View Document Text
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Disclosure Brochure
March 26, 2025
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC
a Registered Investment Adviser
112 East Pecan St., Suite 2910,
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 332-9533
www.imperiumwealth.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Imperium Wealth
Management, LLC (hereinafter “IWM”). If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact Christopher Holden at (210) 332-9533. 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. Additional information about Imperium Wealth Management, LLC is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply
any level of skill or training.
1
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Item 2. Material Changes
This Item discusses only the material changes that have occurred since IWM’s last annual update dated
March 13, 2024. IWM has the following material changes.
Item 5: We are now charging an initial fee which is described in Item 5 below.
•
2
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 1. Cover Page
1
Item 2. Material Changes
2
Item 3. Table of Contents
3
Item 4. Advisory Business
4
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
6
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
11
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
12
Item 11. Code of Ethics
12
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
13
Item 13. Review of Accounts
16
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
17
Item 15. Custody
17
Item 16. Investment Discretion
17
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
18
Item 18. Financial Information
18
3
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Item 4. Advisory Business
IWM is an investment advisory firm dedicated to serving the financial needs of individuals,
corporate and business entities, trusts and estates and pension and profit sharing plans. The
firm provides investment management as well as financial planning and retirement plan
consulting services and works with clients to develop a plan that is customized to their
individual goals and investment objectives. Prior to engaging the firm to provide any of the
foregoing investment advisory services, the client is required to enter into one or more written
agreements with IWM setting forth the terms and conditions under which IWM renders its
services (collectively the “Agreement”).
Owned wholly by Christopher Holden, IWM has been conducting business since December
2011. As of December 31, 2024 the firm had $217,794,434 of assets under management,
$210,647,395 of which were managed on a discretionary basis and $7,147,039of which were
managed on a non-discretionary basis.
This Disclosure Brochure describes the business of IWM. Certain sections will also describe
the activities of Supervised Persons. Supervised Persons are any of IWM’s officers, partners,
directors (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or
employees, or any other person who provides investment advice on IWM’s behalf and is
subject to its supervision or control.
Financial Planning Services
The firm provides its clients with a broad range of comprehensive financial planning services,
which include tax preparation and related tax consulting services. In addition, the firm’s
financial planning services include cash flow analysis, review of employee benefits and
insurance as well as estate, retirement and education planning. These services are generally
included as part of the firm’s investment management services (described below) for clients in
the firm’s wrap program. However, each of these services is also available to clients on a stand-
alone basis, pursuant to the terms and fees set forth in a separate Agreement as discussed
below in Item 5.
In performing its services, the firm is not required to verify any information received from the
client or from the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) and is expressly
authorized to rely on such information. IWM may recommend the services of itself and/or other
professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest
exists if IWM recommends its own services. The client is under no obligation to act upon any
of the recommendations made by IWM under a financial planning or consulting engagement
or to engage the services of any such recommended professional, including IWM itself. The
4
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept
or reject any of IWM’s recommendations. Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility
to promptly notify the firm if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment
objectives
for
the purpose of
reviewing, evaluating, or
revising
IWM’s previous
recommendations and/or services.
Investment Management Services
Clients can engage IWM to manage all or a portion of their assets on a discretionary basis.
The firm primarily allocates clients’ investment management assets among mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), individual debt and equity securities and/or options as well
as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) in accordance with the investment objectives of the
client. In addition, IWM may recommend that clients who are “accredited investors” as defined
under Rule 501 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, invest in private placement
securities, which include debt, equity, and/or pooled investment vehicles when consistent with
the clients’ investment objectives. IWM also provides advice about any type of investment held
in clients' portfolios, but clients should not assume that these assets are being continuously
monitored or otherwise advised on by the Firm unless specifically agreed upon.
The firm also may render non-discretionary investment management services to clients relative
to variable life/annuity products that they own, their individual employer-sponsored retirement
plans, and/or 529 plans or other products that may are not held by the client’s primary
custodian. In so doing, IWM either directs or recommends the allocation of client assets among
the various investment options that are available with the product. Client assets are maintained
at the specific insurance company or custodian designated by the product.
IWM tailors its advisory services to the individual needs of clients, consulting initially with clients
and on an ongoing basis to determine risk tolerance, time horizon and other factors that impact
their investment needs. IWM ensures that clients’ investments are suitable for their investment
needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance.
