View Document Text
Item 1: Cover Page
Form ADV Part 2A
Investment Adviser Brochure
March 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Checchi Capital
Advisers, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact Adam D.
Checchi, Managing Member, at 310-432-0010 and/or info@checchicapital.com. The information in this
brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or
by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You may search this site using a unique identifying number, known as a CRD
number, Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC’s CRD Number is 143478.
9720 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-432-0010
info@checchicapital.com
www.checchicapital.com
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes
Annual Update
In this Item of Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC’s (CCA or the Firm) Form ADV 2, the Firm is required
to discuss any material changes that have been made to Form ADV since the last Annual
Amendment in March of 2024.
Material Changes since the Last Update
• Updates pursuant to the required annual updating amendment.
•
•
Item 5 – Clarification on Billing methodology
Item 4 & 5 – Clarification on Sub-Advising Relationships
Full Brochure Available
CCA’s Form ADV may be requested at any time, without charge by contacting Adam D. Checchi,
Managing Member, at 310-432-0010 or adam@checchicapital.com.
2
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page
1
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes
2
Item 3: Table of Contents
3
Item 4: Advisory Business
4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
5
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
7
Item 7: Types of Clients
7
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
8
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
13
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
13
11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Item
14
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
16
Item 13: Review of Accounts
17
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
18
Item 15: Custody
19
Item 16: Investment Discretion
19
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
20
Item 18: Financial Information
20
3
Item 4: Advisory Business
Firm Description
Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC (“CCA” or the “Firm”) is a registered investment adviser
and was founded in 2007.
Principal Owners
CCA is owned by Loeb Capital West, LLC, Canal Capital Partners, LLC, two trusts
controlled by Kathryn D. Checchi, a Principal of CCA and Samuel T. Pfister. Adam D.
Checchi, the Managing Member of CCA, is the sole member of Loeb Capital West, LLC.
Asset Management
CCA provides sophisticated globally diversified portfolio strategies for investors’ core
long-term liquid equity and fixed income investments. Customized investment portfolios
will be constructed using proprietary statistical and mathematical models which maximize
diversification and tax efficiency while minimizing turnover, transaction costs and
management expenses.
CCA’s strategies are based on individually constructed domestic and foreign fixed income
and equity portfolios that use statistical sampling to approximate the distribution of the
world’s liquid traded assets by value. The gross returns and volatility of CCA portfolios
should approximate the pre-tax returns of the major world indices weighted by market
capitalization. CCA will include tax optimization and transaction cost reduction algorithms
that optimize the client’s tax position.
Assets are invested primarily in fixed income and equity, utilizing exchange-traded funds,
where appropriate, to achieve maximum diversification. All securities are purchased or
sold through a brokerage account.
Investments may also include, but are not limited to: equities (stocks), warrants,
corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, municipal securities, investment
company securities (variable life insurance, variable annuities, and mutual funds
shares), U. S. government securities, options contracts, futures contracts, and interests
in partnerships.
CCA may also select and appoint one or more Sub-Advisor(s) to provide Sub-Advisor
Services to Client’s Account. Such Sub-Advisor Services will be as determined by CCA.
Such Sub-Advisor(s), in providing Sub-Advisor Services, shall have all of the same
authority relating to the management, including fee deduction authority, of Client’s
Account as is granted to CCA. In addition, at CCA’s discretion, CCA may grant such
Sub-Advisor(s) full authority to further delegate such discretionary investment authority
to other Money Managers. Client will agree to such authority within CCA’s Advisory
Agreement. All fees paid by Client to CCA are inclusive of the fees paid to Sub-Advisor.
Separately Managed Accounts
CCA provides continuous advice to clients regarding 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, CCA will create
4
and manage a portfolio based on that client’s needs.
Sub-Advisory Services
CCA may act as a Sub-Advisor to other non-affiliated investment advisors who hire CCA
to manage a portion of, or all of their Client’s portfolio. The non-affiliated investment
advisors must have discretionary authority over the account and the ability to delegate
that discretionary authority to CCA. CCA will manage the assets according to agreed
upon strategies between the non-affiliated investment advisor and CCA.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
CCA serves as an investment adviser to two insurance dedicated funds, the CCA Core
Return Insurance Fund and the CCA Aggressive Return Insurance Fund. CCA manages
the Insurance Funds based on the investment goals and objectives as outlined in the
Series Supplements to the Insurance Funds.
Tailored Relationships
CCA tailors advisory services to the individual needs of the client. The goals and
objectives for each client are discussed and then an individual portfolio of domestic and
foreign fixed-income and equity is constructed using a statistical sampling process to
approximate the distribution of the world’s liquid traded assets by value. The gross
returns and volatility of CCA portfolios should approximate the pre-tax returns of the major
world indices weighted by market capitalization. CCA will include tax optimization and
transaction cost reduction algorithms that optimize the client’s tax position. Clients may
impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Wrap Fee Programs
CCA does not participate in a Wrap Fee Program.
Client Assets
As of December 31, 2024, CCA managed assets on a discretionary basis
$2,226,443,847 and on a non-discretionary basis $85,856,186.
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Compensation
Separately Managed Accounts
The annual compensation for CCA’s separately managed accounts is generally as
follows:
AUM
Advisory Fee
$0 - $50,000,000
0.90%
$50,000,000+
0.70%
This is a blended fee schedule, meaning different asset levels are assessed different
fees, as shown above. Fees will be payable to CCA quarterly in arrears. Fees will be
calculated based on the average daily market value of assets under management
5
during the billing period.
