Overview

Assets Under Management: $118 million
High-Net-Worth Clients: 21
Average Client Assets: $6 million

Services Offered

Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals

Fee Structure

Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A)

MinMaxMarginal Fee Rate
$0 $1,000,000 1.00%
$1,000,001 $3,000,000 0.90%
$3,000,001 $6,000,000 0.70%
$6,000,001 $10,000,000 0.60%
$10,000,001 $25,000,000 0.50%
$25,000,001 and above 0.40%
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total AssetsAnnual FeesAverage Fee Rate
$1 million $10,000 1.00%
$5 million $42,000 0.84%
$10 million $73,000 0.73%
$50 million $248,000 0.50%
$100 million $448,000 0.45%

Clients

Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 21
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 99.28
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $6 million
Total Client Accounts: 116
Discretionary Accounts: 116

Regulatory Filings

CRD Number: 331436
Last Filing Date: 2024-10-14 00:00:00
Website: http://www.belmontpw.com/

Form ADV Documents

Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A (2025-03-07)

View Document Text
Item 1: Cover Page Belmont Private Wealth LLC 1307 Spring Park Drive St. Charles, MO 63303 (314)566-9887 www.belmontpw.com Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Brochure Dated: March 5, 2025 This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Belmont Private Wealth LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (314)566-9887. 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. Belmont Private Wealth LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Additional information about Belmont Private Wealth LLC also is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, which can be found using the firm’s identification number, 331436. 1 Item 2: Material Changes This is the first annual amendment filing of the Form ADV Part 2A for Belmont Private Wealth LLC, since the firm’s initial registration on June 27, 2024. There are no material changes to report. In the future, any material changes made during the year will be reported here. 2 Item 3: Table of Contents Item 1: Cover Page 1 Item 2: Material Changes 2 Item 3: Table of Contents 3 Item 4: Advisory Business 4 Item 5: Fees and Compensation 7 Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management 9 Item 7: Types of Clients 9 Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss 9 Item 9: Disciplinary Information 11 Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations 12 Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading 12 Item 12: Brokerage Practices 13 Item 13: Review of Accounts 16 Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation 16 Item 15: Custody 17 Item 16: Investment Discretion 17 Item 17: Voting Client Securities 17 Item 18: Financial Information 17 3 Item 4: Advisory Business Description of Advisory Firm Belmont Private Wealth LLC is an Investment Adviser principally located in the state of Missouri. We are a limited liability company founded in February 2024. Belmont Private Wealth LLC became registered in 2024. James Pieper and John Rhodes are the principal owners. As used in this brochure, the words “BPW”, "we", "our firm", “Advisor” and "us" refer to Belmont Private Wealth LLC and the words "you", "your" and "Client" refer to you as either a client or prospective client of our firm. Types of Advisory Services BPW is a fee-only firm, meaning the only compensation we receive is from our Clients for our services. From time to time, BPW recommends third-party professionals such as attorneys, accountants, tax advisors, insurance agents, or other financial professionals. Clients are never obligated to utilize any third-party professional we recommend. BPW is not affiliated with nor does BPW receive any compensation from third-party professionals we may recommend. Wealth Management Services Wealth Management encompasses investment management services and financial planning. Our firm provides continuous advice to a Client regarding the investment of Client funds based on the individual needs of the Client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based on a Client's particular circumstances are established, we develop a Client's personal investment policy or an investment plan with an asset allocation target and create and manage a portfolio based on that policy and allocation targets. We will also review and discuss a Client’s prior investment history, as well as family composition and background. Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the Client (e.g., maximum capital appreciation, growth, income, or growth and income), as well as risk tolerance and tax considerations. We primarily advise our Clients regarding investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, U.S. government and municipal securities, and cash and cash equivalents. We may also provide advice regarding investments held in Client’s portfolio at the inception of our advisory relationship and/or other investment types not listed above, at the Client’s request. When we provide investment management services, Clients grant us limited authority to buy and sell securities on a discretionary basis. More information on our trading authority is explained in Item 16 of this Brochure. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors. At no additional fee and at Client’s election, BPW also provides the Client with a financial plan. A Client will be taken through establishing their goals and values around money. Clients will be required to provide pertinent information to help complete the following areas of analysis: net worth, cash flow, insurance, credit scores/reports, employee benefits, retirement planning, insurance, investments, college planning, and estate planning. Once the Client's information is reviewed, their plan will be built and analyzed, and then the findings, analysis and potential changes to their current situation will be reviewed with the Client. Clients will receive a detailed financial plan designed to help achieve Client’s stated financial goals and objectives. The plan and the Client's financial situation and goals will be monitored throughout the year. Financial Planning Services 4 This service involves working one-on-one with a financial planner (“planner”) over an extended period of time. Through this ongoing arrangement, Clients are expected to collaborate with the planner to develop and assist in the implementation of their financial plan (the “plan”). The planner will monitor the plan, recommend any appropriate changes and ensure the plan is up-to-date