Overview
Assets Under Management: $147 million
High-Net-Worth Clients: 42
Average Client Assets: $3 million
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (FINAPORT ASSET MANAGEMENT ADV PART 2A BROCHURE)
Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$0 | $2,500,000 | 1.25% |
$2,500,001 | $5,000,000 | 1.25% |
$5,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 1.15% |
$10,000,001 | and above | Negotiable |
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
---|---|---|
$1 million | $12,500 | 1.25% |
$5 million | $62,500 | 1.25% |
$10 million | $120,000 | 1.20% |
$50 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
$100 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 42
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 93.18
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $3 million
Total Client Accounts: 63
Discretionary Accounts: 44
Non-Discretionary Accounts: 19
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 286220
Last Filing Date: 2024-03-26 00:00:00
Form ADV Documents
Primary Brochure: FINAPORT ASSET MANAGEMENT ADV PART 2A BROCHURE (2025-03-27)
View Document Text
FinaPort Asset Management AG
Fraumuensterstrasse 9
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 44 304 2205
ADV Part 2A
25 March 2025
Item 1. Cover Page
This brochure (Form ADV Part 2A) provides information about the qualifications and business practices
of FinaPort Asset Management AG (“Finaport”). Finaport is a registered investment advisor (“RIA”) with
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at +41 44 304 2205 or
patrick.marty@finaport.com. The information contained in this brochure has not been approved or
verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or by any state securities
authority. Additional information about Finaport Asset Management AG also is available on the SEC
website www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. There is no specific level of skill or training required to “register” as an
RIA with the SEC.
Item 2. Material Changes
Since our last annual amendment was filed in March 2024, the following material changes have been
made to this disclosure brochure:
Due to the reorganisation of the firm, the application for the FINMA license to act as a portfolio manager
in Switzerland was withdrawn as per 31. December 2024.
The application for the Swiss license will be re-submitted to FINMA in 2025. The re-submission is currently
in preparation.
Therefore, as per 31.12.2024 FinaPort has no investment advisory clients.
1
Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 1. Cover Page
Item 2. Material Changes
Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 4. Advisory Business
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees & Side-by-Side Management
Item 7. Types of Clients
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 15. Custody
Item 16. Investment Discretion
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Item 18. Financial Information
1
1
2
3
4
6
8
8
16
17
17
18
22
22
23
23
23
23
2
fixed
income securities,
Item 4. Advisory Business
Firm Description
securities,
limited
partnership interests, mutual funds, exchange
traded funds, hedge funds, options, structured
product investments, digital assets and other
alternative investments consistent with a client’s
suitability, his or her overall investment strategy,
and his or her risk tolerance. Generally, client
investments are concentrated
in non-US
securities consistent with most clients’ objective
of obtaining jurisdictional diversification from
the US.
Finaport was founded
in 2007 to provide
investment management and advisory services
to persons and entities who are residents of the
United States and United States citizens located
overseas (U.S. Persons”). Located in Switzerland,
the Firm has been established to afford U.S.
Persons an opportunity to avail themselves of
investment management and advisory services
that focus on a broad range of international
markets and multi-currency alternatives,
in
addition to U.S. dollar-based investments in the
U.S. markets. Finaport also serves US taxpayers
or dual citizens living outside the US and in
certain cases may work with clients who are not
resident in the US or US taxpayers.
Principal Owners
Whilst generally Finaport makes investments
with a
longer time horizon, Finaport may
recommend changes to allocations in an attempt
to take advantage of conditions in the current
economic environment whilst being sensitive to
transaction costs and taxes, as applicable. Such
allocation changes may
involve short-term
underweight or overweight positions to various
asset classes designed to capitalize on current
economic conditions over the short-term.
Finaport is 100% owned by Finaport Holding Ltd,
which is owned by Mr Hellmut Schuemperli
(50%) and Mr Alexei Borissov (50%).
Finaport’s advice is limited to the types of
securities and transactions as set forth in Item 8.
Finaport does not render any legal or tax advice.
Services
Discretionary Asset Management Services
services
in a separate account
subject
Conditional upon receiving the license from
FINMA to act as portfolio manager under Swiss
law, Finaport will provide wealth management
solutions to high-net-worth individual clients as
well as companies and
it will offer both
discretionary asset management (investment
management mandates) and non-discretionary
investment advisory
(investment
advisory mandates). Each client’s assets are to
(an
be managed
“account”) maintained at a third-party financial
institution.
in the
On receipt of the license to operate as portfolio
manager, Finaport will again offer discretionary
asset management services whereby Finaport
has the authority to supervise and direct the
investments of and for each client’s account
without prior consultation with the client.
Finaport determines the securities that are
bought and sold for the client’s account and the
total amount of the purchases and sales.
Finaport’s authority may be
to
conditions imposed by individual clients as set
forth and agreed upon
investment
management agreement entered into between
Finaport and the client. For example, a client
may restrict or prohibit transactions in certain
types of securities.
Finaport’s client portfolios are diversified across
a variety of asset classes, including cash, US
dollar and non-US dollar currencies, defensive
in marketable securities, growth
strategies
in
in marketable securities, and,
strategies
certain cases, private investments. Accounts
limitation: equity
may
include, without
Finaport ADV Part 2A 3
Finaport works with its non-discretionary clients
to define their
investment objectives and
consults with each client on a regular basis with
investment suggestions in line with the defined
objectives.
implement
in client
risk
tolerance,
If explicitly required by a non-discretionary
client, Finaport may
investment
ideas which do not pertain to Finaport’s
investment universe. Finaport will disclose to the
client if an investment idea is not part of
Finaport’s investment universe.
Finaport seeks to obtain a rate of return
consistent with each client’s objectives, risk
tolerance, future liquidity requirements and
potential tax and legal restrictions. Generally,
Finaport manages each client’s portfolio in line
with model portfolios constructed by the
investment committee of the firm. However,
these model portfolios serve only as a general
guide and not every client’s portfolio will
replicate the model portfolio as a result in
differences
tax
ramification, client specifications, liquidity and
timing.
Wrap Fee Programs
On receipt of the license to operate as portfolio
manager, Finaport will again offer Its clients the
following Investment Strategies that do not
correlate with each other.
Finaport does not participate
in wrap fee
programs. This means the custodian and
Finaport will always invoice separately therefore
the client has full transparency of the fees
charged.
•
Assets under Management
• FPSDM
Investment Committee Strategy (with
division by risk appetite: conservative,
balanced and growth)
(Finaport
Finaport currently has no assets under
management, as per 31. December 2024.
Systematic
Discretionary Mandate) (with division by
risk appetite: conservative, balanced
and growth)
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
• The ALL-IN Strategy
• Tailored client services
• Cryptocurrency Strategy
investment objectives,
currency,
Client Accounts within these strategies are
broadly manage, d in a similar manner. However,
differences in each portfolio may occur due to
risk
client-specific
tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, tax
considerations,
legal
reference
restrictions and overall suitability.
Finaport’s fees generally are charged as a
percentage of the market value of assets under
assets under
(“AUM”) or
management
advisement (“AUA”). The asset management fee
is either charged quarterly either in arrears or
advance. The AUM or AUA is based on the net
asset value of the client portfolio on the last day
of each prior fiscal quarter (March, June,
September, December). The fee generally is
charged in the reference currency of the account
or equivalent in Swiss Francs.
Non-discretionary Asset Management Services
Annual Percentage Fee Schedule
service
As written below, the company offers its clients
several investment strategies and different
management fees for each of them.
in
whereby
For clients who desire a non-discretionary
investment advisory service, Finaport will offer
investment advice similar to its discretionary
a non-
asset management
prior
discretionary mandate
consultation and client approval is required
before Finaport purchases or sells any security.
4
relationship of client, size of the account(s),
scope and complexity of the investment advisory
services provided.
