Overview
Assets Under Management: $1.1 billion
Headquarters: TORRANCE, CA
High-Net-Worth Clients: 47
Average Client Assets: $21 million
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (BANYAN TREE ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC - DISCLOSURE BROCHURE)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $20,000,000 | 0.50% |
| $20,000,001 | $50,000,000 | 0.45% |
| $50,000,001 | $100,000,000 | 0.40% |
| $100,000,001 | and above | Negotiable |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $5,000 | 0.50% |
| $5 million | $25,000 | 0.50% |
| $10 million | $50,000 | 0.50% |
| $50 million | $235,000 | 0.47% |
| $100 million | $435,000 | 0.44% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 47
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 92.27
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $21 million
Total Client Accounts: 94
Discretionary Accounts: 94
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 168384
Last Filing Date: 2024-03-27 00:00:00
Website: HTTPS://WWW.BANYANTREE-LLC.COM
Form ADV Documents
Additional Brochure: BANYAN TREE ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC - DISCLOSURE BROCHURE (2025-04-30)
View Document Text
Disclosure Brochure
April 30, 2025
21250 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 550
Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: (866) 255-1800
www.banyantree-llc.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Banyan Tree Asset
Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
(866) 255-1800. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Banyan Tree Asset Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment
adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser
provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser.
Additional information about Banyan Tree Asset Management, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
ITEM 2 – MATERIAL CHANGES
Since the issuance of Banyan Tree Asset Management, LLC’s (“Banyan Tree”) disclosure brochure dated
March 27, 2024, Banyan Tree has begun managing the investments of pooled investment vehicles.
Any future material changes to the brochure will be disclosed to you on this page along with a summary of
these changes.
• The Firm has made Diana Bouch the new Chief Operating Officer.
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ITEM 3 – TABLE OF CONTENTS
Advisory Business ................................................................................................................................... 1
Fees and Compensation .......................................................................................................................... 1
Performance Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ....................................................................... 3
Types of Clients ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .................................................................. 3
Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 6
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................................... 6
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ............................... 6
Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................ 7
Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................. 9
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................................ 9
Custody ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................ 10
Voting Client Securities .......................................................................................................................... 10
Financial Information ............................................................................................................................. 11
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ITEM 4 – ADVISORY BUSINESS
Banyan Tree Asset Management, LLC (“BTAM,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a limited liability company organized
under the laws of the State of Delaware. Kenneth Naehu founded the firm in August 2013 and is its principal
owner. The firm’s office is located in Torrance, California. BTAM is an SEC-registered investment adviser.
BTAM specializes in delivering fixed income investment management strategies to ultra-high net worth
individuals and institutions.
Investment Advisory Services
We specialize in the discretionary management of fixed income portfolios based on the specific needs and
objectives of each client. As such, our clients typically have made independent decisions with respect to
their unique risk-adjusted asset allocation and have engaged BTAM to manage all or part of their assets
allocated to fixed income. Under appropriate circumstances, we may employ leverage in connection with
pursuing our investment strategy, including margin transactions and short sales. (See description of these
activities below under Investment Strategies.) Since we advise clients based on their own unique needs
and objectives, it is important to notify us promptly if there are any changes in your financial situation or
investment objectives that would impact our activities on your behalf. Whenever possible, we will
accommodate reasonable client-imposed restrictions on investing in securities for their portfolios.
BTAM also provides investment management services through pooled investment vehicles structured as
Delaware limited partnerships.
We do not offer accounting, financial planning, legal or tax advice and BTAM is not qualified to do so.
As of December 31, 2024, BTAM managed discretionary assets of $ 1,013,708,995.
ITEM 5 – FEES AND COMPENSATION
Separately Managed Accounts
Fees are assessed quarterly and in arrears and are generally based upon the percentage of assets under
management and upon the average daily balance for the prior quarter. Alternatively, for fixed income
securities sold short, management fees shall be based upon the par amount of the bonds sold with no
adjustment or offset for short cash balances.
For positions bought on margin, management fees will be based upon the market value of those positions
and will not be offset by any margin debit balance owed. We encourage clients to contact us to discuss the
amount of margin and short selling to be used in their account and how these leveraged transactions may
impact the fees paid and the performance of their account over time.
