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Resolute Advisors LLC
d/b/a: Resolute Partners Group
39 Mesa Street
Suite 210
San Francisco, CA 94129
Telephone: 415-699-0309
www.resolutepg.com
https://twitter.com/ResolutePartner
https://www.linkedin.com/company/resolutepg
March 28, 2025
FORM ADV PART 2A
BROCHURE
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Resolute
Partners Group. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, contact us at 415-699-
0309. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Resolute Partners Group is available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The firm's searchable CRD/IARD number is 300326.
Resolute Partners Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of
skill or training.
Item 2 Summary of Material Changes
Form ADV Part 2 requires registered investment advisers to amend their brochure when information
becomes materially inaccurate. If there are any material changes to an adviser's disclosure brochure,
the adviser is required to notify you and provide you with a description of the material changes.
Since the filing of our annual updating amendment, dated March 2024, we have the following material
changes to report:
• Updated the cover sheet with RPG’s new principal office address.
•
•
Item 17 was updated to reflect how RPG will process Fair Fund payments received by the
SEC.
Item 17 was updated to reflect RPG’s new process as it relates to class action lawsuits.
In addition to the above material changes, the Firm has made disclosure changes, enhancements and
additions throughout the ADV.
Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 2 Summary of Material Changes ................................................................................. 2
Item 3 Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 Advisory Business .................................................................................................... 4
Item 5 Fees and Compensation ........................................................................................ 11
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management .................................... 14
Item 7 Types of Clients ..................................................................................................... 14
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................ 15
Item 9 Disciplinary Information .......................................................................................... 22
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................ 22
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
......................................................................................................................................... 23
Item 12 Brokerage Practices ............................................................................................. 23
Item 13 Review of Accounts .............................................................................................. 24
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation ............................................................ 25
Item 15 Custody ................................................................................................................ 25
Item 16 Investment Discretion ........................................................................................... 26
Item 17 Voting Client Securities ........................................................................................ 26
Item 18 Financial Information ............................................................................................ 27
Item 4 Advisory Business
Description of Firm
Resolute Advisors LLC d/b/a Resolute Partners Group (RPG) is a registered investment adviser
located in San Francisco, California. We are organized as a limited liability company ("LLC") under
the laws of the State of Delaware. We have been providing investment advisory services
since 2019. We are owned by RPG HoldCo LLC. RPG believes its clients are the foundation of
its business and RPG has a fiduciary responsibility to put the clients’ best interests ahead of its
own. We are resolute in our steadfast commitment to partnering with clients to provide honest,
excellent, conflict-free client service.
The following paragraphs describe our services and fees. Refer to the description of each
investment advisory service listed below for information on how we specifically tailor our advisory
services to each client's needs. As used in this brochure, the words "we", "Advisor", "our", "it" and
"us" refer to Resolute Partners Group and the words "you," "your," and "client" refer to you as
either a client or prospective client of our firm.
Portfolio Management Services
RPG provides discretionary portfolio management services, comprehensive and conflict-free
wealth management advice to high-net-worth individuals, families and their affiliated entities on a
fee basis as discussed at Item 5 below. RPG's investment advice specifically is tailored to meet
its clients' needs and investment objectives. Before engaging RPG to provide investment advisory
services, clients are required to enter into an Investment Advisory Agreement with RPG setting
forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the scope of
the services to be provided, and the fee that is due from the client. To commence the investment
advisory process, RPG will ascertain each client’s investment objective(s) and then allocate the
client’s assets consistent with the client’s designated investment objective(s). Once allocated,
RPG provides ongoing supervision of the account(s).
RPG, in intimate partnership with its clients, creates a comprehensive plan for each engagement.
We seek to understand each Client’s goals, risk-tolerance, resources, and investment time
horizon. Our services include developing an appropriate and customized strategic asset allocation
based on the Client’s investment objectives, implementing, and monitoring this allocation, and
financial planning. Our holistic approach incorporates non-investment issues including insurance,
taxes, trusts and estates, philanthropy, family education, concentrated wealth, etcetera. In these
areas, we help manage and coordinate interactions with trusted specialists who supplement our
advice. RPG helps ensure its Clients’ financial decisions are well integrated with their lifestyle
choices, investment portfolios, and financial plan.
