View Document Text
Westmount Partners, LLC
Part 2A of Form ADV
The Brochure
2049 Century Park East, Suite 2500
Los Angeles, CA 90067
www.westmount.com
March 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Westmount Partners, LLC (“Westmount” or the “Firm”). If you have any questions about
the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 310-556-2502. The information in this
brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Registration with the SEC does not imply that Westmount Partners, LLC, or any employees
of Westmount Partners, LLC possess a particular level of skill or training.
Additional information about Westmount Partners, LLC. is also available on the SEC’s
website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
1
II. Material Changes
Westmount is amending this Brochure as part of its Form ADV Annual Amendment for
fiscal year ending in December 31, 2024.
2
III. Table of Contents
II.
Material Changes…..………………………...………………………………....…… 2
III.
Table of Contents………………………………………………………….……...… 3
IV.
Advisory Business…………………...………………………………………..…….. 4
V.
Fees and Compensation………………………...…………………………………… 6
VI.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management…………...……………... 7
VII.
Types of Clients………………………………………………...………………..….. 7
VIII. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss…………………….. 7
IX.
Disciplinary Information…………………………………………...………………. 10
X.
Other Financial……………………………………………………………...………. 10
XI.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal Trading 13
XII.
Brokerage Practices………………………………………………………………… 14
XIII.
Review of Accounts…………………………………………………………...….… 15
XIV.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation……………………………….………… 16
XV.
Custody………………………………………………………………….………..... 17
XVI.
Investment Discretion…………………………………………………….……….... 17
XVII. Voting Client Securities……………………….………………………….………… 18
XVIII. Financial Information………………………………………………….…………… 18
3
IV. Advisory Business
Westmount provides various investment advisory services to pension and profit-sharing
plans, non-profits, estates and trusts, corporations, partnerships, individuals, and high net-
worth individuals.
The Firm assists clients in defining their investment objectives for those assets placed within
the Firm's management. On a discretionary basis, the Firm then develops an appropriate
portfolio of investments for the client's account, selecting specific investments that are
consistent with the client's investment objectives. Thereafter, the Firm monitors the
client's investments, making changes in the client's specific investments or portfolio
composition as deemed appropriate. The Firm also provides clients with quarterly reports
concerning the value and performance of their investments. Clients are advised to
carefully compare Westmount statements to those provided by the brokers for their accounts.
Clients are allowed to place investment restrictions on accounts that the Firm manages.
Westmount will discuss the potential restrictions with the client to confirm a clear
understanding of what is being asked and to make sure that Westmount would be able to
manage the assets in a manner consistent with the Firm’s process and philosophy. Types of
restrictions may include specific holdings and/or cash minimums and/or maximums.
Custody of client assets is maintained at a brokerage firm or bank selected by the client.
Westmount manages the investments in the custodial account on a discretionary basis
pursuant to a limited power of attorney (trading authorization) provided by the client.
On occasion, Westmount provides advice to clients concerning private equity
investments (such as those in venture capital, leveraged buyouts, and other private equity
strategies), as well as hedge funds. These investments are frequently accessed through
limited partnerships managed by firms that specialize in a particular strategy, financing
stage or industry sector. Certain of Westmount’s clients are invested in Westmount
Capital Partners, L.P. (the “Partnership” or “Westmount Capital Partners”), a legacy
fund of private equity funds. Westmount Asset Management Inc., an affiliate and
owner of Westmount, serves as the investment manager for Westmount Capital Partners
and is therefore deemed to be a relying adviser to Westmount and is reported in
Westmount’s Schedule R of Form ADV Part 1A. In its capacity as investment manager
to Westmount Capital Partners, Westmount Asset Management Inc.
is solely
responsible for the investment objectives and strategies of the Partnership.
Where appropriate, Westmount presents certain clients (i.e., Accredited Investors or
Qualified Clients or Qualified Purchasers) with opportunities to invest in alternative
strategies through limited liability companies and limited partnerships. These investments
4
include, among other things, real estate equity, real estate debt, private lending, and private
equity (together “Private Funds” or “private investment funds”).
Westmount serves as the Sub-advisor for several funds of funds. All such funds are reported
in Westmount’s Section 7.B.(2) Private Fund Reporting of Form ADV Part 1A. The first,
Century Park Opportu nity Fund 2019 LP (“CPOF 2019”), was launched
in 20 19.