Client assets will be maintained in the custody of broker-dealers and other qualified custodians. Our fee is
based on the values and prices provided by your custodian and independent pricing services, except in
cases where BTAM is required to determine a fair value for an instrument.
Our standard fee schedule is detailed below:
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Annual Fee
Assets Under Management
From To
$1
$20,000,000
0.50%
$20,000,001
$50,000,000
0.45%
$50,000,001
$100,000,000
0.40%
$100,000,001 and Over
Negotiable
Clients generally authorize us to have their custodian pay us directly by charging their accounts for
management fees. This authorization is included in your investment management agreement. BTAM can,
upon request as an alternative, invoice you directly.
Your custodian will provide you with regular monthly statements that show the amount paid directly to us.
We urge you to review your custodial statements and verify the calculation of our fees. Your custodian
assumes no accountability nor does it verify the accuracy of our fee calculations. In addition to our fee, you
may be required to pay other charges, including, but not limited to (i) custody fees, (ii) brokerage fees
(including any “mark-up” or “mark-down” embedded in the price of fixed income securities sold in the
principal market), (iii) transaction fees, (iv) internal fees and expenses charged by mutual funds or exchange
traded funds (“ETFs”), (v) margin interest, where applicable, (vi) expenses associated with selling securities
short, where applicable, and (vii) other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Mutual Funds and ETFs
Mutual fund companies and ETF issuers charge internal fees and expenses for their products. These fees
and expenses, which are not shared with BTAM, are in addition to any advisory fees charged by us.
Complete details of these internal fees and expenses are detailed in each fund’s prospectus. You are
strongly encouraged to read these explanations before investing. We encourage you to ask us any
questions you have about these third-party fees and expenses as they will reduce your overall rate of return.
Termination
Should either one of us terminate the investment advisory agreement we have entered into before the end
of a billing period, you shall be responsible for prompt payment of any earned and unpaid management
fees for the portion of the quarter we provided you investment management services prior to termination.
This daily fee is calculated by dividing the number of calendar days in the quarter that our agreement was
in effect by the number of days in the quarter and applying the quarterly fee rate. This amount, which
equals the amount we earned for the partial quarter, shall be invoiced to you or, if established with your
custodian, debited directly from your account.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
The terms of each investor’s agreement with BTAM (“Investor Agreement”) will govern the advisory fees
they pay BTAM. BTAM typically charges investors an annual “Management Fee” based upon a percentage
of net asset value determined by the terms of the Investor Agreement.
The Management Fee shall be payable each calendar quarter in arrears or upon the withdrawal of a Limited
Partner from the Fund; the average month-end Capital Account balance shall be used to determine the fee.
The Management Fee will be prorated for periods of less than a full calendar quarter.
Other Fees and Expenses
Investor Agreements typically require Clients to reimburse BTAM for certain expenses BTAM incurs in
connection with performing its investment management services. These expenses are set out in the
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applicable offering documents and include, for example: brokerage and other transaction costs, all custodial
and similar charges and third party charges (e.g., legal and accounting fees, etc.).
ITEM 6 – PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
Performance-based fees are designed to give a portion of the realized and unrealized returns of an
investment to the investment manager as a reward for positive performance. These fees are generally a
percentage of the profits earned on the investor’s investments. BTAM does not assess or charge
performance-based fees for any of its advisory services or for its pooled investment vehicles.
ITEM 7 – TYPES OF CLIENTS
We provide advisory services primarily to high-net worth individuals and institutions. The assets of high-net
worth clients may be held in individual, joint custody, trust, limited partnership, corporate, retirement, or
other similar accounts. Institutions may include banks, corporations, insurance companies, pension plans,
and trust companies.
BTAM generally imposes a $20,000,000 minimum account size for all client relationships, including initial
investments in pooled investment vehicle(s), although this minimum may be waived in our sole discretion.
For purposes of this minimum, a client may be engaged based upon an aggregated amount of assets
available for management.
