Overview
Assets Under Management: $494 million
Headquarters: CHESTER, NJ
High-Net-Worth Clients: 345
Average Client Assets: $1 million
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (COVENANT ASSET MANAGEMENT ADV PART 2 BROCHURE)
Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$0 | $1,000,000 | 1.25% |
$1,000,001 | $3,000,000 | 1.00% |
$3,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 0.85% |
$5,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.75% |
$10,000,001 | and above | 0.50% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$1 million | $12,500 | 1.25% |
$5 million | $49,500 | 0.99% |
$10 million | $87,000 | 0.87% |
$50 million | $287,000 | 0.57% |
$100 million | $537,000 | 0.54% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 345
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 89.51
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $1 million
Total Client Accounts: 552
Discretionary Accounts: 552
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 108567
Last Filing Date: 2024-03-20 00:00:00
Website: HTTP://WWW.COVASSET.COM
Form ADV Documents
Primary Brochure: COVENANT ASSET MANAGEMENT ADV PART 2 BROCHURE (2025-03-19)
View Document Text
Covenant Asset Management, LLC
125 Maple Avenue
Chester, NJ 07930
(908) 879-4090
www.covasset.com
March 19, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Covenant Asset Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this
Brochure, please contact us at (908) 879-5330. The information in this Brochure has not
been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) or by any state securities authority. Covenant Asset Management, LLC
(“Covenant” or the “Firm”) is registered with the SEC as a registered investment advisor.
Such registration does not imply any level of skill or training.
Additional information about Covenant is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by our Firm name or by using the Firm’s
unique CRD #108567.
Covenant believes that communication and transparency are the foundation of its
relationship with its clients and we continually strive to provide our clients with complete
and accurate information. The most current Brochure may always be found on the Firm’s
website at www.covasset.com or a printed copy requested free of charge by contacting
Monika Sawicki, Client Services, at (908) 879-5330 or at msawicki@covasset.com.
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes
Covenant is required to summarize any material changes that occurred at our Firm since
the previous release of our Brochure. We will update this section of the Brochure on an
annual basis or whenever material changes occur.
The last annual update to the Covenant Form ADV Part 2A was filed on March 20, 2024.
Since that date, we have no material changes to report.
There have been certain non-material clarifications made throughout the Brochure. You
are encouraged to read the Brochure in its entirety and to discuss any questions you may
have with your advisor representative.
2
FORM ADV PART 2A - INVESTMENT ADVISER BROCHURE
ITEM 3: Table of Contents
Item #
Page
Item 1 Cover Page
1
Item 2
Summary of Material Changes
2
Item 3
Table of Contents
3
Item 4
Advisory Business
4
Fees and Compensation
5-7
Item 5
Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
8
Types of Clients
Item 7
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of
8
9-14
Item 9
Loss
Disciplinary Information
15
16
17-19
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Item 11
Transactions & Personal Trading
Brokerage Practices
Item 12
20-24
Item 13
Review of Accounts
25
Item 14
Client Referrals & Other Compensation
26
Item 15
Custody
27
Item 16
Investment Discretion
28
Item 17
Voting Client Securities
29
Item 18
Financial Information
29
FORM ADV PART 2B - INVESTMENT ADVISER SUPPLEMENTAL
30
BROCHURE
31-35
Educational Background and Business Experience
Disciplinary Information
35
Other Business Activities
35-36
Additional Compensation
36
Supervision
36
3
Item 4: Advisory Business
After spending nearly 20 years employed at two of NJ's largest bank trust departments,
John Guarino founded Covenant Asset Management in February 1999. The Firm now
provides investment advisory services for over 225 wealth management clients.
Our mission is to deliver superior asset management services to affluent individuals,
businesses, and non-profit organizations. Many investors lack the time, interest, or
experience to adequately address their financial needs. Through the development of
intimate professional relationships with our clients, we are uniquely positioned to assist
in the optimization of their financial objectives. With integrity and commitment, we take
responsibility for preserving and enhancing client assets. Achieving this objective requires
an insightful understanding of client needs, matched against available investment
opportunities.
We offer an exclusive brand of investment advisory services to our clients by combining
independent research with personalized service. As a result, our clients gain the
advantage of complete transparency of their assets and direct access to the decision
makers within our organization. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to service
excellence, integrity, honesty and confidentiality. And as a fiduciary, we always exercise
prudence, diligence, loyalty and the highest standard of care within all client
relationships. Covenant does not manage or place client assets into a wrap fee program.
All asset management services are provided directly by Covenant.
Our clients enter into an agreement with the Firm setting forth the services we will
provide and other terms and conditions of the relationship. Client assets are generally
managed on a discretionary basis, meaning that we are responsible for selecting the
securities within your account and making changes as needed. We also advise client
assets on a non-discretionary basis, which permits a client to personally implement any
securities advice we give. Covenant also offers clients a broad range of financial planning
services, taking into account your overall financial circumstances, tax status, insurance
needs, overall debt, retirement savings and current investments. These services are often
included as a component of Covenant’s discretionary asset management services or can
be provided on a separate stand-alone basis. Stand-alone services may focus on only one
or several of these areas, depending on your specific engagement with us. Clients may
restrict their investment portfolio from certain securities or certain types of securities.
As of December 31, 2024, the Firm managed $624,321,410 of client assets on a discretion-
ary basis, and $8,636,249 of client assets on a non-discretionary basis.
The Firm is organized as a limited liability company in the State of New Jersey. John
Guarino is the sole member of the LLC and its 100% owner.
4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Covenant is a fee-based investment advisor and only earns fees explicitly enumerated
within the fee agreement embedded in the Agreement signed by clients at the initiation
of their advisory relationship.
Financial Planning Fees. Covenant offers clients a broad range of financial planning
services as part of its comprehensive investment management model. While not the
Firm's typical practice, Covenant may also agree to provide financial planning under a
stand-alone engagement for a fixed or hourly fee. Fees are negotiable, however hourly
fees are generally charged at a rate of up to $300 per hour, and fixed fees may range up
to $20,000, depending upon the scope and complexity of the services rendered.
Covenant may recommend additional investment advisory services to its financial
planning clients, which creates a conflict of interest if it results in additional compensation
to the Firm. If the client elects to act on any of the recommendations made by the Firm,
the client is under no obligation to implement the transaction through Covenant. For
clients choosing to engage the Firm for additional investment advisory services, Covenant
may offset a portion of its fees for those services based upon the amount paid for the
financial planning services. The terms and conditions of the engagement are set forth in
the client’s Financial Planning Agreement and Covenant generally requires one-half of the
fee (estimated hourly or fixed) payable upon execution of the Financial Planning
Agreement. The outstanding balance is generally due upon delivery of the financial plan
or completion of the agreed-upon services and is payable by check. The Firm does not,
however, take receipt of $1,200 or more in prepaid fees in excess of six months in advance
of services rendered.
Investment Management Fees. Covenant principally offers investment management
services for an annual fee based on the amount of assets under the Firm's management.
The terms and conditions of the engagement are set forth in the Investment Advisory
Agreement, including our standard asset management fee schedule shown below. Fees
are negotiable depending on the size, nature and complexity of a client's account.
Covenant has no minimum account size requirement.
