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Item 1 – Cover Page
259 Indian Rocks Road North
Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
(727) 586-3541
www.belleairam.com
March 18, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Belleair Asset
Management, LLC (“Belleair”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please
contact us at (727) 586-3541. 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.
Belleair is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply any
level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an Adviser provide you with
information about which you determine to hire or retain an Adviser.
Additional information about Belleair also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known as a CRD
number. The CRD number for Belleair is 290882.
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Item 2 – Material Changes
This Item of the Brochure discusses only specific material changes that are made to the Brochure
since the last annual update and provides clients with a summary of such changes.
We made the following material changes to our current Brochure:
• Updated reference to Buckingham Strategic Partners, LLC to Focus Partners Advisor Solutions,
LLC to reflect their name change throughout;
• Clarified the scope of our use of Focus Partners Advisor Solutions’ sub-advisory services in Items
4, 5 and 10.
• Added language in Items 4 and 5 to describe the use of AQR as an Independent Manager;
• Removed references to the use of crypto currencies in client portfolios in Items 4, 8, 10, and 12;
• Added language to Item 8 to reflect the risks associated with the use of interval funds;
Additionally, we have updated the Assets Under Management information of Item 4 in accordance
with the filing of our Annual Updating Amendment on March 18, 2025.We will further provide you with
a new Brochure as necessary based on changes or new information, at any time, without charge.
Currently, our Brochure may be requested by contacting James M. Clark, Member and Chief
Compliance Officer, at (727) 586-3541.
(Brochure Date: 03/18/2025)
(Date of Most Recent Annual Updating Amendment: 03/18/2025)
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page
Item 2 – Material Changes
........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 3 – Table of Contents
............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 4 – Advisory Business
.............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
................................................................................................................................................. 6
Item 7 – Types of Clients
................................................................................... 9
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
............................................................................. 9
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
................................................................................................................................................ 11
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
.............................................................................................. 12
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Item 15 – Custody
............................................................................................................ 16
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
................................................................................................................................................. 17
Item 18 – Financial Information
............................................................................................................................................... 17
................................................................................................................................................... 17
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Belleair Asset Management, LLC (hereinafter “Belleair”) is owned by James M. Clark and Tina E. Clark and
has been providing advisory services since 2017.
As of December 31, 2024, Belleair managed $186,333,770 on a discretionary basis and $19,049,819 on a
non-discretionary basis for a total Assets Under Management of $205,383,589.
Investment Management Services:
Belleair manages investment portfolios for individuals, qualified retirement plans, trusts, not-for-profit
organizations, and small businesses. Belleair will work with a client to determine the client's investment
objectives and investor risk profile and may design a written Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”). For
certain portfolios, an investment policy statement will not be prepared. Belleair evaluates the client's
existing investments with respect to the client's IPS, if applicable. Belleair uses investment and portfolio
allocation software to evaluate alternative portfolio designs. Belleair works with new clients to develop a
plan to transition from the client's existing portfolio to the portfolio recommended by Belleair. Belleair
will then continuously monitor the client's portfolio holdings and the overall asset allocation strategy and
hold review meetings with the client regarding the account as necessary.
Belleair will typically create a portfolio of no-load mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and
may use model portfolios if the models match the client's investment policy. Belleair will allocate the
client's assets among various investments taking into consideration the overall risk and return profile of
the client. Belleair primarily recommends portfolios consisting of passively managed asset class and
index mutual funds. Belleair primarily recommends mutual funds and ETFs that follow a passive asset
class investment philosophy with low holdings turnover.
Client portfolios may also include some individual equity securities in situations where disposition of
these securities would present an overriding tax implication or the client specifically requests they be
retained for a personal reason. Belleair will note such situations within the client’s IPS when an IPS is
maintained for the client.
Belleair manages portfolios on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. A client may impose any
reasonable restrictions on Belleair’s discretionary authority, including restrictions on the types of
securities in which Belleair may invest client’s assets and on specific securities, which the client may
believe to be appropriate.
Belleair may also recommend to advisory clients fixed income portfolios, which consist of managed
accounts of laddered individual bond portfolios. Belleair will request discretionary authority from
advisory clients to manage fixed income portfolios, including the discretion to engage an independent
third-party fixed income manager.