Sub-Advisory Services
Fees will be charged on the total assets under management that the third party
investment advisor brings to CCA. CCA is compensated directly by the third party
investment advisor with a portion of their investment management fee, as per the duly
executed Sub-Advisory services agreement. Third party investment advisors who
engage CCA as a Sub-Advisor shall be responsible for billing their Clients and collecting
all fees.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
Annual investment sub-advisory management fees for each insurance fund are charged
as a tiered percent per annum of the net asset value of the insurance fund on the first
business day of each calendar month based on the total assets managed (please see the
Sub-Advisory Agreement for specific per annum fees by asset level).
Calculation and Payment
Unless CCA and the client agree that particular assets are specifically excluded from
the client’s account, compensation will be calculated in arrears on the total market value
of all mutual funds, stocks, bonds, cash, and money market positions held in the client’s
investment account at the end of each calendar quarter.
Clients may elect to be invoiced directly for fees or to authorize CCA to directly debit
fees from client accounts.
Advisory fees for the insurance funds are paid monthly in arrears. CCA has
contractually agreed to reduce its fees and to reimburse expenses to ensure that the
total annual operating expenses (excluding standard trading expenses as described in
the Series Supplement) for the insurance fund do not exceed 0.90% of the net asset
value of the insurance fund on the first business day of each calendar month.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, CCA’s reserves the right to negotiate its
compensation based on various criteria, including, but not limited to, the size of the
aggregate party portfolio size and pre-existing relationships with clients. Certain clients
may pay more or less than others depending on the amount of assets, type of portfolio,
or the time involved, the degree of responsibility assumed, the complexity of the
engagement, special skills needed to solve problems, the application of experience and
knowledge of the client’s situation.
Other Fees
Separately Managed Accounts
in cryptocurrencies), mutual
fund
fees,
including advisory
In addition to CCA advisory compensation, clients may incur certain charges imposed by
third parties which include the following: brokerage commissions; custodial fees; IRA and
qualified retirement fees; cryptocurrency platform and transactions fees (for clients
investing
fees and
administrative expenses, 12B-1 and sub transfer fees; and other charges required by law.
6
Advisory compensation earned by CCA is separate and distinct from advisory fees and
expenses charged by mutual funds in which client assets may be invested. A complete
description of these fees and expenses may be found in each mutual fund prospectus.
The client should review all fees charged by mutual funds, CCA and others to fully
understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
Funds are subject to a number of expenses which are ultimately borne by shareholders,
including, but not limited to, accounting, shareholder servicing, legal, audit, tax,
administrative servicing and other expenses.
funds)
in circumstances
in which direct
investments
Additionally, CCA utilizes certain exchange traded funds and other investment vehicles
(“acquired
in certain
securities/markets may be impractical due to high trading costs, minimum required
investment allocations, and/or other factors. Fees and expenses charged by acquired
funds are separate and distinct from advisory fees and other expenses charged to the
funds to which CCA serves as an adviser or sub-adviser. Consequently, to the extent
that any fund managed by CCA in acquired funds, shareholders shall be assessed fund
level fees and expenses both by the funds managed by CCA and the acquired funds.
Termination of Agreement
Clients may terminate their engagement with CCA within five (5) business days of
signing an Agreement with no obligation and without penalty. After the initial five (5)
days, either party has the right to terminate any agreement without penalty with written
notice. CCA will earn fees pro-rata through the date of termination. Upon termination of
the account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded, and any earned,
unpaid fees will be due and payable.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Neither CCA nor any of its Supervised Persons accepts performance-based fees (fees
based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a client).
CCA does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential conflict of
interest. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to
recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client.
Item 7: Types of Clients
Types of Clients
CCA provides portfolio management services to high net worth individuals, foundations,
charitable organizations, pension and profit sharing plans,
trusts, corporations,
investment companies registered under the Investment Company of 1940, insurance-
dedicated funds and other business entities.
7
Account Minimums
The minimum separate account size is $5,000,000. Accounts may be aggregated for
determining the dollar value of assets. Waivers or exceptions from the minimum account
requirement may be granted at the exclusive discretion of CCA.
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
CCA combines a quantitative approach in security analysis with an index methodology to
construct portfolios of securities for clients.
CCA utilizes databases from several sources as input to its own statistical computer
models. This quantitative processing produces security portfolio recommendations that
capture specific market level risk exposures of common and customized indices. CCA
may employ fundamental, technical and behavioral data in its computer models. CCA
portfolios tend to be long-term purchases, with limited turnover.
CCA’s approach is not designed to capture idiosyncratic differences between companies
and therefore do not provide advantage in security selection. CCA’s process relies on the
quality of the data it obtains, the quality of the statistical models it builds and the firm’s
ability to execute purchases at prices that approximate those modeled.
Separate Account Investment Strategies
The primary strategy employed with client accounts is global asset allocation targeting
only liquid securities. The company uses passively managed index funds or attempts to
replicate passively managed benchmarks with direct securities to construct client
portfolios. Unless otherwise specified by the client, portfolios are globally diversified to
control the risk associated with traditional markets. Our strategies broadly fall into two
categories:
Core Global Portfolio Strategies
The CCA Global Portfolio is a client-owned separately-managed index portfolio that
mirrors the world’s allocation of public equity and fixed income securities. CCA makes
trade decisions based on a client’s specific tax and risk profile. Customized portfolios
that CCA offers beyond the traditional CCA Global Portfolio include the CCA Global
Dividend Portfolio, the CCA Core Portfolio, the CCA EAFE Portfolio, and Overlay
portfolios. The CCA Global Dividend Portfolio provides exposure to a globally diversified
portfolio of high dividend paying securities. The CCA Core Portfolio provides exposure
to the large and mid-cap companies in the U.S while the CCA EAFE Portfolio provides
exposure to the large and mid-cap developed market companies outside the U.S. CCA’s
Overlay portfolios are used in conjunction with the underlying CCA portfolio strategies
listed above to provide downside protection by holding more cash or hedging and/or
additional return through the use of margin.
