View Document Text
Item 1 – Cover Page
McGuire Investment Group, LLC
D/B/A McGuire Wealth Management
105 Main Street
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 364-5000 • www.mcguirewealth.com
Form ADV Part 2A Brochure
March 28, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of McGuire
Investment Group, LLC, D/B/A McGuire Wealth Management. You should review this
brochure to understand your relationship with our firm and help you determine to hire or retain
us as your investment adviser. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure,
please contact us at (401) 364-5000. 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 our firm also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by our firm name or by using a unique
identifying number, known as a CRD number. The CRD number for McGuire Investment
Group is 296271. The SEC’s website also provides information about any persons affiliated with
MWM who are registered as investment adviser representatives of the firm.
McGuire Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment
adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.
i
Item 2 – Material Changes
This section of the Brochure discusses material changes made to this Brochure since the date of our
last annual update in February 2024. Below is a summary of those changes:
•
Item 5: Fees and Compensation – Other Types of Fees and Expenses/Item 12: Brokerage
Arrangements
We added disclosure to our brochure related to trading away activity in client accounts. There
may be times when another broker-dealer is used to execute fixed-income trades (commonly
referred to as “trading away” or “step out trades”). In instances where McGuire Wealth
Management has determined it is in the client’s best interest to utilize another broker-dealer
to execute a transaction, the transaction cost of the transaction related to the trade will be
included in the wrap program fee and any markup will be included in the price of the bond.
Item 8: Risk of Loss
•
Additional disclosures related to investment strategies and operational risks were added to
Item 8 of this brochure. These areas of risk cover the use of securities recommendations in
opposing directions, business continuity, impact of a pandemic outbreak, economic and
political conditions, cybersecurity, custody, counterparties, the loss of key persons at our
firm, and artificial intelligence. We encourage you to review Item 8 – Risk of Loss for more
information on these risks.
We encourage you to carefully review this Brochure prior to entering into an investment advisory
contract with our firm. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact
us at (401) 364-5000.
ii
Item 3 - Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ........................................................................................................................ i
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................. ii
Item 3 - Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business ............................................................................................................ 4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................... 5
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ................................................... 7
Item 7 – Types of Clients ................................................................................................................ 7
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ............................................ 7
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................ 12
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ....................................................... 13
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .... 13
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................... 14
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................... 16
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..................................................................... 17
Item 15 – Custody ........................................................................................................................ 17
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................... 18
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................ 18
Item 18 – Financial Information ................................................................................................... 18
iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business
About Our Firm
McGuire Investment Group, LLC, D/B/A McGuire Wealth Management (MWM) (CRD #
296271) has been registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission since July 2018. MWM is based in Rhode Island and is organized as a limited liability
company under the laws of the State of Rhode Island.
MWM’s principal office and place of business is located at 105 Main Street, Wakefield, RI, 02879.
Regular business hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The firm can be contacted
by phone at (401) 364-5000.
The firm is owned by Dennis McGuire, Jr., who is the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer, and Sean
McGuire.
Types of Advisory Services We Offer
MWM provides general wealth management services to individual investors including portfolio
management services and financial planning services. The firm also provides retirement plan
services to businesses and other institutional investors.
Regardless of the services provided, each is tailored to the individual needs of a particular client
(whether an individual, a family, or a business) through an assessment conducted prior to an
engagement. We work with our clients to determine their investment objectives and risk profile and
develop a customized investment plan based on their individual needs and goals. This information
is then used to develop strategies and solutions to assist the client in meeting their financial goals.
Clients may impose restrictions related to the level of discretion granted, the types of investments
used, etc. Terms of an actual engagement, including description of service, limitations and
restrictions, fees, etc., are all detailed before any engagement begins in a written client agreement.
Investment Management and Wealth Management Services
MWM generally provides discretionary portfolio management services to individuals, families and
businesses through the firm’s Wrap Fee Program whereby participants in the program receive
portfolio management, custodial, reporting and clearing services for one inclusive fee (see our
“Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1- Investment Management Wrap Fee Program Brochure”). In
limited circumstances, MWM may also provide non-discretionary portfolio management services to
clients. When providing portfolio management services, the firm not only makes recommendations
related to investments, but also implements these recommendations and provides ongoing
monitoring and reporting.