Use of Third-Party Sub-Advisers:
Belleair will request discretionary authority from advisory clients to retain third-party separate account
managers (“Independent Managers”). The Independent Managers will be provided with the discretionary
authority to invest client assets in fixed income securities consistent with the client’s goals and
objectives. Independent Managers may monitor the accounts for changes in credit ratings, security call
provisions, and tax loss harvesting opportunities (to the extent that the manager is provided with cost
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basis information).
On an ongoing basis, Belleair will answer clients’ inquiries regarding their accounts and
review periodically with clients the performance of their accounts. Belleair will periodically, and at least
annually, review clients’ investment policy, risk profile and discuss the re-balancing of each client's
accounts to the extent appropriate. Belleair will provide any updated client financial information or
account restrictions to third-party investment managers necessary for investment manager to provide
sub-advisory services. Belleair has hired Focus Partners Advisor Solutions, LLC (“FPAS”) as its primary
Independent Manager.
In certain circumstances, as determined by Belleair and the client, Belleair engages AQR Capital
Management, LLC (“AQR”) as an Independent Manager to manage portfolios of individual securities for
clients. In these instances, AQR’s fees are separate, distinct, and in addition to Belleair’s advisory fees.
FPAS shall provide various model asset allocation portfolios (each a “Portfolio”, collectively
“Portfolios”) for selection by Belleair. Each Portfolio strives to achieve long-term risk and return
objectives through diversification among multiple asset classes using investment options available to
FPAS, which may include, but not limited to, mutual funds and/or ETFs from DFA, Bridgeway Capital
Management, Inc., AQR, The Vanguard Group, Inc., Stoneridge Asset Management, LLC or other
providers selected by FPAS. Each Portfolio is designed to meet a particular investment goal which
Belleair has determined is suitable based on the client's circumstances. Once the appropriate
Portfolio(s) has been determined, the Portfolio will continuously be managed based on the portfolio’s
goal and FPAS will have the discretionary authority to manage the Portfolio(s), including periodically
rebalancing. However, Belleair, on behalf of its client, will have the opportunity to place reasonable
restrictions on the types of investments to be held in the portfolio. Should material life events occur,
clients should immediately contact Belleair to determine if changes to an account and the allocation of
the assets held in the account are necessary.
In addition to managing the client’s investment portfolio, Belleair may consult with clients on various
financial planning areas including income and estate tax planning, disability income analysis, business
sale structures, college financial planning, retirement planning, insurance and risk management
analysis, personal cash flow analysis, investment analysis, establishment and design of retirement plans
and trust designs, among other things.
Belleair does not participate in or sponsor any wrap fee programs.
Employee Benefit Plan Services:
Belleair also provides advisory services to participant-directed retirement plans through third party
administration services, which are online bundled service providers offering an opportunity for plan
sponsors to provide their participants with daily account access, valuation, and investment education.
Belleair will analyze the plan's current investment platform, and assist the plan in creating an investment
policy statement defining the types of investments to be offered and the restrictions that may be
imposed. Belleair will recommend investment options to help achieve the plan's objectives, provide
participant education meetings, and monitor the performance of the plan's investment vehicles.
Belleair will recommend changes in the plan's investment vehicles as may be appropriate from time to
time. Belleair generally will review the plan's investment vehicles and investment policy as necessary.
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For certain retirement plans, Belleair also works in coordination and support with Focus Partners Advisor
Solutions, LLC. Retirement plan clients will engage both Belleair and Focus Partners Advisor Solutions,
LLC. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions, LLC will provide to the client additional discretionary investment
management services and will exercise discretionary authority to select the plan investments made
available to the plans’ participants by selecting and maintain the plans’ investments according to the
goals and investment objectives of the plan.
Belleair will continue to work with plans to monitor plan investments, provide fiduciary plan advice
including regular considerations of the goals and objectives of the plan, and provide participant
education services to the plan.
Financial Planning Services:
Belleair also provides advice in the form of Financial Planning. Clients purchasing this service may
receive various written financial reports, providing the client with detailed financial information designed
to achieve their stated financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas of concern:
• Personal: Family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and financial goals.
• Education: Education IRAs, financial aid, state savings plans, grants and general
assistance in preparing to meet dependent’s continuing educational needs through
development of an education plan.