Clients are advised to promptly notify IWM if there are changes in their financial situation or
investment objectives or if they wish to impose any reasonable restrictions upon IWM’s
management services. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions or mandates on the
management of their account (e.g., require that a portion of their assets be invested in socially
responsible funds) if, in IWM’s sole discretion, the conditions will not materially impact the
performance of a portfolio strategy or prove overly burdensome to its management efforts.
Sponsor and Manager of Wrap Program
IWM is the sponsor and manager of the IWM Wrap Program (the “Program”), a wrap fee
program. In the event the client participates in the Program, IWM provides its wealth
management services (investment management, financial planning and tax preparation) and
5
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
arranges for brokerage transactions under a single annualized fee. Participants in the Program
may pay a higher aggregate fee than if investment management and brokerage services are
purchased separately. A complete description of the Program’s terms and conditions (including
fees) are contained in the Program’s wrap fee brochure.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services
IWM provides various consulting services to qualified employee benefit plans and their
fiduciaries. This suite of institutional services is designed to assist plan sponsors in structuring,
managing and optimizing their corporate retirement plans. Each engagement is individually
negotiated and customized, and includes any or all of the following services:
• Plan Fee and Cost Analysis
• Plan Design and Strategy
• Plan Committee Consultation
• Plan Review and Evaluation
• Fiduciary and Compliance
• Executive Planning & Benefits
• Participant Education
•
Investment Selection
As disclosed in the Advisory Agreement, certain of the foregoing services are provided by IWM
as a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(“ERISA”). In accordance with ERISA Section 408(b)(2), each plan sponsor is provided with a
written description of IWM’s fiduciary status, the specific services to be rendered and all direct
and indirect compensation the Firm reasonably expects under the engagement.
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Investment Management Fees
The firm provides investment management services for an annual fee based upon a
percentage of the market value of the assets being managed. The annual fee is exclusive of,
and in addition to brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and
expenses which are incurred by the client. IWM does not, however, receive any portion of these
commissions, fees, and costs. The firm’s annual fee is prorated and charged quarterly, in
advance based upon the market value of the assets being managed on the last day of the
previous quarter. The firm charges an initial minimum fee of $2,250 for new clients of the Firm
at the start of the first quarter in which the Client engages us. Any portion of this initial fee that
exceeds the standard Assets Under Management (AUM) fee will be credited towards the fees
for the following quarter. Clients whose initial AUM fee is higher than the minimum fee will pay
the standard AUM fee in advance. The annual fee is also negotiable under special
circumstances. The annual fee is based on the market value of the assets under management,
as follows:
6
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
PORTFOLIO VALUE
BASE FEE
up to $750,000
1.15%
Next $750,000
0.95%
Next $1,000,000
0.75%
Next $2,500,000
0.65%
above $5,000,000
0.45%
The firm, in its sole discretion, may negotiate to charge a lesser management fee based upon
certain criteria (e.g., related accounts, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of
assets to be managed, account composition, pre-existing client, account retention, pro bono
activities, etc.).
Financial Planning Services Fees
IWM generally charges a fixed and/or hourly fee for providing financial planning and consulting
services under a stand-alone engagement. These fees are negotiable, but generally range
from $2,000 to $10,000 on a fixed fee basis and/or $800 on an hourly basis, depending upon
the scope and complexity of the services and the professional rendering the financial planning
and/or the consulting services. If the client engages the Firm for additional investment advisory
services, IWM may offset all or a portion of its fees for those services based upon the amount
paid for the financial planning and/or consulting services.
The terms and conditions of the financial planning and/or consulting engagement are set forth
in the Advisory Agreement and IWM generally requires one-half of the fee (estimated hourly or
fixed) payable upon execution of the Advisory Agreement. The outstanding balance is
generally due upon delivery of the financial plan or completion of the agreed upon services.
The Firm does not, however, take receipt of $1200 or more in prepaid fees in excess of six
months in advance of services rendered.
Retirement Plan Consulting Fees
IWM charges as fixed project-based fee to provide clients with retirement plan consulting
services. Each engagement is individually negotiated and tailored to accommodate the needs
of the individual plan sponsor, as memorialized in the Agreement. These fees vary, based on
the scope of the services to be rendered.
Fees Charged by Financial Institutions
7
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
As further discussed in response to Item 12 (below), IWM generally recommends that clients
utilize the brokerage and clearing services of certain custodian broker-dealers (“Financial
Institutions”) for investment management accounts. These Financial Institutions offer to
independent investment advisors services which include custody of securities, trade execution,
clearance and settlement of transactions. IWM receives some benefits from Financial
Institutions through its participation in their respective programs.
