View Document Text
Satovsky Asset Management, LLC
232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400
New York, New York 10016
212-584-1900
www.satovsky.com
March 27, 2025
Item 1 Cover Page
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Satovsky Asset
Management, LLC (“SAM” or the “Adviser”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure,
please contact Christine Lucero, our Chief Compliance Officer, at 212-584-1900. Additional information
about SAM is available on the SEC’s website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/.
SAM is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an investment adviser under
the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”). Registration with the SEC as an
investment adviser under the Advisers Act does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Further, the
information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC, any state securities authority,
any other governmental authority or any regulatory or self-regulatory organization, nor has any of the
foregoing approved or disapproved of our qualifications.
Item 2 Material Changes
Since SAM’s last annual filing dated on March 31, 2024, there have been no material changes to report.
SAM routinely makes changes throughout its brochure in an effort to improve and clarify the description
of its business practices and compliance policies and procedures or in response to evolving industry and
Firm practices.
SAM encourages all recipients to read this brochure carefully in its entirety.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
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 .............................................................................................................. 8
Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ......................................................... 12
Item 7
Types of Clients ......................................................................................................................... 12
Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .................................................. 12
Item 9
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................ 22
Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................... 22
Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................. 23
Item 12
Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................... 23
Item 13
Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................... 25
Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................ 26
Item 15 Custody ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Item 16
Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................... 27
Item 17
Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................. 27
Item 18
Financial Information ................................................................................................................ 28
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
3
Item 4
Advisory Business
A.
Our Ownership and Structure
Satovsky Asset Management, LLC (“SAM”, the “Adviser”, “we”, “us”, the “firm”, or “our”) is a New York
City based wealth management firm. SAM is a limited liability company, organized in Delaware on March
5, 2007. Jonathan M. Satovsky is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and principal owner of the firm. Prior
to starting SAM, Mr. Satovsky was a Senior Investment Adviser at Satovsky & Associates, a franchisee of
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (formerly American Express Financial Advisors, Inc.) since April 1994, during which
time he provided financial planning and investment advisory services for individuals, pension and profit-
sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations. This was the foundation for the
continuation of these services for current SAM client.
The Adviser provides holistic financial planning, wealth management, investment management and
advisory services to separately managed accounts of high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates,
retirement plans, businesses and charitable organizations (collectively referred to as the “Client”, “Clients”,
“Client Account” or “Client Accounts”) on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis.
B.
Our Services
Investment Management Services
For discretionary accounts, SAM tailors its investment strategy in accordance with specific Client
investment objectives. We provide the Client with advice, guidance and implementation based on the
structure of their balance sheet, cash flow and stated goals. Our process seeks to calibrate Client portfolios
based on their need, capacity and willingness to take risk. This process requires ongoing collaboration and
two-way communication (between the Client and SAM) to adjust to each Client’s changing circumstances.
As a fiduciary, we seek out solutions with the aim of increasing both the probability of our Clients’ long-term
success and the sustainability of their withdrawals from their portfolio. Client investment guidelines or
Investment Policy Statements (“IPS”) may be amended by agreement with the Client and SAM, based upon
changing market conditions or the needs of the Client. The portfolios may deviate significantly from stated
IPS based on SAM discretion, market conditions and our proprietary research seeking to improve
risk/return characteristics of the portfolios. We have a preference to create a passive structure and ideal
path for each Client seeking to reduce taxes and behavioral risk.
For non-discretionary Client Accounts, the same process will occur as outlined above, except that Clients
must approve the initial implementation and all subsequent changes to the asset allocation and trades.
Within our non-discretionary capacity, we may purchase or sell securities to meet the cash needs of the
Client (including without limitation the payment of our management fee). These purchases and sales will
be executed in a manner such that the resulting allocations will generally match the allocation and target
range for asset classes in the account prior to the purchase or sale. Our advisory services are tailored to the
objectives and strategies of each Client.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
4
On occasion, SAM will source, conduct due diligence, and recommend Clients to invest directly in third-
party alternative investments. Clients must meet the criteria to invest in such funds and have ample
liquidity to remain invested for a longer-term duration due to the potential liquidity constraints of such
investments.
SAM’s clientele is mostly taxable investors, and thus, ongoing efforts are made for optimal asset location,
tax loss harvesting, trading and structure to balance the Client’s lifetime goals and various forms of risk
including longevity risk, inflation, taxes, volatility, and Client’s temperament which are all balancing factors
in the decision-making processes. SAM allocates assets among various investment strategies, with a bias
toward low-fee, tax advantaged investments typically embodied through a passive approach to markets.
However, where certain inefficiencies present themselves or the Firm believes that a manager or strategy
has an unusual advantage in a marketplace, SAM may suggest and employ other strategies. Where
appropriate, these strategies include the use of independent investment manager(s), mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), or other listed securities, in accordance with the investment objectives of
its individual Clients. Generally, outside scope of traditional risk profile, SAM may recommend investments
in structured notes to Clients that have excess cash reserves as a method to potentially increase yields for
Clients relative to their individual goals and circumstances. In addition, SAM may recommend that Clients
who are “accredited investors”, invest in privately placed securities, which may include debt, equity, and/or
pooled investment vehicles. Where applicable, the Firm also provides advice about Client-selected
securities, legacy positions, or other investments held in Client portfolios. Clients can engage SAM to
manage and/or advise on certain investment products that are not maintained at their primary custodian,
such as but not limited to life insurance and annuity contracts and assets held in employer sponsored
retirement plans, stock options, deferred compensation and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 529 plans). In these
situations, SAM directs or recommends the allocation of Client assets among the various investment
options available within the product as well as seeking to align balance sheet and asset allocation taking
these outside assets into consideration. These assets are generally maintained at the underwriting
insurance company or the custodian designated by the product’s provider.
SAM consults with Clients on an initial and ongoing basis to recalibrate as needed. Clients are advised to
promptly notify SAM if there are changes to their financial situation or if they wish to place any limitations
on the management of their portfolios. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions or mandates on the
management of their accounts if SAM determines, in its sole discretion, the conditions will not materially
impact the performance of a management strategy or prove overly burdensome to the Firm’s management
efforts.
Technology-Forward Investing Solution (“TFIS”)
SAM is currently partnered with Betterment for Advisors, an automated portfolio management platform,
through Betterment, LLC and Betterment Securities, (collectively referred to as “Betterment”).
SAM has in the past and may continue in the future to recommend to Clients this web-based investment
advisory program operated and provided by Betterment to provide services including but not limited to
account opening, asset allocation, execution, rebalancing, daily tax-loss harvesting, asset location and
financial projections, where applicable. Under this arrangement, Clients must execute a separate
discretionary investment advisory agreement with Betterment to serve as a sub-advisor. This online
agreement provides access to Betterment’s automated investment allocation platform as well as
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
5
Betterment’s brokerage and custodial services which Clients can access these accounts exclusively through
Betterment’s website which outlines the terms, conditions and fees of the relationship.
Clients provide Betterment with their financial circumstances and other information and their portfolio is
created with asset allocations in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that match tolerance levels of equity
exposure relative to Client goals-based planning. Betterment then provides investment advice to the Client
and directs trades to its affiliate broker-dealer, Betterment Securities (neither Client nor SAM can enter
trades).