CPOF 2019 investment is made into real estate and private debt funds utilizing many
of the fund man agers Westmount has used before. In 2020 , the Century Park
Opportunity Fund 2 020 LP (“CPOF 2020”) an d the Century Park Oppor tunity Fund
2020 (QP), LP wer e launched. Inv estment in both funds
is composed of af fordable
housing, commercial and residential real estate loans, middle market corporate loans
and secondary p rivate equity across multiple managers. In 2021, the C
entury Park
Opportunity Fund 2021, LP (“CPOF 2021”) was launched. C POF 2021 investmen t is
composed of privately held, pr
interests
e-IPO companies and priv ate equity LP
through institutional secondary private equity funds across multiple managers.
The Century Park Income Fund (“CPI F”) launched in 2021. CPIF investment is
diversified, offering access to institutional strategies with a focus on income through multiple
managers. That same year, the Century Park Income Fund II (“CPIF II”) was also
launched. CPIF II investment is made into private equity and debt markets composed of
real estate infrastructure, renewable green energy, commercial real estate loans, and
alternative lending utilizing multiple managers. No new private funds were launched in
2022.
In 2023, Westmount launched Century Park Growth & Income Fund LP (“CPGI”). CPGI
is intended to be a blend of previous strategies launched by the firm, offering clients
the opportunity to participate in both growth and income opportunities within the same
vehicle. CPGI is diversified by manager and strategy with exposure to asset classes
including, but not limited to, specialty lending, private equity, real estate, and life
settlements.
Westmount has discretion to utilize interval funds when appropriate for its investment
portfolios. An interval fund is a type of investment company that periodically offers to
repurchase their shares back. Please see a description of such fund types and potential
risks on page 10, under Interval Fund Risks.
Westmount also provides retirement planning analysis, providing certain financial
planning services to its clients, including cash flow modeling, Monte Carlo projections and
guidance on Social Security claiming strategies. Westmount relies on the accuracy of the
information provided by the client and is not required to verify the information
received from the client or their ser vice providers. Clients are advised that it is their
responsibility to promptly notify Westmount of any changes to their financial situation.
5
approximately $5,202,679,011
Westmount Asset Management, Inc. was founded in 1990. The current operating
entity, Westmount Asset Management, LLC was established in 2011 and is owned by
Westmount Asset Management, Inc. (majority owner) and Temperance Partners
the name Westmount Asset
(minority owner). In 2024, Westmount amended
to Westmount Partners, LLC. James Berliner is the principal
Management, LLC
Inc. As of December 31, 2024,
owner of Westmount Asset Management
Westmount managed
in regulatory assets under
management. Approximately $5,172,312,275 on a discretionary basis and $ 30,366,736
on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of approximately 1,435 clients.
V. Fees and Compensation
New clients pay an investment advisory fee at the following annual rate based on the total
asset value of the client's investment account:
Assets Under Management
Fee
Amounts up to $10,000,000
1.00% of asset value
The next $10,000,000
0.75% of asset value
The next $30,000,000
0.50% of asset value
Amounts over $50,000,000
0.25% of asset value
A minimum quarterly fee of $5,000 may be charged to clients whose assets under
management are less than Westmount’s required minimum investment amount of
$5,000,000. Westmount has discretionary authority to waive or reduce its minimum fee,
and also retains the authority to waive its minimum investment amount.
Fees are payable on a quarterly basis, in advance, at the beginning of each quarter. For
purposes of calculating the fee, the asset value is measured as of the close of business of
the last business day of the calendar quarter just ended. For purposes of computing the
asset value of private equity investments (other than Westmount Capital Partners, L.P.),
which are not regularly priced or valued on a daily, quarterly, or annual basis, Westmount
will use the lower of cost (the amount of original investment) or the most recently available
appraised value provided by the third-party private equity fund manager. For all other
private equity investments, Westmount will use the most recently available appraised value
provided by the third-party manager. Any fees charged in excess of a subsequent private
equity investment valuation will be credited back to the client.
Fees for the first period covered by the agreement are prorated to cover only the period
remaining in the current quarter. Westmount offers a discounted advisory fee to non-
profits. In exceptional cases, Westmount will negotiate alternative fee arrangements. With
the client's written consent, Westmount’s fees can be withdrawn directly from the client's
custodial account. Westmount does not charge a fee to manage accounts of Westmount
officers, employees, and their family members.
6
The investment advisory fees due to Westmount are separate from, and in addition to, any
transaction and/or custodial fees imposed by clients' account custodians and brokers, as
well as any management fees and other expenses charged by open-end investment
companies (mutual funds), separate account managers, and by the firms managing private
investments, as set forth in their prospectuses. The section entitled XII. Brokerage Practices
describes the factors that Westmount considers in selecting or recommending broker-
dealers for client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation
(e.g., commissions).
Investment advisory agreements between Westmount and clients are terminable at any time
by clients by written or oral notice, effective upon receipt. The Firm may terminate the
agreement at any time by providing written notice, effective fifteen days after receipt.
