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CLIENT BROCHURE
Houston
820 Gessner Road
Suite 1720
Houston, TX 77024
713-461-0150
Main Office
6400 S Fiddlers Green Cir.
Suite 1600
Greenwood Village, CO
80111
303-741-2560
Colorado Springs
9540 Federal Drive
Suite 130
Colorado Springs, CO
80921
719-579-8000
Toll Free: (800) 447.8181
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Transform
Wealth, LLC, a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. If you have any questions
about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 303-741-2560 or via email directly to
the Chief Compliance Officer at markr@transformwealth.com.
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC or by any state
securities authority.
Additional information about Transform Wealth, LLC is also available on the SEC’s web site at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The firm’s CRD number is: 283403 and SEC number is: 801-107796
Web site: www.transformwealth.com
March 25, 2025
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ITEM 2: Material Changes
Our most recent updated amendment was filed on March 18, 2024.
Our affiliate, Focus Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (“FTCS”) was acquired by UPTIQ, Inc. and has
been renamed UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc. and its affiliates,
“UPTIQ”). We have revised the information concerning FTCS to describe our new arrangement with
UPTIQ. Further information on this conflict of interest is available in Items 4, 5, and 10 of this
Brochure.
On November 1, 2024, Transform Wealth acquired Custom Portfolio Group, an independent
investment advisory firm, headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.
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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 .................................................. 11
ITEM 7: Types of Clients ..................................................................................................................... 11
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss............................................... 11
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information ....................................................................................................... 15
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................... 15
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .... 17
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices ........................................................................................................... 18
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts ............................................................................................................ 19
ITEM 14: Client Referrals and other Compensation ......................................................................... 20
ITEM 15: Custody ............................................................................................................................... 21
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion ........................................................................................................ 21
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities ...................................................................................................... 22
ITEM 18: Financial Information ......................................................................................................... 22
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ITEM 4: Advisory Business
A. Advisory Firm Description
Transform Wealth, LLC (“Transform Wealth”), is a fee-only investment advisory firm. Transform
Wealth has been providing advisory services (through it and its predecessor) since 2011.
Transform Wealth is a fiduciary advisor meaning we are required to act in your best interest and
not place our own interests ahead of yours. Our commitment is to:
investment
• Meet a professional and prudent standard of care when making
recommendations;
• A duty of loyalty to never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making
recommendations;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give you advice that is in your
best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
As a fiduciary, we have duties of care and of loyalty to you and are subject to obligations imposed
on us by the federal and state securities laws. As a result, you have certain rights that you cannot
waive or limit by contract. Nothing in our agreement with you should be interpreted as a
limitation of our obligations under the federal and state securities laws or as a waiver of any un-
waivable rights you possess.
Transform Wealth is managed by Nathan Kubik and David Kubik (“Transform Wealth Principals”),
pursuant to a management agreement between C & K Management, LLC (“C&K”) and Transform
Wealth. The Transform Wealth Principals serve as leaders and officers of Transform Wealth and
are responsible for the management, supervision and oversight of Transform Wealth.
Focus Financial Partners
Transform Wealth is part of the Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus LLC”) partnership. Specifically,
Transform Wealth is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Focus LLC. Focus Financial Partners Inc
is the sole managing member of Focus LLC. Ultimate governance of Focus LLC is conducted through
the board of directors at Ferdinand FFP Ultimate Holdings, LP. Focus LLC is majority-owned,
indirectly and collectively, by investment vehicles affiliated with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC
(“CD&R”). Investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point Capital LLC (“Stone Point”) are indirect
owners of Focus LLC. Because Transform Wealth is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Focus
LLC, CD&R and Stone Point investment vehicles are indirect owners of Transform Wealth.
Focus LLC also owns other registered investment advisors, broker-dealers, pension consultants,
insurance firms, business managers and other firms (the “Focus Partners”), most of which provide
wealth management, benefit consulting and investment consulting services to individuals, families,
employers, and institutions. Some Focus Partners also manage or advise limited partnerships,
private funds, or investment companies as disclosed on their respective Form ADVs.
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B. Types of Advisory Services
Transform Wealth is a fee-only Registered Investment Advisory firm that offers Wealth
Management, Financial Planning Services and Consultation Services.
Transform Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation to discuss services available, to give a
prospective Client the opportunity to review services desired, and to determine the possibility of a
potential relationship. Services begin only after the Client and Transform Wealth formalize the
relationship with a properly executed Client agreement.
Transform Wealth implements investment advice on behalf of certain clients in held-away accounts
that are maintained at independent third-party custodians. These held-away accounts include
401(k) accounts, 529 plans and other assets that are not held at our primary custodian(s).
Transform Wealth is a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended (“ERISA”) with respect to investment management services and investment advice
provided to ERISA plans and ERISA plan participants. Transform Wealth is also a fiduciary under
section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”) with respect to
investment management services and investment advice provided to individual retirement accounts
(“IRAs”), ERISA plans, and ERISA plan participants. As such, Transform Wealth is subject to specific
duties and obligations under ERISA and the IRC, as applicable, that include, among other things,
prohibited transaction rules which are intended to prohibit fiduciaries from acting on conflicts of
interest. When a fiduciary gives advice, the fiduciary must either avoid certain conflicts of interest
or rely upon an applicable prohibited transaction exemption (a “PTE”).
