View Document Text
Item 1 – Cover Page
Evolution Wealth Advisors, LLC
also known as EWA
20900 NE 30th Avenue, Suite 517
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 921-4740
www.ewadvisors.net
March 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Evolution Wealth Advisors, LLC (“EWA”, “us”, “we”, “our”). If you (“client”, “your”) have
any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (305) 921-4740.
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. EWA’s
IARD firm number is 285142.
We are a registered investment adviser. Our registration as an investment adviser does
not imply any level of skill or training. Additional information about EWA is also available
on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov (click on the link, select “investment
adviser firm” and type in our firm name). The results will provide you with both Parts 1
and 2 of our Form ADV.
Item 2 – Material Changes
Material changes since the last annual updating amendment of our Form ADV Part 2A
(“Disclosure Brochure”) dated March 2024 include:
• We have clarified our account minimums under Item 7.
• We have clarified our relationship with AV Securities and AV Asset Management
under Item 10.
• We now receive compensation, as described under Item 14, as a promoter.
Additionally, we have made other changes throughout this Disclosure Brochure which
may clarify or enhance existing disclosures, but we do not consider these other changes
to be material.
In future filings, this section of the Disclosure Brochure will address only those “material
changes” that have been incorporated since our last delivery or posting of this document
on the SEC’s public disclosure website (IAPD) at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
We will periodically update this Disclosure Brochure and send to you an updated copy
including a summary of material changes, or a summary of material changes that includes
an offer to send you a copy [either by electronic means (email) or in hard copy form].
If you would like another copy of this Disclosure Brochure, please download it from the
SEC website as indicated above or contact our Chief Compliance Officer, Luciana Roditi
at the telephone number listed on the cover page or via email at lroditi@ewadvisors.net.
2
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page
1
Item 2 – Material Changes
2
Item 3 – Table of Contents
3
Item 4 – Advisory Business
4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
8
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
12
Item 7 – Types of Clients
12
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
12
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
18
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
18
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
20
Trading
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
22
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
27
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
28
Item 15 – Custody
29
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
30
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities (i.e., Proxy Voting)
30
Item 18 – Financial Information
32
Item 19 – Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
32
3
Item 4 – Advisory Business
Evolution Wealth Advisors, LLC, also known as EWA, is a limited liability company
organized under the laws of the State of Florida since July 28, 2016. EWA is principally
owned by Roberto Vainrub through the Roberto Vainrub Revocable Trust, Alan Rotter
through the Alan Rotter Revocable Trust, Marcel Apeloig through the MAHR Trust,
Antonino Ciulla, Michael Marciano, and Alfonso Angrisano. We have been registered as
an investment adviser with the SEC since September 8, 2017, and notice filed in
applicable States in order to provide the investment advisory services as described within
this document. As of December 31, 2024, our assets under management totaled:
Discretionary Managed Accounts:
$1,184,253,129
Non-Discretionary Managed Accounts: $ 125,873,495
Assets Under Advisement1:
$2,821,389,506
Total:
$4,131,516,130
This Disclosure Brochure provides you with information regarding our qualifications,
business practices, and the nature of advisory services that should be considered before
becoming our advisory client. Please contact Luciana Roditi, Chief Compliance Officer, if
you have any questions about this Brochure.
Individuals associated with EWA will provide investment advisory services on our behalf.
Such individuals are known as Investment Advisor Representatives (“IARs”). We require
IARs engaged in determining or offering investment advice to clients to be properly
licensed and registered in the states, unless exempted, in which they provide investment
advisory services.
Below is a description of the investment advisory services we offer. For more detail on
any product or service please reference your Investment Advisory Agreement (“IAA”) or
contact your IAR. Your IAR will recommend various types of portfolio management
services to help meet your investment goals.
1 Assets under advisement represent assets in which we provide consulting and/or consolidation services
and for which we have neither discretionary authority nor responsibility for arranging or effecting the
purchase or sale of recommendations provided to and accepted by the ultimate client. Inclusion of these
assets will make our total assets number different from assets under management disclosed in Item 5.F of
our Form ADV Part 1A due to specific calculation instructions for Regulatory Assets Under Management.
4
Portfolio Management Services
We provide discretionary advisory and non-discretionary services through separately
managed accounts based by your stated investment objectives and restrictions. When
you invest through a Separately Managed Account (“SMA”), you own individual
securities. Although IARs will oversee many separately managed accounts and some
accounts may be managed with other accounts to a specific strategy, your account is
separate and distinct from all others.
We have developed several model portfolios primarily utilizing Exchange Traded Funds
(“ETFs”), Mutual Funds, Bonds, and Equities. In addition, we invest in or recommend any
other type of security, including but not limited to, exchange-listed securities, securities
traded over-the-counter, foreign issuers, warrants, corporate debt securities (other than
commercial paper), commercial paper, , certificates of deposit, municipal securities,
mutual fund shares, United States governmental securities, options contracts on
securities, , , asset backed securities, mortgage backed securities, non-US sovereign
debt, structured notes and other alternative investments. The models range in risk
tolerance from conservative to Growth Plus in Balanced Accounts and Investment Grade
to High Yield in Fixed Income Accounts. Generally, in the balanced accounts, the more
aggressive models have higher allocation to equity ETFs or funds, as opposed to fixed
income ETFs and funds, than the more conservative models. There are different types of
portfolios that we offer and that we will allocate your assets to, based on your investment
objectives and risk tolerance.
We regularly monitor the performance of each security selected for each model. Further,
we rebalance the portfolios at least once annually. In addition to our own research, we
utilize third-party research services to assist us with formulating asset allocation, industry
and sector selection, and individual investment recommendations in constructing and
maintaining our portfolios.
Our discretionary services encompass investment supervisory and management services
defined as providing continuous investment advice based on the client’s risk profile and
individual needs.
Non-discretionary services would authorize us to provide investment recommendations
but require your approval to proceed. You make the ultimate decision regarding the
purchase or sale of investment.
During initial consultation(s), your IAR will have a comprehensive discussion about your
financial condition, priorities, and concerns. Based upon these conversations, we will then
work to create either a formal investment policy statement or informal agreed upon
investment objectives to serve as the primary point of reference and ensure that your
objectives are clearly defined. We review your financial situation and needs with you on
an ongoing basis, to accommodate changes to your long‐term goals and objectives.
5
One of our IARs, in consultation with you, will decide either to use the model portfolios,
to use them for only a portion of your assets, or not to use them. These IARs will also
tailor their recommendations and investments based on your investment objectives and
risk tolerance through individual stocks, bonds, government’s, options, municipals,
variable or fixed insurance products, funds, alternative investments, or other individual
securities.