The Cryptocurrency Strategy:
For the Investment committee and the FPSDM
strategies:
Investment
Strategy
Conservative Balanced
Growth
Investment
Strategy
Conservative Balanced
Growth
AuM
All AUM
n.a.
n.a.
1,25%
0,90%
1,10%
1,25%
0,85%
1,05%
1,15%
0,80%
1,00%
1,10%
AuM
Up to USD
2,500,000
USD 2,500,001 -
5,000,000
USD 5,000,001 -
10,000,000
More than USD
10,000,000
negotiable
negotiable negotiable
Annual Percentage Fee Schedule Plus Perfor-
mance Fee of 10% of Positive Annual Return
instruct
Investment
Strategy
Conservative Balanced
Growth
0,70%
0,90%
1,05%
0,65%
0,85%
0,95%
0,60%
0,80%
0,90%
AuM
USD 750,000 -
2,500,000
USD 2,500,001 -
5,000,000
USD 5,000,001 -
10,000,000
More than USD
10,000,000
negotiable
negotiable negotiable
The ALL-IN Strategy:
The
Investment
Strategy
Conservative Balanced
Growth
AuM
All AUM
n.a.
n.a.
1,25%
For Cryptocurrency Strategy, Finaport’s asset-
based management fees are calculated as a
prorated amount of client’s end of month
balance reported by the custodia. On the last
business day of the quarter, Finaport assesses
advisory fees by considering the cash allocation
of the portfolio and whether the portfolio has
drift that can be reduced. If a client's account has
reducible drift, Finaport will
the
custodian to sell cryptocurrency assets in an
amount that will generate cash proceeds to
satisfy client’s fee obligation and reduce drift in
the portfolio. If the client's account does not
have reducible drift, Finaport will instruct the
custodian to transfer funds from the cash
allocation sufficient to satisfy the management
fee obligation. If a client’s cash allocation in its
account is insufficient to cover Finaport’s fees
for that quarter, Finaport will accrue any fees
over or under-assessed and apply the difference
to adjust the following quarter’s fees. Clients
also bear expenses associated with trading and
custody of cryptocurrency assets charged by the
cryptocurrency
custodian
custodian.
charges a custody and trading fee that fluctuates
based on trading volume. Clients can review per-
trade fees actually paid to the custodian on their
account statements. Finaport does not receive
any portion of the trade fees paid to the
custodian.
i.e. Tailored client
We do not have a minimum amount of assets to
be managed.
initiated or terminated during a
Accounts
calendar quarter will be charged a pro-rated fee.
Upon termination of any relationship, accrued,
If the client chooses a different investment
strategy,
services or
Cryptocurrency Strategy, Finaport generally
charges a management fee which ranges
between 1% and 1.5% per annum based on the
assets under management for each client.
Finaport may charge different fees for different
client accounts depending on a variety of factors,
limited to, nature and
including but not
5
unpaid fees will be due and payable. Advance
fees paid prior to termination will be credited to
the client’s account.
Finaport may waive, discount and/or negotiate
fees at its discretion. Finaport may also charge
additional fees for services outside the scope of
the services described above. Any additional
fees are disclosed and agreed to by the client.
Finaport generally relies on the custodian bank
to value the assets in each client’s account.
Finaport typically will arrange with the custodian
for the direct payment of its fees from the
client’s account.
meet the following requirements may opt for
the performance-based fee scheme: (i) clients
with at least $ 1,100,000 under management
with Finaport; (ii) clients with more than $
2,200,000 of net worth, excluding the value of
the primary residence and certain debt secured
by the property; or (iii) clients who are qualified
purchasers under Section 2(a)(51) of the
Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended
(which generally is defined to include only
individuals with more than $ 5,000,000
in
investments or an entity such as corporations,
trusts, partnerships, or institutional investor that
owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least
$ 25 million in investments).
it
Finaport is a fee-only investment advisor and
does not receive undisclosed remuneration from
third parties in connection with its investment
advisory services. Discounts, finder’s fees or any
other remuneration received by Finaport from
third parties will be disclosed to the client and,
unless otherwise agreed upon in writing with the
client, be credited against Finaport’s investment
advisory fee.
Other Fees and Expenses you may incur
referred
to
as
include
Fees charged by Finaport do not
custodian fees, fees for trade settlement,
brokerage commissions, taxes or any other
third-party charges. The fees also do not include
management or other fees charged by funds or
other products that client accounts may be
invested in from time-to-time.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees & Side-by-
Side Management
Performance-Based Fees
investment management
Finaport offers
services on both (i) an annual percentage fee
basis, and (ii) on a combined annual percentage
fee plus performance fee basis, which includes a
reduced
fee. As
fixed annual percentage
previously outlined, when we manage assets on
a performance basis, the performance fee we
receive in addition to our annual percentage fee
is 10% of the annual increase in the AUM,
adjusted for asset deposits and withdrawals.
When an investment adviser, such as Finaport,
manages client assets simultaneously on both a
performance fee and non-performance fee basis
(commonly
side-by-side
management) there is a general perception that
certain “conflicts of interest” could exist, which
include: (i) the adviser may take additional risks
in managing performance based assets because
the adviser will share in gains and income
generated in performance based accounts, and
(ii) the adviser may favor performance based
accounts over non-performance based accounts,
again, because the adviser will receive a
performance-based fee which increases with
enhanced performance.
Finaport may enter into performance-based fee
arrangements with qualified clients subject to
individualized agreements with each client. To
the extent Finaport enters into performance or
incentive fee arrangements, it will do so in
accordance with Section 205(a)(1) of the
Advisers Act and Rule 205-3. Only clients who
Finaport may potentially receive higher fees with
a performance-based compensation structure
than from accounts that pay the asset-based fee
schedule described above. To minimize this
conflict, Finaport generally will enter into a
6
performance fee arrangement upon the request
of a client or in the case of specific investment
performance objectives.
strategy and yet have a different fee schedule
applicable to such account as a result of the
respective clients’ AUM with Finaport.
The performance fee is calculated every year on
the basis of the performance of the preceding
year.
to
accounts, particularly
Side-by-side management of different types of
accounts may raise conflicts of interest when
two or more accounts invest in the same
securities or pursue a similar, although not
identical, strategy. These potential conflicts
include the favorable or preferential treatment
of an account or a group of accounts, conflicts
related
investment
the allocation of
opportunities, particularly with respect to
securities that have limited availability, such as
initial public offerings, and transactions in one
account that closely follow related transactions
in a different account. In addition, the results of
the investment activities for one account may
differ significantly from the results achieved for
Finaport
if
other
individually tailors’ clients’ accounts.
The performance-based fee component is 10%
of any positive annual return, which is calculated
based upon the difference between the AUM at
the beginning of the year (or if a new account,
when the account is established) and the AUM
at the end of the year, adjusted for any
inflows/outflows of funds during the year. The
performance-based fee will be paid at the
beginning of every calendar year, based on the
performance of the previous year. In the event
that a client participating
in the Fee Plus
Performance Basis Program decides to cancel its
Investment Advisory Agreement / the asset
management agreement with our firm during
the year, the performance-based fee will be due
at the time of the cancellation, calculated as
difference between AUM at the beginning of the
calendar year and AUM at the time of the
the Advisory Agreement,
cancellation of
adjusted for any
inflows/outflows of funds
during the period.
New relationships established during the year
will be charged at the respective pro-rated fee.
At the time the amount is charged to the
account, and upon request by the client,
Finaport will notify the client in writing that the
fee has been debited and include the calculation
basis. Finaport will generally bill its management
fee quarterly and its performance fee annually.
Side-by-Side Management
Some
Finaport has policies and procedures in place
aimed to ensure that all client accounts are
treated fairly and equitably. Finaport strives to
equitably allocate
investment opportunities
among relevant accounts over time. In addition,
investment decisions for each account are made
with specific reference to the individual needs
and objectives of the account. Accordingly,
Finaport may give advice or exercise investment
responsibility or take other actions for some
clients (including related persons) that may
differ from the advice given, or the timing and
nature of actions taken, for other clients.
