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Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
March 28, 2025
SEC File No. 801-80177
656 Swedesford Rd #330
Wayne, PA 19087
phone: 610-313-0910
email:
info@fortisfamilyoffice..com
www.fortisfamilyoffice.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Fortis
Advisors, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us
at 610-313-0910. 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.
Fortis Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor with the SEC pursuant to the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration with the SEC or state regulatory authority does
not imply a certain level of skill or expertise.
Additional information about Fortis Advisors, LLC, is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
ITEM 2 – MATERIAL CHANGES
Fortis Advisors, LLC’s previous last annual amendment was dated March 28, 2024. The material
changes made to this Brochure since the last annual amendment are as follows:
Item 4 – Advisory Business – the AUM and AUA figures were updated as of December 31, 2024.
In addition, other investment advisers was added as a type of client.
Item 5, 6 and 10 – updated to account for additional private funds and special purpose vehicles and related
entities.
A summary of any material changes to this and subsequent Brochures will be made available to you
within 120 days of the close of our business’ fiscal year. We will also provide you with additional
updates or other disclosure information at other times during the year in the event of any material
changes to our business as required by applicable regulation.
You may request the most recent version of this brochure, free of charge, by contacting Colleen
Kelly at ckelly@fortisfamilyoffice.com or 610-313-0910. You may also obtain a copy by going to
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The SEC’s website also provides information about
any persons affiliated with Fortis Advisors, LLC who are registered, or are required to be registered,
as investment adviser representatives of Fortis Advisors, LLC.
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ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 2 – MATERIAL CHANGES .................................................................................................... 2
ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................... 3
ITEM 4 – ADVISORY BUSINESS .................................................................................................... 4
ITEM 5 – FEES AND COMPENSATION ......................................................................................... 7
ITEM 6 – PERFORMANCE BASED FEES AND SIDE BY SIDE MANAGEMENT .................. 10
ITEM 7 – TYPES OF CLIENTS ....................................................................................................... 11
ITEM 8 – METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS ...... 11
ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION .................................................................................. 16
ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ................... 16
ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS ......................................................................................................... 18
ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES .......................................................................................... 20
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS .............................................................................................. 25
ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ........................................... 25
ITEM 15 - CUSTODY ...................................................................................................................... 26
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION ........................................................................................ 26
ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ................................................................................... 26
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION....................................................................................... 26
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ITEM 4 – ADVISORY BUSINESS
Fortis Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor” or “Fortis”), a Pennsylvania limited liability company,
is a registered investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended. The Advisor is wholly owned by Fortis Family Office, LLC (formerly
Fortis Wealth, LP), a Delaware limited liability company. The President and Chief Investment
Officer of the Advisor is Derek Boles. The Advisor has been offering investment advisory
services since August 2013.
Investment Advisory Services. Pursuant to investment advisory agreements (each an
“Advisory Agreement”), the Advisor provides investment advisory services that relate to asset
allocation, portfolio diversification, portfolio risk management, and other general economic
and financial topics. Client portfolios are managed in accordance with each client’s
investment objectives, taking into consideration risk tolerance, time horizon, tax issues,
liquidity and cash flow needs, restrictions/constraints, and other relevant guidelines.
The Advisor’s investment management services involve the allocation of client assets among
different asset classes with varying levels of risk and return. The Advisor may recommend
changes to this allocation, in an attempt to take advantage of conditions in the current
economic environment, while being sensitive to transaction costs and taxes, as appropriate.
These changes may result in short-term underweights or overweights to various assets classes
and are designed to capitalize on current economic conditions over a shorter time period.
Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. The
Advisor’s investment program consists of four primary components:
▪
Investment Objectives Review – The client and the Advisor will discuss and review
the client's investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. The Advisor will
assist in developing investment objectives based on the results of the review, which
will serve as a guide for measuring volatility and performance. The Advisor will then
design an account or portfolio of accounts based on the client's investment objectives
as agreed upon during the review phase of the investment process.
▪
▪ Asset Allocation – Based on the result of the investment policy review, the Advisor
will allocate investment dollars in a variety of asset classes including equities, fixed
income and alternative investments. This allocation is adjusted from time to time,
depending on changes in a client’s personal circumstances, financial considerations,
and/or investment performance.
Investment Manager Selection – Once the investment policy review and asset
allocation are complete, the Advisor will recommend an initial investment plan.
Typically, this will include a list of pooled investment vehicles, including but not
limited to private funds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), individual
securities, and separately managed accounts. The initial allocation of assets may
include the use of individual bonds or stocks or the retention of assets currently owned
by the client.
▪ Management – Once the client’s portfolio is in place, the Advisor will monitor
performance of the overall account as well as the performance of each security. From
time to time, the Advisor will implement changes to the portfolio as it deems
appropriate and in the best interests of the client.
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to best achieve
those objectives and modifying
The Advisor’s specialization is not in one given instrument or asset class, but rather in the
ongoing process of (i) assessing client objectives; and (ii) developing an appropriate asset
allocation
that allocation when
risks/opportunities are present in the markets.
For its discretionary asset management services, the Advisor receives a limited power of
attorney to effect securities transactions on behalf of its clients that may include securities and
strategies described in Item 8 of this Brochure.
In addition to providing the Advisor with information regarding their personal financial
circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk, clients are required to provide the
Advisor with any reasonable investment restrictions that should be imposed on the
management of their portfolio, and to promptly notify the Advisor of any changes in such
restrictions or in the client's personal financial circumstances, investment objectives, goals,
and tolerance for risk. On an as-needed basis, the Advisor’s reports to clients will remind
clients of their obligation to inform the Advisor of any such changes or any restrictions that
should be imposed on the management of the client’s account. The Advisor will also contact
clients at least annually to determine whether there have been any changes in a client's
personal financial circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
The Advisor does not participate in any wrap fee programs.
ERISA Fiduciary Services. Certain services are provided as a fiduciary to specifically designated
ERISA plans based on applicable definitions (contained in ERISA Section 404(a), IRC §4972,
Investment Company Act of 1940 and state laws). In performing the following services, Fortis will
act as a fiduciary as defined by ERISA Section 3(21) or ERISA Section 3(38).
When Fortis provides investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account, individual
retirement account, or other qualified asset under ERISA, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of
Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money creates some
conflicts with your interests, so Fortis operates under a special rule that requires us to act in your
best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Clients can engage Fortis to provide either
education or recommendations with respect to qualified ERISA assets including:
from a qualified plan to an IRA with Fortis;
from an existing third-party IRA to an IRA with Fortis;
changing the account type of an existing IRA with Fortis;
from a qualified plan to another qualified plan; and
from an IRA to qualified plan rollover.