ITEM 8 – METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS
Methods of Analysis
BTAM utilizes a variety of methods in connection with its management of fixed income assets. These
methods include, but are not limited to:
− Credit analysis based upon the issuer’s profile, debt payment history, interest rates, management
team, and financials
− Security structure based upon market conditions, interest rates, and issuer history
− Portfolio duration positioning based upon interest rate outlook, market conditions, and yield curve
− Sector analysis
− Spread analysis
− Macro analysis of domestic and foreign economic and political environments
− Research based upon internal evaluation of an issuer’s financials and offering statement
− Research generated by broker-dealer analysts and bankers
− Research provided by independent credit research firms
Investment Strategies
All of Banyan Tree’s investment strategies are fixed income-oriented. As your fixed income asset manager,
we presume that you have made an independent and informed decision as to your overall asset allocation
and have chosen to engage us to manage those assets. Banyan Tree will work with you to understand your
investment objectives and risk tolerances for those assets only and will make a recommendation as to
which of its strategies is most suitable for you.
Banyan Tree utilizes an active approach to fixed income management. An active management approach
to investing requires us to regularly review portfolio holdings in an effort to maximize tax-efficiency and
income while limiting risk through diligent security selection and appropriate duration positioning. While
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there is no guarantee that BTAM will meet its goals, we believe this approach is superior to more passively
managed portfolios which generally do not react to changing conditions in the domestic and global
economies, financial markets and/or interest rates.
When suitable and within your investment objectives and consistent with your risk tolerance, we may, at
our discretion, utilize margin in your account. While the utilization of margin and short selling in a portfolio
may enhance investment returns, it also can magnify losses, as further described under Risks. In addition,
since our fee is based upon the value of assets under management and is not reduced for debit balances,
use of margin increases the fee you pay us. However, BTAM expects margin use and short selling
strategies to be limited and deployed only on behalf of appropriate clients and as investment opportunities
present themselves. In addition, margin is only used after obtaining written authorization prior to using any
leverage in our strategy.
Core Fixed Income Strategy – BTAM’s Core Fixed Income Strategy seeks to preserve principal while
achieving above-market rates of return. The strategy’s objective is to also deliver enhanced after-tax returns
coupled with lower volatility through a portfolio of quality bonds. Banyan Tree will manage overall portfolio
duration based upon its assessment of the current interest rate environment and its estimation of the future
direction of interest rates. Clients that opt for this strategy commonly do so for those assets that they have
strategically chosen to allocate to fixed income investments.
Short Duration Strategy – The Short Duration Strategy focuses on preservation of principal and seeks to
provide high liquidity, low volatility, and rates of return beyond that of money market funds. Unlike money
market funds, however, the Short Duration Strategy will generally have a longer duration than a traditional
money market fund yet a shorter duration than the Core Fixed Income Strategy. Clients that choose to
invest in this strategy typically are seeking levels of liquidity and rates of return akin to those in cash
management strategies.
Opportunistic Strategy - BTAM’s Opportunistic Strategy is designed to take advantage of inefficiencies in
the fixed income markets. As an “opportunistic” strategy, risk will be greater in comparison to other Banyan
Tree strategies and trading may be more short-term in nature. The sources of these inefficiencies may
include, but are not limited to, issues within the global or domestic economies, general market disruptions
or uncertainties over an issuer.
Hedging Strategy – On an isolated basis and as a hedge against future increases in general interest rates,
we may recommend selling short select fixed income securities to those clients for whom we believe such
a strategy is appropriate and from whom we have received the approval. The implementation of this strategy
requires the leveraging of securities held in a client account in order to meet the margin lending
requirements.
Short Duration Fund Strategy – The Short Duration Fund is a fixed income fund whose investment objective
is to seek both a high level of income and preservation of capital while striving to maintain low volatility. The
Fund invests primarily in various types of high quality, short duration fixed income securities. The goal is to
maximize the Fund’s income by investing in securities that are believed by BTAM to exhibit the most
favorable risk/reward trade-off in the most attractive market sectors. BTAM will be unconstrained with
regard to its allocations in different credit sectors in order to achieve the stated objective, however, BTAM
anticipates that under normal market conditions, the majority of the Fund’s investment portfolio will be
composed of municipal debt securities, U.S. Treasuries, and U.S. government agencies.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that all clients should be prepared to bear. As with all investments,
there are inherent, unavoidable and often unforeseeable risks in investing in securities. These risks will
vary depending on the nature of the investment, the strategy pursued, the type of instrument used to pursue
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or give effect to that strategy, the conditions and performance of the U.S. and global economies, as well as
the performance/financial condition of the individual company or entity issuing the security. As with all
investments, the value of the investment at the time of sale will fluctuate and might be greater or less than
the value at the time of purchase.