• Risk: Review of existing insurance policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability,
long-term care, liability, home, and automobile.
• Tax & Cash Flow: Income tax and spending analysis and planning for past, current and future
years.
• Death & Disability: Cash needs at death, income needs of surviving dependents, estate planning
and disability income analysis.
• Retirement: Analysis of current strategies and investment plans to help the client achieve his or
•
her retirement goals.
Investments: Analysis of current and alternative investment holdings and costs, examining the
potential long-term effects on a client’s portfolio, recommending appropriate investment options,
allocations, or adjustments.
Belleair gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews. Information gathered
includes a client’s current financial status, future goals and attitudes towards risk. Related documents
supplied by the client are carefully reviewed and a written report may be prepared. Should a client
choose to implement the recommendations in the plan, Belleair suggests the client work closely with
his/her attorney, accountant or insurance agent. Implementation of financial plan recommendations is
entirely at the client’s discretion. Clients are encouraged to review their plan on a regular basis,
especially if there are any changes in their financial situation, goals, need, or investment objectives.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
In certain circumstances, all fees, account minimums and their applications to family circumstances
may be negotiable.
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The specific manner in which fees are charged by Belleair is established in a client’s written agreement
with Belleair. Investment Management and Employee Benefit Plan clients will be invoiced in advance at
the beginning of each calendar quarter based upon the value (market value based on independent third-
party sources or fair market value in the absence of market value; client account balances on which
Belleair calculates fees may vary from account custodial statements based on independent valuations
and other accounting variances, including mechanisms for including accrued interest in account
statements) of the client’s account at the end of the previous quarter. New accounts are charged a
prorated fee for the remainder of the quarter in which the account is incepted.
For Investment Management and Employee Benefit Plan Services, Belleair will request authority from the
client to delegate discretion to trade in the client’s account, and to receive quarterly payments directly
from the client's account held by an independent custodian. Clients may provide written limited
authorization to Belleair or its designated service provider, FPAS, to withdraw fees from the account.
Clients will receive custodial statements showing the advisory fees debited from their account(s).
Certain third-party administrators will calculate and debit Belleair’s fee and remit such fee to Belleair.
A client agreement may be canceled at any time, by either party, for any reason upon receipt of 30-days’
written notice. Upon termination, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded.
Belleair’s fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and
expenses which shall be incurred by the client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by
custodians, brokers, third party investment and other third parties such as fees charged by managers,
custodial fees, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees
and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Mutual funds and exchange traded funds
also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. These fees will
generally include a management fee and other fund expenses. All fees paid to Belleair for investment
advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and
ETFs to their shareholders.
Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to Belleair’s fee, and Belleair shall
not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Please see Item 12 of this Brochure for additional information about Belleair’s Brokerage Practices.
Advisory Fees
Investment Management Services:
The standard annual fee for investment management services for new accounts will be charged as a
percentage of assets under management, according to the tiered schedule below:
Assets Under Management
On the first $500,000
On the next $1.5 million
On the next $1.5 million
On all amounts thereafter
Annual Fee (%)
1.25%
0.75%
0.50%
0.35%
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Fees may be negotiable based on family relations or individual circumstances including account size,
potential future account growth, business relationships and the level and scope of the services
requested. Individual accounts for immediate family members (such as husband, wife and dependent
children) are aggregated, and the fee is charged based on the total value of all family members’
accounts. Some clients may be charged a flat-rate fee for annual investment advisory services.
Belleair requires a minimum annual fee of $5,000 for Investment Management Services. A minimum of
$500,000 is generally required for management services of portfolios of individual fixed income
securities. Minimum fees may be negotiable under certain circumstances.
Certain pre-existing Investment Management Services clients may be on a different fee schedule.
Belleair has contracted with FPAS, for services including trade processing, collection of management
fees, record maintenance, report preparation, marketing assistance, and research. Belleair has also
contracted with FPAS for certain sub-advisory services. In certain instances, Belleair pays a fee for
FPAS’s services based on management fees paid to Belleair on accounts which use FPAS services. The
fee paid by Belleair to FPAS varies based on the total client assets administered and/or sub-advised by
FPAS through Belleair. These fees will not be separately charged to advisory clients and are included
within the advisory fees charged to clients. There may be other fees Belleair clients may pay to FPAS
directly under separate fee agreements.