Wealth Management Services
Transform Wealth offers wealth management services that include ongoing and continuous
portfolio management depending on the services desired, as outlined in the Investment
Management Agreement.
Transform Wealth tailors its wealth management services and recommendations to meet the
needs of its individual Clients by assessing Client stated needs, goals, intentions, time horizons, risk
tolerance and investment objectives, based upon information provided by the Client and the nature
of services requested. Transform Wealth anticipates that each Client will actively participate in
the review of information and the formulation of their investment plan.
Transform Wealth places a focus on liquidity, diversification, risk analysis and cash flow through
the use of investments primarily available through nationally-recognized security exchanges.
The portfolio strategies considered for use by Transform Wealth include individual equity securities
(foreign and domestic), bonds, ETFs, no-load mutual funds, corporate debt securities, commercial
paper, Certificates of Deposit, municipal securities, government debt securities (foreign and
domestic), real estate (private and public), partnership (using a Fund of Funds) investments,
private equity and credit and other securities, or a combination thereof. Transform Wealth also
offers advice on the following: warrants; certificates of deposit; option contracts on securities and
commodities; and investments in variable life or annuity products. Transform Wealth also offers
advice on partnerships (public and private).
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For Clients with non-discretionary assets, implementation of any advice or recommendations
pertaining to securities and/or non-securities matters – in whole or in part – is entirely at the Client’s
discretion.
Where an existing portfolio has been designed by the Client or another party, Transform Wealth
can provide recommendations for ongoing management, re-design, adjustments or rebalancing.
Certain Clients may desire to keep holdings within their account(s) that are selected by the Client
and are not the subject of investment advice by Transform Wealth. These are self-directed assets.
Transform Wealth will have no responsibility to manage any self-directed assets in Client accounts
and Transform Wealth accepts no liability to those Clients in connection with any loss relating to self-
directed assets.
Clients requiring assistance on issues relating to matters outside of investment advisory topics
should consult their personal tax adviser, legal counsel, or other professionals for expert opinions.
When providing a review or advice on investments within ERISA retirement plans, the advice and
any recommendations are limited to plan offerings and the service provider(s) selected by the plan
providers.
If services desired go outside the scope of Wealth Management Services during the engagement,
Transform Wealth is available to provide Consultation Services. In such cases, Transform Wealth
will request a new or amended Client Agreement and additional fees will apply. Transform Wealth
will not engage in additional services without the Client’s written direction.
C. Selection of Other Advisers
In limited instances, when Transform Wealth allocates Client assets to External Advisers, the
Client-facing adviser, is responsible for assessing the Client’s needs, communicating with the
client, allocating (or recommending the allocation of) the Client’s assets and conducting due
diligence and monitoring of the Client’s investments. The External Adviser is responsible for
managing certain of the Client’s assets that we allocate to them in a manner consistent with the
manager’s stated investment strategies and in accordance with the guidelines we provide.
D. Financial Planning & Financial Assessment Services
Financial Planning & Financial Assessment Services are dependent upon the nature and scope of
services to be provided. Transform Wealth’s services and the fee for those services are agreed to
with the Client at the time of engagement.
Transform Wealth undertakes two general approaches for providing written Financial Planning
and Financial Assessment Services:
1. A “Comprehensive Financial Plan,” which reviews all o f the various aspects of a Client’s
situation as presented by the Client, which may include, but are not limited to: individual
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needs, finances, goals and objectives, time horizons and risk tolerance, business activities,
taxes, estate planning, insurance, educational funding, budgeting, retirement and more. This
Comprehensive Financial Plan includes the data gathering process through a comprehensive
Client Workbook, actual presentation of the written Plan, and ongoing consultation services
regarding the implications and recommendations provided. Ongoing consultation services
are typically provided in conjunction with regular investment portfolio reviews; however,
if a Client experiences significant changes in their circumstances or requires more
comprehensive updates, the Client may need to re-engage Transform Wealth under a new
planning agreement.
2. A “Focused Financial Assessment” typically includes a simplified, limited scope analysis
covering basic cash flow and net worth projections. Transform Wealth collects data using a
brief Financial Assessment questionnaire. Because of time and project limitations, the Client’s
overall financial situation will not be considered. The Focused Financial Assessment is typically
provided for Clients utilizing Transform Wealth for their wealth management needs. If desired,
Clients can secure Comprehensive Financial Planning services under a separate agreement.
When Clients utilize our combined Comprehensive Financial Planning and Wealth
Management services, we will reach out to them quarterly to encourage a discussion about
their investment portfolios. At the same time, we will also address their ongoing planning
needs. We encourage our Clients to contact us immediately if they experience any significant
life events that could alter the assumptions of their financial plan.
E. Consultation Services
Transform Wealth’s business consulting services are focused on individuals and families who
manage their own business. We will work to understand the unique and complex aspects of your
business operations with a holistic view of your financial situation. These services are offered
outside of the Transform Wealth’s Financial Planning and Wealth Management Services for a fee.
F. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
Transform Wealth recognizes that each Client is unique, and therefore, Transform Wealth focuses
on providing individualized services. Transform Wealth can tailor services to each Client and their
specific situation based on the nature of the engagement. Clients electing to receive limited
services should understand that Transform Wealth will not have sufficient information to perform
a comprehensive analysis of their long-term financial goals and objectives.