While BTAM seeks to assess the merits of investing in a particular security based upon an assessment of
the perceived risks and potential rewards, there are no assurances that our assessments will be correct.
As an investment adviser focused on the management of fixed income securities, our clients should
understand that investing in the bond markets involves risk of loss that each client should be prepared to
bear. These risks include, but are not limited to:
Interest Rate Risk – Securities may decline in value as the result of an increase in interest rates.
− Credit Risk – An issuer may default in the payment of principal and/or interest.
− Spread Risk – Credit spreads may widen causing a decrease in market value.
− Liquidity Risk – Some securities may be less liquid depending upon market conditions.
−
− Geopolitical Risk – Markets can be affected by global financial and/or political turmoil.
− Portfolio Management Risk – The investment strategy employed may not produce the desired
results.
− Re-investment Risk – The yield on the portfolio could decline if securities are called or mature at a
time when interest rates are lower than interest rates at the initial investment.
− Security Selection Risk – An account may underperform its benchmark as a result of the securities
chosen.
− Tax Risk – A change of the tax treatment of income derived from municipal securities could impact
the value of the securities.
− Concentration Risk – Concentration in any single asset class has inherent risks and given the
general nature of the tax efficient manner in which we seek to structure portfolios, there may be an
over-weighting of municipal securities in the portfolios.
Risks Related to Use of Leverage
In managing your account, we sometimes employ margin when we believe that the use of leverage may
enable you to achieve a higher rate of return. Accordingly, and within our discretion, we may cause you to
pledge securities or provide other forms of security or assurance in order to borrow additional funds for
investment purposes. Margin will also be utilized in connection with short sales and other derivative
instruments. You may choose to impose limitations on the use of margin in your account if you believe the
use of leverage is inappropriate or unsuitable to your investment objectives.
In the event that the net asset value of your margin account falls below a certain level, due to either a
decline in value, withdrawals, or a combination thereof, you could lose some or all of the collateral you have
deposited and could, be required to deposit additional cash or securities. In an extreme circumstance, you
could even be forced by your custodian to liquidate securities on little or no notice to meet financing
obligations. The forced liquidation of a portion of your portfolio at distressed prices could result in significant
losses to you.
While leverage may present opportunities for increasing your total return, it has the effect of potentially
increasing losses, as well. Accordingly, any event which adversely affects the value of your margined
investment would be magnified to the extent the client’s account is leveraged. This may result in a
substantial loss to client accounts, which would be greater than if we had not employed leverage in
managing the account.
Risks Associated with Short Selling
We may use short sales in managing your account. Short selling involves selling securities which may or
may not be owned and borrowing the same class of securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an
obligation to replace the borrowed securities at a later date.
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Short selling allows the investor to profit from declines in market prices to the extent such decline exceeds
the transaction costs and the costs of borrowing the securities. The extent to which we engage in short
sales in your account varies by the amount of leverage you are prepared to use, and also depends on our
perception of market direction, particularly interest rates. A short sale of a fixed income instrument creates
the risk of a theoretical loss equal to the par value of the underlying instrument, thus increasing the cost to
you of buying those securities to cover the short position.
There can be no assurance that you will be able to maintain the ability to borrow securities sold short. There
also can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short position will be available at or near
prices quoted for purchase in the market. In addition, purchasing securities to close out the short position
could itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss.
ITEM 9 – DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
BTAM and none of its management persons has been or are currently the subject of (i) any criminal or civil
action of any jurisdiction, (ii) any administrative proceedings before the SEC, any other federal regulatory
agency, any state regulatory agency, or any foreign financial regulatory authority, or (iii) any proceeding
before any self-regulatory organization that are material to your consideration to the retention of BTAM as
your investment adviser.
ITEM 10 – OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
An affiliate of BTAM, Banyan Tree Securities, LLC (“BT Securities”) is a registered broker-dealer and
member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). BT Securities has not yet initiated business
activities.
