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GM ADVISORY GROUP, LLC dba WEALTHSPIRE ADVISORS
FORM ADV PART 2A INFORMATION
400 Broadhollow Road, Suite 301
Melville, NY 11747
631.227.3900
www.wealthspire.com
March 28, 2025
This Firm Brochure (the “Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of GM Advisory Group, LLC dba Wealthspire Advisors. If you have any questions about the
contents of
this Brochure, please contact us at 631.227.3900 or email us at
compliance@wealthspire.com. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified
by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
GM Advisory Group, LLC dba Wealthspire Advisors is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary
company of NFP, an Aon company. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any level of
skill or training.
Additional information about GM Advisory Group, LLC dba Wealthspire Advisors is also available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The firm's CRD Number is 147592.
Item 2: Material Changes to this Brochure since the last update filed June 10, 2024
This publication of the Form ADV Part 2A contains highlights of the changes that have been made
to this brochure since the last amendment on June 10, 2024. Some of these items may be deemed
material changes from our last filing:
Wealthspire Advisors has engaged a new independent public accounting firm to conduct the
required custody-related examination under SEC Rule 206(4)-2 (the “Custody Rule”). Our
previous auditor, Kreischer Miller, has been replaced by Ashland Partners & Company LLP, a
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)-registered independent public
accountant.
This change does not affect our custody practices or the safekeeping of client assets. The new
auditor will perform the required surprise examination in compliance with SEC regulations.
Aligned our Code of Ethics with our parent company, Wealthspire Advisors LLC
Added detail to outline Cryptocurrency ETF risks
We strongly encourage each client to review the entire updated brochure.
You may request a complete copy of our current Form ADV, Part 2A Brochure at any time by
contacting us at 631.227.3900 or info@wealthspire.com. Our Brochure is also available on our website
at www.wealthspire.com.
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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 ............................................................................ 9
Item 7: Types of Clients ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ...................................................................... 9
Item 9: Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .......................................................................................... 18
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................ 19
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 13: Review of Accounts ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation .......................................................................................................... 23
Item 15: Custody .................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Item 16: Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Item 18: Financial Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
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Item 4: Advisory Business
GM Advisory Group LLC dba Wealthspire Advisors (“Wealthspire”, the “Adviser”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the
“firm”), organized in 2004 and converted to a limited liability company in 2023, is organized under the
laws of the State of Delaware. The firm succeeded the business of GM Advisory Group, Inc.
On November 1, 2023, the firm was acquired by Wealthspire Advisors LLC, a SEC-registered investment
advisor wholly owned by NFP, an Aon company (“NFP”). NFP was acquired by Aon plc on April 25, 2024.
Following the November 1, 2023 acquisition, the firm became a subsidiary of Wealthspire Advisors LLC.
The firm intends to maintain a separate client brochure until such time as the operations of
Wealthspire Advisors LLC and the firm are sufficiently integrated to merit a combined client brochure.
Prior to rendering services to our clients (“clients”, “you” or “your”), clients must enter into an
investment advisory agreement with Wealthspire.
While this brochure generally describes the business of Wealthspire, certain sections also discuss the
activities of its Supervised Persons, which refer to the Firm’s officers, partners, directors (or other
persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), employees or any other person
who provides investment advice on Wealthspire’s behalf and is subject to the Firm’s supervision or
control.
Wealthspire provides the following investment advisory services:
Investment Management Services
investment management services through
We provide discretionary and non-discretionary
separately-managed accounts. Prior to rendering investment management services to clients, clients
must execute an investment management agreement (“Investment Management Agreement”) with
Wealthspire. We primarily provide discretionary investment management services to our clients,
principally through a wrap fee program (the “Program”). Clients in the Program pay a single specified
annual fee, inclusive of execution, custody, performance reporting, and our investment management
fees. Wealthspire also offers clients participation in a non- discretionary wrap fee program.
Wealthspire also offers to its clients nondiscretionary investment advisory services, on a non-wrap fee
basis, as well as financial planning and consulting services on a stand- alone basis. Fees for such
services are primarily offered on a flat fee basis. To the extent offered, the Advisors flat fee will be based
upon various factors.
Wealthspire has personal discussions with its clients in which their investment objectives, based on
their particular financial circumstances, are determined. We create and manage a portfolio based on
the client’s goals and objectives, the portfolio consists of one or more of the following: individual
equities, bonds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), no- load or load- waived mutual funds, third-party
managed equity or bond strategies, or other investment vehicles (including private investment funds
including hedge and private equity funds). Each client has the opportunity to place reasonable written
restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. These limitations or restrictions are
required to be memorialized in writing. Restrictions do not have to be reflected in a client’s investment
management agreement; restrictions are reflected in various forms, including but not limited to, as
agreed to in writing by both parties, and by email.
As part of an overall client asset allocation strategy, Wealthspire may recommend that eligible clients
consider allocating a portion of their investment assets to private investment funds. If the client
determines to invest in a private investment fund recommended by Wealthspire; we generally will be
compensated based upon the value of the assets placed in private investment funds in accordance
with the Program fee schedule or other managed account agreement. The Program Fee or other
advisory fees paid to Wealthspire are in addition to the fees paid to the private investment fund
sponsors and managers, as described in the offering documents of any of those private investment
funds. The decision whether to invest in a fund rests with each client after that client has received and
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reviewed the fund's offering documents (including, among others, a confidential private placement
memorandum that details, among other items, the terms, risks and conflicts of interest pertaining to
an investment in that fund).
The firm has previously recommended that certain of its advisory clients invest in one or more Funds
(“Funds”) managed or sponsored by GMAG Management, an investment adviser previously under
common control with our predecessor, GM Advisory Group, Inc. In addition, certain affiliates of the
firm’s sponsor and serve as general partner or managing member of such Funds (“Sponsors”) and, as
a result, receive compensation, depending on the Fund. Frank Marzano, a Managing Director of
Wealthspire, has a controlling ownership interest in GMAG Management and its affiliates that serve
as general partner of the Funds. A conflict of interest exists as Frank Marzano has a financial incentive
to recommend an investment in a Fund where GMAG Management or its affiliates can earn
compensation. Nonetheless, an investment in a Fund is only recommended to clients with
consideration of numerous factors in mind, including but not limited to, the client’s investment
objective and financial circumstances.
The Funds shall continue to be operated separate and independent of Wealthspire and its parent
organizations. The Funds will not be offered to Wealthspire clients. Clients may continue to own one
or more of the Funds, but neither the purchase of a new Fund or additional investment in a currently
owned Fund will be permitted. Wealthspire does not, and shall not, monitor or supervise any of the
Funds, nor will it supervise Mr. Marzano relative to his role with the Funds. Wealthspire does not, and
shall not, receive compensation from any of the Funds.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
From time to time, Wealthspire provides certain financial planning and consulting services to its
clients on non- investment related matters. Although Wealthspire generally considers these services
incidental to the services it provides under its managed account services, including the Program,
Wealthspire may determine to provide these services on a fixed fee basis, separate and apart from its
managed account services including the Program. In that event, Wealthspire will describe these
services and fees in a separate financial planning agreement or limited consulting agreement
between Wealthspire and the applicable client. These services cover financial planning for a variety of
client needs, including but not limited to, cash flow planning, business planning, risk management,
retirement and wealth preservation planning, tax planning and analysis, charitable giving, and bill pay.
Fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of the client. The agreements
will also include a description of the fees to be charged and when they are to be paid. If Wealthspire
agrees to provide these services, Wealthspire's obligations are expressly limited to the planning and
consulting services specifically requested by the client.