Advice provided by Betterment is computer-generated, and therefore inherently has several limitations
(including that neither SAM nor Betterment can ensure that the Program can achieve any particular
investment or tax result for any Client; the algorithm may rebalance Program accounts without regard to
the then-current market conditions or on a more frequent basis than the Client might otherwise expect the
algorithm may not address prolonged market condition changes and the mathematical algorithms
employed are designed properly, updates with new data and can accurately predict future security, market,
industry, and sector performance); SAM will be unable to manage your Program account in a way we may
otherwise advise for advisory accounts we manage; Betterment can amend the terms of the Client’s
agreement at any time; A Client’s participation in the web-based electronic investment advisory program
is subject to numerous conditions (as noted on the website); Clients must agree to arbitration of any
disputes they may have with Betterment.
TFIS seeks to align Clients’ portfolios through a combination of ETFs to Clients’ specific goals and therefore
the risk profiling process seeks to consider age, time frame, equity exposure and rebalanced as tax-
efficiently as possible seeking to minimize the Behavioral Gap over a lifetime, which is the difference
between investment returns and investor returns due to behavioral biases.
SAM’s TFIS also offers further customized philosophy-based portfolios intended to find the right
psychological path to match an investor’s belief system to increase the probability of sustainability. These
are custom designed by SAM and the execution of all trading and platform operations is subject to terms
and conditions of Betterment.
SAM may also partner with other technology platforms and custodians in the future not limited to
Betterment.
Institutional, Charitable and Retirement Plan Services
We engage with various endowments, charitable gift trusts, and ERISA plans in a wide range of capacities.
For ERISA plans, this includes serving as a 3(21) fiduciary providing investment recommendations to the
plan sponsor and/or trustee, or as a 3(38) investment manager, relieving the plan sponsor or trustee of
their fiduciary responsibility and assuming the investment management decision making for the plan.
In addition, SAM has adopted policies and procedures designed to comply with the ERISA fiduciary
standards when advising retirement asset rollovers as set forth in the Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule
(‘’DOLE PTE”). When applicable, each Client will be presented with disclosure documents as prescribed by
DOL PTE.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
6
Strategic Wealth Advisory, Consulting & Family Office Solutions
SAM offers fee-based discretionary and non-discretionary services. These services may include but are not
limited to portfolio aggregation, reporting, consulting, advisory and family office solutions. This type of
engagement centers around Client specific wealth management needs often centered around investment,
tax, and estate planning with or without our managing any investment assets directly.
SAM also is available for a fee to provide certain consulting services with respect to financial planning
services as well as financial advice on non-investment related matters such as but not limited to the
following:
General financial oversight
Balance sheet and ongoing cash flow monitoring
Debt Management (Mortgages, Personal/Business Lines of Credit and Margin agreements)
Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning
Income Tax review and Planning
Insurance Review
Employee and Executive Benefits
Concentrated Equity and Business Ownership
Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards
Pension and Annuity Evaluations
Philanthropy
Behavioral Coaching
Under this arrangement, any recommendations provided by SAM may be implemented at the Client’s sole
discretion with the professional consultants of Client’s choosing, and there is no obligation to engage SAM
for investment advisory services. In performing these services, SAM is not required to verify any
information received from the Client or from the Client’s other professionals (attorneys, accountants, and
other advisors) and is expressly authorized to rely on such information.
We also may provide certain Investment Only Client Accounts with financial planning services as well as
financial advice on non-investment related matters such as those listed above. To the extent we provide
any financial consulting services beyond the management of assets, such services are provided as part of,
and incidental to, our management services.
With respect to any financial planning/consulting services provided by SAM, each Client must acknowledge
to us that: (i) such Client is free at all times to accept or reject any of our recommendations, and such Client
acknowledges that such Client has the sole authority with regard to the implementation, acceptance, or
rejection of any recommendation or advice from us; (ii) our recommendations (i.e., estate planning,
retirement planning, insurance, etc.) may be discussed and/or implemented, at such Client’s sole
discretion, with the corresponding professional adviser(s) (i.e., broker, accountant, attorney, etc.) of such
Client’s choosing; (iii) in respect to estate planning and tax planning matters, our role shall be that of a
facilitator between such Client and his/her corresponding professional adviser(s); (iv) we are not an
attorney or accountant, and no portion of our services should be interpreted by such Client as legal or tax
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
7
advice (rather, such Client should defer to such Client’s attorney and/or accountant with respect to all legal
or tax matters); and (v) such Client will maintain sole responsibility to notify us if there is a change in such
Client’s financial situation or investment objective(s) for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our
previous recommendations and/or services and/or to address new planning or consulting matters. SAM
recommends the services of itself or other professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients are
advised that a conflict of interest exists if Clients engage SAM or Jonathan Satovsky as a registered
representative to provide additional fee-based services (investment management, aggregate customized
reporting, insurance/annuity solutions or special projects). Clients are advised that it remains their
responsibility to notify the Firm of any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the
purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising SAM’s previous recommendations and/or services.
SAM does not sponsor nor provide portfolio management services to a wrap fee program.
C.
Regulatory Assets Under Management
SAM provides investment management services on a discretionary and/or non‐discretionary basis to each
of our Client Accounts. As of December 31, 2024, we provided investment management services to
$843,741,522 of regulatory assets under management of which $808,688,674 is managed on a
discretionary basis and $35,052,848 is managed on a non‐discretionary basis.
Item 5
Fees and Compensation
A.
General
SAM offers its services on a fee basis, which may include hourly and/or fixed fees, as well as fees based
upon assets under management or advisement depending on the Client relationship.
Strategic Wealth Advisory, Consulting & Family Office Solutions Fees
Consulting, financial planning and wealth advisory services may be provided for a fixed fee, based on the
scope and complexity of the agreed upon services. These fees are at the sole discretion of SAM and may be
reviewed annually.
In the event we so determine, the provision of such financial consulting services (including the dollar amount
of any hourly or fixed fee therefor) shall be set forth and described in a separate agreement between us and
such Client (including, for example, a Financial Planning Agreement and/or Limited Consulting Agreement
setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement, describing the scope of the services to be
provided, and the portion of the fee that is due from the Client prior to our commencing services). SAM may
offset all or a portion of its fixed fees for consulting by the fees provided for investment management
services.
We may determine to provide financial consulting services beyond the management of assets in our sole
discretion at any time, regardless of any prior provision of such chargeable services without charge. Any
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
8
prior provision of such services without charge shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of our
right to provide such services on an hourly or fixed fee basis.
Investment Management Services
SAM provides investment management services for an annual fee based on the market value of the Client's
Account, as determined by the custodian, at the beginning of the calendar quarter and billed in advance.
The Firm has a minimum quarterly fee of the higher of $2,500 or the quarterly fee billed on market value
of assets under management. The tiered annual fee varies (between 0.3% and 1.5%) depending upon the
market value of the assets under management, as follows:
Asset Value (millions) Fees
First $1................................................................................... 1.5%
Next $9................................................................................... 1.0%
Next $15 ................................................................................ 0.5%
Next $25 ................................................................................ 0.4%
Thereafter............................................................................. 0.3%
SAM’s TFIS through Betterment is provided for the same fee schedule above subject to platform limitations
and is calculated based on the average daily portfolio value of Client assets managed by Betterment payable
on the last business day of the quarter in arrears. Betterment remits payment to SAM on behalf of Client.