Investment results
for different accounts,
including accounts that are generally managed in
a similar style, also may differ as a result of these
considerations.
clients may not
participate at all in some investments in which
other clients participate or may participate to a
different degree or at a different time.
Finaport manages many client accounts and as a
result of differences in the fees charged on
various accounts, Finaport has conflicts related
to such side-by-side management of different
accounts. For example, Finaport advisors may
manage more than one account according to the
investment
same or a substantially similar
7
Item 7. Types of Clients
Finaport will offer
investment management
services to high-net-worth individual clients,
families, corporations, trusts and charities.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies & Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Managers, the company's CEO and his deputy
are invited to the committee.
The committee has a fixed agenda and it includes
updates about what is happening in the markets,
a discussion about key markets (USA, China,
in the
etc.), an examination of changes
composition of the mandates that the company
offers to
its clients, an update about the
investment policy of the CIO and other issues on
an ad hoc basis or in accordance to events in the
various markets.
Under this investment strategy, there are three
investment tracks:
(i) Conservative
Our methods of analysis include reviewing the
global macro-economic financial environment
and political landscape to determine how to best
invest via various asset classes, currencies and
specific investments.
We may use a combination of both fundamental
analysis as well a technical analysis in making
investment decisions:
> Fundamental Analysis:
In
terms
analysis, we will
Our conservative structure emphasizes real-
term capital preservation with portfolio earnings
obtained primarily through steady income. We
recommendations and
focus on making
investments which have below average risk.
When implementing a conservative structure,
we focus on liquidity and fixed income securities
(bonds) are over weighted compared to equity
securities. A typical conservative structure will
be composed of approximately 75% fixed-
income securities and 25% equity securities.
The conservative structure:
•
of
fundamental
apply
fundamental economic analysis and take into
consideration factors such as interest rates,
inflation, unemployment, public and foreign
debt, trade balances, monetary and fiscal
policy, geopolitical developments and many
other factors.
•
seeks to achieve moderate long-term
growth in the value of assets;
the return is generated from current
income (interest/dividends) combined
with capital gains.
• Modest risk, low fluctuations in the
value of assets.
> Technical Analysis: In terms of technical
analysis, we may only use it as a timing tool
to make buying and selling decisions, rather
than what securities or currencies to buy. The
use of technical analysis will be very limited.
(ii) Balanced
Investment Strategies
that select us
Clients
to provide either
investment management or advisory services
can select one of the 5 following investment
strategies structures:
1. Finaport’s Investment committee strategy
The company's investment committee gathers
once a month. All the company's Relationship
Our balanced structure is based upon obtaining
real-term capital preservation and long-term
capital growth, with portfolio earnings through
steady income and capital and currency gains.
When implementing a balanced structure, we
focus on making
recommendations and
investments that have an average risk tolerance,
with some fluctuation in asset value acceptable,
but we use derivative instruments to hedge
against such fluctuations. Liquidity and fixed-
8
is
income securities (bonds) are either slightly over
or underweighted compared
to equities
depending on our view of the markets and
relative value considerations. A typical balanced
structure will be composed of approximately
50% fixed-income securities and 50% equity
securities.
The balanced structure:
• seeks to achieve long-term growth in the
FPSDM
focusing on distribution and
diversification of our investments. The strategy
is risk management oriented and invest only in
different types of baskets in the form of funds or
certificates in order to keep the probability of a
total loss of an investment as low as possible.
FPSDM focus on the global economy and do not
make specific country allocations, sector or
currency switches.
value of assets,
• the return
certificates. The
is generated from current
income (interest/dividends) and capital
gains.
• Medium risk, mid-size fluctuations in the
value of assets.
In this strategy, we invest in equities or bonds via
funds/
funds, ETF or
/certificates pursue a systematic, rule-based
investment strategy that corresponds to the
character of a passive approach.
(iii) Growth
The composition of the equity portfolio consists
of an equally weighted investment portfolio
(start). Every twelve months, the weighting of
the respective investments is adjusted to the
origin (systematic). The composition of the bond
portfolio consists only of corporate bonds in
funds or certificates.
The investment strategy is designed to minimize
the number of transactions during a calendar
year. Risk adjustments are usually due at the
beginning of each new calendar year or in case
of very large market movements.
investment strategy
is divided
Our growth structure is based upon obtaining
long-term capital growth primarily through
capital and currency gains. When implementing
a growth structure, we focus on making
investments that have an above-average risk
tolerance and a higher degree of fluctuations in
asset value may occur. Derivative investments
are used in developing and implementing a
dynamic portfolio structure. Equities are over
liquidity and fixed-
weighted compared to
income (bonds) securities. A typical growth
structure will be composed of approximately
75% equity securities and 25% fixed-income
securities.
The growth structure:
•
•
The
into
predefined ranges of equity risk. The gradation
takes place in 10% steps. When the bandwidth is
reached, an adjustment is due which reverts to
the original quota.
seeks to maximize asset growth long-
term,
the return is generated from capital
gains to minimal extent from current
income (interest/dividends).
FPSDM strategy offers:
• High risk, large fluctuations in the value
of assets.
• Conservative track with 70% fixed-
income securities and 30% equity
securities.
• Balanced track with 50% fixed-income
securities and 50% equity.
• Growth track with 70% equity securities
and 30% fixed-income securities.
is
that
forecasting
2. Finaport’s FPSDM strategy
The Finaport Systematic Discretionary Mandate
(FPSDM) strategy is based on academic research
and own experience. The strategy’s base
long-term
assumption
financial market is not possible, as we can not
predict the development of the global economy.
9
3. The ALL-IN Strategy
(conservative
to
growth)
(stocks, shares, preferred shares, this
includes but is not limited to the M1
Legion Fund etc.) or similar investments.
• From 0% to 20% of the assets under
management in other non-traditional
investments (e.g. hedge funds, venture
capital, commodities (including precious
metals),
similar
real property) or
investments.
4. Tailored client services
In addition to selecting one of the strategies
(Investment committee,
mentioned above
FPSDM or M1 Legion) Finaport offers also a
portfolio structure that is individually tailored to
the needs and objectives of each client, clients
may impose further restrictions on investing in
certain securities or types of securities.
The strategy might or might not include the M1
Legionfund (up to 100% of the Portfolio)
depending on specific client needs. However the
strategy adopts a versatile approach by
employing a multi-strategy rather than adhering
to a singular investment strategy. Its investment
portfolio encompasses a diverse range of cash
equivalent instruments, bonds, and stocks. As a
result, the strategy can transition from a growth-
oriented approach, where it is fully allocated to
stocks, to a more conservative stance, with
investments allocated towards cash equivalents
and bonds.
Consequently, the aim is to retain the flexibility
to modify its strategy as deemed necessary. This
adaptability allows for adjustments in response
to changing market conditions and investment
opportunities.
The primary objective is to achieve capital
appreciation. This objective is pursued through
strategic investments in a combination of cash
equivalents, bonds, and stocks. Furthermore, in
case the M1 Legion Fund is used as an financial
Instrument, it does not distribute dividends to
its investors, prioritizing the growth of invested
capital instead, for further information please
see the M1 Legion Fund’s specific brochure.
Generally The ALL-IN strategy is only available
within a growth oriented mandate as the
strategy can vary from conservative to growth
depending on the market environment in order
to achieve the flexibility needed for the
investment approach followed.
The asset allocation for the ALL-IN strategy
deviates from Standard Strategies as follows:
When selecting the core holdings of the equity
portfolio (approximately 50-75%), we focus our
rigorous fundamental analysis on factors such as
cash flow, Price/Earnings ratio, Price/Book Ratio,
Price/Sales Ratio, and generally select securities
that are traded at a discount to the market. Even
though we believe that purchasing securities at
a discount to their intrinsic value provides an
investor with an adequate “margin of safety,”
we realize that this investment strategy carries a
risk of possible loss of principal over short time
periods, and our investment strategy could
underperform other types of investments.