Covenant Asset Management Standard Annual Fee Schedule
On the first $1 million
$1 million to $3 million
$3 million to $5 million
$5 million to $10 million
Above $10 million
1.25%
1.00%
0.85%
0.75%
0.50%
5
Fees will be calculated and are payable in arrears, typically on the last day of each calendar
month. Fees are calculated as follows: One-twelfth (1/12) of the annual management fee
shall be multiplied by the ending market value of the total assets in each client account
on the last trading day of such month. Total assets includes the total absolute value of all
assets, with no offsets made for margin or other debit balances. For the first and last
month during the term of the investment advisory agreement, fees will be prorated. Cash
in each account and assets invested in shares of mutual funds, exchange traded funds or
other investment companies will be included in calculating the value of the client account
for purposes of computing Covenant’s fees.
Covenant’s Fees do not include brokerage, custodial, transaction or redemption fees.
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties.
These fees include custodial fees, account maintenance fees, trade commissions, interest
on margin loans, deferred sales charges, 12b-1 fees, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes,
wire transfers, alternative investment processing fees, ETF and mutual fund management
fees, other product-level fees, electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage
accounts and securities transactions. While Covenant strives to recommend no-load
funds, certain mutual funds 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 Covenant’s fee, and Covenant shall not receive any portion
of these commissions, fees, and costs. See Item 12. “Brokerage Practices.”
Client authorizes Custodian, upon receipt of notification by Covenant of payment due, to
promptly pay Covenant by deducting such fees from client's account. Custodian has
agreed to send statements to client not less than quarterly, detailing all account
transactions, including any amounts paid to Covenant. Client agrees that any fees not so
deducted by custodian shall be due and payable directly by client. Fees are negotiable
depending on the size, nature and complexity of a client’s account.
Covenant does not have any third-party revenue sharing agreements, does not accept
commissions or compensation from any other source (i.e., mutual funds, insurance
products or any other investment product) and we do not receive any payment from your
custodian in exchange for holding your account on their platform.
Our advisors receive a portion of the management fee that we receive on your assets that
we manage for you. Our asset-based fee arrangement could give us an incentive to
encourage you to deposit more assets in your account because it would increase our
management fee. The more your portfolio with Covenant grows, whether because of
market performance or additional assets under management, the greater your advisor’s
compensation will be. You are never under any obligation to add new assets to your
account with Covenant.
6
Timothy Rowe, as an investment advisor representative of Covenant, is an advisory
affiliate and related person of the firm. Mr. Rowe, in addition to his role at Covenant, is
the sole Managing Member of Covenant Financial Resources, LLC (“CFR”). CFR sells
investment products such as insurance policies and annuities, for which it receives direct
commissions from the carrier. When one of Covenant’s duly licensed members refers
clients to CFR for these products, such related licensed member receives a share of the
commissions, which is fully disclosed to each referred client. No additional fees are paid
by such client for these referrals. The receipt of commissions from CFR creates a conflict
of interest between Covenant and its clients by raising the possibility that insurance
products could be recommended because of the referral commissions generated rather
than because of the overriding benefit to the client. This conflict is mitigated by Covenant,
Mr. Rowe and CFR by diligently confirming the appropriateness of each product for each
client, and by making full disclosure of the referral commission relationship, as well as the
fact that every client has the option to purchase such products through other, non-
affiliated parties.
When Covenant provides investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan
account or individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. Covenant has a conflict of
interest when recommending that clients roll over a retirement account such as a 401k
or IRA to a managed account, because Covenant will receive a fee for managing these
additional assets. Because Covenant receives more fees on higher account balances, it
may have an incentive to encourage clients to increase the assets in their managed
account. To mitigate this conflict, Covenant advisors discuss with each client the pros and
cons of any such rollover, including relative costs, prior to such client’s decision regarding
any rollover. Covenant typically avoids soliciting or giving specific advice regarding
rollovers of client benefit plan assets. In the limited instances where such advice is given,
strict policies and procedures are followed by Covenant to ensure that we do not put our
interest ahead of yours and all decisions are made in your best interests. Clients may
always independently decide whether to add to an existing IRA account or to transfer
their IRA or 401k to Covenant.
7
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-by-Side Management
Neither Covenant 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).
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
Covenant offers a full array of wealth management services, including investment
management, comprehensive financial and estate planning, business continuation
counseling, and administrative services. The integration of these services forms the basis
for a comprehensive wealth management plan. In order to allow us to concentrate
exclusively on our areas of expertise in wealth management, we outsource certain
administrative and custodial services. Covenant works closely with client attorneys and
accountants to ensure that a comprehensive strategy is designed and implemented in
order to realize their financial objectives. Covenant manages the following types of client
accounts:
Investment Management Accounts
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) & Rollovers
401k Plans
Pension & Profit-Sharing Plans
Trust & Estate Accounts
Charitable Organizations
Corporate Accounts
8
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss
Covenant begins any new investment advisory relationship by assisting our clients in the
development and implementation of a personal investment objectives statement and
customizing a separately managed portfolio of securities to meet client objectives. Risk
is primarily managed through diversification and selective security hedging techniques.
Investing in marketable securities including stocks, bonds, REITs, mutual funds, ETFs, and
options involves various degrees of risk and can lead to both realized and unrealized
losses. We only invest in publicly traded securities. Investing in marketable securities
involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
All investments are subject to risks. Clients should be cognizant of the potential and
inherent risks of investing in securities, including loss of capital. Different types of
investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future
performance of any specific investment or investment strategy undertaken by Covenant
will be profitable or equal any specific level of performance. See “Risk Management,”
below.
Equity Growth
Covenant specializes in wealth enhancement through tax-efficient growth-oriented
investment management. Client portfolios are generally kept fully invested, resulting in
low turnover of portfolio holding and reduced exposure to capital gains liabilities. Our
approach involves identification and purchase of companies with superior growth
characteristics with the intention of holding them for many years, selling only when
fundamental prospects turn negative. A cornerstone of Covenant’s philosophy is our
focus on buying dominant companies in the fastest growing industries. Generally, we seek
companies that increase revenues and earnings by double digit growth rates year after
year. Such businesses ordinarily prosper under a variety of economic conditions, and most
are corporate leaders in profitability. These companies tend to be both proponents and
beneficiaries of long-term themes that are shaping global economies. In today's world,
these companies are typically found within the technology, healthcare, industrial, and
consumer sectors.
Covenant adheres to a thematic growth investment style seeking growth at a reasonable
price (GARP). We embrace the concept of investing with “the wind at our back” believing
it is easier to be a successful investor by first identifying trends and then selecting leading
companies likely to be beneficiaries of those emerging trends. The cornerstone of our
research effort is thorough fundamental analysis coupled with the use of technical
analysis for timing decisions. Tax efficiency is an important aspect of our investment style
leading to the pursuit of stocks our clients can own for an extended period of time.
Covenant implements its tax efficiency strategies at the individual client portfolio level as
9
opposed to on an overall strategic basis. Our targeted turnover rate is thirty percent or
less per year. Covenant monitors client accounts on a monthly basis, or more frequently
as circumstances require.
Companies meeting our criteria for growth commonly share the following traits:
A dominant position in rapidly growing markets
These companies are often the low-cost suppliers or pricing leaders in their industries.