As part of our wealth management services, MWM provides financial planning, advice or other
strategic assistance in areas such as education funding, retirement planning, estate planning, risk
4
management, employee benefits planning, tax planning, etc. We identify goals and objectives,
collect, and analyze data, and formulate a personalized strategy.
Retirement Plan Services
MWM also provides retirement plan services to businesses which may include plan level services
such as discretionary management services, non-discretionary management services, and investment
advisory/consulting services related to different types of retirement plans. When providing
management services, the firm is responsible for implementing recommendations. When the firm is
providing advisory services, the client is responsible for implementation of recommendations.
Amount of Assets We Manage
As of December 31, 2024, MWM managed $819,045,333 in client assets, all of which was managed
on a discretionary basis. Additionally, the firm provides retirement plan consulting services on
approximately $8,582,407 of retirement plan assets held away.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
How We Are Compensated for Our Advisory Services
MWM’s fees vary among the different types of advisory services we offer and may be negotiated at
our sole discretion. The specific fees and way fees are charged and calculated are described in the
client’s investment advisory agreement. Clients should carefully review the investment advisory
agreement prior to signing it.
Fees for our advisory services may be higher or lower than fees charged by other advisers who offer
similar services. Clients may be charged different fees than similarly situated clients for the same
services. Clients should carefully review this Brochure to understand the fees and other sources of
compensation that exist among our services prior to entering into an investment advisory contract
with our firm.
The firm’s standard graduated fee schedule is as follows:
Assets Under Management
First $500,000
Next $500,000
Next $4,000,000
Next $5,000,000
Amounts over $10,000,000
Annual Advisory Fee
1.50%
1.25%
0.85%
0.75%
0.60%
Fees are calculated and charged quarterly in advance based on the ending balance of the preceding
quarter and are typically deducted directly from the client’s account.
5
Upon termination of your advisory agreement with our firm, we will promptly refund any prepaid,
unearned fees. Fees for partial quarters are prorated based on the number of days assets are
managed.
Investment Management and Wealth Management Services
Investment management services are provided under our “Wrap Fee Program” whereby participants
in the program receive portfolio management, financial planning, trading, custody reporting, and
clearing services for one all-inclusive fee. A wrap fee program may or may not be the lowest cost
option for clients who would like to restrict investments to open-end mutual funds or other long-
term investment products. See our “Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1- Investment Management
Wrap Fee Program Brochure” for fee related information.
Retirement Plan Services
Fees charged for retirement plan services may be charged in advance or in arrears depending on the
service provided. Fees are asset-based (not to exceed 1.5% annually) and are negotiable depending
on the complexity of the service. Fee levels are primarily based on actual services to be provided.
Fees may be deducted directly from client accounts on a quarterly basis, or clients may elect to
alternatively pay fees by check or wire transfer. There is a minimum annual fee of $1,000 per plan.
Services may be terminated at any time by either party with 30 days written notice to the other party,
and fees will be prorated accordingly. Any payments made in advance will be prorated and refunded
to the client.
All retirement plan fees paid to MWM are separate and unrelated to any fees or expenses assessed
by any broker, custodian, or other outside party.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses You May Incur
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, third-party investments and other
third parties, such as custodial fees, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic
fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Decisions to
reallocate your account assets may result in a redemption fee imposed by one or more mutual funds
held in your account. Mutual funds and exchange traded funds also charge internal management
fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive
of and in addition to MWM’s fee. MWM shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees,
and costs, including any distribution or “12b-1” fees paid by the mutual funds in which your account
assets are invested. MWM primarily invests in individual securities that do not have any internal
expenses.
There may be times when another broker-dealer is used to execute fixed-income trades (commonly
referred to as “trading away” or “step out trades”). In instances where MWM has determined it is in
the client’s best interest to utilize another broker-dealer to execute a transaction, the transaction cost
6
related to the trade will be included in the wrap program fee and any markup will be included in the
price of the bond.
Other Types of Compensation We Receive
MWM has contracted with Trade-PMR, Inc. (“Trade-PMR”) for brokerage services, including trade
processing, collection of management fees, marketing assistance and research. Item 12 – Brokerage
Practices further describes the factors that MWM considers in selecting or recommending broker-
dealers for client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g.,
commissions).