Such provisions also extend to other qualified assets such as 529s, Education Savings Accounts,
and retirement annuities. Clients should fully understand all of the conflicts, risks, costs & expenses,
as well as potential benefits associated with moving qualified retirement assets. Clients are under
no obligation to accept or follow Fortis’ recommendations.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services. The Advisor also provides a variety of
financial planning and investment consulting services to high-net-worth individuals and their
related entities, such as trusts, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, foundations,
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and other non-profit organizations. Such services are made pursuant to a separate agreement
between the client and the Advisor and the fees for such services are separate from the fees
and services under the Advisory Agreement.
The Advisor’s financial planning fees are negotiable, but generally range from $1,500 to
$50,000 on a fixed fee basis, depending upon the level and scope of the services required and
the professionals rendering the services. A fee on the high end of the foregoing range (e.g.,
$50,000) may be necessary where the financial planning and investment-related consulting
services include in-depth work such as:
▪ Review, analysis, and/or restructuring of private equity or private real estate
investments
▪ Creation and implementation of a family cash flow plan
▪ Review, analysis, and recommendations with respect to investment portfolios and
implementation of recommendations
▪ Review, analysis, and recommendations with respect to real estate holdings and
implementation of recommendations
If requested by the client, the Advisor may recommend non-investment related services of
other professionals for implementation purposes, who are associated with the firm through
common ownership (see disclosure at Item 10). The client is under no obligation to engage
the services of any such recommended individual or firm. The client retains absolute
discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any
recommendation from the Advisor.
Clients will receive a written or oral report (depending on the client’s preference) providing a
basic financial plan designed to help achieve their stated financial goals and objectives. Based
on the client’s needs, financial planning services may include (but are not limited to) the
following:
▪ Preparation of a recommended asset allocation that serves to diversify the client's
portfolio among different categories of investments, such as domestic and international
small, medium, and large capitalization securities; corporate and government fixed
income (short-, intermediate-, and long-term maturities); emerging market securities
(i.e., foreign issuers); real estate investment trusts; and such other alternative asset
categories that are suitable in light of the client's investment goals, objectives, and risk
tolerance.
▪ Preparation of an investment policy statement setting forth the client’s investment plan,
with specific direction in terms of diversification requirements, tax issues, estate
planning issues, risk tolerance, retirement, and other identified objectives of the
client, including a targeted rate-of-return objective.
▪ Preparation of a retirement plan that serves to identify whether the client is saving
enough and investing in a way that meets retirement objectives considering the client's
financial circumstances and risk tolerance.
▪ Preparation of cash flow projections to ensure that the client can meet daily living
▪
expenses and obligations.
Insurance planning to meet the needs of the client, considering family, business, and
other financial objectives of the client. This may be offered through an affiliate of the
Advisor as described in Item 10.
▪ General family office and business consulting:
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▪ Retirement objectives
▪ Philanthropy
▪ Estate planning
▪ Wealth transition
▪ Business succession and related issues
▪ Recommendation of third-party managers for use by the client
The Advisor gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews and
questionnaires. Information gathered typically includes a client's current financial status,
investment objectives, future goals, and attitudes toward risk. Related documents supplied by
the client are carefully reviewed, and a report is prepared covering one or more of the above-
mentioned topics as directed by the client.
Bill Payment Services. The Fortis Family Office Services, LLC will provide bill payment,
reconciliation, and related bookkeeping services for certain clients of the Advisor. Such
services require written mutual consent by both the client and the Advisor. The Advisor has
developed reasonable policies and procedures to address identity theft and misappropriation
of funds issues.
As of December 31, 2024, the Advisor had assets under management of $508,437,827
($385,164,377 on a discretionary basis and $ 123,273,450 on a non-discretionary basis). In
addition, Advisor had assets under advisement of $ $50,327,197.
ITEM 5 – FEES AND COMPENSATION
Fee for Investment Management Services for Separately Managed Accounts. Fees for
investment management for public securities held within a brokerage account are generally
calculated as a percentage of assets under management, billed quarterly and payable in arrears.
The basic fee for the Advisor’s services is calculated on the market value of assets using the
average daily balance, including cash, under the Advisor’s management in accordance with
the fee schedule below. Fees for non-affiliated private investments in both real estate and non-
real estate are charged a flat fee based on the most recent value provided by the manager and
are negotiable depending on the level of due diligence required. There are also some accounts
that pay a flat fee and others that may have no fee associated with them due to specific account
circumstances. Fees are not charged in advance. The fee terms for a particular client are
described in each Advisory Agreement. There is currently no minimum fee charged to clients.
The standard fee schedule for discretionary accounts is below:
Discretionary Accounts:
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Type of Assets
Private Investments
Marketable Securities
held within Brokerage
Accounts
(Non-Real Estate)
Private Real Estate
Investments
(Non-Affiliated)
$0 to $2,500,000
1.00%
Fees
Flat .50%
Flat 1.00%
$2,500,001 to $10,000,000
.75%
>$10,000,000
.50%
Frequency
Quarterly (in arrears)
Quarterly (in arrears)
Quarterly (in arrears)
Asset Base
Daily Average Balance
The most recent value
provided by the Manager
The most recent value
provided by the Manager
For non-discretionary accounts, the fee is generally a flat fee of .125% calculated on the market
value of assets using the average daily balance, including cash, under the Advisor’s
management or hourly fees depending on the specific services the client requests.
Under certain circumstances this fee may be negotiable. Any negotiated fees below the
standard fee schedule will be approved by the President or Managing Partner. For example,
accounts of members of the same household may be aggregated for purposes of determining
the management fee. The Advisor may allow such aggregation, for example, where its services
accounts on behalf of minor children of current clients, individual and joint accounts for a
spouse, and other types of related accounts. This consolidation practice is designed to allow
clients the benefit of an increased asset total, which could potentially cause the account(s) to
be assessed a reduced advisory fee based on the Advisor’s fee schedule. Some employees and
their family members may have accounts which pay a discounted fee.
An Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated by either party by giving at least 30 calendar
days written notice to the other party, but such notice shall not affect any of the commitments made
for the Assets, the Accounts or Client prior to such termination. Amounts due to Adviser for periods
through termination shall be paid to Adviser immediately upon such termination. Fees shall
continue to be payable by Client for periods following termination.
Fees for Financial Planning and Consulting Services. Financial planning and consulting
services are billed on a fee basis. The Advisor’s financial planning and consulting services
fees are negotiable, but generally range from $1,500 to $50,000 on a fixed fee basis, depending
upon the level and scope of the services required and the professionals rendering the services.
Generally, one-half of the proposed financial planning fee will be due at the signing of the
financial planning agreement, with the balance due upon delivery of the financial plan or
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investment-related service. The financial planning and investment-related consulting
agreement may be terminated by either party upon written notification in accordance with the
terms of the applicable agreement. Upon termination, the fees charged will be prorated and a
refund for any unearned fees will be issued. The client will be responsible to pay for services
rendered until the date of termination of the agreement. Clients will not be assessed a penalty
fee for terminating an agreement.