IWM may only implement its investment management recommendations after the client has
arranged for and furnished IWM with all information and authorization regarding accounts with
appropriate financial institutions. Financial institutions include any broker-dealer recommended
by IWM, broker-dealer directed by the client, trust companies, banks etc. (collectively referred
to herein as the “Financial Institutions”).
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by the Financial Institutions and other third parties
such as custodial fees, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or ETF in the account, which
are disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund management fees and other fund expenses),
deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund
fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Additionally,
for assets outside of the Program, clients may incur brokerage commissions and transaction
fees. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to IWM’s fee.
The firm’s Agreement and the separate agreement with any Financial Institutions authorize
IWM to debit the client’s account for the amount of IWM’s fee and to directly remit that
management fee. The Financial Institutions recommended by IWM have agreed to send a
statement to the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account
including the amount of management fees paid directly to IWM.
Fees for Management During Partial Quarters of Service
For the initial period of investment management services, the fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.
The Agreement between IWM and the client will continue in effect until terminated by either
party pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. IWM’s fees are prorated through the date of
termination and any remaining balance is charged or refunded to the client, as appropriate.
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to IWM’s
right to terminate an account. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that IWM
reserves the right to liquidate any transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities
into a client’s account. Clients may withdraw account assets on notice to IWM, subject to the
usual and customary securities settlement procedures. However, IWM designs its portfolios as
long-term investments and the withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s
investment objectives. IWM may consult with its clients about the options and ramifications of
transferring securities. However, clients are advised that when transferred securities are
liquidated, they are subject to transaction fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (i.e.
8
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax ramifications.
If assets are deposited into or withdrawn from an account after the inception of a quarter the
fee payable with respect to such assets will not be adjusted or prorated.
Tax Services Fee
For stand-alone tax preparation, research, planning and consulting work, IWM charges an hourly fee of
$200. Fees may be more or less based on the scope of work, which will be outlined in the agreement.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
The firm does not provide any services for performance-based compensation. Performance-
based fees are those based on a share of capital gains or capital appreciation.
Item 7. Types of Clients
IWM provides its services to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates,
corporations and business entities.
Minimum Fee
The firm does not require either a minimum fee or account balance except for clients in the
Program who are subject to a minimum annual fee of $9,000.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
IWM consults with clients initially and on an ongoing basis to develop an investment plan that
is customized to each client’s goals and objectives. The firm employs fundamental, technical
and cyclical methods of investment analysis.
Methods of Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves the fundamental financial condition and competitive position of
a company. IWM will analyze the financial condition, capabilities of management, earnings,
new products and services, as well as the company’s markets and position amongst its
competitors in order to determine the recommendations made to clients. The primary risk in
using fundamental analysis is that while the overall health and position of a company may be
good, market conditions may negatively impact the security.
Technical analysis involves the analysis of past market data rather than specific company
data in determining the recommendations made to clients. Technical analysis may involve the
9
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
use of charts to identify market patterns and trends which may be based on investor sentiment
rather than the fundamentals of the company. The primary risk in using technical analysis is
that spotting historical trends may not help to predict such trends in the future. Even if the trend
will eventually reoccur, there is no guarantee that IWM will be able to accurately predict such
a reoccurrence.
Cyclical analysis is similar to technical analysis in that it involves the analysis of market
conditions at a macro (entire market/economy) or micro (company specific) level, rather than
the overall fundamental analysis of the health of the particular company that IWM is
recommending. The risks with cyclical analysis are similar to those of technical analysis.
Investment Strategies
The firm’s investment strategy is to build a diversified portfolio in light of a client’s investment
time horizon. An example of this includes investing long term dollars in long term assets such
as unhedged stocks. IWM primarily allocates clients’ investment management assets among
mutual funds, ETFs, individual debt and equity securities and/or options as well as REITs in
accordance with the investment objectives of the client.
Risk of Loss
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual fund
and ETF shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers
of the fund’s underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on any
fund-level capital gains, as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital
gains in the event they sell securities for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the
fund itself or a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is
equal to a fund’s stated daily per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholders fees
(e.g., sales loads, purchase fees, redemption fees). The per share NAV of a mutual fund is
calculated at the end of each business day, although the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday
changes to the market value of the fund’s holdings. The trading prices of a mutual fund’s shares
may differ significantly from the NAV during periods of market volatility, which may, among
other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is
generally calculated at least once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for
actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a
premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also no guarantee that an active secondary
market for such shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only redeems
10
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
shares when aggregated as creation units (usually 50,000 shares or more). Therefore, if a
liquid secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have
no way to dispose of such shares.