These fees are not separately charged to advisory clients and the fee schedule above reflects the fees
that advisory clients are charged. The fee charged by Belleair to its clients includes all sub-advisory fees
charged by FPAS.
Independent Manager Fees:
As stated above in Item 4, Belleair (in coordination with the client) may decide to implement AQR as an
Independent Manager for the management of portfolios of individual securities. In these instances, AQR
will charge its own separate and distinct fee from Belleair’s advisory fees, which are noted above. Clients
grant AQR authority at the client’s custodian for AQR to directly debit client accounts for AQR’s fee.
Additionally, clients are required to sign an advisory agreement addendum with Belleair which outlines
these additional fees.
Employee Benefit Plan Services:
The annual fee for plan services will be charged as a percentage of assets within the plan.
Total Annual Fee
Assets Under
Management
FPAS’
Annual Fee
Belleair’s Annual
Fee
0.20%
0.15%
0.08%
0.05%
0.70%
0.45%
0.25%
0.15%
0.90%
0.60%
0.33%
0.20%
On the first $1,000,000
On the next $4,000,000
On the next $5,000,000
On all amounts above
$10,000,000
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Fees may be negotiable based on individual circumstances including account size, potential future
account growth, business relationships and the level and scope of the services requested.
Belleair and FPAS share this fee according to a percentage negotiated between Belleair and FPAS.
Certain pre-existing employee benefit plan services clients may be on a different fee schedule.
Financial Planning Services:
Belleair may provide financial planning services for a fixed fee/retainer in accordance with a written
agreement signed in advance of services provided.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Belleair does not charge any performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital
appreciation of the assets of a client). All fees are calculated as described above and are not charged on
the basis of income or capital gains or capital appreciation of the funds or any portion of the funds of an
advisory client.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Belleair provides services to individuals, qualified retirement plans, trusts, charitable organizations,
corporations and small businesses.
Belleair requires a minimum annual fee of $5,000 for Investment Management Services. A minimum of
$500,000 is generally required for management services of portfolios of individual fixed income
securities. Minimum fees may be negotiable under certain circumstances.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategy
Belleair's services are based on long-term investment strategies incorporating the principles of Modern
Portfolio Theory and the Efficient Markets Theory. Belleair's investment approach is firmly rooted in the
belief that markets are "efficient" over periods of time and that investors' long-term returns are
determined principally by asset allocation decisions, rather than market timing or stock picking. Belleair
recommends diversified portfolios, principally through the use of passively managed, asset class mutual
funds.
Belleair selects or recommends portfolios of securities, principally broadly-traded open end mutual funds
or conservative fixed income securities to implement this investment strategy.
Although all investments involve risk, Belleair's investment advice seeks to limit risk through broad
diversification among asset classes and, as appropriate for particular clients, the investment directly in
conservative fixed income securities to represent the fixed income class. Belleair's investment
philosophy is designed for investors who desire a buy and hold strategy. Frequent trading of securities
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increases brokerage and other transaction costs that Belleair's strategy seeks to minimize.
In the implementation of investment plans, Belleair therefore primarily uses mutual funds and, as
appropriate, portfolios of conservative fixed income securities. Belleair may also utilize Exchange Traded
Funds (ETFs) to represent a market sector.
Clients may hold or retain other types of assets as well, and Belleair may offer advice regarding those
various assets as part of its services. Advice regarding such assets will generally not involve asset
management services, but may help to more generally assist the client.
Belleair’s strategies do not utilize securities that it believes would be classified as having any unusual
risks, and does not recommend frequent trading, which can increase brokerage and other costs and
taxes.
Belleair receives supporting research from FPAS and from other consultants, including economists
affiliated with DFA. Belleair utilizes DFA mutual funds and ETFs in client portfolios. DFA mutual funds and
ETFs follow a passive asset class investment philosophy with low holdings turnover. DFA provides
historical market analysis, risk/return analysis, and continuing education to Belleair.
