View Document Text
2025
Item 1 Cover Page
Disclosure Brochure
March 25, 2025
Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC
d/b/a Beirne., Beirne Group
A Registered Investment Adviser
3 Enterprise Drive
Suite 410
Shelton, CT 06484
www.beirnegroup.com
(203) 701-8606
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Beirne Wealth
Consulting Services, LLC d/b/a Beirne., Beirne Group (hereinafter “Beirne”, “BWC” or the “Firm”). If
you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact Dennis Grubelic at (203)
701-8606. 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 Beirne is available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Beirne is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training.
1
2025
Item 2. Material Changes
This Item discusses only the material changes that have occurred since the last annual
amendment update and provide clients with a summary of such changes.
The last annual update amendment was dated March 28, 2024.
Item 1. Cover Page and Item 4 Advisory Business has been updated to disclose that
Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC has added an additional doing business as or
d/b/a “Beirne Group” to the name of the firm.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices. Beirne offers direct trading for clientele, on a non-
discretionary basis.
Item 14. Client referrals and Other Compensation. Aitro Financial Group provides
insurance related services to the firm.
Beirne will ensure that clients receive a summary of any material changes to this and
subsequent disclosure brochures within 120 days after the end of the firm’s fiscal year
end. The firm’s fiscal year ends on December 31, clients will receive the summary of
material changes no later than April 30 each year. At that time, clients will also offer or
provide a copy of the most current disclosure brochure. Beirne will also provide other
ongoing disclosure information about material changes, as necessary.
2
2025
Item 3. Table of Contents
Contents
Item 1 Cover Page ........................................................................................................ 1
Item 2. Material Changes ................................................................................................ 2
Item 3. Table of Contents ............................................................................................... 3
Item 4. Advisory Business .............................................................................................. 4
Item 5. Fees and Compensation ................................................................................... 11
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ................................ 15
Item 7. Types of Clients ................................................................................................ 15
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .......................... 16
Item 9. Disciplinary Information ..................................................................................... 20
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................... 20
Item 11. Code of Ethics ................................................................................................ 21
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ........................................................................................ 22
Item 13. Review of Accounts ........................................................................................ 25
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ....................................................... 26
Item 15. Custody ........................................................................................................... 27
Item 16. Investment Discretion ..................................................................................... 27
Item 17. Voting Client Securities ................................................................................... 28
Item 18. Financial Information ....................................................................................... 28
3
2025
Item 4. Advisory Business
Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC d/b/a Beirne., Beirne Group (“Beirne”, “BWC”
or the “Firm) is the successor firm of Beirne Wealth Consulting, LLC, a registered
investment adviser since January 2012. John Anthony Beirne, Jr., John-Oliver Beirne,
Richard A, DeFrancesco, Lindsey E. Allard and Meaghan E. Morelli are the current
executive officers of the Firm.
BWC is owned by family trusts, the beneficial owners of which are Beirne family
members. BWC is managed by John Anthony Beirne, Jr, and John-Oliver Beirne (“BWC]
Principals”), pursuant to a management agreement between Three B, LLC and BWC.
The BWC Principals serve as officers of BWC and are responsible for the management,
supervision and oversight of BWC. Three B, LLC does not provide investment advice.
BWC offers discretionary and non-discretionary investment management and consulting
services to pension and profit-sharing plans, state and/or municipal government entities,
charitable organizations, and other institutions (“Institutions”). BWC also offers
investment management, financial planning, and consulting services on a discretionary
and/or non-discretionary basis to individuals and high net worth individuals. Investment
management services are provided on a wrapped and unwrapped basis. Prior to
engaging BWC to provide any of the foregoing investment advisory services, the client
is required to enter into one or more written agreements with BWC setting forth the terms
and conditions under which BWC renders its services (collectively the “Agreement”).
As of December 31, 2024, BWC had $1,199,023,633 of Regulatory Assets Under
Management (RAUM), of which $585,763,889 was managed on a discretionary basis and
$613,259,744 was managed on a non-discretionary basis. RAUM is inclusive of the Wrap
Program assets of $44,234,813.
As of December 31, 2024, BWC had $1,145,335,850 of Assets Under Advisement, of
which $1,145,335,850 was managed on a non-discretionary basis.
This Disclosure Brochure describes the business of BWC and the activities of
Supervised Persons. Supervised Persons include BWC’s officers, partners, directors (or
other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employees,
or any other person who provides investment advice on BWC’s behalf and is subject to
4
2025
BWC’s supervision or control.
Investment Management Services
Institutions and individual clients can engage BWC to manage all or a portion of their
assets on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. The Firm provides certain clients
with needs-based financial planning services as part of its overall investment
management offering.
BWC primarily allocates clients’ investment management assets among Independent
Managers (as defined below), separate accounts, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds
(“ETFs”), individual debt and equity securities and/or options in accordance with the
investment objectives of the client. In addition, the Firm periodically recommends clients
who are “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, invest in private placement securities, which can include debt, equity,
and/or pooled investment vehicles when consistent with the clients’ investment
objectives. BWC also provides advice about any type of investment held in clients'
portfolios.