You have the option of imposing reasonable investment restrictions on certain securities,
industries, sectors, or asset classes by providing us with written instructions when you
open your advisory account, or at any time thereafter. Please note, such restrictions may
affect the composition and performance of your portfolio. For these reasons, the
performance of the portfolio may not be identical with our average client.
We offer these services through wrap fee accounts and non-wrap fee accounts. The wrap
fee program is administered by our custodian Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”),
StoneX Financial, Inc., (“StoneX”) and IBKR Securities Services, LLC (“IBKR”). We do
not offer non-wrap fee accounts at those custodians
EWA also offers investments in Private Funds (including private equity, private debt, co-
investment and/or hedge funds). Such investments are made only for clients who are
qualified clients. “Qualified client” means:
(i) A natural person who, or a company that, immediately after entering into the
contract has at least $1,100,000 under the management of the investment adviser,
(ii) A natural person who, or a company that, the investment adviser reasonably
believes, immediately prior to entering into the contract, either has a net worth
(together, in the case of a natural person, with assets held jointly with a spouse) of
more than $2,200,000 (excluding the primary residence); or is a “qualified
purchaser” as defined in section 2(a)(51)(A) of the Investment Company Act of
1940 at the time the contract is entered into [the term “Qualified Purchaser”
includes a trust with assets in excess of $5 million, not formed to acquire the
securities offered, and whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person], or
(iii) A natural person who immediately prior to entering into the contract is (a) an
executive officer, director, trustee, general partner, or person serving in a similar
capacity, of the investment adviser; or (b) an employee of the investment adviser
(other than an employee performing solely clerical, secretarial or administrative
functions with regard to the investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her
regular functions or duties, participates in the investment activities of such
investment adviser, provided that such employee has been performing such
functions and duties for or on behalf of the investment adviser, or substantially
6
similar functions or duties for or on behalf of another company for at least 12
months.
Prospective investors in Private Funds should be aware that the funds are unregistered
investment vehicles. Additional risks, restrictions on withdrawals and redemptions, and
other important information associated with the pooled unregistered investment vehicles
are outlined in each Private Fund’s offering documents. Prospective investors should
review these documents carefully for information regarding these and other important
additional considerations and risks.
Non-Discretionary Consulting Services
EWA has entered into consulting arrangements with clients to provide periodic
communications with opinions on investment matters including strategy, portfolio
structure, asset allocation and/or risk analysis (including recommendations on individual
securities). These services are offered on a non-discretionary basis where the client, at
its discretion, may implement any of the recommendations by instructing us or their
custodian directly.
Recommendations may be based on an individual client’s specific investment objectives,
needs and financial plan, but typically, are more generally based on macro market
assumptions and indicators. The specificity of the recommendations will be based on
each client’s preferred relationship with us. Therefore, certain recommendations will not
be tailored to an individual client’s needs, but to the market in general. Given the nature
of these relationships and the advice provided, we do not typically accept restrictions on
accounts.
Consolidation Services
We can provide consolidation services to our clients. This service entails aggregating
the client’s accounts that we supervise with their other accounts, assets, or alternative
investments that we do not supervise. This service provides a global view of the client’s
assets in order to make informed recommendations and decisions.
An initial assessment of which assets will be aggregated will allow EWA to determine if
there is an additional cost for this service.
We also offer this service as an independent service or as part of a consulting
arrangement.
IRA Rollover Recommendations
In complying with the DOL's Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02 ("PTE 2020-
02"), when applicable, we are providing the following acknowledgment to clients. When
7
we provide investment advice to clients regarding their retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are a fiduciary 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. The way we make money
creates conflicts with client interests. We operate under an exemption that requires we
act in the clients’ best interest and not put our or our employees’ interests ahead of the
clients’ interests. Under this exemption, we must:
• meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations
(give prudent advice),
• never put our or our employees’ financial interests ahead of the clients when
making recommendations (give loyal advice),
• avoid making misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and
•
investments,
follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we and our employees
give advice that is in the clients’ best interests,
• charge no more than is reasonable for services, and
• give the clients basic information about conflicts of interest.
We benefit financially from the rollover of the clients’ assets from a retirement account to
an account that we manage or provide investment advice, because the assets increase
our assets under management and, in turn, our advisory fees. As a fiduciary, we only
recommend a rollover when we and our employees believe it is in the client’s best
interest.
Wrap Fee Program
We provide management services under a “wrap fee” structure, but we do not perform
portfolio management services as part of other sponsors’ wrap fee programs. EWA
manages accounts similarly whether structured as a wrap account or not. Clients
participating in a wrap fee arrangement pay a single fee for advisory, brokerage and
custodial services. Clients’ portfolio transactions will be executed without commissions
in a wrap fee arrangement. For further details regarding our wrap fee program, please
refer to the Evolution Wealth Advisors Wrap Brochure.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Portfolio Management Services
We generally work with clients who will invest with EWA over $1,000,000 in investable
assets which can be reached within the first twelve (12) months of entering into the IAA.
8
Fees for our services are as follows:
Non-Wrap Fee Program Fees
Fees for clients in the non-wrap fee program are negotiable and can be up to 0.80%.
Fee calculations are based on factors that include, but are not limited to, the total value
of assets managed under the client relationship with EWA. The fees are payable
quarterly in arrears on the last day of the quarter and are charged as a fixed fee or a
percentage of assets under management, as determined by the terms agreed upon in
the IAA. Quarterly fees that are charged as a percentage of assets under management
are calculated as the sum of fees computed at the end of each month by EWA, based
on the month end market value, during the calendar quarter. Please note that the balance
your fee is based on may not match the statement you receive from the custodian due
to dividends, incoming contributions, outgoing withdrawals, settlement issues, etc.
The first quarterly payment will be prorated to cover the period from the date the account
is opened through the end of the calendar quarter. Thereafter, the fee will be calculated
based upon the market value of the account as of the close of business on the last
business day of each month of the calendar quarter and will be due and payable on the
last business day of each calendar quarter.
Wrap Fee Program Fees
Fees for clients in our wrap fee program will be a percentage of assets managed up to
1.25% for international clients and 0.95% for US clients. Such fees are negotiable for
clients whose assets managed under the client relationship with EWA exceed
$10,000,000. Please refer to the Evolution Wealth Advisors Wrap Brochure for further
details about the wrap fee program fees.
Private Funds Fees
When EWA recommends or invests client assets into Private Funds, EWA will charge a
management fee that will be calculated as a percentage of the value of the invested
capital, or the most current valuation available, and will be billed quarterly. Clients who
participate in the wrap fee program will be billed in advance or in arrears and clients who
participate in the non-wrap fee program will be billed in arrears. For fees paid in arrears,
the initial fee will be prorated to cover the period from the date of the investment through
the end of the calendar quarter. We bill you based on the original investment, or the
valuation indicated in the last statement as of the end of the billing period. The maximum
fee is 1.25% for international clients and 1.00% for US clients. Fees paid in advance are
computed based on the total market value of the portfolio at the end of the previous
quarter.