Options
Options allow investors to buy or sell a security at a contracted “strike” price (not necessarily
the current market price) at or within a specific period of time. Clients may pay or collect a
premium for buying or selling an option. Investors transact in options to either hedge (limit)
losses in an attempt to reduce risk or to speculate on the performance of the underlying
securities. Options transactions contain a number of inherent risks, including the partial or total
loss of principal in the event that the value of the underlying security or index does not
increase/decrease to the level of the respective strike price. Holders of options contracts are
also subject to default by the option writer which may be unwilling or unable to perform its
contractual obligations.
Market Risks
The profitability of a significant portion of IWM’s recommendations may depend to a great
extent upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of stocks and bonds.
There can be no assurance that IWM will be able to predict those price movements accurately.
General Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such loss.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
IWM is required to disclose the facts of any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a
client’s evaluation of its advisory business or the integrity of management. IWM does not have
any required disclosures to this Item.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Some members of our firm are certified public accountants who may provide income tax
preparation and accounting services as part of our services. Clients have the option of
engaging our firm for tax preparation, however, they are under no obligation to do so.
Preparation of income tax returns are not expected to create conflicts of interest and will not
affect our ability to supervise client accounts, as the volume of services is not expected to be
significant and will be provided outside of normal business hours.
11
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Item 11. Code of Ethics
The firm and persons associated with IWM (“Associated Persons”) are permitted to buy or sell
securities that it also recommends to clients consistent with IWM’s policies and procedures.
IWM has adopted a code of ethics that sets forth the standards of conduct expected of its
associated persons and requires compliance with applicable securities laws (“Code of Ethics”).
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”),
its Code of Ethics contains written policies reasonably designed to prevent the unlawful use of
material non-public information by IWM or any of its associated persons. The Code of Ethics
also requires that certain of IWM’s personnel (called “Access Persons”) report their personal
securities holdings and transactions and obtain pre- approval of certain investments such as
initial public offerings and limited offerings.
Unless specifically permitted in IWM’s Code of Ethics, none of IWM’s Access Persons may
effect for themselves or for their immediate family (i.e., spouse, minor children, and adults living
in the same household as the Access Person) any transactions in a security which is being
actively purchased or sold, or is being considered for purchase or sale, on behalf of any of
IWM’s clients.
When IWM is purchasing or considering for purchase any security on behalf of a client, no
Access Person may effect a transaction in that security prior to the completion of the purchase
or until a decision has been made not to purchase such security. Similarly, when IWM is selling
or considering the sale of any security on behalf of a client, no Access Person may effect a
transaction in that security prior to the completion of the sale or until a decision has been made
not to sell such security. These requirements are not applicable to: (i) direct obligations of the
Government of the United States; (ii) money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-
term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by mutual funds
or money market funds; and (iv) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested
exclusively in one or more mutual funds.
Clients and prospective clients may contact IWM to request a copy of its Code of Ethics.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
IWM recommends that clients utilize the custody, brokerage and clearing services of Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc., Nationwide Securities, Bloomwell, and TIAA Financial Services
depending, in part, upon services rendered to the client.
IWM utilizes Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) member FINRA/SIPC/NFA. Schwab is an
independent (and unaffiliated) SEC-registered broker-dealer. Schwab offers to independent
12
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
investment Advisors services which include custody of securities, trade execution, clearance
and settlement of transactions. Advisor receives some benefits from Schwab through its
participation in the program. (Please see the disclosure under Item 14 below.)
Factors which IWM considers in recommending any custodian broker-dealer to clients include
their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research and service. The
commissions paid by IWM’s clients comply with IWM’s duty to obtain “best execution.” Clients
may pay commissions that are higher than another qualified Financial Institution might charge
to effect the same transaction where IWM determines that the commissions are reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. 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 a Financial
Institution’s services, including among others, the value of research provided, execution
capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. IWM seeks competitive rates but may not
necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
The firm periodically and systematically reviews its policies and procedures regarding its
recommendation of Financial Institutions in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
The client may direct IWM in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute some or
all transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for
the account with that Financial Institution, and IWM will not seek better execution services or
prices from other Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution
through other Financial Institutions with orders for other accounts managed by IWM (as
described below). 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 than
would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best execution, IWM may decline a client’s
request to direct brokerage if, in IWM’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements
would result in additional operational difficulties.
