally, the Firm compares client portfolios to a variety
of industry data to help benchmark client portfolios to peers.
Investment Strategies
ACG’s primary investment strategy for client accounts is strategic asset allocation using passive
and/or active Managers. This means that the Firm uses index funds as well as actively managed funds,
including third-party Managers, hedge funds, private equity, or a combination thereof. ACG prefers
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actively managed funds in asset classes where a Manager has the opportunity to generate excess
returns but will also utilize passive investment strategies, where the Firm believes it can add value.
Portfolios are often globally diversified to help mitigate the risk associated with capital markets. The
investment strategy used for a specific client is based upon the client’s investment goals and
objectives.
ACG offers investment advice with respect to a number of different assets classes, including, but not
limited to, the following:
Equity
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All Cap (Core, Growth, Value)
Emerging Market
Global
International (Core, Value, Growth)
International (One Country / Region)
International / Global Small-Cap
Large-Cap (Core, Growth, Value)
Mid-Cap (Core, Growth, Value)
REITs
MLPs
Sector Specific
Small-Cap (Core, Growth, Microcap, Value)
Small/Mid-Cap (Core, Growth, Value)
Fixed Income
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Convertible
Emerging Markets
Core / Core Plus
Government Short, Intermediate, Long
High Yield
Various Duration Strategies
International / Global
Money Market
Municipal (Various Maturities)
Stable Value
Alternatives
•
•
•
Hedge Funds (direct & fund of funds)
Private Capital (direct & fund of funds)
Private Real Estate (direct & fund of funds)
Other
•
•
•
•
Asset Allocation
Balanced
Other, Specialty
Target Date / Life Cycle
Risk of Loss
While ACG seeks to diversify clients’ investment portfolios across various asset classes, consistent
with their investment goals and objectives, in an effort to reduce risk of loss, all investment portfolios
11
are subject to risks. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that client investment portfolios will be
able to fully meet their investment objectives and goals, or that investments will not lose money.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the principal risks that client investment portfolios face:
Management Risks
.
While ACG manages client investment portfolios or recommends one or more
Managers based on the Firm’s experience, research and proprietary methods, the value of client
investment portfolios will change daily based on the performance of the underlying securities in
which they are invested. Accordingly, client investment portfolios are subject to the risk that ACG
allocates assets to asset classes that are adversely affected by unanticipated market movements, and
the risk that the Firm’s specific investment choices could underperform their relevant benchmarks.
Economic Conditions
.
Changes in economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, inflation
rates, employment conditions, competition, technological developments, political and diplomatic
events and trends, and tax laws can adversely affect the business prospects or perceived prospects
of companies. While ACG performs due diligence on the companies in whose securities it invests,
economic conditions are not within the control of the Firm and no assurances can be given that ACG
will anticipate adverse developments.
Risks of Investments in Mutual Funds, ETFs, and Other Investment Pools
.
ACG recommends investments
in mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment pools (“pooled investment funds”) to certain clients.
Investments in pooled investment funds are generally considered to be less risky than investing in
individual securities because of their diversified portfolios; however, these investments are still
subject to the risks associated with the markets in which they invest. In addition, pooled investment
fund success relies on the skills of the fund managers and their performance in managing the fund’s
underlying investments. Pooled investment funds are also subject to risks due to regulatory
restrictions applicable to registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
Risks Related to Alternative Investments.
ACG recommends investing in alternative investments to
certain clients, where appropriate, such as hedge funds, private equity, REITs, or other types of
limited partnerships. The performance of alternative investments can be more volatile than
investments in other equity or debt instruments. Alternative investments typically have unique risk
factors and liquidity constraints which are outlined in the offering documents of the investment. An
alternative investment could lose a substantial percentage or all of its value if the investment
objectives and strategies used are out of favor, or the managers make unsuccessful investment
decisions.
Large-Capitalization Company Risk
.
ACG recommends investing in large-capitalization companies to
certain clients. Large-capitalization companies are generally more mature and often lack the ability
to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in
technology and consumer tastes. In addition, large-capitalization companies may not be able to attain
the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of
economic expansion.
Small-Capitalization Company Risk
.