Betterment services include custody, account opening, execution, technology, trading, automate
rebalancing and asset location. For these services, SAM has negotiated a platform fee-based relationship
which currently ranges between 0.12% to 0.20% annually. This Platform fee is a separate fee apart from
SAM’s management fee charged for such TFIS assets under management and is debited to each Client
account directly by Betterment based on the average daily portfolio value of Client assets.
in
fee schedule. Clients may
incur additional costs
The ERISA plan billing follows the fee schedule above subject to appropriate plan benchmarking and is
evaluated annually based on nature of specific plan circumstances including but not limited to number of
employees, size of plan assets, number of locations, services provided and benchmarking studies on
comparative plan services. The ongoing benchmarking and testing may lead to a lower advisory fee than
from 3(38) plan sponsor,
reflected
recordkeeping/administrator, custody/trust services, plan investments and pension administrative
services.
Related Client accounts may be aggregated for purposes of calculating fees. Clients may have accounts on
both traditional, TFISand ERISA plans which are not aggregated for billing purposes as they are separate
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
9
and distinct platforms. SAM, in our sole discretion, may negotiate to charge a greater or lesser fee based
on certain criteria, such as the complexity of the Client’s portfolio, the level of expertise required to service
the account, the staff time involved in servicing the account, potential value added to the Client for the
services to be provided, pre-existing Client relationships, anticipated future additional assets, dollar
amount of assets to be managed, and pro bono activities among other factors. SAM may waive its advisory
fee at any time when it deems it appropriate and/or necessary.
The annual investment management fee excludes charges imposed by other third-party financial
institutions, platform fees, transaction costs, brokerage commissions, custody or any other costs and
expenses which shall be incurred by the Client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians,
brokers, third party investment managers and other third parties which may include fees such as 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. Mutual funds, ETFs, and private investments
(e.g., private equity and hedge funds) are subject to their own respective expenses. These fees are
additional to the fees paid by Clients to SAM.
We do not independently value any securities held in Client Accounts. That is, with respect to the Client
Accounts advised by the Adviser, the Adviser and its Clients rely on the independent, third-party qualified
custodian that holds the assets in such Client Accounts, to value these assets. For certain Client Accounts
holding private securities, the quarterly financial information provided by the private funds themselves will
be used as the basis for Client reporting and fee billing.
B.
Fee Payments
SAM fees for Client Accounts and 529 plans are generally debited by the qualified custodian from each
Client Account in advance on a quarterly basis. The fees are calculated by the Adviser using a 360-day count
pursuant to the terms of each Client’s investment management agreement and based on the market value
of each Client Account at the beginning of the calendar quarter.
For Client Accounts on the Betterment for Advisors platform, Betterment calculates and deducts the Client
fees quarterly in arrears from the Client Account, and remits to SAM its negotiated fee.
For Client Accounts on ERISA 401k plans, the recordkeeper/administrator calculates and deducts the Client
fees quarterly from the plan assets quarterly in advance and remits to SAM its negotiated fee.
C.
Other Fees
Commissions and/or transaction fees are the responsibility of the Client and may be charged to each Client
Account for effecting securities transactions; provided, that we may bear such commissions and/or
transaction fees on behalf of a Client Account in our sole discretion. In the event commissions and/or
transaction fees are borne by us on behalf of an account, any such prior action or conduct shall not be
deemed a waiver at any time of our right to charge such account for such commissions and/or transaction
fees on a going forward basis.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
10
For a discussion of the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending broker dealers for Client
transactions and determining the reasonableness of commissions and compensation for such broker-
dealers, please see “Item 12 Brokerage Practices.”
D.
Advance Payment of Fees
Client Accounts are generally charged in advance (at the beginning) of each calendar quarter based upon
the value of each Client Account at the beginning of the calendar quarter.
To the extent that a Client engages us during a quarter, such Client’s fee will be prorated from the date of
engagement through the end of the quarter; provided, that we, in our sole discretion, may be paid such
first quarter prorated fee in arrears rather than in advance for ease of administration.
Except with respect to new engagements during a quarter, and cancellations of existing agreements during
a quarter, we do not prorate fees paid at the beginning of each calendar quarter based upon inflows and
outflows in or from an account during a quarter. That is, the fee for the entire calendar quarter is based
upon the value of a Client Account at the beginning of the calendar quarter. If existing agreements are
cancelled during a quarter, unearned fees will be refunded, the amount of which will be determined on a
pro rata basis depending upon the number of days remaining in the applicable quarter.
For financial consulting services, Clients are generally charged an annual financial consulting fee billed
quarterly in advance. SAM’s minimum fee for financial planning services is $2,500 quarterly and is
determined based on the scope and complexity of the agreed upon services. SAM may, at its discretion,
waive or reduce the financial planning fee, or offset such fee against management fees taking into
consideration, among other things, the length of the Client relationship. Financial planning services shall be
set forth and described in a separate agreement between SAM and such Client. All or a portion of the fixed
fees for financial planning services are subject to negotiation.
Client agreements may be canceled at any time, by either party, for any reason upon 30 days’ written
notice. In the event either party terminates a Financial Planning Agreement, Limited Consulting Agreement
and/or similar agreement, if applicable, prior to completion of the financial planning services, unearned
fees paid in advance, if any, shall be refunded to the Client.
E.
Fees and Compensation from the Sale of Securities or Mutual Funds
Mr. Satovsky, in his individual capacity, is a licensed insurance agent with various insurance companies and
a registered representative with Purshe Kaplan Sterling, a FINRA member broker dealer. Mr. Satovsky holds
Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses with FINRA. These affiliations and licenses are maintained in order to effectuate
certain 529 plans, insurance policies, annuity contracts, limited partnerships, and certain retirement and
deferred compensation plans that may only be offered through an insurance company and/or FINRA
member broker-dealer. These transactions are typically commission paid transactions that may not
otherwise be accessible directly. Any fees and/or commissions (to the extent received) by Mr. Satovsky in
his individual capacity, are independent from the investment management fee paid to the Adviser. This
practice presents a potential conflict of interest and gives us or our supervised persons an incentive to
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
11
recommend investment products based on compensation received, rather than on a Client’s needs. We
address these conflicts by disclosing these transactions to the Client prior to or at the time of purchase.
Clients have the option to purchase investment products that we recommend through other brokers or
agents that are not affiliated with us. We do not reduce our advisory fees to offset commissions received.
When Mr. Satovsky sells an investment product on a commission basis, the Adviser does not charge an
advisory fee in addition to the commissions paid by the Client for such product. With respect to mutual
fund purchases that we recommend, we utilize institutional share classes of such funds on behalf of our
Clients. These institutional share classes often have minimum eligible purchases of $1,000,000 and provide
the lowest expense ratio share class available to investors. We elect these share classes as an institutional
purchaser which enables us to allocate smaller dollar amounts for Clients to funds that would otherwise be
inaccessible. Institutional share classes do not typically pay 12b-1 fees.
Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
SAM does not charge performance based fees. Pooled investment vehicles typically charge performance-
based fees pursuant to their governing documents. SAM will not receive a portion of those fees. Our
advisory fees are only charged as disclosed in Item 5 Fees and Compensation, above.
Item 7
Types of Clients
SAM provides its services to individuals, high net worth families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts,
estates, charitable organizations, corporations, and other business entities. The minimum portfolio size is
$2,000,000 which is subject to the Adviser’s discretion.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A.
Description of Analysis and Strategy and General Risk Disclosure
SAM has a preference to create a passive structure with the goal of minimizing trading to reduce taxes and
behavioral risk as well as to focus on lifetime sustainability. Our investment recommendations have been
heavily influenced by both academic research and an ideology of “eat your own cooking.” Our approach
to investing typically follows these five key tenets:
Goals based planning and investment structure are more important than focus on
1)
beating the market.