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
MWM does not charge performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital
appreciation of the assets of a client), and consequently does not simultaneously manage
performance-based and non-performance-based accounts.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
MWM provides services to individuals, businesses, and retirement plans.
The firm has set a minimum investment amount of $2,000,000 for Wrap Program services; however,
we reserve the right to decline accounts if we feel a relationship would not be beneficial or
economical for the client or waive the minimum at our discretion.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
MWM’s investment strategy is designed to attempt to meet the client’s overall financial needs and
achieve each client’s specific investment goals. An evaluation of a client’s financial data and
investment objective is used to construct an investment portfolio and create an investment strategy
that adheres to an agreed upon risk tolerance and portfolio allocation.
We base our investment policy and portfolio construction on many factors. One important factor is
that we seek investments when they represent value, as measured by price to earnings ratios (P/E),
price to sales ratios (P/S), and others. We believe market volatility can create value and opportunity.
We attempt to take advantage of those opportunities. We believe investment markets can become
inefficient and create opportunities. At times, shares of fundamentally strong companies may have
stock prices that sell for less than intrinsic value. This may represent an opportunity for a patient
long-term investor. It is our belief that the greatest potential for investment success comes from
holding an investment for 3, 5, 7 years or longer and not focusing on the short-term.
7
All investments can have risk of loss and most all investments can fluctuate in market value. We
attempt to minimize some of that risk of loss through diversification. We therefore diversify equity
investments in numerous ways: by market sectors and industries, by corporate capitalization, by
interest rate sensitivity, by economic cycles, and by industry strength, among others.
Our philosophy focuses on investing in many companies that have strong track records of rising
revenues and earnings, established management, and are leaders in their respective industries. A
large number of our holdings are large capitalization stocks that are considered to be mature,
established companies. Our portfolio turnover is typically low.
As part of our own primary research, we employ numerous analytical tools, including fundamental
and technical analysis, market sentiment analysis and quantitative analysis when selecting
investments for client accounts. Our investment team has over 92 years of combined investment
experience.
At times, certain industry sectors may be under-weighted or omitted due to risk or valuation. Other
industry sectors may be over-weighted because of potential opportunities. A broad selection of
investments may be used to achieve our client’s investment goals and objectives (e.g., ETFs,
international investments, etc.). At times, the allocation towards equities may be reduced and the
allocation in fixed income and other areas may be increased.
We conduct frequent investment reviews of our client portfolios. We are aware of client's investment
objectives, risk tolerance and investment and portfolio suitability. We communicate with clients and
review their account objectives and risk tolerance information for accuracy and make changes if
needed. At various times, we will re-balance investment allocations within industries and stocks to
help achieve clients’ long-term investment goals.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Such risks include
market risk, interest rate risk, currency risk, political risk, and loss of capital, among others.
Additionally, certain trading strategies can affect investment performance through increased
brokerage activity and other transactions. Each client’s propensity for risk however is thoroughly
evaluated, documented, and considered throughout the portfolio implementation process. Although
MWM intends to manage risk though the careful selection of investments, no investment strategy
can ensure a profit or avoid a loss.
We may recommend a variety of security types for your account in an effort to achieve your
individual needs and goals. Described below are the material risks associated with investing in the
types of securities we generally use in client accounts.
8
Product Risks
Equity Securities
In general, prices of equity securities (common, convertible preferred stocks and other securities
whose values are tied to the price of stocks, such as rights, warrants and convertible debt securities)
are more volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities could decline
in value if the issuer’s financial condition declines or in response to overall market and economic
conditions. Investments in smaller companies and mid-size companies may involve greater risk and
price volatility than investments in larger, more mature companies.
Fixed-Income Securities
The return and principal value of bonds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Fixed-income
securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit quality risk. The market value of fixed-income
securities generally declines when interest rates rise, and an issuer of fixed-income securities could
default on its payment obligations. Changes in interest rates generally have a greater effect on bonds
with longer maturities than on those with shorter maturities. If bonds are not held to maturity, they
may be worth more or less than their original value. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer
of a bond will not be able to make principal and/or interest payments. High yield bonds, also known
as “junk bonds,” carry higher risk of loss of principal and income than higher rated investment grade
bonds.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds may invest in different types of securities, such as value or growth stocks, real estate
investment trusts, corporate bonds, or U.S. government bonds. There are risks associated with each
asset class.
