Overview
Assets Under Management: $251 million
Headquarters: NEW YORK, NY
High-Net-Worth Clients: 33
Average Client Assets: $7 million
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (WRAP BROCHURE)
Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$0 | $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
$1,000,001 | $2,000,000 | 0.80% |
$2,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.70% |
$10,000,001 | $20,000,000 | 0.60% |
$20,000,001 | $50,000,000 | 0.50% |
$50,000,001 | $100,000,000 | 0.40% |
$100,000,001 | $200,000,000 | 0.30% |
$200,000,001 | and above | 0.20% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
$5 million | $39,000 | 0.78% |
$10 million | $74,000 | 0.74% |
$50 million | $284,000 | 0.57% |
$100 million | $484,000 | 0.48% |
Additional Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A)
Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$0 | $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
$1,000,001 | $2,000,000 | 0.80% |
$2,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.70% |
$10,000,001 | $20,000,000 | 0.60% |
$20,000,001 | $50,000,000 | 0.50% |
$50,000,001 | $100,000,000 | 0.40% |
$100,000,001 | $200,000,000 | 0.30% |
$200,000,001 | and above | 0.20% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
$5 million | $39,000 | 0.78% |
$10 million | $74,000 | 0.74% |
$50 million | $284,000 | 0.57% |
$100 million | $484,000 | 0.48% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 33
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 91.68
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $7 million
Total Client Accounts: 218
Discretionary Accounts: 218
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 291796
Last Filing Date: 2024-03-28 00:00:00
Website: https://domaniadvisors.com/
Form ADV Documents
Primary Brochure: WRAP BROCHURE (2025-03-27)
View Document Text
AMERICAN ALPHA ADVISORS, LLC
D/B/A DOMANI ADVISORS
FIRM BROCHURE – WRAP FEE PROGRAM
ITEM 1 COVER PAGE
March 27, 2025
AMERICAN ALPHA ADVISORS, LLC
D/B/A Domani Advisors
10 West 33rd Street, Suite 802
New York NY, 10001
FIRM CONCTACT: SAM HADDAD, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
WWW.DOMANIADVISORS.COM
FIRM CRD #291796
This wrap brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
American Alpha Advisors, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact Sam Haddad at (917) 810-5530 or by email at domani@domaniadvisors.com. The
information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about American Alpha Advisors, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site using a unique identifying number, known
as a CRD number. American Alpha Advisors, LLC CRD # is 291796
The use of the term “registered investment advisor,” “registered,” or “registration” does not
imply a certain level of skill or training. Registration with the SEC as an investment adviser does
not imply that American Alpha Advisors, LLC or any Principals or Employees of American Alpha
Advisors, LLC possess a particular level of skill or training in the investment advisory business or
any other business.
As used in this brochure, the words "we", "our" and "us" refer to AAA and the words
"you", "your" and "client" refer to you as either a client or prospective client of our firm.
1
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES
As a registered investment adviser, American Alpha Advisors, LLC dba Domani Advisors
(hereinafter, “AAA”) must ensure that the ADV Part 2 is current and accurate and makes full
disclosure of all material facts relating to the advisory relationship. AAA will ensure that Clients
receive a summary of any material changes and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the
close of our business fiscal year. Furthermore, AAA will provide Clients with other interim
disclosures about material changes as necessary. This Item discusses only the material changes
that have occurred since Advisor’s last annual update dated March 2024.
Item 4 – Description of Advisory Services
The Firm added key descriptions of its advisory services provided to clients with
retirement assets- including those with individual retirement accounts and, retirement
benefit plan clients.
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ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES ......................................................................................................2
ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................3
ITEM 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS .......................................................................................................4
ITEM 5: TYPES OF CLIENTS ...........................................................................................................7
ITEM 6: PORTFOLIO MANAGER SELECTION AND EVALUATION ....................................................7
ITEM 7: CLIENT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PORTFOLIO MANAGERS .....................................16
ITEM 8: CLIENT CONTACT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS ..........................................................16
ITEM 9: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .........................................................................................16
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ITEM 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS
A. Description of Advisory Services
American Alpha Advisors, LLC dba Domani Advisors (hereinafter, “AAA”) primarily offers ongoing
Investment Management and Reporting Services to Clients. AAA provides advisory services to
Clients through individuals registered as investment adviser representatives (“IARs”). AAA is the
sponsor of the wrap fee program. Our wrap fee program allows you to pay a single fee that covers
advisory services, trade execution, custody and other standard brokerage services.
AAA offers ongoing wrap fee portfolio management services based on the individual goals,
objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance of each Client. AAA creates an Investment Policy
Statement for each Client, which outlines the Client’s current situation (income, tax levels, and
risk tolerance levels). Portfolio management services include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
Determine investment strategy
Asset allocation
Assessment of risk tolerance
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
Personal investment policy
Security selection
Ongoing portfolio monitoring
AAA evaluates the current investments of each Client with respect to their risk tolerance levels
and time horizon. AAA will request discretionary authority from Clients in order to select
securities and execute transactions without permission from the Client prior to each transaction.
Risk tolerance levels are documented in the Investment Policy Statement, which is given to each
Client.
Rollover Recommendations
As part of our investment management services, AAA can recommend that Clients withdraw the
assets from their employer’s retirement plan and roll the assets over to an individual retirement
account (“IRA”) that the Firm will manage on the Client’s behalf. If Clients elect to roll the assets
to an IRA that is managed by AAA, the Firm will charge an asset-based fee as set forth in the
agreement the Client executed with our Firm. This is a conflict of interest because AAA has an
incentive to recommend a rollover for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather
than solely based on the Client’s needs. Clients are under no obligation to complete the rollover
and/or have the assets in an IRA managed by AAA.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company plan.
Also, current employees can sometimes transfer assets out of their company plan before they
retire or change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, Clients should
consider the costs and benefits of:
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(1) Leaving the assets in their employer’s (or former employer’s) plan; (2) moving the funds to a
new employer’s retirement plan; (3) cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan;
and/or (4) rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account. Each of these options has advantages
and disadvantages.
Clients should speak with their CPA and/or tax attorney before making a change. AAA’s
recommendations can include any of these options, depending on what we determine is in your
best interest.
The Firm is held to the fiduciary duty standard under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Additionally, when AAA provides advice regarding a retirement plan account or an individual
retirement account, the Firm is also a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws
governing retirement accounts.
Pension and Other Retirement Plans
AAA provides advisory services to pension plans and retirement plan clients. These advisory
services are tailored to the required needs of each client and typically include our investment
management services through our Wrap Fee Program.
B. Compensation for Advisory Services
AAA charges a single asset-based fee for its advisory services covered by the wrap program.
AAA’s annual fee for advisory services follows a tiered (blended) fee schedule:
Assets Under Management
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,000,000
2,000,000
10,000,000
20,000,000
50,000,000
100,000,000
200,000,000
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
10,000,000
20,000,000
50,000,000
100,000,000
200,000,000 +
Incremental Fee Rate
1.00%
0.80%
0.70%
0.60%
0.50%
0.40%
0.30%
0.20%
The advisory fee is calculated by multiplying the incremental fee rate for each range of AUM. AAA
bills in arrears and the advisory fee is calculated using the value of the assets on the last business
day of the billing period. Tiered fee schedules can be billed based on household market values.
5
AAA generally bills monthly based on the following calculation:
Sample Computation
∗ 𝐴𝑈𝑀
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 %
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Fees are negotiable and the final fee schedule is attached as Exhibit II of the Investment Advisory
Contract. Clients can terminate the agreement without penalty for a full refund of AAA’s fees
within five business days of signing the Investment Advisory Contract. Thereafter, Clients can
terminate the Investment Advisory Contract with 30 days written notice. AAA believes that its
advisory fees are reasonable, but the firm’s fees can be more than the cost of purchasing the
same or comparable services through other investment advisors. AAA can, in its sole discretion,
reduce, waive or calculate differently its fee with respect to certain Clients, including employees
or family members.
Portfolio management fees are withdrawn directly from the Client’s accounts with Client’s
written authorization on a monthly basis. Fees are paid in arrears. AAA uses the value of the
account as of the last business day of the billing period, after taking into account deposits and
withdrawals, for purposes of determining the market value of the assets upon which the advisory
fee is based.
Schwab’s Brokerage Services In addition to the advisory services, the wrap fee program includes
certain brokerage services of Schwab Advisor Services, which is part of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”) a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a
member of FINRA and SIPC. AAA is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with
Schwab. Schwab will act solely as a broker-dealer and not as an investment advisor. Schwab will
have no discretion over Client accounts and will act solely on instructions it receives from AAA or
the Client. Schwab has no responsibility for AAA’s services and undertakes no duty to our Clients
to monitor our Firm’s management of accounts or other services we provide.
Fees We Pay Schwab The fee Clients pay to AAA for advisory services and wrap fee, allows the
Firm to pay for brokerage and execution services provided by Schwab.
C. Contributing Cost Factors
You can be able to find advisory services and brokerage services elsewhere for a combined fee
that is less than what you pay or will pay at AAA. The benefits under a wrap fee program depend,
in part, upon the size of the account, the costs associated with managing the account, and the
frequency or type of securities transactions executed in the account.