Banyan Tree Fund Management, LLC (“BT Fund Management”) is a Delaware-registered LLC and serves
as the General Partner of BTAM-advised pooled investment vehicles.
BT Securities and BT Fund Management are affiliated with BTAM through BT Securities’ and BT Fund
Management’s corporate parent, Banyan Tree Holdings, LLC. BTAM and Banyan Tree Holdings, LLC are
under common control and ownership.
ITEM 11 – CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND
PERSONAL TRADING
BTAM has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) in compliance with federal law and in order to ensure the
highest standard of conduct and to address the securities and business-related activities of principals,
officers and employees. The Code includes policies and procedures that were developed to reinforce
ethical behavior and to protect your interests. In part, these include:
− An acknowledgement of our fiduciary obligation to you to place your interests ahead of our own
− Assurance that all personal securities transactions of our principals, officers and employees are
conducted in a manner consistent with the Code and in order to avoid any actual or potential conflict
of interest
− Procedures to ensure that we and our advisory representatives do not take inappropriate or
unethical advantage of our position as your advisor
− Procedures to protect and prevent the potential misuse of material, non-public information
Any client or prospective client may receive a copy of our Code upon request, without charge.
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BTAM does not buy or sell securities for its own account that it also recommends to clients. Our advisory
representatives and employees are permitted, however, to buy or sell the same securities for their personal
and family-related accounts that are bought or sold for your account(s). The personal securities
transactions of our principals, officers and employees may raise potential conflicts of interest when they
trade in a security that is either owned by you or considered for purchase or sale for you.
We have adopted policies and procedures that are intended to address these conflicts of interest. Some
of these policies and procedures include:
− Require our advisory representatives and employees to act in your best interest
− Prohibit favoring one client over another
− Provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any same-day trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee receiving a better price than a client
− Maintenance of a list of issuers for whom all advisory representatives are restricted from purchasing
ITEM 12 – BROKERAGE PRACTICES
In selecting a broker or dealer to execute a transaction for a client, BTAM may consider a variety of factors,
including but not limited to the following: the broker's capital depth; the broker/dealer's market access; the
broker/dealer's transaction confirmation and account statement practices; the knowledge of negotiated
commission rates and spreads currently available; the nature and character of the markets for the security
or instrument to be purchased or sold; the desired timing of the transaction; the execution, clearance and
settlement capabilities of the broker/dealer selected and others considered; the reputation and perceived
soundness of the broker selected and others considered; the knowledge of any actual or apparent
operational problems of a broker; the other services, including research, supplied by the broker/dealer; and
the reasonableness of the commission or its equivalent for the specific transaction.
Concurrent with our engagement with you for investment advisory services, we will recommend that you
utilize Pershing for custody services. Pershing is an unaffiliated FINRA-member broker-dealer. There is no
requirement that you use Pershing for your custodian in connection with our engagement. You may elect
to use the custodian of your choice, and we encourage you to consider alternative custodians as you deem
appropriate. We selected Pershing after we reviewed multiple firms, all of which vied for our
recommendation to you. Since the amount of potential compensation, products offered, or services
available to us may vary depending on the custodian and/or broker-dealer we recommend to you, BTAM
may have a conflict of interest in making such a recommendation.
Our decision to recommend Pershing to you is based upon several factors including, but not limited to
Pershing’s excellent client servicing record, technological capabilities, trade execution services, financial
strength, and general reputation. As part of our transition to Pershing, we received a one-time offer of
financial support to pay for limited transition expenses, including certain costs to build-out the information
technology infrastructure of the firm; software installation and training related to the custodial transition; and
termination fees to legacy providers.
While Pershing does not charge custodial or depository fees for holding your cash and securities, Pershing
will assess processing charges for most transactions posted to your account(s). Commissions and other
fees for transactions executed through Pershing may be higher than commissions charged by another
broker or dealer to execute transactions and maintain custody of your account.