ACG recommends investing in small-capitalization companies to
certain clients. Investing in small-capitalization companies involves greater risk than is customarily
associated with larger, more established companies. Small-capitalization companies frequently have
less management depth and experience, narrower market penetrations, less diverse product lines,
and fewer competitive strengths and resources than larger companies. Due to these and other factors,
stocks of small-capitalization companies are often more susceptible to market downturns and other
12
events, and their prices can be more volatile than larger capitalization companies. In addition, the
securities of small-capitalization companies are typically traded over-the-counter or on regional
securities exchanges, where the frequency and volume of their trading is substantially less than that
of larger companies. Because small-capitalization companies normally have fewer shares
outstanding than larger companies, it can be more difficult to buy or sell significant amounts of such
shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Therefore, the securities of small-
capitalization companies are often subject to greater price fluctuations. Small-capitalization
companies are also typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business prospects than
larger, more established companies.
Equity Market Risks
.
ACG will generally invest portions of client assets directly into equity
investments, primarily stocks, or into pooled investment funds that invest in individual equities. As
noted above, while pooled investment funds frequently have diversified portfolios that can make
them less risky than investments in individual securities, funds that invest in stocks and other equity
securities are, nevertheless, subject to the risks of the stock market. These risks include, without
limitation, the risk that stock values will decline due to daily fluctuations in the markets, and that
stock values will decline over longer periods (e.g., bear markets) due to general market declines in
the stock prices of all companies, regardless of any individual security’s prospects.
Fixed Income Risks
.
ACG recommends investing directly in fixed income instruments, such as bonds
and notes, or in pooled investment funds that invest in bonds and notes to certain clients. While
investing in fixed income instruments, either directly or through pooled investment funds, is
generally less volatile than investing in stock (equity) markets, fixed income investments,
nevertheless, are still subject to risks. These risks include, without limitation, interest rate risk (the
risk that changes in interest rates will devalue the fixed income investment), credit risk (the risk of
default by borrowers), and maturity risk (the risk that bonds or notes will decline value from the
time of issuance to maturity). The Firm also recommends securities that are rated below investment
grade (commonly known as “high yield” or “junk bonds”) to certain clients. Securities which are in
the lower-grade categories generally offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher-grade
securities with similar maturities. However, they also generally involve greater risks, such as greater
credit risk, greater market risk and volatility, and greater liquidity concerns. These investments are
generally considered to be speculative, based on the issuer’s ability or inability to pay interest and
repay principal.
Foreign Securities Risks
.
ACG recommends investments in the securities of foreign issuers (or issuers
economically tied to countries outside the United States) or into pooled investment funds that invest
internationally to certain clients. While foreign investments are important to the diversification of
client investment portfolios, they carry risks that are different from U.S. investments. For example,
foreign investments are not always subject to uniform audit, financial reporting or disclosure
standards, practices, or requirements comparable to those found in the United States. Foreign
investments are also subject to foreign withholding taxes and the risk of adverse changes in
investment or exchange control regulations. Foreign investments are also subject to currency risk,
which is the risk that the value of the foreign security will decrease due to changes in the relative
value of the U.S. dollar to the security’s underlying foreign currency.
Emerging Markets Risks
.
ACG recommends investing in emerging market equity and fixed-income
securities to certain clients. Emerging market countries include, among others, countries in Asia,
Latin, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In addition to the
general risk of investing in foreign securities described above, investing in emerging markets can
involve greater and more unique risks than those associated with investing in more developed
markets. The securities markets of emerging countries are generally smaller, less developed, less
liquid, and more volatile than securities markets of the United States and other developed markets.
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The risks of investing in emerging markets include greater social, political, and economic
uncertainties. Emerging market economics are often dependent upon a few commodities or natural
resources that can be significantly adversely affected by volatile price movements against those
commodities or natural resources. Emerging market countries often experience high levels of
inflation and currency devaluation and have fewer potential buyers for investments. The securities
markets and legal systems in emerging market countries are frequently still in developmental stages,
which provides few, or none, of the advantages and protections of markets or legal systems in more
developed countries. Some of these countries have, in the past, failed to recognize private property
rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. Additionally,
if settlements do not keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, they can be delayed,
causing a client’s assets to be uninvested, resulting in missed investment opportunities. As a result
of these various risks, investments in emerging markets are considered to be speculative and highly
volatile.