9
Due to the illiquid nature of these investments, sometimes we do not receive quarterly
valuations; therefore, whenever we receive an updated investment value, your fee will
be calculated accordingly. The amount of the fee will depend on considerations such as
the transaction’s complexity, the work performed by EWA, the expected return, and third-
party costs.
In addition to quarterly management fees, at the discretion of the Fund Manager, EWA
can also receive a portion of the performance fee (also called carried interest for Private
Equity Funds) charged by the Fund Manager. Our receipt of such carried interest is a
result of negotiation with the Fund Manager. We, at our discretion, distribute none, part
or the whole carried interest to you, our client. These fees and their specific calculations
are disclosed in the Private Equity Fund’s Offering Documents and will be explained by
your EWA representative.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees
Although EWA has established the fee schedules disclosed above, we reserve the option
to negotiate the fees on a client-by-client basis. In determining the fees, we will consider
the facts, circumstances, and needs of the clients. We will also consider the complexity
of the client, assets to be managed, anticipated future additional assets, related
accounts, portfolio style, account composition, and reports to be provided, among other
factors. We will provide the specific annual fee schedule in the contract between the
adviser and each client. Certain related client accounts will be grouped for the purpose
of reaching the minimum account size requirements and determining the annual fee.
Contracts may be terminated by either party with thirty days written notice. A pro-rata
refund will be made of all fees paid in advance of the accepted termination date. EWA
can invoice the client directly or have their fees directly debited from the custodian under
client authorization.
Non-Discretionary Consulting Services
In a non-discretionary consulting arrangement, the client will pay a fee which can be a
flat fee, or a fee computed on the total market value of the portfolio. Fees are negotiable
and payable monthly or quarterly in advance or in arrears based on the IAA for such non-
discretionary consulting services. Fees will be based and computed on the value of the
portfolio at the end of each month or quarter, or by dividing the annual flat fee over 12
months or four quarters.
Other Fees
The advisory fee does not cover charges imposed by third parties for investments held
in the account, such as contingent deferred sales charges or 12b-1 trails on mutual
10
funds, or performance/carried interest fees charged by private equity funds. In addition,
each mutual fund and private equity fund also charges asset management fees, which
are in addition to our advisory fees. Other fees charged by a mutual fund may also
include, but are not limited to, upfront sales charges and other fund expenses. The
advisory fee described above does not cover debit balances or related margin interest
or SEC fees or other fees or taxes required by law. The fees charged by such funds or
managers are disclosed in each fund’s prospectus. You should review the fund’s
prospectus for a complete description of all fees and expenses.
All of these other fees are exclusive of, and in addition to, our compensation. We do not
offset our fees by these charges. Please see Item 12 - Brokerage Practices for additional
information.
For our non-wrap accounts, our fees do not include brokerage commissions, transaction
fees, and other brokerage related costs and expenses that are paid by you. You will pay
any additional fees imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties.
Termination of Contracts
The IAA may be terminated at any time by either party with thirty days written notice. The
final quarterly payment will be prorated for the number of months, plus calendar days for
partial months, services were provided during the quarter of the accepted termination
date. A refund will be made on a pro-rata (by day) basis of any fees paid in advance of
the accepted termination date. Full refunds will only be made in cases where cancellation
occurs within five (5) business days of signing the IAA. Termination of the IAA will not
affect (i) the validity of any action previously taken by us under the agreement; (ii)
liabilities or obligations of the parties initiated before termination of the IAA; or (iii) your
obligation to pay advisory fees (prorated through the date of termination). Any unearned
portion of the fee will be refunded to the client as determined in accordance with the
terms of IAA. Any refunds due to the client shall be made as soon as possible from
receipt of notice of termination. For the purposes of this provision, a contract is
considered entered into when all parties to the contract have signed the contract, or, in
the case of an oral contract, otherwise signified their acceptance, any other provisions
of this contract notwithstanding.
Detailed information on the termination terms and fees can be found in the applicable
IAA.
11
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
With the exception of Private Funds (including co-investments in private equity funds),
we do not charge advisory fees on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of
the funds or securities in a client account (so-called performance-based fees). However,
as described under Item 5, we can participate in the performance fees charged by private
funds that we recommend if participation is offered by the fund manager and agreed
upon in the contract. This creates a potential conflict of interest because we could benefit
by recommending investments that earn a performance fee. However, we have
implemented a compliance program that monitors your investment objectives and risk
tolerance to help ensure that you are invested in assets that reflect your goals and risk
tolerance. Our compensation structure is disclosed in detail in Item 5 above.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
We provide advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, family office, corporations or
other business entities, and foundations. For wrap accounts, we generally work with
clients who have $1,000,000 or more in investable assets with EWA which can be
reached within the first twelve (12) months of entering into the IAA. If after the first year
the account is below our minimum amount, we will assess a minimum yearly fee of
$12,500 (for non-US clients) and $9,500 (for US accounts) paid quarterly in advance or
in arrears based on the IAA. EWA has (and reserves the right to) waived its minimum
advisory fee for certain clients’ 401K Plans, children’s 529 Plans, clients with a long
history with the firm, etc. However, the decision to waive the minimum fee is ours and
will not be a uniform decision in each case. As noted, factors such as the client’s history
with the firm, as well as the time we feel we will need to be devoted to the client are
considered, among other factors.
Fees are negotiable for accounts over $10 million.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Method of Analysis
We use several different methods of analysis and sources of information when
formulating investment strategies. In addition to our own research, our recommendations
may also be obtained from research sources that include financial publications, research
12
prepared by others, annual reports, prospectuses and other regulatory filings, company
press releases and other sources.
In formulating our investment advice and/or managing your assets, we employ different
research methods such as macroeconomic analysis, Manager analysis, fundamental
analysis, charting and technical analysis.
Manager Analysis: In this type of analysis, we compare managers in the same asset
categories based on extensive criteria (e.g., performance, length of time in business, risk
attributes, costs etc.) in an attempt to identify a manager that we feel will help us meet
our client’s investment objectives.
Fundamental Analysis. We may attempt to measure the intrinsic value of a security or
mutual fund by looking at economic and financial factors (including the overall economy,
industry conditions, and valuation measures) to determine if the investment is underpriced
(indicating it may be a good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time to sell).
Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents
a potential risk, as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall
market regardless of the economic and financial factors.
Technical Analysis. We analyze past market movements and apply that analysis to the
present in an attempt to recognize recurring patterns of investor behavior and potentially
predict future price movement.
Technical analysis does not consider the underlying financial condition of a company.
This presents a risk in poorly managed or financially unsound companies that may
underperform regardless of market movement.