Clients c a n impose reasonable restrictions on the management of their portfolios if Transform
Wealth determines in its sole discretion that the conditions can be accommodated. Clients are
advised to promptly notify Transform Wealth in writing if there are changes in their personal or
financial situation, needs, goals, or objectives, and if they wish to place any limitations on the
management of their portfolios.
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G. UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions
We offer Clients the option of obtaining certain financial solutions from unaffiliated third-party
financial institutions through UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc and
its affiliates, “UPTIQ”). Please see Items 5 and 10 for a fuller discussion of these services and other
important information.
H. Wrap Fee Programs
Transform Wealth does not offer wrap fee programs; however, wrap fee programs are available
through Weatherstone Capital Management.
I. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, Transform Wealth had discretionary assets under management of
$3,004,776,502 and non-discretionary assets of $372,360,055 for a total of $3,377,136,557.
ITEM 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Fees & Compensation
Transform Wealth offers services on a fee basis, which include fees based on assets under
management, fixed fees, and/or hourly fees. Transform Wealth’s fees are negotiable at its own
discretion. Fees will vary for legacy Clients and in some instances are waived for family and friends
of the firm. In specific instances, Clients obtained through firm mergers will have different fee
schedules.
For certain Clients, we charge an advisory fee for services provided to the held-away
accounts mentioned above in Item 4, just as we do with Client accounts held at our primary
custodians. The specific fee schedule charged by us is provided in the Client’s investment
advisory agreement with us.
B. Wealth Management Services and Selection of Other Services
Fees for Wealth Management Services are agreed upon at the time of engagement. The fee
schedule that follows are annual fees which are billed in accordance with the written investment
advisory agreement executed between the Client and Transform Wealth. Services can be combined
on a household level, generally defined as Clients related on a familial basis, which will save Clients
fees compared to purchasing the same services separately.
Fees for Wealth Management Services are billed in advance and are as follows:
Annual Fee Structure
for assets over $500,000
Up to $1,000,000
The Second $1,000,000
Over $2,000,000
Annual Fee
1.25%
1.10%
1.00%
Clients with less than $500,000 assets under management will be assessed a 1.50% annualized fee.
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Fees and expenses for partnership offerings and private REITs are disclosed in applicable offering
documents. In addition, specific fees and risks are disclosed below in Item 8.
C. Financial Planning Services
Fees for Financial Planning Services are determined at the time of engagement based upon the time
and effort required and/or the nature and complexity of services and are negotiable at Transform
Wealth’s discretion.
Comprehensive Financial Planning services are available to Clients with a minimum of $1,000,000
in assets with Transform Wealth. We do make some exceptions to the asset minimum. There is
typically no charge for Financial Assessment services, as these costs are covered by the Client’s
wealth management fees.
For larger projects and when ongoing services are desired, Transform Wealth will propose a fixed fee,
agreed upon at the time of engagement, and dependent upon the complexity of the desired
services. Any modifications to the fee arrangement will be agreed upon in writing between
Transform Wealth and the Client.
Financial Planning Services will be immediately terminated upon written notice by either party, and
planning fees may be refunded at the discretion of Transform Wealth depending on the degree to
which planning services have been utilized.
D. Payment of Fees
Wealth Management Services
Wealth Management fees are payable either in arrears or in advance, depending on the advisory
agreement executed by the Client. For Clients who are billed quarterly in arrears, fees are typically
prorated and paid quarterly, based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day
of the current quarter. For Clients who are billed quarterly in advance, fees are typically paid
quarterly, based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous
quarter. The fees based on assets under management are calculated as a percentage based on the
value of all assets in the account, including cash, accrued interest, accrued dividends and securities
purchased on margin. Transform Wealth will generate quarterly advisory fee invoices upon Client
request; however, all Clients will receive quarterly custodian statements with the deduction of
advisory fees.
Transform Wealth does not recommend the use of margin by Clients but has accommodated and
may accommodate Client requests for use of margin by agreement between the Client and
Transform Wealth. To the extent that a Client authorizes the use of margin, and margin is thereafter
employed, the market value of the Client’s account and corresponding fee payable by the Client to
Transform Wealth will be increased. As a result, in addition to understanding and assuming the
additional principal risks associated with the use of margin, Clients authorizing margin are advised
of the potential conflict of interest whereby the Client’s decision to employ margin will
correspondingly increase the management fee payable to the firm. Accordingly, the decision to
employ margin is left to the sole discretion of Client. Clients employing margin are advised that the
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margin balance is not deducted when calculating the advisory fee.
Clients should refer to their investment advisory agreement for the billing methodology applicable
to their account(s).
Transform Wealth typically deducts advisory fees from Client accounts held at an independent
custodian, as allowed under the safe harbor provisions of the SEC’s Custody Rule.
Account statements are required to be produced and sent to you by the account custodian no less
frequently than on a quarterly basis. Transform Wealth encourages you to compare your custodial
account statements with your Transform Wealth quarterly reports. In the event of a valuation
discrepancy, the custodial statement will serve as the official statement.
E. Financial Planning
Financial Planning fees are invoiced directly and paid by the Client.