When selecting the satellite holdings of the
equity portfolio (approximately 25-50%), we try
to identify “trends” (i.e., alternative energy,
emerging markets, etc.) and hope to outperform
the market in the short term. We realize that
with this part of the investment strategy there is
a risk that we invest in “trends” that may never
materialize in higher equity prices, or in trends’
that may be and remain out of favor and
in our core
volatility may be higher than
holdings.
in
yield
• From 0% to 100% of the assets under
management in cash or cash equivalents.
• From 0% to 100% of the assets under
investments
fixed term and/or
management
(bonds, Loans,
fiduciary investments, etc.).
Both the core and satellite holdings carry a risk
loss of principal, and/or our
of possible
• From 0% to 100% of the assets under
investments
management
in equity
10
investment strategy could underperform other
types of investments.
Finaport
applies
5. Cryptocurrency Strategy
exposure
to
a
range
and
characteristics,
risk-return
to
cryptocurrency assets in crypto portfolios. Once
screened,
a market-
capitalization and risk-parity allocation strategy
to assign weights to the various cryptocurrency
assets in each crypto portfolio. Finaport employs
risk-parity
both market-capitalization and
portfolio construction approaches to provide
diversified
of
cryptocurrency assets and applications with
as
improved
compared
exclusively market-
an
capitalization based construction approach.
in order
The cryptocurrency exchange may maintain
minimum order sizes
to place
cryptocurrency trades on its exchange. The
minimum order size may fluctuate from month
to month based on market conditions. If a client
invests less than the minimum account balance
necessary to exceed these thresholds, such
client’s crypto portfolio will
include fewer
cryptocurrency assets relative to the target
allocation of the crypto portfolio and will not be
eligible for rebalancing.
Cryptocurrency portfolios consist of allocations
of cryptocurrency assets that provide diversified
exposure to a variety of crypto sectors, which
Finaport typically constructs based on market
risk-parity weighted
capitalization
construction approaches, and other factors.
Finaport will select individual cryptocurrency
assets and weightings of those cryptocurrency
assets (“crypto portfolios”). Cryptocurrency
assets are chosen and weighted to fit the
particular investment goal of the client, as well
as a cash allocation used to help manage
liquidity constraints with the cryptocurrency
exchange as well as to draw from to satisfy
Finaport’s quarterly investment advisory fee.
This strategy includes allocations to the entire
investable base of cryptocurrency assets
supported for trading and custody. This strategy
seeks to capture broad market exposure to the
cryptocurrency market or certain sub-sectors of
the cryptocurrency market.
regularly monitors
the security of
for
investments at
Finaport
the available
population of cryptocurrency assets with respect
to existing portfolio strategies and to identify
new assets. Cryptocurrency assets are screened
by Finaport before they are eligible for inclusion
in the crypto portfolios. The screening process
for crypto portfolios is based on several criteria,
including the market-capitalization of the asset,
liquidity profile, and whether the asset
is
supported
trading and custody. The
screening process means that not all available
crypto
the cryptocurrency
exchange will be eligible for crypto portfolios.
Finaport has discretion to make modifications to
the crypto portfolios, including to add or remove
one or more cryptocurrency assets, or change
the relative holdings of each cryptocurrency
asset in a crypto portfolio. Finaport also has
discretion to make changes to the screening
criteria it considers relevant for the inclusion of
As part of the cryptocurrency strategy, certain
cryptocurrency assets may allow staking for you
to earn passive income. Staking locks up your
cryptocurrency assets to participate and help
maintain
that network’s
blockchain in exchange for earning additional
cryptocurrency. Staking also contributes to the
security and efficiency of the block. Staking often
requires a lockup or “vesting” period, where
your cryptocurrency can’t be transferred for a
certain period of time. In this case, we won’t be
able to trade staked cryptocurrency assets
during this period even if prices shift. The staking
platform you choose could offer lucrative annual
returns, but if the price of your staked token
falls, you could still incur losses. In addition,
Many proof of stake networks use “slashing” to
punish validators who take improper actions,
destroying some of the stake they put up on the
network. if you stake with a dishonest validator,
you could lose part of your investment. We will
terms,
project’s
research
the
staking
11
requirements, and security standards for each
company.
the
Finaport will rely on the accuracy of a client’s
representations
corresponding
in making
investment
regarding
representations
restrictions on behalf of a client’s account in
connection with certain derivative, private fund
or other similar investments with qualification
restrictions. Finaport requires notification by
the client if the client’s representations become
inaccurate.
Material Investment Risks
Clients should understand that investing in
cryptocurrencies is highly speculative and only
appropriate for individuals with a high risk
tolerance and who are able to bear the risk of
potential
loss. Due to the aggressive and
speculative nature of cryptocurrency, crypto
portfolios are not suitable for investors looking
for conservative strategies, low risk, lack of or
low volatility, or capital preservation.
Types of Securities
Clients should bear in mind that investing in
securities involves a risk of loss. Clients should
be prepared to bear the risk of losing their
investment in securities. Past performance is
not an indication as to future results.
exchange
transactions,
Among other risks, all investments made by
Finaport will be subject to market risk, liquidity
risk, and interest rate risk, and may be subject to
credit and counterparty risk, risk in fluctuations
of commodity pricing, risk of loss due to political
and economic developments in foreign markets,
and risks involving movements in the currency
markets.
inflation
and
international
Finaport offers investment management and
advisory services on the following types of
securities and transactions: exchange-listed
securities, securities traded over-the-counter,
securities issued by non-US issuers, corporate
debt securities (and other commercial paper),
certificates of deposit, investment company
securities such as mutual funds, US or foreign
government securities, exchange traded funds,
foreign
certain
derivatives or structured products, digital assets
and in certain cases private fund investments.
Some of these securities, particularly those
issued outside of the US, may not be registered
with the SEC. Finaport is able to invest clients
on a discretionary basis in securities offered
outside the US to non-US investors in reliance on
Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933.
limited
Market Risk: Market risk refers to the risk of loss
arising from general economic and market
conditions, such as interest rates, availability of
rates, commodity prices,
credit,
economic uncertainty, changes in laws and
national
political
circumstances. Each account is subject to
market risk, which will affect volatility of
securities prices and liquidity. Such volatility or
illiquidity could impair profitability or result in
losses.
industries.
in private funds or structured
Investments
products may be
to “accredited
investors” or “qualified purchasers,” and may
require investors to lock-up their assets for a
period of time. These investments may have
limited or no liquidity and they may involve
different risks than investing in registered funds
and other publicly offered and traded securities.
In the context of a discretionary mandate,
Finaport may invest client accounts into such
securities without client consent.
Risk Related to Equity Investments: Investments
in equity securities generally involve a high
degree of risk. Prices are volatile and market
movements are difficult to predict. These price
movements may result from factors affecting
Price
individual companies or
changes may be temporary or last for extended
periods. The value of specific equity investments
12
generally correlates to the fundamentals of each
particular
security, but prices of equity
investments may raise or fall regardless of
fundamentals due to movements in securities
markets.
issues.
non-US persons. Investments in certain non-US
funds by US persons result in US tax and
reporting obligations and failing to comply with
such requirements can result
in significant
penalties. Funds generally have unique risks of
loss as described in their offering documents.
Funds can make use of leverage to enhance
returns, which raise the risk of default, interest
rate risk, and increase volatility. Certain funds
invest in derivatives, which can raise specific
counter-party risks. Funds that are not traded
can have illiquidity and valuation risks resulting
in the inability to redeem or sell the fund on
demand. See the discussion below relating to
risks in structured products and derivatives for
more information on the risks of investing in
funds.
related
investments
in derivative
Risks
to Structured Products &
Derivatives: Finaport may invest in structured
products or derivatives or invest in funds that
hold investments in structured products or
derivatives. In addition to the risks that apply to
investing and
in securities,
all
engaging
instruments and
transactions may involve different types of risk
and possibly greater levels of risk. These risks
include, but are not limited to the following:
Leverage. Certain investment instruments such
as derivatives may use leverage to achieve
returns. The use of leverage may have the effect
of disproportionately increasing an account’s
exposure to the market for the securities or
other assets underlying the derivative position
and the sensitivity of an account’s portfolio to
changes in market prices for those assets.