Charting. In this type of technical analysis, we review charts of market and security activity
in an attempt to identify when the market is moving up or down and to predict how long
the trend may last and when that trend might reverse.
Investment Strategies
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the
client during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time. We may
use one or more of the following investment strategies when providing investment advice
to you:
• Long-Term Purchases - securities purchased with the expectation that the value
of those securities will grow over a relatively long period of time, generally greater
than one year.
13
• Short-Term Purchases - securities purchased with the expectation that they will be
sold within a relatively short period of time, generally less than one year, to take
advantage of the securities' short-term price fluctuations.
• Margins Transactions - borrowing money from a broker to purchase stock. The
collateral for the loan is normally securities in the investor's account.
• Option Strategies - buying or selling of one or more options that differ in one or
more of the options' variables. We generally intend to use these for hedging
purposes to reduce portfolio risk.
Risk of Loss, Disclosures, and other important information
There are inherent risks involved for each investment strategy or method of analysis we
use and the particular type of security we recommend. Investing in securities involves
the risk of loss, which clients should be prepared to bear. While the stock market may
increase and your account(s) could enjoy a gain, it is also possible that the stock market
may decrease, and your account(s) could suffer a loss. It is important that you
understand the risks associated with investing in the stock market and ask our firm any
questions you may have.
The value of your investment may be affected by one or more of the following risks, any
of which could cause the portfolio’s return or the portfolio’s yield to fluctuate:
Market Risk: Market risk involves the possibility that an investment’s current market value
will fall because of a general market decline, reducing the value of the investment
regardless of the operational success of the issuer’s operations or its financial condition.
Factors such as domestic and international economic growth and market conditions,
interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities markets.
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.
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much
as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
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.
14
Company Size Risks: Generally, the smaller the market capitalization of a company, the
fewer the number of shares traded daily, the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its
price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track
records. These factors also increase risks and make these companies more likely to fail
than companies with larger market capitalizations.
Foreign Investing Risks: Investments in foreign companies and markets carry a number
of economic, financial, and political considerations that are not associated with the U.S.
markets and that could unfavorably affect account performance. Among those risks are
greater price volatility; weak supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers
and issuers; higher brokerage costs; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and
related conversion costs; adverse tax consequences; and settlement delays.
Fixed Income Securities: Client accounts with all or a portion of the underlying assets
invested in fixed income securities are subject to the following risks:
Interest Rate Risks: Prices of fixed income securities rise and fall in response to
changes in the interest rate paid by similar securities. Generally, when interest rates
rise, prices of fixed income securities fall. Interest rate changes have a greater effect
on the price of fixed income securities with longer maturities.
Credit Risks: Credit risk is the possibility that an issuer or counterparty will default on
a security or repurchase agreement by failing to pay interest or principal when due. If
an issuer defaults, the value of a fixed income security may decrease. Lower credit
ratings correspond to higher credit risk. Bonds rated below BBB or Baa have
speculative characteristics.
Call Risks: If the fixed income securities are redeemed by the issuer before maturity
(or “called”), the fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in securities that pay a lower
interest rate, which may decrease the portfolio’s overall yield. This will most likely
happen when interest rates are declining.
Liquidity Risks: Liquidity risk refers to the possibility that an investor may not be able
to sell or buy a security or close out an investment contract at a favorable price or
time. Consequently, an investor may have to accept a lower price to sell a security,
sell other securities to raise cash or give up an investment opportunity, any of which
could have a negative effect on investment performance. Infrequent trading of
securities also may lead to an increase in their price volatility.
ETF and Mutual Funds Risk: ETFs and mutual funds are subject to investment advisory
and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by clients. As a result, the cost of our
investment strategies will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs or mutual
funds, as there are two levels of fees. ETFs and mutual funds are subject to specific risks,
depending on the nature of the fund.
15
ETFs are professionally managed pooled vehicles that invest in stocks, bonds,
cryptocurrencies, short-term money market instruments, other mutual funds, other
securities, or any combination thereof. ETF managers trade fund investments in
accordance with fund investment objectives. ETF risk can be significantly increased for
funds concentrated in a particular sector of the market, or that primarily invest in small
cap or speculative companies, use leverage (i.e., borrow money) to a significant degree,
or concentrate in a particular type of security (i.e., equities), rather than balancing the
fund with different types of securities.
ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the day like stocks, and their price can fluctuate
throughout the day. During times of extreme market volatility, ETF pricing may lag versus
the actual underlying asset values. This lag usually resolves itself in a short period of
time (usually less than one day); however, there is no guarantee this relationship will
always occur.
Government Obligations Risks: No assurance can be given that the United States
government will provide financial support to United States government-sponsored
agencies or instrumentalities where it is not obligated to do so by law. As a result, there
is the risk that these entities will default on a financial obligation.
High Yield Securities Risks: High yield securities tend to be more sensitive to economic
conditions than are higher-rated securities and generally involve more credit risk than
securities in the higher-rated categories. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of
high yield securities is significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because
such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors.
Management Risk: The adviser’s strategy may fail to produce the intended results.
Firm Research: When our research and analyses are based on commercially available
software, rating services, general market and financial information, or due diligence
reviews, the firm is relying on the accuracy and validity of the information or capabilities
provided by selected vendors, rating services, market data, and the issuers themselves.
We make every effort to determine the accuracy of the information received but it cannot
predict the outcome of events or actions taken or not taken, or the validity of all information
it has researched or provided, which may or may not affect the advice on or investment
management of an account.
Defensive Risk: To the extent that the strategy attempts to hedge its portfolio stocks or
takes defensive measures, such as holding a significant portion of its assets in cash or
cash equivalents, the objective may not be achieved.
Turnover Risk: At times, the strategy may have a portfolio turnover rate that is higher than
other strategies. A high portfolio turnover would result in correspondingly greater
16
brokerage commission expenses for non-wrap fee clients and may result in the
distribution of additional capital gains for tax purposes. These factors may negatively
affect the account’s performance.
Availability of Information: Certain issuers, including municipalities, private companies,
and foreign issuers may not be subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting standards, and practices as companies publicly listed in U.S. stock
markets. Thus, there may be less information publicly available about these issuers and
their current financial condition.
Concentration Risk: To the extent that the strategy focuses on particular asset‐classes,
countries, regions, industries, sectors, or types of investment from time to time, the
strategy may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus
than a strategy that is more broadly diversified across a wider variety of investments.
Legal or Legislative Risk: Legislative changes or court rulings may impact the value of
investments, or the securities’ claim on the issuer’s assets and finances.
Private Equity Counterparty Risk: Investments in private equity involve the risk that the
portfolio company in which the investments are made may not be able to achieve its
objectives or meet its obligations.