Analysis of a Client’s Financial Situation
In the development of investment plans for clients, including the recommendation of an appropriate
asset allocation, Belleair relies on an analysis of the client’s financial objectives, current and estimated
future resources, and tolerance for risk. To derive a recommended asset allocation, Belleair may use a
Monte Carlo simulation, a standard statistical approach for dealing with uncertainty. As with any other
methods used to make projections into the future, there are several risks associated with this method,
which may result in the client not being able to achieve their financial goals. They include:
• The risk that expected future cash flows will not match those used in the analysis
• The risk that future rates of return will fall short of the estimates used in the simulation
• The risk that inflation will exceed the estimates used in the simulation
• For taxable clients, the risk that tax rates will be higher than was assumed in the analysis
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
All investments present the risk of loss of principal – the risk that the value of securities (mutual funds,
ETFs and individual bonds), when sold or otherwise disposed of, may be less than the price paid for the
securities. Even when the value of the securities when sold is greater than the price paid, there is the risk
that the appreciation will be less than inflation. In other words, the purchasing power of the proceeds
may be less than the purchasing power of the original investment.
The mutual funds and ETFs utilized by Belleair may include funds invested in domestic and international
equities, including real estate investment trusts (REITs), corporate and government fixed income
securities and commodities. Equity securities may include large capitalization, medium capitalization
and small capitalization stocks. Mutual funds and ETF shares invested in fixed income securities are
subject to the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with the underlying bond holdings.
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Among the riskiest mutual funds used in Belleair’s investment strategies funds are the U.S. and
International small capitalization and small capitalization value funds, emerging markets funds, and
commodity futures funds. Conservative fixed income securities have lower risk of loss of principal, but
most bonds (with the exception of Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS) present the risk of loss
of purchasing power through lower expected return. This risk is greatest for longer-term bonds.
Certain funds utilized by Belleair may contain international securities. Investing outside the United States
involves additional risks, such as currency fluctuations, periods of illiquidity and price volatility. These
risks may be greater with investments in developing countries.
Interval Fund Risk
An interval fund is a type of closed-end fund containing shares that do not trade on the secondary
market. Instead, the fund periodically offers to buy back a percentage of outstanding shares at net asset
value.
The rules for interval funds, along with the types of assets held, make this investment largely illiquid
compared with other funds. The primary reasons for investors to consider investing in interval funds
Belleair may utilize include, but are not limited to, gaining exposure to certain risk categories that provide
diversified sources of expected returns, part of which may be in the form of illiquidity premiums. Access
to the intended risk and expected return characteristics may not otherwise be available in more liquid,
traditional investment vehicles.
Where appropriate, Belleair may utilize certain interval funds structured as non-diversified, closed-end
management investment companies, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Investments in an interval fund involve additional risk, including lack of liquidity and restrictions on
withdrawals. During any time periods outside of the specified repurchase offer window(s), investors will
be unable to sell their shares of the interval fund. There is no assurance that an investor will be able to
tender shares when or in the amount desired, and the fund may suspend or postpone purchases. Clients
should carefully review the fund’s prospectus to more fully understand the interval fund structure and
the corresponding liquidity risks. Because these types of investments involve certain additional risk,
these funds will only be utilized when consistent with a client’s investment objectives, individual
situation, suitability, tolerance for risk and liquidity needs. Investment should be avoided where an
investor has a short-term investing horizon and/or cannot bear the loss of some or all of the investment.
The risk of loss described herein should not be considered to be an exhaustive list of all the risks which
clients should consider.
More information about the risks of any particular market sector can be reviewed in representative
mutual fund prospectuses managing assets within each applicable sector.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Belleair or the integrity of Belleair’s
management. Belleair has no information applicable to this Item.
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Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Affiliated Accounting Firm
James M. Clark, an owner of Belleair, is also the sole owner of the accounting firm, Belleair Tax Consultants,
LLC, which may recommend Belleair to accounting clients in need of advisory services. Belleair may also
recommend Belleair Tax Consultants, LLC to advisory clients in need of accounting services. There are no
referral fee arrangements or direct referral fee compensation between Belleair Tax Consultants, LLC and
Belleair for their recommendations. However, referrals can create a conflict of interest. Accounting services
provided by Belleair Tax Consultants, LLC are separate and distinct from the advisory services of Belleair, and
are provided for separate and typical compensation. No Belleair client is obligated to use Belleair Tax
Consultants, LLC for any accounting services.