Since we work with mostly taxable investors, SAM generally recommends lower-cost, tax-efficient
portfolios to its Clients. Some investors are sensitive to how these portfolios perform relative to the S&P
500. We believe that it is all about education and we can offer a simple index solution if that enables clients
to stick to their path for decades over days and optimally for a lifetime. We believe that aligning clients to
the right philosophical path can create better investors and align them for sustainable success. We believe
that Clients’ goals and philosophical alignment are more important than “beating the market,” and
constantly comparing a globally diversified portfolio to benchmark returns can lead to counterproductive,
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
12
investment philosophy, and a temperament to
returns-chasing behavior. While SAM believes that outperforming the market is possible, it requires
alignment of portfolio assets and
live with
underperformance statistically 40%+ of the time. When and if utilizing active strategies, we embrace a
strong ownership alignment (“eat your own cooking” – a significant portion of fund managers’ net worth
invested alongside investors) which we believe can lead to better long-term alignment of interests, results
and behavior.
Academic evidence supports tilting portfolios toward profitable, small and value-
2)
oriented businesses.
The academic evidence shows that expected returns have exhibited higher premiums by investing in
smaller and highly profitable companies. These factors have been persistent around the world over time,
but not all the time. This reinforces the importance of longer holding periods to benefit from these factors
and philosophy.
3)
Only buy something that you’d be willing to hold for 10 years.
Over time, stocks (equity ownership stake in businesses) have historically outperformed cash and bonds
(treasury bills). The persistency and probability of these observations materializing in the future are
expected to continue over time, but not all the time. Thus, creating a structure that aligns to your balance
sheet, cash flow, goals, and temperament is important to maintain this long-term perspective of only
buying assets you would be comfortable holding for decades over days.
4)
Concentrate to get rich, diversify to stay rich.
SAM has worked with many corporate executives who have accumulated tremendous wealth through
concentrated stakes in the active involvement in businesses. It is important to be mindful of protecting
their sustainability and that of future generations by reducing concentration and building diversified
portfolios. Instead of time and energy directly driving profitability and cash flow, this may be replicated
through passive ownership stake in a globally diversified portfolio of profitable businesses.
Most investors need equity returns to support long-term goals, but don’t have
5)
temperament for equity risk.
Our recommendations generally will be developed considering each Client’s need, ability and willingness
to take risk. We utilize fixed income, cash, structured notes and/or flexible mandate strategies to temper
Clients’ willingness factor. We offer flexible mandate strategies and structured notes to Clients who seek
equity-oriented returns with downside protection and less volatility. The structured note returns are
generally tied to the return based on the performance of underlying assets, most commonly a stock index.
However, the portfolios may deviate significantly from stated risk profile based on several factors at SAM
discretion, including but not limited to: market conditions, tax consequences, longevity risk, balance sheet,
cash flow and our proprietary research seeking to improve risk/return characteristics of the portfolios to
individual Clients’ temperaments.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
13
6)
Philosophical portfolios
We believe traditional risk profiling is flawed to assess someone’s emotional temperament at a specific
moment in time. If a Client answers a risk profile questionnaire during bear markets, they often answer in
a more risk averse way and in a bull market, answer in more risk favorable manner. In seeking to mitigate
this risk, we continue to evolve our processes to consider how to design financial balance sheet and
portfolio construction to balance psychological safety and lifetime goals, needs and objectives for the
Client. We believe each Client has an unconscious bias from generations on philosophical approaches to
stewarding money. In this vein, we may offer various philosophical paths on our SAM TFIS to accommodate
various generations of Clients’ needs. These portfolios include but are not limited to Jack Bogle simple two
fund portfolio reflected in Warren Buffet’s will to Harry Browne permanent portfolio and continue to evolve
to accommodate our globally diverse clientele. The goal of these offerings is to match a Client’s true risk
appetite for multi-generational wealth and sustainability.
We obtain our research information from a variety of sources including but not limited to financial research
providers such as Factset, Morningstar, financial newspapers and magazines, inspections of corporate
activities, filings with the SEC, corporate press releases, timing services and other various research
materials. Additionally, we may use outside technology vendors including but not limited to Orion Advisor
Services, Black Diamond, Factset, FinDash.AI and Kwanti Portfolio Lab to analyze and stress test our Client
portfolios under various market environments. SAM may also utilize the Betterment for Advisors platform,
as described in Item 5 above, which uses algorithms to allocate assets according to Client investment
objectives. SAM does not engage in soft dollar transactions.
In addition, Mr. Satovsky, and/or other research analysts on our staff, will review each person/firm that
manages a privately placed pooled investment vehicle through 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/or professional history;
reviews of audited financial statements; and verification of performance claims. Electronic files are created
to store and maintain all materials reviewed. With respect to third party managers of publicly traded
vehicles such as mutual funds and exchange traded funds, we review publicly available information. Given
the breadth of third party managers, investment vehicles and the material differences between and among
similarly classified pooled investment vehicles that utilize third party managers (including, without
limitation, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, hedge funds and private equity funds), we believe that it
is impossible to capture in a single list what we may determine to be an appropriate level of due diligence
for any given manager or vehicle.
There can be no assurance that the investment objective of our Clients will be achieved, and that Clients
will not incur losses. In addition to the risks listed below, Clients should review the respective offering or
similar documents of each mutual fund, ETF and/or 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. Each Client is also encouraged to consult with the Adviser to review the specific
risk parameters of, and assets that comprise, the Client’s account at any given time and from time to time.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss and there is no assurance that any investment strategy will be
successful in avoiding loss or achieving investment objectives. Clients should be prepared to bear the risk
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
14
of loss of some or all of their investment. Our investment portfolios seek to achieve Clients’ long-term
financial plans and goals. Therefore, the material risks that exist in building a portfolio for a Client include
the following:
Misalignment of timing relative to Client needs: It is extremely important to maintain open and
ongoing communication with us to keep us informed of your changing cash flow needs to ensure liquidity
is available when needed. Often times, a Client’s liquidity needs arise at unexpected and inopportune times
when asset prices may not be optimal to liquidate, and therefore may cause significant loss of principal.
Spending rates: We spend a considerable amount of time with each Client working to educate
individuals on the importance of providing a buffer for emergencies, opportunities and to increase the
likelihood of sustainability of a portfolio to reach each individuals goals subject to numerous factors and
Client characteristics. It is generally recommended that a spending/withdrawal rate from a portfolio should
be no more than 3-5% of one’s assets in order to insulate them from inflation, taxes and longevity risk
(outliving one’s money). Clients with higher spending rates have a greater risk of outliving their assets;
therefore, such Clients may seek more speculative investments than they are comfortable taking. of
principal.
Behavioral risk: Volatility is inherent in virtually all investment strategies, so we spend time
educating Clients about historical volatility of each asset class and/or the underlying strategies that we
deploy based on Clients’ risk tolerance or preferences. Our experience has shown that most investors
overstate their appetite for risk. Therefore, when asset prices decline, the tendency is for investors to
contract their risk appetite and when asset prices rise, the tendency is for investors to expand their risk
appetite. The behavioral gap in investor returns versus actual returns has historically been higher when
strategies with greater volatility are utilized in an investment plan.