RPG’s investment portfolios are primarily comprised of no load, institutional-class mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), investment-grade fixed income, individual equities, and private
investment funds. RPG does not engage in subjective forecasting of financial markets. Client
portfolios are designed for the long-term investor who believes capital markets will deliver fair and
competitive returns over time.
If a client participates in RPG's discretionary portfolio management services, we require you to
grant us discretionary authority to manage your account. Subject to a grant of discretionary
authorization, RPG has the authority and responsibility to formulate investment strategies on
client's behalf. Discretionary authorization allows RPG to determine the specific securities, and
the number of securities, to be purchased or sold for a client account without obtaining client
approval prior to each transaction. RPG will also recommend the broker or dealer to be used for
securities transactions in client accounts. Discretionary authority is granted by the investment
advisory agreement clients sign with RPG.
Clients may limit RPG's discretionary authority (for example, limiting the types of securities that
can be purchased or sold in an account) by providing RPG with restrictions and guidelines in
writing.
RPG may also offer non-discretionary portfolio management services. Please Note: Non-
Discretionary Service Limitations. Clients that determine to engage RPG on a non-
discretionary investment advisory basis must be willing to accept that RPG cannot complete any
account transactions without obtaining prior consent to any such transaction(s) from the client.
Thus, in the event that RPG would like to make a transaction for a client’s account, and client is
unavailable, RPG will be unable to complete the account transaction (as it would for its
discretionary clients) without first obtaining the client’s consent. Clients have an unrestricted right
to decline to implement any advice provided by RPG on a non-discretionary basis.
As part of RPG's investment strategy, we may use one or more sub-advisers to manage a portion
of client accounts on a discretionary basis. In such situations, the sub-adviser(s) shall have day-
to-day responsibility for the active discretionary management of the allocated assets and may use
one or more of their model portfolios to manage your account. RPG shall continue to render
investment supervisory services to the client relative to the ongoing monitoring and review of
account performance, asset allocation and client investment objectives. Factors that RPG shall
consider in recommending sub-adviser(s) include the client’s designated investment objective(s),
management style, performance, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research.
RPG may hire and fire any sub-adviser without prior client approval. We may pay a portion of our
advisory fee to the sub-adviser(s) we use; however, you will not pay our firm a higher advisory
fee as a result of any sub-advisory relationships.
As part of our portfolio management services, in addition to other types of investments (see
disclosures below in this section), we may invest your assets according to one or more
model portfolios developed by RPG. These models are designed for investors with varying
degrees of risk tolerance ranging from a more aggressive investment strategy to a more
conservative investment approach. Clients whose assets are invested in model portfolios may not
set restrictions on the specific holdings or allocations within the model, nor the types of securities
that can be purchased in the model. Nonetheless, clients may impose restrictions on investing in
certain securities or types of securities in their account. In such cases, this may prevent a client
from investing in certain models that are managed by RPG.
Financial Consulting Services
To the extent requested and engaged by the client to do so, RPG offers financial consulting
services that primarily involve advising clients on specific financial-related topics per the terms
and conditions of a separate agreement and a separate fee as discussed at Item 5 below, the fee
for which shall generally be based upon the individual providing the service and the scope of the
services to be provided. RPG’s consulting services may include, but are not limited to, risk
assessment/management, investment planning, financial organization and reporting, or financial
decision making/negotiation. Prior to engaging RPG to provide consulting services, clients are
generally required to enter into a Financial Consulting Agreement with RPG setting forth the terms
and conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the scope of the services to
be provided, and the portion of the fee that is due from the client.