We may recommend the services of other professionals, nonetheless, clients are under no obligation
to engage the professionals we recommend. Wealthspire does not guarantee the services of any
recommended professional, and we are not liable for any action, omission, recommendation, decision,
or loss as a result of a Client’s use of one of these recommended professionals.
Customized Services
Wealthspire provides customized advisory services to its managed account clients based upon each
client’s unique needs, objectives, and concerns. We review client investment goals and financial
circumstances with clients. Following such review, we develop an investment strategy and
investment guidelines for each client. Each client has the opportunity to place reasonable written
restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. Unless a client has advised
Wealthspire in writing to the contrary, Wealthspire is not subject to restrictions on the discretionary
management of a particular client’s managed account assets.
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Wrap Fee Programs
As described herein, we offer our managed account clients the option to participate in our Program.
The services offered under, and the corresponding terms and conditions pertaining to, the Program
are discussed in the firm’s Wrap Fee Program Brochure, a copy of which is presented to all prospective
Program participants.
Under the Wrap Fee Program, the firm offers participants discretionary and non-discretionary
investment management services for a single specified annual fee, inclusive of execution, custody,
performance reporting, and our investment management fees.
The firm receives a portion of the Program fee for its services. Execution, reporting, and custodial
services for the Program are generally provided by a Pershing Advisor Solutions, LLC (“Pershing”),
Fidelity Investments (“Fidelity”) and/or Schwab Advisor Services, a division of Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc. (“Schwab”).
Additionally, Program accounts are generally maintained at Pershing, Fidelity and/or Schwab. Prior to
engaging Wealthspire to provide investment management services under the Program, each client
will be required to enter into an Investment Management Agreement with Wealthspire setting forth
the terms and conditions under which we manage each such client’s assets, and a separate
custodial/clearing agreement with the Program broker-dealer and custodian. The firm has a potential
disincentive to trade securities as a result of the transaction/execution costs that it is required to pay
its broker-dealer and custodian for securities transactions. When beneficial to the client, as
determined by Wealthspire in its sole discretion, individual equity and fixed income transactions may
be effected through broker-dealers with whom Wealthspire has entered into arrangements for prime
brokerage clearing services.
Participation in the Program may cost more or less than purchasing such services separately.
Depending upon the wrap fee charged by the firm, the amount of portfolio activity in a client’s
account, and the value of custodial and other services provided with respect to such client’s account,
the wrap fee charged to such client may or may not exceed the aggregate cost of the services
provided to such client if such services were provided separately or if we were to negotiate transaction
fees and seek best price and execution of transactions for such client’s account. In addition, the fees
charged by the firm for participation in the Program may be higher or lower than those charged by
other sponsors of comparable wrap fee programs. There is no substantive difference between how we
manage wrap fee accounts and how we manage other accounts.
Client Assets We Manage
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, the Firm managed approximately $2,695,166,374 in discretionary and
$987,665,149 in non- discretionary assets totaling $3,682,831,523 in assets under management.
Assets Under Advisement
As of December 31, 2024, the Firm pursuant to its financial planning and consulting services which
cover financial planning for a variety of client needs, including but not limited to, cash flow planning,
business planning, risk management, retirement and wealth preservation planning, tax planning and
analysis, charitable giving, and bill pay advised through the activities of planning and consulting
$5,386,781,146 in assets under advisement.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Investment Management Services
Advisory fees are set forth in the relevant client agreements. As described above in Item 4, We
primarily provide discretionary investment management services to our managed account clients on
a wrap fee basis. Clients in the Program pay a single specified annual fee, inclusive of execution,
custody, performance reporting, and our investment management fees. Wealthspire also offers
clients participation in a non- discretionary wrap fee program. Wealthspire also offers to its clients
nondiscretionary investment advisory services, on a non-wrap fee basis as well as financial planning
and consulting services on a stand- alone basis. Fees for such services are primarily offered on a flat
fee basis. To the extent offered, the Advisors flat fee will be based upon various factors.
The firm charges an annual “wrap-fee” for participation in the Program. The wrap-fee generally will be
charged as a percentage of assets under management, as follows:
Assets Under
Management
Initial $500,000
Next $500,000
Next $1,000,000
Next $2,000,000
Next $4,000,000
All Additional
Annual %
Fee
2.00%
1.75%
1.25%
1.00%
0.75%
0.50%
Fee Differentials
In certain circumstances, Wealthspire, in its sole discretion, charges its clients a different wrap-fee
(higher or lower) or flat fee based upon certain criteria (i.e., complexity of the engagement, anticipated
future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed,
related accounts, account composition, negotiations with client, etc.). Certain Program clients are
subject to a different fee schedule that was previously established.
Fee Payment
Clients will be charged in advance, at the beginning of each calendar quarter, based upon the value
(market value or fair market value in the absence of market value, plus any credit balance or minus
any debit balance), of the client's account at the end of the previous quarter. Fees are prorated for
accounts opened during the quarter. An additional fee for the current quarter will be assessed if assets
are deposited after the beginning of the quarter. This fee is also prorated based on the number of
calendar days remaining in the quarter during which the service will be in effect. No portion of the fee
will be credited to the client for the current calendar quarter should any withdrawals from the portfolio
occur in the same calendar quarter.
Termination of Advisory Relationship
A client agreement may be canceled at any time, by either party, for any reason upon receipt of prior
written notice. Upon termination of any account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly
refunded, and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
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Mutual Fund Fees and Exchange Traded Fees and Expenses
If a client invests in mutual funds or ETFs, they generally will be charged fees and expenses by such
funds that are separate and distinct from the Program fee or other Wealthspire advisory fees, as
specified in the pertinent Investment Management Agreement. These fees will generally include a
management fee, other fund expenses, and a possible distribution fee. Wealthspire selects mutual
funds and ETFs with varying fee structures. Pershing, Schwab and/or Fidelity may elect to offer no-
transaction-fee mutual funds or ETFs a, as such certain fees associated with the mutual funds or ETFs
selected from the no- transaction fee offerings are waived. However, Wealthspire selects mutual funds
and ETFs that have transaction fees, and that do not have transaction fees. Our investment team
selects mutual funds and ETFs based upon investment need and selection criteria, which includes
various quantitative factors, such as performance, internal expense ratio, exposure, and market
outlook.
Clients are not restricted from investing in mutual funds or ETFs directly, without the services of
Wealthspire, however in that event clients will not receive the services provided by Wealthspire, which
are designed, among other things, to assist the client in determining which mutual funds or ETFs are
most appropriate to each client’s financial condition and objectives. Clients should compare the fees
charged by the funds (available in each fund’s prospectus) and the fees charged by Wealthspire to
fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client.
Miscellaneous Fees
The Program fee does not include transaction costs and other fees charged by broker-dealers other
than Pershing, Fidelity, and Schwab. The Program Fee also does not include certain transaction costs
and other fees charged by Pershing, Fidelity, Schwab, and third-party managers including, but not
limited to, mark-ups and mark- downs on fixed-income transactions. Such fees and expenses are in
addition to the Program’s wrap-fee. Clients who do not participate in the Program will be subject to
costs and expenses charged by broker- dealers and custodians which include, but are not limited to,
brokerage commissions, mark-ups and mark-downs on fixed-income transactions, other transaction
costs, transfer taxes, odd lot differentials, exchange fees, interest charges, American Depository
Receipt agency processing fees, and any charges, taxes or other fees mandated by any federal, state
or other applicable law or otherwise agreed to with regard to client accounts.