D. Additional Fees
AAA will wrap third party fees for portfolio management accounts. AAA will charge Client one
fee, and pay all transaction fees using the fee collected from the Client. AAA exclusively manages
portfolios in a wrap fee program for the purposes of simplicity and transparent pricing.
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AAA receives the advisory fee stated in Item 4.B (or the Client’s Investment Advisory Agreement)
as a management fee under the wrap free program.
Our wrap fee does not cover all fees and costs. Certain fees are not included in the wrap fee and
are paid for separately by the Client. These include, but are not limited to, margin interest costs,
charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or exchange traded fund (i.e., fund management fees
and other fund expenses), mark-ups and mark-downs, spreads paid to market makers, deferred
sales charges, fees for trades executed away from the Custodian at another broker-dealer, odd-
lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer, check fees, electronic fund fees, and other fees and
taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Conflict of Interest. When managing Client portfolios on a wrap fee basis, the more costs that
are incurred for custodial, trading and other administrative costs (including execution and
transaction fees), the less profitable it is to our firm. Accordingly, AAA has a conflict of interest
because the Firm has a financial incentive to maximize compensation by seeking to reduce or
minimize the total costs incurred in your account(s). AAA resolves this conflict of interest by
treating every account invested in a particular strategy substantially the same regardless of
account size and investing in the Client’s best interest.
E. Compensation of Client Participation
Neither AAA, nor any representatives of AAA receive any additional compensation beyond
advisory fees for the participation of Client’s in the wrap fee program. However, compensation
received can be more than what would have been received if Client paid separately for
investment advice, brokerage, and other services. Therefore, AAA can have a financial incentive
to recommend the wrap fee program to Clients.
ITEM 5: TYPES OF CLIENTS
AAA offers services for individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, retirement benefit plans,
families and/or small businesses in a family office style. There is no minimum account size.
ITEM 6: PORTFOLIO MANAGER SELECTION AND EVALUATION
A. Selecting/Reviewing Portfolio Managers
AAA will not select outside portfolio managers for management of this wrap fee program; it will
be the sole portfolio manager for this wrap fee program.
AAA will use industry standards to calculate portfolio manager performance. AAA reviews the
performance information to determine and verify its accuracy and compliance with presentation
standards. The performance information is reviewed annually by AAA.
7
B. Related Persons
AAA and its personnel serve as the portfolio managers for all wrap fee program accounts. This is
a conflict of interest in that no outside adviser assesses AAA’s management of the wrap fee
program. However, AAA addresses this conflict by acting in its Clients’ best interest consistent
with its fiduciary duty as sponsor and portfolio manager of the wrap fee program.
C. Advisory Business
See Item 4 of this Wrap Fee Program Brochure for information about our wrap fee advisory
programs. We offer individualized investment advice to Clients utilizing the services described in
Item 4 of this Wrap Fee Program Brochure. Each Client has the opportunity to place reasonable
restrictions on the types of investments to be held in the portfolio
D. Services Limited to Specific Types of Investments
AAA generally limits its investment advice to mutual funds, ETFs, REITs, bonds, individual stocks,
or options to help diversify or hedge a portfolio.
E. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
AAA will tailor a program for each individual Client. This will include an interview session to get
to know the Client’s specific needs and requirements as well as a plan that will be executed by
AAA on behalf of the Client. AAA can use model allocations together with a specific set of
recommendations for each Client based on their short-term and long-term objectives, targets,
and personal restrictions. Clients are permitted to impose restrictions in investing in certain
securities or types of securities in accordance with their values or beliefs.
F. Wrap Fee Programs
As discussed herein, AAA sponsors and acts as portfolio manager for this wrap fee program. AAA
manages the investments in the wrap fee program, but does not manage those wrap fee accounts
any differently than it would manage non-wrap fee accounts. The fees paid to the wrap account
program will be given to AAA as a management fee.
G. Amounts Under Management
Discretionary Amounts:
Non-Discretionary Amounts:
Date Calculated:
$ 304,356,000
$0.00
December 31, 2024
H. Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
AAA does not accept performance-based fees or other fees based on a share of capital gains on
or capital appreciation of the assets of a Client.
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I. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis
AAA’s methods of analysis include Fundamental analysis, Quantitative analysis, Technical
Analysis, and Cyclical Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves the analysis of financial statements, the general
financial health of companies, and/or the analysis of management or competitive
advantages. Fundamental analysis attempts to measure the intrinsic value of a
security to determine if the security is underpriced or overpriced.
Quantitative analysis is a technique that seeks to understand behavior by using
mathematical and statistical modeling, measurement and research.
Technical analysis involves the analysis of historical chart patterns and past market
data, such as, price, volume, money flows and investor behavior.
Cyclical analysis measures the movements of a particular security against the overall
stock market in an attempt to understand trends and predict the price movement of
the security.
Investment Strategies
AAA uses long term trading, short term trading, short sales, option trading (including covered
options, uncovered options or spread trades) and margin.
The primary investment strategy implemented in Client accounts is asset allocation. Based on
AAA’s market and economic outlook and Client’s profile, we consider factors such as income
needs, risk/return profile, investment time horizon and tax consequences; we diversify
investments across different asset classes and investment styles.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear.
J. Material Risks Involved
Methods of Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves risk as the inputs used in the analysis of a security can
change suddenly or over time. The security is exposed to the movements of the
broader market or the market can fail to reach the expectations of perceived value.
Quantitative analysis involves risk as the investment strategy can act differently than
expected as a result of the model. The construction and implementation of the model
can be skewed as a result of trends, weight placed on each factor, or technical issues.
Technical analysis involves risk as the market will not follow the exact discernible
patterns recognized in the past. The market can perform with little or no connection
to past patterns and new patterns can emerge over time.
Cyclical analysis involves risk as cycles can invert or disappear either suddenly or
over time.
General Risk of Loss
9
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such loss.
Investments in securities and other financial instruments and products are subject to many types
of risk that can cause the permanent loss of capital as a result of adverse market conditions.
General Risks
Currency Risk – fluctuations in “local” market security prices can result if positions are
not hedged
Geopolitical Risk – changes in the political status of any country can have profound
effects on the value of securities within that country
Liquidity Risk – particular investments can be difficult to sell at the best price at a
particular point in time
Market Risk – market prices of securities held can fall rapidly or dramatically due to a
variety of unpredictable factors, including changing economic, political or market
conditions
Non-Diversification Risk – lack of diversification can result in stronger fluctuations in
market value
Sector Risk – companies that are in similar industry sectors can be similarly affected
by particular economic or market events
Volatility Risk – higher volatility can result in dramatic changes in security values
Counterparty Risk – risk that either party to a contract will not meet their respective
obligations
Credit Risk – issuers of bonds or other debt securities can be unable to meet interest
or principal payments when the bonds come due
Credit Quality – lower quality bonds can experience a higher risk of default
Duration – fluctuations in interest rates can have a greater impact on longer duration
assets
Inflation Risk – the price of an asset, or the income generated by an asset, can not
keep up with the cost of living
Interest Rate Risk – changing interest rates affect the value of bonds
Municipal Market Risk – factors unique to the municipal bond market can negatively
affect the value of municipal bonds, including risk of payment default and priority in
which payments can be made by municipal issuers
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal through
trading. Mutual fund and ETF shareholders are also subject to the risks stemming from the
individual issuers of the fund. Shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-level capital
gains, as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains should they
sell securities for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
10
Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the
fund itself or a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is
equal to a fund’s stated daily per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholder costs
(e.g., sales loads, purchase fees, redemption fees). The per share NAV of a mutual fund is
calculated at the end of each business day, although the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday
changes to the market value of the fund’s holdings. The trading prices of a mutual fund’s
shares can differ significantly from the NAV during periods of market volatility, which can,
among other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to
NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is
generally calculated at least once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for
actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies can cause the shares to trade at a
premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also no guarantee that an active
secondary market for such shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only
redeems shares when aggregated as creation units (usually 50,000 shares or more).
Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a
shareholder can have no way to dispose of such shares.
Fund overlap is a situation where an investor invests in several mutual funds with
overlapping positions. Fund overlap can be caused by owning several mutual funds or
exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Fund overlap reduces the benefits of diversification for the
investor.
Equity Securities
The value of the equity securities held are subject to market risk, including changes in
economic conditions, growth rates, profits, interest rates and the market’s perception of
these securities. While offering greater potential for long-term growth, equity securities are
more volatile and generally carry more risk than some other forms of investment.
Option Transactions
The purchase or sale of an option involves the payment or receipt of a premium payment
and the corresponding right or obligation, as the case could be, to either purchase or sell
the underlying investment for a specific price at a certain time or during a certain period.
Purchasing options involves the risk that the underlying investment does not change in price
in the manner expected, so that the option expires worthless and the investor loses its
premium. Selling options, on the other hand, involves potentially greater risk because the
investor is exposed to the extent of the actual price movement in the underlying investment
in excess of the premium payment received.