Risk Parity Strategies
8
The CCA Risk Parity Strategy is a client-owned separately-managed composite portfolio
of sub-strategies that represent various asset classes and trading strategies that exhibit
equity like returns and risk but provide exposure outside of the major stock indices. Each
sub-strategy is scaled in a portfolio construction technique known as “risk parity” such
that each sub-strategy represents an equal contribution to the overall risk of the portfolio
based on historical risk data as measured by standard deviation. The current sub-
strategies employed in this Risk Parity framework are:
• Factor – a market weighted portfolio of global small-capitalization value stocks
• Momentum – a trading strategy of ETFs covering the major global equity and
fixed income markets which tracks the top quintile of global securities based on
their momentum (determined by price changes)
• Carry – a risk weighted portfolio of high-income producing securities (high yield
•
bonds, emerging market bonds, MLPs, REITs and preferred stocks)
Inflation – A paired trade of long-term government bonds and commodity gold
ETFs
• Volatility – A short VIX strategy that uses VIX options to sell volatility in equity
markets
Pooled Investment Vehicle Strategies
CCA Aggressive Return Strategy
The CCA Aggressive Return Strategy attempts to capture the performance of the riskier
portion of the domestic and international equity and fixed income markets by employing
an investment approach designed to focus on those securities that have the highest
expected return sensitivity, as determined by CCA. CCA manages the CCA Aggressive
Return Strategy to closely approximate the key characteristics of the top decile (i.e., the
10% of the world’s securities by market value that provide the highest expected return
sensitivity based on the score). For this purpose, CCA invests in a sampling of securities
that, in the aggregate, are selected to provide performance that corresponds generally to
the performance of the top decile. The securities in the top decile will change from time
to time. As CCA conducts its periodic scoring and ranking of the universe, CCA will
modify the CCA Aggressive Return Strategy’s holdings accordingly. The mix between
equity and fixed income securities is expected to vary significantly from time to time, and
it is possible for the CCA Aggressive Return Strategy to be 100% invested in either asset
class at any time.
CCA Core Return Strategy
The CCA Core Return Strategy attempts to capture the performance of 90% of the
domestic and international equity and fixed income markets by employing an investment
approach designed to focus on all securities other than those that have the highest
expected return sensitivity, as determined by CCA. CCA manages the CCA Core Return
Strategy to closely approximate the key characteristics of the nine deciles other than the
top decile (i.e., the 90% of the world’s securities by market value, excluding the 10% that
provide the highest expected return sensitivity based on the score). For this purpose,
CCA invests in a sampling of securities that, in the aggregate, are selected to provide
performance that corresponds generally to the performance of the nine deciles. The
9
securities in the nine deciles will change from time to time. As CCA conducts its periodic
scoring and ranking of the universe, CCA will modify the CCA Core Return Strategy’s
holdings accordingly.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Our investment
approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the following investment
risks:
•
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to
fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become
less attractive, causing their market values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by
external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances.
For example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
•
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar next year will not buy
as much as a dollar today, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of
inflation.
• Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investments present certain risks not typically
associated with investing in United States securities or property. Such risks
include unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, restrictions on
repatriation of investment income and capital, imposition of exchange control
regulation by the United States or foreign governments, confiscatory taxation and
economic or political instability in foreign nations. In addition, there may be less
publicly available information about certain non-U.S. companies than would be the
case for comparable companies in the United States, and certain non-U.S.
companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and requirements comparable to or as uniform as those of U.S.
companies.
• Exchange Rate Risk: The value of clients’ positions in non-U.S. investments will
fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the
investments in the various local markets and currencies. In such cases, an
increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the other currencies will
reduce the effect of any increases and magnify the effect of any decreases in the
prices of clients’ investments in their local markets and may result in losses to
client accounts.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may
have to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This
primarily relates to fixed income securities.
10
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding
oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They
carry a higher risk of profitability than an electric company, which generates its
income from a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the
economic environment is like.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized
product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties
are not. Additionally, some investments may become illiquid due to changing
market conditions and/or other factors and there is no assurance that any
particular investment may be liquid at any particular point in time.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases
the risk of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations
in good times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan
obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Margin Account Risk: A margin transaction occurs when an investor uses
borrowed assets to purchase financial instruments. The effect of purchasing a
security using margin is to magnify any gains or losses sustained by the purchase
of the financial instruments on margin. If the securities in a margin account decline
in value, the brokerage firm may issue a margin call and/or sell securities or other
assets in the client’s accounts. Additionally, many broker- dealers may increase
their maintenance margin requirements at any time without advance written notice.
• Options Risks: The seller (writer) of a call option which is covered (i.e., the writer
holds the underlying security) assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of
the underlying security below the purchase price of the underlying security less the
premium received, and gives up the opportunity for gain on the underlying security
above the exercise price of the option. The seller of an uncovered call option
assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the
underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The securities
necessary to satisfy the exercise of an uncovered call option may be unavailable
for purchase, except at much higher prices, thereby reducing or eliminating the
value of the premium. Purchasing securities to cover the exercise of an uncovered
call option can cause the price of the securities to increase, thereby exacerbating
the loss. The buyer of a call option assumes the risk of losing its entire premium
investment in the call option. Further, as with other derivative investments, over-
the-counter options are subject to counterparty risk.