Purchasing Services Separately
Execution, reporting, and custodial services for the Program are generally provided by Pershing,
Fidelity, and Schwab. Additionally, Program accounts are generally maintained at Pershing, Fidelity,
and Schwab. Prior to engaging Wealthspire to provide investment management services under the
Program, each client will be required to enter into an Investment Management Agreement with
Wealthspire setting forth the terms and conditions under which Wealthspire manages each such
client’s assets, and a separate custodial/clearing agreement with the Program broker-dealer and
custodian. Wealthspire has a potential disincentive to trade securities as a result of the
transaction/execution costs that it is required to pay its broker- dealer and custodian for securities
transactions. When beneficial to the client, as determined by Wealthspire in its sole discretion,
individual equity and fixed income transactions may be affected through broker-dealers with whom
Wealthspire has entered into arrangements for prime brokerage clearing services.
Financial Planning, Consulting, and Similar Fees
From time to time, Wealthspire provides certain financial planning and consulting services to its
clients on non- investment related matters. Although Wealthspire generally considers these services
incidental to the services it provides under its managed account services, including the Program,
Wealthspire may determine to provide these services on a fixed fee basis, separate and apart from its
managed account services including the Program. In that event, Wealthspire will describe these
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services and fees in a separate financial planning agreement or limited consulting agreement
between Wealthspire and the applicable client. These services cover financial planning for a variety of
client needs, including but not limited to, cash flow planning, business planning, risk management,
retirement and wealth preservation planning, tax planning and analysis, charitable giving, and bill pay.
Fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of the client. The agreements
will also include a description of the fees to be charged and when they are to be paid. If Wealthspire
agrees to provide these services, Wealthspire's obligations are expressly limited to the planning and
consulting services specifically requested by the client.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Wealthspire does not receive performance-based compensation for advisory services rendered to its
clients. Frank Marzano, a Managing Director of Wealthspire, receives performance-based
compensation for Funds recommended to such clients that are managed by GMAG Management or
one of its affiliates. A conflict of interest exists as Frank Marzano has an incentive to recommend one
or more of the Funds to our clients.
Wealthspire has adopted policies and procedures intended to address conflicts of interest relating to
the allocation of investment opportunities among clients. Wealthspire reviews investment decisions
to ensure that all clients with substantially similar investment objectives are treated fairly and
equitably over time. We will offer clients the right to participate in all investment opportunities that
we determine are appropriate for the client in view of their investment objectives, relative amounts of
capital available for new investments, their investment profile, and portfolio composition. In
accordance with our allocation procedures, we will endeavor to treat each of our clients in a fair and
equitable manner.
in
its sole discretion to allocate certain
For example, Wealthspire determines
investment
opportunities to one or more managed accounts and not to all managed accounts. Wealthspire also
pursues and executes trades in the same or different securities for one or more managed accounts at
different times.
Those trades may cause two different performance results among the various managed account
clients. Wealthspire may purchase securities for one or more clients at the same time as Wealthspire
sells securities for other clients of Wealthspire at the same time as Wealthspire purchases those
securities for other clients of Wealthspire.
Wealthspire will attempt to service the individual needs of each of its clients. Conflicts of interest
between a particular client, and other clients could exist.
Item 7: Types of Clients
Our clients are individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and
business entities.
Wealthspire does not maintain any minimum portfolio size or minimum fee for maintaining an
advisory relationship with the firm.
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis & Investment Strategy
With respect to managed account clients, Wealthspire utilizes a variety of different sources of financial
information in connection with its analysis of securities. Those sources include financial publications,
inspections of corporate activities, research materials and reports, corporate rating services, annual
reports, prospectuses, SEC filings, and company press releases. Research services are received in
various forms, including, without limitation, written reports and information obtained via electronic
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sources including the internet. Employees of Wealthspire also attend industry conferences.
Wealthspire will review each person or firm that manages a mutual or exchange traded fund, privately
placed pooled investment vehicle, or other investment strategy for which an investment is being
considered. We will use one or more of the following methods of due diligence: meetings/ongoing
conference calls with such persons and his or her staff; verification of references; background reviews
with respect to regulatory matters, education, and professional history; reviews of audited financial
statements; and verification of performance claims.
Investment Strategies Managed Account Clients
The primary investment strategy we use for client accounts is strategic asset allocation. Asset
allocation is the process for determining a long-term asset allocation that is appropriate for an
investor, as well as considering how each asset class will fare in the intermediate-term in relation to
its long-term expectations. This determination is made by first defining which asset classes exist and
how to categorize the world of investments. Asset classes must be unique, and investable for
consideration. We believe there are a number of asset classes from which suitable selections can be
made for clients. It is also important to classify these asset classes more broadly into groups that
investors can understand. Asset classes generally serve one of three purposes: Growth, Preservation,
or Inflation Protection. By using broad categories that establish a clear goal and objective, we believe
investors can better determine their proper allocation, and therefore have portfolios that better fit
their risk profile.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon their investment objective and financial
circumstances stated by the client during consultations. The client may change these objectives at
any time. In performing our services, we are not required to verify any information received from the
client or from the client's other professionals and are expressly authorized to rely on information from
the client. Moreover, each client is advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify
Wealthspire if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the
purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising Wealthspire's previous recommendations and/or services.
Material Risks of Strategies and Securities
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that clients and investors should be prepared to bear.
Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. There can be no assurance that the investment
objective of our clients and investors will be achieved and that clients and investors will not incur
losses.
Subject to the Advisers Act and the terms of the applicable investment management agreement or
similar agreement, Wealthspire shall have no liability for any losses in a client’s account. The price of
any security can decline for a variety of reasons outside of Wealthspire’s control, including, but not
limited to, changes in the macroeconomic environment, unpredictable market sentiment, forecasted
or unforeseen economic developments, interest rates, regulatory changes, and domestic or foreign
political, demographic, or social events. There is no guarantee that Wealthspire’s judgment or
investment decisions about particular securities will necessarily produce the intended results.
Wealthspire’s judgment may prove to be incorrect, and a client might not achieve his or her
investment objectives.
High volatility and/or the lack of deep and active liquid markets for a security may prevent Wealthspire
from selling a client’s securities at all, or at an advantageous time or price because Wealthspire and
the client’s broker may have difficulty finding a buyer and may be forced to sell at a significant
discount to market value. Finally, performance-based fees can increase the risk of excessive trading
in client accounts. Wealthspire cannot guarantee any level of performance or that any client will avoid
a loss of account assets. Any investment in securities involves the possibility of financial loss that
clients should be prepared to bear.
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When evaluating risk, financial loss may be viewed differently by each client and may depend on many
different risk items, each of which may affect the probability of adverse consequences and the
magnitude of any potential losses. The following risks may not be all-inclusive but should be
considered carefully by a prospective client before entering the Program, or engaging Wealthspire for
investment management services. These risks should be considered as possibilities, with additional
regard to their actual probability of occurring and the effect on a client if there is, in fact, an
occurrence.
In addition to the risks listed below, clients should review the respective offering or similar documents
of each mutual fund, ETF and other security or instrument in its portfolio or recommended for
purchase by us, for a detailed description of risk factors associated with a particular investment or
portfolio. We encourage all of our clients to meet with us on regular basis to review the assets in the
account and the specific risk parameters for the account.
Managed Account Risks
Capital values fluctuate, especially so over shorter periods of time. The possibility of capital loss does
exist. However, historical data suggests that the risk of principal loss can be minimized if a long-term
investment mix, chosen in accordance with your risk tolerances and objectives, is maintained over the
long-term. It is uncertain as to when profits, if any, will be realized. Losses on unsuccessful investments
may be realized before gains are realized on successful investments. Clients may not get a return of
capital or realize any gains on their investments. If they do, those returns, or gains may not occur for
a substantial period of time after investing with us.