The Firm tailors its advisory services to the individual needs of clients. BWC consults
with clients initially and on an ongoing basis to develop an investment policy statement,
which determines risk tolerance, time horizon and other factors that impact the clients’
investment needs. BWC ensures that clients’ investments are suitable for their
investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance.
Clients are advised to promptly notify the Firm if there are changes in their financial
situation or investment objectives or if they wish to impose any reasonable restrictions
upon BWC’s management services. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions or
mandates on the management of their account (e.g., require that a portion of their assets
be invested in socially responsible funds) if, in BWC’s sole discretion, the conditions will
not materially influence the performance of a portfolio strategy or prove overly
burdensome to its management efforts.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
The Firm provides its individual and high net worth clients with a broad range of
comprehensive financial planning and consulting services. These services include,
among other things, business planning, pension fund consulting, and 401(k) planning.
5
2025
Financial Planning services are goal-centric, and may include education planning,
retirement planning, investment planning, insurance planning, and stress tests, according
to client needs. The Firm provides clients with needs-based employer retirement plan
investment selection consulting services as part of its overall investment management
offering. Beginning in January 2022, clients can subscribe to ongoing financial planning
monitoring services and the firm will charge a separate fee.
In performing its services, BWC is not required to verify any information received from
the client or from the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) and is
expressly authorized to rely on such information. BWC recommends its investment
advisory services, and/or other professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients
are advised that a conflict of interest exists if BWC recommends insurance through its
Supervised Persons (employees). The client is under no obligation to act upon any of
the recommendations made by BWC under a financial planning or consulting
engagement or to engage the services of any such recommended professional, including
BWC or its Supervised Persons. The client retains absolute discretion over all such
implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any of BWC’s recommendations.
Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify BWC if there is
ever any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of
reviewing, evaluating, or revising BWC’s previous recommendations and/or services.
ERISA Services
BWC will provide non-discretionary and discretionary, fiduciary and non-fiduciary
advisory services to the sponsors of the defined contribution, defined benefits plan and
non-qualified deferred compensation, whom have ultimate authority to direct the
investing and reinvesting of plan assets as they deem appropriate, considering each
plan’s stated objective, liquidity needs, and stated policies and guidelines. Non-
discretionary investment services provided to an ERISA plan means the ERISA plan
client retains and exercises the final decision-making authority for implementing or
rejecting BWC’s recommendations. Discretionary investment management services
provided on a discretionary basis as an ERISA 3(38) investment manager means BWC
makes the investment decisions in its sole discretion without the ERISA plan client’s prior
approval.
Certain of the foregoing services are provided by BWC as a fiduciary under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). To the
extent a client’s plan is covered by ERISA, in accordance with ERISA Section 408(b)(2),
6
2025
each plan sponsor is provided with a written description of BWC’s fiduciary status, the
specific services to be rendered and all direct and indirect compensation BWC
reasonably expects under the engagement.
When BWC provides investment advice for a fee to an ERISA plan or ERISA plan
participant, it is a fiduciary under ERISA. In addition, BWC is a fiduciary under the
Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”) when it provides investment advice to an ERISA plan,
ERISA plan participant, an IRA or an IRA owner (collectively, a “Retirement Account
Client”). The DOL significantly expanded the definition of fiduciary under ERISA and the
IRC. Under this expanded definition, when an adviser recommends that a plan
participant take a distribution from an ERISA plan and roll it over to an IRA advised by
the adviser or recommends that an IRA owner transfer his/her IRA to an IRA advised by
the adviser, the adviser is engaged in a fiduciary act that presents a conflict of interest.
As such, BWC is subject to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the IRC that
include, among other things, prohibited transaction rules which are intended to prohibit
fiduciaries from acting on conflicts of interest. When a fiduciary gives advice in which it
has a conflict of interest, the fiduciary must either avoid or eliminate the conflict or rely
upon a prohibited transaction exemption (a “PTE”).
A conflict of interest arises and the prohibited transaction rules are implicated when BWC
recommends that an ERISA plan participant take a distribution from an ERISA Plan and
roll it over to an IRA that BWC advises or if BWC recommends that an IRA owner transfer
his IRA to an IRA that BWC advises because BWC will receive compensation that it
would not have received absent the recommendation – i.e., the IRA advisory fee. When
BWC engages in this transaction, it relies on the PTE known as the Best Interest
Contract Exemption or BICE, which requires compliance with the “impartial conduct
standards.” The impartial conduct standards are designed to mitigate conflicts of interest
by requiring that investment advice be in the “best interest” of the Retirement Account
Client, that advisers not make any materially misleading statements and not charge a
fee that exceeds a reasonable amount. The best interest standard requires that advisers
act with the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing
that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use,
based on the investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial circumstances and needs
of the Retirement Account Client. This mirrors the prudent man standard of conduct and
duty of loyalty found in ERISA.”