Their dominance typically derives from powerful franchises, proprietary technology, a
unique marketing approach, or other sustainable competitive advantage.
Predictable earnings growth
Prospective earnings should grow at an annualized rate of 10% or more. Steady new
product developments, rapid sales expansion, and a relative immunity to economic cycles
characterize such companies.
Financial Strength
Financial attributes include low debt, high returns on equity and capital, and an ability to
finance growth internally.
Quality Management
Ideally, management should have an ownership stake in a growth company. This fosters
a commitment to shareholder interests and creates an entrepreneurial culture that will
attract skilled employees. Communication of the corporate vision for growth to both
shareholders and employees is essential.
Equity Income
As investors approach retirement or in retirement years, many seek to lower the standard
deviation of their investment returns. While growth continues to be important as an
inflation hedge, income and growth of income begin to take on greater importance.
Covenant’s Dividend Appreciation Model is constructed to meet the needs of our clients
seeking market-like returns with lower risk, as measured by the volatility of returns, with
a higher portion of the total return coming via dividends. The dividend yield of this model
is targeted to be fifty percent higher than the S&P 500 and the companies within this
model tend to increase their dividends typically at a fifty percent faster rate than average.
As we search for the right securities for this model, earnings growth remains essential as
most companies maintain a policy whereby the dividend rate is relatively consistent in
proportion to their earnings. Diversification across economic sectors is also an important
criterion.
10
Companies meeting our criteria for growth and income typically share the following
traits:
A leading position in mature but growing markets
These companies generally command leading market shares with their industry based
upon a long history of brand awareness, low-cost structure or other competitive
advantages.
Predictable earnings and dividend growth
Historic and prospective annual earnings growth of 7% or more coupled with a policy of
declaring dividends at a rate based upon normalized earnings (payout ratio), not to
exceed 60% on average.
Financial Strength
Financial attributes include low debt ratios, high returns on equity and capital, and an
ability to finance growth without frequently tapping capital markets.
Quality Management
Experienced leadership along with a commitment to shareholder interests is vital.
Fixed Income
Covenant’s fixed income approach emphasizes stability of income, diversification and low
turnover. Our fixed income investment philosophy adheres to a disciplined approach that
emphasizes strong total returns and a steady income stream generated by what we
believe to be quality holdings. Our process is intended to provide more consistent returns
while helping to reduce investment risks. Covenant’s strategy emphasizes appropriate
credit quality analysis, a focus on intermediate term securities, yield curve management
through a laddered portfolio when individual securities are employed, and low portfolio
turnover.
Risk Management
The ability to absorb risk varies widely among individuals depending on their age,
experience, and financial circumstances. Prevailing market and economic conditions are
also factors. As an asset management client, your level of risk tolerance is carefully evalu-
ated before any action is taken. After taking the time to gain this perspective, we are then
positioned to make intelligent, rational asset allocation decisions on each client's behalf.
Our knowledge and experience in managing investment assets has taught us that the best
way to reduce risk is to diversify. In fact, by lowering exposure to loss in any one market
sector, diversification can actually boost total return in certain economic environments.
At Covenant, we specialize in allocating assets among cash, fixed income, equity, REITs,
11
and commodities markets. Establishing an optimum asset allocation requires thorough
examination of a client's income requirements, liquidity needs, lifestyle goals, and risk
tolerance. Client objectives are continually evaluated to determine potential asset
allocation policy modifications.
Covenant’s methods of analysis and investment strategies do not present any significant
or unusual risks. Detailed below are some of the risks of equity and fixed income
investments, but it should be noted that we cannot claim to identify all of the risks
inherent in these markets. Clients should be aware that the value of securities in a client’s
portfolio may decline due to daily fluctuations in the securities markets that are beyond
Covenant’s control.
There are two significant risks associated with investing in equity securities, systematic
risk, which is inherent in all equity securities and unsystematic risk. Systematic Risk –
includes macroeconomic risks, inflation risk, interest rate risk and general equity market
risk. Equity markets can be volatile and many factors can influence their performance. In
addition to the factors stated previously, investor sentiment, liquidity, political risk, public
health crises, and fiscal and monetary policies can create risks to equity investors. While
Covenant performs due diligence on the companies in whose securities it invests,
economic conditions are not within the control of Covenant and there is no assurance
that adverse market developments will be anticipated. Unsystematic risk consists of two
major components: individual company risk and sector (or industry) risk. Individual
company risk can be divided into two components: business risk is the risk inherent in the
nature of the business and financial risk is the risk in addition to business risk that arises
from using financial leverage. Sector/Industry risk is the risk of doing better or worse than
expected as a result of investing in one sector or another. With regard to the risks
associated with Covenant’s equity growth strategy and its equity income strategy, all of
the risks detailed above apply to both strategies. In addition, equity growth stocks have
the additional risk of typically higher relative valuation levels and the associated risk of
being unduly punished by disappointing results. Also, many growth companies are
smaller or less mature and could be subject to increased competition from larger or better
capitalized competitors. Covenant’s equity income strategy, in addition to the systematic
and unsystematic risks identified above, includes additional risks. Many equity income
equities are more mature, slower growing companies with higher dividend payout ratios.
To the extent that company earnings growth slows beyond expectations, dividends and
dividend growth could be hurt which could put downward pressure on the stock price.
Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar against the
currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as exchange rate
risk.
Covenant may invest in one or more Exchange Traded Funds (“ETF”) on behalf of its
clients. Risks relating to investing in ETFs are minimal but can include the following: The
12
market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its net asset value (“NAV”). This difference
in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares
at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for
the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades
at a premium, creating the risk that a portfolio pays more than NAV for an ETF when
making a purchase or discount, creating the risks that the portfolio’s value is reduced for
undervalued ETFs it holds and that the portfolio receives less than NAV when selling an
ETF.
Covenant may invest portions of client assets directly into fixed income instruments, such
as bonds and notes, or may invest in funds that invest in bonds and notes. While investing
in fixed income instruments, either directly or through funds, is generally less volatile than
investing in stock (equity) markets, fixed income investments nevertheless are subject to
risks. Fixed Income investing risks include, without limitation, 1) inflation risk which
reduces the real value of investments as purchasing power declines on nominal dollars
received as principal and interest payments, 2) interest rate risk which comes from a rise
in interest rates that causes a decline in fixed income prices to allow yields on the fixed
income securities to reflect prevailing market rates, 3) credit risk which involves the real
or perceived risk of a fixed income issuer defaulting on an interest or principal payment,
and 4) reinvestment risk which 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. Covenant does not invest in fixed income securities in
a strategy with any unusual or significant risks beyond those identified above.
Options Investing
Options involve risks and are not suitable for everyone. Option trading can be speculative
in nature and carry substantial risk of loss. We encourage all clients who invest in options
for speculative purposes to do so only investing with risk capital.
Option transactions establish a contract between two parties concerning the buying or
selling of an asset at a predetermined price during a specific period of time. During the
term of the option contract, the buyer of the option gains the right to demand fulfillment
by the seller. Fulfillment may take the form of either selling or purchasing a security
depending upon the nature of the option contract.