Wealthspire may utilize a range of different investment strategies depending upon the investment
objectives of the client. The associated risks will vary depending upon which investment products and
strategies are employed. Risks associated with Wealthspire investment strategies as applicable,
include, but are not limited to the following:
Although we generally limit our investments for clients to listed securities, mutual funds and ETFs, we
are not required to diversify our strategies. We may invest in a limited number of strategies or with a
limited number of mutual funds and ETFs. In addition, funds that we recommend may invest in
underlying funds in the same or similar securities, further limiting the diversification of managed
accounts.
We may invest in strategies or markets that underperform as compared to other strategies or
securities markets generally. This strategy may cause client accounts to underperform as compared
to other investment vehicles that invest in different asset classes. Different types of securities (for
example, large-, mid- and small- capitalization stocks or growth or value stocks) tend to go through
cycles of performing better—or worse— than the securities markets generally.
Stocks of mid-cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large-cap companies because
mid-cap companies tend to be more susceptible to adverse business or economic events than larger,
more established companies. During a period when large- and mid-cap U.S. stocks fall behind other
types of investments, bonds, or small-cap stocks, for instance, the performance of investment
strategies focused on large- and/or mid-cap stocks will lag the performance of these other
investments. Historically, small-cap and international stocks have been riskier than large- and mid-
cap U.S. stocks. During a period when small-cap and/or international stocks fall behind other types of
investments, U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks, for instance, the performance of investment strategies
focused on small-cap or international stocks may lag the performance of these other investments. In
the past, these periods have lasted in excess of several years.
We may utilize such investment techniques as leverage, margin transactions, short sales, option
transactions, and forward and futures contracts. These practices can, in certain circumstances,
maximize the adverse impact to client accounts. We cannot guarantee or represent that our
investment strategy will be successful, and investment results may vary substantially over time.
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Changes in interest rates will affect the value of fixed income investments. In general, as interest rates
rise, bond prices fall, and conversely, as interest rates fall, bond prices rise. Interest rate risk is generally
greater for high yield securities; however, higher-rated fixed income securities are also subject to this
risk. Increased interest rate risk is also a factor when investing in fixed income securities paying no
current interest (such as zero-coupon securities and principal-only securities), interest-only securities
and fixed income securities paying non-cash interest in the form of other securities.
The trading prices of equity securities fluctuate in response to a variety of factors. These factors include
events impacting a single issuer, as well as political, market and economic developments that affect
specific market segments and the stock market as a whole. The value of client accounts, like stock
prices generally, will fluctuate within a wide range in response to these factors. As a result, client
accounts could lose value over short or even long periods.
Mutual fund and/or ETF performance may not exactly match the performance of the index or market
benchmark that the mutual fund and/or ETF is designed to track because 1) the mutual fund and/or
ETF will incur expenses and transaction costs not incurred by any applicable index or market
benchmark; 2) certain securities comprising the index or market benchmark tracked by the mutual
fund and/or ETF may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable; and 3) supply and demand in the
market for either the mutual fund and/or ETF and/or for the securities held by the mutual fund and/or
ETF may cause the mutual fund and/or ETF shares to trade at a premium or discount to the actual net
asset value of the securities owned by the mutual fund and/or ETF.
Clients should be aware that to the extent Wealthspire invests in mutual fund and/or ETF securities,
they will pay two levels of compensation - fees charged by Wealthspire plus any management fees
charged by the issuer of the mutual fund and/or ETF. This scenario may cause a higher cost (and
potentially lower investment returns) than if a client purchased the mutual fund and/or ETF directly.
Mutual funds and ETFs typically include embedded expenses that may reduce the fund’s net asset
value, and therefore directly affect the fund’s performance and indirectly affect a client’s portfolio
performance or an index benchmark comparison. Expenses of the fund may include investment
adviser management fees, custodian fees, brokerage commissions, and legal and accounting fees.
Mutual fund and/or ETF expenses change from time to time at the sole discretion of the mutual fund
and/or ETF issuer. Mutual fund and/or ETF tracking error and expenses vary.
ETF investments rely on third-party management and advisers; Wealthspire is not expected to have
an active role in the day-to-day management of fund investments. Carried interest and other incentive
distributions to fund management may create an incentive towards more speculative investments
than would otherwise have been made.
The value of assets or income from investments may be less in the future as inflation decreases the
value of money. As inflation increases, the value of fixed assets can decline. This risk is greater for fixed
income securities with longer maturities.
The issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security may be unable or unwilling to make timely
payments of interest or principal. This risk is magnified for lower-rated debt securities, such as high
yield securities. High yield securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the
ability of the issuer to make timely payments of interest or principal. In addition, funds that invest in
fixed income securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings by highly leveraged issuers
or in fixed income securities that are in default may be subject to greater credit risk because of those
investments.
Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or
political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic
or political conditions can affect a security's or instrument's value. The value of securities or
instruments of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. Issuer-
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specific events can have a negative impact on the value of client accounts.
Wealthspire cannot control and clients are exposed to the risk that financial intermediaries or security
issuers experience adverse economic consequences that may include impaired credit ratings, default,
bankruptcy or insolvency, any of which may affect portfolio values or management. This risk applies
to assets on deposit with any broker utilized by a client, notwithstanding asset segregation and
insurance requirements that are beneficial to clients generally. In addition, exchange trading venues
or trade settlement and clearing intermediaries could experience adverse events that may
temporarily or permanently limit trading or adversely affect the value of securities held by clients.
Finally, any issuer of securities may experience a credit event that could impair or erase the value of
the issuer’s securities held by a client.
Private investment funds are speculative, not suitable for all investors, and intended for experienced
and sophisticated investors who are willing to bear the high economic risks of the investment, which
can include: loss of all or a substantial portion of the investment due to leveraging, short-selling, or
other speculative practices, lack of liquidity in that there may be no secondary market for the
investment and none is expected to develop, volatility of returns, restrictions on transferring interests
in the investment, potential lack of diversification and resulting higher risk due to concentration of
trading authority depending on the numbers of advisor(s) utilized, absence of information regarding
valuations and pricing, complex tax structures and delays in tax reporting, less regulation and higher
fees than mutual funds, and risks associated with operations, personnel, and processes of the
manager. Private investment funds may invest in a limited number of strategies, a limited number of
direct investments, and with a limited number of portfolio managers.
Clients must promptly apprise us of any material changes in their financial condition, or of any other
change having a material effect on their investment objectives or goals. If they fail to inform us of any
change and we do not modify our strategy to account for these changes, their accounts could suffer,
adverse consequences.
Managed Account Liquidity Risks
We may invest our clients' assets in a blend of liquid, publicly traded mutual funds and ETFs, which
may, in turn, invest in or be comprised of a variety of securities and other instruments. Certain types
of securities, such as non-investment grade debt securities, small capitalization stocks, securities
issued by real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and emerging market securities are subject to the
risk that the securities may not be sold at the quoted market price within a reasonable period of time.
A managed account holding these securities may experience substantial losses if required to liquidate
these holdings.
The mutual funds and ETFs in which we may invest our clients' assets may, in turn, invest in non-
U.S. securities and other financial instruments denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Investments in
securities of non-U.S. issuers and securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies pose currency
exchange risks to the extent they are not hedged. In addition, foreign securities regulators may
exercise less regulatory supervision than those in the United States, and foreign governments may
afford less legal protection to the pooled investment vehicles as investors than that of the U.S.
government.
We may invest our clients' assets in emerging or developing markets. Investments in emerging or
developing markets involve exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and
mature, and to political systems, which have less stability than those of more developed countries.