F. Other Fees
Clients are responsible for the payment of all third-party fees associated with investing. Clients pay
internal management fees and expenses of open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds,
transaction and brokerage commissions for certain securities transactions to their broker/dealer or
custodian as well as any fees associated with their particular accounts (e.g., wire transfer, margin
fees, etc), all which are distinct and different from Transform Wealth’s advisory fees. The
commissions and/or transaction fees charged by broker/dealers or custodians available through
Transform Wealth may be higher or lower than those charged by other broker/dealers. The
commissions and/or transaction fees you pay are considered to be discounted from customary
retail transaction charges and commission rates. Transform Wealth does believe these charges
comply with its duty to seek best execution and they are reasonable in relation to the quality of
brokerage services received. Transform Wealth does not receive any portion of these investment-
related commissions and/or fees. Clients are encouraged to read each prospectus and securities
offering document.
When transferring securities to Transform Wealth, Clients should understand they are responsible
for any liquidation or transfer fees charged by the custodian.
G. Prepayment of Fees
Wealth Management Services can be terminated upon receipt of written notice by either party. If
the termination occurs prior to the end of a billing period, fees paid in advance for the final billing
period are considered to be earned through the effective date of the termination date. Any
unearned portion of the fee paid in advance will be refunded to the Client. Fees paid in arrears
will be billed to the Client through termination date.
Consultation Services terminate upon the delivery of services, unless ongoing services are engaged
pursuant to the Client Agreement. These services otherwise can be immediately terminated
prior to the conclusion of services upon written notice from either party and the Client will only be
responsible for time incurred by Transform Wealth up until the effective date of termination. Any
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unearned portion of fees will be promptly refunded.
H. Other Compensation
Neither Transform Wealth nor its employees accept any compensation and/or commission for the
recommendation of securities or non-securities products, including asset-based sales charges or
service fees from the sale of mutual funds or insurance products to advisory Clients.
I. UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions
We offer clients the option of obtaining certain financial solutions from unaffiliated third-party
financial institutions through UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc. and
its affiliates, “UPTIQ”). Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”) is a minority investor in UPTIQ, Inc.
UPTIQ is compensated by sharing in the revenue earned by such third-party financial institutions for
serving our clients. Although the revenue paid to UPTIQ benefits UPTIQ Inc.’s investors, including
Focus, our parent company, no Focus affiliate, including Transform Wealth, will receive any
compensation from UPTIQ that is attributable to our clients’ transactions. Further information on
this conflict of interest is available in Item 10 of this Brochure.
ITEM 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Transform Wealth does not have any performance-based fee clients.
ITEM 7: Types of Clients
Transform Wealth provides advisory services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts,
estates, charitable organizations, corporations and business entities.
Transform Wealth requires a minimum portfolio size of $500,000 for its Wealth Management
Services although exceptions may be granted upon management approval. For Clients who do
not meet the minimum portfolio size or who do not desire comprehensive Wealth Management
Services, Transform Wealth also offers Consultation and Financial Planning Services.
Transform Wealth reserves the right to decline to provide Wealth Management Services to any
person or firm in its sole discretion and for any reason.
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Transform Wealth believes each Client presents a unique set of goals, values, objectives and
challenges. Transform Wealth provides individualized attention to each type of investor who
engages its services.
Transform Wealth provides advisory services for portfolios ranging from conservative to
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aggressive; each designed to meet the varying needs of Clients based upon their specific objectives,
risk tolerance and time horizons.
During the process of financial planning or consultation, Transform Wealth may recommend its
services, and/or the services of other professionals to implement its recommendations. Any
professional referrals (i.e., insurance agents/firms, accounting professionals, legal professionals,
etc.) are solely a courtesy and Transform Wealth receives no direct or indirect compensation as a
result of these referrals. The Client is never under any obligation to act upon any of the
recommendations made by Transform Wealth under a consulting engagement and/or engage the
services of any such recommended professional.
Transform Wealth utilizes a combination of fundamental, technical and cyclical analysis while
employing an asset allocation strategy that incorporates cash flow considerations, current and
future financial obligations, risk perceptions, time horizon and investment objectives. Transform
Wealth takes the position that no single strategy can be relied upon to outperform the market.
Transform Wealth’s goal in its analysis is not to make any attempt to time the market.
When appropriate and based on the individual needs of Clients, Transform Wealth may utilize
covered puts and calls as a hedging strategy to help manage risk. Where Client accounts are of a
smaller size, however, this strategy may not be available.
Transform Wealth utilizes a number of computer databases and research available to professional
investment advisers. Additionally, outside consultants may be engaged to provide professional
services, statistical reports, tax alerts and investment reviews. Any costs associated with these
consultations is borne solely by Transform Wealth unless other arrangements have been made, in
writing, with the Client in advance.
Typically, sales of investments in taxable accounts result in taxable gains or losses to the Client.
Transform Wealth does not render tax advice and is not responsible for the tax consequences to
the Client as a result of account transactions. Clients are encouraged to consult their tax advisor
about tax consequences as a result of transactions in their account(s).
In providing Financial Planning Services, Transform Wealth takes a long-term perspective. After
Transform Wealth evaluates the Clients’ financial needs, the Advisor will design investment and
risk-management strategies to help the Client achieve his or her financial goals.
B. Risk of Loss
Transform Wealth believes that investors with diverse portfolios are optimally positioned for better
long-term performance, because it is difficult to accurately predict short-term movements of the
markets. No single strategy can be relied upon to outperform the market.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear. It is important that Clients
understand these risks and they proactively address any concerns with their Advisor.
Market Risks
Investment decisions can depend largely upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of
stocks, bonds and other asset classes. There can be no assurance that Transform Wealth will be able to predict
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those price movements accurately or capitalize on any such assumptions.