We will rebalance your portfolio periodically to control risk, take profits and enhance tax
efficiency. We will reduce or eliminate positions due to lack of performance, to achieve
certain tax benefits, to capture profits and to tactically re-allocate holdings.
While we seek to take advantage of investment opportunities for our clients that will seek
to balance investment returns with the risk of loss, there is no guarantee that such
opportunities will ultimately benefit our client. We will change client portfolios in response
to market conditions that are unpredictable and may expose our client to greater market
risk than seen in previous market cycles. There is no assurance that our investment
strategy will enable our client to achieve the stated investment objectives of our
strategies.
The above list of risk factors does not claim to be a complete list or explanation of the
risks involved in an investment strategy. There are many other circumstances not
described here that could adversely affect your investment and prevent you from your
investment objectives. The list represents the typical risks involved. The explanation of
certain risks is not exhaustive, but rather highlights some of the more significant risks
involved in our investment strategies. You are encouraged to consult your IAR and tax
professional on an initial and continuous basis in connection with selecting and engaging
in the services provided by us. In addition, due to the dynamic nature of investments and
markets, strategies may be subject to additional and different risk factors not discussed
above.
17
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary events
that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of our advisory business
or the integrity of our management. We do not have any legal or disciplinary events to
report.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
We are not, nor are any of our management persons (except as disclosed below),
registered, nor do we have an application pending to register as a broker-dealer or a
registered representative of a broker-dealer, futures commission merchant, commodity
pool operator, commodity trading advisor or as an associated person of the foregoing
entities.
In addition, neither we nor any of our management persons have any arrangement that
is material to our advisory business or to our clients that we or any of our management
persons have with any related person that is under common control and ownership, i.e.,
a:
● Municipal securities dealer, or government securities dealer or broker,
●
Investment company or other pooled investment vehicle,
● Other investment adviser or financial planner,
● Futures commission merchant (or commodity pool operator or commodity trading
advisor),
● Banking or thrift institution,
● Accountant or accounting firm,
● Lawyer or law firm,
●
Insurance company or agency,
● Pension consultant,
● Real estate broker or dealer, or
● Sponsor or syndicator of limited partnerships.
18
However, Roberto Vainrub sits on the board as a director of Mercantil Banco Universal
and his duties include board meetings and the risk committee where he spends
approximately on average 10 hours per month.
AV Securities, Inc. & AV Asset Management, Inc.
Mr. Vainrub is a passive investor/owner of AV Securities, Inc. (“AV Securities”). AV
Securities is a licensed Panama Broker-Dealer that provides investment advice,
securities analysis, and research services to its clients. In addition, Marcel Apeloig (a
client of EWA), Alan Rotter (a client of EWA), Antonino Ciulla (a client of EWA) and
Alfonso Angrisano, each of whom are minority/passive owners of EWA, are also partners
at AV Securities. Furthermore, Messrs. Angrisano and Ciulla own AV Aset Management,
which is under common control with AV Securities. Messrs. Apeloig, Angrisano, Ciulla
and Rotter do not provide investment advice and will not have control over the day-to-day
management of EWA.
• AV Asset Management provides research services to EWA and, indirectly, EWA’s
advisory clients. EWA compensates AV Asset Management for its research. As
owners of AV Asset Management, Messrs. Angrisano and Ciulla indirectly benefit
from the compensation received from EWA. A conflict of interest exists in that the
choice of EWA’s research vendor may be driven more by the compensation
potential to Messrs. Angrisano and Ciulla than the merits of the research vendor’s
research services.
• EWA also provides advisory services to AV Securities under a consulting
agreement.
• Additionally, AV Securities and EWA have entered into a promoter agreement
whereby AV Securities agreed to recommend EWA’s investment advisory services
to potential clients. AV Securities also agreed to periodically contact referred
clients for the purpose of assisting them in understanding EWA’s services and, if
necessary, to update their information and provide it to EWA. In exchange for these
services, EWA pays AV Securities a referral fee. A conflict of interest exists in that
Messrs. Vainrub, Apeloig, Angrisano, Ciulla and Rotter would indirectly benefit
from the fees paid to AV Securities due to their ownership interests in AV
Securities.
• Finally, one client has provided a limited power attorney for us to manage his
account at AV Securities. EWA does not encourage or discourage its clients to use
AV Securities as a qualified custodian.
EWA and its affiliated individuals recognize their fiduciary responsibilities to clients and
EWA has implemented a Compliance Program to address potential conflicts of interest.
This program includes oversight to ensure adherence to client investment objectives, a
19
fair allocation policy to ensure equitable distribution of investment opportunities, and
periodic compliance reviews
to monitor and mitigate conflicts. By maintaining
transparency and oversight, EWA believes it upholds its duty to act in the best interests
of all clients, independent of its affiliations with AV Securities and AV Asset Management.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics adopted and implemented by EWA applies to the activities of our
Company. All employees of EWA are subject to this Code of Ethics. In carrying on its
daily affairs, EWA, and all of our supervised persons2 shall act in a fair, lawful and ethical
manner, in accordance with the rules and regulations imposed by our governing
regulatory authority. The Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct and requires
compliance with applicable state and federal securities laws. Our Code of Ethics also
addresses personal trading and requires our personnel to report their personal securities
holdings and transactions to our Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).
We have created a Code of Ethics which establishes standards and procedures for the
detection and prevention of certain conflicts of interest including activities by which
persons having knowledge of the investments and investment intentions of EWA, its
affiliates, or clients, might take advantage of that knowledge for their own benefit. EWA
has in place Ethics Rules (the “Rules”), which are comprised of the Code of Ethics and
Insider Trading policies and procedures. The Rules are designed to ensure that EWA’s
personnel (i) observe applicable legal (including compliance with applicable state and
federal securities laws) and ethical standards in the performance of their duties; (ii) to
act in the EWA’s clients’ best interest at all times; (iii) disclose all conflicts of interest; (iv)
adhere to the highest standards of loyalty, candor and care in all matters relating to its
clients; (v) conduct all personal trading consistent with the Rules and in such a manner
as to mitigate any conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and
responsibility; and (vi) not use any material non-public information in securities trading.
The Rules also establish policies regarding other matters such as outside employment,
the giving or receiving of gifts, and safeguarding portfolio holdings information.
2 Supervised person means any partner, officer, director (or other person occupying a similar status or
performing similar functions), or employee of an investment adviser, or other person who provides
investment advice on behalf of the investment adviser and is subject to the supervision and control of the
investment adviser.
20
Under the general prohibitions of the Rules, EWA’s personnel are prohibited from:
1) effecting securities transactions while in the possession of material, non-public
information; 2) disclosing such information to others; 3) participating in fraudulent
conduct involving securities held or to be acquired by any client; and 4) engaging in
frequent trading activities that create or may create a conflict of interest, limit their ability
to perform their job duties, or violate any provision of the Rules.