Prepaid fees paid for services not performed after the effective date will be returned to
clients on a prorated basis.
On occasion a client may elect to margin his or her account, and in those instances, we will
continue to manage these accounts even if they have a margin debit balance. Westmount
fees are based on the total invested asset value of the account, which includes the value of
the securities purchased on margin. While a negative amount may show on a client’s
statement for the margined security as the result of a lower net market value, the amount
of the fee is based on the absolute market value of the invested portion.
The Firm may not assign an investment advisory agreement without the written consent of
the client in all circumstances except for an affiliate or successor. Westmount may assign
an investment advisory agreement to an affiliate or successor without the written consent
of the client.
VI. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Westmount has the ability to charge Westmount Capital Partners a performance fee but
never has and does not anticipate doing so. Century Park Growth & Income Fund (“CPGI”)
was created with the ability to raise capital from outside RIA clients through the offering
of an “I Share.” Considering the challenges and costs associated with providing this
optionality, the I Share class has an associated performance fee. The investor is subject to
a 0.60% management fee per annum along with an incentive fee calculated as 5% of the
total return subject to an 8% preferred return per calendar year. CPGI is the only
offering that charges a performance fee.
7
VII. Types of Clients
Westmount provides various investment advisory services to pension and profit-sharing
plans, non-profits, estates and trusts, corporations, partnerships, and individuals, as well as to
Westmount Capital Partners.
VIII. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
The Firm assists clients in defining their investment objectives for those assets placed within
the firm's management. On a discretionary basis, the Firm then develops an appropriate
portfolio of investments for the client's account, selecting specific investments (principally
using no-load mutual funds) that are consistent with the client's investment objectives.
Thereafter, the Firm monitors the client's investments, making changes in the client's specific
investments or portfolio composition as deemed appropriate. The Firm also provides clients
with quarterly reports concerning the value and performance of their investments.
Westmount’s investment strategy does not include the use of leverage (borrowing) through
the margining of client accounts. However, from time to time our clients have short-term or
longer-term needs for funds and decide to borrow money from their investment accounts,
rather than sell securities to raise the funds. In these situations, clients may maintain margin
debit balances on their accounts. Although Westmount makes every effort to preserve each
client’s capital and achieve real growth of wealth, investing in the stock markets involves risk
of loss that each client should be prepared to bear.
Where appropriate, Westmount presents certain clients with opportunities to invest in
alternative strategies through limited liability companies and limited partnerships. These
investments are made in Private Funds. Westmount’s Investment Committee will source
and vet private funds which includes the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods of
analysis. Our diligence process includes multiple phone calls and meetings with the main
principle(s) of the fund companies to understand their investment process and strategy,
background checks, LP reference checks and thorough review of the funds’ historical track
record. We also perform onsite visits to conduct operational due diligence and to evaluate
the staff, infrastructure, and deal underwriting process.
Below is a summary of potential material risks for the investment strategies and methods of
analysis used by Westmount. This list of risk factors does not purport to be a complete
explanation of the risks involved in any investment. Where appropriate, clients should
review each Private Funds’ offering documents for a complete list of risks.
Risk of stock investing
8
Clients entering into a management agreement with Westmount should be aware that stock
values fluctuate. Generally, their worth is based directly on the performance of the specific
company. Individual stock values will also be impacted by the general movement of the
stock market. Clients should be aware that when investing in stocks, the risk of significant
loss exists.
Risk of bond investing
The value of bonds is subject to movements in interest rates, along with the all-important
structure and the credit characteristics of the individual securities. Clients investing in
bonds should be aware that there is moderate risk of loss. The value of both stocks and
bonds are influenced by economic conditions both domestically and globally.
Asset allocation risk
The allocations to the various asset classes and market sectors could cause the accounts to
underperform other strategies with a similar investment objective.
The account custodian can force the sale of securities in your account.
The account custodian can sell your securities without contacting you.
Margin Risk
It is important that you fully understand the risks involved in trading securities on margin.
These risks include the following:
• You can lose more funds than you deposit in your margin account.
•
•
• You are not entitled to choose which securities in your margin account may be
•
liquidated or sold to meet a margin call.
The account custodian can increase its maintenance margin requirements at any time,
and they are not required to provide you advance written notice.
• You are not entitled to an extension of time on a margin call.
Cybersecurity, Technology, and Vendor Risks
Westmount relies on third-party vendors, some of which provide critical services to its
clients. While Westmount has implemented reasonable practices to verify that its key vendors
have implemented reasonable safeguards to protect the information or assets it maintains,
there exists anticipated and unanticipated risks that could negatively impact Westmount
and/or its clients in the event of a vendor cybersecurity breach, emergency, or outage.