Market Risks
11
The profitability of a significant portion of the Advisor’s recommendations can depend to a
great extent upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of stocks (either
long, or, short positions) and bonds. There can be no assurance that the Advisor will be able
to predict those price movements accurately over a sustained period of time.
Use of Margin
Margin transactions use leverage that is borrowed from a brokerage firm as collateral. When
losses occur, the value of the margin account can fall below the brokerage firm’s threshold
thereby triggering a margin call. This can force the account holder to either allocate more
funds to the account or sell assets on a shorter time frame than desired.
Options transactions involve a contract to purchase a security at a given price, not necessarily
at market value, depending on the market. This strategy includes the risk that an option can
expire out of the money resulting in minimal or no value, as well as the possibility of leveraged
loss of trading capital due to the leveraged nature of stock options.
Short sales entail the possibility of infinite loss. An increase in the applicable securities’ prices
will result in a loss and, over time, the market has historically trended upward.
Use of Independent Managers
The Advisor can recommend the use of Independent Managers for certain Clients. The
Advisor will continue to do ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such
recommendations rely, to a great extent, on the Independent Manager’s ability to
successfully implement their investment strategy. In addition, the Advisor does not have the
ability to supervise the Independent Managers on a day-to-day basis.
Use of Private Pooled Investment Vehicles
The Advisor can recommend the investment by certain Clients into private pooled investment
vehicles (some of which are typically called “hedge funds”). The managers of these vehicles
(which can include the Advisor with respect to an affiliated Fund) will have broad discretion
in selecting the investments. There are few limitations on the types of securities or other
financial instruments which can be traded and no requirement to diversify. The hedge funds
can trade on margin or otherwise leverage positions, or utilize short-selling or derivatives,
thereby potentially increasing the risk to the vehicle. In addition, there can be restricted
liquidity, and because the vehicles are not registered as investment companies, there is an
absence of regulation. There are numerous other risks in investing in these private funds. The
Client will receive a private placement memorandum and/or other documents explaining
such risks.
Real estate funds
Real Estate Funds (including REITs) face several kinds of risk that are inherent in the real
estate sector, which historically has experienced significant fluctuations and cycles in
12
performance. Revenues and cash flows can be adversely affected by: changes in local real
estate market conditions due to changes in national or local economic conditions or changes
in local property market characteristics; competition from other properties offering the same
or similar services; changes in interest rates and in the state of the debt and equity credit
markets; the ongoing need for capital improvements; changes in real estate tax rates and
other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; adverse
changes in zoning laws; the impact of present or future environmental legislation and
compliance with environmental laws.
Limited Liquidity of Investments
Certain investment funds, including real estate, fixed income, venture capital and closed-end
funds, are generally illiquid, with very limited or non-existent transfer and withdrawal rights;
investors cannot liquidate or transfer such investments even in an emergency. Fund
managers and Independent Managers can invest in securities that trade at a low volume and
that are relatively illiquid. These can include, among others, private securities, secured debt
securities, real estate, and certain publicly traded equity securities, particularly those with
small capitalizations. Managers cannot liquidate these investments promptly if needed. In
addition, sales of those securities in an illiquid market could depress their market value.
Illiquid securities can include privately placed or “restricted” securities that are subject to
substantial holding periods or cannot be traded in public markets. Restricted securities
generally are difficult or impossible to sell at prices comparable to the market prices of similar
securities that are publicly traded. No assurance can be given that any restricted securities
will become registered so as to be eligible to be traded on a public market.
Valuation Risks
Some investments can be difficult to value, including interests in private funds and other
private securities. The managers generally determine the value of such investments in good
faith. Any mis-valuation could adversely affect investors, including causing them to pay AAA
and the other managers higher fees than they would pay if the valuations were accurate.
Multiple Layers of Fees and Expenses
In addition to AAA’s management fees, and potential custodian fees, Clients bear the
management fees and other expenses charged by mutual funds and private funds in which
their accounts are invested. Clients whose accounts are invested with Independent Managers
bear the fees of those managers and the other expenses of those accounts. AAA evaluates
the fee level of all investments it selects and can have access to lower cost share classes or
other lower-cost structures that are not be available to clients investing on their own.
However, the multiple layers of fees and expenses can result in a higher cost of investment
than would be the case if a Client were to invest directly in those funds, accounts managed
13
by Independent Managers, or securities or other assets in which any of those funds and
accounts invest.
Cyber Risk
AAA’s information and technology systems can be vulnerable to damage or interruption from
computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by
unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors by their respective professionals,
power outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and
earthquakes. The failures of these systems or the failure of AAA’s Disaster Recovery Plans for
any reason could cause significant interruptions in the AAA’s operations and result in a failure
to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including private
information relating to Clients.
Public Health Risk
Large-scale outbreaks of infectious disease that can greatly increase morbidity and mortality
over a wide geographic area, crossing international boundaries, and causing significant
economic, social, and political disruption.
Firm personnel work remotely from time to time and have the ability to work remote full-
time should any unforeseen public health circumstances arise.
Force Majeure
AAA shall not be responsible for delays or failures if such delay arises out of causes beyond
its control. Such causes can include, but are not restricted to, acts of God, acts of the public
enemy, acts or omissions of subcontractors or other third parties, fires, floods, epidemics,
riots, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, earthquakes, electrical outages,
computer or communications failures, and severe weather.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear.
K. Material, Significant, or Unusual Risks
Certain investment strategies are signal based and utilize market timing techniques and/or
leveraged products. Managers often rely on decision making models that, if incorrect, can result
in significant losses over a short period of time. AAA is aware of these risks and will only allocate
Client assets in a manner that is consistent with the Client’s profile. However, as discussed in Item
4.B and Item 5.A of the ADV Part 2A, Clients can elect to hire and direct AAA solely to invest in
certain strategies in a particular weighting. If applicable, AAA will invest Client assets consistent
with its fiduciary duty, but will not necessarily be privy to the Client’s overall net worth for the
purposes of monitoring the suitability of these investments over time.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in securities involves a risk of loss
that you, as a Client, should be prepared to bear.
14
L. Voting Client Securities (Proxy Voting)
Client can choose to direct shareholder and proxy voting material to the Advisor on the
Custodian’s new account paperwork. If Client authorizes AAA to vote proxies, Client
understands that AAA will generally determine how to vote proxies based on reasonable
judgment of what would most likely produce favorable financial results for Client and all other
clients owning the security.
AAA has retained an independent proxy voting service (the “Proxy Service”) to assist in voting
proxies in a timely manner. The Proxy Service will maintain records of the AAA’s proxy voting
records. AAA shall provide proxy-voting information to Client upon its written or oral request.
Copies of AAA’s proxy voting policies are available to Client upon request.
Client will maintain exclusive responsibility for all legal proceedings or other type of events
relating to their holdings, including but not limited to class action lawsuits.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
AAA will generally cast proxy votes in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared
interests of the issuer’s shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or
increase shareholder influence over the issuer’s board of directors and management, and
maintain or increase the rights of shareholders. AAA will generally cast proxy votes against
proposals having the opposite effect. However, AAA will consider both sides of each proxy
issue to be voted on. AAA can vote in a manner that is contrary to the general guidelines if it
believes that it would be in a client’s best interest to do so.
AAA can abstain from voting of proxies if it determines that a client’s interests are best served
by abstaining. AAA will not take into account social considerations unless written instructions
from Client have been otherwise provided. Client understands that AAA will not vote proxies
for restricted securities owned by Client.
Conflicts of Interest
In the unlikely event that AAA is presented with a material conflict between AAA’s interest and
a Client’s interest, AAA will resolve the manner as follows:
If applicable, follow the guidelines presented in AAA’s Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures
AAA will disclose the conflict of interest to the relevant Clients and obtain their consent
to the proposed vote. AAA will sufficiently explain the conflict and clearly outline the
Clients’ options. If a Client chooses not to respond to AAA’s inquiry, AAA will abstain from
voting the proposal.
15
Client can direct AAA to forward the proxy material to an independent third party selected
by the Client. AAA will vote the proposal consistent with the independent third party’s
recommendation. If the independent third party does not respond in a timely manner,
AAA will abstain from voting the Client proposal.
More Information
Client can request, in writing, information on how proxies for their shares were voted. Client
can request a copy of AAA’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures free of charge, which will be
delivered in a timely manner to the Client. Requests should be made to AAA’s Chief Compliance
Officer at (917) 810-5530, or by email to domani@domaniadvisors.com.
ITEM 7: CLIENT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
All Client information material to managing the portfolio (including basic information, risk
tolerance, sophistication level, and income level) is provided to the portfolio manager. The
portfolio manager will also have access to that information as it changes and is updated.
ITEM 8: CLIENT CONTACT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
AAA does not restrict Clients from contacting portfolio managers. AAA’s representatives can be
contacted during regular business hours using the information on the Form ADV Part 2A or ADV
Part 2B cover page.
ITEM 9: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Disciplinary Action and Other Financial Industry Activities
There are no legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or prospective
client’s evaluation of this advisory business or the integrity of our management.