Covenant utilizes options for certain clients to protect against downside risk by buying
protective put options or to enhance income through the sale of covered call options. In
using these strategies, the returns are limited and the risks are also limited to the costs of
the options. For certain clients who authorize us to do so, we may purchase call options
in an attempt to generate leveraged positive returns. In this case, risk is also limited to
the cost of the options premium. In other strategies, for certain clients wishing to pursue
13
higher returns with a portion of their portfolio, Covenant may engage in potentially risky
trades using options and options spreads where most or all of the capital in a specific
trade may be lost. Typical trades in such strategy involve the purchase of a call spread
that is funded largely by the sale of a put spread. Since options are time sensitive
investments, the buyer or seller of an option could lose their entire investment or be
obligated to purchase shares of the underlying security in which the option was written.
For more information concerning the risks and strategies of options, clients are sent a
copy of the Options Clearing Corporation publication “Characteristics & Risks of
Standardized Options” by their custodian.
No client is under any obligation to utilize options strategies. There can be no guarantee
that an options strategy will achieve its objective or prove successful. Clients are advised
to direct any questions regarding the use of options to Covenant’s Chief Investment
Officer, John Guarino.
Cybersecurity Risks
Covenant’s information technology systems and those of our key service providers are
vulnerable to potential damage or interruption from computer viruses, net-work failures,
infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, power outages and
catastrophic events causing business disruptions. Cybersecurity breaches may cause
Covenant or its third-party vendors to lose proprietary information (including personal
data), suffer data corruption or lose operational capability. While Covenant and its third-
party service providers have established information technology and data security
programs, and have business continuity plans in place, such programs and plans are
inherently limited by the possibility of new, emerging, and unidentified risks.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in securities involves a
risk of loss that each client should understand and be willing to bear. Clients are
encouraged to discuss these risks with their advisor representative.
14
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any
legal or disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Covenant or the
integrity of Covenant’s management.
There have been no material legal, regulatory or disciplinary events involving Covenant
or its employees, affiliates or management persons. Our Firm values the trust clients place
in us, and we encourage you to perform the requisite due diligence on any advisor that
you may engage. The background of the Firm and its advisory personnel is available on
the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. by
searching via the Firm’s name or its unique CRD# 108567.
15
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
Timothy Rowe, one of Covenant’s affiliated Investment Advisor Representatives, is
licensed to offer commissionable insurance products through various marketing
organizations and is individually licensed with numerous insurance companies in multiple
states. Mr. Rowe conducts such business through Covenant Financial Resources, LLC,
(“CFR”) of which he serves as the sole Managing Member. Covenant’s owner John
Guarino also holds an insurance license and refers financial planning clients to Mr. Rowe.
When one of Covenant’s duly licensed members refers clients to CFR for these products,
such related licensed member receives a share of the commissions, which is fully
disclosed to each referred client. No additional fees are paid by such client for these
referrals. The receipt of commissions from CFR creates a conflict of interest between
Covenant and its clients by raising the possibility that insurance products could be
recommended because of the referral commissions generated rather than because of the
overriding benefit to the client. This conflict is mitigated by Covenant, Mr. Rowe and CFR
by diligently confirming the appropriateness of each product for each client, and by
making full disclosure of the referral commission relationship, as well as the fact that
every client has the option to purchase such products through other, non-affiliated
parties. CFR also provides marketing and educational services. Mr. Rowe receives certain
ongoing payments from client relationships with a firm with whom he was employed prior
to 1999. These payments are not related to, nor do they directly or indirectly benefit,
Covenant. As such, these payments do not create any conflict of interest between
Covenant and its clients.
Covenant’s owner is 50% owner and CEO of Covenant Advisors, LLC, a non-operating
holding company.
When other authorized professionals refer clients to Covenant for money management
services, Covenant generally shares the fees generated by the referred clients with the
referring individual and fully discloses all referral fees in writing to the client. Presently,
Covenant maintains fee-sharing relationships with four such individuals. Covenant
Financial Resources, LLC (“CFR”), an affiliate of Covenant, uses a marketing firm to identify
appropriate prospective clients to Covenant. This firm does not recommend potential
clients to Covenant, rather it provides a list of leads based on investor inputs into its online
profile tool. CFR pays a one-time fee for such prospect leads, payable regardless of
whether any prospect becomes our advisory client.
16
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal
Trading
Code of Ethics
A Code of Ethics (“Code”) has been adopted by Covenant and is designed to comply with
Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The following is
a summary of the Code. Covenant will provide any client or prospective client a copy of
the entire Code upon request.
The Code establishes rules of conduct for all employees of Covenant and is designed to,
among other things; govern personal securities trading activities in the accounts of
employees. The Code is based upon the principle that Covenant and its employees owe
a fiduciary duty to Covenant’s clients to conduct their affairs, including their personal
securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid (i) serving their own personal
interests ahead of clients, (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the
firm and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of
trust and responsibility.
The Code is designed to ensure that the high ethical standards long maintained by
Covenant continue to be applied. The purpose of the Code is to preclude activities which
may lead to or give the appearance of conflicts of interest, insider trading and other forms
of prohibited or unethical business conduct. The excellent name and reputation of our
firm continues to be a direct reflection of the conduct of each employee.
Pursuant to Section 206 of the Advisers Act, both Covenant and its employees are
prohibited to engage in any fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. Compliance
with this section involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. It means
that Covenant has an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best
interest of its clients.
Covenant and its employees are subject to the following specific fiduciary obligations
when dealing with clients:
The duty to provide advice in the best interests of clients and the duty to
have a reasonable, independent basis for the investment advice provided;
The duty to obtain best execution for a client’s transactions where the Firm
is in a position to direct brokerage transactions for the client;
The duty to ensure that investment advice is suitable to meeting the
client’s individual objectives, needs and circumstances; and
A duty to be loyal to clients.
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In meeting its fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, Covenant expects every employee to
demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct for continued employment with
Covenant. Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code shall be considered a basic
condition of employment with Covenant. Covenant’s reputation for fair and honest
dealing with its clients has taken considerable time to build. This standing could be
seriously damaged as the result of even a single securities transaction being considered
questionable in light of the fiduciary duty owed to our clients. Employees are urged to
seek the advice of Bill Cunliffe, the Chief Compliance Officer, for any questions about the
Code or the application of the Code to their individual circumstances. Employees should
also understand that a material breach of the provisions of the Code may constitute
grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment with Covenant.
The provisions of the Code are not all-inclusive. Rather, they are intended as a guide for
employees of Covenant in their conduct. In those situations where an employee may be
uncertain as to the intent or purpose of the Code, he/she is advised to consult with the
Chief Compliance Officer, who may grant exceptions to certain provisions contained in
the Code only in those situations when it is clear beyond dispute that the interests of our
clients will not be adversely affected or compromised. All questions arising in connection
with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the client even at the
expense of the interests of employees.
Personal Trading
The Firm has adopted the following principles governing personal investment activities by
Covenant’s supervised persons:
The interest of the client accounts will at all times be placed first;
All personal securities transactions will be conducted in such manner as to avoid
any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position
of trust and responsibility; and
Access persons must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.
Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics and designed to
reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between Covenant and its clients. Bill Cunliffe,
Chief Compliance Officer, reviews all employee trades as submitted each quarter. These
reviews ensure that personal trading does not affect the markets, and that clients of
Covenant receive equal or preferential treatment. Since most employee trades are small,
these trades do not affect the securities markets.
Covenant and its employees do not recommend to clients, or buy or sell for client
accounts, securities in which they have a material financial interest. It is Covenant’s policy
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that the firm will not effect any principal or agency cross securities transactions for client
accounts. Covenant will also not cross trades between client accounts.
Covenant and persons associated with our Firm can buy or sell the same securities that
we recommend to clients, or in which clients are already invested. A conflict of interest
arises in such cases if Firm personnel have the ability to trade ahead of clients and
potentially receive more favorable prices or more advantageous terms than clients
receive. To eliminate this conflict of interest, it is Covenant’s strict policy that the Firm
and its personnel NEVER have priority over client accounts in the purchase or sale of
securities. Covenant’s owner, employees and affiliates abide by Covenant’s Code of Ethics
regarding the priority of transactions.
Material Non-Public Information
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Covenant
maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of
material, non-public information by Covenant or any of its employees.
Pre-Clearance Required for Participation in IPOs
Covenant and its related persons rarely participate in IPOs. No access person shall acquire
any beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering for his or her account
without the prior written approval of Bill Cunliffe, the Chief Compliance Officer who has
been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification
that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the access person’s activities
on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for
possible future conflicts.
Pre-Clearance Required for Private or Limited Offerings
Covenant and its related persons rarely participate in private or limited offerings.
No access person shall acquire beneficial ownership of any securities in a limited offering
or private placement without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer
who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written
certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the access person’s
activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring
for possible future conflicts.
Covenant’s employees must review and acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics at
least annually. Any individual not in compliance with the Code of Ethics may be subject to
termination and/or disciplinary measures.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, Covenant endeavors at all times to put the
interests of its clients first. Covenant does not maintain custody of your assets that we
manage, although we may be deemed to have custody of your assets if you give us
authority to withdraw assets from your account (see “Item 15: Custody”). Your assets
must be maintained in an account at a “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or
bank. Covenant does not exercise its discretionary authority to select the broker-
dealer/custodian for custody and execution services, however we generally recommend
that clients use the custody, brokerage and clearing services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”), a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, as their qualified custodian.
Covenant maintains an institutional relationship with Schwab, whereby the Firm receives
benefits for itself and its clients.
We are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with Schwab. Schwab
will hold your assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when we instruct
them to. While we request that you use Schwab as custodian/broker, you will decide
whether to do so and will open your account with Schwab by entering into an account
agreement directly with them. Conflicts of interest associated with this arrangement are
described below as well as in Item 14: “Client Referrals and Other Compensation”. You
should consider these conflicts of interest when selecting your custodian.
We do not open the account for you, although we may assist you in doing so. Even though
your account is maintained at Schwab, we can still use other brokers to execute trades
for your account as described below (see “Your brokerage and trading costs” below).
How we select brokers/custodians
We seek to select a custodian/broker that will hold your assets and execute transactions
consistent with our duty to seek “best execution.” When considering whether the terms
that Schwab provides are, overall, most advantageous to you when compared with other
available providers and their services, we consider a wide range of factors, including:
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 (ETF’s), etc.)
Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions
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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
Protection of our clients’ personal identifying information
Availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below (see
“Products and services available to us from Schwab.”)
Your brokerage and trading 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 U.S. exchange-listed equities and ETFs) may not incur
Schwab commissions or transaction fees. Schwab is also compensated by earning interest
on the uninvested cash in your account in Schwab’s Cash Features Program. In limited
cases (such as for options or structured securities trades) where we choose to execute
the trade with different broker-dealer but the securities bought or the funds from the
securities sold are deposited (settled) into your Schwab account, Schwab charges you a
flat dollar amount as a “prime broker” or “trade away” fee for each trade. These fees are
in addition to the commissions or other compensation you pay the executing broker-
dealer.
By using another broker or dealer you may pay lower transaction costs. However,
Covenant’s duty to seek “best execution” does not always equate to lowest fees and
commissions. Rather, it means that the transaction represents the best qualitative
execution, taking into account the most favorable terms for a transaction, based on all
relevant factors including the full range of broker-dealer services listed herein. Although
we are not required to execute all trades through Schwab, we have determined that
having Schwab execute most trades is consistent with our duty to seek “best execution”
of your trades.
Products and services available to us from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory
firms like ours. They provide us and our clients with access to their institutional brokerage
services (trading, custody, reporting, and related services), many of which are not
typically available to Schwab retail customers. (However, certain retail investors may be
able to get institutional brokerage services from Schwab without going through our firm.)
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
21
business. Schwab’s support services are generally available at no charge to us. Following
is a more detailed description of Schwab’s support services:
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.
Services that do not directly benefit you. Schwab also makes available to us other
products and services that benefit us but do not directly benefit you or your account.
These products and services assist us in managing and administering our clients’ accounts
and operating our firm. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that
of third parties. We 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
Provide pricing and other market data
Facilitate payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts
Assist with back-office functions, record keeping, and client reporting
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 and business needs
Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance
providers
Marketing consulting and support
Schwab provides some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party
vendors to provide the services to us. Schwab also discounts or waives its fees for some
of these services or pays all or a part of a third party’s fees. Schwab also provides us with
other benefits, such as occasional business entertainment of our personnel. If you did not
maintain your account with Schwab, we would be required to pay for these services from
our own resources.
22
Covenant’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets
maintained at Schwab as a result of the above services. There is no corresponding
commitment made by Covenant to Schwab, or any other any entity, to commit any
specific amount of business to Schwab in trading commissions or assets in custody or to
invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific investment
products. Covenant does not participate in any soft dollar arrangements.
Our interest in Schwab’s services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do not have to
produce or purchase them and we don’t have to pay Schwab for such services. In
evaluating whether to recommend that clients custody their assets at Schwab, we take
into account the availability of some of the foregoing products and services and other
arrangements as part of the total mix of factors we consider and not solely on the nature,
cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab. Receiving products,
services and fee discounts or waivers from Schwab or any broker-dealer poses a conflict
of interest, as it creates an incentive to recommend a custodian that provides these
benefits rather than making such decision based exclusively on your interest in receiving
the best value in custody services and the most favorable execution of your transactions.
We address these conflicts by disclosing them to our clients and by periodically reviewing
the quality and cost of the services and execution quality provided to our clients by the
custodian broker-dealer we recommend. We believe that taken in the aggregate, our
selection of Schwab as custodian and broker is in the best interests of our clients. Our
selection is primarily supported by the scope, quality, and price of Schwab’s services (see
“How we select brokers/custodians”) and not Schwab’s services that benefit only us.
Aggregation of Trades
In cases when we need to transact in the same security for multiple accounts, we may
elect to purchase or sell such securities at approximately the same time as a block trade.
This process is also referred to as “aggregating trading” and is used by our Firm when we
believe such action may prove advantageous to clients. Aggregation is consistent with the
duty to seek best execution as no client is favored over any other client. Covenant
participates at the average share prices of all transactions and costs will be shared on a
pro-rata basis. In the event an order is only partially filled, shares are allocated to
participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner, typically in proportion to the size
of each client’s order. Covenant may aggregate trades for its owner, employees and
affiliates with client trades in accordance with SEC-recommended practices. Neither we
nor our employees receive any additional compensation because of block trades.