Leverage will tend to magnify both the positive
impact of successful investment decisions and
the negative impact of unsuccessful investment
decisions by Finaport on an account’s
performance.
Risks related to Cryptocurrencies:
investors,
Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as “virtual
currencies” and “digital currencies”), including
Risks Related to Fixed Income Investments:
Investments in fixed income securities (i.e.,
bonds) represent numerous risks such as credit,
interest rate, reinvestment, and prepayment
risk, all of which affect the value of the security
and volatility of such value. In general, bonds
with longer maturities are more sensitive to
price changes. Additionally, the prices of high-
yield, fixed-income securities fluctuate more
than high-quality debt
Prices are
especially sensitive to developments affecting
the company’s business and to changes in the
ratings assigned by rating agencies. Prices are
often closely linked with the company’s stock
prices. High-yield securities can experience
sudden and sharp price swings due to changes in
economic conditions, stock market activity, large
sales by major investors, default, or other
factors. Developments in the credit market may
have a substantial impact on the companies
Finaport may invest in and will affect the success
of such investments. In the event of a default,
the investment may suffer a partial or total loss.
Risks Related to Investments in Funds: For
purposes of this discussion, the term “Fund”
includes, but is not limited to, a US or non-US
unit investment trusts, open-end and closed-end
mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity funds,
venture capital funds, real estate investment
trusts, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and any
other private alternative or investment fund.
Investments in funds carry risks associated with
the particular fund.
Each fund and the
respective manager will charge their own
management and other fees, which will result in
a client bearing an additional level of fees and
expenses. US mutual funds generally must
distribute all gains to
including
investors who may not have an economic gain
from investing in the fund, which can lead to
negative tax effects on investors, particularly
13
bitcoin, are digital assets designed to act as a
medium of exchange.
is
a new
are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction.
The price of a cryptocurrency could drop
precipitously for a variety of reasons, including,
but not limited to, regulatory changes, a crisis of
confidence, flaw or operational issue in the
cryptocurrency’s network or a change in user
preference to competing cryptocurrencies. A
client’s exposure to cryptocurrency could result
in substantial losses.
Cryptocurrency
technological
innovation with a limited history; it is a highly
speculative asset and future regulatory actions
or policies may limit, perhaps to a materially
adverse extent, the value of a client’s direct or
indirect investment in cryptocurrency and the
ability to exchange a cryptocurrency or utilize it
for payments. In the United States, Virtual
Currencies are not subject to federal regulatory
oversight but may be regulated by one or more
state
regulatory bodies. One or more
jurisdictions may, in the future, adopt laws,
regulations or directives that affect Virtual
Currency networks and their users. Moreover,
Virtual Currency exchanges, as well as other
intermediaries, custodians and vendors used to
facilitate Virtual Currency transactions, are
relatively new and largely unregulated in both
the United States and many foreign jurisdictions.
in the
In
is not backed by
The price of a Virtual Currency is based on the
perceived value of the Virtual Currency and
subject to changes in sentiment, and as a result
fluctuations in value, which make these products
highly volatile. The value of cryptocurrencies is
determined by the supply and demand for
cryptocurrency in the global market for the
lack of a
trading of cryptocurrency. The
centralized pricing source poses a variety of
valuation challenges. In addition, the dispersed
liquidity may pose challenges
for market
participants trying to exit a position, particularly
during periods of stress.
In addition, the
amounts of fees paid in connection with Virtual
Currency transactions are subject to market
forces and it is possible that the fees could
increase substantially during a period of stress.
Cryptocurrency facilitates decentralized, peer-
to-peer financial exchange and value storage
that is used like money, without the oversight of
a central authority or banks. The value of
any
cryptocurrency
government, corporation, or other identified
body. Similar to fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies trade on exchanges, which are
largely unregulated and, therefore, are more
exposed to fraud and failure than established,
regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives
and other
currencies. Virtual Currency
exchanges generally purchase Virtual Currencies
for their own account on the public ledger and
allocate positions to customers through internal
bookkeeping entries. A Virtual Currency
exchange may not hold sufficient Virtual
Currencies and funds to satisfy its obligations
and such deficiency may not be easily
discovered. These exchanges have in the past,
future, cease operating
and may
temporarily or even permanently, resulting in
the potential loss of users’ cryptocurrency or
other market disruptions. Cryptocurrency
exchanges that are regulated typically must
comply with minimum net capital, cybersecurity,
and anti-money laundering requirements, but
are not typically required to protect customers
or their markets to the same extent that
regulated securities exchanges or
futures
exchanges are required to do so. Furthermore,
many cryptocurrency exchanges lack certain
safeguards established by traditional exchanges
to enhance the stability of trading on the
exchange and, as a result, the prices of
cryptocurrencies on these exchanges may be
subject to larger and more frequent sudden
declines than assets traded on traditional
cryptocurrency
addition,
exchanges.
exchanges are also subject to the risk of
cybersecurity threats and breaches, resulting in
the theft and/or loss of cryptocurrencies, and/or
an adverse effect on value of cryptocurrencies.
Factors affecting the further development of
14
cryptocurrency include, but are not limited to:
continued worldwide growth or possible
cessation or reversal in the adoption and use of
cryptocurrency and other digital assets;
government and quasi-government regulation
or restrictions on or regulation of access to and
operation of digital asset networks; changes in
consumer demographics and public preferences;
maintenance and development of open-source
software protocol; availability and popularity of
other forms or methods of buying and selling
goods and services; the use of the networks
supporting digital assets, such as those for
developing smart contracts and distributed
applications; general economic conditions and
the regulatory environment relating to digital
assets; negative consumer or public perception;
and general risks tied to the use of information
technologies, including cyber risks. The opaque
spot market poses asset
underlying or
verification challenges for market participants,
regulators and auditors and gives rise to an
increased risk of manipulation and fraud.
that provides
imposing position
principles applicable to property transactions
apply to transactions using virtual currency." In
part, the Notice provides that the character of
gain or loss from the sale or exchange of virtual
currency depends on whether the virtual
currency is a capital asset in the hands of the
taxpayer. Accordingly,
in the U.S., certain
transactions
in virtual currency are taxable
events and subject to information reporting to
the IRS to the same extent as any other payment
made in property. Additionally, the IRS recently
issued a revenue ruling regarding certain tax
consequences of "hard forks" and "airdrops" of
a cryptocurrency (the "Revenue Ruling"). The
Revenue Ruling provides that a taxpayer does
not have gross income as a result of a hard fork
of a cryptocurrency the taxpayer owns if the
taxpayer does not receive units of a new
cryptocurrency. However, an airdrop of a new
cryptocurrency following a hard fork generally
results in ordinary income to the taxpayer if the
taxpayer receives units of new cryptocurrency.
Although the IRS has issued the Notice and the
the U.S. Department of
Revenue Ruling,
IRS may publish future
Treasury and the
guidance
tax
for adverse
consequences to the clients and investors in the
clients. Clients should be aware that tax laws and
Regulations change on an ongoing basis, and
that they may be changed with retroactive
interpretation and
the
effect. Moreover,
application of tax laws and regulations by certain
tax authorities may not be clear, consistent or
transparent. As a result, the U.S. federal tax
consequences of investing in the clients are
uncertain.