Please Note. RPG believes that it is important for the client to address financial planning issues
on an ongoing basis. Please Also Note: RPG does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or
insurance agent, and no portion of our services should be construed as same. Accordingly, RPG
does not prepare legal documents, prepare tax returns, or sell insurance products. To the extent
requested by a client, we may recommend the services of other professionals for non-investment
implementation purpose (i.e., attorneys, accountants, insurance, etc.). The client is not under any
obligation to engage any such professional(s). The client retains absolute discretion over all such
implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from RPG and/or
its representatives. If the client engages any professional (i.e. attorney, accountant, insurance
agent, etc.), recommended or otherwise, and a dispute arises thereafter relative to such
engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from the engaged professional. At all
times, the engaged licensed professional[s] (i.e. attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.), and
not RPG, shall be responsible for the quality and competency of the services provided.
Selection of Other Advisers
The Advisor may recommend that a client utilize one or more unaffiliated, third-party money
managers ("TPMMs") or investment platforms for all or a portion of a client's investment portfolio.
After gathering information about a Client's financial situation and objectives, RPG may
recommend a specific TPMM or investment program. Factors that the Advisor takes into
consideration when making its recommendation(s) include, but are not limited to, the following:
the TPMM's performance, methods of analysis, fees, client financial needs, investment goals, risk
tolerance, and investment objectives. RPG will monitor the TPMM(s)' performance to ensure its
management and investment style remains aligned with Client investment goals and objectives.
The TPMM(s) will actively manage client portfolios and will assume discretionary investment
authority over the specific investment accounts. RPG will assume discretionary authority to hire
and fire TPMM(s) and/or reallocate client assets to other TPMM(s) where it deems such action
appropriate.
Please Note. The investment management fee charged by the TPMM is separate from, and in
addition to, RPG’s investment advisory fee disclosed at Item 5 below. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s
Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to address any questions that a client or
prospective client may have regarding the allocation of account assets to an TPMM including the
specific additional fee to be charged by such TPMM.
Use of Mutual and Exchange Traded Funds: RPG utilizes mutual funds and exchange traded
funds for its client portfolios. In addition to RPG’s investment advisory fee described below, and
transaction and/or custodial fees discussed below, clients will also incur, relative to all mutual fund
and exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g., management fees
and other fund expenses). The mutual funds and exchange traded funds utilized by RPG are
generally available directly to the public. Thus, a client can generally obtain the funds
recommended and/or utilized by RPG independent of engaging RPG as an investment advisor.
However, if a prospective client does so, then they will not receive RPG's initial and ongoing
investment advisory services.
Custodian Charges-Additional Fees. As discussed below at Items 5 and 12 below, when
requested to recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for client accounts, RPG generally
recommends certain custodians/broker-dealers for client investment management assets. Certain
broker-dealers charge brokerage commissions, transaction, and/or other type fees for effecting
certain types of securities transactions (i.e., including transaction fees for certain mutual funds,
and mark-ups and mark-downs charged for fixed income transactions, etc.). The types of
securities for which transaction fees, commissions, and/or other type fees (as well as the amount
of those fees) shall differ depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain custodians
‐
‐
‐
including
the
transaction
fee differential among
do not currently charge fees on individual equity transactions [including ETFs], others do).
Although RPG is not a frequent trader, its primary investment vehicles for client accounts are
ETFs. Please Note: there can be no assurance that its recommended custodians/broker-dealers
will not change their transaction fee pricing in the future). Please Also Note: the broker-
dealer/custodian may also assess fees to clients who elect to receive trade confirmations and
account statements by regular mail rather than electronically. Tradeaways: When beneficial to
the client, equity transactions may be effected through broker
dealers with whom RPG and/or the
client have entered into arrangements for prime brokerage clearing services, including effecting
certain client transactions through other SEC registered and FINRA member broker
dealers (in
which event, the client generally will incur both the transaction fee charged by the executing
broker
dealer and a “trade-away” fee charged by the broker-dealer/).These fees/charges are in
addition to RPG’s investment advisory fee at Item 5 below. RPG does not receive any portion of
these fees/charges. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding
the above,
its recommended
custodians/broker-dealers.