7
2025
Use of Independent Managers
As mentioned above, BWC recommends that certain clients authorize the active
discretionary management of a portion of their assets by and/or among certain
independent investment managers (“Independent Managers”), based upon the stated
investment objectives of the client. The terms and conditions under which the client
engages the Independent Managers are set forth in a separate written agreement
between BWC or the client and the designated Independent Managers. BWC renders
services to the client relative to the discretionary and/or non-discretionary selection or
recommendation of Independent Managers. BWC also monitors and reviews the account
performance and the client’s investment objectives. BWC receives an annual advisory
fee for our services, which is based upon a percentage of the market value of the assets
being managed by the designated Independent Managers. The Independent Managers
also charge an advisory fee for their management services, as described in their
respective Part 2A brochures and client agreements.
When recommending or selecting an Independent Manager for a client, BWC reviews
information about the Independent Manager such as its disclosure brochure and/or
material supplied by the Independent Manager or independent third parties for a
description of the Independent Manager’s investment strategies, past performance and
risk results to the extent available. Factors that BWC considers in recommending an
Independent Manager include the client’s stated investment objectives, management
style, performance, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research. The
investment management fees charged by the designated Independent Managers,
together with the fees charged by the corresponding designated broker-dealer /
custodian of the client’s assets, will be exclusive of, and in addition to, BWC’s investment
advisory fee set forth above. As discussed above, the client will incur fees in addition to
those charged by BWC, including the designated Independent Managers, and
corresponding broker-dealer and custodian.
In addition to BWC’s written disclosure brochure, the client also receives the written
disclosure brochure of the designated Independent Managers. Certain Independent
Managers impose more restrictive account requirements and varying billing practices
than BWC. In such instances, BWC alters its corresponding account requirements and/or
billing practices to accommodate those of the Independent Managers.
8
2025
Sponsor and Manager of Wrap Program
BWC is the sponsor and manager of the Beirne Wealth Consulting Wrap Fee Program
(the “Program”), a wrap fee program, for certain individual and high net worth clients, as
well as a limited number of corporations and other businesses, and state and municipal
entities. As of December 31, 2024, BWC had $44,234,813 in total assets in the Program,
with $44,234,813 in discretionary assets. BWC is now offering the Program on a select
basis to certain clients at the discretion of management.
In the event the client participates in the Program, BWC provides its investment
management services and arranges for brokerage transactions under a single
annualized fee. Participants in the Program may pay a higher aggregate fee than if
investment management and brokerage services are purchased separately. A complete
description of the Program’s terms and conditions (including fees) are contained in the
Program’s wrap fee brochure.
Certain of the foregoing services are also provided by BWC as a fiduciary under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). To the
extent a client’s plan is covered by ERISA, in accordance with ERISA Section 408(b)(2),
each plan sponsor is provided with a written description of BWC’s fiduciary status, the
specific services to be rendered and all direct and indirect compensation the Firm
reasonably expects under the engagement.
Depending upon the percentage wrap-fee charged by BWC, the amount of portfolio
activity in the client's account, and the value of custodial and other services provided,
the wrap fee may or may not exceed the aggregate cost of such services if they were to
be provided separately.
Conflict of Interest: Because BWC’s Program fee is inclusive of transaction fees or
commissions incurred at the account level and the custodian/broker-dealer shall retain a
portion of the Program fee debited from the Client’s account to offset these
custodial/broker-dealer fees, BWC has an economic incentive to maximize its
compensation by seeking to minimize the number of trades in the client's account.
However, as a fiduciary it remains BWC’s duty to always act in the client’s best interest.
There will be times, including extensive periods, where there will be no recommendations
to trade a client’s account, as a result of each individual client’s facts and circumstances,
including tax reasons, and other financial decisions. BWC’s Chief Compliance Officer
remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
9
2025
regarding the corresponding conflict of interest, a wrap fee arrangement creates.
Additional information about the Program is available in BWC’s Wrap Brochure, which
appears as Part 2A Appendix 1 of BWC’s Form ADV.
Non-Purpose Loans and Option Overlay
Where clients deem beneficial and appropriate based on their risk tolerance and
investment objectives, a non-purpose Loan or option overlay will be utilized as part of
their investment strategy.
A non-purpose loan is a type of loan that uses an investment portfolio as loan collateral
and the proceeds of which cannot be used to purchase, carry or trade securities. This
type of loan allows investors access to funds without having to sell their investments for
personal reasons, such as loans for education, real estate, taxes or other expenses.
Such loans, using a client portfolio as collateral or use of options for leverage, has
inherent high risk, are not advisable for the majority of clients, and will depend entirely
on other client assets, client risk profile and appropriateness.
Health Savings Account Management
BWC offers investment advisory services for client Health Savings Accounts (“HSAs”) to
assist clients in investing HSA assets among mutual fund investment options, which will
be reviewed annually. BWC utilizes the Health Savings Administrators platform to
provide an investment only HSA vehicle, and Health Savings Administrators comes with
a collection of educational tools. BWC will be paid as a percentage of assets under
management and/or advisory services, a negotiated flat advisory fee, or as a
combination of a flat fee plus an asset-based fee directly from the account.
BWC will monitor the client’s account and make investment recommendations based on
the client’s responses to a web-based interactive questionnaire that establishes a risk
profile based on client goals, objectives, time horizon and circumstances.