In addition, despite its best efforts to identify and avoid fraudulent requests and adoption
of reasonable verification efforts, risks exist that may lead to Westmount or its third-
party vendors to act on instructions that result in Westmount’s clients becoming victim to
fraud, cybersecurity breach or identity theft. In such cases, no assurances can be
given by Westmount that its information safeguards and verification procedures will
detect, protect, or prevent clients from all threats and vulnerabilities, particularly in
instances in which a client is a victim of identity theft, which could result in losses or
damages to the client.
9
Private Funds Risks
These investments, unlike stocks and bonds that are regularly traded, are typically illiquid and
not priced daily. Consequently, and in compliance with existing regulations, private funds
require a client’s approval before any such investment is made. Any client who subscribes, or
proposes to subscribe, for an investment in a private fund must be able to bear the risks involved
and must meet the fund’s suitability requirements. Some or all alternative investment programs
may not be suitable for certain investors. No assurance can be given that a private fund’s
investment objectives will be achieved. Private fund investments can be speculative and
involve a substantial degree of risk, including a total loss of principal.
Private funds are generally highly illiquid, with each private fund investment having
varying degrees of illiquidity depending on the type of fund and its underlying investments.
There is generally no secondary market for a private fund, and none should be expected to
develop, so investors cannot sell their positions and must wait until the investment
liquidates. Additionally, there are restrictions on withdrawal/redemption and transferring
interests in a private fund, so investors may not have access to capital when it is needed.
The processes and strategies for the private funds used by Westmount are disclosed in each
private fund’s offering documents.
A fund’s concentration in a certain sector and lack of diversification across other sectors
present risks specific to its strategy and should be carefully considered. Private funds
utilized by Westmount are subject to these as well as various other risk factors and conflicts
of interest. Risks specific to each private fund are outlined in each fund’s offering
documents and should be reviewed by the client prior to investment.
Interval Funds Risks
Investing in interval funds involves a higher degree of illiquidity than investments with
daily liquidity. An interval fund will make periodic repurchase offers to its shareholders,
generally every three, six or twelve months, as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus and
annual report. Interval funds are suitable only for investors who can bear the risks
associated with the limited liquidity of the funds and should be viewed as a long-term
investment. Limited liquidity is provided to shareholders only through the interval funds
quarterly repurchase offers for as little as 5% of the Fund’s shares outstanding at net asset
value. There is no guarantee that shareholders will be able to sell all of the shares they
desire in a quarterly repurchase offer. Given the lack of a secondary market, the
infrequent nature of the offers to buy back shares, and the liquidity gates (or
repurchase limits), shareholders should consider the shares of interval funds to be
illiquid.
IX. Disciplinary Information
Neither Westmount nor its employees have been involved in any legal or disciplinary events
in the past 10 years that would be material to a client’s evaluation of the company or its
personnel.
10
X. Other Financial
One of the founding principals of Westmount Partners, LLC, James Berliner is also
principal of WCP Management, LLC and Westmount Asset Management Inc. WCP
Management, LLC is a management company that serves as the general partner and
management company for Westmount Capital Partners, and Westmount Asset Management
Inc. serves as the investment manager for the Partnership. Both the Partnership and the
affiliated entity were created in 2000 to provide access to a diversified portfolio of private
equity investment opportunities, all of which are accessed through partnerships managed
by well-established specialist firms (that are unrelated to Westmount). These firms and their
funds are completely independent of Westmount Partners, LLC, and its principal(s).
The Partnership invests in a diversified portfolio of these partnerships, representing different
private equity strategies, such as early or late-stage venture capital, leveraged buyouts,
acquisitions/consolidations, growth capital, and others. In 2000 only, (when the fund was open
for investment), Westmount recommended that some of its clients invest in the Partnership.
The Partnership was only offered to “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 Reg. D
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of
1933. Before recommending that a client invest in the Partnership, Westmount first
evaluated whether it was suitable for the client to make this type of investment (assessing,
among other things, the client’s overall financial net worth and income, capacity for
investment risks, the appropriate portfolio allocation, and liquidity issues). The legal
documents for the Partnership fully disclosed the relationship between Westmount Asset
Management Inc., WCP Management, LLC, principals of both of these entities, and
Westmount Capital Partners, L.P.
Westmount Asset Management, Inc. is also invested as a limited partner in Westmount
Capital Partners. It invested on the same basis as every other limited partner and its
investment has no impact on the availability, pricing, or performance of the partnership.