Lack of Diversification
. A lack of sufficient diversification within a client account can have an outsized
impact upon the performance of the client’s overall portfolio. A substantial loss with respect to any
particular investment in an undiversified portfolio will have a substantial negative impact on the
aggregate value of the portfolio.
Pandemic Risk
. The impact of epidemics and pandemics could greatly affect the economies of many
nations including the United States, individual companies, and the markets, in general. Pandemics
can cause extreme volatility and disruption in both the U.S. and global markets, causing uncertainty
and risks to various factors, such as economic growth. Any such economic impact could adversely
affect the performance of the Firm’s recommended investments.
Cyber Security Breaches and Identity Theft
. Cybersecurity incidents and cyber-attacks have been
occurring globally at more frequent and severe levels and will likely continue to increase in frequency
and severity over time. As with all technology, the information and technology systems of ACG are
vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and
telecommunication failures, infiltration or exfiltration by unauthorized persons, security breaches,
usage errors, power outages, and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and
earthquakes. Although ACG has implemented disaster recovery and business continuity plans to
manage risks relating to these types of events, the failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery
plans, for any reason, could lead to an interruption in the Firm’s operations.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
ACG has no legal or disciplinary events to disclose that would be material to a client or prospective
client’s evaluation of ACG or the integrity of the Firm’s management.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Licensed Insurance Activities
: Certain employees of ACG are licensed to sell insurance and annuity
products.
Broker-Dealer Affiliation
: Certain employees of ACG are also Registered Representatives of
Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC (“Kingswood”), a FINRA and SIPC member and registered broker-
dealer.
Referral/Revenue Sharing Arrangements
: In limited circumstances, the Manager of a private
investment fund will share a portion of its management fee with ACG in exchange for having solicited
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potential subscribers on their behalf. Clients are not obligated, contractually or otherwise, to invest
in such private funds.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
and
for more information.
Compensation derived from these other financial industry activities and affiliations presents a
conflict of interest by creating an incentive to recommend such products based on the compensation
received, rather than on a client’s needs. When recommending insurance or investment products to
clients for which ACG receives compensation, the Firm informs clients of this conflict of interest
through delivery of the insurance or investment product’s agreement and disclosure documents,
ACG’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure, and the Firm’s Form ADV Part 3 (Form CRS), if applicable.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
Please refer to
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Code of Ethics and Personal Trading
ACG has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”), a copy of which is available to clients and prospective
clients upon request. The Code is designed to assist ACG in complying with applicable laws and
regulations governing its investment advisory business and is administered by the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the
Firm owes a fiduciary duty to its clients. In addition, when ACG provides investment advice to clients
regarding their retirement plan account or individual retirement account, the Firm is a fiduciary
within the meaning of Title I of ERISA and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are
laws governing retirement accounts. The way ACG makes money creates some conflicts with client
interests, so the Firm operates under a special rule that requires ACG to act in its clients’ best interests
and not put its interests ahead of theirs.
Pursuant to these fiduciary duties, the Code requires the Firm’s supervised persons (partners,
officers, directors, and employees) to act with honesty, good faith, and fair dealing in working with
clients. In addition, the Code prohibits the Firm’s supervised persons from trading or otherwise
acting on material non-public information. The Code also sets forth guidelines for professional
standards expected of ACG’s supervised persons. Under the Code, the Firm expects its supervised
persons to put the interests of its clients first, ahead of their own personal interests.
In addition, the Code sets forth policies and procedures for monitoring and reviewing the personal
trading activities of the Firm’s access persons. Access persons are those supervised persons who have
access to non-public information regarding client transactions, are involved in making securities
recommendations to clients, or who have access to such recommendations.
From time to time, ACG’s access persons invest in the same securities they recommend to clients.
This creates a conflict of interest because ACG’s access persons could invest in securities ahead of, or
to the exclusion of, the Firm’s clients. Under its Code, the Firm has adopted procedures designed to
reduce or eliminate actual or potential conflicts of interest associated with such activity. The Code’s
personal trading policies include limitations and controls placed on the personal securities
transactions of access persons. These policies are designed to help prevent personal trading by ACG’s
access persons that could disadvantage clients. The Code also provides for disciplinary action, as
appropriate, for violations of the Code.