To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA, you must meet the following
requirements:
• You must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), on the first day
of the month;
• You have no other health coverage, except what is permitted under other health
coverage;
10
2025
• You are not enrolled in Medicare; and
• You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
To cover administrative services, Health Savings Administrators will deduct the following
fees from participant accounts:
• $45 annual administrative fee
• Quarterly custodial fees based on the choice of investment program
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
The Firm offers its services on a fee basis, which includes fixed fees, fees based upon
assets under management, or a combination of both. There are no referral fees received
by BWC for recommending services of other professionals, such as estate or tax
professionals. BWC employees receive cash compensation in addition to employee’s
regular salary in exchange for client referrals.
Investment Management Fees
BWC manages assets on a wrapped and unwrapped basis. The Firm provides
investment management services for an annual fee based upon a percentage of the
market value of the assets being managed by BWC pursuant to a tiered fee schedule.
For services provided outside of the Wrap Program, BWC’s annual fee is exclusive of,
and in addition to brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and
expenses, which are incurred by the client. BWC does not, however, receive any portion
of these commissions, fees, and costs.
BWC’s annual fee is prorated and charged quarterly, in advance, based upon the market
value of the assets being managed by BWC on the last day of the previous quarter. The
annual fee shall be negotiated and will vary depending upon a number of factors, including
the market value of the assets under management, the type of investment management
services to be rendered, type of products being managed, anticipated amount of
resources utilized in the relationship, anticipated future additional assets, and the
existence of related accounts.
As discussed above, BWC no longer offers the Program to new clients. New clients may
only engage BWC to provide investment management services outside of the Program.
11
2025
BWC provides investment management services to individual and high net worth clients
according to the following tiered fee schedule, subject to negotiation:
PORTFOLIO VALUE
First $1,000,000
ANNUAL FEE
1.25%
Next $2,000,000
1.20%
Next $2,000,000
1.15%
Next $5,000,000
1.10%
Above $10,000,000
1.00%
When BWC provides investment management services to institutional clients, advisory
fees are structured on a case-by-case basis. Fees are charged based on assets under
management and/or advisory services, as a flat fee, or as a combination of a flat fee plus
an asset-based fee. The highest asset-based fee charged to institutional clients is up to
100 basis points or 1%.
The asset-based management fee(s) is prorated and billed quarterly in advance, based
on the market value of the assets being managed by BWC on the last day of the previous
quarter.
Custodians, Independent Managers and the platform manager charge their own fees that
are in addition to BWC’s fees.
Fees Charged by Independent Managers and Financial Institutions
As further discussed in response to Item 12 (below), BWC generally recommends that
clients utilize the brokerage and clearing services of Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services
(“Fidelity”) for investment management accounts.
The Firm only implements its investment management recommendations after the client
has arranged for and furnished BWC with all information and authorization regarding
accounts with appropriate financial institutions. Financial institutions include, but are not
limited to, Fidelity, any other broker-dealer recommended by BWC, broker-dealer
directed by the client, trust companies, banks, etc. (collectively referred to herein as the
“Financial Institutions”).
Clients incur certain charges imposed by the Financial Institutions and other third parties
12
2025
such as fees charged by Independent Managers (as defined below), custodial fees,
charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or ETF in the account, which are disclosed in
the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund management fees and other fund expenses), deferred
sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees,
and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Additionally, for assets outside of any wrap fee programs, clients incur brokerage
commissions and transaction fees. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive
of and in addition to BWC’s fee.
BWC’s Agreement and the separate agreement with any Financial Institutions authorize
BWC or Independent Managers to debit the client’s account for the amount of BWC’s
fee and to directly remit that management fee to BWC or the Independent Managers.
Any Financial Institutions recommended by BWC have agreed to send a statement to
the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including
the amount of management fees paid directly to BWC. We urge you to review these
statements carefully. In certain circumstances, BWC’s fees, Independent Manager fees,
custodial fees and other fees will be directly invoiced to the client for payment.
Platform Fee
BWC has selected Envestnet, Inc.1 as its platform manager. The platform manager
provides various services to BWC clients, including but not limited to, access to
Independent Managers investments, research, investment advisory billing, portfolio
proposal generation, performance reporting and analytical software tools, and
administrative fee for costs. The custodian provides client investment account
information directly to the platform manager. Envestnet, Inc. charges a platform fee for
these services, which is more fully described in the client’s investment management
agreement.
Fees for Management during Partial Quarters of Service
For the initial period of investment management services, the fees are calculated on a
pro rata basis.
1 As of Q4 2024, Envestnet, Inc. was acquired by Bain Capital, LP. While there are no immediate changes
to our fee structure, any future adjustments resulting from the acquisition will be communicated to clients
in advance.
13
2025
The Agreement between BWC and the client will continue in effect until terminated by
either party pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. The Firm’s fees are prorated through
the date of termination and any remaining balance is charged or refunded to the client,
as appropriate.