23
Trade Errors
As a fiduciary, Covenant has the responsibility to effect orders correctly, promptly and in
the best interests of our clients. In the event any error occurs in the handling of any client
transactions due to Covenant’s actions, or inaction, or actions of others, Covenant’s policy
is to seek to identify and correct any errors as promptly as possible without
disadvantaging the client or benefiting Covenant in any way. If the error is the
responsibility of Covenant, any client transaction will be corrected and Covenant will be
responsible for any client loss resulting from an inaccurate or erroneous order. Corrective
steps may be taken depending on the circumstances, including canceling the trade,
adjusting an allocation, and/or crediting the customer’s account. In the event the trading
error results in a profit, the profit is donated by the Firm to charity. Covenant’s policy and
practice is to monitor and reconcile all trading activity, identify and resolve any trade
errors promptly, document each trade error with appropriate supervisory approval and
maintain a trade error file.
Please also see the disclosure under “Item 14: Client Referrals and Other
Compensation.”.
24
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Covenant has adopted procedures to implement the firm’s policies and reviews and
monitors to ensure that such policies are observed, implemented properly and amended
or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:
Covenant obtains substantial background information about each client’s financial
circumstances, investment objectives, and risk tolerance, among other things,
through an in-depth interview and information gathering process which includes
client profile or relationship forms. This information is reviewed and updated
annually by each client’s account manager.
Covenant’s clients may also have and provide written
investment policy
statements or written investment guidelines that the firm reviews, approves, and
monitors as part of the firm’s investment services, subject to any written revisions
or updates received from a client.
Covenant provides the firm’s Form CRS and this Brochure to prospective clients to
interest and
the
firm’s advisory services,
fees, conflicts of
disclose
portfolio/supervisory reviews.
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary
account statements directly from the financial institutions where their assets are
custodied.
From time-to-time or as otherwise requested, clients may also receive written or
electronic reports from Covenant or an outside service provider, which contain
certain account and/or market-related information, such as an inventory of
account holdings, values and transactions. The firm may also provide performance
information to advisory clients about the client’s performance, which may include
a reference to a relevant market index or benchmark. Clients should compare the
account statements they receive from their custodian with any documents or
reports they receive from Covenant or an outside service provider.
Clients are encouraged to notify Covenant if changes occur in the client’s needs,
goals or financial situation that might affect the client’s investment plan.
Covenant may also schedule client meetings on a periodic basis. Clients are
encouraged to meet with their portfolio manager at Covenant at least once per
year to review their account as a whole, to review a client’s portfolio, performance,
market conditions, financial circumstances, and investment objectives, among
other things, and to confirm that the firm’s investment decisions and services are
consistent with the client’s objectives and goals. Documentation of such reviews
are made in the client file.
Client relationships and/or portfolios are monitored on a regular and continuous
basis by Covenant’s advisor representatives. More formal reviews are conducted
by management annually, or more frequently as circumstances require.
25
Item 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
When authorized professionals refer clients to Covenant for money management
services, Covenant will share the fees generated by the referred clients with the referring
party. If the client is introduced to the Firm by an unaffiliated professional, these fee
arrangements are fully disclosed in writing to each referred client and comply with all
requirements under the Advisers Act. Annual referral payments are generally limited in
time, and range between 20% - 40% of a client’s annual management fee. Clients will not
be charged any higher fees when referred by a third party than when engaging Covenant
directly.
As previously disclosed under “Brokerage Practices”, Covenant uses Schwab Advisor
Services and generally recommends Schwab to its discretionary Clients for custody and
brokerage services. We receive an economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the
support products and services it makes available to us and other independent investment
advisors whose clients maintain their accounts at Schwab. We benefit from the products
and services provided because the cost of these services would otherwise be borne
directly by us, and this creates a conflict. These products and services, how they benefit
us, and the related conflicts of interest are described above (see “Item 12: Brokerage
Practices”).
Covenant previously maintained a referral arrangement with TD Ameritrade through its
platform AdvisorDirect (the “Service”), designed to assist clients in finding an
independent investment adviser. Although Covenant no longer participates in this
Service, we pay legacy fees on past referred client accounts custodied at Schwab that we
still manage. The fee is a percentage of the value of assets under management and is paid
to Schwab monthly. This fee may be increased, decreased or waived by Schwab from time
to time at Schwab’s discretion. The fee is paid solely by Covenant, and not by any client
referred.
Covenant Financial Resources, LLC (“CFR”), an affiliate of Covenant, utilizes a marketing
firm to identify appropriate prospective clients to Covenant. The marketing firm does not
recommend us to potential clients. Rather, it provides to us a list of leads based on
investor inputs into the marketing firm’s online profile tool. CFR pays a monthly fee for
such prospect leads in amounts ranging up to $850. These fees are payable regardless of
whether a prospect becomes our advisory client.
Covenant does not participate in any third-party revenue sharing agreements with
outside third parties in connection with its provision of advisory services to clients.
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Item 15: Custody
General
As a matter of policy and practice, Covenant does not permit employees or the firm to
accept or maintain custody of client assets. It is our policy that we will not accept, hold,
directly or indirectly, client funds or securities, or have any authority to obtain possession
of them, except for direct debiting of advisory fees. Covenant will not intentionally take
custody of client cash or securities. The custodian maintains actual custody of your assets.
You will receive account statements directly from the custodian at least quarterly. They
will be sent to the email or postal mailing address you provided to the custodian. You
should carefully review those statements promptly when you receive them. Clients may
also establish electronic access to the custodian’s website so that they may view these
reports and their account activity. Client brokerage statements will include all positions,
transactions and fees relating to the client’s account[s].
It is Covenant’s policy to avoid taking custody of its Clients’ assets, and to prohibit any
arrangement that gives rise to actual, constructive or inadvertent custody. Covenant
maintains only the authority to cause the custodian to transfer Client assets or cash to (i)
trade securities, (ii) effect first party transfers between identically-named client accounts,
and (iii) effect direct-billing of Client fees permitted under Rule 206(4)-2 of the Advisers
Act, as discussed below.
Fee Debiting
The Investment Advisory Agreement authorizes Covenant to deduct investment advisory
fees directly from the client’s account by the custodian typically on a monthly basis. Client
assets are generally held in the custody of a bank, trust company or brokerage firm agreed
upon by the client and Covenant. The custodian is advised in writing of the limitation of
Covenant’s access to the account. In most instances, Covenant provides the calculated
advisory fee to the custodian each month and the fees are remitted to Covenant; in some
cases, clients are billed directly. The qualified custodian provides a statement to the
client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including the
amount of advisory fees paid directly to Covenant. You should carefully review those
statements promptly when you receive them.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Covenant may provide investment advice on either a discretionary or a non-discretionary
basis. Clients who enter into a discretionary advisory relationship with Covenant grant the
Firm complete and unlimited discretionary trading authorization with respect to such
account(s) and appoint Covenant as agent and attorney-in-fact with respect to such
account(s), and Covenant agrees to act in such capacity. Covenant generally has the
authority to determine the securities to be bought or sold and the amount of such
securities to be bought or sold. Limitations on authority are provided in client specified
investments objectives, guidelines and restrictions. These guidelines may be changed by
a client upon written notice. In some cases, Covenant may place approved trades on
behalf of such client with such brokers as Covenant may select.