CCA reserves the right to advise clients on any other type of investment that it deems
appropriate based on the client’s stated goals and objectives. CCA may also provide
advice on any type of investment held in a client’s portfolio at the inception of the advisory
relationship or on any investment on which the client requests advice.
11
Additional Risk Considerations Relating to Cryptocurrency Investments
Investments in cryptocurrencies are highly speculative and involve high degrees of risk,
including the risk of a partial or total loss of invested funds. Cryptocurrencies are not
suitable for any client who cannot afford the loss of the entire investment.
Cryptocurrency is a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of
exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not have legal tender status.
Cryptocurrencies are sometimes exchanged for U.S. dollars or other currencies around
the world, but they are not generally backed or supported by any government or central
bank. Their value is completely derived by market forces of supply and demand, and they
are more volatile than traditional currencies. The value of cryptocurrency may be derived
from the continued willingness of market participants to exchange fiat currency for
cryptocurrency, which may result in the potential for permanent and total loss of value of
a particular cryptocurrency should the market for that cryptocurrency disappear.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the regulatory treatment of crypto assets in the
U.S. As a result, many crypto assets are either unregulated or in the early stages of
regulation by U.S. federal and state governments and self-regulatory organizations. As
crypto assets have grown in popularity, certain U.S. agencies, such as the SEC, the
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and other offices within the U.S. Treasury
Department, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), have begun to
examine crypto assets and entities that operate within the crypto asset ecosystem in
depth. Legislative and regulatory changes or actions at the state, federal, or international
level may adversely affect the use, transfer, exchange, and value of cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrencies are not covered by either FDIC or SIPC insurance.
Purchasing cryptocurrencies comes with a number of risks, including volatile market price
swings or flash crashes, market manipulation, and cybersecurity risks. A cybersecurity
breach with respect to the entities involved in the recording and transfer of crypto assets
in turn could in turn could cause a client account and/or CCA to incur regulatory penalties,
reputational damage, and additional compliance costs associated with corrective
measures, and/or financial loss.
In addition, cryptocurrency markets and exchanges are not regulated with the same
controls or customer protections available in equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange
investing. There is no assurance that a person who accepts a cryptocurrency as payment
today will continue to do so in the future. Cryptocurrency and crypto asset exchanges
have been closed due to fraud, failure, security breaches, and legal noncompliance.
Client assets held on a crypto asset exchange that shuts down may be lost.
While CCA conducted research into the legitimacy of the cryptocurrency it plans to
recommend, including the proposed platform, there is no guarantee that such research
will prevent or minimize risks to client accounts. The features, functions, characteristics,
operation, use and other properties of the specific cryptocurrency may be complex,
technical, or difficult to understand or properly evaluate. The cryptocurrency may be
vulnerable to attacks on the security, integrity or operation, including attacks using
computing power sufficient to overwhelm the normal operation of the cryptocurrency’s
12
blockchain or other underlying technology. Some cryptocurrency transactions will be
deemed to be made when recorded on a public ledger, which is not necessarily the date
or time that a transaction may have been initiated.
Any individual cryptocurrency may change or otherwise cease to operate as expected
due to changes made to its underlying technology, changes made using its underlying
technology, or changes resulting from an attack. These changes may include, without
limitation, a "fork," a "rollback," an "airdrop," or a "bootstrap." Such changes may dilute
the value of an existing cryptocurrency position and/or distribute the value of an existing
cryptocurrency position to another cryptocurrency. There is no guarantee that any
these changes. Any
individual cryptocurrency custodian will support any of
cryptocurrency may be cancelled, lost or double spent, or otherwise lose all or most of
their value, due to forks, rollbacks, attacks, or failures to operate as intended. The nature
of cryptocurrency means that any technological difficulties experienced by a custodian
may prevent the access of your cryptocurrency. Any insurance or surety bonds
maintained by a custodian holding cryptocurrencies for the benefit of its customers may
not be sufficient to cover all losses incurred by customers.
Cryptocurrencies are not appropriate using funds drawn from retirement savings, student
loans, mortgages, emergency funds, or funds set aside for other specific purposes.
Cryptocurrency trading can lead to large and immediate financial losses. The volatility
and unpredictability of the price of cryptocurrency relative to fiat currency may result in
significant loss over a short period of time.
Under certain market conditions, it may be difficult or impossible to liquidate a position
quickly at a reasonable price. This can occur, for example, when the market for a
particular cryptocurrency suddenly drops, or if trading is halted due to recent news events,
unusual trading activity, or changes in the underlying cryptocurrency system.
failures, software
The greater the volatility of a particular cryptocurrency, the greater the likelihood that
problems may be encountered in executing a transaction. In addition to normal market
risks, a client may experience losses due to one or more of the following: system failures,
failures, network connectivity disruptions, and data
hardware
corruption.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
CCA and its employees have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to
past or present investment clients.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
CCA is not registered as a broker-dealer.
Neither CCA nor any of its management persons is registered as (or associated with) a
futures commissions merchant, commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading adviser.
13
Other Investment Advisers
CCA does not recommend or select other investment advisers for its clients.
Booking Company
CCA, it’s management persons and their related entities, and/or employees of CCA have
an affiliation through common ownership with of Connected Accounting, LLC, a booking,
bill pay, and budgeting small business..