An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. Although money market funds seek to
preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in
the fund. Redemption is at the current net asset value, which may be more or less than the original
cost. Aggressive growth funds are most suitable for investors willing to accept price per share
volatility since many companies that demonstrate high growth potential can also be high risk.
Income from tax-free mutual funds may be subject to local, state and/or the alternative minimum
tax.
Because each mutual fund owns different types of investments, performance will be affected by a
variety of factors. The value of your investment in a mutual fund will vary from day to day as the
values of the underlying investments in a fund vary. Such variations generally reflect changes in
interest rates, market conditions and other company and economic news. These risks may become
magnified depending on how much a fund invests or uses certain strategies. A fund’s principal
9
market segment(s), such as large-cap, mid-cap or small-cap stocks, or growth or value stocks may
underperform other market segments or the equity markets as a whole.
You can find additional information regarding these risks in the fund’s prospectus.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are typically investment companies that are legally classified as open-end mutual funds or unit
investment trusts. ETFs differ from traditional mutual funds in that ETF shares are listed on a
securities exchange. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other
publicly traded companies. ETF shares may trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value.
This difference between the bid price and ask price is often referred to as the “spread.” The spread
varies over time based on the ETF’s trading volume and market liquidity and is generally lower if
the ETF has a lot of trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the ETF has little trading
volume and market liquidity. Liquidity risks are higher for ETFs with a large spread. ETFs may be
closed and liquidated at the discretion of the issuing company.
International Investing
The risks of investing in foreign securities include loss of value as a result of political or economic
instability; nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation; changes in foreign exchange rates
and foreign exchange restrictions; settlement delays; and limited government regulation (including
less stringent reporting, accounting, and disclosure standards than are required of U.S. companies).
These risks may be greater with investments in emerging markets. Certain investments utilized by
MWM may also contain international securities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
A portion of your assets may be invested in cash or cash equivalents to achieve your investment
objective, provide ongoing distributions, and/or take a defensive position. Cash holdings may result
in a loss of market exposure.
Investment Strategies Risks
Security Recommendations in Opposing Directions
MWM advises with regard to customized portfolios to meet individual client needs in accordance
with the client’s IPS. Customization of client portfolios can lead to MWM recommending that
certain clients buy a security and other clients sell the same security, which can result in material
differences in account performance between clients.
10
Operational Risks
Business Continuity
MWM’s operations could be disrupted by catastrophic events, such as fires, natural disasters,
terrorist attacks, wars or similar emergencies resulting in property damage, network disruptions or
prolonged power outages. Despite having contingency plans and conducting regular tests, it's
impossible to prepare for every potential event. These risks could significantly impact our firm and
our operations.
Pandemic Outbreak
Epidemics or pandemics can introduce market and business uncertainties, including market
volatility, business closures, supply chain disruptions, travel restrictions and widespread medical
absences. MWM has policies and procedures to manage these situations; however, the unpredictable
nature of large outbreaks means not all eventualities can be anticipated or addressed. The COVID-
19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having a robust Business Continuity Plan, which allows
our personnel to work remotely or on a hybrid office-remote basis. Future incidents might impact
operations differently, including those of our firm, product sponsors and key service providers.
Economic and Political Conditions
Economic changes, such as fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, currency values, industry
conditions, competition, technological advancements, trade relations, political events and tax laws,
can adversely affect investment performance. Economic, political and financial conditions,
including military conflicts and sanctions, can cause market volatility, illiquidity and other negative
effects. Economic or political instability, diplomatic issues or disasters in regions where client assets
are invested could harm many kinds of investments. The potential for recession and its impact on
different asset classes is uncertain and beyond our control, with no guarantees that we can predict
these developments.
Cybersecurity
MWM and our service providers, counterparts and other market participants rely heavily on
information technology and communications systems. These systems face numerous cybersecurity
threats that can negatively impact clients, despite efforts to mitigate these risks through advanced
technologies, processes and practices aimed at protecting system security and the confidentiality,
integrity and availability of our clients’ information. Unauthorized access, operational disruptions,
data theft or inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information could occur, posing significant risks. A
breach or security failure could lead to data or financial loss and system inaccessibility for clients
and regulatory penalties, reputational damage or additional compliance costs for our firm.