Clients can make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to
BWC’s right to terminate an account. Additions can be in cash or securities provided that
BWC reserves the right to liquidate any transferred securities or decline to accept
particular securities into a client’s account. Clients can withdraw account assets, subject
to the usual and customary securities settlement procedures. However, BWC designs
its portfolios as long-term investments, and the withdrawal of assets can impair the
achievement of a client’s investment objectives. BWC consults with its clients about the
options and ramifications of transferring securities. However, clients are advised that
when transferred securities are liquidated, they are subject to transaction fees, fees
assessed at the mutual fund level (i.e., contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax
ramifications.
If assets are deposited into or withdrawn from an account after the inception of a quarter,
the fee payable with respect to such assets will not be adjusted or prorated based on the
number of days remaining in the quarter or to account for the change in portfolio value.
Financial Planning and Consulting Fees
For certain clients, the Firm charges a fixed fee for financial planning and consulting
services. These fees are negotiable, but generally range from $250 to $5,000 on a fixed
fee basis, depending upon the level and scope of the services and the professional
rendering the financial planning and/or the consulting services. For financial plans to be
kept current, there is an ongoing monthly fee, beginning in January of the calendar year
following the original plan purchase (example: plan purchased in June 2023, monthly fee
begins January 2024).
Prior to engaging BWC to provide financial planning and/or consulting services, the client
is required to enter into a written agreement with BWC setting forth the terms and
conditions of the engagement.
Commissions or Sales Charges for Recommendations Insurance Products
Clients can engage certain persons associated with BWC (but not BWC) who are
14
2025
separately licensed as insurance agents. Clients are under no obligation to engage such
persons and can choose brokers or agents not affiliated with the Firm. The Supervised
Persons in their separate capacity as insurance agents receive commissions as
compensation, including for the sale of life insurance and annuities. Clients are free to
implement recommended products through any insurance agent or agency.
to describe
the
fiduciary responsibility of BWC
including
A conflict of interest exists to the extent that BWC recommends the purchase of
insurance products where BWC’s Supervised Persons receive commissions or other
additional compensation as a result of BWC’s recommendations. BWC has procedures
that any
in place
recommendations made by such Supervised Persons are in the best interest of clients.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side
Management
The Firm does not provide any services for performance-based fees. Performance-
based fees are those based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the
assets of a client.
Item 7. Types of Clients
BWC provides its services to institutions, high net worth individuals, profit sharing plans,
trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, government, quasi-government,
foundations, endowments and business entities.
Minimums
The Firm generally does not implement account minimums but imposes a minimum fee
in limited circumstances for certain legacy clients. Additionally, certain Independent
Managers impose more restrictive account requirements and varying billing practices
than BWC. In such instances, BWC alters its corresponding account requirements and/or
billing practices to accommodate those of the Independent Managers.
15
2025
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk
of Loss
Investment Strategies
BWC manages client assets on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. The Firm also
provides certain clients with needs-based 401(k) financial planning services as part of
its overall investment management offering.
The Firm primarily allocates clients’ investment management assets among Independent
Managers (as defined above), separate accounts, mutual funds, exchange- traded funds
(“ETFs”), individual debt and equity securities and/or options in accordance with the
investment objectives of the client. In addition, when determined to be appropriate, the
Firm recommends that clients who are “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, invest in private placement securities, which
can include debt, equity, and/or pooled investment vehicles when consistent with the
clients’ investment objectives. BWC also provides advice about any type of investment
held in clients' portfolios.
BWC tailors its advisory services to the individual needs of clients, based on investment
needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. BWC consults with clients initially and on an
ongoing basis to develop an investment policy statement, which determines risk
tolerance, time horizon and other factors that impact the clients’ investment needs.
Methods of Analysis
The Firm’s primary methods of analysis are fundamental, technical and cyclical analysis.
Fundamental analysis involves the fundamental financial condition and competitive
position of a company. BWC will analyze the financial condition, capabilities of
management, earnings, new products and services, as well as the company’s markets
and position amongst its competitors in order to determine the recommendations made
to clients. The primary risk in using fundamental analysis is that while the overall health
and position of a company may be good, market conditions can still negatively impact
the security.
16
2025
Technical analysis involves the analysis of past market data rather than specific
company data in determining the recommendations made to clients. Technical analysis
involves the use of charts to identify market patterns and trends, which can be based on
investor sentiment, rather than the fundamentals of the company. The primary risk in
using technical analysis is that spotting historical trends does not necessarily help to
predict such trends in the future. Even if the trend will eventually reoccur, there is no
guarantee that BWC will be able to accurately predict such a reoccurrence.
Cyclical analysis is similar to technical analysis in that it involves the analysis of market
conditions at a macro (entire market/economy) or micro (company specific) level, rather
than the overall fundamental analysis of the health of the particular company that BWC
is recommending. The risks with cyclical analysis are similar to those of technical
analysis.
Risks of Loss
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal.
Mutual fund and ETF shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from
the individual issuers of the fund’s underlying portfolio securities. Such 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 in the event, 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
shareholders fees (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 intra-day 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 may, among other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s
shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
17
2025
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 will typically have no way to dispose of such
shares.