One of the founding principals of Westmount Partners, LLC, James Berliner, is also
principal of Westmount Pacific, LLC. Westmount Pacific LLC holds an interest in UOB
Capital Partners, LLC, an investment adviser, and general partner to the ASEAN-China
Investment Fund I L.P., ASEAN-China Investment Fund II, L.P., ASEAN-China
Investment Fund III, L.P. and ASEAN-China Investment Fund IV, L.P. (collectively, the
“ASEAN-China Funds”), private equity funds for non-U.S. institutional investors.
Investors in the ASEAN-China Funds are not clients of Westmount. Further, Westmount
and its employees do not provide investment advice to the ASEAN-China Funds.
Westmount does not believe that the investments for such pooled investment vehicles to be
suitable for Westmount’s clients since they have distinct investment objectives. However,
certain Westmount employees provide limited non-investment advisory services to both
11
Westmount Pacific and UOB Capital Partners in which Westmount receives compensation
including a portion of the management fee for such services. These services generally
include administrative support. The legal documents for the private equity funds fully
disclosed the relationship between Westmount, Westmount Pacific, LLC, and the principals
of both entities.
Westmount Partners, LLC launched its first multi-manager fund, Century Park Opportunity
Fund 2019 LP (“CPOF 2019”), in 2019. Westmount Partners, LLC serves as the Sub-
advisor for CPOF 2019. CPOF 2019 makes direct investments in private funds on behalf
of individual investors as well as for-profit and non-profit institutional investors to provide
access to a diversified private investment portfolio. This is a continued demonstration of
Westmount’s belief that alternative investment strategies can add valuable diversification
and return benefits to portfolios that cannot be obtained through investments in only stocks
and bonds. CPOF 2019 was offered to “qualified clients” as defined under Rule 205-3(d)(1)
of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and “qualified purchasers” as defined in Section
2(a) (51)(A) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Westmount waives its management
fees for clients, while non-Westmount clients pay a management fee of 1.5% per annum
on their investments in the fund. Westmount as a firm is not an investor in the fund, but
individual Westmount employees do have access to invest in the fund. Employee access
comes secondary to client access.
Westmount also serves as the Sub-advisor for Century Park Opportunity Fund 2020 LP
(“CPOF 2020”) and Century Park Opportunity Fund 2020 (QP), LP (“CPOF 2020”), multi
manager funds launched in 2020. CPOF 2020 makes direct investments in private funds on
behalf of individual investors as well as for-profit and non-profit institutional investors.
CPOF 2020 was offered to “qualified clients” as defined under Rule 205-3(d)(1) of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and “qualified purchasers” as defined in Section
2(a)(51)(A) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Westmount waives its management
fees for clients, while non-Westmount clients pay a management fee of 1.5% per annum
on their investments in the fund. Westmount as a firm is not an investor in the fund, but
individual Westmount employees do have access to invest in the fund. Employee access
comes secondary to client access.
Westmount also serves as the Sub-advisor for Century Park Opportunity Fund 2021, LP
(“CPOF 2021”), a multi manager fund launched in 2021. CPOF 2021 makes direct
investments in private funds on behalf of individual investors as well as for-profit and non-
profit institutional investors. CPOF 2021 was offered to “qualified purchasers” as defined
in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Westmount waives its
management fees for clients, while non-Westmount clients pay a management fee of 1.5%
per annum on their investments in the fund. Westmount as a firm is not an investor in the
fund, but individual Westmount employees do have access to invest in the fund. Employee
access comes secondary to client access.
12
Westmount Partners, LLC is the Sub-advisor for Century Park Income Fund (“CPIF I”), a
multi manager fund launched in 2021 offering access to institutional strategies with a
focus on income. CPIF makes direct investments in private funds through retirement
accounts. CPIF was offered to “qualified clients11” as defined under Rule 205-3(d)(1)
of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and “qualified purchasers” as defined in
Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Westmount waives its
management fees for clients, while non-Westmount clients pay a management fee of 1.25%
per annum on their investments in the fund. Westmount is not a direct investor in CPIF I,
although its pension fund invests in some of the underlying holdings. Individual
Westmount employees do have access to invest in the fund. However, employee access
comes secondary to client access.
Westmount Partners, LLC is the Sub-advisor for Century Park Income Fund II, LP (“CPIF
II”), a multi manager fund launched in 2021. CPIF II makes direct investments in private
funds on behalf of individual investors as well as for-profit and non-profit institutional
investors to provide access to a diversified private investment portfolio with a focus on
income. CPIF II was offered to “qualified clients” as defined under Rule 205-3(d)(1) of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and “qualified purchasers” as defined in Section
2(a)(51)(A) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Westmount waives its management
fees for clients, while non-Westmount clients pay a management fee of 1.25% per annum
on their investments in the fund. Westmount as a firm is not an investor in the fund, but
individual Westmount employees do have access to invest in the fund. Employee access
comes secondary to client access.