Key man risk: As the principal owner of the Adviser, Mr. Satovsky is critical to the Adviser’s
management of Client accounts and the management of the firm. However, as discussed herein, the
Adviser does not maintain possession of Client assets. Accordingly, any succession plan implemented by
the Adviser or any termination of a Client’s agreement with the Adviser after the departure of Mr. Satovsky
would not affect the maintenance of Client assets at the relevant custodian in the name of the Client.
Price Deterioration for Non-Discretionary Clients: When SAM makes a decision to invest in or sell
out of a particular investment, the Firm will generally communicate to its non-discretionary Clients and
explain the recommendation. Transactions will be effected only for discretionary Clients and those non-
discretionary Clients that have approved a purchase or sale. Non-discretionary Clients who delay
communicating their approval for a purchase or sale to the Firm will have their transaction executed later
and possibly at a less favorable price than other Clients, if the market conditions for the recommended
security deteriorate.
Cybersecurity risk: SAM’s information and technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or
interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures,
infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors by its professionals, power outages
and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Although SAM has
implemented various measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, if these systems are
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
15
compromised, become inoperable for extended periods of time or cease to function properly, SAM may
have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster
recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in SAM’s operations and result in a
failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information
relating to Client accounts. Such a failure could harm SAM’s reputation or subject it or its affiliates to legal
claims and otherwise affect their business and financial performance. Any failure of SAM’s information,
technology or security systems could have an adverse impact on its ability to manage the Client accounts
referred to herein.
Business Continuity Risk: SAM’s business operations may be vulnerable to disruption in the case of
catastrophic events such as fires, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other circumstances resulting in
property damage, network interruption and/or prolong power outages. Although SAM has implemented,
or expects to implement, measures to mitigate risks relating to these types of events, there can be no
assurance that all contingencies can be planned for. These risks of loss can be substantial and could have a
material adverse effect on SAM and its ability to manage Clients.
Artificial Intelligence Risk: The emergence of recent technology developments in artificial
intelligence and machine learning such as OpenAI and ChatGPT (collectively, “Machine Learning
Technology”) can pose risks to SAM, Client Accounts, and their investments. While SAM has implemented
or expects to implement policies and procedures restricting the use of Machine Learning Technology to
certain internal processes, and reviews use of Machine Learning Technology by service providers and other
relevant third parties in the course of operational due diligence. SAM is nonetheless exposed to the risks
of Machine Learning Technology from both such limited, known uses, as well as from any uses of Machine
Learning Technology that may be undertaken by SAM’s personnel in contravention of SAM’s policies, or by
third-party service providers or portfolio investments of or any counterparties to Client Accounts or their
underlying investments, whether or not known to the Firm. Use of Machine Learning Technology involves
the risk of inaccuracies or errors in the data utilized by Machine Learning Technology, may directly or
indirectly create security or data risks, and may increase trademark, licensing, and copyright risks. Machine
Learning Technology continues to develop rapidly, and it is impossible to predict the future risks that may
arise from such developments.
Economic Conditions risk: Changes in economic conditions, including, for example, interest rates,
inflation rates, currency and exchange rates, industry conditions, competition, technological developments,
trade relationships, political and diplomatic events and trends, tax laws and innumerable other factors, can
affect substantially and adversely the investment performance of a Client’s Account. Economic, political
and financial conditions (including military conflicts and financial sanctions), or industry or economic trends
and developments, may, from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause volatility, illiquidity or
other potentially adverse effects in the financial markets. Economic or political turmoil, a deterioration of
diplomatic relations or a natural or man-made disaster in a region or country where SAM’s Client assets are
invested may result in adverse consequences to such Clients’ portfolios. As of the beginning of 2023, there
is an especially high degree of economic uncertainty given elevated inflation, a rapid increase in interest
rates by central banks, and a high level of geopolitical uncertainty in Europe and Asia. The likelihood of a
recession, and the magnitude of any such recession, is highly uncertain and would have significant
implications across asset classes. None of these conditions is or will be within the control of SAM, and no
assurances can be given that SAM will anticipate these developments.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
16
Epidemic Risk: An epidemic outbreak and reactions to such an outbreak could cause uncertainty in
markets and businesses, including SAM’s business, and may adversely affect the performance of the global
economy, including causing market volatility, market and business uncertainty and closures, supply chain
and travel interruptions, the need for employees and vendors to work at external locations, and extensive
medical absences. SAM has policies and procedures to address known situations, but because a large
epidemic may create significant market and business uncertainties and disruptions, not all events that could
affect SAM’s business and/or the markets can be determined and addressed in advance.
Regulatory/Legislative Developments risk: Regulators and/or legislators may promulgate rules or
pass legislation that places restrictions on, adds procedural hurdles to, affects the liquidity of, and/or alters
the risks associated with certain investment transactions or the securities underlying such investment
transactions. Such rules/legislation could adversely affect the value associated with such investment
transactions or underlying securities. Future legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur that may
adversely affect business and require additional reporting for registered investment advisors. The SEC,
other regulators and self-regulatory organizations and exchanges have taken various extraordinary actions
in connection with market events and may take additional actions. Registered investment advisors may
also be adversely affected by changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing laws, rules, and
regulations, including tax laws, by federal, state, and non-U.S. agencies, courts, authorities, or regulators.
Custody risk. The Firm is required to maintain certain Client assets with a qualified custodian.
Clients may incur a loss on securities and cash held in custody in the event of a custodian’s or sub-
custodian’s insolvency, negligence, fraud, poor administration, or inadequate recordkeeping. Generally,
deposits maintained at a bank do not become part of a failed bank’s estate however, the Firm’s operations
could be impacted by the bank’s insolvency in that there may be a delay in access to liquidity, trade
settlement, delivery of securities, etc. Establishing multiple custodial relationships could mitigate custodial
risk in the event of a bank failure.
Exposure to Material, Non-Public Information Risk: From time to time, SAM’s employees receive
material, non-public information with respect to an issuer of publicly traded securities resulting from
professional and/or personal channels. In such circumstances, SAM’s Clients may be prohibited, by law,
and policies and procedures for a period of time from (i) unwinding a position in such issuer, (ii) establishing
an initial position or taking any greater position in such issuer, and (iii) pursuing other investment
opportunities related to such issuer.
Leverage: Certain strategies we invest in on behalf of Clients may utilize leverage in their
investment programs. The use of leverage allows these strategies to make additional investments, thereby
increasing their exposure to assets, such that their total assets may be greater than their total capital.
However, leverage also magnifies the volatility of changes in the value of these strategies. The effect of the
use of leverage in a market that moves adversely to a strategies investment could result in substantial
losses, which would be greater than if the strategy were not leveraged.
Counterparty Risk. The Firm and/or its Clients may be subject to credit and liquidity risk with respect
to the counterparties. Exposure to credit and liquidity risk from counterparties can occur through a wide
range of activities when dealing with, including but not limited to, service providers, banks, brokers,
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
17
insurance providers, trading counterparties, or other entities. Should a counterparty become bankrupt or
otherwise fail to perform its obligations under a contract due to financial difficulties, there may be
significant delays in obtaining any or limited recovery under a contract in a bankruptcy court or other
reorganization proceeding. The lack of any independent evaluation of such counterparties’ financial
capabilities, and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement or provide access to capital will
increase the potential for losses by the Firm and/or Clients especially during unusually adverse market
conditions.
B.