11
Custody
MWM is obligated to keep client funds and securities over which it has custody with a qualified
custodian. There is a risk of loss if a custodian faces insolvency, fraud or mismanagement. Cash and
securities held in a brokerage account may exceed Securities Investor Protection Corporation
coverage, which generally protects accounts up to $500,000, including up to $250,000 in cash.
Clients are at risk if a brokerage firm holding their assets fails to fulfill its obligations or faces
distress, potentially impacting your ability to access assets or utilize services. While non-cash assets
held in custody at a bank are typically outside a failed bank’s estate, client accounts could still be
impacted by delays in accessing funds, settling trades or delivering securities due to a bank's failure.
Counterparties
Clients may face credit and liquidity risks from their dealings with various counterparties. Should a
counterparty fail due to financial distress, recovering assets or funds under contractual agreements
may be delayed or limited. The absence of independent evaluations of counterparties' financial
health and a regulated market can increase potential losses, especially under adverse market
conditions.
Key Persons
Clients’ investment success heavily relies on the experience of our executives. Losing one or more
key individuals could adversely impact clients’ investment performance due to diminished strategy
development, opportunity sourcing, relationship leveraging and investment expertise.
Artificial Intelligence
Certain service providers utilized by our firm to service client accounts may have artificial
intelligence components. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning includes increased
risk of data inaccuracies and security vulnerabilities. Due to the rapid advancement of machine
learning technologies, future risks related to artificial intelligence are unpredictable. As a measure to
mitigate these risks to our clients, MWM performs periodic due diligence of our service providers for
assurance that the service providers have appropriate controls in place to protect our clients’
information and to limit data inaccuracies when artificial intelligence is used by the service provider.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to the evaluation of the firm or the integrity of its
management. MWM is currently not subject to, nor has ever been subject to, any legal or
disciplinary events of a material nature.
12
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
MWM does not participate in any other financial industry activities and has no other financial
industry affiliations.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
Our Code of Ethics
MWM has adopted a Code of Ethics expressing the firm's commitment to ethical conduct. The
MWM Code of Ethics describes the firm's fiduciary duties and responsibilities to clients, and details
practices for reviewing the personal securities transactions of supervised persons with access to client
information. The Code also requires compliance with applicable securities laws, addresses insider
trading, and details possible disciplinary measures for violations. MWM will provide a complete
copy of its Code of Ethics to any client upon request to the Chief Compliance Officer. You may
request a copy of our Code of Ethics by contacting us at (401) 364-5000.
Trading Conflicts of Interest
Individuals associated with MWM are permitted to buy or sell securities for their personal accounts
identical to or different than those recommended to clients. However, no person employed by
MWM is allowed to favor his or her own interest over that of a client or make personal investment
decisions based on the investment decisions of advisory clients.
In order to address potential conflicts of interest, MWM requires that associated persons with access
to advisory recommendations provide annual securities holdings reports and quarterly transaction
reports to the firm's Chief Compliance Officer. MWM also requires prior approval from the Chief
Compliance Officer for investing in any IPOs or private placements (limited offerings).
Participation in Client Transactions
MWM does not effect principal or agency cross securities transactions for client accounts. MWM
also does not cross trades between client accounts. Principal transactions are generally defined as
transactions where an adviser, acting as principal for its own account or the account of an affiliated
broker-dealer, buys from or sells a security to an advisory client. An agency cross transaction is
defined as a transaction where a person acts as an investment adviser in relation to a transaction in
which the investment adviser, or any person controlled by or under common control with the
investment adviser, acts as broker for both the advisory client and for another person on the other
side of the transaction. Agency cross transactions may arise where an adviser is dually registered as a
broker-dealer or has an affiliated broker-dealer.
13
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Selection and Recommendation of Broker-Dealers
We do not maintain custody of client assets. Client assets are maintained in an account at a non-
affiliated “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or bank. We are not affiliated with any
custodian, but instead all custodians are independently owned and operated. The custodian will
hold your assets in an account and we will be able to buy and sell securities on your behalf.