Transactions for each client generally will be effected independently, unless IWM decides to
purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. IWM
may (but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to obtain best execution, to
negotiate more favorable commission rates, or to allocate equitably among IWM’s clients
differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained
had such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will generally
be averaged as to price and allocated among IWM’s clients pro rata to the purchase and sale
orders placed for each client on any given day. To the extent that IWM determines to aggregate
client orders for the purchase or sale of securities, including securities in which IWM’s
Supervised Persons may invest, IWM generally does so in accordance with applicable rules
promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action guidance provided by the staff of the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission. IWM does not receive any additional compensation or
remuneration as a result of the aggregation. In the event that IWM determines that a prorated
allocation is not appropriate under the particular circumstances, the allocation will be made
based upon other relevant factors, which may include: (i) when only a small percentage of the
order is executed, shares may be allocated to the account with the smallest order or the
smallest position or to an account that is out of line with respect to security or sector weightings
relative to other portfolios, with similar mandates; (ii) allocations may be given to one account
when one account has limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing
13
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
other securities which are expected to produce similar investment results and can be
purchased by other accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an investment guideline limit and
cannot participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to other accounts (this may be
due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed); (iv) with respect
to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash; (v) in cases when a pro
rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis allocation in one or more
accounts, IWM may exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the transactions may be
executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases where a small
proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may be allocated to one or more
accounts on a random basis.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to certain
broker- dealers in return for investment research products and/or services which assist IWM in
its investment decision-making process. Such research generally will be used to service all of
IWM’s clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research
that is not used in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products
and/or services as well as the allocation of the benefit of such investment research products
and/or services poses a conflict of interest because IWM does not have to produce or pay for
the products or services.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
IWM may receive from Schwab, without cost to the firm, computer software and related
systems support, which allow the firm to better monitor client accounts maintained at Schwab.
The firm may receive the software and related support without cost because it renders
investment management services to clients that maintain assets at the particular Schwab. The
software and related systems support may benefit IWM, but not its clients directly. In fulfilling
its duties to its clients, the firm endeavors at all times to put its clients’ interests first. Clients
should be aware; however, that IWM’s receipt of economic benefits from a broker-dealer
creates a conflict of interest since these benefits may influence the firm’s choice of broker-
dealer over another broker-dealer that does not furnish similar software, systems support, or
services.
There is no direct link between IWM’s participation in Schwab’s institutional customer program
and the investment advice it gives to its clients, although IWM receives economic
benefits through its participation in the program that are typically not available to Schwab
retail investors. Additionally, IWM may receive the following benefits from Schwab through its
registered investment adviser division: receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled
duplicate statements; access to a trading desk that exclusively services its Registered
Investment Adviser participants; access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate
securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts; and access
to an electronic communication network for client order entry and account information. The
Firm also has the ability deduct advisory fees directly from client accounts; access to an
14
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
electronic communications network for client order entry and account information; access to
mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers; and
discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management
products or services provided to the Firm by third party vendors. Schwab may fund business
consulting and professional services received by IWM’s related persons.
Some of the products and services made available by Schwab through the program may
benefit IWM but not its client. These products or services may assist IWM in managing and
administering client accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. Other services
made available by Schwab are intended to help IWM manage and further develop its business
enterprise. The benefits received by IWM’s participation in the program do not depend on the
amount of brokerage transactions directed to Schwab.
These services generally are available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited
basis, at no charge to them so long as a certain amount of the advisor’s clients’ assets are
maintained in accounts at Schwab. Schwab’s services include brokerage services that are
related to the execution of securities transactions, custody, research, including that in the form
of advice, analyses and reports, 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.
For client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab generally does not charge separately
for custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions or other
transaction- related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through Schwab
or that settle into Schwab accounts.