With respect to a Virtual Currency that is a virtual
currency derivative, since the initial margin for
the Virtual Currency may be set as a percentage
of the value of a particular contract, margin
requirements for long positions can increase if
the price of the contract rises. In addition,
certain futures commission merchants may pose
restrictions on customer trading activity
in
virtual currency derivatives, including requiring
additional margin,
limits,
prohibiting naked shorting and prohibiting give-
in transactions. The rules of certain designated
contract markets impose trading halts that may
restrict a market participant's ability to exit a
position during a period of high volatility.
Cryptocurrency Tax Implications. On March 25,
2014, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”)
issued a notice regarding certain U.S. federal tax
implications of transactions in, or transactions
that use, virtual currency
(the "Notice").
According to the Notice, virtual currency is
treated as property, not currency, for U.S.
tax
federal
tax purposes, and "[g]eneral
Counterparty Credit Risk: When a derivative is
purchased, a client’s account will be subject to
the ability and willingness of the other party to
the contract (a “counterparty”) to perform its
Although
obligations under the contract.
exchange traded futures and options contracts
are generally backed by a guarantee from a
clearing corporation, an account could lose the
benefit of a contract in the unlikely event that
the clearing corporation becomes insolvent. A
15
invests
counterparty’s obligations under a forward
contract, over-the-counter option, swap or
other over-the-counter derivative contract are
not so guaranteed. If the counterparty to an
over-the-counter contract fails to perform its
obligations, an account may lose the benefit of
the contract and may have difficulty reclaiming
any collateral that an account may have
deposited with the counterparty.
value between the US Dollar and such other
currencies.
in
Finaport primarily
investments that are
securities and other
denominated
in currencies other than US
Dollars. Some client’s accounts hold significant
foreign cash positions. Accordingly, the value of
such assets may be affected favorably or
unfavorably by fluctuations in currency rates.
Often clients are seeking this foreign currency
exposure. Thus, Finaport generally does not
seek to hedge the foreign currency exposure.
Even to the extent that Finaport does seek to
hedge the foreign currency exposure, such
hedging strategies may not necessarily be
available or effective.
Lack of Correlation: The market value of a
derivative position may correlate imperfectly
with the market price of the asset underlying the
To the extent that a
derivative position.
derivative position
is being used to hedge
against changes in the value of assets in an
account, a lack of price correlation between the
derivative position and the hedged asset may
result in an account’s assets being incompletely
hedged or not completely offsetting price
changes in the derivative position.
things,
Non-US Investments: Investments in non-US
securities expose the client’s portfolio to risks
that in addition to those risks associated with
investments in US securities. Such risks include,
among other
trade balances and
imbalances, economic policies of various foreign
governments, exchange control regulations,
withholding taxes, potential for nationalization
of assets or
industries, and the political
instability of foreign nations.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Finaport has not been involved in any legal or
disciplinary events.
Illiquidity:
derivative
Over-the-counter
contracts are usually subject to restrictions on
transfer, and there is generally no liquid market
for these contracts. Although it is often possible
to negotiate the termination of an over-the-
counter contract or enter into an offsetting
contract, a counterparty may be unable or
unwilling to terminate a contract with an
account, especially during times of market
instability or disruption. The markets for many
exchange traded futures, options and other
instruments are quite
liquid during normal
liquidity may
market conditions, but this
disappear during times of market instability or
disruption.
for
over-the-counter
Less Accurate Valuation: The absence of a liquid
market
derivatives
increases the likelihood that Finaport will not be
able to correctly value these investments.
Risks Relating to Foreign Currency Exposure:
Accounts managed by Finaport are routinely
subject to foreign exchange risks and bear a
potential risk of loss arising from fluctuations in
An employee of the firm, Mr. Gian Gisler, along
with several other former employees of UBS AG,
as well as other Swiss Asset Management firms
have been named as defendants in a pending
criminal indictment dated August 4, 2011.
The indictment alleges one count of conspiracy
to defraud the United States for impeding the
collection of U.S. income taxes by the IRS of the
treasury department by assisting U.S. customers
to avoid U.S. income taxes in connection with
activity that took place from 1995 to 2010. The
charge and allegations have not been proven to
be true of false, and the defendant is presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty. The
proceedings remain pending, and the timing and
16
outcome of the prosecution cannot be predicted
or the potential impact of such outcome on
Finaport.
Finaport and its personnel. The code also
provides guidance and instruction to Finaport
and its personnel on their ethical obligations in
fulfilling its duties of loyalty, fairness and good
faith towards the clients.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities
and Affiliations
investment
or
Finaport
is as of 31. December 2024 not
registered with any Swiss financial markets
regulatory authority, nor is it affiliated with any
such.
The overriding principle of Finaport’s Code of
Ethics is that all employees of Finaport owe a
fiduciary duty to clients for whom Finaport acts
sub-advisor.
advisor
as
Accordingly, employees of
Finaport are
responsible for conducting personal trading
activities in a manner that does not interfere
with a client’s portfolio transactions or take
improper advantage of a relationship with any
client.
as
broker-dealers,
Finaport’s management personnel are neither
registered, nor have an application pending to
registered
register
representatives of a broker-dealer,
future
commission merchants,
commodity pool
operators, commodity trading advisors, or
associated persons of the foregoing entities.
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or
Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
exceptions
to
such
its clients to the extent
(iii) periodic
reporting
interest as described elsewhere
The code contains provisions designed to try to:
(i) prevent, among other things,
improper
trading by Finaport’s employees; (ii) identify
conflicts of interest; and (iii) provide a means to
resolve any actual or potential conflicts of
interest in favor of the clients. The code
attempts to accomplish these objectives by,
among other things: (i) requiring pre-clearance
of specific trades, which includes documenting
pre-clearance
any
requirement; (ii) restricting trading in certain
securities that may cause a conflict of interest, as
well as
regarding
transactions and holdings of employees.
The code contains sections including, but not
limited to, the following key areas: (i) restrictions
on personal investing activities; (ii) gifts and
(iii) outside
business entertainment; and
business activities.
Finaport seeks to minimize conflicts of interest
and resolve those conflicts of interests in favor
of
it determines
reasonable and necessary in accordance with its
Code of Ethics, however, Finaport may receive
indirect compensation from time-to-time as a
result of its investment advisory activities, and
Finaport recognizes that this presents a conflict
of
in this
brochure.
Code of Ethics
The code also provides for Finaport’s execution
of supervisory policies and procedures, and the
review and enforcement processes of such
policies and procedures.
Finaport has
a Chief Compliance Officer
designated
responsible for maintaining, reviewing and
enforcing Finaport’s Code of Ethics and
corresponding policies and procedures.
Finaport treats all clients equitably and has a
duty to act in its clients’ best interests. Except as
otherwise described
in this brochure, the
interests of clients will be placed above
Finaport’s interests in case of any conflict.
Finaport has adopted a Code of Ethics (the
“code”) and attendant policies and procedures
governing personal securities transactions by
17
securities
The fundamental position of Finaport is that, in
effecting personal
transactions,
personnel of Finaport must place at all times the
interests of clients ahead of their own pecuniary
interests. All personal securities transactions by
these persons must be conducted in accordance
with the Code of Ethics and in a manner to avoid
any actual or potential conflict of interest or any
abuse of any person’s position of trust and
responsibility. Further, these persons should not
take inappropriate advantage of their positions
with or on behalf of a client.
Finaport and its associated persons will place
client interests ahead of their own interests. Any
transactions must be carried out in a manner
that does not work to the disadvantage of
clients’ transactions or result in a conflict of
interest, or even the appearance of a conflict of
interest. In order to ensure that Finaport
personnel never trade ahead of their clients, the
firm requires all trading in specific positions for
officer and employee accounts to come after the
analogous trades are executed
for client
accounts.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
If a person subject to the Code of Ethics fails to
comply with the code, such person may be
subject
include
to sanctions, which may
warnings, disgorgement of profits, restrictions
on future personal trading, and, in the most
severe cases, the possibility of dismissal.