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Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
ACG has adopted policies and procedures to protect client interests when its access persons invest in
the same securities, either at the same time or at other times, as those selected for or recommended
to clients. In the event of any identified potential trading conflict of interest, the Firm’s goal is to place
client interests first.
Clients or prospective clients can request a copy of ACG’s Code of Ethics by contacting the Firm at
+1 (888) 317-2810 or compliance@acgconsulting.com.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Best Execution and Brokerage Selection
When given discretion to select the broker-dealer to execute orders in client accounts, ACG seeks to
obtain “best execution” for client trades, taking into consideration the full range and quality of a
broker’s services including, among other things, the value of research provided as well as their
execution capability, commission rates, financial responsibility, and responsiveness. Therefore, the
Firm uses brokers who do not charge the lowest available commission in the recognition of research
and securities transaction services provided to ACG, in addition to quality of execution. Research
services received include proprietary and/or third-party research, which aids the Firm’s investment
decision-making and is used in servicing some or all of ACG’s clients. Therefore, research services
received might not be used for the account for which a particular transaction was effected.
ACG typically recommends that clients establish brokerage accounts with Raymond James or with
Schwab, each a FINRA registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, to maintain custody of their assets.
Raymond James or Schwab, as applicable, will hold client assets in a brokerage account and buy and
sell securities when the client or the Firm instructs them to do so. The Firm effects trades for client
accounts at Raymond James or at Schwab, or in some instances, consistent with ACG’s duty of best
execution and specific Advisory Agreement with each client, elects to execute trades elsewhere.
Although the Firm recommends that clients establish accounts at Raymond James or Schwab, it is
ultimately the client’s decision where to custody their assets. ACG does not open accounts with
Raymond James or Schwab for clients, although the Firm assists clients in doing so.
ACG participates in both the Raymond James platform and the Schwab Advisor Services platform,
each of which provides access to institutional trading, custody, reporting, and related services, many
of which are not typically available to retail customers. While there is no direct link between the
investment advice ACG provides and participation in these platforms, the Firm receives certain
economic benefits from these platforms.
Through these platforms, ACG receives access to a broad range of investment products, execution of
securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment products include some to which
the Firm might not otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial
investment by its clients. In addition, ACG receives certain benefits which aid the Firm in investment
decision-making and with trade execution. These benefits include technology that provides access to
client account data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), facilitates trade execution
and allocation of aggregated orders for multiple client accounts, provides research, pricing
information and other market data, facilitates the payment of the Firm’s Advisory Fee from its clients’
accounts, and assists with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting. ACG also
benefits from its relationship with Raymond James because it enables the Firm to receive more
favorable pricing on the purchase of certain technology and other research services than if ACG had
sought to acquire those items independently. Many of the services described above are used to
16
service all or a substantial number of ACG’s accounts, including accounts not held at Raymond James
or Schwab.
The research and services received through Raymond James and Schwab benefit ACG because the
Firm does not have to produce or purchase them. These benefits are not contingent upon ACG
committing any specific amount of business to Raymond James or Schwab in trading commissions or
assets in custody. The benefits are received by the Firm from Raymond James and Schwab, in part,
because of commission revenue generated for Raymond James and Schwab by activity in the accounts
of ACG’s clients. This means that the investment activity in client accounts with Raymond James and
Schwab is indirectly beneficial to the Firm. ACG has an incentive to continue to recommend Raymond
James and/or Schwab to its clients, based on ACG’s interest in receiving Raymond James or Schwab’s
services that benefit the Firm’s business, rather than based on a client’s interest in receiving the best
value in custody services and the most favorable execution of client transactions. This is an actual or
apparent conflict of interest. While it is possible to obtain similar custodial, execution, and other
services elsewhere at a lower cost, ACG believes that Raymond James and Schwab provide an
excellent combination of scope, quality, and price of services.
Directed Brokerage
Certain clients direct ACG to use a particular broker-dealer for custodial or transaction services on
behalf of the client’s portfolio. In directed brokerage arrangements, the client is responsible for
negotiating the commission rates and other fees to be paid to the client’s broker-dealer. Accordingly,
clients who direct brokerage might not achieve most favorable execution of their transactions.