The Advisor generally requires all clients to authorize the direct debit of fees from their
accounts. Exceptions may be granted subject to the Advisor’s consent for clients to be billed
directly for its fees. For directly debited fees, the custodian’s periodic statements will show
each fee deduction from the client’s account. Clients may withdraw the authorization for
direct billing at any time by notifying the Advisor or their custodian in writing.
Advisory fees will be directly deducted from a client’s account by the custodian and remitted
to the Advisor provided that:
▪
▪
▪
▪
the client provides the qualified custodian written authorization;
a billing statement is sent to the client;
the billing statement shows the amount of the fee, how it was calculated, and the
value of the assets on which the bill is based; and
the qualified custodian sends the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating
all amounts disbursed from the account.
The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s
custodian will not verify the calculation.
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, separate account managers,
private placement, pooled investment vehicles, broker-dealers, and custodians retained by
clients. Such fees and expenses are described in each exchange-traded fund and mutual fund’s
prospectus, each separate account manager’s Form ADV and Brochure and Brochure
Supplement or similar disclosure statement, each private placement or pooled investment
vehicle’s confidential offering memoranda, and by any broker-dealer or custodian retained by
the client. Clients are advised to read these materials carefully before investing. If a mutual
fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge as further
described in the mutual fund’s prospectus. A client using the Advisor may be precluded from
using certain mutual funds or separate account managers because they may not be offered by
the client's custodian.
Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section (Item 12) for additional information regarding
the Advisor’s brokerage practices.
Fees for the Affiliated Private Real Estate Funds and Special Purpose Vehicles. The
affiliated private real estate funds and special purpose vehicles charge a management fee equal to
a percentage per quarter of the aggregate amount of equity invested (whether upon acquisition,
follow on or otherwise) in or with respect to assets of the series that have not been sold (which
amount shall be decreased for any permanent and unrecoverable write-downs of assets), as of the
last day of the applicable quarter. Management fees are paid in arrears. All interests, property,
assets, and securities (other than freely transferable marketable securities) shall be valued at cost
by the manager as it may determine in good faith. In addition, members in the private funds are
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also charged carried interest on profits and other expenses related to the fund. All fees and
expenses are fully described in the corresponding fund offering documents.
Fees for Non-Investment Related Services. All fees associated with the non-investment
related services (including estate planning, insurance planning, etc.) that are performed by
Fortis Solutions, LLC, Fortis Family Office Services, LLC, or Fortis Capital Partners, LLC,
will be separate and distinct of the Advisory Agreement(s) with the Advisor.
Compensation of Investment Professionals. The Advisor’s investment professionals are
compensated primarily through a salary and bonus structure. Certain of the Advisor’s
investment professionals may receive commission-based compensation for the sale of
insurance products through the affiliated entity, Fortis Solutions, LLC. Please see Item 10.C.
for detailed information and conflicts of interest.
Margin Accounts. In limited instances, Advisor may trade client accounts on margin if granted
authorization. A margin account may incur margin interest which will be charged by the custodian
in addition to Advisor’s advisory fee. As the advisory fees are generally based on total assets under
management, the advisory fees could include securities purchased on margin held in a client’s
account. This creates a potential conflict of interest because the use of margin can increase the
total assets under management. Clients are under no obligation to authorize Advisor’s use of
margin. There may be separate agreements with clients in regard to how their specific margin
balance is treated based on specific circumstances.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. As part of the investment process, Advisor will routinely maintain
and actively manage a percentage of each client’s portfolio in cash or cash equivalents. Such cash
is generally used to meet short-term client cash needs or may be maintained to pay for additional
investments in securities as needed. Clients will pay management fees on cash assets even though
they may earn little to no interest and cash and cash equivalent assets do not appreciate in value.
ITEM 6 – PERFORMANCE BASED FEES AND SIDE BY SIDE MANAGEMENT
The Advisor’s affiliated real estate funds and special purpose vehicles charge performance-
based fees in the form of carried interest which is fully disclosed in the corresponding fund
offering documents.
Currently, there is no side-by-side management with the Fund and separately managed
accounts as the Adviser does not offer this strategy in a separately managed account.
Performance-based fees will only be offered to “qualified” clients who are defined as:
▪ A natural person who or a company that immediately after entering into the contract has
at least $1,000,000 under the management of the investment adviser;
▪ A natural person or a company that the investment adviser entering into the contract
(and any person acting on his behalf) 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 $2,000,000 at the time the contract is
entered into, exclusive of the value of their primary residence; or
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▪
Is a qualified purchaser as defined in section 2(a)(51)(AA) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (15U.S.C. 80a-2(51)(A)) at the time the contract is entered
into; or
▪ A natural person who immediately prior to entering into the contract is:
▪ An executive officer, director, trustee, general partner, or person serving
in similar capacity of the investment adviser; or
▪ 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 similar functions
or duties for or on behalf of another company for at least 12 months.
ITEM 7 – TYPES OF CLIENTS
The Advisor provides investment management, financial planning, and investment related
consulting services to individuals and high net worth individuals and their related entities,
such as trusts, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, defined contribution plans,
foundations, other investment advisers and other non-profit organizations.
ITEM 8 – METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS
In formulating investment advice and managing assets for clients, the Advisor may use
various methods of analysis including, but not limited to, charting, fundamental analysis,
technical analysis, and cyclical analysis.
The main sources of information may include web-based information, financial newspapers
and magazines, research materials prepared by third parties, corporate rating services, timing
services, annual reports, prospectuses, company filings with the SEC, and press releases.
Investment Strategies. The Advisor’s Investment team meets weekly to develop investment
strategies and plans, assess asset allocations and investment performance, review and approve
investments and managers for the Advisor’s platform, assess due diligence procedures and the
need for additional information, review compliance issues and action items, and review the
Advisor’s operational environment. The Advisor’s Investment Committee meets more
formally on a quarterly basis.
The Advisor will provide investment advice to its clients based on a number of factors,
including but not necessarily limited to, the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerances,
asset-class preferences, time horizons, liquidity needs, expected returns, and an assessment of
current economic and market views expressed by economists, analysts, banks, and securities
firms. Investment strategies are developed for each client, which attempt to achieve
diversification by investing over time, across asset classes, within asset classes, across various
investment styles, and by diversifying internationally.
Generally, investment strategies emphasize long-term investments in a diversified portfolio
intended to meet the client’s long-term financial objectives. Nevertheless, investment
strategies used to implement investment advice may include short-term purchases (securities
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sold within a year), trading (securities sold within 30 days), long-term purchases (securities
held at least a year), short sales, option-writing strategies including covered options or
spreading strategies, or margin transactions. If permitted, the use of margin in an account
generally is described in the investment policy statement.