Certain investments utilized by Transform Wealth may contain securities from emerging markets and
developing countries. Investing outside the United States involves additional risks, such as currency
fluctuations, illiquidity and price volatility.
Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Mutual fund and ETF portfolios are comprised of individual equity and debt securities with their
own unique company risks. Shareholders are liable for taxes on any capital gains, as these issuers
are required by law to distribute capital gains to underlying shareholders.
Open-end mutual fund shares are calculated at the end of each business day where all shareholders
receive the same closing price. ETF’s generally trade intra-day where the net asset value (NAV) can
fluctuate throughout the business day. As a result, ETF investors may receive different prices when
trades are executed on the same day.
Use of Margin
Margin lending is a feature where a custodian will lend a Client money against the value of their
portfolio securities. The borrowed money is called a margin loan and can be used to purchase
additional securities or to meet short-term financial needs. Margin can be profitable when stocks
prices increase although financial risk to the Client can be significant when stock prices decline.
Clients should carefully read their custodian margin agreement to fully understand the risks
associated with margin lending.
Cybersecurity
The computer systems, networks and devices used by Transform Wealth and its service providers to
us and our Clients to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed
to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and
telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the
various protections utilized, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. A Client
could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection
from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow,
or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality.
Cybersecurity breaches can cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting
in financial losses to a Client; impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers
to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties,
reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs;
as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of
securities in which a Client invests; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and
other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions; and other
parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any
cybersecurity breaches in the future.
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Fixed Income Risk
There are certain risks involved in investing in all types of bonds: Government, Municipal,
Mortgage-backed, Asset-backed securities (MBS/ABS) and Corporate. These risks can include
interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, inflation risk, market risk, price risk, credit risk, default risk and
duration risk.
Limited Partnership / Private Real Estate Investment Trust Risks
Transform Wealth offers access to limited partnerships (public and private) and private real estate
investment trusts to investors when such investments are consistent with client objectives, risk
tolerance, and regulatory eligibility. Private investments are subject to various risks which are set
forth in applicable offering documents for each investment. These risks include but are not limited
to the risk of loss of principal; liquidity risk; lack of transparency or limitations on communications
from the issuer or third parties regarding operations; challenges in obtaining or evaluating
comparable pricing information or comparable information on which to evaluate the businesses;
limited or no secondary market availability; risks associated with inconsistent dividends and/or
distributions; and high internal and operating expenses. Private investments are subject to pricing
and liquidity risks as they do not have regular daily pricing.
Real Estate Income Trust Risks
Investments in non-listed or non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) are subject to
additional risks including but not limited to:
•
Liquidity risk, as non-traded REITs generally cannot be sold until listed on an exchange or
the trust’s assets are liquidated. Early redemptions may be subject to limitations including
notice requirements, termination of redemption provisions, and discounted redemption
values.
• Non-traded REITs can include high upfront fees which are generally designed to cover
offering and organizational costs. These early, high fees reduce the value of the principal
invested and results in less return on investment. In addition, non-traded REITs can involve
significant transaction costs including fees to acquire properties and asset management
fees.
•
• Distributions from non-traded REITs, particularly initial distributions, may be derived from
investment principal rather than operations. This practice reduces the value of the shares
and reduces the cash available to the REIT to purchase real estate assets.
Lack of available share price for non-traded REITs, which may limit or eliminate the ability
to assess the value or performance of the investment for significant time periods.
• Conflicts of interest risks, including external managers that may receive significant
transaction fees by the REIT for services that do not align with shareholder interests, such
as fees based on the amount of property acquisitions and assets under management.
Credit Risk
Investments in credit funds are subject to the credit risk of the underlying instruments. Where such
investments are below investment grade and speculative, the risks increase that economic
downturns will negatively impact the ability to repurchase shares. Additional risks include lack of a
secondary market, liquidity risk, redemption risk (including the risk of discounted returns upon early
redemptions and other redemption risks associated with shares not listed on an exchange) and risks
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associated with distributions being funded from unlimited amounts of offering proceeds or
borrowings (which reduces the amount of capital available to invest).
Market Volatility
At various times in the past, volatile market conditions have had a dramatic effect on the value of
investments. In addition, terrorist attacks, other acts of violence or war, health epidemics or
pandemics, natural hazards, and/or force majeure may affect the operations of our firm or
securities we purchase for your portfolio. Such events also could cause consumer confidence and
spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the U.S. and worldwide financial markets
and economy. Any of these occurrences could have a significant impact on the operating results
and performance of the securities in your portfolio.
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information
Transform Wealth and its employees have not been the subject of any investment-related legal or
disciplinary events in the past ten years that would be material to a Client’s evaluation of Transform
Wealth.
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Focus Financial Partners
As noted above in response to Item 4, certain investment vehicles affiliated with CD&R collectively
are indirect majority owners of Focus LLC, and certain investment vehicles affiliated with Stone
Point are indirect owners of Focus LLC. Because Transform Wealth is an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of Focus LLC, CD&R and Stone Point investment vehicles are indirect owners of
Transform Wealth.
UPTIQ Credit and Cash Management Solutions
We offer clients the option of obtaining certain financial solutions from unaffiliated third-party
financial institutions through UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc. and
its affiliates, “UPTIQ”). These third-party financial institutions are banks and non-banks that offer
credit and cash management solutions to our clients, as well as certain other unaffiliated third
parties that provide administrative and settlement services to facilitate UPTIQ’s cash management
solutions. UPTIQ acts as an intermediary to facilitate our clients’ access to these credit and cash
management solutions.