Please Note: Retirement Rollovers-Potential for Conflict of Interest: A client or prospective
client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement plan (and
may engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in the former employer’s plan,
if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers
are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account
value (which could, depending upon the client’s age, result in adverse tax consequences). If RPG
recommends that a client roll over their retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by
RPG, such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if RPG will earn new (or increase its
current) compensation as a result of the rollover. If RPG provides a recommendation as to
whether a client should engage in a rollover or not (whether it is from an employer’s plan or an
existing IRA), RPG is acting as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing
retirement accounts. No client is under any obligation to roll over retirement plan assets to
an account managed by RPG, whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA.
RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to address any questions
that a client or prospective client may have regarding the potential for conflict of interest
presented by such rollover recommendation.
Socially Responsible Investing Limitations. Socially Responsible Investing involves the
incorporation of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) considerations into the
investment due diligence process. ESG investing incorporates a set of criteria/factors used in
evaluating potential investments: Environmental (i.e., considers how a company safeguards the
environment); Social (i.e., the manner in which a company manages relationships with its
employees, customers, and the communities in which it operates); and Governance (i.e.,
company management considerations). The number of companies that meet an acceptable ESG
mandate can be limited when compared to those that do not, and could underperform broad
market indices. Investors must accept these limitations, including potential for underperformance.
Correspondingly, the number of ESG mutual funds and exchange-traded funds are limited when
compared to those that do not maintain such a mandate. As with any type of investment (including
any investment and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by RPG), there
can be no assurance that investment in ESG securities or funds will be profitable or prove
successful. RPG does not maintain or advocate an ESG investment strategy, but will seek to
employ ESG if directed by a client to do so. If implemented, RPG shall rely upon the assessments
undertaken by the unaffiliated mutual fund, exchange traded fund or separate account portfolio
manager to determine that the fund’s or portfolio’s underlying company securities meet a socially
responsible mandate.
funds
Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, and Digital Assets: For clients who want exposure
to Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, or digital assets, RPG will advise the client to consider a potential
investment in corresponding exchange traded securities, or an allocation to separate account
that provide cryptocurrency exposure. Bitcoin and
managers and/or private
cryptocurrencies are digital assets that can be used for various purposes, including transactions,
decentralized applications, and speculative investments. Most digital assets use blockchain
technology, an advanced cryptographic digital ledger to secure transactions and validate asset
ownership. Unlike conventional currencies issued and regulated by monetary authorities,
cryptocurrencies generally operate without centralized control, and their value is determined by
market supply and demand. While regulatory oversight of digital assets has evolved significantly
since their inception, they remain subject to variable regulatory treatment globally, which may
impact their risk profile and liquidity. Given that cryptocurrency investments are speculative and
subject to extreme price volatility, liquidity constraints, and the potential for total loss of principal,
RPG does not exercise discretionary authority to purchase cryptocurrency investments for client
accounts. Any investment in cryptocurrencies must be expressly authorized by the client. RPG
does not recommend or advocate for the purchase of, or investment in, Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies,
or digital assets. Such investments are considered speculative and carry significant risk. Clients
who authorize the purchase of a cryptocurrency investment must be prepared for the potential for
liquidity constraints, extreme price volatility, regulatory risk, technological risk, security and
custody risk, and complete loss of principal.
Affiliated Private Funds. RPG and/or its owners are affiliated with RPG Animoca Ventures, LP
Fund, a private investment fund (the “Fund”), the complete description of which (the terms,
conditions, risks, conflicts and fees, including incentive compensation) is set forth in the Fund’s
offering documents. RPG, on a non-discretionary basis, may recommend that qualified clients
consider allocating a portion of their investment assets to the Fund. If a client determines to
become a Fund investor, unless indicated to the contrary, in writing, by RPG, the amount of assets
invested in the fund(s) shall be included as part of “assets under management” for purposes of
RPG calculating its investment advisory fee per Item 5 below. RPG’s fee shall be in addition to
the Fund’s fees. RPG’s clients are under absolutely no obligation to consider or make an
investment in a private investment fund(s).