Pershing, as your custodian, and in some instances your executing broker/dealer, makes available to us
products and services that benefit BTAM, but may not benefit you directly. Some of these products and
services assist us in managing and administering your accounts, such as software and other technology
that:
− Provides access to account transaction data such as duplicate trade confirmations, bundled
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duplicate account statements, access to an electronic communication network for client order entry
and account information
− Assists us with portfolio accounting and investment performance calculations
− Provides access to a trading desk serving advisory participants exclusively
− Provides access to bulk trading
− Provides research, pricing information, and other market data
− Facilitates payment of our fees from client accounts
− Assists with back-office functions, record keeping and client reporting
Pershing also makes available to us other services intended to help us manage and further develop our
business, but may not benefit you directly. These services include, but may not be limited to:
− Pre-negotiated discounts with industry vendors and service providers
− Business consulting
− Marketing
− Access to publications and conferences on practice management
−
Information technology
− Regulatory compliance
Pershing may also discount or waive the fees it would otherwise charge for some of the services it makes
available to us. Pershing may also pay all or part of the fees of third parties providing these services to us.
Thus, we receive economic benefits as a result of our relationship with Pershing since we may not have to
produce or purchase the products or services listed above.
Many of the services described above may be used to benefit all or a substantial number of our accounts,
including accounts not maintained at Pershing. We do not attempt to allocate these benefits to specific
clients.
Best Execution Reviews
In accord with its fiduciary duties, Banyan Tree conducts monthly post-execution trade reviews. These
reviews are conducted on a random sample of trades with the goal of assessing the overall quality of the
firm’s trade execution capabilities. The firm also maintains a list of approved broker-dealers with whom it
trades that is reviewed quarterly.
Directed Brokerage
You may direct us in writing to use a specific broker/dealer to execute some or all of the transactions for
your account. If you do so, you are responsible for negotiating the terms and arrangements for the account
at that broker/dealer. In such circumstances we likely will not be able to negotiate favorable commissions,
obtain volume discounts, or even guarantee best execution. In addition, under these circumstances a
difference in transaction costs, commissions or mark-up/mark-down may exist between clients who direct
us to use a particular broker/dealer and other clients who do not direct us to use a particular broker/dealer—
this can occur, for example, because we may be unable to aggregate your order with orders for clients that
have not directed us to use a particular broker/dealer.
Allocation Practices
BTAM’s fiduciary obligation applies in every aspect of our dealings with clients, regardless of the account
relationship, assets under management or fee structure. To address these types of conflicts, BTAM has
adopted policies and procedures pursuant to which allocation decisions may not be influenced by fee
8
arrangements, and investment opportunities will be allocated in a manner that Banyan Tree believes is
consistent with its obligations as an investment adviser.
In the fixed income markets, suitable investment opportunities are typically more limited in comparison to
the equity markets and thus are inherently more difficult to allocate. Purchases determined to be suitable
and prudent for both separately managed accounts and the fund will be allocated after the portfolio
managers consider a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
investment objectives and guidelines
−
− appropriate trade sizes
− suitability
− availability of funds to purchase bonds
− appropriateness of swap
− applicable client-imposed restrictions
Separately managed accounts are often distinct from other accounts and bonds purchased may not be
suitable for all accounts based on a large set of evolving criteria. Likewise, bonds purchased for separately
managed accounts may not be appropriate for pooled investment vehicles due to similar factors described
above.
ITEM 13 – REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
All client accounts are monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Account reviews may be triggered by
a variety of factors including, but not limited to changes in general economic and market conditions, analyst
reports, issuer news, and interest rate movements. Reviews are performed by the firm’s portfolio
managers.
On at least a quarterly basis we shall provide separately managed account holders with reports pertaining
to your account that includes overall account performance in comparison with relevant benchmarks,
holdings, dividend and interest payments, and portfolio metrics.
For investors in pooled investment vehicles, BTAM will ensure that all information on all trades executed in
the vehicles are provided to the custodian and fund administrator. The fund administrator shall provide
monthly statements to BTAM and quarterly statements to investors. Such reports typically state the
investor’s balance, capital activity, and performance.
ITEM 14 – CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
We do not directly or indirectly compensate any person who is not a principal, officer, or employee of BTAM
for client referrals.
We receive certain economic benefits as a result of our relationship with Pershing. Those benefits are
described in greater detail in the preceding section entitled “Brokerage Practices.” However, these benefits
are not provided to us in exchange for referring clients to Pershing.