We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”). Focus is a minority
investor in UPTIQ, Inc. UPTIQ is compensated by sharing in the revenue earned by such third-party
financial institutions for serving our clients. Although the revenue paid to UPTIQ benefits
UPTIQ Inc.’s investors, including Focus, no Focus affiliate, including Transform Wealth, will receive
any compensation from UPTIQ that is attributable to our clients’ transactions.
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For services provided by UPTIQ to clients of other Focus firms and when legally permissible, UPTIQ
shares a portion of this earned revenue with our affiliate, Focus Solutions Holdings, LLC (“FSH”).
Such compensation to FSH is also revenue for FSH’s and our common parent company, Focus. This
compensation to FSH does not come from credit or cash management solutions provided to any of
our clients. However, the volume generated by our clients’ transactions allows Focus to negotiate
better terms with UPTIQ, which benefits Focus. We mitigate this conflict by: (1) fully and fairly
disclosing the material facts concerning the above arrangements to our clients, including in this
Brochure; and (2) offering UPTIQ’s solutions to clients on a strictly nondiscretionary and fully
disclosed basis, and not as part of any discretionary investment services. Additionally, we note that
clients who use UPTIQ’s services will receive product-specific disclosure from the third-party
financial institutions and other unaffiliated third-party intermediaries that provide services to our
clients.
We have an additional conflict of interest when we recommend credit solutions to our clients
because our interest in continuing to receive investment advisory fees from client accounts gives us
a financial incentive to recommend that clients borrow money rather than liquidate some or all of
the assets we manage.
Credit Solutions
Clients retain the right to pledge assets in accounts generally, subject to any restrictions imposed by
clients’ custodians. While credit solution programs that we offer facilitate secured loans through
third-party financial institutions, clients are free instead to work directly with institutions outside
such programs. Because of the limited number of participating third-party financial institutions,
clients may be limited in their ability to obtain as favorable loan terms as if the client were to work
directly with other banks to negotiate loan terms or obtain other financial arrangements.
Clients should also understand that pledging assets in an account to secure a loan involves additional
risk and restrictions. A third-party financial institution has the authority to liquidate all or part of
the pledged securities at any time, without prior notice to clients and without their consent, to
maintain required collateral levels. The third-party financial institution also has the right to call client
loans and require repayment within a short period of time; if the client cannot repay the loan within
the specified time period, the third-party financial institution will have the right to force the sale of
pledged assets to repay those loans. Selling assets to maintain collateral levels or calling loans may
result in asset sales and realized losses in a declining market, leading to the permanent loss of
capital. These sales also may have adverse tax consequences. Interest payments and any other
loan-related fees are borne by clients and are in addition to the advisory fees that clients pay us for
managing assets, including assets that are pledged as collateral. The returns on pledged assets may
be less than the account fees and interest paid by the account. Clients should consider carefully and
skeptically any recommendation to pursue a more aggressive investment strategy in order to
support the cost of borrowing, particularly the risks and costs of any such strategy. More generally,
before borrowing funds, a client should carefully review the loan agreement, loan application, and
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other forms and determine that the loan is consistent with the client’s long-term financial goals and
presents risks consistent with the client’s financial circumstances and risk tolerance.
Cash Management Solutions
intermediaries referenced above, and us.
Consequently,
For cash management programs, certain third-party intermediaries provide administrative and
settlement services to our clients. Engaging the third-party financial institutions and other
intermediaries to provide cash management solutions does not alter the manner in which we treat
cash for billing purposes. Clients should understand that in rare circumstances, depending on
interest rates and other economic and market factors, the yields on cash management solutions
could be lower than the aggregate fees and expenses charged by the third-party financial
institutions, the
in these rare
circumstances, a client could experience a negative overall investment return with respect to those
cash investments. Nonetheless, it might still be reasonable for a client to participate in a cash
management program if the client prefers to hold cash at the third-party financial institutions rather
than at other financial institutions (e.g., to take advantage of FDIC insurance). UPTIQ is available to
Transform Wealth to facilitate credit and cash management solutions for our clients.
Transform Wealth does not believe the Focus Partnership presents a conflict of interest with our
clients. Transform Wealth does not have a business relationship with other Focus Partners that is
material to its advisory business or to its clients.
A. Selection of other Advisers or Managers
As discussed in the Advisory Services section of this Brochure, Transform Wealth does not
directly recommend the services of third-party advisers or sub-advisers. However, Weatherstone
Capital Management does provide these services which presents a conflict of interest when
referring individuals to this affiliate.
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics
Transform Wealth has a Code of Ethics in place in accordance with applicable securities laws that
sets forth the standards of conduct expected of its employees. Written policies and procedures are
reasonably designed to prevent certain unlawful practices. Employees are required to:
• Place the interests of Clients ahead of their personal interests.
• Owe a duty of loyalty to Clients and always act in an ethical manner when interacting
with Clients, prospects and vendors.
• Conduct all personal security transactions in full compliance with the Code of Ethics.
• Avoid taking inappropriate advantage of their position.
• Use independent, sound judgment when making investment recommendations and
engaging in professional activities.
Clients and prospective Clients can contact Transform Wealth to request a copy of its Code of Ethics.