An account may include investments in publicly traded common and preferred stocks,
individual bonds, open- and closed-end mutual funds, and option contracts. The Advisor may
also recommend investments in commodities, private and publicly traded partnerships, and
foreign equity and debt securities.
In addition, certain client accounts are subject to the investment strategies described in the
offering documents of the underlying funds in which such clients are invested, which may be
different than the strategies explained above. Clients should review a fund’s offering
documents for more detailed information regarding the strategies employed by the fund.
The Advisor uses a variety of sources of data to conduct its economic, investment, and market
analysis, such as financial newspapers and magazines, economic and market research
materials prepared by others, conference calls hosted by mutual funds, corporate rating
services, annual reports, prospectuses, and company press releases. It is important to keep in
mind that there is no specific approach to investing that guarantees success or positive returns;
investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
The Advisor and its investment adviser representatives are responsible for identifying and
implementing the methods of analysis used in formulating investment recommendations to
clients. The methods of analysis may include quantitative methods for optimizing client
portfolios, computer-based risk/return analysis, technical analysis, and statistical and/or
computer models utilizing long-term economic criteria.
▪ Optimization involves the use of mathematical algorithms to determine the
appropriate mix of assets given the firm’s current capital market rate assessment
and a particular client’s risk tolerance.
▪ Quantitative methods include analysis of historical data such as price and volume
statistics, performance data, standard deviation and related risk metrics, how the
security performs relative to the overall stock market, earnings data, price to
earnings ratios, and related data.
▪ Technical analysis involves charting price and volume data as reported by the
exchange where the security is traded to look for price trends.
▪ Computer models may be used to derive the future value of a security based on
assumptions of various data categories such as earnings, cash flow, profit margins,
sales, and a variety of other company specific metrics.
In addition, the Advisor reviews research material prepared by others, as well as corporate
filings, corporate rating services, and a variety of financial publications. The Advisor employs
outside vendors or utilizes third-party software to assist in formulating investment
recommendations to clients.
General Risks
Investment Risks. Investing in securities markets involves the risk of loss that clients should be
prepared to bear. The Advisor typically invests in mutual funds and ETFs for the vast majority
of its clients. In addition, the Advisor may effect transactions in (i) individual equity securities;
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(ii) fixed income securities; and (iii) real estate securities and derivatives. The clients also may
invest in private funds offered by the Advisor. The most common forms of risk that investors
should consider are:
Market Risk. The risk to a specific investment or portfolio that the value could decline due to
general market conditions not specifically related to a particular security. Examples include real or
perceived adverse market conditions now or in the future, changes in the outlook for earnings and
changes in interest rates or currency and exchange rates.
ETFs and Mutual Funds. When investing in an ETF or mutual fund, you will bear additional
expenses based on your pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including
the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally
reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. You will also
incur brokerage costs when purchasing or selling ETFs. Clients are encouraged to review the
prospectuses of these investment vehicles to learn more about risks specific to the mutual fund
or ETF in which the client is invested.
Equity Securities. Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks
relate to the company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost
of the company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the
manufacturing or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s
ability to create shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price).
Foreign securities, in addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk,
financial transparency risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
Fixed Income Securities. Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity
securities described above. These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at
maturity, the current interest rate environment, the coupon interest rate promised to
bondholders, legal constraints, jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds
have maturities of ten years or greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest
rates move up or down. The shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign
bonds have liquidity and currency risk.
Interest-Rate Risk. The risk that an investment's value will change due to a change in the absolute
level of interest rates, in the spread between two rates, in the shape of the yield curve or in any other
interest rate relationship.
Inflation Risk. The risk of loss of purchasing power due to rising prices of goods and services.
Credit Risk. The possibility that a debt issuer might not be able to repay you for your investment
principal or interest owed to you.
Reinvestment Risk. The risk that an investor faces when an investment matures and the new
interest rates available are less than they were previously.
Currency Exchange Risk. A form of risk that comes from the change in price of one country’s
currency against another.
Business Risk - Often referred to as company risk, this is the risk of owning one or only a few
investments in specific companies. This risk includes competition, technological obsolescence of
the company’s products or systems, reductions in the market demand and pricing for the company’s
products (such as reduced pricing for oil and natural gas), regulatory changes which make the
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company’s business model no longer competitive (and in some cases permissible), management
missteps, cybersecurity risk, and fraud whether real or perceived.
Leverage Risk - This risk comes from using debt, or margin, to fund investments. As debt has to
be repaid regardless of investment performance, leverage has the potential to multiply your losses
or gains.
Options Risk - As an options holder, you risk the entire amount of the premium you pay. Since
initial options investments usually require less capital than equivalent stock positions, your
potential cash losses as an options investor are usually smaller than if you'd bought the underlying
stock or sold the stock short.
Liquidity Risk - The risk that your investment cannot be converted into cash when you would like.
Political Risk – The risk an investment’s returns could suffer as a result of political changes or
instability in a country. Instability affecting investment returns could stem from a change in
government, legislative bodies, or foreign policy makers or military control.
Our investment process is designed with an awareness of the risks listed above; however, it is
impossible to eliminate all of these risks when investing. While individual portfolio structuring can
take many of these risks into consideration, there can be no assurance of success in investing or that
Fortis attempts to address risk will prove to be successful.
Private Fund Risks
The investments of each Private Fund may lose all or a substantial portion of their value.
Investors in private funds must be prepared to bear the risk of loss of their investments therein.
It is critical that potential investors refer to the relevant private fund’s PPM and organizational
documents, which include more comprehensive, detailed disclosure of the material risks of
investing in a private fund, for a complete understanding. In addition, while certain risks may
be more important for certain investment strategies, certain risks may overlap investment.
Diverse Limited Partner Group. Investors may have conflicting investment, tax and other
interests with respect to their investments in private funds. The conflicting interests of
individual investors may relate to or arise from, among other things, the nature of investments
made by the Advisers on behalf of the private fund in which such Investors are invested, the
structuring or the acquisition of such investments and the timing of disposition of such
investments. In selecting and structuring investments appropriate for a private fund, the
Advisers will consider the investment and tax objectives of the private fund as a whole, and
not the investment, tax or other objectives of any of its Investors.
No market for interests; restrictions on transferability; no withdrawal rights. The interests
acquired by investors in each private fund ("Interests") have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction,
and cannot be resold unless they are subsequently registered under the 1933 Act and other
applicable securities laws or an exemption from registration is available. It is not contemplated
that registration of the Interests under the 1933 Act or other securities laws will ever be
effected. There is no public market for the interests and none is expected to develop. An
investor will also generally not be permitted to assign its Interests without the prior consent
of the relevant Adviser, which may be withheld in its sole discretion. Investors may not,
except in extraordinary circumstances, withdraw from the Private Fund in which they are
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invested. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their interests prior to the
expiration of the term applicable to such private fund and must be prepared to bear the risks
of owning Interests for an extended period of time.