Directing transactions to a particular broker-dealer could cost clients more money. For example, in a
directed brokerage account, the client might pay higher brokerage commissions because ACG would
not be able to aggregate orders to reduce transaction costs, or the client might receive less favorable
prices.
The arrangements that ACG has with Raymond James and Schwab are intended to maximize
efficiency and to be cost effective. By directing brokerage arrangements, the client acknowledges that
these economies of scale and levels of efficiency are generally impacted when alternative broker-
dealers are used. While every effort is made to treat clients fairly over time, the fact that a client
chooses to use the brokerage and/or custodial services of an alternative service provider can result
in a certain degree of delay in executing trades for their accounts and otherwise adversely affect the
management of their accounts.
By directing ACG to use a specific broker-dealer, clients who are subject to ERISA confirm and agree
with the Firm that they have the authority to make the direction, that there are no provisions in any
client or plan document which are inconsistent with the direction, that the brokerage and other goods
and services provided by the broker-dealer, through the brokerage transactions, are provided solely
to and for the benefit of the client’s plan, plan participants and their beneficiaries, that the amount
paid for the brokerage and other services have been determined by the client and the plan to be
reasonable, that any expenses paid by the broker on behalf of the plan are expenses that the plan
would otherwise be obligated to pay, and that the specific broker-dealer is not a party in interest of
the client or the plan, as defined under applicable ERISA regulations.
Trade Aggregation
ACG enters trades as a block, where possible, and when believed to be advantageous to clients whose
accounts have a need to buy or sell shares of the same security at the same time. This blocking of
trades permits the trading of aggregate blocks of securities composed of assets from multiple client
accounts, so long as transaction costs are shared equally and on a pro-rata basis between all accounts
17
included in any such block. Block trading allows the Firm to execute equity trades in a timelier, more
equitable manner, and may reduce overall costs to clients.
ACG will only aggregate transactions when it believes that aggregation is consistent with its duty to
seek best execution for its clients and with the terms of the Firm’s Advisory Agreement with each
client for which trades are being aggregated. No advisory client will be favored over any other client;
each client that participates in an aggregated order will participate at the average share price for all
ACG’s transactions effected in the order, with transaction costs generally shared pro-rata based on
each client’s participation in the transaction. On occasion, owing to the size of a particular account’s
pro-rata share of an order or other factors, the commission or transaction fee charged could be above
or below a breakpoint in a pre-determined commission or fee schedule set by the executing broker
and, therefore, transaction charges can vary slightly among accounts. Occasionally, accounts are
excluded from a block due to tax considerations, client direction, or other factors making the
account’s participation ineligible or impractical.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
ACG’s financial consultants are responsible for reviewing client accounts. Account reviews are
conducted on a periodic basis, from time to time if requested by the client, upon receipt of
information material to the management of the portfolio, or at any time such review is deemed
necessary or advisable by ACG. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: changes
in general client circumstances or changes in economic, political, or market conditions. Such reviews
include, among other things, the evaluation of portfolio and Manager performance, as well as
adherence to the client’s Investment Policy Statement, if applicable.
On a periodic basis (e.g., monthly or quarterly) ACG provides clients with written reports regarding
their accounts. Such reports include asset performance, comparisons to established benchmarks,
holdings, transactions, and other metrics. Clients should carefully compare the reports that they
receive from the Firm against the statements that they receive from their qualified custodian(s).
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
As noted above, ACG receives benefits from Raymond James and Schwab through participation in
Item 12 – Brokerage
their institutional platforms in the form of support products and services made available to the Firm
Practices
based on client assets held at Raymond James or Schwab. Please refer to
for more information.
ACG has entered into an Advisory Referral Agreement whereby the Firm compensates Raymond
James for clients referred to ACG by other registered representatives of Raymond James. Raymond
James is compensated based on a percentage of the Advisory Fee received from each client referred
to ACG under this arrangement.
Insurance and Annuity Disclosure
: Certain employees of ACG are also licensed to sell insurance and
annuity products. When acting in the capacity of an insurance agent, employees of ACG are entitled
to receive commission or other remuneration on the sale of insurance or annuity products. Clients
are not obligated, contractually or otherwise, to purchase insurance or annuity products through
ACG.