Focus Partners Advisor Solutions, LLC
As described above in Item 4, Belleair may exercise discretionary authority provided by a client to select an
independent third-party investment manager for the management of portfolios of individual fixed income
securities. Belleair selects FPAS for such portfolio management. Belleair also contracts with FPAS for back-
office services and assistance with portfolio modeling.
Belleair has a fiduciary duty to select qualified and appropriate managers in the client’s best interest, and
believes that FPAS effectively provides both the back-office services that assist with its overall investment
advisory practice and fixed income portfolio management services. The management of Belleair continuously
makes this assessment. While Belleair has a contract with FPAS governing a time period for back-office
services, Belleair has no such fixed commitment to the selection of FPAS for portfolio management services and
may select another investment manager for clients upon reasonable notice to FPAS.
As a fiduciary, Belleair has certain legal obligations, including the obligation to act in clients’ best
interest. Belleair maintains a Business Continuity and Succession Plan and seeks to avoid a disruption of
service to clients in the event of an unforeseen loss of key personnel, due to disability or death. To that
end, Belleair has entered into a succession agreement with Focus Partners Wealth effective February 28,
2022. Belleair can provide additional information to any current or prospective client upon request to
James M. Clark, CCO at (727) 586-3541.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
Belleair has adopted a Code of Ethics expressing the firm's commitment to ethical conduct. Belleair's
Code of Ethics describes the firm's fiduciary duties and responsibilities to clients and sets forth Belleair's
practice of supervising the personal securities transactions of employees with access to client
information. Individuals associated with Belleair will buy and sell securities for their personal accounts
that are identical to those recommended to clients. The ability to invest in the same securities as clients
represents a conflict of interest. Based on an individual’s unique need, willingness and need to take risk,
transactions by an individual associated with Belleair may be different than a recommended Belleair
client transaction. This different recommendation can present a conflict of interest but is based on each
individual’s unique circumstances. In addition, Belleair typically utilizes open end mutual funds and
ETFs, which mitigates this conflict as mutual funds are priced once per day at net asset value (NAV). It is
the expressed policy of the Firm that no person employed by the firm shall prefer his or her own interest
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to that of an advisory client or make personal investment decisions based on investment decisions of
advisory clients.
To supervise compliance with its Code of Ethics, Belleair requires that anyone associated with this
advisory practice with access to advisory recommendations provide annual securities holding reports
and quarterly transaction reports to the firm's principal. Belleair also requires such access persons to
receive approval from the Chief Compliance Officer prior to investing in any IPO's or private placements
(limited offerings).
Belleair's Code of Ethics further includes the firm's policy prohibiting the use of material non-public
information and protecting the confidentiality of client information. Belleair requires that all individuals
must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and State regulations governing registered
investment advisory practices. Any individual not in observance of the above may be subject to
discipline.
Belleair will provide a complete copy of its Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon
request.
It is Belleair’s policy that the firm will not affect any principal or agency cross securities transactions for
client accounts. Belleair will also not cross trades between client accounts. Principal transactions are
generally defined as transactions where an advisor, acting as principal for its own account or the
account of an affiliated broker-dealer, buys from or sells any security to any advisory client. A principal
transaction may also be deemed to have occurred if a security is crossed between an affiliated private
fund and another client account. An agency cross transaction is defined as a transaction where a person
acts as an investment advisor in relation to a transaction in which the investment advisor, or any person
controlled by or under common control with the investment advisor, acts as broker for both the advisory
client and for another person on the other side of the transaction.
Agency cross transactions may arise where an advisor is dually registered as a broker- dealer or has an
affiliated broker-dealer.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Belleair arranges for the execution of securities transactions with the assistance of Focus Partners
Advisor Solutions, LLC. Through FPAS, Belleair participates in the Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services
program, sponsored by Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC ("Fidelity") and the Schwab Advisor Services
program offered to independent investment advisors by Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. (“Schwab”).
Schwab and Fidelity are unaffiliated SEC-registered broker dealers and FINRA member broker dealers.
Each offer to independent advisers’ services which include custody of securities, trade execution,
clearance and settlement transactions.
For 529 Plans, Belleair may also recommend the Utah Education Savings Plan.
Additionally, Belleair offers a cash management aggregator system named Flourish Cash. Flourish Cash
is a service offered by an unaffiliated third-party, Flourish Financial, LLC. A Flourish Cash account is a
brokerage account whereby the cash balance is swept from the brokerage account to deposit accounts
at one or more third-party banks that have agreed to accept deposits from customers of Flourish Cash.