Real Estate Securities and Related Derivatives. The Fund may gain exposure to the real
estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, REITs, and common, preferred and
convertible securities of issuers in real estate-related industries. Each of these types of
investments are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate,
including loss to casualty or condemnation, increases in property taxes and operating
expenses, zoning law amendments, changes in interest rates, overbuilding and increased
competition, variations in market value, and possible environmental liabilities.
REITs are subject to management fees and other expenses, and so the Fund, when investing
in REITs, will bear its proportionate share of the costs of the REITs’ operations. An
investment in a REIT or a real estate-linked derivative instrument that is linked to the value
of a REIT is subject to additional risks, such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT,
adverse changes to the tax laws or failure by the REIT to qualify for tax-free pass-through of
income under the Code. In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they
invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property.
Furthermore, REITs are not diversified because they only operate in the real estate business
and are heavily dependent on cash flow. Also, the organizational documents of a REIT may
contain provisions that make changes in control of the REIT difficult and time-consuming.
Other Potential Risks
Cybersecurity. With the increased use of technology, Fortis is susceptible to operational,
information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks
or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access
to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data,
or causing operational disruption. Cyber incidents impacting Fortis have the ability to cause
disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in the inability to transact business,
financial losses, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties or
reputational damage. While Fortis has established a business continuity plan and risk management
systems intended to identify and mitigate cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such
plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore,
Fortis cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by third party service
providers and issuers in which client portfolios invest. As a result, clients could be negatively
impacted.
Impact of Disease Epidemics: The outbreak of an infectious disease in the United States or
elsewhere, such as the novel coronavirus (e.g., “COVID-19”), together with any resulting travel
restrictions or quarantines, could result in disruptions to the adviser and/or third-party service
providers on which the adviser relies. Given that the nature, timing, and severity of an outbreak is
unknown, the extent to which an epidemic might impact the adviser, its investments, or its advisory
operations is uncertain. In addition to impacting the adviser and the adviser’s third-party providers,
a pandemic may, and most likely will, have a negative impact on the economy and business activity
in the United States and worldwide leading to potential significant disruption, volatility, and
potential losses across financial markets. Clients of the adviser must be prepared for such potential
losses and while the adviser has processes in place to ensure business continuity and to monitor the
performance of its vendors and underlying investments, the uncertainty around the nature, type,
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breadth, and duration of an epidemic and the overall potential impact to the adviser’s operations
and client investments is unclear.
ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Neither the Advisor nor any of its employees have any disciplinary history to report.
ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
The following are affiliated entities of Fortis Advisors, LLC:
Fortis Family Office, LLC. Mr. Boles, President of the Advisor, is the managing member of
Fortis Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of Fortis Family Office, LP (formerly, Fortis
Wealth, LP), a Delaware limited partnership. Fortis Family Office is the sole owner of Fortis
Solutions, LLC, Fortis Capital Partners, LLC, Fortis Family Office Services, LLC, and the
Advisor. Fortis Family Office, LLC is a holding company and does not provide any services
in addition to those provided through its wholly owned companies and are disclosed below.
Fortis Family Office, LLC does not have any employees.
Fortis Solutions, LLC. Mr. Boles is an indirect owner of Fortis Solutions, LLC (“Fortis
Solutions”), a Pennsylvania limited liability company. Mr. Hubschmidt is the President of
Fortis Solutions. Mr. Boles, Mr. Hubschmidt and one other investment adviser representative
are licensed insurance agents under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and may
sell certain insurance products through Fortis Solutions, an insurance agency. The Advisor
may refer clients to Fortis Solutions for the purchase of certain insurance-related products on
a commission basis. The recommendation by the Advisor that a client purchase an insurance
commission product through Fortis Solutions presents a conflict of interest as the receipt of
commissions may provide an incentive to recommend insurance products based on
commissions to be received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No client is under any
obligation to purchase any insurance commission product from Fortis Solutions, and any
commission earned by representatives of Fortis Solutions are fully disclosed to a client in
advance of such client’s purchase of an insurance commission product. Clients are reminded
that they may purchase insurance products recommended by Fortis Solutions through other
non-affiliated insurance agents.
Fortis Family Office Services, LLC. Mr. Boles is an indirect owner of Fortis Family Office
Services, LLC (“Fortis Family Office Services”), a Delaware limited liability company. Fortis
Family Office Services currently provides family office services including, but not limited to,
tax planning and preparation, financial reporting, trust and estate planning, property
management, and concierge services. Mr. Boles may refer current clients of Fortis Family
Office Services to the Advisor, or conversely, refer a client of the Advisor to Fortis Family
Office Services who are in need of family office services in addition to the investment
advisory services being offered. The recommendation by Mr. Boles or the Advisors that a
client engage Fortis Family Office Services for family office services presents a conflict of
interest as the receipt of fees by Fortis Family Office Services may provide an incentive to
recommend services based on fees to be received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No
client is under any obligation to retain Fortis Family Office Services for family office services.
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Clients are reminded that they may obtain family office services through other non-affiliated
companies.
Fortis Capital Partners, LLC. Mr. Boles is an indirect owner of Fortis Capital Partners, LLC
(“Fortis Capital”), a Delaware limited liability company. Mr. Hubschmidt is the President of
Fortis Capital. Fortis Capital provides advisory and consulting services to individuals and
businesses beyond traditional public market investing activities. Fortis Capital provides due
diligence services for private transactions and investments as well as arranging secondary
market transactions. Fortis Capital creates and administers private funds and other special
purpose vehicles (“Private Funds”). The Advisor may refer clients to Fortis Capital in
situations where the clients need these services. The recommendation by the Advisor that a
client engage Fortis Capital or invest in the Private Funds presents a conflict of interest as the
receipt of fees by Fortis Capital may provide an incentive to recommend services based on
fees to be received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No client is under any obligation
to retain Fortis Capital. Clients are reminded that they may obtain these services through other
non-affiliated companies.
Fortis Capital serves as manager for limited liability companies that are affiliated special
purpose vehicles and plans to form additional ones in the future. In addition, Fortis Capital
Partners Real Estate Manager, LLC and Fortis Capital Real Estate Manager II, LLC are wholly
owned by Fortis Capital. Both serve as managers for affiliated private real estate series funds.
The Private Funds utilize the services of Fortis Family Office Services, LLC, an affiliated
entity, for accounting and administrative resources for which the affiliated entity receives
compensation. This presents a conflict of interest as it creates an incentive for the Private
Funds and the managers thereof to engage affiliates for services that could otherwise be
obtained by an unaffiliated third-party service provider for a lower cost. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Fortis Capital Partners Real Estate Manager, LLC and Fortis Capital Real Estate
Manager II, LLC have processes in place to monitor affiliated service providers to ensure the
services provided, and the fees provided for such services, are reasonable and in the best
interest of the applicable Private Funds in the judgment of such managers. Any fees or other
compensation payable by a Private Fund to an affiliate of the manager of such fund will be
independent of, and in addition to, the management fee payable to the manager.