Schwab also makes available to the Firm other products and services that benefit the Firm but
may not benefit its clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional or Firm
specific educational events organized and/or sponsored by Schwab. Other potential benefits
may include occasional business entertainment of personnel of IWM by Schwab personnel,
including meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf tournaments, and other forms of
entertainment, some of which may accompany educational opportunities. Other of these
products and services assist IWM in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These
include software and other technology (and related technological training) that provide access
to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade
execution (and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), provide
research, pricing information and other market data, facilitate payment of the Firm's fees from
its clients’ accounts, and assist with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping
and client reporting. Many of these services generally may be used to service all or some
substantial number of the Firm’s accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab.
Schwab also makes available to IWM other services intended to help the Firm manage and
further develop its business enterprise. These services may include professional compliance,
15
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
legal and business consulting, publications and conferences on practice management,
information technology, business succession, regulatory compliance, employee benefits
providers, human capital consultants, insurance and marketing. In addition, Schwab may make
available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these types of services rendered to the Firm by
independent third parties. Schwab may discount or waive fees it would otherwise charge for
some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees of a third- party providing these services
to the Firm. While, as a fiduciary, IWM endeavors to act in its clients’ best interests, the Firm's
recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts at Schwab may be based in part
on the benefits received and not solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage
services provided by Schwab, which creates a potential conflict of interest.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
For those clients to whom the firm provides investment management services, it monitors those
portfolios as part of an ongoing process while regular account reviews are conducted on at
least an annual basis. For those clients to whom IWM provides financial planning services,
reviews are conducted on an “as needed” basis. Such reviews are conducted by one of the
firm’s investment adviser representatives. All investment advisory clients are encouraged to
discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with IWM and to keep IWM informed of any changes
thereto. IWM contacts ongoing investment advisory clients at least annually to review its
previous services and/or recommendations and to discuss the impact resulting from any
changes in the client’s financial situation and/or investment objectives.
Unless otherwise agreed upon, clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and
regular summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer or custodian for the client
accounts.
Financial planning clients will receive reports summarizing the firm’s analysis and conclusions
as requested by the client or otherwise agreed to in writing.
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
The Firm does not currently provide compensation to any third-party solicitors for client referrals.
Other Compensation
The Firm receives economic benefits from Schwab. The benefits, conflicts of interest and how
they are addressed are discussed above in response to Item 12.
Item 15. Custody
The firm’s Agreement and/or the separate agreement with any Financial Institution may
16
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
authorize IWM through such Financial Institution to debit the client’s account for the amount of
IWM’s fee and to directly remit that management fee to IWM in accordance with applicable
custody rules.
The Financial Institutions recommended by IWM have agreed to send a statement to the client,
at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including the amount of
management fees paid directly to IWM.
Standing Letters of Authorization
IWM also has custody due to clients giving the Firm limited power of attorney in a standing
letter of authorization (“SLOA”) to disburse funds to one or more third parties as specifically
designated by the client. In such circumstances, the Firm will implement the steps in the SEC’s
no-action letter on February 21, 2017 which includes (in summary): i) client will provide
instruction for the SLOA to the custodian; ii) client will authorize the Firm to direct transfers to
the specific third party; iii) the custodian will perform appropriate verification of the instruction
and provide a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer; iv) the client
will have the ability to terminate or change the instruction; v) the Firm will have no authority or
ability to designate or change the identity or any information about the third party; vi) the Firm
will keep records showing that the third party is not a related party of the Firm or located at the
same address as the Firm; and vii) the custodian will send the client an initial and annual notice
confirming the SLOA instructions.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
The firm is generally given the authority to exercise investment discretion on behalf of clients.
Investment discretion over a client’s account occurs where an adviser is legally authorized to
effect transactions for the client without first having to seek the client’s consent. This authority
is conferred through a power-of- attorney included in the agreement between IWM and the
client. Clients may request a limitation on this authority (such as certain securities not to be
bought or sold). The firm overseas discretion over the following activities:
• The securities to be purchased or sold;
• The amount of securities to be purchased or sold; and
• When transactions are made.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
The firm is required to disclose if it accepts authority to vote client securities. The firm does not
vote client securities on behalf of its clients. Clients receive proxies directly from the Financial
Institutions.
17
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Item 18. Financial Information
The firm is required to disclose whether it requires the prepayment of fees exceeding $1200 six months or
more in advance of providing advisory services. In addition, the firm is required to disclose any financial
condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet contractual commitments to clients. The firm
has no disclosures to report pursuant to this Item.
18
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC Disclosure Brochure
Imperium Wealth Management, LLC
a Registered Investment Adviser
112 East Pecan St., Suite 2910,
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 332-9533
www.imperiumwealth.com
19