Covenant may accept any reasonable limitation or restriction placed on accounts by the
client (for example, by asking Covenant not to invest in securities of particular issuers.)
Covenant may, in its sole discretion and at clients’ risk, purchase, sell, exchange, convert
and otherwise trade the securities and other permitted investments in the account(s) as
well as arrange for delivery and payment in connection with the above and act on behalf
of client in all other matters necessary or incidental to the handling of the account(s).
Covenant may conduct securities transactions among the account(s) and other account(s)
managed by Covenant. Covenant may aggregate client purchase and sale orders with
those of other client account(s) when engaging in transactions on behalf of client.
Aggregation of client orders assists Covenant in obtaining best execution, negotiating
more favorable commission rates, and allocating equitably among clients differences in
prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had
such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure, all clients trade at the
same price and no client is favored. Transactions are averaged as to price and will be
allocated among clients in a manner deemed to be fair and equitable, typically in
proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client account on any given
day. Covenant does not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result
of such aggregation.
Client understands that all or substantially all brokerage transactions for securities may
be executed through the broker-dealer designated on the agreement, if so indicated (the
“designated broker dealer”). However, despite this designation, Covenant may effect
securities transactions for the account(s) through a different broker or dealer if Covenant
reasonably believes, in good faith, that another broker-dealer may effect a transaction at
a price, including any brokerage commissions or dealer mark-up or mark-down, that
would be more favorable to the account(s) or if there are constraints on conducting
transactions through the designated broker-dealer.
28
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Covenant, as a matter of policy does not vote proxies held in client accounts or take any
action (other than rendering investment advice) on behalf of clients with respect to
securities or other investments presently or formerly in the account(s), or the issuers
thereof, which become the subject of any legal proceeding, including bankruptcies. Client
expressly reserves the right to vote all proxies by requesting proxy material from the
custodian or transfer agent. Covenant will receive proxy materials on the clients’ behalf
if client declines the right to receive the proxy materials and will forward the proxies to
client upon written request.
Item 18: Financial Information
Neither Covenant, nor its management, have any adverse financial situations that impair
its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients and have not been
the subject of any bankruptcy proceeding.
Covenant is not required to provide a balance sheet because it does not require clients to
prepay investment advisory fees in amounts higher than $1,200 per client for services to
be performed more than six months in advance.
29
Covenant Asset Management, LLC
125 Maple Avenue
Chester, NJ 07930
908-879-4090
Part 2B of Form ADV
Brochure Supplement
March 19, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about John Guarino, Timothy Rowe,
Christopher Clark, Don Weir, Mark Ukrainskyj, Gabriel Rowe, Bill Cunliffe and David
Guarino that supplements Covenant Asset Management’s Brochure. You should have
received a copy of that Brochure. Please contact Monika Sawicki at (908) 879-5330 if you
did not receive a copy of Covenant Asset Management’s Brochure or if you have any
questions about the contents of this supplement. The business address of each of
Covenant Asset Management’s advisors listed below is Covenant Asset Management’s
business address listed above.
John Guarino
Timothy Rowe
Christopher Clark
Don Weir
Mark Ukrainskyj
Gabriel Rowe
Bill Cunliffe
David Guarino
(908) 879-4090
(908) 879-4620
(201) 213-1952
(908) 809-5569
(908) 879-7110
(908) 888-8181
(908) 430-5332
(908) 879-7090
Additional information about John Guarino, Timothy Rowe, Christopher Clark, Don Weir,
Mark Ukrainskyj, Gabriel Rowe, Bill Cunliffe and David Guarino is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by firm name, or by using a
unique identifying number known as a CRD number. The CRD number for the Firm is
108567.
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Educational Background and Business Experience
John Guarino
(908) 879-4090
Year of Birth: 1958
President, Chief Investment Officer
As President, John sets the overall strategic vision of Covenant Asset Management
(“Covenant”) and oversees all executive decisions. As Chief Investment Officer, he is
responsible for setting the overall investment policy and directing investment strategy,
investment risk
research, portfolio management, trading, asset allocation and
management functions.
John founded Covenant Asset Management in 1999 and has worked as an investment
portfolio manager since 1980. From 1985 to 1999, he was a Senior Vice President and
Regional Manager in the Investment Management Division of Summit Bank and portfolio
manager of the Pillar Equity Growth Fund. He received the industry’s prestigious
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)* designation in 1989. Earning the CFA® charter
demonstrates that one has gained the knowledge and learned the skills needed for
investment analysis and decision making in today’s global financial industry. John serves
as a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.
John has a B.S. in finance from Montclair State University and an M.B.A. in finance from
NYU Graduate School of Business. John lives in Far Hills, New Jersey, with his wife
Theodora and he has two children.
Timothy Rowe
(908) 879-4620
Year of Birth: 1960
Director of Business Development and Financial Planning
Tim is an investment advisor representative and a supervised person of the firm. Tim
works with individuals to help them realize their wealth and retirement goals and assists
Covenant’s other managers to design and implement financial planning strategies for
clients. Tim also oversees Covenant’s outbound marketing efforts focusing on conducting
financial information seminars and collaborating with other professionals. He is also
responsible for the oversight and development of Covenant’s expansion into the Florida
market. In addition, he is the sole Principal of Covenant Financial Resources, LLC, through
which he does business as an Investment Advisor Representative of Covenant and which
provides insurance, marketing and educational services. In connection with financial
planning, Tim may recommend and sell insurance products from which he may earn
commissions on the sale of these products. Tim spent 14 years with Summit Financial
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Resources as a Senior Financial Consultant, developing and monitoring financial plans for
individuals and small businesses. Tim graduated with a B.S. in business from Slippery Rock
University. He has been a registered representative and holds a Series 65 license. Tim lives
in Succasunna, New Jersey, with his wife Martine and he has two sons.
Christopher Clark
(201) 213-1952
Year of Birth: 1966
Senior Portfolio Manager
Chris is an investment advisor representative and a supervised person of the firm. Chris
works one-on-one with clients, helping them achieve their investment objectives. Chris
is also responsible for conducting fundamental research and portfolio construction and
oversees Covenant’s technical analysis. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment
Committee. Chris has been employed in the financial services industry since 1992. Chris
is the Principal of Clark Asset Management, Inc. through which he does business as an
Investment Advisor Representative of Covenant. Prior to joining Covenant in 1999, Chris
spent four years as an investment portfolio manager at Summit Bank, where he co-
managed the Pillar Equity Growth Fund.
Chris has a B.S. in finance from Lehigh University and received the Chartered Financial
Analyst (CFA®)* designation in 1998. He lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, with his wife April
and three daughters and a son.