RPG and/or its owners are affiliated with RAISE.ai Ventures, LP, a private investment fund (the
“Fund”), the complete description of which (the terms, conditions, risks, conflicts and fees,
including incentive compensation) is set forth in the Fund’s offering documents. RPG, on a non-
discretionary basis, may recommend that qualified clients consider allocating a portion of their
investment assets to the Fund. If a client determines to become a Fund investor, unless indicated
to the contrary, in writing, by RPG, the amount of assets invested in the fund(s) shall not be
included as part of “assets under management” for purposes of RPG calculating its investment
advisory fee per Item 5 below. RPG’s fee shall be in addition to the Fund’s fees. RPG’s clients
are under absolutely no obligation to consider or make an investment in a private investment
fund(s).
Please Note: Private investment funds generally involve various risk factors,
including, but not limited to, potential for complete loss of principal, liquidity
constraints and lack of transparency, a complete discussion of which is set forth in
each fund’s offering documents, which will be provided to each client for review
and consideration. Unlike liquid investments that a client may own, private
investment funds do not provide daily liquidity or pricing. Each prospective client
investor will be required to complete a Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which
the client shall establish that he/she is qualified for investment in the fund and
acknowledges and accepts the various risk factors that are associated with such
an investment.
from
the Fund
(i.e., management
fees,
Please Also Note: Conflict Of Interest. Because RPG and/or its affiliates can
incentive
earn compensation
compensation, etc.) that could generally exceed the fee that RPG would earn
under its standard asset-based fee schedule referenced in Item 5 below, the
recommendation that a client become a Fund investor presents a conflict of
interest. No client is under any obligation to become a Fund investor. Given the
conflict of interest, RPG advises that clients consider seeking advice from
independent professionals (i.e., attorney, accountant, adviser, etc.) of their
choosing prior to becoming a Fund investor. No client is under absolutely any
obligation to become a Fund investor. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief
Compliance Officer remains available to address any questions regarding
this conflict of interest.
Reporting Services. RPG can also provide account reporting services, which can incorporate
client investment assets that are not part of the assets that RPG manages (the “Excluded
Assets”). Unless agreed to otherwise, in writing, the client and/or his/her/its other advisors
that maintain trading authority, and not RPG, shall be exclusively responsible for the
investment performance of the Excluded Assets. Unless also agreed to otherwise, in writing,
RPG does not provide investment management, monitoring or implementation services for the
Excluded Assets. If RPG is asked to make a recommendation as to any Excluded Assets, the
client is under absolutely no obligation to accept the recommendation, and RPG shall not be
responsible for any implementation error (timing, trading, etc.) relative to the Excluded Assets.
The client can engage RPG to provide investment management services for the Excluded Assets
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Investment Advisory Agreement between RPG and
the client.
• Addepar. In the event that RPG provides the client with access to an unaffiliated reporting
vendor’s platform, such as Addepar, and the site provides access to information and/or
concepts, including financial planning, the client, should not, in any manner whatsoever,
infer that such access is a substitute for services provided by RPG. Rather, if the client
utilizes any such content, the client does so separate and independent of RPG.
Types of Investments
RPG believes in diversified, generally liquid client portfolios. As such, we primarily offer advice
on liquid, market-based securities like exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), mutual fund shares and
individual equities, options, or municipal securities managed via third-party managers.
Additionally, we may advise you on various types of investments based on your stated goals
and objectives. RPG may also provide advice on any type of investment held in client portfolios
at the inception of the advisory relationship. This may include illiquid, partnership-type
investments.
Cash Positions. RPG continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless determined to
the contrary by RPG, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall continue to be included as
part of assets under management for purposes of calculating RPG’s advisory fee. At any specific
point in time, depending upon perceived or anticipated market conditions/events (there being no
guarantee that such anticipated market conditions/events will occur), RPG may maintain cash
positions for defensive purposes. In addition, while assets are maintained in cash, such amounts
could miss market advances. Depending upon current yields, at any point in time, RPG’s advisory
fee could exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s
Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to address any questions that a
client or prospective may have regarding the above fee billing practice.