Flourish Financial, LLC is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
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Company. Please refer to the applicable disclosures provided separately by Flourish Financial, LLC upon
account opening.
The Schwab and Fidelity brokerage programs will generally be recommended to advisory clients for the
execution of mutual fund and equity securities transactions. Belleair regularly reviews these programs to
ensure that their recommendations are consistent with their fiduciary duty. These trading platforms are
essential to Belleair's service arrangements and capabilities, and Belleair may not accept clients who
direct the use of other brokers. As part of these programs, Belleair receives benefits that it would not
receive if it did not offer investment advice (See the disclosure under Item 14 of this Brochure).
As Belleair will not request the discretionary authority to determine the broker dealer to be used or the
commission rates to be paid in these situations, clients must direct Belleair as to the broker dealer to be
used. In directing the use of a particular broker or dealer, it should be understood that Belleair will not
have authority to negotiate commissions among various brokers or obtain volume discounts, and best
execution may not be achieved. Not all investment advisors require clients to direct the use of specific
brokers.
Other than through Schwab and Fidelity, Belleair will not exercise authority to arrange client transactions
in fixed income securities through other broker-dealers. Clients will provide this authority to Independent
Manager retained by Belleair on client's behalf by designating the portfolio manager with trading authority
over client's brokerage account. Clients will be provided with the Disclosure Brochure (Form ADV Part 2)
of portfolio manager.
Schwab and Fidelity do not generally charge clients a custody fee and are compensated by account
holders through commissions or other transaction-related fees for securities trades that are executed
through the broker or that settle into the clients' accounts at the broker. Trading client accounts through
other brokers may result in fees (including mark- ups and mark-downs) being charged by the custodial
broker and an additional broker.
While Belleair will not arrange transactions through other brokers, the authority of the Independent
Managers includes the ability to trade client fixed income assets through other brokers.
Belleair does not have any arrangements to compensate any broker dealer for client referrals.
Belleair does not maintain any client trade error gains. Belleair makes client whole with respect to any
trade error losses incurred by client caused by Belleair. For clients utilizing Fidelity for brokerage
services, Fidelity maintains a policy that any trade error gains will be donated by Fidelity to charity.
Belleair generally does not aggregate any client transactions in mutual funds. Client accounts are
individually reviewed and managed, and transaction costs are not saved by aggregating orders in almost
all circumstances in which Belleair arranges transactions in mutual funds. For individual securities and
ETFs, transactions may be aggregated to ensure fair pricing across all Belleair clients participating in the
transaction. FPAS will aggregate certain transactions among client accounts that it manages, in which
case a Belleair client’s orders may be aggregated with an order for another client of FPAS who is not a
Belleair client. See Focus Partners Advisor Solutions, LLC‘s Form ADV Part 2.
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Employee Benefit Retirement Plan Services:
Belleair does not arrange for the execution of securities transactions for plans utilizing Employee Benefit
Retirement Plan Services. Transactions are executed directly through employee plan participation.
Belleair may, however, arrange for execution of securities transactions for certain plans that use Fidelity
as custodian.
Financial Planning Services:
Belleair’s financial planning practice, due to the nature of its business and client needs, does not
include blocking trades, negotiating commissions with broker dealers or obtaining volume discounts, nor
necessarily obtaining the best price. Clients will select their own broker dealers and insurance
companies for the implementation of financial planning recommendations. Belleair may recommend
any one of several brokers. Belleair clients must independently evaluate these brokers before opening an
account. The factors considered by Belleair when making this recommendation are the broker's ability to
provide professional services, Belleair’s experience with the broker, the broker's reputation, and the
broker's financial strength, among other factors. Belleair financial planning clients may use any broker or
dealer of their choice.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Reviews:
Investment Management Services:
Account assets are supervised continuously and formally reviewed quarterly by James M. Clark, Member
and CCO of Belleair. The review process may contain any or all of the following elements:
a. assessing client goals and objectives;
b. evaluating the employed strategy(ies);
c. monitoring the portfolio(s); and
d. addressing the need to rebalance.