Investments in securities in developing market countries are also generally more volatile and less
liquid than investments in securities in markets of developed countries. Emerging market securities
may be subject to currency transfer restrictions and may experience delays and disruptions in
securities settlement procedures. Certain emerging markets are closed in whole or part to the direct
purchase of equity securities by foreigners. In addition, funds that invest in foreign securities or
securities denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by changes in currency
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exchange rates, exchange control regulations, foreign country indebtedness and indigenous
economic and political developments. In addition, foreign investing may involve less publicly available
information. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by factors not present in the U.S., such
as restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country, foreign tax laws or tax
withholding requirements, unique trade clearance or settlement procedures, and potential difficulties
in enforcing contractual obligations or other legal rules that jeopardize shareholder protection.
Foreign accounting may be less transparent than U.S. accounting practices and foreign regulation
may be inadequate or irregular.
We may invest our clients' assets in high yield securities. High yield securities, also known as "junk
bonds," are below investment grade quality and may be considered speculative with respect to the
issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. These types of securities are more
susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than
investment grade securities. Yields on high yield securities will fluctuate. The secondary markets in
which lower-rated securities are traded may be less liquid than the markets for higher-rated securities.
A lack of liquidity in the secondary trading markets could adversely affect the price at which clients or
the funds they own could sell a particular high yield security when necessary to meet liquidity needs
or in response to a specific economic event, such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the
issuer, and could adversely affect and cause fluctuations in the value of client accounts. Adverse
publicity and investor perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities
generally.
We may invest our clients' assets in REITs, which are subject to certain risks associated with the direct
ownership of real property, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and
local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and
operating expenses and variations in rental income. REITs may also be subject to the risk of
fluctuations in income from underlying real estate assets, poor performance by the REITs’ managers,
prepayments and defaults by borrowers, adverse changes in tax laws, and, for U.S. REITs, their failure
to qualify for the special tax treatment granted to REITs.
We recommend private investment funds to our clients, some of which lack liquidity, in that there
may be no secondary market for the investment and none is expected to develop.
Third Party Manager Risks
We may engage the services of third-party investment managers to manage a portion of a client’s
assets. These third-party managers charge their own fees, which are in addition to the fees charged
by Wealthspire. Multiple fees charged on the same investments results in layering of fees, which will
reduce the rate of return that the investor will derive from the underlying investment.
Fund Risks
We advise clients on investments in private investment funds, some of which are in limited
partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, or other entities.
Private investment funds, generally involve various risk factors and liquidity constraints, a complete
discussion of which is set forth in the private investment fund offering documents. Each prospective
client will be required to complete a subscription agreement to establish qualification for investing in
private investment funds and also to acknowledge understanding and acceptance of the merits and
risks of the investment.
The performance of a private investment fund will be dependent in part upon the integrity, skill, and
judgment of its portfolio managers.
We conduct the amount and depth of due diligence that we believe is adequate to recommend the
appropriate portfolio managers with which to invest. However, due diligence is not a guarantee and
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may not reveal problems associated with a particular portfolio manager or an investment. We rely
upon representations made by private fund managers, accountants, attorneys, prime brokers, and
other investment professionals. If any representation is misleading, incomplete, or false, it may result
in the selection of portfolio managers that might otherwise have been eliminated from consideration
had complete and accurate information been made available.
The separate management fee payable to Wealthspire based upon the value of the assets placed in
private investment funds in accordance with the Program fee schedule or other managed account
fee schedule will result in a layering of fees, which will reduce the rate of return that the investor will
derive from the underlying investments.
Funds may invest in certain types of securities, such as non-investment grade debt securities, small
capitalization stocks, securities issued by REITs, and emerging market securities, which are subject to
the risk that the securities may not be sold at the quoted market price within a reasonable period of
time. A pooled investment vehicle holding these securities may experience substantial losses if it is
required to liquidate them.
A portfolio manager of a private investment fund may have an inability to exit underlying funds
because of, among other things, poor performance by those underlying funds, regulatory actions or
complaints against those underlying funds, or volatility in the markets in which those funds invest.
Underlying funds in which a portfolio manager invests have the right to defer or suspend withdrawals
in the event those situations arise, or that a suspension is otherwise considered to be in the best
interest of those underlying funds. The organizational documents of the underlying funds may impose
additional limitations on withdrawal.
Other Risks of Loss Market Risk
The price of any security or the value of an entire asset class can decline for a variety of reasons outside
of Wealthspire’s control, including, but not limited to, changes in the macroeconomic environment,
unpredictable market sentiment, forecasted or unforeseen economic developments, interest rates,
regulatory changes, and domestic or foreign political, demographic, or social events. If a client has a
high allocation in a particular asset class it may negatively affect overall performance to the extent
that the asset class underperforms relative to other market assets. Conversely, a low allocation to a
particular asset class that outperforms other asset classes in a particular period will cause that client
account to underperform relative to the overall market.
Large Investment Risks
Clients may collectively account for a large portion of the assets in certain investments. A decision by
many investors to buy or sell some or all of a particular investment where clients hold a significant
portion of that investment may negatively impact the value of that the investment.
Cryptocurrency Risk
Purchasing cryptocurrencies comes with a number of risks, including volatile market price swings or
flash crashes, market manipulation, and cybersecurity risks. In addition, cryptocurrency markets and
exchanges are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in equity,
option, futures, or foreign exchange investing. There is no assurance that a person who accepts a
cryptocurrency as payment today will continue to do so in the future.
Investors should conduct extensive research into the legitimacy of each individual cryptocurrency,
including its platform, before investing. The features, functions, characteristics, operation, use and
other properties of the specific cryptocurrency may be complex, technical, or difficult to understand
or evaluate. The cryptocurrency may be vulnerable to attacks on the security, integrity or operation,
including attacks using computing power sufficient to overwhelm the normal operation of the
cryptocurrency’s blockchain or other underlying technology. Some cryptocurrency transactions will
be deemed to be made when recorded on a public ledger, which is not necessarily the date or time
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that a transaction may have been initiated.
Any individual cryptocurrency may change or otherwise cease to operate as expected due to changes
made to its underlying technology, changes made using its underlying technology, or changes
resulting from an attack. These changes may include, without limitation, a "fork," a "rollback," an
"airdrop," or a "bootstrap." Such changes may dilute the value of an existing cryptocurrency position
and/or distribute the value of an existing cryptocurrency position to another cryptocurrency. Any
cryptocurrency may be cancelled, lost or double spent, or otherwise lose all or most of their value, due
to forks, rollbacks, attacks, or failures to operate as intended. The nature of cryptocurrency means that
any technological difficulties by digital trading platforms may prevent the access of your
cryptocurrency. Any insurance or surety bonds maintained by digital trading platforms for the benefit
of its customers may not be sufficient to cover all losses incurred by customers.
Cryptocurrency trading can be extremely risky. Cryptocurrency trading may not generally be
appropriate, particularly with funds drawn from retirement savings, student loans, mortgages,
emergency funds, or funds set aside for other purposes. Cryptocurrency trading can lead to large and
immediate financial losses. The volatility and unpredictability of the price of cryptocurrency relative to
fiat currency may result in significant loss over a short period of time. Transactions in cryptocurrency
may be irreversible, and, accordingly, losses due to fraudulent or accidental transactions may not be
recoverable. The nature of cryptocurrency may lead to an increased risk of fraud or cyber attack.
Under certain market conditions, it may be difficult or impossible to liquidate a position quickly at a
reasonable price. This can occur, for example, when the market for a particular cryptocurrency
suddenly drops, or if trading is halted due to recent news events, unusual trading activity, or changes
in the underlying cryptocurrency system.
The greater the volatility of a particular cryptocurrency, the greater the likelihood that problems may
be encountered in executing a transaction. In addition to normal market risks, you may experience
losses due to one or more of the following: system failures, hardware failures, software failures,
network connectivity disruptions, and data corruption.