Material Risk of Strategy
An investment strategy that we construct on behalf of Clients seeks to meet an individual’s goals
throughout his or her lifetime. Since financial markets are volatile and due to the nature of our investment
strategies, there can be no assurances that a Client will reach their targeted returns or realize any return
on their investment during a specific period of time. It is uncertain as to when profits, if any, will be realized
and Client goals may not be realized during his or her lifetime. Losses on unsuccessful investments may be
realized before gains are realized on successful investments. The return of capital and realization of gains,
if any, from an investment may not occur for a substantial period of time. Historical correlations and returns
are not indicative of future performance or relationship of asset prices. We also allow for portfolio drift,
wherein certain positions may become more concentrated over time, resulting in increased volatility and
changes to the risk/return characteristics of the portfolio.
We typically invest in a broad range of investment strategies from cash, fixed income, US equity,
foreign equity, and alternative investments. Specifically, we may utilize a combination of individual
securities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and/or pooled investment vehicles. Although we typically
utilize a wide range of asset classes, there are no requirements imposed on us with respect to diversity
among strategies or individual securities. We may invest in a limited number of strategies or with a limited
number of individual securities, mutual funds, ETFs, and/or pooled investment vehicles. In addition,
underlying funds with which we invest may all invest in the same or similar securities, further limiting the
diversification of managed accounts. To the extent that Clients have concentrated positions, portfolio gains
or losses may be more extreme.
We may invest in strategies or markets that underperform other strategies or general securities
markets or relative benchmarks. Independent research studies have shown that even the most successful
long-term active management strategies will have extended periods of underperformance relative to their
peer group and/or indices. This may cause client accounts to underperform 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 general securities markets. In the past, these periods have lasted in excess of several years.
Changes in interest rates will affect the value of fixed income investments. In general, as interest
rates rise, bond prices fall, and 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
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
18
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, Clients could lose
money over short or even long periods.
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 such 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 or liquidity. The value of securities or
instruments of smaller, less well-known issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. Issuer-
specific events or broader social-economic events can have a negative impact on the value of Client
accounts.
C. Material Risk of Securities
We invest in a blend of liquid, publicly traded individual securities, mutual funds, ETFs, and pooled
investment vehicles and, at times, some illiquid investments, which may, in turn, invest in or be comprised
of a variety of securities focused on various strategies ranging from fixed income, U.S. equities, foreign
equities and alternative investments. Many strategies are subject to both specific market risk related to the
market which they represent as well as liquidity risk that may prevent securities from being sold at the
quoted market price within a reasonable period of time. A managed account holding such securities may
experience substantial losses if required to liquidate these holdings.
Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers and securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies
pose currency exchange risks to the extent 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. Investments in private funds are illiquid
and do not have the protection of SEC regulations. Generally, no market for such interests exists and
liquidity is subject to fund terms including lock ups, redemption penalties or gates. There is no assurance
that private fund interests can be liquidated upon demand.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
19
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, a fund that invests in foreign securities or securities
denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates,
exchange control regulations, foreign country indebtedness and indigenous economic and political
developments.
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. Lower-rated securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and
competitive industry conditions than higher-rated 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.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) may be 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.
Value stocks: Certain strategies we invest in on behalf of Clients focus in “value” stocks, or stocks
they believe are inexpensive either on a relative or absolute basis. Investing in value stocks presents the
risk that the stocks may never reach what the strategy believes are their full market values, either because
the market fails to recognize what our strategies judge to be the companies’ true business values or
because our strategies misjudge those values. In addition, value stocks may fall out of favor with investors
underperform growth stocks during given periods.
Short Sale Risk: Certain strategies we invest in on behalf of Clients may engage in short sales. This
involves selling a borrowed security with the expectation that the value of the security will decline so that
it may be purchased at a lower price when returning the borrowed security. The risk for loss on short selling
is greater than the original value of the securities sold short because the price of the borrowed security may
rise, thereby increasing the price at which the security must be purchased. Although the potential gain of
a short sale is limited to the price at which the security was sold short, the potential loss is limited only by
the maximum attainable price of the security, less the price at which the security was sold and may,
theoretically, be unlimited. In addition, certain strategies may be subject to expenses related to short sales
that are not typically associated with investing in securities directly, such as costs of borrowing and margin
account maintenance costs associated with open short positions. These types of short sale expenses
negatively impact the performance of certain strategies since these expenses tend to cause losses on short
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
20
sales even in instances where the price of the underlying security sold short does not change over the
duration of the short sale. Finally, strategies that short may not be able to borrow a security that they need
to deliver, or they may not be able to close out a short position at an acceptable price and may have to sell
long positions earlier than they had expected.
Structured Notes Risk. Structured Note investors are subject to the credit risk of the issuing bank.
If an issuing bank declares bankruptcy, Structured Note investors are unsecured creditors and could lose
money including the potential for full principal loss. Such events are historically rare. Most Structured Note-
issuing banks are global, systemically important, and since 2009, subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny.
If the reference asset within the Structured Note declines in price, note investors can potentially experience
losses. Investors wishing to sell a Structured Note prior to maturity may experience liquidity risk as
Structured Notes do not trade on an organized exchange. The issuing bank is not obligated to repurchase a
Structured Note back from an investor (although typically they will do so, often at a discount to current
market value). Structured Notes have no explicit penalty when sold prior to maturity. Structured Notes may
experience substantial tracking error, relative to the reference asset, during the life of a note. While the
note is often correlated with the underlying asset, tracking error throughout the life of the note will vary.
Similar to conventional bonds, Structured Notes are subject to interest rate risk and subsequent duration
risk. During a rising rate (or rising volatility) environment, existing Structured Note holders may experience
less attractive terms relative to new notes being issued.
Micro and Small Cap Company Stock Risk: Certain strategies we invest in on behalf of Clients may
invest in Micro and small cap sized companies. Micro and small cap company stocks may be very sensitive
to changing economic conditions and market downturns. Micro-cap and small-cap companies’ earnings and
revenues may be less predictable, their share prices may be more volatile, and markets less liquid than
companies with larger market capitalizations. There may be less publicly available information about these
companies, which can affect the pricing of their shares or an investor’s ability to dispose of those shares.
Liquidity risk exists when it would be difficult to purchase or sell these securities, possibly preventing
strategies that invest in them from selling at an advantageous time or price and possibly requiring these
strategies to dispose of other investments at unfavorable times or prices in order to satisfy their obligations.
Derivative risk: Certain strategies we invest in on behalf of Clients may invest in derivatives. In
general, a derivative instrument typically involves leverage, i.e., it provides exposure to potential gain or
loss from a change in the level of the market price of the underlying security, currency or commodity (or a
basket or index) in a notional amount that exceeds the amount of cash or assets required to establish or
maintain the derivative instrument. Adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset or index,
which strategies we invest in may not directly own, can result in a loss to these strategies substantially
greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. The use of derivative instruments also exposes an
investor to additional risks and transaction costs. These instruments come in many varieties and have a wide
range of potential risks and rewards, and may include futures contracts, forward contracts, and swaps. A
risk of using derivatives is that the fluctuations in their values may not correlate perfectly with the overall
securities markets. Additionally, to the extent that certain strategies are required to segregate or “set
aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets or otherwise cover open positions with respect
to certain derivative instruments, they may be required to sell portfolio instruments to meet these asset
segregation requirements. There is a possibility that segregation involving a large percentage of a strategy’s
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
21
assets could impede portfolio management or the strategy’s ability to meet redemption requests or other
current obligations.
Gold risk: Certain strategies we invest in on behalf of Clients may invest in both physical gold and
the securities of the companies in the gold mining sector. Prices of gold related issues are susceptible to
changes to U.S. and foreign taxes, currencies, mining laws, inflation, and various other market conditions.