We will provide you a copy of our Code of Ethics upon request. To request a copy, you
can contact us at the address or telephone number listed on the cover page of this
brochure, Attn: Chief Compliance Officer.
Personal Trading
Under the Code, EWA’s personnel are required to conduct their personal investment
activities in a manner that EWA believes is not detrimental to its advisory clients. As
discussed above, EWA personnel must conduct all personal trading in such a manner to
mitigate any conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.
EWA and/or its employees buy, sell, or hold securities it also recommends to clients,
subject to the requirements of its internal policies and procedures. EWA’s policies are
based on the principle that EWA and its employees have a fiduciary duty to place the
interests of clients ahead of their own interests. To the extent not prohibited by its
policies, EWA and/or its employees hold, acquire, increase, decrease or dispose of
securities or other interests at or about the same time that EWA is purchasing or selling
the same securities or interests for an advisory account. EWA manages discretionary
accounts on behalf of its owners, employees, and family members.
EWA has created and implemented internal controls to monitor client account activity
and proper allocation of investment opportunities, based on each client’s stated
investment objectives and risk tolerance, to address these conflicts.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
We do not execute transactions on a principal or agency cross basis.
Donations to Charities
EWA makes donations to charitable organizations that are affiliated with or supported by
its clients or individuals employed by its clients. Additionally, EWA waives fees for
nonprofits for whom we manage accounts. In general, such donations are made in
response to requests from clients, or their personnel. Because EWA’s contributions may
result in the recommendation of EWA’s services or its products, such contributions may
raise a potential conflict of interest. No contribution will be made if the contribution implies
that continued or future business with EWA depends on making such contribution.
21
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Broker-Dealer/Custodian Recommendations
In selecting or recommending a broker-dealer, we will consider the value of research and
additional brokerage products and services a broker-dealer has provided or will provide
to our clients and us. We recommend or require that clients establish brokerage accounts
with FINRA-registered broker-dealers, member SIPC (collectively, “custodians”) through
which the custodians provide our firm with their "platform" services. The platform services
can include, among others, brokerage, custodial, administrative support, record keeping
and related services such as maintaining custody of clients’ assets and effecting trades
for the client’s account(s). We receive benefits by selecting such custodians to execute
client transactions, and the transaction compensation charged by such custodians might
not be the lowest compensation we might otherwise be able to negotiate. We have not
entered into a formal soft dollar arrangement, whereby, we are required to direct a certain
amount of transaction activity to such custodians for specific research or brokerage
services, but certain services are available to us at no charge to us so long as our clients’
assets are maintained in accounts at such custodians.
These custodians’ primary brokerage services include the execution of securities
transactions, custody, 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. In addition, these custodians have
negotiated with certain third-party vendors for such vendors to offer advisors that custody
at such custodians a discount for their services or such custodians may pay directly for
such services on our behalf. These custodians make available to us other products and
services that benefit us but may not directly benefit all of its clients’ accounts or may
benefit accounts not maintained at such custodians. These custodians’ products and
services that assist us in managing and administering clients’ accounts may include, but
not be limited to, software and other technology that (i) provide access to client account
data (such as trade confirmations and account statements); (ii) facilitate trade execution
and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts; (iii) provide research,
pricing and other market data; (iv) facilitate payment of our fees from its clients’ accounts;
and (v) assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting. These
custodians also offer other services intended to help us manage and further develop its
business enterprise. These services may include, but are not limited, to: (i) compliance,
legal and business consulting; (ii) publications and conferences on practice management
and business succession; and (iii) access to employee benefits providers, human capital
consultants and insurance providers. These custodians may also provide other benefits
such as educational events or occasional business entertainment for our personnel.
22
In evaluating whether to recommend or require that client’s custody their assets at such
custodians, we take into account the availability of the foregoing products and services
and other arrangements as part of the total mix of factors it considers and not solely the
nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by such custodians.
Clients should be aware that the receipt of such economic benefits by us or its related
persons in and of itself creates a potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence
our choice of such custodians for custody and brokerage services. To address these
potential conflicts of interest, we have developed and implemented a Compliance
Program, which includes a review of the services and execution quality we receive from
such custodians.
Schwab Advisor ServicesTM platform
We do not maintain custody of your assets that we manage or on which we advise
(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, below)). Your assets must
be maintained in an account at a "qualified custodian," generally a broker-dealer or bank.
We recommend that our clients use Charles Schwab & Co" Inc. ("Schwab"), a FINRA-
registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, as
the qualified custodian. We are
independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Schwab. Schwab will hold your
assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when we instruct them to. For
accounts below $10,000,000, we will encourage you to use Schwab as custodian/broker.
You will decide whether to do so and open your account with Schwab by entering into
an account agreement directly with them. We do not open the account for you, but we
will assist you in the process. [If you do not wish to place your assets with Schwab, then
we might decline to manage your account.] Not all advisors require their clients to use a
particular broker-dealer or other custodian selected by the advisor. Even though your
account is maintained at Schwab, we can still use other brokers to execute trades for
your account, as described in the next paragraph.
Products and Services Available to Us from our Custodians
Our custodians provide our clients and us with access to its institutional brokerage--
trading, custody, reporting, and related services--many of which are not typically
available to retail customers. Our custodians also make available various support
services. Some of those services help us manage or administer our clients' accounts,
while others help us manage and grow our business.
23
Here is a more detailed description of typical support services:
Services That Benefit You
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 our custodians include some to which we might not otherwise
have access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by
our clients. The services described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your
account.
Services That May Not Directly Benefit You
Our custodians also make available to us other products and services that benefit us but
may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and services assist us in
managing and administering our clients' accounts. They include investment research,
both the custodian's own and that of third parties. We may use this research to service
all or some substantial number of our clients' accounts, including accounts not
maintained at a particular custodian. In addition to investment research, they also may
make 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 or multiple client
accounts,
facilitate payment of our fees from our clients' accounts, and
▪ provide pricing and other market data,
▪
▪ assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
Services That Generally Benefit Only Us
Our custodians may also offer other services intended to help us manage and further
develop our business enterprise. These services include:
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting,
▪ educational conferences and events,
▪
▪ publications and conferences on practice management and business succession,
and
▪ access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance
providers.
Depending on the custodian, they may provide some of these services themselves. In
other cases, they will arrange for third-party vendors to provide the services to us. A
particular custodian may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or
24
pay all or a part of a third-party's fees. In addition, they also provide us with other benefits
such as occasional business entertainment for our personnel.