Other Industry Activities and Affiliations
None
16
Registration Relationships Material to this Advisory Business and Possible Conflicts of Interests
Neither AAA nor its representatives have registration relationships to report.
Selection of Other Advisers or Managers and How This Adviser is Compensated for Those
Selections
AAA does not have sole discretion to select third-party investment advisers on behalf of clients.
AAA can direct or introduce Clients to third-party investment advisers to access diversifying
strategies. AAA does not accept compensation from third-party advisers. AAA can continue to
receive a fee from the Client on those assets as part of the overall advisory fee or as part of the
Reporting Service. The Client will pay the third-party adviser the standard fee for services, which
will be known to Client at the time of engaging with the third-party adviser. AAA will always act
in the best interest of the Client when researching which third-party investment advisers the
Client should consider allocation to.
AAA has relationships with independent outside advisors (“Signal Providers”) to provide research
and signals on select investment strategies or models. AAA can engage or terminate any Signal
Provider as it deems appropriate and any fees or compensation to the Signal Provider shall be
paid by the Advisor.
B. Code of Ethics, Client Referrals, and Financial Information
AAA has a written Code of Ethics that covers the following areas:
AAA has a written Code of Ethics that covers the following areas: Prohibited Purchases and Sales,
Insider Trading, Personal Securities Transactions, Exempted Transactions, Prohibited Activities,
Conflicts of Interest, Gifts and Entertainment, Confidentiality, Service on a Board of Directors,
Compliance Procedures, Compliance with Laws and Regulations, Procedures and Reporting,
Certification of Compliance, Reporting Violations, Compliance Officer Duties, Training and
Education, Recordkeeping, Annual Review, and Sanctions. AAA's Code of Ethics is available free
upon request to any Client or prospective Client.
C. Recommendations Involving Material Financial Interests
AAA typically does not have any material financial interest in the securities it recommends to
Clients.
D.
Investing Personal Money in the Same Securities as Clients
Representatives and related persons of AAA can buy or sell securities for themselves that they
also recommend to Clients. Such transactions can create a conflict of interest if a representative
or related person of AAA buys or sells the same security before or after recommending the
security to a Client, profiting off the recommendation. AAA does not allow its representatives or
related persons to engage in trading that is to a Client’s disadvantage. AAA will document any
17
transactions that could be construed as a conflict of interest. AAA maintains a restricted securities
list. Representatives and related persons of AAA must first receive written approval from the CCO
before purchasing/selling any restricted security or its derivatives.
E. Trading Securities at/around the Same Time as Clients’ Securities
Representatives and related persons of AAA can buy or sell securities for themselves that they
also recommend to Clients. Such transactions can create a conflict of interest if a representative
or related person of AAA buys or sells the same security before or after recommending the
security to a Client, profiting off the recommendation. AAA does not allow its representatives or
related persons to engage in trading that is to a Client’s disadvantage. AAA will document any
transactions that could be construed as a conflict of interest. AAA maintains a restricted securities
list. Representatives and related persons of AAA must first receive written approval from the CCO
before purchasing/selling any restricted security or its derivatives.
F. Frequency and Nature of Periodic Reviews
All managed Client accounts are reviewed at least annually by an investment adviser
representative to ensure allocations are consistent with the Client’s risk/return profile.
G. Factors That Will Trigger a Non-Periodic Review of Client Accounts
A non-periodic review of a Client’s accounts can be triggered as a result of material market,
economic or political events, or by changes in the Client’s financial situation or goals. Client can
request a review of accounts at any time.
H. Content and Frequency of Regular Reports Provided to Clients
Each Client of AAA with an account will receive a report from the custodian in the form of a
statement. Statements are generally delivered monthly, detailing the Client’s account, holdings,
asset value, and transactions (including fees). AAA can also deliver consolidated reporting to
Clients, either by mail or electronically. Client should carefully compare the reports with the
statements they receive from the custodian, market values can differ as a result of calculation
methods.
I. Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Clients
AAA does not receive any economic benefit, directly or indirectly from any third party for advice
rendered to AAA Clients. However, AAA receives services from Schwab as a result of
recommending Schwab as a custodian and broker-dealer for our Client accounts, as described in
Item 12 of the Firm’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure.
J. Compensation to Non – Advisory Personnel for Client Referrals
AAA does not directly or indirectly compensate non-advisory personnel for Client referrals.
18
K. Balance Sheet
AAA neither requires nor solicits prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per Client, six months
or more in advance, and therefore is not required to include a balance sheet with this brochure.
L. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Ability to Meet Contractual
Commitments to Clients
AAA does not have any financial condition that would impair its ability to meet contractual
commitments to Clients.
M. Bankruptcy Petitions in Previous Ten Years
AAA has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
19
Additional Brochure: ADV PART 2A (2025-03-27)
View Document Text
AMERICAN ALPHA ADVISORS, LLC
D/B/A DOMANI ADVISORS
FORM ADV PART 2A – FIRM BROCHURE
ITEM 1 COVER PAGE
March 27, 2025
AMERICAN ALPHA ADVISORS, LLC
D/B/A Domani Advisors
10 West 33rd Street, Suite 802
New York NY, 10001
FIRM CONCTACT: SAM HADDAD, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
WWW.DOMANIADVISORS.COM
FIRM CRD #291796
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of American
Alpha Advisors, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact
Sam Haddad at (917) 810-5530 or by email at domani@domaniadvisors.com. The information in
this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about American Alpha Advisors, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site using a unique identifying number,
is 291796.
known as a CRD number. American Alpha Advisors, LLC CRD #
The use of the term “registered investment advisor,” “registered,” or “registration” does not
imply a certain level of skill or training. Registration with the SEC as an investment adviser does
not imply that American Alpha Advisors, LLC or any Principals or Employees of American Alpha
Advisors, LLC possess a particular level of skill or training in the investment advisory business or
any other business.
As used in this brochure, the words "we", "our" and "us" refer to AAA and the words
“you", “your" and "client" refer to you as either a client or prospective client of our firm.
1
ITEM 2. MATERIAL CHANGES
As a registered investment adviser, American Alpha Advisors, LLC d/b/a Domani Advisors
(hereinafter, “AAA” or “the Firm”) must ensure that the ADV Part 2 is current and accurate and
makes full disclosure of all material facts relating to the advisory relationship. AAA will ensure
that you receive a summary of any material changes and subsequent Brochures within 120 days
of the close of our business fiscal year. Furthermore, AAA will provide you with other interim
disclosures about material changes as necessary. This Item discusses only the material changes
that have occurred since Advisor’s last annual update dated March 2024.
Item 4.B – Description of Advisory Services
The Firm added key descriptions of its advisory services provided to clients with
retirement assets - including those with individual retirement accounts and retirement
benefit plans.
2
ITEM 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 2. MATERIAL CHANGES.......................................................................................................2
ITEM 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................3
ITEM 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS .......................................................................................................4
ITEM 5. FEES AND COMPENSATION .............................................................................................8
ITEM 6. PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT ...................................10
ITEM 7. TYPES OF CLIENTS .........................................................................................................10
ITEM 8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES & RISK OF LOSS .............................10
ITEM 9. DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION .......................................................................................16
ITEM 10. OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ......................................16
ITEM 11. CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTERST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND
PERSONAL TRADING..................................................................................................................18
ITEM 12. BROKERAGE PRACTICES ..............................................................................................19
ITEM 13. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS ...............................................................................................22
ITEM 14. CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION .......................................................22
ITEM 15. CUSTODY ....................................................................................................................23
ITEM 16. INVESTMENT DISCRETION ..........................................................................................24
ITEM 17. VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ........................................................................................24
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ..........................................................................................25
3
ITEM 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS
A. Description of Advisory Firm
American Alpha Advisors, LLC d/b/a Domani Advisors (hereinafter, “AAA”) is a Limited Liability
Company organized in the State of New York in October 2014 and in business as a registered
investment adviser since 2017. As of August 2018, the principal owner of AAA is Sam Haddad.
AAA’s principal office and place of business is located at:
10 West 33rd Street, Suite 802
New York, NY 10001
Regular business hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday.
AAA has an additional office located at:
1 Main Street, Suite 401
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Meetings at the Eatontown office are by appointment only.
AAA provides Clients with Investment Management and Reporting of investments across
different asset classes.
B. Description of Advisory Services
AAA primarily offers ongoing Investment Management and Reporting Services to Clients. AAA
provides advisory services to Clients through individuals registered as investment adviser
representatives (“IARs”).
AAA offers advisory services based on the individual goals, objectives, time horizon, and risk
tolerance of each Client. AAA creates an Investment Policy Statement for each Client, which
outlines the Client’s current situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels). Portfolio
management services include, but are not limited to, the following:
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
Determine investment strategy
Asset allocation
Assessment of risk tolerance
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
(cid:127)
Personal investment policy
Security selection
Ongoing portfolio monitoring
AAA evaluates the current investments of each Client with respect to their risk tolerance levels
and time horizon. Risk tolerance levels are documented in the Investment Policy Statement,
which is given to each Client.