Cryptocurrencies Risk: The use of virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, to buy and sell
goods and services, is relatively new and rapidly evolving concept. The investment characteristics generally
differ from those of traditional currencies and securities. Cryptocurrencies are typically not backed by a
central bank or private assets. Once a transaction is recorded, that transaction is theoretically immutable
and cannot be reversed due to the cryptographic nature of the recordkeeping and the decentralized nature
of the network. Additionally, the growth of cryptocurrencies in general is subject to a high degree of
uncertainty. The factors affecting their further development, include (i) their continued worldwide growth,
adoption and use; (ii) government and quasi-government regulation of the use, creation and offering of
cryptocurrencies, as well as restrictions on and regulation related to the operation of and access to a
cryptocurrencies’ network; (iii) changes in consumer demographics and public tastes and preferences; (iv)
the maintenance and development of the open-source software protocol of cryptocurrencies’; (v) the
availability and popularity of other forms or methods of buying and selling goods and services, including
new means of using cryptocurrencies; (vi) general economic conditions and the regulatory environment
relating to cryptocurrencies; and (vii) the negative perception of cryptocurrencies generally, including the
use to buy illicit goods and services. Investments in cryptocurrencies are considerably more speculative
than most other investments and carry higher risk of a complete loss of capital.
THIS LIST OF RISK FACTORS DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ENUMERATION OR EXPLANATION
OF THE RISKS INVOLVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADVISER’S INVESTMENT OR THE MANAGEMENT OF
CLIENTS ACCOUNTS. IN ADDITION, PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT, AS THE MARKET
DEVELOPS AND CHANGES OVER TIME, INVESTMENTS OF BEHALF OF CLIENTS ACCOUNTS MAY BE SUBJECT
TO ADDITIONAL AND DIFFERENT RISKS.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
There are no legal or disciplinary events that would be considered material to our Clients’ or our prospective
Clients’ evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Mr. Satovsky, in his individual capacity, is a licensed insurance agent with various insurance companies and
a registered representative with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, a FINRA member broker-dealer. Mr.
Satovsky holds Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses with FINRA. This affiliation is primarily an accommodation to
help service our existing Client base. Certain products and services cannot be purchased without
registration through a broker‐dealer or other licensing. Products typically utilized in this capacity include
529 plans, corporate retirement plans, annuity products and insurance contracts. No advisory Clients are
under any obligation to retain us for services related to the recommendation of such insurance‐related
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
22
products and commissions‐based securities. We do not reduce our advisory fees to offset commissions
received. When Mr. Satovsky sells an investment product on a commission basis, SAM does not charge an
advisory fee in addition to the commissions paid by the Client for such product. However, given the
availability of compensation in the form of commissions, a conflict of interest between Mr. Satovsky and
our Clients is apparent. When offering these types of instruments to Clients, we address the conflicts by
providing disclosure that the products and services are being offered through a broker‐dealer and
commission is being paid directly to Mr. Satovsky as a registered representative, separate and apart from
ongoing advisory work that is provided through the Adviser.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Item 11
and Personal Trading
A.
Code of Ethics
SAM has adopted a Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy (“Code”) to comply with Rule 204A-1 under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, which sets forth procedures and limitations governing the
business conduct and personal securities trading of persons associated with SAM. The Code is based upon
the principle that SAM’s Access Persons (as defined in the Code) owe a fiduciary duty to Clients and to
conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in a manner to avoid: (i) placing their
own personal interests ahead of Clients; (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the firm;
and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of responsibility. Personal
securities transactions of SAM’s Access Persons are reported quarterly, and account holdings are reported
annually. Both are monitored, in an attempt to limit potential conflicts of interest. SAM maintains a
Restricted Securities List and a Watch List in the case a single name security will be purchased in Client
Accounts. Employees must obtain pre-clearance from the CCO prior to any personal trading. A copy of
SAM’s Code is provided to any Client or prospective Client upon request by contacting the CCO.
B.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
We believe in aligning our investments with the Clients. In other words, we would invest for ourselves
securities and assets that we recommend to our Clients. Therefore, our Access Persons may invest in many
of the same securities or assets as our Clients. Employees must obtain pre-clearance from the CCO for
certain personal security transactions pursuant to the Code.
Item 12
Brokerage Practices
A.
Selection of Broker-Dealers and Reasonableness of Compensation
Fidelity and Betterment will generally be offered to advisory Clients for the execution of mutual fund,
registered fund, ETF, and equity securities. SAM regularly reviews these custodians and alternative options
to ensure that its offerings are consistent with its fiduciary duty.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
23
In making this determination, SAM takes into account such factors as price, likelihood of execution (within
a desired timeframe), liquidity, market conditions, volume, confidentiality, minimum market effect,
creditworthiness, willingness and ability of a counterparty to make a market in particular securities,
operational coordination including communication and ability to settle trades reliably and quickly,
reputation for ethical and trustworthy behavior, use of automation, willingness of the counterparty to
commit capital, market knowledge and ability of counterparty to execute difficult transactions in unique
and complex securities.
For our Client Accounts that utilize the Betterment platform, Betterment Securities does not charge Clients
separately for custody/brokerage services but is compensated as part of the Betterment platform fee
discussed in Item 5, which is charged for a suite of platform services, including custody, brokerage, and sub-
advisory services provided by Betterment and access to the Betterment for Advisors platform. The platform
fee is an asset-based fee charged as a percentage of assets in Client’s Betterment account. Clients utilizing
the Betterment for Advisors platform may pay a higher aggregate fee than if the investment management,
brokerage, and other platform services are purchased separately. Nonetheless, for those Clients
participating in the Betterment for Advisors platform, we have determined that having Betterment
Securities execute trades is consistent with our duty to seek best execution of Client trades.
SAM does not participate in any formal soft dollar arrangements, earn soft dollar credits, or pay specific
additional brokerage commissions for research or other types of soft dollar benefits. SAM does receive a
non-economic benefit from Betterment by way of various support services, back-office functions,
recordkeeping, pricing, consulting on technology and access to publications and conferences on practice
management and business succession. To the extent the receipt of research or brokerage by the Adviser
are deemed to be soft dollar benefits, such benefits fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
B.
Directed Brokerage
SAM does not engage in directed brokerage transactions.
C.
Allocation
Transactions for each Client Account generally will be affected independently, unless we decide to purchase
or sell the same securities for several Clients at approximately the same time. We may (but are not obligated
to) combine or “batch” such orders to seek to obtain best execution, to negotiate potentially more
favorable commission rates or to allocate equitably among our Clients differences in prices and
commissions or other transaction costs that might have been incurred had such orders been placed
independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and will be allocated among
our Clients in proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for each Client account on any given day.
We shall not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of the aggregation. There is
no assurance that aggregating orders into a batch trade will in all cases result in lower execution costs than
would have been the case had the orders been entered separately.
SAM manages numerous Client Accounts; therefore, SAM utilizes an established methodology for allocating
securities. Because investment decisions frequently affect more than one account and sometimes more
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
24
than one type of account (e.g. a particular stock may be considered a good investment for several Client
accounts), it is inevitable that at times it will be desirable to acquire or dispose of the same security for
more than one Client account at the same time. SAM’s policy is to equitably allocate buy and sell executions
among Client Accounts when feasible and appropriate over time.