Insurance Company
CCA, it’s management persons and their related entities, and/or employees of CCA have
an affiliation through common ownership with of Fergus Reinsurance Limited (“Fergus”), a
Bermuda-based reinsurance company. In addition, Adam Checchi serves on the Board of
Directors of Fergus. Further, as a result of the aforementioned ownership interest and Mr.
Checchi’s service on the Board of Directors, CCA and related entities have certain controls
over key insurance underwriting decisions, investment decisions and operating decisions
for the company.
CCA also serves as the investment adviser for a portfolio linked the Series C Preferred
Shares (“Series C Shares”) issued by Fergus and for which Fergus has been engaged to
manage insurance risks.
Certain clients have chosen, or may choose in the future, to independently invest in the
Series C shares. It is important to note that, in such instances, CCA’s relationship with
Fergus could result in a conflict of interest with a client’s investment. Specifically, should
a dispute arise between Fergus and shareholders in the Series C Cell, a conflict could
arise between the Checchi Family’s financial interests in Fergus and those of Series C
Cell shareholders.
CCA’s service as the investment adviser to the Series C Cell may also create a conflict
of interest. Specifically, to the extent that CCA introduces the Series C Cell to other CCA
clients and such clients choose to place an investment, CCA earns additional advisory
fees on the increased assets in the Series C Cell.
Item 11: Code of
Ethics,
Participation
or
Interest
in
Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
CCA employees must comply with a Code of Ethics. The Code describes the Firms’ high
standard of business conduct, and fiduciary duty to its clients. The Code’s key provisions
include:
• Statement of General Principles
• Policy on and reporting of Personal Securities Transactions
• A prohibition on Insider Trading
• Restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts
14
• Procedures to detect and deter misconduct and violations
• Requirement to maintain confidentiality of client information
• Monitoring of political contributions
• Policy on gifts and entertainment
Delia T. Mupita, Chief Compliance Officer, reviews all employee trades each quarter. Her
trades are reviewed by another employee. These reviews ensure that personal trading
does not affect the markets, and that clients of CCA receive preferential treatment.
All employees of CCA must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics at least
annually.
Clients and prospective clients can obtain a copy of CCA’s Code of Ethics by contacting
the Chief Compliance Officer, Delia T. Mupita, at 310-432-0010.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
With the exceptions of recommendations relating to purchases of affiliated pooled
investment vehicles and as discussed below, neither CCA nor its employees recommend
to clients or buy or sell for client accounts, securities in which they have a material
financial interest.
It is important to note that, from time to time, the Checchi Family may introduce personal
co-investment opportunities to select clients, at their sole discretion, with whom members
of the family and/or CCA have material relationships. Any such investment is not
considered a product or service offering of CCA, nor is CCA obligated to introduce any
specific client to a family co-investment opportunity. It is the sole responsibility of clients
who are considering participation in any Checchi Family co-investment opportunity to
consult appropriate tax, legal, and other financial professionals to determine the suitability
of any such investment in light of their specific circumstances.
To the extent that a client chooses to pursue a co-investment opportunity introduced by
the Checchi Family, such client should be aware that conflicts of interest may exist. The
Checchi Family may invest in multiple levels of a company’s capital structure, which could
give rise to conflicts of interest to the extent that capital structure interests diverge.
Additionally, to the extent that CCA serves as the adviser to a portfolio purchased through
an outside investment and introduces that outside investment to existing clients, it should
be noted that CCA will generally earn additional advisory fees on investments placed by
those clients.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions – Personal Securities Transactions
CCA and its employees may buy or sell securities identical to those recommended to
clients for their personal accounts. These trades may not occur ahead of client trades.
The Code of Ethics, described above, is designed to assure that the personal securities
transactions, activities and interests of the employees of CCA will not interfere with (i)
making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii) implementing such
decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts.
Under the Code certain classes of securities have been designated as exempt
transactions, based upon a determination that these would materially not interfere with
15
the best interest of CCA’s clients. In addition, the Code requires pre-clearance of many
transactions, and restricts trading in close proximity to client trading activity. Nonetheless,
because the Code of Ethics in some circumstances would permit employees to invest in
the same securities as clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit from
market activity by a client in a security held by an employee. Employee trading is
continually monitored under the Code of Ethics, and to reasonably prevent conflicts of
interest between CCA and its clients.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions – Aggregation
CCA’s employees, who are clients of the firm, may trade in the same securities with client
accounts on an aggregated basis.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
CCA does not receive soft dollar benefits other than execution from broker-dealers in
connection with client securities transactions. See disclosure below in “Directed
Brokerage – Other Economic Benefits”.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
CCA does not direct utilize brokerage transactions to compensate brokers for client
referrals. As described more fully in Item 14 below, CCA has entered into a cash referral
agreement with E-Trade, which is a registered broker-dealer.
Directed Brokerage
If the client requests CCA to arrange for the execution of securities brokerage
transactions for the client’s account, CCA shall direct such transactions through broker-
dealers that CCA reasonably believes will provide best execution. CCA shall periodically
and systematically review its policies and procedures regarding recommending broker-
dealers to its client in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
CCA generally recommends that clients establish institutional brokerage accounts with
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab) or Fidelity Investments, LLC (Fidelity), both
registered broker-dealers and members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation
(SIPC), to maintain custody of clients' assets and to effect trades for their accounts.
Directed Brokerage – Other Economic Benefits
CCA is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with any broker-dealer.
However, CCA does utilize third-party broker-dealers to access institutional trading and
custody services on its clients’ behalf, which are typically not available to retail investors.
