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)
Min | Max | Marginal 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 Assets | Annual Fees | Average 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