Investments in cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also involve significant risks, including
high volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and cybersecurity threats. While cryptocurrency ETFs provide
indirect exposure to digital assets, they remain subject to the price fluctuations of the underlying
cryptocurrencies, which can be extreme. Additionally, regulatory developments may impact the
availability and operation of cryptocurrency ETFs, potentially affecting their liquidity and valuation.
Other risks include tracking errors, custodial risks, and the potential for increased fees compared to
traditional ETFs. Investors should carefully consider these risks and their risk tolerance before
investing in cryptocurrency ETFs.
Digital Asset Risk
Investments in Digital Assets are subject to many specialized risks and considerations, including risks
relating to (i) technology, (ii) security, (iii) regulation, (iv) user/market acceptance, (v) volatility and
(vi) timing. Digital Assets and their networks may not experience material technological development.
There can be no assurance that all material vulnerabilities in the technology associated with a
particular Digital Asset and its associated networks will be identified, and exposure to such
vulnerabilities may result in direct or indirect losses due to security incidents, network or smart
contract failure, or losses of market confidence in the applicable Digital Asset or network. Trading
Platforms continue to be especially susceptible to service interruptions or permanent cessation of
operations due to many reasons,
including fraud, technical glitches, hackers, malware or
governmental regulation or other intervention. In particular, a breach of the security procedures used
by third-party custodians, Trading Platforms or over-the-counter (“OTC”) counterparties, if any, could
result in an uninsured loss of the entirety of the investment in a Digital Asset. Any failure of
technologies associated with Digital Assets or their networks could have a material adverse effect on
the investment.
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Digital Assets are not legal tender in the United States, and federal, state or foreign
governments may restrict the use and exchange of Digital Assets at any time. While Digital
Assets generally are not currently regulated as a currency, security, commodity interest or
similar asset/instrument in the United States, they have attracted the attention of U.S.
regulatory agencies, the SEC has taken the position that some Digital Assets are securities.
Furthermore, Digital Assets may be structured in a way that creates an intentional or
unintentional security or commodity interest. Future regulatory clarity that imposes greater
regulatory burdens on some participants in the crypto ecosystem is likely. To the extent that
new regulations are imposed, or regulatory authorities apply existing regulations to Digital
Assets investments may be materially adversely affected. Further, the taxation of Digital Assets
is uncertain in many jurisdictions, and those jurisdictions that have formulated a position have
reached varying (and continuously evolving) conclusions. Digital Asset values have
experienced extreme price volatility that may continue in the future. The value of Digital Assets
also will be affected by the worldwide acceptance or rejection of Digital Assets and Digital
Asset network technology. In particular, problems with the supply of a Digital Asset, security
flaws (or perceived security flaws) with the applicable network or smart contracts deployed
thereon, difficulties with converting a Digital Asset to fiat currencies or other Digital Asset and
concerns that Digital Assets may disproportionately facilitate criminal activities or consume
excessive amounts of electricity may negatively affect the acceptance, growth and
development of Digital Assets. The value of Digital Assets may be volatile and subject to
impairment, and such investments may lose their entire value.
Legislative and Tax Risk
Performance may directly or indirectly be affected by government legislation or regulation,
which may include, but is not limited to: changes in investment adviser or securities trading
regulation; change in the U.S. government’s guarantee of ultimate payment of principal and
interest on certain government securities and changes in the tax code that could affect
interest income, income characterization, and/or tax reporting obligations.
Projections
Wealthspire may rely upon projections, forecasts or estimates developed by a company in
which a fund is invested concerning the company’s future performance and cash flow.
Projections, forecasts, and estimates are forward-looking statements and are based upon
certain assumptions.
Actual events are difficult to predict and beyond Wealthspire’s control. Actual events may
differ from those assumed. Some important factors which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in any forward-looking statements include changes in interest rates; loan
pricing; leverage levels; loan structures; credit agreement terms; prepayment rates; timing of
acquiring additional assets for a client; exchange rates or default or recovery rates or timing;
mismatches between the timing of accrual and receipt of proceeds from a fund’s assets;
domestic and foreign business, market, financial or legal conditions; differences in the actual
allocation of a fund’s investments among asset groups from that described herein; the degree
to which a fund’s investments are hedged and the effectiveness of such hedges, among others.
There can be no assurance that certain of a fund’s estimated returns or projections can be
realized or that actual returns or results will not be materially lower than those estimated
therein.
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Certain Operational Risks Cybersecurity Risk
The information and technology systems of Wealthspire and of key service providers to
Wealthspire and its clients may be vulnerable to potential damage or interruption from
computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by
unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors by their respective professionals,
power outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and
earthquakes. Although Wealthspire has implemented various measures designed to manage
risks relating to these types of events, if these systems are compromised, become inoperable
for extended periods of time or cease to function properly, it may be necessary for Wealthspire
to make a significant investment to fix or replace them and to seek to remedy the effect of
these issues. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could
cause significant interruptions in the operations of Wealthspire or its client accounts and result
in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality, or privacy of sensitive data, including
personal information.
Business and Regulatory Risks of Private Investment Funds
Legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur that may adversely affect clients. The regulatory
environment for private investment funds and their investment advisers is evolving, and
changes in the regulation of private investment funds or their investment advisers may
adversely affect the value of investments held by a client and the ability of a client to obtain
the leverage it might otherwise obtain or to pursue its trading strategies. In addition, the
securities and futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin
requirements. The SEC, other regulators and self-regulatory organizations and exchanges are
authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies. The regulation
of derivatives transactions and funds that engage in such transactions is an evolving area of
law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. In addition, regulators
are increasingly considering the role of non- bank lenders. There is no guarantee that laws and
regulations applicable to non-bank lenders will not change in a manner that adversely affects
a client, including the ability of a client to originate loans or otherwise restrict a client’s
activities in this regard, or otherwise restrict or materially increase the cost of business of
pursuing all potential investment strategies and options.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Neither we nor any of our management personnel are subject to or have in the past been
subject to any criminal or civil action in any domestic or foreign court, and neither we nor any
of our management personnel have been subject to any administrative proceedings before
the SEC or any other state, federal or foreign financial regulatory authority.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Frank Marzano’s Ownership of a Related Adviser
As explained in more detail in Item 4 above, Frank Marzano, a Managing Director of
Wealthspire, directly or indirectly owns a majority interest in GMAG Management and various
of its affiliates, which sponsor and manage the Funds. A conflict of interest exists as Frank
Marzano has a financial incentive to recommend an investment in a Fund where he can earn
compensation. Nonetheless, an investment in a Fund is only recommended to clients with
consideration of numerous factors in mind, including but not limited to, the client’s investment
objective and financial circumstances.
The Funds shall continue to be operated separate and independent of Wealthspire and
Wealthspire Advisors LLC. The Funds will not be offered to Wealthspire clients. Clients may
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continue to own one or more of the Funds, but neither the purchase of a new Fund or
additional investment in a currently owned Fund will be permitted. Wealthspire does not, and
shall not, monitor or supervise any of the Funds, nor will it supervise Mr. Marzano relative to his
role with the Funds. Wealthspire does not, and shall not, receive compensation from any of the
Funds.
NFP Benefits, Insurance and Wealth Management Service Provider
On November 1, 2023, the firm was acquired by Wealthspire Advisors LLC, a SEC-registered
investment advisor wholly owned by NFP, an Aon company. Following the November 1, 2023
acquisition, the firm became a subsidiary of Wealthspire Advisors LLC. The firm intends to
maintain a separate client brochure until such time as the operations of Wealthspire Advisors
LLC and the firm are sufficiently integrated to merit a combined client brochure.