Broker-Dealer Disclosure
: Certain employees of ACG are also Registered Representatives of
Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC (“Kingswood”), a FINRA and SIPC member and registered broker-
dealer. As such, these employees are entitled to receive brokerage commissions for transactions
18
effected through Kingswood. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, any brokerage commissions paid
to ACG for transactions effected in a client account will be used to offset the Advisory Fee payable to
the Firm on the same account. Clients are not obligated, contractually or otherwise, to maintain
accounts with, or utilize the services of, Kingswood.
Referral/Revenue Sharing Arrangements
: In limited circumstances, the Investment Manager of a
private investment fund will share a portion of its management fee with ACG, in exchange for
soliciting potential subscribers on their behalf. Clients are not obligated, contractually or otherwise,
to invest in such private funds.
Compensation derived from these other financial industry activities and affiliations presents a
conflict of interest by creating an incentive for ACG to recommend such products and services based
on the compensation it receives, rather than on a client’s needs. When recommending insurance or
investment products to clients for which ACG receives compensation, the Firm informs clients of this
conflict of interest through delivery of the insurance or investment product’s agreement and
disclosure documents, ACG’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure, and the Firm’s Form ADV Part 3 (Form
CRS), if applicable.
Item 15 – Custody
ACG is not a qualified custodian and does not provide custodial services. While the Firm typically
recommends that clients engage the qualified custodian services of Raymond James or Schwab for
their accounts, clients may select another qualified custodian, if preferred.
Where the client has authorized ACG to debit the Advisory Fee directly from their account, the Firm
is deemed to have custody. However, because such accounts are maintained by a qualified custodian,
ACG is not required to obtain an independent verification of client funds and securities held in such
accounts. In addition, some clients have granted ACG limited power, through a standing letter of
authorization established with their qualified custodian, to disburse funds to one or more third
parties as specifically designated by the client. As a result, ACG is deemed to have custody of these
assets. However, the Firm endeavors to comply with the SEC no-action letter to the Investment
Adviser Association dated February 21, 2017, and, as a result, does not obtain a surprise custody
examination of these assets.
Clients should receive account statements, no less frequently than quarterly, directly from their
broker-dealer, bank, or other qualified custodian. Clients are urged to carefully review these account
statements and to contact the Firm with any questions or concerns. Clients are also asked to promptly
notify ACG if their custodian fails to provide an account statement at least quarterly.
In addition, from time to time and in accordance with ACG’s Advisory Agreement, clients will receive
additional account reports from the Firm. Clients are also urged to compare these reports with the
statements they receive from their qualified custodian and to contact ACG with any questions or
concerns.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Where appropriate, ACG accepts discretionary/OCIO authority, upon the execution of an Advisory
Agreement, to manage securities accounts on behalf of a client. Discretion typically confers upon ACG
the authority to execute trades or implement recommendations on behalf of that client. In making
decisions as to which securities are to be bought or sold and the amounts thereof, the Firm will be
guided by any reasonable client-imposed guidelines or restrictions set forth in their Investment
Policy Statement and consistent with such client’s Advisory Agreement. With such discretionary
19
arrangements, the Firm is generally not required to provide notice to, consult with, or seek the
consent of the client prior to engaging in securities transactions. ACG’s discretionary authority is
limited to purchasing and selling securities. It does not confer upon ACG the authority to transfer any
funds or securities out of any client account, except for the sole purpose of deducting ACG’s Advisory
Fee, if authorized by the client. Client accounts managed on a non-discretionary basis require ACG to
seek the consent of the client prior to executing each securities transaction.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Generally, ACG does not have the authority to vote client securities. The client or the client’s Manager,
if applicable, typically receives proxies or other solicitations directly from the client’s qualified
custodian or transfer agent. Upon a client’s request, ACG will provide information and advice to such
client regarding a particular proxy vote, but clients retain the responsibility for the determination
and the actual act of voting.
From time to time, ACG receives notices regarding class action lawsuits involving securities that are
or were held by clients. ACG can assist clients in gathering documentation to respond to such matters.
However, the Firm refrains from serving as the lead plaintiff in class action lawsuits and the
submission of proofs of claim is ultimately the responsibility of the client.
Clients with questions about a particular proxy solicitation can contact their ACG financial consultant
at +1 (888) 317-2810.
Item 18 – Financial Information
ACG is not aware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet its
contractual commitments to clients and has never been subject to a bankruptcy petition.
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