Cash Sweep Accounts. Account custodians generally require that cash proceeds from account
transactions or cash deposits be swept into and/or initially maintained in the custodian’s sweep
account. The yield on the sweep account is generally lower than those available in money market
accounts. To help mitigate this issue, RPG shall generally purchase a higher yielding money
market fund available on the custodian’s platform with cash proceeds or deposits, unless RPG
reasonably anticipates that it will utilize the cash proceeds during the subsequent 30-day period
to purchase additional investments for the client’s account. Exceptions and/or modifications can
and will occur with respect to all or a portion of the cash balances for various reasons, including,
but not limited to, the amount of dispersion between the sweep account and a money market fund,
an indication from the client of an imminent need for such cash, or the client has a demonstrated
history of writing checks from the account. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer,
Kevin Lutz, remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may
have regarding the above.
Portfolio Activity. RPG has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s best
interest. RPG will review client portfolios on an ongoing basis to determine if any changes are
necessary based upon various factors, including, but not limited to, investment performance,
market conditions, fund manager tenure, style drift, account additions/withdrawals, and/or a
change in the client’s investment objective. Based upon these factors, there may be extended
periods of time when RPG determines that changes to a client’s portfolio are unnecessary. Clients
remain subject to the fees described in Item 5 below during periods of portfolio inactivity. Of
course, as indicated below, there can be no assurance that investment decisions made by RPG
will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Trade Errors. In the event a trading error occurs in your account, our policy is to restore your
account to the position it should have been in had the trading error not occurred. Depending on
the circumstances, corrective actions may include canceling the trade, adjusting an allocation,
and/or reimbursing the account.
Other Assets. A client may:
recommend nor
follow
such
• hold securities that were purchased at the request of the client or acquired prior
to the client’s engagement of RPG. Generally, with potential exceptions, RPG
does not/would not
securities, and
absent mitigating tax consequences or client direction to the contrary, would
prefer to liquidate such securities. Please Note: If/when liquidated, it should
not be assumed that the replacement securities purchased by RPG will
outperform the liquidated positions. To the contrary, different types of
investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that
future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including
the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by
RPG) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s). In addition,
there may be other securities and/or accounts owned by the client for which
RPG does not maintain custodian access and/or trading authority; and,
• hold other securities and/or own accounts for which RPG does not maintain
custodian access and/or trading authority.
Corresponding Services/Fees: When agreed to by RPG, RPG shall: (1) remain available to
discuss these securities/accounts on an ongoing basis at the request of the client; (2) monitor
these securities/accounts on a regular basis, including, where applicable, rebalancing with client
consent; (3) shall generally consider these securities as part of the client’s overall asset
include
allocation; (4) report on such securities/accounts as part of regular reports that may be provided
the market value of all such securities for purposes of
by RPG; and, (5)
calculating advisory fee.
ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to address
any questions regarding the above.
Client Obligations. In performing our services, RPG shall not be required to verify any
information received from the client or from the client’s other professionals and is expressly
authorized to rely thereon. Moreover, it remains each client’s responsibility to promptly notify RPG
if there is ever any change in his/her/its financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose
of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services.
Investment Risk. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not
be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including
the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by RPG) will be
profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that RPG and its third-
party service providers use to provide services to RPG’s clients employ various controls that are
designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or unintentional actions
that could cause significant interruptions in RPG’s operations and/or result in the unauthorized
acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public personal information. In accordance with
Regulation S-P, RPG is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its clients' non-public
personal information by implementing appropriate administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards. RPG has established processes to mitigate the risks of cybersecurity incidents,
including the requirement to restrict access to such sensitive data and to monitor its systems for
potential breaches. Clients and RPG are nonetheless subject to the risk of cybersecurity incidents
that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or other adverse consequences.
Although RPG has established processes to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents, there is
no guarantee that these efforts will always be successful, especially considering that RPG does
not control the cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third-party service providers,
issuers of securities, broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental and other regulatory
authorities, exchanges, and other financial market operators and providers. In compliance with
Regulation S-P, RPG will notify clients in the event of a data breach involving their non-public
personal information as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Disclosure Brochure. A copy of RPG’s written Brochure as set forth on Part 2A of Form ADV
and Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) shall be provided to each client prior to, or
contemporaneously with, the execution of an agreement between the client and RPG.
Assets Under Management.