ITEM 15 – CUSTODY
Separately Managed Accounts
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Your chosen custodian maintains day-to-day custody of your assets, including cash, money market
instruments, and securities. Under federal regulations, however, when you authorize your custodian to
directly debit your account for quarterly management fees payable to BTAM, we are deemed to have
custody of your assets, as well. You will receive brokerage statements from your custodian on a quarterly
basis. We urge you to carefully review these statements. Not only should you verify that the transactions
in your account are consistent with the investment objectives for your account, but also verify the accuracy
of any directly assessed management fees. We also encourage you to contact us should you have any
questions or concerns regarding your account.
BTAM prohibits any principal or employee from holding any signatory authority or serving as a trustee,
executor, or guardian for any managed client account.
As a convenience, clients may choose to provide written instructions to their custodian in the form of a
standing letter of authorization (“SLOA”) that permits the transfer of funds from their account(s) to a pre-
approved bank or brokerage account. Under the terms of an SLOA, the client authorizes its custodian to
accept instructions from BTAM to transfer funds to the pre-approved account in the amount directed by the
client. And while BTAM has absolutely no authority to direct or transfer assets outside the prescribed terms
of a client’s SLOA, it is the view of the SEC that BTAM is deemed to have “custody” of client assets in such
a circumstance. It must be noted that in no instance is BTAM permitted to instruct the client’s custodian to
transfer or move funds to any account beyond those pre-approved by the client.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
Under SEC Rule 206(4)-2, BTAM is deemed to have custody over the pooled investment vehicles it advises
as BTAM has the authority to obtain possession of the fund assets. BTAM relies on an exemption from
SEC Rule 206(4)-2(a)(2) and 206(4)-2(a)(3) as it follows the requirements of SEC Rule 206(4)-2(a)(4) and
distributes audited financial statements prepared by a PCAOB certified independent public accountant to
all limited partners of each pooled investment vehicle at least annually and upon liquidation. BTAM also
follows the safe-keeping requirement of the Rule by ensuring that all funds’ cash and securities are
maintained at a qualified custodian in separate accounts for each fund. BTAM will ensure that all information
on all trades executed for its investors are provided to the custodian and to the fund administrator. The fund
administrator shall provide monthly statements to BTAM and quarterly statements to investors.
ITEM 16 – INVESTMENT DISCRETION
BTAM offers its investment advisory services on a non-exclusive, discretionary basis. Discretionary
investment authorization is granted to us under the terms of our investment advisory agreement with you.
In a discretionary trading authorization relationship you have granted us prospective authority to execute
transactions on your behalf without notice and consistent with your investment objectives. It is your
responsibility to inform us of any reasonable restrictions or limitations you may wish to impose upon your
account.
ITEM 17 – VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Separately Managed Accounts
BTAM does not take any action or give any advice with respect to the voting of proxies solicited by, or with
respect to, the issuers of securities in which your accounts may be invested. In addition, we do not take
any action or give any advice with respect to any securities held in any accounts that are named in or
subject to class action lawsuits. We will, however, forward to you any information received by us regarding
proxies and class action legal matters involving any securities held in your accounts.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
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A. Policy
On rare occasions, a holding in BTAM’s pooled investment vehicles may receive a proxy proposal. In
the event that BTAM receives a proxy proposal for investments held in pooled vehicles, we will review
to determine whether the proposal is consistent with our investment strategy and in the best interest
of its investors, taken as a whole.
B. Procedure
BTAM has developed the following procedures for voting proxies:
•
• BTAM shall be responsible for reviewing the special and/or annual report, proxy proposals,
and proxy proposal summaries. We shall take into consideration what vote is consistent
BTAM’s investment strategy and in the best interests of the vehicle’s investors, taken as a
whole. BTAM will then vote the proxies in accordance with its policy.
In reviewing the proxies and making voting decisions, BTAM generally performs its analysis
internally for each investment; however, from time to time, we may review external sources’
commentary.
• BTAM shall maintain copies of any information required to be maintained for proxy voting
decisions.