Additional account reviews may be triggered by any of the following events:
a. a specific client request;
b. a change in client goals and objectives;
c. an imbalance in a portfolio asset allocation; and
d. market/economic conditions.
For certain client portfolios, certain account review responsibilities are delegated to an independent
third-party investment manager as described above in Item 4.
Employee Benefit Retirement Plan Services:
Retirement plan assets are reviewed on a quarterly basis, and according to the standards and situations
described above for investment management accounts.
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Reports:
All clients will receive quarterly performance reports, prepared by FPAS and reviewed by Belleair, that
summarize the client's account and asset allocation. Clients will also receive at least quarterly
statements from their account custodian, which will outline the client's current positions and current
market value.
Employee Benefit Retirement Plan Services:
Plan sponsors are provided with quarterly information and annual performance reviews from Belleair. In
addition, plan participant education information may also be provided to the Plan Sponsor or
Administrator for distribution to the participants of the plan.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Client Referrals
Belleair does not compensate for client referrals.
Other Compensation
As indicated under the disclosure for Item 12, Schwab and Fidelity provide Belleair with access to
services, which are not available to retail investors. These services generally are available to
independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis at no charge to them.
These services benefit Belleair but may not benefit its clients' accounts. Many of the products and
services assist Belleair in managing and administering clients' accounts. These include software and
other technology that provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements), facilitate trade execution (and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts), provide research, pricing information and other market data, facilitate payment of Belleair's
fees from its clients' accounts, and assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Many of these services generally may be used to service all or a substantial number of Belleair's
accounts. Schwab and Fidelity also make available to Belleair other services intended to help Belleair
manage and further develop its business enterprise. These services may include consulting, publications
and conferences on practice management, information technology, business succession, regulatory
compliance, and marketing.
Belleair does not, however, enter into any commitments with the brokers for transaction levels in
exchange for any services or products from brokers.
Belleair also receives software from DFA, which Belleair utilizes in forming asset allocation strategies and
producing performance reports. DFA also provides continuing education for Belleair personnel. These
services are designed to assist Belleair plan and design its services for business growth.
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Item 15 – Custody
Investment Management and Employee Benefit Plan Clients should receive at least quarterly statements
from the broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains client’s investment
assets. Belleair urges you to carefully review such statements and compare such official custodial
records to the account statements that we may provide to you. Statements from Belleair may vary from
custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of
certain securities.
Belleair maintains Standing Letters of Authorization (SLOAs) arrangements with some of their clients that
meet the seven representations set forth in the SEC February 2017 No- Action Letter. Therefore, Belleair
has responded affirmatively to Form ADV Part 1, Items 9.A.(1) & (2). Belleair also maintains arrangements
to withdraw its advisory fees directly from a client’s account.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Belleair requests that it be provided with written authority to determine which securities and the
amounts of securities that are bought or sold. For fixed income securities, this authority will include the
discretion to engage an independent third-party sub-advisor for fixed income accounts. Any limitations
on this discretionary authority shall be included in this written investment advisory agreement. Clients
may change/amend these limitations as required. Such amendments shall be submitted in writing.
When selecting securities and determining amounts, Belleair observes the investment policies,
limitations and restrictions of the clients for which it advises. Investment guidelines and restrictions
must be provided to Belleair in writing.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Proxy Disclosures: As a matter of firm policy and practice, Belleair does not accept the authority to and
does not vote proxies on behalf of advisory client. Clients retain the responsibility for receiving and voting
proxies for any and all securities maintained in client portfolios. Clients will receive applicable proxies
directly from the issuer of securities held in clients’ investment portfolios. Belleair, however, may provide
advice to clients regarding the clients' voting of proxies.
Class Actions, Bankruptcies and Other Legal Proceedings: Clients should note that Belleair will neither
advise nor act on behalf of the client in legal proceedings involving companies whose securities are held
or previously were held in the client’s account(s), including, but not limited to, the filing of “Proofs of
Claim” in class action settlements. If desired, clients may direct Belleair to transmit copies of class
action notices to the client or a third party. Upon such direction, Belleair will make commercially
reasonable efforts to forward such notices in a timely manner.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial information
or disclosures about Belleair’s financial condition. Belleair has no financial commitment that impairs its
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ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and has not been the subject of a
bankruptcy proceeding.
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