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ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Selecting Custodians and Broker/Dealers
Transform Wealth typically recommends the services of Charles Schwab & Co. (the “Custodian”), for
its Wealth Management Clients.
Factors Transform Wealth considers in recommending Custodians or any other broker/dealer to
Clients include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research (if any),
and service. The Custodian may enable Transform Wealth to obtain many individual securities and
mutual funds without transaction charges and other securities at nominal transaction charges. The
commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Custodians may be higher or lower than those
charged by other financial institutions.
Brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Custodians, or any other designated
broker/dealer, are exclusive of and in addition to the Transform Wealth’s Wealth Management fee.
B. Research and other Soft Dollar Benefits
Transform Wealth does not receive any research, products or services from broker/dealers or third
parties, other than what is necessary for the execution of Client securities transactions. Transform
Wealth does not receive any “formal soft dollar” benefits.
C. Client Referrals
Transform Wealth does not have formal referral agreements with any broker/dealer; however, it does
have referral agreements with two third parties.
D. Directed Brokerage
Transform Wealth does not offer directed brokerage services.
E. Aggregation (Block) Trading
Transform Wealth allocates investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner. Transform
Wealth generally manages Client accounts with an aggregation method known as block trading.
Block trading is the sale or purchase of a large number of securities in a single transaction. This is
an efficient means of executing many Client transactions in the same security, generally at the
same price. Block trading, also known as batch trading, is commonly used when executing equity
transactions. In some instances, block trading may also be used for bond trades although due to
the unique characteristics of fixed income securities, including limited inventory and inefficient
markets, Transform Wealth will often manage these transactions based on individual Client
directives. Transform Wealth is not obligated to batch trades although in its trading process it
regularly considers opportunities to reduce commission costs to fulfill an important aspect of its
best execution obligations to its Clients.
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In limited instances, there may be situations where Transform Wealth executes transactions in
thinly-traded securities. When this occurs, the process of selecting Clients will be done on a random
basis, rather than a block trade, to avoid having small transactions across all Clients purchasing or
selling the same security. Centralized Trading will complete the allocation over a period of time with
the understanding that by executing transaction amounts in this manner, Clients will likely receive
different prices for the same security.
If an aggregated order is not filled in its entirety, Centralized Trading will allocate trades on a
rotational basis.
F. Trade Error Policy
On rare occasions, trade errors ca n occur. To resolve trade errors, Transform Wealth will place a
correcting trade with the Client’s broker/dealer. At Schwab, Transform Wealth is responsible for
any losses exceeding $100 when it is determined it is responsible for the error. To minimize
administrative costs, Schwab will absorb any losses less than $100. When investment gains result
from a trade error, the gain will be retained by the Client unless it is determined to be not
permissible, or the Client elects not to accept the gain for tax purposes or other reasons. Any gains
not retained by Clients are donated by Schwab to a charity of its choice.
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts
Transform Wealth primarily manages Client accounts on a discretionary basis meaning we provide
continuous and regular supervision of these accounts. Trading software is used to monitor accounts
and when appropriate, and at its discretion, Transform Wealth will make portfolio changes to
ensure Client assets are managed according to their agreed upon allocation models.
In limited instances, Transform Wealth will manage Client accounts on a non-discretionary basis.
Transform Wealth will provide continuous and regular supervision of these accounts; however, they
will first receive Client permission before effecting trades in the accounts.
Transform Wealth’s investment committee meets on a periodic basis to discuss strategic and
tactical decisions related to Client portfolios. The committee consists of highly experienced
individuals with an understanding of global macro issues combined with significant experience
evaluating equity and fixed income securities and markets.
All Wealth Management Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to notify Transform
Wealth of any changes in their investment objectives or financial situation. Clients are encouraged
to review their financial planning issues, investment objectives and account performance with
Transform Wealth at least on an annual basis.
Transform Wealth will provide Clients with an evaluation of Client’s current financial situation and
then design and implement an investment plan aimed at achieving a Client’s financial objectives.
Transform Wealth will conduct an initial interview and data gathering process to determine Client’s
individual needs, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Client’s investments can include all manner
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of investment vehicles including short-term instruments, domestic or international stocks and
bonds, options, mutual funds, ETFs, and/or investment vehicles such as real estate investment
trusts, high dividend-paying stocks, and Master Limited Partnerships. The underlying assets of the
Client’s portfolio are reviewed regularly and/or based on need. Transform Wealth’s
recommendations can include planning for long-range goals or other segments of an investment
plan that may be needed. This can include providing the Client with a current balance sheet and
basic net worth, cash flow, and tax projections based on limited information provided by the Client.
Comprehensive financial planning is offered as a separate, standalone service, and provides the
Client with in-depth, detailed analysis of the Client’s cash flows, assets and liabilities, investments,
tax circumstances, insurance needs, and estate planning considerations among other areas. This
service involves identifying the Client’s goals and objectives, analyzing the Client’s current course of
action and potential alternative future courses of action, developing financial planning
recommendations, presenting those recommendations, implementing the recommendations, and
monitoring the recommendations and updating the Client’s progress. Comprehensive financial
planning can benefit the Client by helping the Client secure their financial wellbeing and providing
the Client with peace of mind.
Broker/dealers and custodians are obligated to provide Clients with transaction confirmations and
statements at least quarterly. Clients are encouraged to compare these statements with any reports
provided by Transform Wealth.