These services generally are available to independent investment advisers on an
unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so long as a total of at least $10 million of the
adviser’s clients’ assets is maintained in accounts at the broker-dealer, and are not
otherwise contingent upon CCA committing to the broker-dealer any specific amount of
business (assets in custody or trading). Brokerage services include brokerage, custody,
16
research, and access to mutual funds and other investments that are otherwise generally
available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly higher minimum
initial investment.
For CCA’s client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab and Fidelity generally do
not charge separately for custody but are compensated by account holders through
commissions or other transaction-related fees for securities trades that are executed
through Schwab or Fidelity, or that settle into Schwab or Fidelity accounts.
Clients may come to CCA with an existing brokerage relationship and direct CCA to
execute their trades through that broker. CCA retains the right not to trade with a
particular broker-dealer. Clients normally negotiate their commission rate directly with
their broker. CCA will not seek better execution services or prices from other brokers or
dealers and as a result, client could pay higher commissions, other transaction costs,
greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices on transactions for client’s account
than would otherwise be the case. If a client does not have an existing relationship with
a broker, CCA may suggest the use of and request the client to authorize discretion on
an account established through a variety of brokerage firms.
Trade Aggregation
CCA typically aggregates trades for multiple accounts. Orders for the same security
entered on behalf of more than one client will generally be aggregated in the best interests
of all participating clients. If the order is filled at different prices during the day, the prices
are averaged for the day so that all participating accounts receive the same price. If an
order has not been filled completely so that there are not enough shares to allocate
among all the clients equally, shares will be allocated on a pro rata basis, based on
transaction value across accounts.
CCA’s allocation procedure seeks to be fair and equitable to all clients with no particular
group or client(s) being favored or disfavored over any other clients.
Accounts for CCA’s employees, who are clients of the firm, may be included in a block
trade with client accounts.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Reviews
Adam D. Checchi, Managing Member, is the primary Portfolio Manager. Mr. Checchi and
his team have the responsibility to manage the portfolio in accordance with the client’s
investment objectives and constraints. This management process includes on-going
oversight of the portfolio’s investments, buying and selling securities, and communication
with clients. Each account’s securities positions are generally rebalanced when
significant model changes occur, with cash balances re-assessed on a bi-weekly basis.
More frequent reviews may be conducted on an as-needed and/or predetermined basis
as agreed between the client and CCA.
Review Triggers
17
Other conditions that may trigger a review are material market events, or changes in
political or economic conditions, tax laws, and changes in a client's personal situation.
Reporting
Each month, the broker-dealer provides clients with an account statement for each client
account, which may include individual holdings, cost basis information, deposits and
withdrawals, securities transactions, accrued income, dividends, performance and fees,
if applicable. In addition to the monthly report, the broker-dealer provides clients with
trade confirmations for each position bought and sold.
CCA also provides clients with a quarterly report including an account appraisal that
identifies the current status of the portfolio. A performance summary is also provided for
the portfolio during the most recent quarter and year-to-date, as well as a performance
snapshot of the investable universe year-to-date for comparison purposes.
Client meetings are encouraged and are scheduled as specific situations dictate.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Compensation – Economic Benefits
As described in Item 12, CCA may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts
with Schwab, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, to maintain custody of
clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. Although CCA may recommend that
clients establish accounts at certain broker-dealers, it is the client’s decision to use a
particular broker-dealer. CCA is independently owned and operated and not affiliated
with any broker-dealer.
Third-party broker-dealers, including Schwab, make available to CCA other products and
services that benefit CCA but may not benefit its clients’ accounts. Some of these other
products and services assist CCA in managing and administering clients’ accounts.
These include software and other technology that provide access to client account data
(such as trade confirmations and account statements); facilitate trade execution (and
allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts); provide research,
pricing information and other market data; facilitate payment of CCA’s fees from its clients’
accounts; and assist with back-office functions, record keeping and client reporting. Many
of these services generally may be used to service all or a substantial number of CCA’s
accounts, including accounts not maintained at the broker-dealer.
Third-party broker dealers, including Schwab, also make available to CCA other services
intended to help CCA manage and further develop its business enterprise. These
services may include consulting, publications and conferences on practice management,
information technology, business succession, regulatory compliance, and marketing. In
addition, the broker-dealer may make available, arrange and/or pay for these types of
services rendered to CCA by independent third parties. The broker-dealer may discount
or waive fees it would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of
the fees of a third-party providing these services to CCA. CCA endeavors to act in its
clients’ best interests. CCA’s recommendation that clients maintain their assets in
18
accounts at a particular broker-dealer may be based in part on the benefit to CCA of the
availability of some of the foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature,
cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by the broker-dealer, which
may create a potential conflict of interest.
Compensation – Client Referrals
CCA may enter into written arrangements to pay cash referral fees to individuals or
companies (solicitors) who refer prospective clients to CCA. In these cases, there will be
a written agreement between CCA and the solicitors, which clearly defines the duties
and responsibilities of the solicitor under this arrangement. In addition, each solicitor is
required to provide a written disclosure document, which explains to the prospective client
the terms under which the solicitor is working with CCA and the fact that the solicitor is
being compensated for the referral activities. The solicitor is also required to furnish a
copy of CCA’s written disclosure document to the prospective client and obtain a written
acknowledgement from the client that both the solicitor's and CCA’s disclosure
documents have been received.
CCA currently maintains referral agreements with certain internal employees responsible
for, among other duties, client development. Pursuant to these arrangements, CCA may
base part or all of an employee’s compensation on client asset acquisition and/or
retention. Under no circumstances will a client whose account is considered in
determining an employee’s variable compensation be charged higher advisory fees solely
as a result of such variable compensation to the employee.