Soft Dollars
We do not receive research or other products or services from a broker-dealer or a third-
party in connection with client securities transactions (“soft dollar benefits”) that we would
consider a factor in utilizing a particular broker-dealer. However, through our relationship
with any custodian, we can receive certain services and products, such as fundamental
research reports, technical and portfolio analyses, pricing services, economic forecasting
and general market information, historical data base information and computer software
that assist with our investment management process.
We may give preference to broker-dealers that provide research or other services to
EWA so long as we believe the objective of best execution is not being sacrificed. These
research services provide a benefit to us since we do not have to produce or pay for the
services. EWA may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on
our interest in receiving the research or other products or services rather than on our
clients’ interest in receiving the most favorable execution. Research services may
include:
1. Advice, directly or through publications, writings, or data services, as to the value
of securities and the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities
and
2. The availability of securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy.
Thus, we may be able to supplement our own information and consider the views and
information of other organizations in arriving at our investment decisions. Generally,
research services are generated by third parties but are provided to EWA through broker-
dealers.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
We do not consider, in selecting or recommending broker-dealers, whether we or a
related person receive client referrals from a broker-dealer or third party.
Directed Brokerage
A client may direct us, in writing, to use a particular broker-dealer. In that case, it is our
expectation that the client will negotiate execution terms with the broker-dealer. Should
a client request that we direct execution for brokerage transactions for their account
through a broker-dealer that we believe will provide reasonable service, we shall direct
transactions accordingly. Such broker-dealers must enter into a prime broker agreement
25
with our firm. In such cases, we will not seek better execution services or prices from
other broker-dealers or be able to “aggregate” or “batch” orders for execution through
another broker-dealer. As a result, the client may pay a higher commission or other
transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on transactions
than would otherwise have been the case. Clients who request directed trades may or
may not receive best execution or pay higher brokerage commissions because we may
not be able to aggregate orders to reduce transaction costs or otherwise negotiate
commissions and may also receive less favorable prices and execution. As a result, we
will not provide assurances that in accounts where we are instructed to direct trades that
best execution will be obtained.
Trade Aggregation
When EWA deems it appropriate and the custodian Schwab, IBKR and StoneX allows
us, EWA will aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased to obtain the most-
favorable price or lower brokerage commission and efficient execution (including speed
of execution and confidentiality of trades). The allocation of the securities purchased or
sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by EWA in
accordance with its pre-allocation policy in the manner it considers to be most equitable
and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to clients. No client or account will be favored
over another.
Administrative Trade Errors
From time-to-time we may make an error in submitting a trade order on your behalf.
Trading errors include a number of situations, such as:
● The wrong security is bought or sold for a client,
● A security is bought instead of sold, or vice versa
● A transaction is executed for the wrong account,
● Securities transactions are completed for a client that had a restriction on such
security, or
● Securities are allocated to the wrong accounts.
When this occurs, we will place a correcting trade with the broker-dealer which has
custody of your account. If an investment gain results from the corrective action, the gain
will remain in your account unless it is legally not permissible for you to retain the gain,
or we confer with you and you decide to forego the gain (e.g., due to tax reasons). If a
loss occurs due to our administrative trade error, we are responsible and will pay for the
loss to ensure that you are made whole.
26
Note: To limit the respective administrative expenses and burden of processing small
trade errors, it should be noted some custodians (at their own discretion) may elect not
to invoice us if the trade error involves a de minimus dollar amount (usually less than
$100). Generally, if related trade errors result in both gains and losses in your account,
they may be netted.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Reviews and Reviewers of the Accounts
Client accounts will be reviewed, at a minimum, once a year. Model portfolios are
reviewed quarterly and if there are changes to the model portfolio, they will normally be
executed within a month (depending on market conditions). In addition, client accounts
will be reviewed within one month of receiving additional cash or assets into the client’s
account. Each IAR works directly with clients to provide ongoing investment dialogue to
regularly review investment approach and objectives as well as market insights.
Accounts are reviewed with clients annually or as needed by each client. In addition, all
accounts are reviewed annually by their IAR to ensure that they are meeting the clients’
investment objectives.
The review covers evaluation of the account’s asset allocation against the recommended
allocation for that particular investment objective. The process also includes evaluation
of the account’s performance against benchmarks of similar investment objectives.
We will discuss your current financial status, risk tolerance, and investment objective and
goals to determine whether adjustments are required to your current asset allocation and
account holdings. Changes in macroeconomic and company specific events may trigger
additional reviews.
Nature and Frequency of Regular Reports Provided to Clients on their Accounts
For all accounts, clients receive statements from the custodian, at least quarterly, with
their account details of holdings, market value, and allocation of asset class. Clients who
request access can review their accounts at any time through the custodian’s web portal.
In addition, clients receive a detailed report during annual in-person (or phone) reviews
with the IAR. During these reviews, the IAR discusses a range of topics related to clients’
financial needs/goals, economic and market conditions, personal tax-related investment
items such as gains/losses as well as overall performance.
27
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Client Referrals
EWA compensates third parties for client referrals. Such referral arrangements are
governed by a written agreement between EWA and the particular third party (i.e., the
promoter). EWA pays the promoter a portion of the fee paid by each client they refer to
EWA who invests with us. This fee can range from 10% to 65% of the fee paid to EWA
by the client. We do not charge higher fees to clients who were referred by a promoter
than the fees charged to clients with similar portfolios managed by EWA who were not
introduced by a third-party promoter.
Third-party promoters who refer clients to us will provide you with a copy of our Form
ADV Part 2A and will disclose to you their relationship with us, whether they receive
compensation for the referral, and any material conflicts of interest.
Additionally, we will enter into arrangements whereby from time to time we receive
compensation, either directly or indirectly, from unaffiliated persons for client referrals.
Under such arrangements, we receive a percentage of the investment advisory fee paid
by such client. This fee may vary according to each agreement. Referred clients will
receive a copy of this Disclosure Brochure along with disclosure (either orally or in
writing) of the terms of the referral arrangement and any conflicts of interest related to
the arrangement at the time of the referral. Referral arrangements are entered into in
accordance with Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-1.
Promoters that refer business to more than one investment adviser may have a financial
incentive to recommend advisers with more favorable compensation arrangements. We
will disclose to you whether multiple referral relationships exist, and those comparable
services may be available from other advisers. Referral fees paid to a Promoter are
contingent upon your entering into an advisory agreement. This creates a conflict of
interest given that the Promoter has a financial incentive to recommend such services.
However, you are not obligated to retain such advisory services. Comparable services
and/or lower fees may be available through other firms. In addition, we have
implemented a compliance program to monitor such conflicts, and our relationships are
periodically reviewed.
Other Compensation
We do not receive an economic benefit (other than the custodial services identified in
Item 12), including sales awards or other prizes from a non-client for providing
investment advice or other advisory services to our clients.
Schwab Advisor ServicesTM platform
28
We receive an economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the Cient Benefit Program
that is offered to select advisors that have their clients maintain their accounts at Schwab.