AAA maintains an institutional relationship with Schwab Advisor Services, part of Charles Schwab
& Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and a member of FINRA and SIPC, to custody advisory assets. AAA will request discretionary
authority from Clients in order to select securities and execute transactions in Client accounts.
4
AAA provides advisory services in accordance with its fiduciary duty and without consideration
of AAA’s own economic interest or financial benefit. AAA’s services are designed to assist Clients
in meeting their financial goals and objectives using various investments. AAA will conduct
periodic meetings with Clients to review portfolio, risk tolerance, financial situation and goals. If
a Client undergoes a significant change to his/her financial situation or goals, the Client should
notify AAA so that we can consider this information in managing the Client’s investments.
Investment Management
AAA provides advisory Clients with Investment Management services. AAA utilizes several
different investment strategies and will allocate Client assets to one or more strategies on a
discretionary basis in a particular proportion. AAA will allocate so that the overall risk/return
profile of the Client’s assets across all strategies is suitable to the Client. AAA’s managed
portfolios primarily consist of mutual funds, typically institutional share class with the lowest
expense ratio available. AAA can use other instruments, such as, ETFs, REITs, bonds, individual
stocks, or options to help diversify or hedge a portfolio.
In addition to core strategies, AAA offers several other strategies that are based on research
and/or signals provided by third-party managers. These strategies can utilize market timing
and/or leveraged products. Client will be made aware that these strategies, which require opt-
in, have a higher fee (“Strategy Fee”). The Strategy Fee will be disclosed to the Client, either orally
or in writing. Due to the unique nature of these strategies, AAA will only allocate Client assets
with prior oral or written approval.
A Client can elect to hire AAA solely for Investment Management in a particular strategy, in which
case he/she will forego the typical holistic advisory services and AAA will not monitor the Client’s
overall financial situation.
AAA has relationships with independent outside advisors (“Signal Providers”) to provide research
and signals on select investment strategies or models. AAA can engage or terminate any Signal
Provider as it deems appropriate and any fees or compensation to the Signal Provider shall be
paid by the Advisor.
Certain strategies have different costs to the Firm associated with them. Some strategies are
more profitable to our Firm than others. We eliminate this conflict by acting in your best interest
and allocating across strategies consistent with your risk/return profile.
Reporting Services
Clients can elect to hire AAA to monitor, oversee and report on external managers and
investments for a mutually agreed upon fee to be invoiced to the Client. Managers can include
third-party advisers, hedge fund managers, private equity managers or any other managing-
member of a passive investment. Investments can include passive real estate holdings, hedge
fund, private equity or any other passive investment syndication. AAA does not accept
compensation from managers of external investments to which we provide Reporting Services.
5
The Reporting Service consists of tracking performance while also documenting contributions,
distributions, and income of an external investment. AAA will communicate directly with
managers to facilitate the cash management process, receive investment updates and assist with
paperwork. Such external investments will be included on the Client’s consolidated net worth
report and provided to Clients on a periodic basis either in person, by mail or electronically.
Rollover Recommendations
As part of our investment management services, AAA can recommend that Clients withdraw the
assets from their employer’s retirement plan and roll the assets over to an individual retirement
account (“IRA”) that the Firm will manage on the Client’s behalf. If Clients elect to roll the assets
to an IRA that is managed by AAA, the Firm will charge an asset-based fee as set forth in the
agreement the Client executed with our Firm. This is a conflict of interest because AAA has an
incentive to recommend a rollover for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather
than solely based on the Client’s needs. Clients are under no obligation to complete the rollover
and/or have the assets in an IRA managed by AAA.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company plan.
Also, current employees can sometimes transfer assets out of their company plan before they
retire or change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, Clients should
consider the costs and benefits of: (1) Leaving the assets in their employer’s (or former
employer’s) plan; (2) moving the funds to a new employer’s retirement plan; (3) cashing out and
taking a taxable distribution from the plan; and/or (4) rolling the funds into an IRA rollover
account. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages.
Clients should speak with their CPA and/or tax attorney before making a change. AAA’s
recommendations can include any of these options, depending on what we determine is in your
best interest.
The Firm is held to the fiduciary duty standard under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Additionally, when AAA provides advice regarding a retirement plan account or an individual
retirement account, the Firm is also a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws
governing retirement accounts.
6
Pension and Other Retirement Plans
AAA provides advisory services to pension plans and retirement plan clients. These advisory
services are tailored to the required needs of each client and typically include our investment
management services through our Wrap Fee Program.
C. Tailoring of Advisory Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
Regardless of the services provided, AAA will tailor the services to the individual needs of the
Client. AAA will conduct an assessment to understand the risk tolerance, goals, time horizon and
financial situation of the individual Client or entity. Clients can request to impose a restriction on
discretionary accounts relating to the types of investments or securities, in accordance with
his/her beliefs. Since AAA primarily allocates advisory assets in mutual funds, we cannot
guarantee that a restricted security is not a position in a mutual fund that is owned by a Client.
D. Wrap Fee Program
AAA acts as a portfolio manager and sponsor of a wrap free program, which is a program where
a Client pays one stated fee that includes advisory fees for portfolio management, transaction
costs, and other certain administrative fees. This brochure describes AAA’s general services;
Clients should also see AAA’s separate Wrap Free Program Brochure. AAA exclusively manages
portfolios in a wrap fee program for the purposes of simplicity and transparent pricing. AAA
receives the advisory fee stated in Item 5 (or the Client’s Investment Advisory Agreement) as a
management fee under the wrap free program.
You can likely find advisory services and brokerage services elsewhere for a combined fee that is
less than what you pay or will pay at AAA. The benefits under a wrap fee program depend, in
part, upon the size of the account, the costs associated with managing the account, and the
frequency or type of securities transactions executed in the account.
Conflict of Interest. When managing Client portfolios on a wrap fee basis, the more costs that
are incurred for custodial, trading and other administrative costs (including execution and
transaction fees), the less profitable it is to our firm. Accordingly, AAA has a conflict of interest
because the Firm has a financial incentive to maximize compensation by seeking to reduce or
minimize the total costs incurred in your account(s). AAA resolves this conflict of interest by
treating every account invested in a particular strategy substantially the same regardless of
account size and investing in the Client’s best interest. Additionally, many custodians do not
charge commissions or transaction fees for online trades of U.S. exchange-listed equities, U.S.
exchange-listed ETFs, and no-transaction-fee (“NTF”) mutual funds. This means that, in most
cases, when AAA buys these types of securities, the Firm can do so without paying commissions
to the custodian.
In order to evaluate whether the cost of AAA’s Wrap Fee Program and Portfolio Management
arrangement is appropriate for you, you should compare the agreed-upon Advisory Fee with
those amounts that would be charged by other firms. See Item 5 and Item 12 of this brochure.
7
E. Regulatory Assets Under Management
Discretionary Amounts:
Non-Discretionary Amounts:
Date Calculated:
$304,356,000
$0.00
December 31, 2024
ITEM 5. FEES AND COMPENSATION
A. Compensation for Advisory Services
AAA’s annual fee for all of its advisory services described above in Item 4.B, follows a tiered
(blended) fee schedule:
Assets Under Management
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,000,000
2,000,000
10,000,000
20,000,000
50,000,000
100,000,000
200,000,000
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
10,000,000
20,000,000
50,000,000
100,000,000
200,000,000 +
Incremental Fee Rate
1.00%
0.80%
0.70%
0.60%
0.50%
0.40%
0.30%
0.20%
The advisory fee is calculated by multiplying the incremental fee rate for each range of AUM. AAA
bills in arrears and the advisory fee is calculated using the value of the assets on the last business
day of the billing period. Tiered fee rates can be calculated based on household market values at
the discretion of AAA.
AAA generally billed monthly based on the following calculation:
Sample Computation
∗ 𝐴𝑈𝑀
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 %
12
Fees are negotiable and the final fee schedule is attached as Exhibit II of the Investment Advisory
Contract. Clients can terminate the agreement without penalty for a full refund of AAA’s fees
within five business days of signing the Investment Advisory Contract. Thereafter, Clients can
terminate the Investment Advisory Contract with 30 days written notice. AAA believes that its
advisory fees are reasonable, but the AAA’s fees can be more than the cost of purchasing the
same or comparable services through other investment advisors. AAA can, in its sole discretion,
reduce, waive or calculate differently its fee with respect to certain Clients, including employees
or family members.
8
Strategy Fees
As discussed in Item 4.B, Clients can elect to hire AAA for Investment Management services or
choose to participate in a particular strategy with an associated Strategy Fee. Strategy Fees can
vary, but the maximum combined annual fee a Client will pay for advisory fees and/or Strategy
Fees is 2.00%.
Reporting Services
Clients and AAA can agree on a fee for Reporting Services, separate from the advisory fee set
forth in the above tiered fee schedule. AAA will monitor, oversee and report on external
managers and investments for an agreed upon additional fee as disclosed in the investment
management agreement.
Payment of Fees
AAA deducts advisory fees directly from Client accounts at the end of each billing period. Client
provides written authorization to do so in the Investment Advisory Contract and the custodian
account opening paperwork. A Client can request to be billed or invoiced for advisory fees. If AAA
and Client agree to such an arrangement, AAA will invoice Client at the end of each billing period
using an electronic invoice. If applicable, AAA will invoice Client for fees associated with Reporting
Services, which are separate from the advisory fee.