Westmount Partners, LLC is also the Sub-advisor for Century Park Growth & Income Fund
(“CPGI”), a diversified fund of funds launched in 2023. CPGI aggregates capital which is
subsequently invested on behalf of individuals as well as for-profit and non-profit
institutional investors to provide access to a diversified portfolio of private funds. CPGI is
intended to provide income while also creating additional value through more growth type
assets. CPGI was offered to “qualified purchasers” as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Westmount as a firm is not an investor in the fund, but
individual Westmount employees do have access to invest in the fund. Employee access
comes secondary to client access.
Westmount waives its management fees for clients (A share), while non-Westmount clients
pay a management fee of 1.25% per annum on their investments in the fund (B share).
Institutional investors (I share) are subject to a management fee of 0.60% per annum as
well as an incentive fee calculated as 5% of the total return subject to an 8% preferred
return per calendar year.
XI. Code of Ethics
Westmount’s Code of Ethics also requires employees to:
13
1. Pre-clear certain personal securities transactions,
2. Report personal securities transactions on at least a quarterly basis, and
3. Provide Westmount with a detailed summary of certain holdings and securities
accounts (both initially upon commencement of employment and annually thereafter)
over which such employees have direct or indirect beneficial interest.
A copy of Westmount’s Code of Ethics is available to any client or prospective client upon
request by calling the telephone number on the Cover Page of this Form ADV Part 2.
One of the founding principals of Westmount, James Berliner, is also principal of
WCP Management, LLC, a management company that serves as the general partner and
management company for the partnership, Westmount Capital Partners, L.P., a private
equity fund.
XII. Brokerage Practices
The only limitations on the Firm's trading authority will be that the Firm will only direct
the trading of securities of the types identified in IV. Advisory Business, above, and that it
will follow any written guidelines and instructions submitted by clients concerning their
investment accounts.
Westmount may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with either Fidelity
or the Schwab Institutional division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab” or “Schwab
Institutional”), a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC/NYSE to maintain custody of
clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. These brokerage relationships provide
Westmount with access to institutional trading and operations services that are typically
not available to retail investors. These services include research, brokerage, custody, and
access to mutual funds and other investments that are otherwise available only to
institutional investors or would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment.
Some broker- dealers also make available to Westmount other products and services that
benefit Westmount but may not benefit its clients’ accounts. Some of these other products
and services assist Westmount in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These
include software and other technology that provide access to client account data (such as
trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade execution, provide research,
pricing information and other market data, facilitate payment of fees from its clients’
accounts, and assist with back-office support, recordkeeping, and client reporting. Many
of these services generally may be used to service all or a substantial number of
Westmount’s accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab Institutional or
Fidelity. These broker-dealers may also provide Westmount with other services intended to
help Westmount manage and further develop its business enterprise. These services may
include consulting, publications and presentations on practice management, information
technology, business succession, regulatory compliance, and marketing. In addition,
broker-dealers may make available, arrange and/or pay for these types of services to
Westmount by independent third parties. Westmount can access institutional share classes
14
of mutual funds through Schwab and Fidelity, which have reduced expenses. Westmount
has negotiated reduced transaction fees for its clients.
Westmount has long maintained a strict arms-length business relationship with Schwab.
Neither Westmount nor its principals receive any fee, commission, preferential rate,
products or other economic benefit for having firm clients maintain their accounts at
Charles Schwab & Co. Beginning in 1995, however, at Schwab’s invitation, Westmount
entered into an agreement with Schwab to participate in Schwab’s advisor referral service,
Schwab Advisor Network. The service is designed to help investors find independent
advisors in their area. Westmount’s participation in Schwab’s referral service may raise
potential conflicts of interest. Westmount receives introductions to potential clients and
pays Schwab a percentage of our quarterly fees for clients gained through the program (see
XIV. Client Referrals and Other Compensation). In addition, although not required by
Schwab, Westmount will likely execute transactions for these referral clients at Schwab as
long as Westmount believes that Schwab continues to represent the best custodian for its
clients, in terms of overall cost, products and services. Westmount acknowledges its duty
of best execution for its clients.
Westmount has clients who have a contract directly with Westmount but where the client’s
assets are custodied outside of Schwab or Fidelity. Because we are unable to aggregate
these accounts with others for trading, we may or may not receive similar execution results,
which would have an impact on the performance of the account.
Westmount may aggregate client purchase and sale orders of securities with those of other
clients if such aggregation is reasonably likely to result in an overall economic benefit to
its clients, lower commission expenses, beneficial timing of transactions, or a combination
of these and other factors.