Finaport’s clients primarily open accounts at
custodial banks in Switzerland. Each client may
select the bank for his or her account and
accounts can be booked with US custodians as
well. Finaport does not select custodial banks on
a client’s behalf.
Finaport will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics
to any client or prospective client upon request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Although Finaport does not hold proprietary
positions, Finaport’s related persons may own,
buy, or sell for themselves the same securities
that they or Finaport have recommended to
clients.
Thus, from time-to-time, a client
account may purchase or hold a security in which
a related person of Finaport has financial
interest or an ownership position, or a related
person may purchase a security that is held in a
client account.
Also from time-to-time, Finaport employees or
related persons may invest alongside the firm’s
clients, both to align the interest of firm and
personnel and firm clients and as an expression
of confidence in our portfolio management
efforts.
In addition,
In order to minimize this conflict of interest,
securities recommended by Finaport are widely
held and publicly traded.
in
accordance with its fiduciary duty to clients,
Each custodian bank has its own policies and
procedures relating to brokerage. Generally,
the custodial banks require Finaport to route
securities orders through the trading desk of the
bank thus not permitting Finaport to select the
broker-dealer. As Finaport will not have
discretion in selecting the broker-dealer, the
client should be aware of the incumbent risks
associated with such arrangement.
For cryptocurrency
trading and custody,
Finaport will utilize Swiss regulated banks,
limited to, Amina Bank
including but not
Finaport will select and recommend any brokers,
exchanges, or custodians based on a number of
factors, including, but not limited to, ease of
administration, quality of execution, commission
rates, and pre-existing agreements. Finaport
generally seeks to minimize the total price
(taking into account applicable exchange fees)
for each transaction. In certain cases, Finaport
may have little or no choice as to which
exchange to execute a transaction on, because a
Cryptocurrency asset is only available for trading
on one or a small number of exchanges. This
could lead to higher costs associated with
18
purchases or sales of cryptocurrency assets.
Clients will pay fees to the custodian for trading
and custody of cryptocurrency assets, which will
be charged directly to client's Account at the
custodian.
- Finaport will not be able to negotiate
commission rates with the designated broker
the
because Finaport will not have
negotiating leverage that results from the
ability to trade away from a designated
broker.
Brokers Selected by the Custodian Bank
- Directed brokerage may cost clients more
money. Directed brokerage clients may pay
higher commission rates than those paid by
other clients, may receive less favorable trade
executions and may not obtain best
execution on their transactions.
- Directed brokerage accounts will not be able
to participate
in aggregated or block
transactions with other clients. This will
preclude directed brokerage accounts from
obtaining the volume discounts or more
favorable terms that might be available from
aggregated transactions.
- If Finaport is placing orders in the same
security for both directed brokerage clients
and clients that use other brokers, Finaport
usually place orders for directed brokerage
clients after it has placed orders for other
clients.
Finaport Selection of Broker-Dealers
Brokerage for transactions involving assets held
at Swiss banks generally must be made through
the broker-dealer specified by the custodian
bank. In most cases, Swiss custodian banks act
as a broker-dealer and/or maintain relationships
with designated broker-dealers
(including
potentially an affiliate of the custodian bank). If
required by the custodian bank, Finaport
effectuates security transactions through the
custodian bank, or the broker or dealer
designated by the custodian bank selected by
the client. In such cases, Finaport cannot
guarantee that the client will receive best
execution or the best commissions because
Finaport does not control these factors. Clients
should be aware of the factors outlined below
under the heading Directed Brokerage as these
factors also apply with respect to assets
maintained at Swiss banks. Clients also should
be aware of the potential that the broker-dealer
used for transactions may not be a registered
broker-dealer under the Exchange Act.
Client Directed Brokerage
A client may direct Finaport to use a particular
broker or dealer who has an existing relationship
with, or provides custodial or other services, to a
client. Finaport requires any directed brokerage
in writing unless such
instructions to be
arrangement is inferred in the context of the
custodian’s brokerage limitations. Generally, all
Swiss custodian banks require use of their
broker, and as a result, Finaport treats such
arrangements as client-directed brokerage
because the client selects the custodian bank.
Before choosing to enter
into a directed
brokerage arrangement, clients should be aware
of the following disadvantages:
When the custodian bank permits Finaport to
select the broker-dealer, Finaport will route
securities orders to purchase and sell securities
for those client Accounts held at the bank to
independent brokers and dealers.
In selecting brokers and dealers to effect client
transactions, Finaport attempts to obtain for
clients: (i) the prompt execution of client
transactions while market conditions still favor
the transaction and (ii) the most favorable net
prices reasonably obtainable. This is called “best
execution.” In placing orders to purchase and sell
equity securities, Finaport selects brokers that it
believes will provide the best overall qualitative
execution given the particular circumstances. A
broker may provide more favorable terms and a
higher quality of service to customers who place
a higher volume of transactions through that
broker. Accordingly, to obtain the benefits of
19
relationship, and any other issues. Finaport will
periodically reconsider whether placing a large
portion of client trades through a particular
broker continues to be in
its clients’ best
interest.
Block Trades
higher volume trading for clients, we may place
a large portion of client equity transactions
through a limited number of brokers that meet
Finaport’s quality standards. When selecting a
new equity broker, Finaport conducts a due-
diligence review of the broker to evaluate
whether the broker is likely to provide best
execution. We may consider any of the following
factors:
- The ability of the custodian bank to settle
transactions with the broker.
As it is Finaport policy not to aggregate client
transactions, but to do such transactions on a
client-by-client basis through the respective
custodial banks, the transaction costs and
commissions for each client may be higher.
than
- The quality of services provided (including
commissions, which may not be the lowest
available, but which ordinarily will not be
higher
generally prevailing
the
competitive range).
- The extent of coverage of the various markets
Finaport trades in.
- The broker’s ability
to
communicate
effectively with Finaport.
- The broker’s ability to execute and settle
difficult trades.
- Whether or not the broker offers lower cost
electronic trading.
- The broker’s clearance and settlement
efficiency.
- Whether or not the broker can handle
Finaport’s range of order sizes.
- The
broker’s
ability
to maintain
confidentiality and anonymity.
- The reputation of the broker.
- The stability and financial strength of the
broker.
Due to the fact Finaport is based in Switzerland
and many of the securities purchased are non-
US securities, the brokers used by Finaport may
not be registered with the SEC under the U.S.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”).
Should Finaport combine orders
into block
trades when purchasing the same security for
multiple client accounts, such aggregated orders
(“block trades”) will be pre-allocated amongst
the participating client accounts. When selecting
the participating accounts, a variety of factors
such as suitability, investment objectives and
strategy, risk tolerance and/or the ability to
invest additional funds will be taken
into
consideration. In determining the portion for
each participating account further factors such
as account’s size, diversification, asset allocation
and position weightings as well as any other
appropriate factors might be of relevance.
Participating accounts in a block trade placed
with the same broker or the same custodian
bank generally will receive an average price.
Transaction costs will be
shared on a
proportionate basis and as determined in the
agreement with the custodian. This can either be
a sharing on a pro rata basis, or covered with a
“ticket fee”, or based on the implemented
digressive model, whereas costs decrease in
relation to the purchased quantity and include
the application of a minimum rate, when shared
costs are below a defined amount. Partial fills of
transactions will be allocated on a pro rata share
basis.
Because Finaport’s clients maintain accounts at
different custodian banks and because many of
these custodian banks mandate the use of a
specific broker (see description above), often
Finaport’s Chief Compliance Officer reviews the
due diligence performed and approves or rejects
the selection of each broker. On a regular basis,
Finaport monitors the services provided by the
approved brokers, the quality of executions and
research, commission rates, overall brokerage
20
in
same
proportionate amounts for all eligible clients,
particularly if different clients have selected
different investment profiles, have materially
different amounts of capital under management
with Finaport or different amounts of investable
cash available. In certain instances, such as
purchases of less liquid publicly traded securities
or oversubscribed public offerings, it may not be
possible or feasible to allocate a transaction pro
rata to all eligible clients, especially if clients
have materially different sized portfolios.