We cannot open accounts for you, but we can assist you in opening an account at whatever
custodian/broker you decide to use.
When recommending a custodian or broker for our clients, we consider many different factors,
including quality of service, types of services offered, overall capability, execution quality,
competitiveness of transaction costs, availability of investment research, reputation of the firm, and
financial resources, among other things. In determining the reasonableness of a broker’s
compensation, we consider the overall cost to you relative to the benefits you receive, both directly
and indirectly, from the broker.
Your Brokerage and Custody Costs
MWM’s investment management fees include costs for trade execution and custodial services. We
have negotiated competitive pricing and services with the brokers and custodians we recommend
that is based on the condition that our clients collectively maintain a certain level of assets at the
custodian. We feel this commitment benefits you because we expect the overall rates you pay will
be lower than they might be otherwise.
MWM utilizes Trade-PMR, Inc. (“Trade-PMR”) for brokerage and trade execution services. Trade-
PMR clears trades and custodies assets with First Clearing, a FINRA member broker-dealer. First
Clearing is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC., a non-bank affiliate of Wells
Fargo & Company. Trade-PMR acts as an introducing broker dealer on a fully disclosed basis.
Trade-PMR and First Clearing are members of SIPC and are unaffiliated registered broker dealers
and FINRA members. The brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Trade-PMR
or any other designated broker-dealer are separate of MWM’s fee, however, are incorporated into
the wrap fee you pay. MWM regularly reviews these programs to seek to ensure that its
recommendation is consistent with its fiduciary duty. Factors which MWM considers in
recommending Trade-PMR and First Clearing or any other broker-dealer to clients include their
respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research, and service. The commissions
and/or transaction fees charged by these brokers may be higher or lower than those charged by
other broker-dealers.
In addition, Trade-PMR provides MWM with access to its institutional trading and custody services,
which are typically not available to retail investors. These brokerage services include the execution
14
of securities transactions, research, and access to mutual funds and other investments that are
otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly higher
minimum initial investment.
The commissions paid by MWM’s clients are intended to be consistent with our duty to obtain “best
execution.” However, a client may pay a commission that is higher than what another broker-dealer
might charge to effect the same transaction when MWM determines, in good faith, that the
commission is 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
broker-dealer’s services, including among others, execution capability, commission rates, and
responsiveness. There may be times when another broker-dealer is used to execute fixed-income
trades (commonly referred to as “trading away” or “step out trades”). In instances where MWM has
determined it is in the client’s best interest to utilize another broker-dealer to execute a transaction,
the cost of the transaction will be included in the wrap program fee. Consistent with the foregoing,
while MWM will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible
commission rates for client transactions.
Products and Services Available to Us from Brokers/Custodians
The custodians provide us and our clients with access to its institutional brokerage services, such as
trading, custody, reporting, and related services, many of which are not typically available to retail
customers. The custodians also make available various support services, some of which may help us
manage or administer our clients’ accounts, while others may help us manage and grow our
business.
Other institutional brokerage services which benefit you directly include access to a broad range of
investment products, execution of securities transactions, and asset custody. The investment
products available through the custodians include some to which we might not otherwise have
access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients.
The custodians may also make available to us other products and services that benefit us but may
not directly benefit you or your account. These products and services assist us in managing and
administering our clients’ accounts. They include investment research, both the custodians’ own and
that of third parties. We may use this research to service all or a substantial number of our clients’
accounts, including accounts not maintained at the custodians. In addition to investment research,
the custodians may also make available software and other technology that provide access to client
account data, facilitates trade execution for multiple client accounts, provides pricing and other
market data, facilitates payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts, and assists with back-office
functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
The custodians may also offer other services intended to help us manage and further develop our
business. These services include educational conferences and events, consulting on technology,
compliance, legal, and business needs, publications and conferences on practice management and
15
business succession, and access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and
insurance providers, as well as discounts on products and services from third-party providers and
discounted negotiated margin and lending rates for our clients.