Other Fees or Expenses
Clients utilizing AAA’s Wrap Fee Program should see the separate Wrap Fee Program Brochure
for additional details regarding third party fees.
All Clients are subject to additional expenses, such as, mutual fund expenses, interest (margin)
expense, wire fees and check fees or other fees that are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses associated with AAA. Please see Item 12 of this brochure for more details regarding
broker/custodian.
Each Client will be responsible for certain charges imposed by unaffiliated third parties and
incurred in connection with AAA’s provision of the services, including in the course of the
investment of, or arising from the investment or administration of each Client’s assets.
B. Prepayment of Fees
AAA charges advisory fees in arrears. It does not collect fees in advance.
C. Outside Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Neither AAA nor its supervised persons accept any compensation for the sale of investment
products, including asset-based sales charges or service fees from the sale of mutual funds.
9
ITEM 6. PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
AAA does not accept performance-based fees.
ITEM 7. TYPES OF CLIENTS
AAA offers services for individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, foundations, families
and/or small businesses in a family office style. There is no minimum account size.
ITEM 8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES & RISK OF LOSS
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis
AAA’s methods of analysis include Fundamental analysis, Quantitative analysis, Technical
Analysis, and Cyclical Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves the analysis of financial statements, the general
financial health of companies, and/or the analysis of management or competitive
advantages. Fundamental analysis attempts to measure the intrinsic value of a
security to determine if the security is underpriced or overpriced.
Quantitative analysis is a technique that seeks to understand behavior by using
mathematical and statistical modeling, measurement and research.
Technical analysis involves the analysis of historical chart patterns and past market
data, such as, price, volume, money flows and investor behavior.
Cyclical analysis measures the movements of a particular security against the overall
stock market in an attempt to understand trends and predict the price movement of
the security.
Investment Strategies
AAA uses long term trading, short term trading, short sales, option trading (including covered
options, uncovered options or spread trades) and margin.
The primary investment strategy implemented in Client accounts is asset allocation. Based on
AAA’s market and economic outlook and Client’s profile, we consider factors such as income
needs, risk/return profile, investment time horizon and tax consequences; we diversify
investments across different asset classes and investment styles.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear.
10
B. Material Risks Involved
Methods of Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves risk as the inputs used in the analysis of a security can
change suddenly or over time. The security is exposed to the movements of the
broader market or the market can fail to reach the expectations of perceived value.
Quantitative analysis involves risk as the investment strategy can act differently than
expected as a result of the model. The construction and implementation of the model
can be skewed as a result of trends, weight placed on each factor, or technical issues.
Technical analysis involves risk as the market will not exactly follow the discernible
patterns recognized in the past. The market can perform with little or no connection
to past patterns and new patterns can emerge over time.
Cyclical analysis involves risk as cycles can invert or disappear either suddenly or
over time.
Investment Strategies
General Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such loss.
Investments in securities and other financial instruments and products are subject to many types
of risk that can cause the permanent loss of capital as a result of adverse market conditions.
General Risks
Currency Risk – fluctuations in “local” market security prices can result if positions are
not hedged
Geopolitical Risk – changes in the political status of any country can have profound
effects on the value of securities within that country
Liquidity Risk – particular investments can be difficult to sell at the best price at a
particular point in time
Market Risk – market prices of securities held can fall rapidly or dramatically due to a
variety of unpredictable factors, including changing economic, political or market
conditions
Non-Diversification Risk – lack of diversification can result in stronger fluctuations in
market value
Sector Risk – companies that are in similar industry sectors can be similarly affected
by particular economic or market events
Volatility Risk – higher volatility can result in dramatic changes in security values
Counterparty Risk – risk that either party to a contract will not meet their respective
obligations
11
Credit Risk – issuers of bonds or other debt securities cannot be able to meet interest
or principal payments when the bonds come due
Credit Quality – lower quality bonds can experience a higher risk of default
Duration – fluctuations in interest rates can have a greater impact on longer duration
assets
Inflation Risk – the price of an asset, or the income generated by an asset, cannot
keep up with the cost of living
Interest Rate Risk – changing interest rates affect the value of bonds
Municipal Market Risk – factors unique to the municipal bond market can negatively
affect the value of municipal bonds, including risk of payment default and priority in
which payments can be made by municipal issuers
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal through
trading. Mutual fund and ETF shareholders are also subject to the risks stemming from the
individual issuers of the fund. Shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-level capital
gains, as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains should they
sell securities for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the
fund itself or a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is
equal to a fund’s stated daily per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholder costs
(e.g., sales loads, purchase fees, redemption fees). The per share NAV of a mutual fund is
calculated at the end of each business day, although the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday
changes to the market value of the fund’s holdings. The trading prices of a mutual fund’s
shares can differ significantly from the NAV during periods of market volatility, which can,
among other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to
NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is
generally calculated at least once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for
actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies can cause the shares to trade at a
premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also no guarantee that an active
secondary market for such shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only
redeems shares when aggregated as creation units (usually 50,000 shares or more).
Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a
shareholder can have no way to dispose of such shares.
Fund overlap is a situation where an investor invests in several mutual funds with
overlapping positions. Fund overlap can be caused by owning several mutual funds or
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exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Fund overlap reduces the benefits of diversification for the
investor.
Equity Securities
The value of the equity securities held are subject to market risk, including changes in
economic conditions, growth rates, profits, interest rates and the market’s perception of
these securities. While offering greater potential for long-term growth, equity securities are
more volatile and generally carry more risk than some other forms of investment.
Option Transactions
The purchase or sale of an option involves the payment or receipt of a premium payment
and the corresponding right or obligation, as the case could be, to either purchase or sell
the underlying investment for a specific price at a certain time or during a certain period.
Purchasing options involves the risk that the underlying investment does not change in price
in the manner expected, so that the option expires worthless and the investor loses its
premium. Selling options, on the other hand, involves potentially greater risk because the
investor is exposed to the extent of the actual price movement in the underlying investment
in excess of the premium payment received.
Market Risks
The profitability of a significant portion of the Advisor’s recommendations can depend to a
great extent upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of stocks (either
long, or, short positions) and bonds. There can be no assurance that the Advisor will be able
to predict those price movements accurately over a sustained period of time.
Use of Margin
Margin transactions use leverage that is borrowed from a brokerage firm as collateral. When
losses occur, the value of the margin account can fall below the brokerage firm’s threshold
thereby triggering a margin call. This can force the account holder to either allocate more
funds to the account or sell assets on a shorter time frame than desired.
Options transactions involve a contract to purchase a security at a given price, not necessarily
at market value, depending on the market. This strategy includes the risk that an option can
expire out of the money resulting in minimal or no value, as well as the possibility of leveraged
loss of trading capital due to the leveraged nature of stock options.
Short sales entail the possibility of infinite loss. An increase in the applicable securities’ prices
will result in a loss and, over time, the market has historically trended upward.
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Use of Independent Managers
The Advisor can recommend the use of Independent Managers for certain Clients. The
Advisor will continue to do ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such
recommendations rely, to a great extent, on the Independent Manager’s ability to
successfully implement their investment strategy. In addition, the Advisor does not have the
ability to supervise the Independent Managers on a day-to-day basis.
Use of Private Pooled Investment Vehicles
The Advisor can recommend the investment by certain Clients into private pooled investment
vehicles (some of which can be typically called “hedge funds”). The managers of these
vehicles (which can include the Advisor with respect to an affiliated Fund) will have broad
discretion in selecting the investments. There are few limitations on the types of securities or
other financial instruments which can be traded and no requirement to diversify. The hedge
funds can trade on margin or otherwise leverage positions, or utilize short-selling or
derivatives, thereby potentially increasing the risk to the vehicle. In addition, there can be
restricted liquidity, and because the vehicles are not registered as investment companies,
there is an absence of regulation. There are numerous other risks in investing in these private
funds. The Client will receive a private placement memorandum and/or other documents
explaining such risks.
Real estate funds
Real Estate Funds (including REITs) face several kinds of risk that are inherent in the real
estate sector, which historically has experienced significant fluctuations and cycles in
performance. Revenues and cash flows can be adversely affected by: changes in local real
estate market conditions due to changes in national or local economic conditions or changes
in local property market characteristics; competition from other properties offering the same
or similar services; changes in interest rates and in the state of the debt and equity credit
markets; the ongoing need for capital improvements; changes in real estate tax rates and
other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; adverse
changes in zoning laws; the impact of present or future environmental legislation and
compliance with environmental laws.