Don Weir
(908) 809-5569
Year of Birth: 1948
Senior Portfolio Manager
Don is an investment advisor representative and a supervised person of the firm. Don is
an experienced industry professional focused on helping high net worth individuals and
families achieve their financial goals and objectives. In addition, Don participates in
Covenant’s investment research effort and portfolio construction. He is also a member
of the firm’s Investment Committee. Don’s investment career of more than 30 years
began at Prudential in private placements and leveraged buyouts, and he eventually
oversaw the management of more than $1 billion of institutional and mutual fund
portfolios. Later, he joined Merrill Lynch, where his responsibilities included managing
asset allocation portfolios for a $14 billion mutual fund wrap program and $3 billion of
separate accounts. More recently, Don served as Senior Vice President and regional
investment director for wealth management at TD Bank. He joined Covenant in 2010.
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Don graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Liberal Arts and later earned his
M.B.A. from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business Administration. He resides in Basking
Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Maureen.
Mark Ukrainskyj
(908) 879-7110
Year of Birth: 1967
Senior Portfolio Manager
Mark is an investment advisor representative and a supervised person of the firm. Mark
is an experienced wealth management professional focused on helping high net worth
individuals and families determine and achieve their financial goals and objectives. This
involves Mark’s active participation in Covenant’s investment research effort and
portfolio construction. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Mark
has worked in the financial services industry since 1988 in various positions. Prior to
joining Covenant in 2013, Mark spent 13 years at AEPG Wealth Strategies, an independent
wealth manager, where he served as Chief Investment Officer. Mark received the
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)* designation in 1998 and the Certified Divorce
Financial Analyst (CDFA®)* designation in 2020. He has also served on the board of the
New York Society of Security Analysts, most recently as Chairman.
Mark has a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of
Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in finance from the Haas School of Business at the University
of California at Berkeley. He lives in Bradenton, Florida with his wife Stacey and they have
two sons.
Gabriel P. Rowe
(908) 888-8181
Year of Birth: 1996
Portfolio Manager
Gabriel is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Finance. He is a licensed
investment advisor representative who specializes in retirement planning and assisting
in the design and implementation of investment strategies for our clients. He holds a
Series 65 license as well as a Life Insurance and Annuities license. He is an assistant to
Timothy Rowe in the expansion of Covenant into the Florida market. Gabe is an avid
golfer and skier who loves spending time outdoors. He currently resides in Bedminster,
New Jersey.
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Bill Cunliffe
(704) 877-2732
Year of Birth: 1980
Chief Compliance Officer and Portfolio Manager
Bill serves as Covenant’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). He is an investment advisor
representative and supervised person of the Firm.
Bill is a graduate of the University of Cambridge, England, where he earned a BA in
Aerospace Engineering, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received
his Masters in Engineering. Bill began his career in finance in 2003 at a quantitative hedge
fund in London before moving to Charlotte, NC to become a founding member of
Elevation Securities, a registered institutional broker-dealer. Bill subsequently co-
founded Variant Perception, a macro-economic research service for investors, where he
served as CEO prior to joining Covenant. He holds a Series 65 license. Bill lives in
Gladstone, NJ with his wife Laura and his three children.
David J. Guarino
(908) 879-7090
Year of Birth: 1992
Portfolio Manager David is an investment advisor representative and a supervised person
of the firm. He is a graduate of Samford University with a B.S. in Geospatial Intelligent
Systems and Regent University, where he received his M.B.A in Finance. David received
his Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC)* designation from the American College of
Financial Services. Earning the CHFC charter demonstrates that you have gained the
knowledge and learned the skills needed for providing financial planning advice covering
income tax, retirement, risk management, estate planning, and
topics such as
investments. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. David has been
employed by Covenant Asset Management since 2020. David lives in Chester, New Jersey,
with his wife Julia and two children.
* Explanation of Applicable Industry Designations:
CFA® Earning the CFA charter demonstrates that one has gained the knowledge and
learned the skills needed for investment analysis and decision making in today’s
global financial industry. To become a charter holder, a person must: 1) Agree to follow
the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. 2) Pass the CFA
Program exams for Levels I, II, and III. 3) Have four years of qualified investment work
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experience. 4) Become a regular member of CFA Institute and apply for membership in
a local CFA member society.
CDFA® Earning the CDFA designation demonstrates that one has gained the knowledge
and learned the skills needed to assist clients with the legal, tax and financial planning
issues to achieve an equitable divorce settlement. To become a CDFA, a person must have
two years of financial planning or legal experience and complete a four-step modular
program and exam designed by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts.
CHFC® Earning the CHFC charter demonstrates that one has gained the knowledge and
learned the skills needed for providing financial planning advice covering topics including
income tax, retirement, risk management, estate planning, and investments. To become
a charter holder, a person must: 1) Agree to comply with The American College Code of
Ethics and Procedures. 2) Successfully complete eight required courses and final exams.
3) Hold three years of experience in financial planning and investments. 4) Participate in
the annual Professional Recertification Program (PRP) to maintain designation and stay
up to date on changes in laws and principles of financial planning.
Disciplinary Information
There have been no material legal, regulatory or disciplinary events involving Covenant
or its employees, affiliates or management persons.
Other Business Activities
A. Timothy Rowe, in addition to his role at Covenant, conducts financial planning activities
for clients through Covenant Financial Resources, LLC, of which he serves as sole
Managing Member. As part of this business, Mr. Rowe sells insurance products for which
he receives direct compensation from the carrier. When one of Covenant’s duly licensed
members refers clients to CFR for these products, such related licensed member receives
a share of the commissions, which is fully disclosed to each referred client. No additional
fees are paid by such client for these referral commissions. The receipt of commissions
from CFR creates a conflict of interest between Covenant and its clients by raising the
possibility that insurance products could be recommended because of the referral
commissions generated rather than because of the overriding benefit to the client. This
conflict is mitigated by Covenant, Mr. Rowe and CFR by diligently confirming the
appropriateness of each product for each client, and by making full disclosure of the
referral fee relationship, as well as the fact that every client has the option to purchase
such products through other, non-affiliated parties.
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Mr. Rowe receives certain ongoing payments from client relationships with a prior firm
with whom he was employed prior to 1999. These payments are not related to, nor do
they directly or indirectly benefit, Covenant. As such, these payments do not create any
conflict of interest between Covenant and its clients.
B. In addition to performing investment-related services for his clients at Covenant, Mr.
Ukrainskyj also provides financial counseling services through his wholly-owned
company, Anchor Divorce Financial Advisory Services, LLC. These services target specific
counseling topics applicable to clients budgeting for and planning divorce settlements and
are not considered general financial planning services or investment advisory services.
Additional Compensation
Covenant’s supervised persons do not receive any additional compensation based upon
the amount of client assets referred by such person to Covenant.
Supervision
John Guarino, President, Chief Investment Officer, (phone: (908) 879-4090) supervises
Timothy Rowe, Christopher Clark, Don Weir, Mark Ukrainskyj, Gabriel Rowe, Bill Cunliffe
and David Guarino. Christopher Clark (phone: (201) 201-1952) supervises John Guarino.
In an effort to monitor the advice given to clients, Bill Cunliffe, the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer, has access to copies of all email and written communication from and
to each of the supervised persons listed above.
In addition, material verbal
communications between the Firm’s supervised persons and clients are communicated
verbally or through email to John Guarino, President, or Bill Cunliffe, Chief Compliance
Officer.
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