as the Client’s situation, goals, and objectives evolve. Upon engaging the firm for financial planning, BPW is responsible for obtaining and analyzing all necessary qualitative and quantitative information from the Client that is essential to understanding the Client’s personal and financial circumstances; helping the Client identify, select, and prioritize certain financial goals while understanding the effect that pursuing one goal may have on other potential goals; assessing the Client’s current course of action and alternative courses of action to identify required changes that provide the best opportunity for the client to meet their financial goals; developing & presenting financial planning recommendations based on the aforementioned actions while including all information that was required to be considered in preparing the recommendations; and ongoing monitoring of the Client’s progress toward the goals and objectives that the recommendations are based around. These components all require in-depth communication with the Client in order for the planner to establish a financial plan and implementation strategy that provides the Client with the most appropriate options in pursuing their established goals and objectives. Financial planning involves an evaluation of a Client's current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values, and withdrawal plans. The key defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions, information, and analysis will be considered as they affect and are affected by the entire financial and life situation of the Client. Clients purchasing this service will receive a written report, providing the Client with a detailed financial plan designed to help achieve the Client’s stated financial goals and objectives. In general, the financial plan will address some or all of the following areas of concern. The Client and BPW will work together to select specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: ● Business Planning: We provide consulting services for Clients who currently operate their own business, are considering starting a business, or are planning for an exit from their current business. Under this type of engagement, we work with you to assess your current situation, identify your objectives, and develop a plan aimed at achieving your goals. ● Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus should be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be provided on which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt and any income tax ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an appropriate cash reserve that should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals, along with a review of accounts (such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies to save desired amounts. ● College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review your financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to children and grandchildren (if appropriate). ● Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various benefit programs that can be 5 structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals. ● Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts, and other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts. We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From time-to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with your approval or request. ● Financial Goals: We will help Clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them. We will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen, how much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal. ● Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term care, liability, home, and automobile. ● Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet Clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies, reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we may recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure. ● Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may make recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting certain variables (e.g., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with investments). If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter spending during your retirement years. ● Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major risks that could have a significant adverse impact on your financial picture, such as premature death, disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long-term care planning. Advice may be provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing insurance versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing insurance (“self-insuring”). ● Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes as a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make recommendations on which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based in part on their “tax efficiency,” with the consideration that there is always a possibility of future changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that may impact your situation. We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any tax planning strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants or attorneys who specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes. We will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your tax professional with your approval. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions 6 We tailor the delivery of our services to meet the individual needs of our Clients. We consult with Clients initially and on an ongoing basis, through the duration of their engagement with us, to determine risk tolerance, time horizon and other factors that may impact the Clients’ investment and/or planning needs. Clients are able to specify, within reason, any restrictions they would like to place as it pertains to individual securities and/or sectors that will be traded in their account. All such requests must be provided to BPW in writing. BPW will notify Clients if they are unable to accommodate any requests. Wrap Fee Programs We do not participate in wrap fee programs. Assets Under Management As of December 31 2024, BPW has $140,750,000 in discretionary and $0 in non-discretionary assets under management. Item 5: Fees and Compensation Please note, unless a Client has received this brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing an Advisory Contract, the Advisory Contract may be terminated by the Client within five (5) business days of signing the Advisory Contract without penalty. How we