Limited Liquidity of Investments
Certain investment funds, including real estate, fixed income, venture capital and closed-end
funds, are generally illiquid, with very limited or non-existent transfer and withdrawal rights;
investors cannot liquidate or transfer such investments even in an emergency. Fund
managers and Independent Managers can invest in securities that trade at a low volume and
that are relatively illiquid. These can include, among others, private securities, secured debt
securities, real estate, and certain publicly traded equity securities, particularly those with
small capitalizations. Managers are not able to liquidate these investments promptly if
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needed. In addition, sales of those securities in an illiquid market could depress their market
value. Illiquid securities can include privately placed or “restricted” securities that are subject
to substantial holding periods or unable to be traded in public markets. Restricted securities
generally are difficult or impossible to sell at prices comparable to the market prices of similar
securities that are publicly traded. No assurance can be given that any restricted securities
will become registered so as to be eligible to be traded on a public market.
Valuation Risks
Some investments are difficult to value, including interests in private funds and other private
securities. The managers generally determine the value of such investments in good faith.
Any mis-valuation could adversely affect investors, including causing them to pay AAA and
the other managers higher fees than they would pay if the valuations were accurate.
Multiple Layers of Fees and Expenses
In addition to AAA’s management fees, and potential custodian fees, Clients bear the
management fees and other expenses charged by mutual funds and private funds in which
their accounts are invested. Clients whose accounts are invested with Independent Managers
bear the fees of those managers and the other expenses of those accounts. AAA evaluates
the fee level of all investments it selects and can have access to lower cost share classes or
other lower-cost structures that are not be available to clients investing on their own.
However, the multiple layers of fees and expenses can result in a higher cost of investment
than would be the case if a Client were to invest directly in those funds, accounts managed
by Independent Managers, or securities or other assets in which any of those funds and
accounts invest.
Cyber Risk
AAA’s information and technology systems can be vulnerable to damage or interruption from
computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by
unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors by their respective professionals,
power outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and
earthquakes. The failures of these systems or the failure of AAA’s Disaster Recovery Plans for
any reason could cause significant interruptions in the AAA’s operations and result in a failure
to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including private
information relating to Clients.
Public Health Risk
Large-scale outbreaks of infectious disease that can greatly increase morbidity and mortality
over a wide geographic area, crossing international boundaries, and causing significant
economic, social, and political disruption.
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Firm personnel work remotely from time to time and have the ability to work remote full-
time should any unforeseen public health circumstances arise.
Force Majeure
AAA shall not be responsible for delays or failures if such delay arises out of causes beyond
its control. Such causes can include, but are not restricted to, acts of God, acts of the public
enemy, acts or omissions of subcontractors or other third parties, fires, floods, epidemics,
riots, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, earthquakes, electrical outages,
computer or communications failures, and severe weather.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear.
C. Material, Significant, or Unusual Risks
Certain investment strategies are signal based and utilize market timing techniques and/or
leveraged products. Managers often rely on decision making models that, if incorrect, can result
in significant losses over a short period of time. AAA is aware of these risks and will only allocate
Client assets in a manner that is consistent with the Client’s profile. However, as discussed in Item
4.B and Item 5.A, Clients can elect to hire and direct AAA solely to invest in certain strategies in
a particular weighting. If applicable, AAA will invest Client assets consistent with its fiduciary duty,
but will not necessarily be privy to the Client’s overall net worth for the purposes of monitoring
the suitability of these investments over time.
ITEM 9. DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
AAA has no criminal or civil actions to report, no administrative proceedings to report and no
self-regulatory organization (SRO) proceedings to report.
ITEM 10. OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
A. Registration as a Broker/Deal or Broker/Deal Representatives
Neither AAA nor its representatives are reregistered as, or have pending application to become,
a broker/deal or a representative of a broker/dealer.
B. Registration as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or a
Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither AAA nor its representatives are registered as or have pending applications to become
either a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or Commodity Trading
Advisor or an associated person of the foregoing entities.
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C. Registration Relationships Material to this Advisory Business and Possible Conflicts of
Interest
Neither AAA nor its representatives have registration relationships to report.
D. Selection of Other Advisers or Managers and Adviser Compensation
AAA does not have sole discretion to select third-party investment advisers on behalf of clients.
AAA can direct or introduce Clients to third-party investment advisers to access diversifying
strategies. AAA does not accept compensation from third-party advisers. AAA can continue to
receive a fee from the Client on those assets as part of the overall advisory fee or as part of the
Reporting Service. The Client will pay the third-party adviser the standard fee for services, which
will be known to Client at the time of engaging with the third-party adviser. AAA will always act
in the best interest of the Client when researching which third-party investment advisers the
Client should consider allocation to.
AAA has relationships with independent outside advisors (“Signal Providers”) to provide research
and signals on select investment strategies or models. AAA can engage or terminate any Signal
Provider as it deems appropriate and any fees or compensation to the Signal Provider shall be
paid by the Advisor.
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ITEM 11. CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTERST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS
AND PERSONAL TRADING
A. Code of Ethics
AAA has a written Code of Ethics that covers the following areas:
AAA has a written Code of Ethics that covers the following areas: Prohibited Purchases and Sales,
Insider Trading, Personal Securities Transactions, Exempted Transactions, Prohibited Activities,
Conflicts of Interest, Gifts and Entertainment, Confidentiality, Service on a Board of Directors,
Compliance Procedures, Compliance with Laws and Regulations, Procedures and Reporting,
Certification of Compliance, Reporting Violations, Compliance Officer Duties, Training and
Education, Recordkeeping, Annual Review, and Sanctions. AAA's Code of Ethics is available free
upon request to any Client or prospective Client.
B. Recommendations Involving Material Financial Interests
AAA typically does not have any material financial interest in the securities it recommends to
Clients.
C.
Investing Personal Money in the Same Securities as Clients
Representatives and related persons of AAA can buy or sell securities for themselves that they
also recommend to Clients. Such transactions can create a conflict of interest if a representative
or related person of AAA buys or sells the same security before or after recommending the
security to a Client, profiting off the recommendation. AAA does not allow its representatives or
related persons to engage in trading that is to a Client’s disadvantage. AAA will document any
transactions that could be construed as a conflict of interest. AAA maintains a restricted securities
list. Representatives and related persons of AAA must first receive written approval from the CCO
before purchasing/selling any restricted security or its derivatives.
D. Trading Securities at/around the Same Time as Clients’ Securities
Representatives and related persons of AAA can buy or sell securities for themselves that they
also recommend to Clients. Such transactions can create a conflict of interest if a representative
or related person of AAA buys or sells the same security before or after recommending the
security to a Client, profiting off the recommendation. AAA does not allow its representatives or
related persons to engage in trading that is to a Client’s disadvantage. AAA will document any
transactions that could be construed as a conflict of interest. AAA maintains a restricted securities
list. Representatives and related persons of AAA must first receive written approval from the CCO
before purchasing/selling any restricted security or its derivatives.
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ITEM 12. BROKERAGE PRACTICES
AAA manages Clients’ assets in accounts held at a qualified custodian. AAA recommends the
brokerage and custodial services of Schwab Advisor Services (“Custodian”), member SIPC, a
subsidiary of Charles Schwab & Co. We are independently owned and operated and are not
affiliated with Schwab.
A. How We Select Custodians/Broker-dealers
AAA recommends a custodian/broker-dealer that will hold your assets and execute transactions
on terms that are, overall, the most favorable compared to other available custodians. AAA
considers various factors, such as:
Ability to buy and sell securities for your account
Trade execution, including “best execution”
Investment research and tools
Quality of services
Reputation, financial strength and stability
Relationship with our firm and our clients
Overall client experience
AAA is not required to select the broker-dealer that charges the lowest transaction cost, even if
that broker provides execution quality comparable to other brokers or dealers. Although AAA is
not required to execute all trades through Schwab, we have determined that having Schwab
execute most trades is consistent with our duty to seek “best execution” of Client trades. Best
execution means the most favorable terms for a transaction based on all relevant factors,
including those listed above (see “How We Select Custodians/Broker-dealers”).
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory firms
like AAA. Schwab provides AAA and its Clients with access to institutional brokerage services
(trading, custody, reporting, and related services). Schwab also makes available various support
services. Some of those services help AAA manage or administer Clients’ accounts, while others
help AAA manage and grow its business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an
unsolicited basis (we don’t have to request them) and at no charge to AAA. Following is a more
detailed description of Schwab’s support services:
Services that Benefit You
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. Schwab makes certain
investment products available to AAA which we might not otherwise have access to or that would
require a significantly higher minimum investment.
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Services that Do Not Directly Benefit You
Schwab makes available to AAA products and services that benefit the Firm but do not directly
benefit you as a Client. These products and services assist us in managing and administering our
Clients’ accounts and operating our firm. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own
and that of third parties. In addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available
software and other technology that:
Provides access to client account data and records
Facilitates trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders
Provides pricing and other market data
Facilitates payment of our fees from our Clients’ accounts
Assists with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting
Services that Generally Benefit Only Us
Schwab offers services intended to help AAA manage and further develop its business. These
services include:
Educational conferences and events
Technology, compliance, legal and business consulting
Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
Access to employee benefit providers, human capital consultants and insurance providers
Schwab can provide some of these services itself or arrange for third-party vendors to provide
the services to AAA. Schwab can discount or waive its fees for some of these services or pay all
or a part of a third party’s fees. In conducting its business relationship with AAA, Schwab can
provide benefits to firm personnel through occasional entertainment.