Fortis Services, LLC. Mr. Boles and Mr. Hubschmidt are members of Fortis Services, LLC
(“Fortis Services”), a Delaware limited liability company. Fortis Services’ sole purpose is to
provide management and employee-related services to Fortis Family Office, LLC.
Subadvisors. Although the Advisor does not receive any remuneration from other advisers,
investment managers, or other service providers that it recommends to clients, the Advisor
engages sub-advisors to manage certain of the Advisor’s client accounts. The subadvisor
receives a portion of the advisory fees charged by the Advisor for its investment management
services.
Chief Compliance Officer. Colleen A. Kelly is Fortis’ Chief Compliance Officer. Ms. Kelly is a
compliance consultant who has been engaged by Chenery Compliance Group, LLC (“Chenery”) to
provide investment management compliance consulting services to investment advisers and other
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SEC/state registered clients of Chenery. Fortis has entered into a compliance services agreement
with Chenery pursuant to which Ms. Kelly provides compliance services to Fortis, including her
appointment as Fortis’ Chief Compliance Officer.
ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS
The Advisor has adopted a Code of Ethics for all Access Persons of the firm describing its
high standard of business conduct and the fiduciary duty owed to its clients. The Code of
Ethics includes provisions relating to the confidentiality of client information, a prohibition
on insider trading, and restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts and the reporting of
certain gifts and business entertainment items, and personal securities trading procedures,
pre-clearance procedures, among other things. All Access Persons at the Advisor must
acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics annually and as amended. A definition of Access
Person can be found in the Advisor’s Code of Ethics.
Officers, directors, and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates may trade for their own
accounts in securities that are recommended to and/or purchased for Advisor’s clients. At no
time, to the extent controllable by Advisor, will the transactions of Advisor or its associates
be given priority over client transactions and these trades are usually aggregated with client
orders or traded afterward. The Code of Ethics is designed to ensure that the personal
securities transactions, activities, and interests of the employees of the Advisor will not
interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii) implementing
such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts.
Under the Code of Ethics, certain classes of securities have been designated as exempt
transactions, based upon a determination that these would not materially interfere with the
best interest of Advisor’s clients. As the Code of Ethics permits employees to invest in the
same securities as clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit from market
activity by a client in a security held by an employee. Employee trading is continually
monitored under the Code of Ethics to reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between
Advisor and its clients. It is Advisor’s policy that the firm will not engage in any principal
transactions for client accounts. Principal transactions are generally defined as transactions
where an advisor, acting as principal for its own account buys from or sells any security to
any advisory client.
A complete copy of the Advisor’s Code of Ethics is available to clients and prospective clients
upon request by contacting Colleen Kelly, the Advisor’s Chief Compliance Officer at
ckelly@fortisfamilyoffice.com.
There are additional conflicts of interest with respect to the affiliated private real estate funds
and special purpose vehicles. Such conflicts of interest and the management of those conflicts
are detailed in the corresponding fund’s offering materials. Please note that the Advisor
waives its advisory fee on that portion of an advisory client’s investment portfolio invested in
any affiliate funds.
With respect to private fund management:
(i) The Advisor, either individually or through affiliate entities, may create additional
funds and as a result may sell or purchase assets from one affiliate fund to another
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affiliate fund which may pose a conflict of interest. Although the Advisor strives to
put the interests of its fund clients first, such inter-fund transactions could be viewed
as being in the best interest of one fund versus another fund. Inter-fund transactions
may occur for a variety of reasons, such as lack of liquidity, the closing of a fund, tax,
and related issues. The Advisor and its affiliates will ensure, among other things, that
inter-fund transactions are properly disclosed to the parties of the transaction and
reviewed to ensure one fund is not disadvantaged versus another fund and that the
transactions are appropriate in light of the specific fund’s objectives, tax status,
liquidity needs, and related factors.
(ii) If a potential portfolio investment meets the investment objectives of more than one
private fund and each of such private funds have capital available to invest, we will
allocate the investment among such private funds taking into account the following:
▪ The amount of capital each private fund has available to invest, as compared
to the total amount of capital each private fund anticipates raising;
▪ The extent to which the potential investment deviates from the private funds’
investment objectives; and
▪ The extent to which the potential acquisition would promote such private
funds’ sector, geographic, or other diversification goals.
(iii) Additionally, when recommending a transaction in which more than one private fund
invests, we will:
▪ Not disadvantage one fund over another fund
▪ Not pursue the transaction unless each fund invests on the same terms as all
other funds— including the ability of a fund to exit
▪ Ensure that no affiliated person has any ownership interest in the potential
investment
▪ Not recommend one fund invest as a method to increase our fees from that or
another fund
▪ Not pursue such transactions as a method to transfer investment risk from
one fund to another fund
▪ Not bring in additional funds into the transaction for the purpose of reducing
another fund’s transactional costs
▪ Not favor the investment over our fund’s interests, even if our personnel serve
as officers or directors of such portfolio investment
The Advisor, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations and retirement plans established by it may purchase the same securities as are
purchased for clients in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures. The
personal securities transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise potential
conflicts of interest when they trade in a security that is:
▪
▪
owned by the client, or
considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client),
which the Advisor specifically prohibits. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures
that are intended to address these conflicts of interest and include the following:
▪
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest,
prohibit front-running, and
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▪
provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in
an advisory representative or employee benefiting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow the Advisor’s procedures when
purchasing or selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client. The Advisor will
make a reasonable attempt to trade securities in client accounts at or prior to trading the
securities in its affiliate, corporate, employee or employee-related accounts. Trades executed
the same day will likely be subject to an average pricing calculation (please refer to Item 12
Trade Aggregation). It is the policy of the Advisor to place the clients’ interests above those
of the Advisor and its employees.
ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES
Custodian Recommendation. The Advisor will generally recommend that clients establish
brokerage accounts with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), a FINRA registered broker-
dealer, member SIPC, to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to effect trades for their
accounts. Although the Advisor may recommend that clients establish accounts at the
Custodian, it is the client’s decision to custody assets with Schwab. The Advisor is
independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Schwab. For client accounts
maintained in the Advisor’s custody, Schwab generally does not charge separately for custody
services but is compensated by account holders through commissions and other transaction-
related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through Schwab or that settle
into custodian accounts.
The Advisor considers the financial strength, reputation, operational efficiency, cost,
execution capability, level of customer service, and related factors in recommending Schwab
to advisory clients.