are paid depends on the type of advisory services we perform. Below is a brief description of our fees, however, you should review your executed Advisory Contract for more detailed information regarding the exact fees you will be paying. No increase to the agreed-upon advisory fees outlined in the Advisory Contract shall occur without prior Client consent. Wealth Management Services The fee is based on a percentage of assets under management and is negotiable. The annualized fees for investment management services are based on the following fee schedule: Assets Under Management Annual Advisory Fee $0 - $1,000,000 1.00% $1,000,001 - $3,000,000 0.90% $3,000,001 - $6,000,000 0.70% $6,000,001 - $10,000,000 0.60% $10,000,001 - $25,000,000 0.50% $25,000,001 and Above 0.40% The annual advisory fee is paid quarterly in advance based on the average daily balance of the Client’s account(s). The advisory fee is a blended/straight tier. For example, for assets under management of $2,000,000, a Client would pay 1.00% on the first $1,000,000 and 0.90% on the remaining balance. The quarterly fee is determined by the following calculation: (($500,000 x 1.00%) + ($500,000 x 0.95%)) ÷ 4 = $4,750. 7 In determining the advisory fee, we may allow accounts of members of the same household to be aggregated. BPW relies on the valuation as provided by Client’s custodian in determining assets under management. Our advisory fee is prorated for any partial billing periods occurring during the engagement, including the initial and terminating billing periods. Ongoing Financial Planning Fees for Ongoing Financial Planning are determined based upon variables including the specific needs of the Client, complexity, estimated time, research, and resources required to provide services to you, among other factors we deem relevant. Fees are negotiable and the final agreed upon fee will be outlined in your Advisory Contract. Fees are paid quarterly in advance. Fee Payment For Wealth Management services, we deduct our advisory fee from one or more account(s) held at an unaffiliated third-party custodian, as directed by the Client. Please refer to Item 15 of this Brochure regarding our policy on direct fee deduction. For Financial Planning services, fees are paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or check. We use an independent third party payment processor in which the Client can securely input their banking information and pay their fee. We do not have access to the Client’s banking information at any time. The Client will be provided with their own secure portal in order to make payments. Other Types of Fees and Expenses Our fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses which may be incurred by the Client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties such as custodial fees, 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. Mutual fund and exchange-traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund's prospectus. Such charges, fees, and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to our fee, and we shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs. Item 12 further describes the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending custodians for Client’s transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions). Clients may incur fees from third-party professionals such as accountants and attorneys that BPW may recommend, upon Client request. Such fees are separate and distinct from BPW’s advisory fees. Terminations and Refunds For Wealth Management services, the Advisory Contract may be terminated with written notice at least 30 calendar days in advance. Upon termination of the Advisory Contract, a prorated refund will be provided to the Client. For Ongoing Financial Planning services, the Advisory Contract may be terminated with written notice at least 30 calendar days in advance. Upon termination, the fee will be prorated based on the percentage of work completed by the Advisor and refunded to the Client. Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products Advisor and its supervised persons do not accept compensation for the sale of securities or other investment products including asset-based sales charges or service fees from the sale of mutual funds. 8 Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management We do not offer performance-based fees and do not engage in side-by-side management. Item 7: Types of Clients We provide financial planning and investment management services to individuals and high net-worth individuals. We do not have a minimum account size requirement to open or maintain an account. Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss Below is a brief description of our methods of analysis and primary investment strategies. Methods of Analysis Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) The underlying principles of MPT are: ● Investors are risk averse. The only acceptable risk is that which is adequately compensated by an expected return. Risk and investment return are related and an increase in risk requires an increased expected return. ● Markets are efficient. The same market information is available to all investors at the same time. The market prices every security fairly based upon this equal availability of information. ● ● ● The design of the portfolio as a whole is more important than the selection of any particular security. The appropriate allocation of capital among asset classes will have far more influence on long-term portfolio performance than the selection of individual securities. Investing for the long-term (preferably longer than ten years) becomes critical to investment success because it allows the long-term characteristics of the asset classes to surface. Increasing diversification of the portfolio with lower correlated asset class positions can decrease portfolio risk. Correlation is the statistical term for the extent to which two asset classes move in tandem or opposition to one another. Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis: We look at the experience and track record of the manager of the mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period of time and in different economic conditions. We also look at the underlying assets in a mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the underlying investments held in other funds in the Client’s portfolio. In addition, we monitor the funds or ETFs in an attempt to determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy. A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance does not guarantee future results. A manager who has been successful may not be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in a fund or ETF, managers of different funds held by the client may purchase the same security, increasing the risk to the client if that security were to fall in value. There is also a risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which could make the fund or ETF less suitable for the Client’s portfolio. Investment Strategies Asset Allocation 9 In implementing our Clients’ investment strategy, we begin by attempting to identify an appropriate ratio of equities, fixed income, and cash (i.e. “asset allocation”) suitable to the Client’s investment goals and risk tolerance. A risk of asset allocation is that the Client may not participate in sharp increases in a particular security, industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of equities, fixed income, and cash will change over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no longer be appropriate for the Client’s goals. We attempt to closely monitor our asset allocation models and make changes periodically to keep in line with the target risk tolerance model. Passive Investment Management Passive investing involves building portfolios that are composed of various distinct asset classes. The asset classes are weighted in a manner to achieve the desired relationship between correlation, risk, and return. Funds that passively capture the returns of the desired asset classes are placed in the portfolio. The funds that are used to build passive portfolios are typically index mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. Passive investment management is characterized by low portfolio expenses (i.e. the funds inside the portfolio have low internal costs), minimal trading costs (due to infrequent trading activity), and relative tax efficiency (because the funds inside the portfolio are tax efficient and turnover inside the portfolio is minimal). In contrast, active management involves a single manager or managers who employ some method, strategy or technique to construct a portfolio that is intended to generate returns that are greater than the broader market or a designated benchmark. Material Risks Involved All investing strategies we offer involve risk and may result in a loss of your original investment which you should be prepared to bear. Many of these risks apply equally to stocks, bonds, commodities, and any other investment or security. Material risks associated with our investment strategies are listed below. Market Risk: Market risk involves the possibility that an investment’s current market value will fall because of a general market decline, reducing the value of the investment regardless of the operational success of the issuer’s operations or its financial condition. Interest Rate Risk: Bond (fixed income) prices generally fall when interest rates rise, and the value may fall below par value or the principal investment. The opposite is also generally true: bond prices generally rise when interest rates fall. In general, fixed income securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. Most other investments are also sensitive to the level and direction of interest rates. Inflation: Inflation may erode the buying power of your investment portfolio, even if the dollar value of your investments remains the same. Risks Associated with Securities Apart from the general risks outlined above which apply to all types of investments, specific securities may have other risks. Bank Obligations including bonds and certificates of deposit may be vulnerable to setbacks or panics in the banking industry. Banks and other financial institutions are greatly affected by interest rates and may be adversely affected by downturns in the U.S. and foreign economies or changes in banking regulations. Commercial Paper is, in most cases, an unsecured promissory note that is issued with a maturity of 270 days or less. Being unsecured the risk to the investor is that the issuer may default. 10 Common stocks may go up and down in price quite dramatically, and in the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy or restructuring could lose all value. A slower-growth or recessionary economic environment could have an adverse effect on the price of all stocks. Corporate Bonds are debt securities to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity. Alternatively, investors can purchase other debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, which do not pay current interest, but rather are priced at a discount from their face values and their values accrete over time to face value at maturity. The market prices of debt securities fluctuate depending on factors such as interest rates, credit quality, and maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. The longer the time to a bond’s maturity, the greater its interest rate risk. Exchange Traded Funds prices may vary significantly from the Net Asset Value due to market conditions. Certain Exchange Traded Funds may not track underlying benchmarks as expected. ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above (premium) or below (discount) their net asset value and an ETF purchased at a premium may ultimately be sold at a discount; (ii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Adviser has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which the Clients invest. Municipal Bonds are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of public facilities. Municipal bonds pay a lower rate of return than most other types of bonds. However, because of a municipal bond’s tax-favored status, investors should compare the relative after-tax return to the after-tax return of other bonds, depending on the investor’s tax bracket. Investing in municipal bonds carries the same general risks as investing in bonds in general. Those risks include interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, inflation risk, market risk, call or redemption risk, credit risk, and liquidity and valuation risk. Mutual Funds When a Client invests in open-end mutual funds or ETFs, the Client indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those funds. Therefore, the Client will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the Client's overall portfolio may be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of derivatives). Options and other derivatives carry many unique risks, including time-sensitivity, and can result in the complete loss of principal. While covered call writing does provide a partial hedge to the stock against which the call is written, the hedge is limited to the amount of cash flow received when writing the option. When selling covered calls, there is a risk the underlying position may be called away at a price lower than the current market price. Item 9: Disciplinary Information Criminal or Civil Actions BPW and its management persons have not been involved in any criminal or civil action. Administrative Enforcement Proceedings BPW and its management persons have not been involved in any administrative enforcement proceedings. Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings 11 BPW and its management persons have not been involved in any self-regulatory organization (SRO) proceedings. Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations Broker-Dealer Affiliation Neither BPW or its management persons is registered, or have an application pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer. Other Affiliations Neither BPW or its management persons is registered, or have an application pending to register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, or an associated person of the foregoing entities. Related Persons Neither BPW or its management persons have any relationship or arrangement with any outside financial industry related parties. Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisers BPW does not recommend or select other investment advisers for our clients. Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading As a fiduciary, our firm has a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interests of each Client. Our Clients entrust us with their funds and personal information, which in turn places a high standard on our conduct and integrity. Our fiduciary duty is a core aspect of our Code of Ethics and represents the expected basis of all of our dealings. The firm also adheres to the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility adopted by the CFP® Board of Standards Inc., and accepts the obligation not only to comply with the mandates and requirements of all applicable laws and regulations but also to take responsibility to act in an ethical and professionally responsible manner in all professional services and activities. Code of Ethics Description This Code of Ethics does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and compliance with each of its specific provisions will not shield our firm or its access persons from liability for misconduct that violates a fiduciary duty to our Clients. A summary of the Code of Ethics' Principles is outlined below. ● Integrity - Access persons shall offer and provide professional services with integrity. ● Objectivity - Access persons shall be objective in providing professional services to Clients. ● Competence - Access persons shall provide services to Clients competently and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which they are engaged. ● Fairness - Access persons shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair and reasonable to Clients, principals, partners, and employers, and shall disclose conflict(s) of interest in providing such services. ● Confidentiality - Access persons shall not disclose confidential Client information without the specific consent of the Client unless in response to proper legal process, or as required by law. ● Professionalism - Access persons conduct in all matters shall reflect the credit of the profession. ● Diligence - Access persons shall act diligently in providing professional services. 12 We periodically review and amend our Code of Ethics to ensure that it remains current, and we require all firm access persons to attest to their understanding of and adherence to the Code of Ethics at least annually. Our firm will provide a copy of its Code of Ethics to any Client or prospective Client upon request. Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflicts of Interest Neither our firm, its access persons, or any related person is authorized to recommend to a Client or effect a transaction for a Client, involving any security in which our firm or a related person has a material financial interest, such as in the capacity as an underwriter, adviser to the issuer, principal transaction, among others. Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of Interest Our firm, its access persons, and its related persons do not buy or sell securities similar to, or different from, those we recommend to Clients. Trading Securities At/Around the Same Time as Client’s Securities Neither our firm or its related persons buys or sells securities for client accounts at or about the same time that we or a related person buys or sells the same securities for our own accounts. Item 12: Brokerage Practices Factors Used to Select Custodians BPW does not have any affiliation with any custodian we recommend. Specific custodian recommendations are made to the Client based on their need for such services. We recommend custodians based on the reputation and services provided by the firm. In recommending custodians, we have an obligation to seek the “best execution” of transactions in Client accounts. The determinative factor in the analysis of best execution is not the lowest possible commission cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of the custodian’s services. The factors we consider when evaluating a custodian for best execution include, without limitation, the custodian’s: ● Combination of transaction execution services and asset custody services (generally without a separate fee for custody); ● Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account); ● Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check requests, bill payment, etc.); ● Breadth of available investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), etc.); ● Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions; ● Quality of services; ● Competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates, other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate the prices; ● Reputation, financial strength, security and stability; ● Prior service to us and our clients. With this in consideration, our firm recommends either Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) or Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC (“Fidelity”), independent and unaffiliated SEC registered broker-dealer firms and 13 members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits We do not have any soft-dollar arrangements with custodians whereby soft-dollar credits, used to purchase products and services, are earned directly in proportion to the amount of commissions paid by a Client. However, as a result of being on their institutional platform, Schwab or Fidelity may provide us with certain services that may benefit us. Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory firms like us. They provide our Clients and us with access to their institutional brokerage services (trading, custody, reporting and related services), many of which are not typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support services. Some of those services help us manage or administer our Clients’ accounts, while others help us manage and grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an unsolicited basis (we don’t have to request them) and at no charge to us. The benefits received by Advisor or its personnel do not depend on the number of brokerage transactions directed to Schwab. As part of its fiduciary duties to Clients, Advisor at all times must put the interests of its Clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by Advisor or its related persons in and of itself creates a potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence the Advisor’s choice of Schwab for custody and brokerage services. This conflict of interest is mitigated as Advisor regularly reviews the factors used to select custodians to ensure our recommendation is appropriate. Following is a more detailed description of Schwab’s support services: 1. Services that benefit you. Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of Client assets. The investment products available through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our Clients. Schwab’s services described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your account. 2. Services that may not directly benefit you. Schwab also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us but may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and services assist us in managing and administering our Clients’ accounts. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that of third parties. We may use this research to service all or a substantial number of our Clients’ accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available software and other technology that: ● provide access to Client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements) facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple Client accounts facilitate payment of our fees from our Clients’ accounts ● ● provide pricing and other market data ● ● assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and Client reporting 3. Services that generally benefit only us. Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services include: ● Educational conferences and events ● Consulting on technology, compliance, legal, and business needs ● Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession 4. Your brokerage and custody costs. For our Clients’ accounts that Schwab maintains, Schwab generally does not charge you separately for custody services but is compensated by charging you commissions or other fees on trades that it executes or that settle into your Schwab account. Certain trades (for example, many mutual funds and ETFs) may not incur Schwab commissions or transaction fees. 14 BPW has an arrangement with National Financial Services, LLC, and Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC (together with all affiliates, “Fidelity”) through which Fidelity provides BPW with Fidelity’s “platform” services. The platform services include, among others, brokerage, custodial, administrative support, record keeping and related services that are intended to support intermediaries like BPW in conducting business and in serving the best interests of their clients, but that may benefit BPW. 1. SERVICES THAT BENEFIT YOU. Fidelity provides access to a range of investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets through National Financial Services, LLC and Fidelity Brokerage, LLC. Also, Fidelity provides discount brokerage rates that are generally lower than retail investor rates. Fidelity services described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your account. 2. SERVICES THAT MAY NOT DIRECTLY BENEFIT YOU. Fidelity also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us, but may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and services assist us in managing and administering our clients’ accounts, such as software and technology that may: ● Assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting of our clients’ accounts. ● Provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements). Investment research. ● Provide pricing and other market data. ● Assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting. ● ● Access to Fidelity’s trading desk for Advisors. ● Access to block trading. 3. SERVICES THAT GENERALLY BENEFIT ONLY US. By using Fidelity, we will be offered other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services include: ● Educational conferences and events. ● Consulting on technology, compliance, legal, and business needs. ● Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession. ● Vendor discounts to purchase business services, such as consulting, marketing and branding, technology support and other similar business services. 4. YOUR BROKERAGE AND CUSTODY COSTS. Fidelity charges brokerage commissions and transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (i.e., transaction fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds, commissions are charged for individual equity and debt securities transactions). Fidelity enables BPW to obtain many no-load mutual funds without transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges. Fidelity’s commission rates are generally considered discounted from customary retail commission rates. However, the commissions and transaction fees charged by Fidelity may be higher or lower than those charged by other custodians. As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, BPW endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by BPW or its related persons in and of itself creates a potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence BPW’s choice of Fidelity for custody and brokerage services. Brokerage for Client Referrals We receive no referrals from a custodian, broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that custodian, broker-dealer or third party. Clients Directing Which Broker/Dealer/Custodian to Use Our firm requires Clients establish account(s) at either Schwab or Fidelity to execute transactions through. We will assist with establishing your account(s) at either Schwab or Fidelity, however, we will not have the 15 authority to open accounts on the Client's behalf. Not all investment advisers require their Clients to use their recommended custodian. By requiring that Clients use either Schwab or Fidelity, we may be unable to achieve most favorable execution of Client transactions, and this practice may cost Clients more money. We base our recommendations on the factors disclosed in Item 12 herein and will only recommend custodians if we believe it's in the best interest of the Client. We do not permit Clients to direct brokerage (direct us to a broker-dealer of your choosing). Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts Generally, we combine multiple orders for shares of the same securities purchased for advisory accounts we manage (this practice is commonly referred to as “block trading”). We will then distribute a portion of the shares to participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The distribution of the shares purchased is typically proportionate to the size of the account, but it is not based on account performance or the amount or structure of management fees. Subject to our discretion, regarding particular circumstances and market conditions, when we combine orders, each participating account pays an average price per share for all transactions and pays a proportionate share of all transaction costs. Accounts owned by our firm or access persons may participate in block trading with your accounts; however, they will not be given preferential treatment. Item 13: Review of Accounts Periodic Reviews James Pieper, Partner, Co-Founder and CCO of BPW, John Rhodes, Partner and Co-Founder, or Bradley Bishop, Advisor, will work with Clients to obtain current information regarding their assets and investment holdings and will review this information as part of our financial planning services. BPW does not provide specific reports to Clients, other than financial plans. Clients who engage us for investment management services will have their account(s) reviewed regularly on a quarterly basis by James Pieper, Partner, Co-Founder, CCO or John Rhodes, Partner and Co-Founder, and Bradley Bishop, Advisor. The account(s) are reviewed with regards to the Client’s investment objectives and risk tolerance levels. Triggers of Reviews Events that may trigger a special review would be unusual performance, addition or deletions of Client-imposed restrictions, excessive draw-down, volatility in performance, or buy and sell decisions from the firm or per Client's needs. Review Reports Clients will receive trade confirmations from the custodian(s) for each transaction in their accounts as well as monthly or quarterly statements and annual tax reporting statements from their custodian showing all activity in the accounts, such as receipt of dividends and interest. BPW does not provide written performance or holdings reports to Investment Management Clients outside of what is provided directly by their custodian. Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation Compensation Received by Belmont Private Wealth LLC BPW is a fee-only firm that is compensated solely by its Clients. BPW does not receive commissions or other sales-related compensation. Except as mentioned in Item 12 above, we do not receive any economic benefit, directly or indirectly, from any third party for advice rendered to our Clients. Client Referrals from Solicitors 16 BPW does not, directly or indirectly, compensate any person who is not advisory personnel for Client referrals. Item 15: Custody BPW does not hold, directly or indirectly, Client funds or securities, or have any authority to obtain possession of them. All Client assets are held at a qualified custodian. If BPW deducts its advisory fee from Client’s account(s), the following safeguards will be applied: i. ii. The Client will provide written authorization to BPW, permitting us to be paid directly from Client’s accounts held by the custodian. The custodian will send at least quarterly statements to the Client showing all disbursements from the accounts, including the amount of the advisory fee. We urge you to carefully review custodial statements and compare them to the account invoices or reports that we may provide to you and notify us of any discrepancies. Clients are responsible for verifying the accuracy of these fees as listed on the custodian’s brokerage statement as the custodian does not assume this responsibility. Our invoices or reports may vary from custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities. Item 16: Investment Discretion For those Client accounts where we provide Investment Management Services, BPW has discretionary authority and limited power of attorney to determine the securities and the amount of securities to be bought or sold for a Client’s account without having to obtain prior Client approval for each transaction. Investment discretion is explained to Clients in detail when an advisory relationship has commenced. At the start of the advisory relationship, the Client will execute a Limited Power of Attorney, which will grant our firm discretion over the account(s). Additionally, the discretionary relationship will be outlined in the Advisory Contract and signed by the Client. Clients may limit our discretion by requesting certain restrictions on investments. However, approval of such requests are at the firm’s sole discretion. Item 17: Voting Client Securities We do not vote Client proxies. Therefore, Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) voting proxies, and (2) acting on corporate actions pertaining to the Client’s investment assets. The Client shall instruct the Client’s qualified custodian to forward to the Client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating to the Client’s investment assets. If the Client would like our opinion on a particular proxy vote, they may contact us at the number listed on the cover of this brochure. In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in the event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them directly to you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in which case, we would forward you any electronic solicitation to vote proxies. Item 18: Financial Information We have no financial commitment that impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to our Clients, nor have we been the subject of any bankruptcy proceeding. We do not have custody of Client funds or securities, except as disclosed in Item 15 above, or require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months or more in advance. 17