• With respect to proxy votes on topics deemed, in the opinion of BTAM, to be controversial
and/or particularly sensitive, we will provide a written explanation for the proxy vote, which
will be maintained with the record of the actual vote in BTAM’s files.
ITEM 18 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
While we do not require the prepayment of investment management fees, the SEC requires us to disclose
any condition that is reasonably likely to impair the firm's ability to meet its contractual commitments to
clients. BTAM does not know of any such condition and is not the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
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Kenneth Naehu
21250 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 550
Torrance, CA 90503
www.banyantree-llc.com
Brochure Supplement
April 30, 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Kenneth Naehu and supplements the brochure of Banyan Tree Asset
Management, LLC (“BTAM”). You should have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact Kenneth Naehu at (866)
255-1800 or knaehu@banyantree-llc.comif you did not receive BTAM’s brochure or if you have any questions about the
contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Mr. Naehu is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Educational Background and Business Experience
Year of birth: 1965
Formal education:
- Pepperdine University; 1988
Business background:
- Banyan Tree Asset Management, LLC – Principal and Managing Director (07/13 – Present)
- Banyan Tree Securities, LLC – Principal and Managing Director (2014-Present)
- Bel Air Investment Advisors, LLC – Partner and Managing Director, Head of Fixed Income (10/99 – 07/13)
- Bel Air Securities LLC – Partner and Managing Director (01-06 – 07/13)
- State Street Global Markets, LLC – Registered Representative (09/01 – 07/06)
- Bel Air Securities LLC – Partner and Managing Director (02/01 – 09/01)
- Bel Air Securities LLC – Senior Vice President (10/98 – 01/01)
- Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. – Associate Director (12/90 – 09/98)
- Drexel Burnham Lambert, Inc. - Assistant Vice President (11-89 – 03/90)
Disciplinary Information
Mr. Naehu has not been the subject of any disciplinary action or event.
Other Business Activities
Mr. Naehu is a principal and registered representative of Banyan Tree Securities, LLC, a FINRA-member broker-dealer and
an affiliate of BTAM.
Additional Compensation
As the majority owner of BTAM, Mr. Naehu receives the majority of BTAM’s profits.
Supervision
Mr. Naehu is a principal of BTAM and accordingly is not subject to any direct hierarchical supervision. Mr. Naehu is subject
to the compliance policies and procedures of BTAM. These policies and procedures are maintained by Kenneth Naehu and
monitored by Diana Bouch, Chief Operating Officer at BTAM. Ms. Bouch can be reached at (866) 255-1800.
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Brian Goldberg
21250 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 550
Torrance, CA 90503
www.banyantree-llc.com
Brochure Supplement
April 30, 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Brian Goldberg and supplements the BTAM brochure. You should
have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact Kenneth Naehu at (866) 255-1800 or knaehu@banyantree-llc.comif
you did not receive BTAM’s brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement. Additional
information about Mr. Goldberg is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Educational Background and Business Experience
Year of birth: 1978
Formal education:
- University of Southern California, 2000
Business background:
- Banyan Tree Asset Management, LLC – Principal and Managing Director (09/13 – Present)
- Banyan Tree Securities, LLC – Principal and Managing Director (2014-Present)
- Bel Air Investment Advisors, LLC – Vice President, Portfolio Manager (03/02 – 07/13)
- Bel Air Securities LLC – Registered Representative (01/06 – 07/13)
- State Street Global Markets, LLC – Registered Representative (09/01 – 07/06)
- Bel Air Investment Advisors, LLC – Associate (07/00 – 03/02)
Disciplinary Information
Mr. Goldberg has not been the subject of any disciplinary action or event.
Other Business Activities
Mr. Goldberg is a principal and registered representative of Banyan Tree Securities, LLC, a FINRA-member broker-dealer
and an affiliate of BTAM.
Additional Compensation
As an owner of BTAM, Mr. Goldberg receives a share of BTAM’s profits.
Supervision
Mr. Naehu is a principal of BTAM and accordingly is not subject to any direct hierarchical supervision. Mr. Naehu is
subject to the compliance policies and procedures of BTAM. These policies and procedures are maintained by Kenneth
Naehu and monitored by Diana Bouch, Chief Operating Officer at BTAM. Ms. Bouch can be reached at (866) 255-1800.
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