The availability of these services from the custodians benefit us because we do not have to produce
or purchase them. Of course, this may give us an incentive to recommend that you maintain your
account with a particular custodian based on our interests rather than yours, which is a conflict of
interest. We believe, however, that our recommendation of a custodian is in the best interests of our
clients, and is primarily supported by the scope, quality, and price of the custodian’s services and not
the custodian’s services that benefit only us.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
MWM does not participate in soft-dollar relationships.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
When selecting broker-dealers for the execution of client securities transactions, MWM does not
consider whether we will receive any client referrals from the broker-dealer or any other third-party.
Directed Brokerage
As MWM will not request the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used or
the commission rates to be paid, clients must direct MWM as to the broker-dealer to be used. The
commissions and transaction fees charged by these broker-dealers could be higher or lower than
those charged by other custodians and broker-dealers. In directing the use of a broker-dealer, it
should be understood that MWM will not have authority to negotiate commissions among various
broker-dealers or obtain volume discounts. As such, best execution may not be achieved. Not all
investment advisers require clients to direct the use of specific broker-dealers.
Aggregation of Transactions
MWM may, from time to time, aggregate client orders into blocks in order to facilitate more efficient
account management and execution. When aggregating orders, an average price is given to all
participants in the block, or other measures are taken, in order to treat all accounts fairly.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Review of Accounts
Accounts at MWM are reviewed on a periodic basis. Reviews may be general in nature, addressing
investment objectives, risk tolerances or asset allocations, or they may be more detailed, depending
on circumstances. The level of detail of the review is generally triggered by factors such as market,
political, or economic conditions, or the client's individual financial situation. We encourage our
16
clients to discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with us and keep us informed of any changes.
Our clients who receive ongoing investment management services are contacted at least annually to
determine whether there have been any changes to their financial situation or investment objectives
and whether they wish to impose any reasonable restrictions on the management of their account or
reasonably modify any existing restrictions. At this time, we will advise any account changes we
feel are necessary to help our clients stay on track with meeting their financial goals and consider
whether the current services provided by our firm continue to be suitable for their needs.
Regular Reports Provided to Clients
In addition to the monthly or quarterly statements and confirmations of transaction that clients
receive from the custodian, MWM may provide other reports directly to the client from time to time
depending on the type of engagement. Investment management clients, for example, may receive
periodic holdings and or performance related reports.
MWM urges clients to carefully review custodial statements and compare them to the reports which
we may provide.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
MWM does not compensate any outside parties for client referrals, nor do we receive any
compensation or non-cash economic benefit for client referrals.
MWM does, however, receive economic benefits from our executing broker or custodian in the form
of the support products and services that are made available to us and to other independent
investment advisors. These products and services, how they benefit us, and the related conflicts of
interest are described in Item 12 above. The firm may also on limited occasions receive travel
expense reimbursements for industry meetings related to market analysis, investment strategies, and
practice management. The availability to us of these economic benefits is not based on us giving
particular investment advice, such as buying or recommending particular securities for our clients.
Furthermore, our representatives are required to make all investment decisions and
recommendations based solely on the interests of the applicable client.
Item 15 – Custody
As noted in Item 12, MWM recommends that clients’ assets be held by a qualified custodian.
Although we do not hold assets, we may have limited control in some instances to trade on your
behalf, to deduct our advisory fees from your account with your authorization, or to request
disbursements to you.
You will receive account statements directly from your custodian at least quarterly, which will be
sent to the email or postal mailing address you provide. MWM urges clients to carefully review
custodial statements and compare them to any account reports that we might provide.
17
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
MWM will accept discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients,
although we will also accept non-discretionary accounts.
When granted authority to manage accounts, MWM customarily has the authority to determine
which securities and the amounts that are bought or sold. Any discretionary authority accepted by
MWM, however, is subject to the client’s risk profile and investment objectives and may be limited
by any other limitations provided by the client in writing. MWM will not exercise discretionary
authority until they have been given authority to do so in writing. Such authority is granted in the
written agreement with the client, and in the written agreement with the third-party custodian.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
MWM does not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Clients are solely responsible for receiving and
voting proxies for the securities in their account.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in some cases to provide certain financial information
and/or disclosures about their financial condition. For example, if the firm requires prepayment of
fees for six months in advance, has custody of client funds, or has a condition that is reasonably
likely to impair its ability to meet its contractual commitments to its clients, it must provide financial
information and make disclosures.
MWM has no financial or operating conditions which trigger such additional reporting
requirements.
18