In certain instances, the Advisor may recommend to clients certain other broker-dealers and/or
custodians based on the needs of the individual client, and taking into consideration the nature
of the services required, the experience of the broker-dealer or custodian, the cost and quality
of the services, and the reputation of the broker-dealer or custodian. The final determination
to engage a broker-dealer or custodian recommended by the Advisor will be made by, and in
the sole discretion of, the client. The client recognizes that broker-dealers and/or custodians
have different cost and fee structures and trade execution capabilities. As a result, there may
be disparities with respect to the cost of services and/or the transaction prices for securities
transactions executed on behalf of the client. Clients are responsible for assessing the
commissions and other costs charged by broker-dealers and/or custodians.
The Advisor seeks to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold client assets and execute
transactions on terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to other available
providers and their services. The Advisor considers a wide range of factors, including, among
others, the following:
▪
▪
▪
combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody
services (generally without a separate fee for custody)
capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for client
accounts)
capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire
transfers, check requests, bill payment, etc.)
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▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds (ETFs), etc.)
availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions
quality of services
competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest
rates, other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them
reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider
their prior service to us and our other clients
availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below
Schwab Custody and Brokerage Costs. For client accounts that the Advisor maintains
Schwab generally does not charge clients separately for custody services but is compensated
by charging commissions or other fees on trades that it executes or that settle into Schwab’s
accounts. Schwab’s commission rates applicable to the Advisor’s client accounts were
negotiated based on the Advisor’s commitment to maintain a certain minimum amount of
client assets at Schwab. This commitment benefits the client because the overall commission
rates paid are lower than they would be if the firm had not made the commitment. In addition
to commissions, Schwab charges a flat dollar amount as a “prime broker” or “trade away”
fee for each trade that the Advisor has executed by a different broker-dealer but where the
securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited (settled) into the client’s
custodian account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or other compensation the
client pays the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to minimize the client’s
trading costs, the firm has the custodian execute most trades for the account.
The Advisor does not utilize soft dollar arrangements.
Schwab provides the Advisor with access to its institutional trading and custody services,
which are typically not available to Schwab’s retail investors. These services generally are
available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them
so long as a certain minimum amount of the advisor’s clients’ assets are maintained in
accounts at a particular custodian. These services are not contingent upon the Advisor
committing to Schwab any specific amount of business (assets in custody or trading
commissions). Schwab’s 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.
Schwab also makes available to the Advisor other products and services that benefit the
Advisor but may not directly benefit its clients’ accounts. Many of these products and
services may be used to service all or some substantial number of the Advisor’s accounts,
including accounts not maintained at Schwab. Schwab may also make available to the
Advisor software and other technology that
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements)
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts
provide research, pricing and other market data
facilitate payment of the Advisor’s fees from its clients’ accounts
assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting
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Schwab may also offer other services intended to help the Advisor manage and further
develop its business enterprise. These services may include
▪
▪
▪
compliance, legal and business consulting
publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers
Schwab may also provide other benefits such as educational events or occasional business
entertainment of the Advisor’s personnel. In evaluating whether to recommend that clients
custody their assets at the custodian, the Advisor may take into account the availability of
some 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 Schwab, which may create a potential conflict of interest.
Schwab may make available, arrange, and/or pay third-party vendors for the types of
services rendered to the Advisor. The custodian may discount or waive fees it would
otherwise charge for some of these services or all or a part of the fees of a third party
providing these services to the Advisor.
The Advisor may participate in institutional customer programs sponsored by broker-dealers
or custodians. The Advisor may recommend these broker-dealers or custodians to clients
for custody and brokerage services. There is no direct link between the Advisor’s
participation in such programs and the investment advice it gives to its clients, although
Advisor’s receives economic benefits through its participation in the programs that are
typically not available to retail investors. These benefits may include the following products
and services (provided without cost or at a discount):
▪ Receipt of duplicate client statements and confirmations
▪ Research-related products and tools
▪ Consulting services
▪ Access to a trading desk serving the Advisor’s participants
▪ Access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities
transactions for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts)
▪ The ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts
▪ Access to an electronic communications network for client order entry and account
information
▪ Access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money
managers
▪ Discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management
products or services provided to the Advisor by third-party vendors
Schwab has and may also pay for business consulting and professional services received by
the Advisor’s related persons, and may pay or reimburse expenses (including travel, lodging,
meals and entertainment expenses for the Advisor’s personnel to attend conferences). Some
of the products and services made available by such custodian through its institutional
customer programs may benefit the Advisor but may not benefit its client accounts. These
products or services may assist the Advisor in managing and administering client accounts,
including accounts not maintained at the custodian as applicable. Other services made
available through the programs are intended to help the Advisor manage and further develop
its business enterprise. The benefits received by the Advisor or its personnel through
participation in these programs do not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions
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directed to the broker-dealer.
The Advisor also participates in similar institutional advisor programs offered by other
independent broker-dealers or trust companies, and its continued participation may require
the Advisor to maintain a predetermined level of assets at such firms. In connection with its
participation in such programs, the Advisor will typically receive benefits similar to those
listed above, including research, payments for business consulting and professional services
received by the Advisor’s related persons, and reimbursement of expenses (including travel,
lodging, meals and entertainment expenses for the Advisor’s personnel to attend conferences
sponsored by the broker-dealer or trust company).
As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, the Advisor endeavors at all times to put the interests
of its clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by
the Advisor or its related persons in and of itself creates a potential conflict of interest and
may indirectly influence the Advisor’s recommendation of broker-dealers such as Schwab for
custody and brokerage services.
The Advisor does not engage in the practice of directing brokerage commissions in exchange
for the referral of advisory clients.
The Advisor typically recommends Schwab as custodian for clients’ funds and securities and
to execute securities transactions on its clients’ behalf.
Directed Brokerage. Clients may direct the Advisor to use a particular broker-dealer to
execute portfolio transactions for their account or request that certain types of securities not
be purchased for their account. Clients who designate the use of a particular broker-dealer
should be aware that they will lose any possible advantage the Advisor derives from
aggregating transactions. Such client trades are typically effected after the trades of clients
who have not directed the use of a particular broker-dealer. The Advisor loses the ability to
aggregate trades with its other advisory clients, potentially subjecting the client to inferior
trade execution prices as well as higher commissions.
Best Execution. The Advisor, pursuant to the terms of its Advisory Agreement with clients,
has discretionary authority to determine which securities are to be bought and sold, and the
amount of such securities. The Advisor recognizes that the analysis of execution quality
involves a number of factors, both qualitative and quantitative. The Advisor will follow a
process in an attempt to ensure that it is seeking to obtain the most favorable execution under
the prevailing circumstances when placing client orders.