Our Interest in Schwab’s Services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits AAA because we do not have to produce
or purchase them. The fact that AAA receives these benefits from Schwab is an incentive for AAA
to recommend the use of Schwab rather than consider the custodian most suitable for each
specific Client situation. This is a conflict of interest. We believe, however, that taken in the
aggregate, AAA’s recommendation of Schwab as custodian and broker-dealer is in the best
interests of its Clients. AAA’s selection is primarily supported by the scope, quality, and price of
Schwab’s services described above.
1.
Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits
While AAA has no formal soft dollars program in which soft dollars are used to pay for third party
services, AAA can receive research, products, or other services from custodians and broker-
dealers in connection with Client securities transactions (“soft dollar benefits”).
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2.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
AAA receives no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that broker-
dealer or third party.
3.
Clients Directing Which Broker/Dealer/Custodian to Use
AAA can permit Clients to direct it to execute transactions through a specified broker-dealer. If a
Client directs brokerage, then the Client will be required to acknowledge in writing that the
Client’s direction with respect to the use of brokers supersedes any authority granted to AAA to
select brokers; this direction can result in higher commissions, which will result in a disparity
between free and directed accounts; the Client can be unable to participate in block trades
(unless AAA is able to engage in “step outs”); and trades for the Client and other directed
accounts can be executed after trades for free accounts, which can result in less favorable prices,
particularly for illiquid securities or during volatile market conditions. Not all investment advisers
allow their Clients to direct brokerage.
Schwab charges Clients a fee as a “prime broker” for trade away for each trade that we have
executed by a different broker dealer but where the securities or the funds from the securities
sold are deposited (settled) into the Client’s Schwab account. These fees are in addition to the
commissions or other compensation paid to the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in
order to minimize trading costs, AAA has selected Schwab to execute most trades.
B. Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
If AAA buys or sells the same securities on behalf of more than one Client, then it can (but would
be under no obligation to) aggregate or bunch such securities in a single transaction for multiple
Clients in order to seek more favorable prices, lower brokerage commissions, or more efficient
execution. In such case, AAA would place an aggregate order with the broker on behalf of all such
Clients in order to ensure fairness for all Clients; provided, however, that trades would be
reviewed periodically to ensure that accounts are not systematically disadvantaged by this policy.
AAA would determine the appropriate number of shares and select the appropriate brokers
consistent with its duty to seek best execution, except for those accounts with specific brokerage
direction (if any).
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ITEM 13. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
A. Frequency and Nature of Periodic Reviews and Who Makes Those Reviews
All managed Client accounts are reviewed at least annually by an investment adviser
representative to ensure allocations are consistent with the Client’s risk/return profile.
B. Factors That Will Trigger a Non-Periodic Review of Client Accounts
A non-periodic review of a Client’s accounts can be triggered as a result of material market,
economic or political events, or by changes in the Client’s financial situation or goals. Client can
request a review of accounts at any time.
C. Content and Frequency of Regular Reports Provided to Clients
Each Client of AAA with an account will receive a report from the custodian in the form of a
statement. Statements are generally delivered monthly, detailing the Client’s account, holdings,
asset value, and transactions (including fees). AAA can also deliver consolidated reporting to
Clients, either by mail or electronically. Client should carefully compare the reports with the
statements they receive from the custodian, market values can differ as a result of calculation
methods.
ITEM 14. CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
A. Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Clients (Includes Sales
Awards or Other Prizes)
AAA does not receive any economic benefit, directly or indirectly from any third party for
advice rendered to AAA Clients. However, AAA receives services from Schwab as a result of
recommending Schwab as a custodian and broker-dealer for our Client accounts, as described
in Item 12.
B. Compensation to Non-Advisory Personnel for Client Referrals
AAA does not directly or indirectly compensate non-advisory personnel for Client referrals.
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ITEM 15. CUSTODY
AAA deducts advisory fees directly from Client accounts at the custodian. AAA will be deemed to
have limited custody of Client’s assets. AAA can only debit fees from Client accounts with written
authorization. Client will receive account statements directly from the custodian at least
quarterly, typically monthly. AAA urges Clients to carefully review the statements they receive
from the custodian for accuracy.
AAA’s Client accounts will be held in custody by unaffiliated qualified custodians. AAA will not
have physical custody of any Client assets.
AAA generally will not have custody of the assets of its Clients, since it will not have the authority
to hold, directly or indirectly, such Clients’ funds or securities or have the authority to obtain
possession of them.
Standing Letters of Authorization
Our firm, or persons associated with our firm, can process wire transfers, ACH payments, journals
or check disbursements from Client accounts to one or more third parties designated, in writing,
by the Client without obtaining written Client consent for each separate, individual transaction.
Such written authorization is known as a Standing Letter of Authorization (“SLOA”). An adviser
with authority to conduct such third-party transfers has access to the Client's assets, and
therefore has custody of the Client's assets in any related accounts. However, we do not have to
obtain a surprise annual audit, as we otherwise would be required to by reason of having custody,
as long as we meet the following criteria outlined in the SEC’s no-action letter on February 21,
2017 which includes (in summary):
client will provide instruction for the SLOA to the custodian;
client will authorize the Firm to direct transfers to the specific third party;
the custodian will perform appropriate verification of the instruction and provide a
transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer;
the client will have the ability to terminate or change the instruction;
the Firm will have no authority or ability to designate or change the identity or any
information about the third party;
the Firm will keep records showing that the third party is not a related party of the Firm
or located at the same address as the Firm; and
the custodian will send the client an initial and annual notice confirming the SLOA
instructions.
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ITEM 16. INVESTMENT DISCRETION
AAA manages Client assets on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. Both the standard
Investment Advisory Agreement and Client account agreement grant AAA discretionary authority
over Client accounts. Where investment discretion has been granted, AAA will trade securities
and make investment decisions without consultation with the Client. The choice of security,
direction (buy/sell), quantity, market value and order type are determined solely by AAA. Client
can impose reasonable restrictions on AAA’s discretionary authority or investment approach,
which should be provided by the Client to AAA in writing. AAA will always managed Client assets
consistent with the investment objectives of the Client.
AAA can provide non-discretionary investment management services with respect to each
Client’s investable assets. AAA will work with each Client to develop investment guidelines based
on the Client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, and other factors. AAA will make
recommendations to each Client with respect to asset allocation and the investment and
reinvestment of the Client’s assets, but shall purchase or sell securities or other financial
instruments for each Client’s account only upon the Client’s authorization.
ITEM 17. VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Client can choose to direct shareholder and proxy voting material to the Advisor on the
Custodian’s new account paperwork. If Client authorizes AAA to vote proxies, Client understands
that AAA will generally determine how to vote proxies based on reasonable judgment of what
would most likely produce favorable financial results for Client and all other clients owning the
security.
AAA has retained an independent proxy voting service (the “Proxy Service”) to assist in voting
proxies in a timely manner. The Proxy Service will maintain records of the AAA’s proxy voting
records. AAA shall provide proxy-voting information to Client upon its written or oral request.
Copies of AAA’s proxy voting policies are available to Client upon request.
Client will maintain exclusive responsibility for all legal proceedings or other type of events
relating to their holdings, including but not limited to class action lawsuits.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
AAA will generally cast proxy votes in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared
interests of the issuer’s shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or
increase shareholder influence over the issuer’s board of directors and management, and
maintain or increase the rights of shareholders. AAA will generally cast proxy votes against
proposals having the opposite effect. However, AAA will consider both sides of each proxy issue
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to be voted on. AAA can vote in a manner that is contrary to the general guidelines if it believes
that it would be in a client’s best interest to do so.
AAA can abstain from voting of proxies if it determines that a client’s interests are best served by
abstaining. AAA will not take into account social considerations unless written instructions from
Client have been otherwise provided. Client understands that AAA will not vote proxies for
restricted securities owned by Client.
Conflicts of Interest
In the unlikely event that AAA is presented with a material conflict between AAA’s interest and
a Client’s interest, AAA will resolve the manner as follows:
If applicable, follow the guidelines presented in AAA’s Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures
AAA will disclose the conflict of interest to the relevant Clients and obtain their consent
to the proposed vote. AAA will sufficiently explain the conflict and clearly outline the
Clients’ options. If a Client chooses not to respond to AAA’s inquiry, AAA will abstain from
voting the proposal.
Client can direct AAA to forward the proxy material to an independent third party selected
by the Client. AAA will vote the proposal consistent with the independent third party’s
recommendation. If the independent third party does not respond in a timely manner,
AAA will abstain from voting the Client proposal.
More Information
Client can request, in writing, information on how proxies for their shares were voted. Client
can request a copy of AAA’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures free of charge, which will be
delivered in a timely manner to the Client. Requests should be made to AAA’s Chief Compliance
Officer at (917) 810-5530, or by email to domani@domaniadvisors.com.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
AAA is not required to provide financial information to Clients because:
AAA does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per Client, six
months or more in advance.
AAA nor its management has any financial conditions that is likely to reasonable impair
AAA’s ability to meet contractual commitments to Clients.
AAA has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition in the last ten years.
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