On occasion, through our clearing/custodial firm relationships, we may have limited access to IPO shares,
and, in limited circumstances, we may purchase and/or recommend for purchase IPOs for Client Accounts.
In the circumstance for those of our Clients who, on a completely unsolicited basis, contact us to request
that we purchase a specific IPO for his/her/their/its account, we will attempt to implement to the extent
same has been made available to us. Generally, in the event one or more Clients request that we purchase
a specific IPO, we may, after first determining that such Client(s) is qualified for such specific IPO (i.e.,
suitable for the Client(s) relative to the Client’s(s’) investment objective(s), financial situation(s) and current
asset allocation(s)), to the extent possible under the circumstances, purchase such IPO on a pro-rata basis
(among multiple requesting Clients) in accordance with assets under management. To the extent possible
and applicable under the circumstances, we will use reasonable efforts to allocate available IPO shares on
a fair and equitable basis in accordance with the terms and conditions of the aforementioned policy and
applicable laws, rules, and regulations (including Rule 5130 and Rule 5131 as adopted by FINRA).
Item 13 Review of Accounts
A.
Description and Frequency of Reviews
For those managed account Clients to whom we provide, Strategic Wealth Advisory, Consulting & Family
Office Solutions , account reviews are based on asset allocation and position targets determined by the
Firm and are managed on an ongoing basis by members of the investment management team. Different
Client portfolios may differ from risk targets, allocation models, and other investors in the same model
based on each individuals’ unique circumstances, requests, tax circumstances, and portfolio drift from
varied deposit and/or withdrawal timing. Actual portfolio allocations may differ significantly from the
model targets. All investment advisory and financial planning Clients are encouraged to discuss with us
his/her/their/its investment objectives, needs, and goals and to keep us informed of any changes regarding
same. All Clients are encouraged to meet, at least annually, with us to comprehensively review investment
objectives and account performance. Clients should thoroughly review the recommendations given and
promptly reach out with any comments, questions, and/or material updates to their financial situation. We
will monitor the performance of each individual security, mutual fund, alternative investment strategy and
investment manager implemented by us.
The TFIS is intended to provide technology enabled service both online and through an app available to
investors. As the platform agreement is between the Client and Betterment, SAM does not perform annual
meetings or review the Client’s investments as the responsibility is on the Client to assure data properly
reflects their circumstances and situation and portfolio philosophy matches their understanding of financial
markets. This is important since whatever chosen portfolio path, Client should expect to go through
possible extended periods of underperformance and potential loss of capital.
In performing any of its services and in providing reports, we are not required to verify any information
received from the Client or from the Client's other professionals, and we are expressly authorized to rely
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
25
thereon. Moreover, each Client is advised that it remains his/her/its responsibility to promptly notify us if
there is ever any change in his/her/its financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of
reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services.
B.
Non-Periodic Reviews
Other than on a periodic basis, the following factors trigger a review: (i) a change in a Client’s risk
designation; (ii) a change in a Client’s goals; (iii) notification that a Client is in need of cash; and (iv) if, in the
judgment of a member of the investment management team, a review would be beneficial for the Client
Account. Clients should promptly reach out if their financial situation materially changes.
C.
Content and Frequency of Regular Reports
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account statements
directly from the broker-dealer/ qualified custodian for the Client Accounts and/or applicable mutual fund
companies or partnerships. We provide access to daily updates on all performance of discretionary and
non-discretionary managed accounts (and outside held assets, if desired by Client) directly accessible
through our website, which links to a third-party performance reporting vendor. SAM reminds Clients to
check their brokerage statements received directly from their qualified custodians on a monthly or
quarterly basis, as the case may be.
Reports which review the performance of each investment made for a Client and/or chosen asset manager
are available upon request and are issued to the Client through various outside technology vendors.
Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, reports generated through proprietary software
of Morningstar, Inc. or its related entities and affiliates, and reports generated through independent
research companies. Clients are encouraged to contact us to discuss ongoing access to account information
for their account(s).
Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Except as otherwise described in this brochure, we do not receive an economic benefit for providing
investment advice or other advisory services to our Clients from someone who is not a Client.
SAM receives a non-economic benefit from Betterment for Advisors and Betterment Securities in the form
of the support products and services it makes available to us. The availability to us or Betterment for
Advisors’ and Betterment Securities’ products and services is not based on SAM giving particular
investment advice, such as buying particular securities for our Clients.
SAM does not have any solicitation agreements in place for Client referrals. Any solicitation activities in the
future, will comply with the testimonial and/or endorsement requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 under the
Advisers Act, (“Marketing Rule”).
We do not engage in cross trading, nor do we currently compensate any person for Client referrals. In
addition, we currently do not maintain any related party referral arrangements by which we receive benefits
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
26
for Client referrals. However, if requested by the Client, we may as a courtesy recommend the services of
other professionals for implementation purposes. The Client is under no obligation to engage the services
of any such recommended professional. We cannot and do not guarantee the services of any such
recommended professional, and shall not be liable for any action, omission, recommendation/decision, or
loss resulting from or in connection with the services of any such recommended professional.
Item 15 Custody
Pursuant to Rule 206(4)-2, SAM is deemed to have custody of our Client account’s funds and securities
because (i) we may debit fees directly from the accounts of such Clients and/or (ii) certain Clients have
executed a letter or instruction or similar asset transfer authorization arrangement with a qualified custodian
whereby we are authorized to withdraw Client funds or securities maintained with a qualified custodian
upon our instruction to the qualified custodian (each, an “SLOA”). The terms of each such SLOA are
consistent with the terms described in the February 21, 2017, letter of the Chief Counsel’s Office of the
Securities and Exchange Commission clarifying custody with respect to a standing letter of instruction or
other similar asset transfer authorization arrangement established by a Client with a qualified custodian. As
a result, with respect to transfers of funds and securities between Client accounts and to third parties, Client
accounts will not be subject to independent verification (i.e., a surprise exam).
The qualified custodian of each Client account sends or makes available, on a quarterly basis or more
frequently, account statements directly to each Client. Clients also have accessibility to their brokerage
accounts via secure login with the respective custodians. We urge Clients to carefully review these account
statements from their qualified custodians and compare the information therein with any financial
statements or information received or made available to Clients through us or any other outside vendor.
Item 16
Investment Discretion
For discretionary Client Accounts, we receive trading authorization from the Client prior to implementing a
trading strategy.
For non-discretionary Client Accounts, Clients must approve the initial implementation and all subsequent
changes to the asset allocation and trades.
Item 17
Voting Client Securities
We do not exercise proxy voting authority over Client securities. The obligation to vote Client proxies shall
at all times rest with the Client or those specific Client assets over which an independent investment
manager has assumed proxy voting authority. Clients shall in no way be precluded from contacting us for
advice or information about a particular proxy vote. However, we shall not be deemed to have proxy voting
authority solely as a result of providing such advice to a Client.
As to all matters (other than proxies) for which shareholder action is required or solicited with respect to
securities beneficially held by the Client Account, such as (i) all matters relating to class actions, including
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
27
without limitation, matters relating to opting in or opting out of a class and approval of class settlements
and (ii) bankruptcies or reorganizations, we affirmatively disclaim responsibility for voting (by proxies or
otherwise) on such matter and will not take any action with regard to such matters.
Item 18
Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide Clients with certain financial
information or disclosures about their financial condition. SAM has no financial commitment that impairs
its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to its Clients and has not been the subject of any
bankruptcy proceeding.
satovsky.com 232 Madison Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10016 O 212-584-1900
28