Options
Options allow investors to buy or sell a security at a contracted “strike” price (not
necessarily the current market price) at or within a specific period of time. Clients will pay
or collect a premium for buying or selling an option. Investors transact in options to either
hedge (limit) losses in an attempt to reduce risk or to speculate on the performance of the
underlying securities. Options transactions contain a number of inherent risks, including
the partial or total loss of principal in the event that the value of the underlying security
or index does not increase/decrease to the level of the respective strike price. Holders
of options contracts are also subject to default by the option writer, which may be
unwilling or unable to perform its contractual obligations.
Market Risks
The profitability of a significant portion of the Firm’s recommendations depends, largely,
upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of stocks and bonds.
There can be no assurance that the Firm will be able to predict those price movements
accurately.
Market Volatility
At various time, volatile market conditions will have a dramatic effect on the value of
investments. In addition, terrorist attacks, and other acts of violence or war, health
epidemics or pandemics, natural hazards, and/or force majeure can affect the operations
and profitability of a company. Such events also could cause consumer confidence and
spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the U.S. and worldwide financial
18
2025
markets and economy. Any of these occurrences could have a significant impact on the
operating results and revenues of portfolio companies, and on the return of a client’s
investments.
Use of Independent Managers
The Firm recommends the use of Independent Managers for clients. The Firm will
continue to do ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such recommendations rely,
to a great extent, on the Independent Managers ability to successfully implement their
investment strategy. In addition, the Firm does not have the ability to supervise the
Independent Managers on a day-to-day basis other than as previously described in
response to Item 4, above.
Private Offerings, Alternative Investments and Private Collective Investment Vehicles
The Firm periodically recommends the investment by certain clients in private offerings,
some of which are typically referred to as “alternative investments,” “hedge funds” or
“private placements.” These securities are privately offered and not subject to securities
registration. These offerings, generally speaking, are not subject to some of the laws
and regulations, such as the comprehensive disclosure requirements that apply to
registered offerings. The managers of these vehicles 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 frequently trade on margin or otherwise leverage positions, thereby potentially
increasing the risk to the vehicle. In addition, because the vehicles are not registered as
investment companies, there is an absence of regulation. There are numerous other
risks in investing in these securities. The client will receive a private placement
memorandum and/or other documents explaining such risks.
General Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such
loss.
19
2025
Cybersecurity
The computer systems, networks and devices used by BWC and service providers to us
and our clients to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections
designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures,
computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and
security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized, systems, networks, or
devices potentially can be breached. A client could be negatively impacted as a result
of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or
devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks
that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or
website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches can cause disruptions and
impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to a client;
impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers to transact
business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties,
reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional
compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting
issuers of securities in which a client invests; governmental and other regulatory
authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, and
other financial institutions; and other parties. In addition, substantial costs are often
incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
BWC is required to disclose the facts of any legal or disciplinary events that are material
to a client’s evaluation of its advisory business or the integrity of management. BWC
does not have any required disclosures to this Item.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
The Firm is required to disclose any relationship or arrangement that is material to its
20
2025
advisory business or to its clients with certain related persons. BWC has described such
relationships and arrangements below.
Insurance Agents
As discussed above in Item 5, certain of BWC’s Supervised Persons are licensed
insurance agents (“BWC Insurance Agents”). In certain instances, BWC Insurance
Agents will introduce a client to an insurance agent who is associated with another entity
and BWC Insurance Agents will process insurance business through this entity. These
entities are not affiliated with BWC. In such circumstances, BWC and these entities will
share commission-based revenues.
Item 11. Code of Ethics
The Firm and persons associated with BWC (“Associated Persons”) are permitted to buy
or sell securities that it also recommends to clients consistent with BWC’s policies and
procedures.
The Firm has adopted a code of ethics that sets forth the standards of conduct expected
of its Associated Persons and requires compliance with applicable securities laws (“Code
of Ethics”). In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the
“Advisers Act”), its Code of Ethics contains written policies reasonably designed to
prevent the unlawful use of material non-public information by BWC or any of its
Associated Persons. The Code of Ethics also requires that certain of BWC’s personnel
(called “Access Persons”) report their personal securities holdings and transactions and
obtain pre-approval of certain investments such as initial public offerings and limited
offerings.
Unless specifically permitted in BWC’s Code of Ethics, none of BWC’s Access Persons
are permitted to effect for themselves or for their immediate family (i.e., spouse, minor
children, and adults living in the same household as the Access Person) any transactions
in a security, which is being actively purchased or sold, or is being considered for
purchase or sale, on behalf of any of BWC’s clients.
When BWC is purchasing or considering for purchase any security on behalf of a client,
no Access Person is permitted to effect a transaction in that security prior to the
21
2025
completion of the purchase or until a decision has been made not to purchase such
security for clients. Similarly, when BWC is selling or considering the sale of any security
on behalf of a client, no Access Person is permitted to effect a transaction in that security
prior to the completion of the sale or until a decision has been made not to sell such
security. These requirements are not applicable to: (i) direct obligations of the
Government of the United States; (ii) money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances,
bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high
quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued
by mutual funds or money market funds; and (iv) shares issued by unit investment trusts
that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual funds.