These factors include but are not limited to the following:
▪ The financial strength, reputation and stability of the broker
▪ The efficiency with which the transaction is effected
▪ The ability to effect prompt and reliable executions at favorable prices (including
the applicable dealer spread or commission, if any)
▪ The availability of the broker to stand ready to effect transactions of varying degrees
of difficulty in the future
▪ The efficiency of error resolution, clearance and settlement
▪ Block trading and positioning capabilities
▪ Performance measurement
▪ Online access to computerized data regarding customer accounts
▪ Availability, comprehensiveness, and frequency of brokerage and research services
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▪ Commission rates
▪ The economic benefit to the client
▪ Related matters involved in the receipt of brokerage services
Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, the Advisor seeks to ensure that clients receive
best execution with respect to their transactions by blocking client trades to reduce
commissions and transaction costs. To the best of the Advisor’s knowledge, these custodians
provide high-quality execution, the Advisor’s clients do not pay higher transaction costs in
return for such execution.
Commission rates and securities transaction fees charged to affect such transactions are
established by the client’s independent custodian and/or broker-dealer. Based upon its own
knowledge of the securities industry, the Advisor believes that such commission rates are
competitive within the securities industry. Lower commissions or better execution may be
able to be achieved elsewhere. Generally, client trades are executed at their custodian of record
due to the charges associated with trading away from their designated custodian.
Trade Allocation. Since the Advisor may be managing accounts with similar investment
objectives, the Advisor may aggregate orders for securities for such accounts. In such event,
allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the
transaction, is made by the Advisor in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and
consistent with its fiduciary obligations to such accounts.
The Advisor’s allocation procedures seek to allocate investment opportunities among clients
in the fairest possible way, taking into account the clients’ best interests. The Advisor will
follow procedures to ensure that allocations do not involve a practice of favoring or
discriminating against any client or group of clients. Account performance is never a factor
in trade allocations.
The Advisor’s advice to certain clients and entities and the action of the Advisor for those and
other clients are frequently premised not only on the merits of a particular investment, but also
on the suitability of that investment for the particular client in light of his or her applicable
investment objective, guidelines and circumstances. Thus, any action of the Advisor with
respect to a particular investment may, for a particular client, differ or be opposed to the
recommendation, advice, or actions of the Advisor to or on behalf of other clients.
Trade Aggregation. Orders for the same security entered on behalf of more than one client
will generally be aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to the aggregation being in the
best interests of all participating clients. Subsequent orders for the same security entered
during the same trading day may be aggregated with any previously unfilled orders.
Subsequent orders may also be aggregated with filled orders if the market price for the security
has not materially changed and the aggregation does not cause any unintended duration
exposure. All clients participating in each aggregated order will receive the average price and,
subject to minimum ticket charges and possible step outs, pay a pro rata portion of
commissions.
To minimize performance dispersion, “strategy” trades should be aggregated and average
priced. However, when a trade is to be executed for an individual account and the trade is not
in the best interests of other accounts, then the trade will only be performed for that account.
This is true even if Fortis Advisors believes that a larger size block trade would lead to best
overall price for the security being transacted.
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All allocations will be made prior to the close of business on the trade date. In the event an
order is “partially filled,” the allocation will be made in the best interests of all the clients in
the order, taking into account all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the size of each
client’s allocation, clients’ liquidity needs and previous allocations. In most cases, accounts
will get a pro rata allocation based on the initial allocation. This policy also applies if an order
is “over-filled.”
The Advisor acts in accordance with its duty to seek best price and execution and will not
continue any arrangements if the Advisor determines that such arrangements are no longer in
the best interest of its clients.
ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
The portfolio managers review the holdings in client accounts on an ongoing basis. In
addition, on at least a quarterly basis a second portfolio manager reviews the client accounts.
Each client’s portfolio holdings are monitored by members of the investment team in light of
trading activity, significant market and economic developments, and other activities or
circumstances which may dictate a change in portfolio positions.
Financial planning clients receive their financial plans and recommendations at the time
service is completed. There are no post-plan reviews unless engaged to do so by the client.
The Advisor may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material
changes in the client’s investment objectives or risk tolerance, or a material change in how the
Advisor formulates investment advice. More frequent reviews may also be triggered by tax
considerations, large deposits or withdrawals, large purchases or sales, loss of confidence in
corporate management, or changes in macro-economic climate.
Clients receive quarterly written reports of the performance of such account, together with
such other information, as specified in the investment management agreement governing each
such account.
The client’s independent custodian provides account statements directly to the client no less
frequently than quarterly. The custodian’s statement is the official record of the client’s
securities account and supersedes any statements or reports created on behalf of the client by
the Advisor. Clients are urged to compare billing statements provided by the Advisor to the
custodian statement for accuracy. Any discrepancies should be brought to the firm’s attention.
The custodian’s statement is the official record of the account.
ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
The Advisor does not receive economic benefits for referring clients to third-party service
providers.
The Advisor may enter into agreements with solicitors who will refer prospective advisory
clients to the Advisor in return for a portion of the ongoing investment advisory fee. Such
arrangements with unrelated third parties will be conducted in accordance with Rule 206(4)-
1 (“the Marketing Rule”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Generally, these
requirements require the solicitor to have a written agreement with the Advisor. The solicitor
must provide the client with a disclosure document describing the fees it receives from the
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Advisor, whether those fees represent an increase in fees that the Advisor would otherwise
charge the client, and whether an affiliation exists between the Advisor and the solicitor.
ITEM 15 - CUSTODY
An affiliate of the Advisor provides bill payment, reconciliation, and related bookkeeping
services for clients of its affiliate, Fortis Family Office Services, LLC, who have supervised
assets with the Advisor. Such services require written mutual consent by both the client and
the Advisor. The Advisor has developed reasonable policies and procedures to address
identity theft and misappropriation of funds issues.
With respect to the private funds and the special purpose vehicles , they are subject to the
Surprise Verification Audit pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 206(4)-2 of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 by an outside independent certified public accountant.
The Advisor may act as a trustee or act pursuant to a power of attorney for a client and
therefore the Advisor has actual, as opposed to deemed, custody of such client’s assets. In
these cases, such accounts are subject to a Surprise Verification Audit pursuant to paragraph
(a)(1) of Rule 206(4)-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by an outside independent
certified public accountant.
ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Clients of the Advisor generally grant the firm discretionary authority to select securities and
to execute transactions based on the client’s objectives.
Clients may request that the Advisor impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain
securities. In these situations, Advisor will consider the request for implementation provided
that it is a reasonable request and in the best interest of the client.
The Advisor obtains discretion by asking the client to sign the Advisory Agreement.
ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
The Advisor will not vote proxies for securities held in client accounts. The client maintains
authority and responsibility for the voting of proxies which are provided to them by their
custodian. Clients may contact their portfolio manager regarding any questions they may have
related to these materials.
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Adviser does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six
months or more in advance, and therefore a balance sheet of the Adviser is not required to be
disclosed. The Advisor does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to
provide services to clients.
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