Therefore, not all clients will necessarily
investment
the
participate
opportunities or participate on the same basis.
Use of Soft Dollars
Finaport places more than one block trade for
the same security with more than one broker.
Finaport transmits such block trades to more
than one broker in a random pattern (i.e.,
Finaport does not favor one custodian bank or
broker over another with respect to the order in
which block trade orders are sent). The average
price realized on a securities order placed with
different brokers will vary broker to broker, and
clients generally will receive different average
prices and transaction costs for the same
security order depending upon the custodian
bank and the respective broker used in the block
trade. Also note, since most Swiss custodian
banks warehouse securities orders until filled,
there may be delays in settlement between
client accounts depending on the practice of the
respective custodian bank and/or broker.
Decision Making Process; Balancing the Interests
of Multiple Client Accounts
Finaport may maintain soft dollar arrangements,
and to the extent it does it will only do so in
accordance with the conditions of the safe
harbor provided by Section 28(e) of the
Exchange Act. Section 28(e) is a “safe harbor”
that permits an investment manager to use
brokerage commissions or “soft dollars” to
obtain research and brokerage services that
provide lawful and appropriate assistance in the
investment decision-making process.
with
corporate
In making the decision as to which securities are
to be purchased or sold and the amounts
thereof, Finaport
is guided by the general
guidelines set up at the inception of the adviser-
client relationship in cooperation with the client
and a periodic review of the asset allocation.
These general guidelines cover such matters as
the relative proportion of debt and equity
securities to be held in the portfolio, the degree
of risk that the client wishes to assume and the
types and amounts of securities to be held in the
portfolio. Finaport’s authority may be further
limited by specific instructions from the client,
which may restrict or prohibit transactions in
certain securities.
Research services within Section 28(e) may
include, but are not limited to, research reports
(including market research); certain financial
newsletters and
journals; software
trade
providing analysis of securities portfolios;
corporate governance research and rating
services; attendance at certain seminars and
conferences; discussions with research analysts;
meetings
executives;
consultants’ advice on portfolio strategy; data
services (including services providing market
data, company financial data, certain valuation
and pricing data and economic data); and advice
from brokers on order execution.
Brokerage services within Section 28(e) may
include, but are not limited to, services related
to the execution, clearing and settlement of
securities transactions and functions incidental
Finaport may manage numerous accounts with
similar or identical investment objectives or may
manage accounts with different objectives that
may trade in the same securities. Despite such
similarities, portfolio decisions relating to client
investments and the performance resulting from
such decisions may differ from client to client.
Finaport will not necessarily purchase or sell the
same securities at the same time or in the same
21
appropriately given current market conditions as
part of Finaport’s general investment process.
trade;
thereto (i.e., connectivity services between an
investment adviser and a broker-dealer and
other relevant parties such as custodians);
trading software operated by a broker-dealer to
route orders; software that provides trade
analytics and trading strategies; software used
to transmit orders; clearance and settlement in
electronic
connection with
a
communication of allocation
instructions;
instructions; post trade
routing settlement
matching of trade information; and services
required by the SEC or a self-regulatory
organization such as comparison services,
electronic confirms or trade affirmations.
Non-discretionary accounts: Non-discretionary
accounts are quarterly reviewed to make sure
investments are consistent with client’s risk
profile and objectives.
Annual review: The relationship managers are
responsible for the periodic review (at least
annually) of client accounts. The annual review
covers all key aspects of the client relationship,
including, among other things, any changes in
the client’s personal and financial situation, risk
profile and the suitability of the chosen
investment program.
Trade Errors
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
Finaport may pay fees for client referrals. Such
arrangements comply with the conditions and
requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Although Finaport’s goal is to execute trades
seamlessly in the manner intended by the client
and consistent with its investment decisions,
Finaport recognizes that errors can occur for a
variety of reasons. Finaport’s policy in dealing
with such errors is to:
- Identify any errors in a timely manner.
- Correct all errors so that any affected account
is placed in the same position it would have
been in had the error not occurred.
- Incur all costs associated with correcting an
error (or to pass the costs on to the broker,
depending on which party is at fault). Costs
from corrective actions are not to be passed
on to a client.
- Evaluate how the error occurred and assess if
any changes in any processes are warranted
or if any continuing education is required.
funds,
The consequences and the required corrective
measures may be different depending upon the
nature of the error or the account affected.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Finaport is a fee-only adviser. Finaport’s policy is
not to accept compensation from third parties
relating to the investment advice it gives to its
clients. To the extent Finaport receives a referral
fee for an investment it recommends, it will
reduce the fees owed by the respective client to
Finaport or will credit the respective client’s
Account for the applicable amount. For these
purposes, referral fees include marketing fees,
discounts, finder’s fees, service fees, including
shareholder service fees, referral fees, 12b-1
fees or bonus commissions paid by mutual
funds, privately offered
insurance
products, variable annuities or other investment
products paid to Finaport for recommending an
investment, for investing client funds in such
product or for marketing assistance or the
performance of certain administrative tasks
associated with making an investment.
Discretionary
discretionary
accounts: All
accounts are quarterly reviewed in an effort to
ensure that they remain aligned with the client’s
positioned
and
investment
plan
are
Finaport’s employees or associated persons may
be invited to attend seminars and meetings with
the costs associated with such meetings borne
22
by a sponsoring brokerage firm or other party
extending the invitation.
Item 15. Custody
directly with their custodian to vote proxies for
securities or where proxy or other solicitation
materials have to be sent to. If Finaport
inadvertently receives any proxy materials on
behalf of a client, Finaport will promptly forward
such materials to the client.
Finaport will exercise investment authority for
certain corporate actions (such as, but not
limited to tenders, rights offerings, splits etc.) in
connection with discretionary accounts. For
advisory clients, corporate actions are discussed
with them prior to the event taking place.
Clients who have questions about proxies may
contact Finaport for further information.
the custodian bank. Generally,
Class Actions
Finaport typically is given authority to have its
fees directly deducted from a client’s account.
Consequently, Finaport
is deemed to have
custody of such funds. In such cases, Finaport
has established procedures to ensure the client’s
account is held at a qualified custodian in a
separate account for each client. The client
establishes the bank account directly and thus is
aware of the qualified custodian’s name, address
and the manner in which investments are
maintained. Account statements are prepared
these
by
statements include a listing of all valuations and
all transactions occurring during the period.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
return
received
regarding
Finaport does not direct client participation in
class action lawsuits. Finaport will determine
any documentation
whether
to
inadvertently
clients’
participation in class actions to the sender, or to
forward such information to the appropriate
clients.
Finaport will not advise or act on behalf of clients
in any legal proceeding, including bankruptcies
or securities shareholder class action litigation
involving securities held or previously held in
client accounts. Accordingly, Finaport is not
responsible for responding to, or forwarding to
clients, any class action settlement offers
relating to securities currently or previously held
in the client account.
Finaport accepts discretionary authority to
manage client accounts as described above.
Clients rarely restrict the authority by which
Finaport may act; however, each client has the
opportunity to communicate any form of
limitation in writing. In the context of a
discretionary mandate,
Finaport makes
investment decisions without consulting the
client by utilizing its limited power of attorney
for the management of the account maintained
at the custodian bank selected by the client. In
the context of a non-discretionary mandate,
Finaport’s investment discretion is limited to an
advisory role and Finaport does not implement
investment decisions without the approval of
the client. Finaport never has discretionary
authority to select a qualified custodian for a
client’s account.
it
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Item 18. Financial Information
Finaport has not been the subject of a
bankruptcy petition at any time. As of the date
of this brochure we do not believe
is
reasonably likely that any future liability will
impact our ability to meet our contractual
commitments to our clients.
Proxy Voting
Finaport generally does not have the authority to
vote client proxies. Clients make arrangements
23