XIII. Review of Accounts
Client accounts are reviewed at least quarterly to determine whether each client's
investment portfolio remains suitable in light of the client's current investment objectives. A
more frequent or immediate review which could result in a change in one or more of
clients' investments can be triggered by any one of the following events:
•
•
•
•
Changes in a client's situation or investment objectives made known to the Firm;
Changes involving an investment held by a significant number of Firm clients (such as
significant changes in an investment’s performance or risk level relative to other
investments or changes in the management of a mutual fund);
Changes in the Firm's economic or investment outlook or in its decisions concerning
clients' portfolio compositions, and results from analysis of financial planning
projections or modeling; or
Economic and market conditions, data, movements, and other information that may
indicate the appropriateness of increasing or decreasing clients’ investments in certain
15
types of securities (such as equity mutual funds). In this regard, the Firm intends to use
market valuation data and other market information in order to evaluate whether to
increase, decrease or otherwise modify clients' investments in certain types of
securities (such as equity mutual funds).
Members of the Wealth Planning Committee supervise the management and monitor the
performance of all clients' investments and perform the periodic review of each client's
investment portfolio. They also monitor other securities, the relevant markets, and other
economic conditions. Separately, the Investment Committee originates new investment
ideas and determines the appropriate mix of investment strategies broadly and determines
when to make changes to the overall portfolio.
Westmount provides each client with a quarterly report which indicates the current value
(at the end of the calendar quarter just ended) of the client's portfolio investments and the
quarterly performance for these investments as well as an overview of the market
performance in general.
Clients will receive monthly statements indicating the status of account investments as well
as confirmation reports following any account trades. Periodic reports will also be made
available in accordance with the practices of the brokerage firm or bank. Clients are advised
to carefully compare Westmount statements to those received from their custodian or
broker.
XIV. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Westmount has arrangements with third parties under which Westmount compensates them
for client referrals. The fee under these arrangements is a percentage of the investment
advisory fee received by Westmount from the client referred. Westmount also has
implemented a revenue sharing program whereby a portion of the investment advisory fee
received by Westmount is paid to the Westmount employee responsible for obtaining that
client. In addition, Westmount has a referral arrangement with Schwab, which is described
in more detail below.
In the arrangement with Schwab and in any other such arrangement, the advisory fees paid
by clients so referred to Westmount will be exactly the same as the fees paid by clients who
are not referred pursuant to such an arrangement. In addition, all such arrangements will
be in strict compliance with Rule 206(4)-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
including the requirement that the arrangement be disclosed to prospective clients.
Westmount receives client referrals from Schwab through its participation in Schwab
Advisor Network® (“the Service”). The Service is designed to help investors find an
independent investment advisor. Schwab is a broker-dealer independent of and unaffiliated
with Westmount. Schwab does not supervise Westmount and has no responsibility for
Westmount’s management of clients’ portfolios. Westmount pays Schwab fees to receive
16
client referrals through the Service. Westmount’s participation in the Service may raise
potential conflicts of interest described below.
Westmount pays Schwab Participation Fees on all referred clients’ accounts that
are maintained in custody at Schwab and a Non-Schwab Custody Fee on all accounts
that are maintained at, or transferred to, another custodian. Participation Fees are a
percentage of the value of the assets in the client’s account. Westmount pays Schwab
Participation Fees for so long as the referred client’s account remains in custody at
Schwab. Participation Fees are billed to Westmount quarterly and may be increased,
decreased, or waived by Schwab from time to time. Participation Fees are paid by
Westmount and not by the client. Westmount does not charge clients referred through the
Service fees or costs greater than the fees or costs it charges clients with similar portfolios
who were not referred through the Service.
Westmount generally pays Schwab a Non-Schwab Custody Fee if custody of a referred
client’s account is not maintained by, or assets in the account are transferred from Schwab.
The Non- Schwab Custody Fee is a one-time payment equal to a percentage of the assets
placed with a custodian other than Schwab. The Non-Schwab Custody Fee is higher than
the Participation Fees Westmount generally would pay in a single year. Thus, Westmount
will have an incentive to recommend that client accounts be held in custody at Schwab.
The Participation and Non-Schwab Custody Fees are based on the amount of assets in
accounts of Westmount clients who were referred by Schwab and those referred clients’
family members living in the same household. Thus, Westmount will have incentives to
encourage household members of clients referred through the Service to maintain custody
of their accounts with Schwab.