Item 15: Custody
Custody – Fee Debiting
Clients may authorize CCA (in the client agreement) to debit fees directly from the client’s
account at the broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian (custodian). Client
investment assets will be held with a custodian agreed upon by the client and CCA. The
custodian is advised in writing of the limitation of CCA’s access to the account. The
custodian sends a statement to the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts
disbursed from the account including the amount of advisory fees paid directly to CCA.
Custody – Account Statements
As described in Item 13, clients receive at least quarterly statements from the broker
dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains client’s investment
assets. Clients are urged to carefully review such statements and compare such official
custodial records to the account statements or other reports that CCA provides. CCA
statements may vary from custodial statements based on accounting procedures,
reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading and Limited Power of Attorney
19
Through the investment management agreement, CCA may accept limited power of
attorney to act on a discretionary basis on behalf of clients. A limited power of attorney
allows CCA to execute trades on behalf of clients.
When such limited powers exist between CCA and the client, CCA has the authority to
determine, without obtaining specific client consent, both the amount and type of
securities to be bought to satisfy client account objectives. Additionally, CCA may accept
any reasonable limitation or restriction to such authority on the account placed by the
client. All limitations and restrictions placed on accounts must be presented to CCA in
writing.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
CCA may vote proxies for securities over which it maintains discretionary authority
consistent with its proxy voting policy.
Upon execution of the client Agreement, the client elects to:
• Assign the responsibility for voting all proxies solicited by issuers of securities held
in the portfolio to CCA, or
• Retain the responsibility for voting all proxies solicited by issuers of securities held
in the portfolio. See disclosures above regarding proxies voted by clients.
When the responsibility to vote proxies has been assigned to CCA, CCA engages
Institutional Shareholders Services (ISS) to vote proxies on their behalf.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, from time to time there may be situations
where CCA may determine not to vote certain proxies due to complexities or logistical
issues, or because CCA otherwise determines it is in its clients’ best interests to abstain.
Clients may direct CCA’s vote; direction must be received in writing.
Clients may contact Delia T. Mupita, Chief Compliance Officer at CCA at 310-432-0010
for information about CCA’s Proxy policies. Clients may also request information about
how CCA voted any proxies on behalf of their account(s).
Item 18: Financial Information
CCA has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary
commitments to clients, and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
CCA is not required to provide a balance sheet; CCA does not require prepayment of fees
of more than $1,200 per client, and six months or more in advance.
20
Form ADV Part 2B
Investment Adviser Brochure Supplement
Supervisor: Adam D. Checchi
Supervisor of:
Kathryn D. Checchi
Samuel T. Pfister
Haiyang Zhang
Robert Robinson
Robert Bodner
Kim Maresh Petersen
Luca A. Pasquini
Kevin M. Kiely
March 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about the Firm’s Supervised Persons that supplements
the Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC’s brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure.
Please contact Adam Checchi, Managing Member if you did not receive Checchi Capital Advisers, LLC’s
brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about the Firm’s Supervised Persons is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You may search this site using a unique identifying number, known as a CRD
number for each Supervised Person.
9720 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-432-0010
info@checchicapital.com
www.checchicapital.com
Educational Background and Business Experience
Education and Business Background
CCA requires that advisers in its employ have a bachelor's degree and work experience
that demonstrates their aptitude for investment management. In addition, advisers in its
employ may have further coursework demonstrating knowledge of financial planning and
tax planning. Examples of acceptable coursework include: an MBA, a CFP®, a CFA, a
ChFC, JD, CTFA, EA or CPA.
Supervisor
Adam D. Checchi
CRD # 4697959
Adam has been the Managing Partner of CCA since its inception in 2007, supervising
and coordinating all aspects of operations, trade execution and marketing, with specific
focus on product development and direct sales. Prior to CCA, his investment experience
includes: Investment Management and Private Equity Consultant from 2005 to 2007,
Associate, Investment Banking Division, Goldman Sachs and Co. from 2003 to 2005, and
Senior Analyst, Venture Capital, Entertainment Media Ventures, LLC from 2000 to 2001.
Adam is a 1999 graduate of Harvard University. He received a Master's of Business
Administration from Harvard Business School in 2003 and was recognized as a Baker
Scholar. He was also the recipient of the Loeb Award given for the most outstanding
performance in finance. Adam holds the NASAA Series 65. Adam was born in 1977.
Supervised Persons
Kathryn
Checchi
CRD #5320767
Kathy was and continues to be the Manager of Checchi Capital, LLC, since 2005 and is
a Principal, focusing on asset management and tax strategy for Checchi Family Interests
from 1992 to 2005.
Kathy holds a BA from University of California, San Diego, an MA from Harvard University,
and a JD from Georgetown University. She is a member of the District of Columbia and
Texas Bars. Kathy was born in 1950.
Samuel T. Pfister
CRD # 6463204
As Director of Engineering, Sam develops and maintains proprietary statistical software
tools to enable an efficient, accurate and customizable portfolio construction process. He
also oversees the design and maintenance of the firm’s data and trading software
systems.
Before joining CCA, Sam was a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of
Technology and a technical lead in the government-sponsored DARPA Grand Challenge
autonomous vehicle competition. Sam was a doctoral student at Caltech from 2000 to
2006, earning his Ph.D. for development of algorithms to enable robust statistical sensor
processing in robotic applications. From 2003 to 2004, Sam took time away from
graduate school to work on the Mars Exploration Rover mission run by NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory. During operations, he developed tools and techniques to more
accurately model uncertainty in the state of the rovers to reduce risk and improve overall
operational efficiency.