BWC officers or employees individually invest in private offerings, which are
recommended to select clients or family members, when the investment opportunity
meets the risk tolerance and investment objectives of the clients. Such investments have
significant risk and are not suitable investments for all clients.
Clients and prospective clients may contact the Firm to request a copy of its Code of
Ethics.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
As discussed above, in Item 5, BWC does not exercise discretion in selecting brokers to
execute transactions, but rather generally recommends that clients utilize the brokerage
and clearing services of Fidelity and/or Charles Schwab. BWC makes
this
recommendation based upon its due diligence, best execution review and other factors.
After consideration, it is up to the client to select their broker. If for example, the client
selects Fidelity, the client then directs BWC Management to execute all transactions
through Fidelity.
Factors, which the Firm considers in recommending Fidelity or any other broker-dealer
to clients, include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing,
research and service. The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Fidelity may
be higher or lower than those charged by other Financial Institutions.
In certain circumstances, Clients will pay commissions that are higher than another
qualified Financial Institution might charge to effect the same transaction where BWC
determines that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is
22
2025
not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative
execution, taking into consideration the full range of a Financial Institution’s services,
including among others, the value of research provided, execution capability,
commission rates, and responsiveness. BWC seeks competitive rates but does not
necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
From time-to-time, transactions are cleared through other Financial Institutions with
whom BWC and the Financial Institutions have entered into agreements for prime
brokerage clearing services. The Firm periodically and systematically reviews its policies
and procedures regarding its recommendation of Financial Institutions in light of its duty
to obtain best execution.
The client can direct BWC in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute
some or all transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and
arrangements for the account with that Financial Institution, and BWC will not seek better
execution services or prices from other Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client
transactions for execution through other Financial Institutions with orders for other
accounts managed by BWC (as described below). As a result, the client may pay higher
commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net
prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. Subject to its
duty of best execution, the Firm will occasionally decline a client’s request to direct
brokerage if, in BWC’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would
result in additional operational difficulties or violate restrictions imposed by other broker-
dealers (as further discussed below).
Transactions for each client generally will be effected independently, unless BWC
decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the
same time. At certain times at our discretion, BWC will combine or “batch” such orders
to obtain best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates, or to allocate
equitably among BWC’s client’s differences in prices and commissions or other
transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently. Under this procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price
and allocated among BWC’s clients pro rata to the purchase and sale orders placed for
each client on any given day. To the extent that BWC determines to aggregate client
orders for the purchase or sale of securities, including securities in which BWC’s
Supervised Persons invest, BWC generally does so in accordance with applicable rules
promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action guidance provided by the staff of the
23
2025
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. BWC does not receive any additional
compensation or remuneration as a result of the aggregation. In the event that BWC
determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the particular
circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which
include: (i) when only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares will be
allocated to the account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to an account
that is out of line with respect to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios,
with similar mandates; (ii) allocations will be given to one account when one account has
limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other securities
which are expected to produce similar investment results and can be purchased by other
accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot participate
in an allocation, shares will be reallocated to other accounts (this may be due to
unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed); (iv) with respect to
sale allocations, allocations will be given to accounts low in cash; (v) in cases when a
pro rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis allocation in one
or more accounts, BWC will exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the transactions
will be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases
where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares will be allocated
to one or more accounts on a random basis.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions are directed to certain
broker-dealers in return for investment research products and/or services, which assist
BWC in its investment decision-making process. Such research generally will be used
to service all of BWC’s clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be
used to pay for research that is not used in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt
of investment research products and/or services as well as the allocation of the benefit
of such investment research products and/or services poses a conflict of interest
because BWC does not have to produce or pay for the products or services.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
BWC receives from Fidelity or Charles Schwab, without cost to BWC, computer software
and related systems support or transition support related to investment personnel, which
allows BWC to better monitor client accounts maintained at Fidelity or Schwab. BWC
receives the software and related support without cost because BWC renders investment
management services to clients that maintain assets at Fidelity or Schwab. The software
and related systems support benefit BWC, but not its clients directly. In fulfilling its duties
to its clients, BWC endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first.
24
2025
Clients should be aware; however, that BWC’s receipt of economic benefits from a
broker-dealer creates a conflict of interest since these benefits can influence BWC’s
choice of broker-dealer over another broker-dealer that does not furnish similar software,
systems support, or services.
Additionally, BWC receives the following benefits from Fidelity through the Fidelity
Institutional Wealth Services Group: 1) receipt of duplicate client confirmations and
bundled duplicate statements; 2) access to a trading desk that exclusively services its
Institutional Wealth Services Group participants; 3) access to block trading, which
provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate
shares to client accounts; and 4) access to an electronic communication network for
client order entry and account information.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
investment adviser representatives. All
For those clients to whom the Firm provides investment management services, BWC
monitors those portfolios as part of an ongoing process, while regular account reviews
are conducted on at least an annual basis. Such reviews are conducted by one of the
investment advisory clients are
Firm’s
encouraged to discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with BWC and to keep BWC
informed of any changes thereto. The Firm contacts ongoing investment advisory clients
at least annually to review its previous services and/or recommendations and to discuss
the impact resulting from any changes in the client’s financial situation and/or investment
objectives.