The Program is designed to support the formation, compliance, technology, investment
and wealth management, communications and/or operational activities of the business.
These products and services, how they benefit us, and the related conflicts of interest
are described above (see Item 12 - Brokerage Practices). The availability of Schwab's
products and services to us is not based on our giving particular investment advice, such
as buying particular securities for our clients.
As disclosed in Item 5, when EWA recommends investments in Private Funds, EWA
charges a management fee and might also receive a portion of the performance/carried
interest fee charged by the Fund Manager. This presents a conflict of interest in that
EWA may receive compensation through the Fund Manager that is in addition to the
management or consulting fee that is charged by EWA. EWA will charge a management
or consulting fee on the Private Fund assets. The calculation of the management or
consulting fee is disclosed in Item 5 above. In addition, EWA’s commitment to its clients,
and the policies and procedures it has adopted that require the review of such
arrangements by the CCO, are designed to limit any interference with EWA’s
independent decision making when choosing the best investments for our clients.
Refer to Items 5, 10, and 12 above for details of our compensation structure as well as
any other compensation our IARs may receive.
Item 15 – Custody
We do not take physical possession of client funds or securities. Under government
regulations, we are deemed to have custody of your assets if you authorize us to instruct
Schwab, IBKR and StoneX to deduct our advisory fees directly from your account.
Schwab, IBKR and StoneX maintain actual custody of your assets. However, we are
also deemed to have custody of clients’ funds or securities when clients have standing
letters of authorizations (“SLOAs”) with their custodian to move money from a client’s
account to a third-party, and under that SLOA it authorizes us to designate the amount
or timing of transfers with the custodian. The SEC has set forth a set of standards
intended to protect client assets in such situations, which we follow. You will receive
account statements directly from your custodian at least quarterly. The account
statements will reveal the funds and securities held with the qualified custodian, any
transactions that occurred in your account, and the deduction of our fee. They will be
sent to the email or postal mailing address you provided to your custodian.
For the wrap fee program, upon written consent from you, we will have the authority to
29
deduct the advisory fees from your accounts. The custodian will send to you an account
statement at least quarterly identifying the amount of funds and each security in the
account at the end of period and setting forth all transactions in the account during that
period including the amount of advisory fees paid directly to our firm.
Upon your request, we will prepare and provide reports to you regarding your portfolio.
You are encouraged to review these reports and compare them against reports received
from the independent custodians that service your advisory account. You should
immediately inform our firm of any discrepancy noted.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
We accept discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on your behalf. Our
authority is limited to determining which securities to buy or sell on your behalf,
determining the number of securities to be bought or sold on your behalf, and
determining the broker dealer to be used.
In managing an investment portfolio, we act in a manner in keeping with what we
understand and believe to be in your best interest. In making these buy and sell
decisions, we follow general guidelines established by you which may include
instructions to have our firm refrain from purchasing certain securities. Any restrictions
must be submitted to our firm in writing.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities (i.e., Proxy Voting)
EWA has accepted the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Schwab advisory clients
under the Wrap Fee Program. A client has the option to retain proxy voting privileges on
behalf of their own account provided they have indicated as such on the Investment
Advisory Agreement or in writing to EWA. Should a client choose this option, then that
client will receive proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian; however, the
client may contact EWA with questions regarding solicitations by calling the telephone
number listed on the cover page.
Responsibility for voting proxies on securities accounts held at custodians outside of
Schwab remains with the client. Such clients will receive proxies and other solicitations
directly from their custodian(s).
When agreed between EWA and a Schwab client, EWA will vote proxies for voting
securities held in a client’s account. Proxies will be voted in the best interest of EWA’s
30
clients in accordance with EWA’s then-current Proxy Voting Policy (the “Policy”). EWA
has retained an independent proxy voting service provider, Broadridge Investor
Communication Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) to assist it in connection with voting client
proxies. Broadridge relies on another third-party firm, Glass, Lewis & Co., for proxy vote
research, guidelines, and vote recommendations. Absent a determination by EWA to
override the independent provider’s guidelines and/or recommendations, client proxies
will be voted in accordance with those guidelines and/or recommendations. EWA’s
Policy is available upon request, in electronic or hard copy form. Clients may obtain the
Policy from EWA, as well as information about how EWA voted clients’ securities, by
contacting EWA at lroditi@ewadvisors.net.
EWA’s proxy voting procedures are designed to ensure that proxies are voted. Our voting
guidelines have been designed to promote accountability of a company's management
and board of directors to its shareholders; to align the interests of management with
those of shareholders; and, to encourage companies to adopt best practices in terms of
their corporate governance.
Since EWA has engaged a third-party proxy service provider to assist with the voting of
proxies, the CCO and investment management unit have the responsibility for oversight
of the third-party proxy service provider and for ensuring that proxies are voted in the
best interest of clients.
In voting, EWA or the third party shall vote in a prudent and timely fashion and only after
a careful evaluation of the issue(s) presented on the ballot. EWA has developed
guidelines to vote the proxies.
Prior to voting, EWA or the third-party service provider verifies whether a conflict of
interest with EWA exists in connection with the subject proposal(s) to be voted upon.
The determination regarding the presence or absence of any conflict of interest is
documented. EWA relies on its third-party service provider to make and retain each proxy
statement and a record of each vote cast. In the event EWA makes a determination to
override the independent provider’s guidelines and/or recommendations, EWA will retain
a record memorializing the basis for the vote cast and any other documentation which
was material to the decision voted. Clients may request a copy of how securities in their
account were voted by contacting EWA at the telephone number listed on the cover
page.
Class Actions
Sometimes securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. EWA has engaged Broadridge to provide a comprehensive review of our
Schwab Wrap Fee clients’ possible claims to a settlement throughout the class action
lawsuit process. Broadridge actively seeks out any open and eligible class action
31
lawsuits. Additionally, Broadridge files, monitors, and expedites the distribution of
settlement proceeds in compliance with SEC guidelines on behalf of our clients.
Broadridge 's filing fee is contingent upon the successful completion and distribution of
the settlement proceeds from a class action lawsuit. In recognition of Broadridge’s
services, they receive a percentage (typically 15%) of our clients’ share of the settlement
distribution. When EWA receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit,
settlement, or verdict affecting securities owned by clients, it will work to assist clients
and Broadridge in the gathering of required information and submission of claims.
Item 18 – Financial Information
We have no financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet
contractual commitments to you given that we do not have custody of client funds or
securities, nor do we require or solicit prepayment of fees in excess of $1,200 per client
and six months or more in advance. In addition, we are not currently, nor have we been,
at any time, the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
Item 19 – Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
We are an SEC-registered investment adviser; so, this section does not apply.
32