The Firm is indirectly owned by NFP, a provider of benefits, insurance, and wealth
management services. NFP also owns other registered investment advisers, broker-dealers,
insurance agencies and other product and service providers. We are under no obligation to sell
any products or recommend any services to our clients as a result of NFP’s ownership. The firm
will also occasionally refer clients to insurance agents affiliated with NFP Corp., the firm does
not conduct any business with any other NFP Corp.-affiliated entities (“NFP Affiliates”). Please
Note: A full list of NFP Affiliates is available upon request. The firm’s parent company,
Wealthspire Advisors LLC, has entered into referral agreements with NFP Retirement, Inc.,
Fiducient Advisors LLC, Newport Private Wealth Inc., and Kestra Advisory Services, LLC
(“Kestra”). Certain NFP Affiliate employees offer advisory services through Kestra.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Wealthspire Advisors and its employees may buy and sell the same securities that may be
recommended to clients. If the possibility of a conflict of interest occurs, the client's interest
will prevail. It is the policy of Wealthspire Advisors that priority will always be given to the
client's orders over the orders of an employee.
To avoid any potential conflicts involving personal trades, Wealthspire Advisors has adopted a
Code of Ethics which sets forth the standards of conduct which every officer, partner, Advisor
Representative, and employee of Wealthspire Advisors is expected to follow. Wealthspire
Advisors' fiduciary duty compels all employees to act with the utmost integrity in all dealings,
which is the core principle underlying its Code of Ethics and incorporated Personal Trading
Policy, and represents the expected norm of all dealings with Wealthspire Advisors clients. In
connection with these expectations, Wealthspire Advisors has established principles of
conduct for its employees. These standards are consistent with Wealthspire Advisors' belief
that ethical conduct is premised on the fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty,
and trust.
Wealthspire Advisors maintains an
investment policy relative to personal securities
transactions. This investment policy is part of Wealthspire Advisors’ overall Code of Ethics,
which serves to establish a standard of business conduct for all of Wealthspire Advisors’
personnel that is based upon fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust.
The firm’s policy, in accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
contains written policies reasonably designed to prevent the unlawful use of material non-
public information by Wealthspire Advisors or any of its personnel. For example, the firm’s Code
of Ethics:
Requires certain Wealthspire Advisors’ personnel to report their personal securities
holdings and obtain pre-approval of certain investments
Prohibits the misuse of material non-public information by any person associated with
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Wealthspire Advisors
Prohibits the recommendation, purchase or sale for client accounts any securities in
which Wealthspire Advisors or any of its related persons has a material financial
interest.
A copy of the firm’s Code of Ethics is available upon request.
Generally, Wealthspire Advisors invests client funds in mutual funds and ETFs. ;Assets allocated
to Separate Account Managers are invested by that manager without input from Wealthspire
Advisors as to the specific securities to be purchased or sold. Wealthspire Advisors’ personnel
are permitted to buy or sell securities that are also recommended to clients. Because the firm
does not generally purchase individual securities for client accounts (except for ETFs that are
used as a mutual fund alternative, and when previously agreed upon), Wealthspire Advisors
believes that its personnel are not in a position to potentially materially benefit from the sale
or purchase of those securities, including ETFs given the underlying composition thereof (i.e.,
a pooled investment vehicle comprised of numerous individual securities selected at the
discretion of the fund manager).
Wealthspire Advisors anticipates that, in appropriate circumstances, consistent with clients’
investment objectives, it will cause accounts over which Wealthspire Advisors has
management authority to effect, and will recommend to investment advisory clients or
prospective clients, the purchase or sale of securities in which Wealthspire Advisors, its
affiliates, Advisor Representatives, and/or clients, directly or indirectly, have a position.
Wealthspire Advisors employees and persons associated with Wealthspire Advisors are
required to follow the Wealthspire Advisors' Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is designed to
ensure that the personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of the employees of
Wealthspire Advisors will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of
advisory clients, and (ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing
employees to invest for their own accounts. Under the Code, certain classes of securities have
been designated as exempt transactions based on a determination that these would
materially not interfere with the best interest of Wealthspire Advisors clients. In addition, the
Code requires pre-clearance of some transactions, including investment in any limited,
private, or initial public offering. Nonetheless, because the Code of Ethics in some
circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same securities as clients, there is a
possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by
an employee. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics to
reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between Wealthspire Advisors and its clients.
The Code of Ethics also includes provisions relating to maintaining the confidentiality of client
information, a prohibition on trading on inside information, a prohibition of rumor mongering,
restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts and the reporting of certain gifts and
business entertainment items, and personal securities trading procedures, among other
things. All supervised persons at Wealthspire Advisors must acknowledge reviewing the
current Code of Ethics annually.
Trade Error Policy
Wealthspire Advisors strives to minimize the occurrence of trade errors. In the event of a trade
error, it is Wealthspire Advisors’ policy to return the client to an equivalent or comparable
position had the trade error not occurred.
Gifts and Entertainment Policy
Wealthspire Advisors maintains a Gifts and Entertainment Policy, whereby employees are
generally prohibited from receiving (or giving) any gift, gratuity, hospitality, or other offering of
more than de minimis value, from (to) any person or entity doing business with the firm. This
prohibition generally excludes items or events where the employee has reason to believe there
is a legitimate business purpose, such as a dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value and
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frequency, where a representative of the company providing the business entertainment is
present. Gifts received (or given) by employees are reported regularly and are monitored by
the firm. Wealthspire Advisors values its relationships with clients and others doing business
with the firm, including Separate Account Managers Wealthspire Advisors recommends to its
clients. These relationships may result in periodic gifts provided or received by Wealthspire
Advisors employees in the ordinary course of business. As a practical matter, it would be
difficult to establish working relationships with clients and others without periodic gifts being
exchanged.
While the acceptance of any gift by a Wealthspire Advisors employee may be viewed as a
conflict, the Gifts and Entertainment Policy is designed to provide reasonable assurance that
gifts received are not of a material nature to impact a Wealthspire Advisors employee's
judgment in working with clients and others doing business with the firm.
Wealthspire Advisors clients or prospective clients may request a complete copy of the firm's
Code of Ethics by contacting Wealthspire Advisors' Compliance Department using the
telephone number on the Cover Page of this Brochure.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Wealthspire generally recommends that Clients utilize the custody, brokerage and clearing
services provided by Pershing, Fidelity and/or Schwab. Prior to engaging Wealthspire to
provide investment management services, the Client will be required to enter into a formal
Investment Management Agreement with Wealthspire setting forth the terms and conditions
under which Wealthspire shall manage the Client's assets, and a separate custodial/clearing
agreement with each designated broker- dealer/custodian.
Qualitative and quantitative factors that Wealthspire considers in recommending Pershing,
Fidelity and/or Schwab (or another broker- dealer/custodian,) include historical relationship
with Wealthspire, financial strength, reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and
service. Although the commissions and/or transaction fees charged by the broker-
dealer/custodian shall comply with our duty to obtain best execution, the broker-
dealer/custodian may charge a commission that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer
might charge to effect the same transaction. In seeking best execution, the determinative
factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best
qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of broker-dealer services,
including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and
responsiveness. Accordingly, although Wealthspire will seek competitive rates, it may not
necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for Client account transactions. Under
the Program, brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by the designated broker-
dealer/custodian are included in the Program Fee. Under the Wrap Fee Program, the firm
offers participants discretionary and non-discretionary investment management services for a
single specified annual fee, inclusive of execution, custody, performance reporting, and our
investment management fees.
Soft Dollars
Wealthspire does not receive Soft Dollar Benefits from a broker-dealer or a third party.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Wealthspire does not receive client referrals from a broker-dealer or third party.