ITEM 14: Client Referrals and other Compensation
Transform Wealth’s parent company is Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”). From time to time,
Focus holds partnership meetings and other industry and best-practice conferences, which typically
include Transform Wealth, other Focus firms and external attendees. These meetings are first and
foremost intended to provide training or education to personnel of Focus firms, including Transform
Wealth. However, the meetings do provide sponsorship opportunities for asset managers, asset
custodians, vendors and other third-party service providers. Sponsorship fees allow these
companies to advertise their products and services to Focus firms, including Transform Wealth.
Although the participation of Focus firm personnel in these meetings is not preconditioned on the
achievement of a sales target for any conference sponsor, this practice could nonetheless be
deemed a conflict as the marketing and education activities conducted, and the access granted, at
such meetings and conferences could cause Transform Wealth to focus on those conference
sponsors in the course of its duties. Focus attempts to mitigate any such conflict by allocating the
sponsorship fees only to defraying the cost of the meeting or future meetings and not as revenue
for itself or any affiliate, including Transform Wealth. Conference sponsorship fees are not
dependent on assets placed with any specific provider or revenue generated by such asset
placement.
The following entities provided conference sponsorship to Focus from January 1, 2024 to February
1, 2025. : Advent Software, Inc. (includes SS&C), BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Administrative Services
Partnership L.P., Capital Integration Systems LLC (CAIS), Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Confluence
Technologies Inc., Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (includes Parametric Portfolio Associates), Fidelity
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Brokerage Services LLC and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (includes Fidelity Institutional Asset
Management and FIAM), Flourish Financial LLC, Franklin Distributors, LLC (includes O’Shaughnessy
Asset Management, L.L.C. (OSAM) and CANVAS), K&L Gates LLP, Nuveen Securities, LLC, Orion
Advisor Technology, LLC, Pinegrove Capital Partners LLC (includes Brookfield Oaktree Wealth
Solutions), Practifi, Inc., Salus GRC, LLC, Stone Ridge Asset Management LLC, The Vanguard Group,
Inc., TriState Capital Bank and UPTIQ, Inc.
You can access updates to this list of conference sponsors on Focus’ website through the following
link: https://focusfinancialpartners.com/conference-sponsors/
Transform Wealth has arrangements in place with certain third parties, called promoters, under
which such promoters refer clients to us in exchange for a percentage of the advisory fees we collect
from such referred clients. Such compensation creates an incentive for the promoters to refer clients
to us, which is a conflict of interest for the promoters. Rule 206(4)-1 under the Advisers Act
addresses this conflict of interest by, among other things, requiring disclosure of whether the
promoter is a client or a non-client and a description of the material conflicts of interest and material
terms of the compensation arrangement with the promoter. Accordingly, we require promoters to
disclose to referred clients, in writing: whether the promoter is a client or a non-client; that the
promoter will be compensated for the referral; the material conflicts of interest arising from the
relationship and/or compensation arrangement; and the material terms of the compensation
arrangement, including a description of the compensation to be provided for the referral.
Transform Wealth uses the services of Thumbtack to match prospective advisory clients with
investment advisers in exchange for a non-success-based fee paid by Transform Wealth for engaging
advisory services.
ITEM 15: Custody
Transform Wealth uses independent, third-party custodians not affiliated with Transform Wealth
and does not take direct custody of Client funds or securities, with the exception of the SEC’s safe
harbor allowing it to deduct advisory fees directly from Client accounts.
Transform Wealth provides its Clients with a service called Standing Letters of Authorization (SLOA)
allowing Clients to conveniently instruct their custodian to send their funds to another party. This
is deemed by the SEC as custody even though Transform Wealth does not have the ability to change
any routing or account number information provided by the Client to the custodian. The custodian
is also responsible to review all SLOA instructions prior to initiating wire instructions. Transform
Wealth takes the potential for wire fraud very seriously and has reasonable procedures and controls
in place to manage this risk.
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion
As mentioned in ITEM 13 (Review of Accounts), Transform Wealth primarily manages Client
investment portfolios on a discretionary basis. On a limited basis, it will offer investment
management services on a non-discretionary basis. Clients may impose reasonable investment
restrictions on their accounts.
In advance of providing services, all Clients must first execute an Agreement with Transform
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Wealth describing the obligations of both parties entering into such an agreement. Clients are also
required to sign a separate agreement with their chosen custodian.
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities
In limited instances, Transform Wealth votes proxies on behalf of its Clients. Transform Wealth has
established proxy voting guidelines. Pursuant to these guidelines, Transform Wealth will generally vote
in accordance with management’s recommendations except in situations where Transform believes
such a vote would be contrary to the best interests of its Clients. Transform Wealth maintains policies
for evaluation of conflicts of interest in connection with proxy votes. Information regarding how
Transform Wealth has voted proxies with respect to a Client’s securities or to receive a copy of the
proxy voting policies and procedures is available by written request to Transform Wealth at the contact
information located on this brochure.
In instances where Transform Wealth does not accept proxy voting authority, Clients will receive
proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian and can contact the custodian with
questions about any particular solicitation. Also, Transform Wealth does not participate in any class
action lawsuits on behalf of its Clients.
ITEM 18: Financial Information
Transform Wealth does not require or solicit prepayment of Wealth Management fees of more than
$1,200, six months or more in advance. Transform Wealth is unaware of any financial condition that
is likely to impair its ability to meet its contractual commitments to its Clients. Transform Wealth
has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
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