Sam received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Harvard University in 1999. He
received a Master’s of Science degree in 2001 and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in
2006 from the California Institute of Technology. Sam was born in 1977.
Haiyang Zhang
CRD # 5568795
As Chief Operating Officer, Haiyang oversees strategic planning, sales and marketing,
and key partnerships at CCA. Haiyang has over 10 years of experience in the financial
industry, specializing in advice for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Previously, Haiyang was the Director of Marketing and Relationship Management at CCA,
where he managed product marketing, firm branding, and client relationships. Prior to
joining CCA, Haiyang worked in Capital Advisory at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Los
Angeles, where he managed the $1bn+ lending portfolio and performed risk and credit
analysis to deliver customized financing solutions for clients. Haiyang started his career
at J.P. Morgan Private Bank focusing on security analysis and portfolio allocation for
individual investors, foundations and private investment companies. Haiyang is currently
the Director of Financial Literacy and Senior Programs at Minds Matter Los Angeles, an
educational non-profit helping high-achieving students from low-income families prepare
for college.
Haiyang received a Bachelor’s degree with honors from Claremont McKenna College in
Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Haiyang holds the Series 65 securities license.
Haiyang was born in 1985.
Robert Robinson
CRD #6386867
As a Managing Director at CCA, Bob focuses on helping clients and their families develop
customized solutions as a fiduciary.
Bob has extensive experience in investment management, business development, real
estate, and lending. Prior to joining CCA, Bob joined Silicon Valley Private Bank after
successful stints at Oppenheimer and BNY Mellon, where he provided investment
management and wealth and estate planning to successful entrepreneurs, family offices,
corporate plans, endowments, and foundations. Bob also previously served as Managing
Director at the Welton Investment Corporation, an alternative investment manager
specializing in managed futures, currency, and global macro strategies. Bob began his
career as Vice President of West Coast Wire & Steel, a family-owned company in
Riverside, CA.
Bob is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and is very active in several
alumni and mentor programs where he provides mentorship to UCLA athletes and
students in the Sharpe Fellowship Program through the UCLA Economics department.
Bob was born in 1962.
Kim Maresh Petersen
CRD #2766276
As Managing Director at CCA, Kim specializes in advising CEOs, business owners and
entrepreneurs in Houston and greater Texas.
Prior to joining CCA, Kim worked with early-stage venture capital firms, advising portfolio
company CEOs on social impact, investor relations, and fundraising strategies.
Previously, Kim was Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Chase in Houston. During her 21-
year career at the Firm she advised both corporate and private client relationships. Most
of her career there she advised ultra-high net worth families, business owners and C-
suite executives on investments, wealth planning, philanthropic and credit strategies. Kim
built and managed several business verticals within the Firm, including specialized wealth
advisory services for CEOs and business owners.
Kim continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and is very active in the Houston
community. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors of EDEN Grow Systems;
Feed the Future Foundation; The Children’s Museum of Houston; and The University of
Texas Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee. She also served on River Oaks Baptist
School Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Finance (Chair) and Advancement
Committees, and the Duchesne Academy Investment Committee. Kim graduated from
The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Finance and holds her Series 65 license.
Kim was born in 1967.
Luca A. Pasquini
CRD #6988233
Luca is a Senior Investment Associate at CCA, responsible for supporting advisors,
strategy development, and managing client relationships.
Prior to joining CCA, Luca was a Junior Associate at LPL Financial in Fresno, California,
where he was responsible for marketing campaigns, equity analysis, research projects,
and client service.
Luca graduated from San Jose State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Economics. Luca also completed his Master of Science degree in Finance
from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2020. Luca’s prior experience and education
have cultivated a profound interest in markets and the financial services industry. He
holds his Series 65 License. Luca was born in 1996.
Kevin M. Kiely
CRD #7798417
Kevin is a Senior Investment Associate at CCA, responsible for advisor support,
strategy development, portfolio maintenance, and managing client relationships.
Prior to joining CCA, Kevin was a tax consultant at Deloitte in Los Angeles, California
where he was responsible for tax compliance, structuring, and research for asset
management firms in public and private markets. Kevin’s experience working with asset
management firms prompted him to pursue a career in finance and wealth management
at CCA.
Kevin graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2019 with a BBA in accounting
and holds his Series 65 license. Kevin was born in 1996.
Disciplinary Information
Neither CCA nor any Supervised Persons have been involved in any activities resulting
in a disciplinary disclosure.
Other Business Activities
Disclosure on Outside Business Activities is provided in Form ADV Part 2A Item 10 –
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations. These Outside Business Activities do
not create a material conflict of interest with clients. As disclosed in Form ADV Part 2A
Item 6 – Performance-based Fees and Side-by-Side Management, neither CCA nor any
supervised persons receive commissions, bonuses or other compensation based on the
sale of securities or other investment products.
Additional Compensation
No Supervised Person receives any economic benefit outside of regular salaries or
bonuses related to amount of sales, client referrals or new accounts, except as described
in Form ADV Part 2A, Item 12.
Supervision
Adam D. Checchi, Managing Partner, supervises all persons named in this Form ADV
Part 2 Investment Adviser Brochure Supplement. All supervised persons are in one
location, the principal offices of CCA. Staff, investment, marketing, and ad hoc meetings
are held at this location on a regular basis. Client reports and e-mails are reviewed and
discussed regularly. Trading for client accounts is planned and discussed prior to
execution. Mr. Checchi may be reached at 310-432-0010.