For accounts of Westmount clients maintained in custody at Schwab, Schwab generally
does not charge the client separately for custody but receives compensation from the client
in the form of commissions or other transaction-related compensation on securities trades
Schwab executes for the client’s account. Clients also pay Schwab a fee for clearance and
settlement of trades executed through broker-dealers other than Schwab. Schwab’s fees
for trades executed at other broker-dealers are in addition to the other broker-dealer’s
fees. Thus, Westmount may have an incentive to cause trades to be executed through
Schwab rather than another broker-dealer. Westmount, nevertheless, acknowledges its
duty to seek best execution of trades for client accounts. Trades for client accounts held in
custody at Schwab may be executed through a different broker-dealer than trades for
Westmount’s other clients. Thus, trades for accounts custodied at Schwab may be
executed at different times and different prices than trades for other accounts that are
executed at other broker-dealers.
XV. Custody
Clients are generally required to maintain an account at a brokerage firm or bank for trading
and custodial purposes. Westmount maintains a relationship with Charles Schwab & Co.
and Fidelity, and recommends that whenever possible, clients maintain their account(s) at
17
one of these firms (see XII. Brokerage Practices and XIV. Client Referrals and Other
Compensation below). The Firm also generally requires clients to execute a limited power
of attorney (trading authorization) to enable the Firm to manage and serve client accounts
on a discretionary basis.
Westmount is deemed to have custody as a result of standing letter of authorization
(“SLOA”) in place from clients that allow Westmount to direct the custodian to send client
funds based on the SLOA. In reliance of the SEC Staff’s no action letter to the investment
Adviser Association dated February 21, 2017 (“No Action Letter”), Westmount currently
meets all of the conditions set forth under the No Action Letter for the accounts that utilize
SLOAs to make certain disbursements on behalf of a client. Therefore, the accounts to
which Westmount is deemed to have custody due solely to the fact that it maintains a SLOA
arrangement, Westmount does not obtain a surprise asset verification for such accounts.
All client assets are held in custody by unaffiliated broker/dealers or banks; however,
Westmount may have access to client accounts since an affiliated entity serves as the
General Partner of the Partnership. Limited partners of the Partnership will not receive
statements from the custodian. Instead, the Partnership is subject to an annual audit and the
audited financial statements are distributed to each limited partner. The audited financial
statements will be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
and distributed within 180 days of the Partnership’s fiscal year end.
XVI.
Investment Discretion
The only limitations on the Firm's trading authority will be that the Firm will only direct the
trading of securities of the types identified in IV. Advisory Business, above, and that it will
follow any written guidelines and instructions submitted by clients concerning their investment
accounts. Westmount manages the investments in the custodial account on a discretionary basis
pursuant to a limited power of attorney (trading authorization) provided by the client.
XVII. Voting Client Securities
Westmount made a change to its proxy voting policy, effective March 31st, 2021. As of that
date, new clients will retain the right and obligation to vote any proxies relating to the securities
held in their own accounts as well as submit claims in class actions involving securities held.
For existing clients who signed on with Westmount prior to March 31st, 2021, Westmount
will continue to vote client proxies in the interest of maximizing shareholder value. To that
end, Westmount will vote in a way that it believes will cause the issue to increase the most
or decline the least in value. Consideration will be given to both the short- and long-term
implications of the proposal to be voted on when considering the optimal vote. With regards
18
to ESG portfolios, Westmount’s policy is to vote based on best ESG principals and socially
responsible investing.
Certain principals of Westmount have overall responsibility for the firm's proxy voting
policy and practices. Westmount has retained Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc
(Broadridge), a nationally recognized and independent proxy service firm, as its proxy
administrator. In this role, Broadridge provides research, recommendations, and proxy
voting services according to the proxy voting guidelines agreed to by Westmount for its
clients’ proxies. Westmount has also retained Broadridge to facilitate its submission of
claims in class actions involving securities held by Westmount’s clients.
Westmount is constantly monitoring for potential conflicts of interest between clients’
interests and its own within the proxy voting process. Nevertheless, if Westmount’s Proxy
Administrator determines that Westmount, its affiliates, or its affiliated persons are facing
a material conflict of interest in voting a proxy (e.g., an employee of Westmount may
personally benefit if the proxy is voted in a certain direction), Westmount’s procedures
provide for a committee to determine the optimal vote. If the committee cannot come to a
unanimous decision, the procedures provide for an independent third party to determine
the appropriate vote. As an added protection, the third party’s decision is binding.
Westmount’s complete proxy voting policy and procedures are memorialized in writing
and are available for review. In addition, Westmount’s complete proxy voting record is
available. Clients and investors should contact Westmount at the phone number listed on
the Cover Page of this document if they have any questions or if they would like to review
either of these documents.
XVIII. Financial Information
Westmount has never filed for bankruptcy and is not aware of any financial condition that
is expected to affect its ability to manage client accounts.
19