Unless otherwise agreed upon, clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices
and regular summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer or custodian
for the client accounts. Those clients to whom BWC provides investment advisory
services will also receive a report from BWC that includes relevant account and/or
market-related information such as an inventory of account holdings and account
performance on at least an annual basis. Clients should compare the account statements
they receive from their custodian with those they receive from BWC.
Those clients to whom BWC provides financial planning and/or consulting services will
receive reports from the Firm summarizing its analysis and conclusions as requested by
the client or otherwise agreed to in writing by the Firm.
25
2025
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
BWC is required to disclose any relationship or arrangement where it receives an
economic benefit from a third party (non-client) for providing advisory services. In
addition, BWC is required to disclose any direct or indirect compensation that it provides
for client referrals.
BWC will make referrals for certain professional services, other than investment advisory
services, to our clients where appropriate. These professional services presently include
executive compensation consulting only. Referral arrangements inherently give rise to
potential conflicts of interest because we have an economic incentive to recommend
these particular service providers. BWC addresses these conflicts through this
disclosure. Engaging such services is at the discretion of the client. Fees are paid directly
to BWC by the company referred.
Aitro Financial Group
Aitro Financial Group (“AFG”) and Beirne have a revenue-sharing agreement under
which AFG agrees to share revenue with Beirne for insurance business that Beirne
processes through AFG, provided that the Beirne representatives are properly licensed.
In instances where an AFG representative is directly involved in the sales process or
placement of the insurance case, Beirne and AFG agree to split the gross total revenue
received. The commission schedules for the insurance products may vary and are
subject to change. AFG will indicate the anticipated gross revenue and percentage of
revenue at the time of submitting an application.
In accordance with Rule 206(4)-1 of the Advisers Act and applicable state securities
laws, if a client is introduced to Beirne by a promoter or third-party representative, Beirne
will compensate the promoter with a referral fee. This fee is paid solely from Beirne's
investment management fee and does not result in any additional charge to the client.
The promoter is required to provide the client with a copy of Beirne’s written disclosure
brochure, which meets the requirements of Rule 204-3 of the Advisers Act, as well as a
separate disclosure statement detailing the terms of the solicitation arrangement and the
compensation the promoter will receive.
There are no referral fees received by Beirne for recommending services of other professionals,
such as estate or tax professionals.
26
2025
Item 15. Custody
The Firm’s Agreement and/or the separate agreement with any Financial Institution
authorizes the Firm through such Financial Institution to debit the client’s account for the
amount of BWC’s fee and to directly remit that management fee to BWC in accordance
with applicable custody rules. This is technically deemed custody of client funds.
The Financial Institutions recommended by BWC have agreed to send a statement to
the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including
the amount of management fees paid directly to the Firm. In addition, as discussed in
Item 13, BWC also sends periodic supplemental reports to clients. Clients should
carefully review the statements sent directly by the Financial Institutions and compare
them to those received from BWC.
Surprise Independent Examination
As BWC is deemed to have custody over clients’ cash, bank accounts or securities under
certain circumstances as a result of regulatory requirements (for reasons other than
receipt of advisory fees), the Firm is required to engage an independent accounting Firm
to perform a surprise annual examination of those assets and accounts over which it
maintains custody. The independent accounting Firm who performs the surprise
examination files Form ADV-E with the SEC on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public
Disclosure website. Examples of the type of access, which subject an account to be
included in the surprise annual examination, include services such as remitting third
party checks or wires to a client’s custodian at a client’s request, serving as trustee, or
other reasons. All client assets (funds and securities) are maintained with a qualified
custodian.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
The Firm is given the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of clients. The Firm is
considered to exercise investment discretion over a client’s account if it can effect
transactions for the client without first having to seek the client’s consent. BWC is given
this authority through a limited power-of-attorney included in the agreement between
BWC and the client. Clients may request restrictions on this authority (such as certain
securities not to be bought or sold). BWC takes discretion over the following activities:
27
2025
• The securities to be purchased or sold;
• The amount of securities to be purchased or sold;
• When transactions are made; and
• The Independent Managers to be hired or fired.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
BWC is required to disclose if it accepts authority to vote client securities. As set forth in
client agreements, BWC does not vote client securities on behalf of its clients. Clients
receive proxies directly from the Financial Institutions and retain proxy-voting authority
themselves. Independent third-party managers vote client proxies dependent on the
manager’s respective policy and disclosure on the manager’s Form ADV.
Item 18. Financial Information
BWC does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months
or more in advance. In addition, BWC is required to disclose any financial condition that
is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet contractual commitments to clients. BWC
has no disclosures pursuant to this Item.
28
2025
Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC
d/b/a Beirne., Beirne Group
A Registered Investment Adviser
3 Enterprise Drive
Suite 410
Shelton, CT 06484
www.beirnegroup.com
(203) 701-8606
29