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Directed Brokerage Arrangements
Wealthspire accepts directed brokerage arrangements when a client requires that
In such Client directed
transactions be effected through a specific broker-dealer.
arrangements, the Client will negotiate terms and arrangements for their account[s] with that
broker-dealer, and Wealthspire will not seek better execution services or prices from other
broker-dealers or be able to "batch" the Client's transactions for execution through other
broker-dealers with orders for other accounts managed by us. As a result, the Client may pay
higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net
prices, on transactions for the account(s) than would otherwise be the case.
Aggregation
The aggregation or blocking of Client transactions allows an adviser to execute transactions in
a more timely, equitable, and efficient manner and seeks to reduce overall commission charges
to the Clients. Our policy is to aggregate Client transactions where possible and when
advantageous to the Clients. In these instances, clients will receive an average share price and
transaction costs will be shared equally and on a pro-rata basis. We currently seek to achieve
this by executing transactions in the Client Accounts. Those blocked orders may include orders
on behalf of Clients that participate in the Wrap Fee Program as well as Clients that do not
participate in the Wrap Fee Program. Trading of aggregate batches of securities composed of
assets from multiple Client accounts allows us to execute equity trades in a timely and
equitable manner and to reduce overall transaction charges incurred by us. Any reduction in
transaction charges incurred by us will not reduce the fees charged to Clients participating in
the Wrap Fee Program. In connection with the execution of any such trade, no advisory Client
will be favored over any other advisory Client, and each Client that participates in an
aggregated batch order will participate at the average share price for all of Wealthspire's
transactions in the applicable securities during the applicable business day.
We may have, through our clearing/custodial firm relationships, limited access to initial public
offerings of shares ("IPO") and in limited circumstances may purchase and recommend for
purchase IPOs for its Client accounts. If one or more managed account Clients request that
Wealthspire purchase a specific IPO, Wealthspire will evaluate the suitability of the investment
and may, if available, purchase that IPO for each of the requesting client accounts on a pro-
rata basis among all requesting Clients. We shall use reasonable efforts to allocate available
IPO shares on a fair and equitable basis, and in adherence to applicable laws, rules, and
regulations, including FINRA Rule 5130.
Allocation
Our policy prohibits any allocation of trades in a manner that results in more favorable
treatment for our employee accounts or any Client Account.
We have adopted a policy for the fair and equitable allocation of transactions that generally
analyzes each trade, taking into consideration the specifics of each trade and the
characteristics of each Client Account. To the extent that a client participates in a particular
transaction such transaction will generally be allocated pro-rata among such Client Accounts,
unless facts specific to the transaction and Client Accounts warrant an alternative allocation
methodology.
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Review of Accounts and Reporting
Client accounts are reviewed by Private Wealth Advisors assigned to each client account.
Wealthspire monitors the investments in your account continuously, and specifically reviews
your account to make sure the investments Wealthspire recommends to you are meeting your
financial goals. Reviews may also be triggered by material changes in variables such as the
client's individual circumstances, or the market, political or economic environment. We advise
all of our managed account clients that it is their responsibility to advise us of any changes in
their investment objectives or financial situation. We ask all of our managed account clients to
review financial planning issues (to the extent applicable), investment objectives, and account
performance, with us on an annual basis.
The broker-dealer/custodian provides managed account clients with transaction confirmation
notices and regular summary account statements directly. We provide performance reports
for each client’s account, at least annually. Performance reports for private investment funds
are provided in accordance with the terms set forth in each Fund’s Offering Documents. Clients
are encouraged to compare account statements received from its custodian with reports
received from Wealthspire. Clients are also encouraged to contact Wealthspire to discuss
ongoing access to account information for their accounts.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
We do not compensate unaffiliated third parties for client referrals. Nonetheless, Wealthspire
has compensation structures that are associated with sourcing clients, which are based on the
incentive
revenue generated by such clients. In addition, as part of Wealthspire’s
compensation bonus plan, a pool of funds is allocated to employees on an annual basis based
on Wealthspire’s profitability. Wealthspire employees may also receive more compensation for
recommending that clients participate in the Program as opposed to receiving advisory
services outside of the Program. As a result, a conflict of interest exists as such employees have
an incentive to recommend that clients participate in the Program.
Item 15: Custody
Although we do not maintain physical custody of client funds and securities, we are deemed
to have custody of client funds and securities as defined in the Custody Rule under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Custody Rule”). Client funds and securities are held in
custody by qualified custodians, such as unaffiliated broker- dealers or banks. Clients will
receive quarterly account statements or appraisals directly from their qualified custodian that
holds and maintains client assets. Managed account Clients and clients for whom we provide
billpay services should receive at least quarterly statements from the custodian or bank.
Wealthspire urges Clients to carefully review those statements and compare the official
custodial records to reporting provided by Wealthspire. Our reports may vary from custodial
statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of
certain securities.
Where required by the Custody Rule, Wealthspire arranges for an independent accounting
firm to perform an annual independent verification of client funds and securities over which
Wealthspire is deemed to have custody.
Wealthspire is also deemed to have custody of client funds and securities in certain accounts
by virtue of the fact that it has standing letters of authority with respect to such accounts.
Nonetheless, Wealthspire relies on the February 21, 2017, no-action letter issued by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission granting relief from having to obtain an annual
independent verification of funds and securities in accounts over which Wealthspire has
custody by virtue of having standing letters of authority.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Where we have discretionary authority to determine, without obtaining specific consent,
securities to be bought or sold, the amount of securities to be bought or sold, broker-dealer to
be used and the commission rates paid. This authority is established by the Wrap Fee
Investment Management Agreement or other pertinent Investment Management Agreement
signed by the Client and Wealthspire.
We exercise that discretion based on the stated investment objectives for the particular Client
Account.
Wealthspire has personal discussions with its clients in which their investment objectives,
based on their particular financial circumstances, are determined. We create and manage a
portfolio based on the client’s goals and objectives, the portfolio consists of one or more of the
following: individual equities, bonds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), no- load or load- waived
mutual funds, or other investment vehicles. Each of our clients individually owns the securities
in the individual portfolio. Each client has the opportunity to place reasonable written
restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. These limitations or
restrictions are required to be memorialized in writing. Restrictions do not have to be reflected
in a client’s investment management agreement; restrictions are reflected in various forms,
including but not limited to, as agreed to in writing by both parties, and by email.
When selecting securities and determining amounts, Wealthspire observes the investment
policies, limitations, and restrictions of the Clients for which it advises.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Wealthspire does not vote proxies for its managed account clients. Clients maintain exclusive
responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities
beneficially owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any
mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining
to the client’s investment assets. Wealthspire and/or the client instruct each custodian of the
assets to forward to the client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating
to the client’s investment assets.
If Wealthspire inadvertently receives proxy information for a security held in a managed
account client’s account, Wealthspire will immediately forward such information to the
appropriate managed account client, but will not, and will not be obligated to, take further
action with respect to the voting of such proxy. Upon termination of its agreement with a
managed account client, Wealthspire shall make a good faith and reasonable attempt to
forward proxy information received by Wealthspire on behalf of such managed account client
to the forwarding address provided by such client to Wealthspire.
Wealthspire affirmatively disclaims responsibility for voting (by proxies or otherwise) on, and
will not take any action with regard to, all matters (other than forwarding proxies and proxy
information to managed account clients) for which shareholder action is required or solicited
with respect to securities beneficially held by a client’s managed account, including, without
limitation, (i) all matters relating to class actions, including without limitation, matters relating
to opting in or opting out of a class and approval of class settlements and (ii) all matters relating
to bankruptcies or reorganizations.
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Item 18: Financial Information
Wealthspire does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months
or more in advance of services rendered.
We have no financial commitment that impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary
commitments to Clients and have not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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