As of December 31, 2024, we provide continuous management services for $1,380,955,551 in
client assets on a discretionary basis and $430,733,234 on a non-discretionary basis for a total
of $1,811,688,785 in assets under management. Additionally, we have $180,151,382 in assets
under advisement.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
Portfolio Management Services.
RPG's fee for portfolio management services is based on a percentage of a client's managed
assets and is set forth in the following annual fee schedule:
Annual Fee Schedule.
Initial $30 Million
0.75%
Balance over $30 Million 0.50%
Balance over $150 Million Negotiable
The annual portfolio management fee, also known as the annual advisory fee, is invoiced
quarterly in arrears based on the month end values for the quarter, pro-rating for partial
quarters with payment expected within 30 days.
For options strategies, assets under management (AUM) is calculated on a daily basis
and is determined by ticker, calculated as the dollar value of the underlying assets being
hedged in each options mandate. RPG may rely on third party providers to determine
and/or confirm AUM.
If the portfolio management agreement is executed at any time other than the first day of a
calendar quarter, the Advisor's fees will apply on a pro rata basis, which means that the advisory
fee is payable in proportion to the number of days in the quarter for which services are rendered.
RPG’s annual advisory fee is negotiable, at its discretion. It shall be mutually agreed between
RPG and the client based upon multiple factors, including the client’s unique circumstances and
the complexity of the relationship.
At its discretion, RPG may combine the account values of family members living in the same
household to determine the applicable advisory fee. For example, RPG may combine account
values for a client and a client’s family members and other types of related accounts. Combining
account values may increase the asset total, which may result in the client paying a reduced
advisory fee based on the available breakpoints in RPG’s fee schedule.
RPG will send each client an invoice for the payment of the advisory fee or will deduct its fee
directly from client accounts through the qualified custodian holding the client's funds and
securities. RPG will deduct our advisory fee only when the client has given RPS written
authorization permitting the fees to be paid directly from the client account.
RPG encourages clients to reconcile all invoices with the statement(s) they receive from the
qualified custodian. Should a client find any inconsistent information between RPG’s invoice and
the statement(s) received from the qualified custodian, RPG advises the client to immediately call
RPG at the main telephone number located on the cover page of this brochure.
A client may terminate the portfolio management agreement upon written notice. The client will
incur a pro rata charge for services rendered prior to the termination of the portfolio management
agreement, which means he/she will incur advisory fees only in proportion to the number of days
in the quarter for which he/she is a client.
Accrued Interest/Dividends.
The market value reflected on periodic account statements issued by the account custodian may
differ from the value used by RPG for its advisory fee billing process. RPG includes the accrued
value of certain month or quarter-end interest and/or dividend payments when calculating client
advisory fees, which amounts may not yet be reflected on the custodian statement as having
been received by the account.
Fee Dispersion.
RPG, in its discretion, may charge a lesser or higher investment advisory fee, charge a flat fee,
waive appliable minimum asset or minimum fee levels, waive its fee entirely, or charge fee on a
different interval, based upon certain criteria (i.e., anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated
future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, complexity of the engagement, anticipated services to be rendered, grandfathered
fee schedules, employees and family members, courtesy accounts, competition, negotiations with
client, etc.). Please Note: As result of the above, similarly situated clients could pay different fees.
In addition, similar advisory services may be available from other investment advisers for similar
or lower fees. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding advisory
fees.
Financial Consulting Services.
We charge a fixed fee for financial consulting services. Fixed fees are negotiated between RPG
and the applicable client and typically range from $2,400 to $500,000 but vary based on scope
and complexity of engagement. We typically bill for these quarterly in arrears unless otherwise
stated in the financial consulting services contract.
Clients may terminate the financial consulting agreement with written notice to RPG. If a client
has pre-paid financial consulting fees that RPG has not yet earned, RPG will refund those
prorated fees.
Selection of Other Advisers
Our recommendations to use third party money managers are included in our portfolio
management fee. RPG does not charge you a separate fee for the selection of other advisers nor
will we share in the advisory fee clients pay directly to the TPMM. Advisory fees that you pay to
the TPMM are established and payable in accordance with the Form ADV Part 2 or other
equivalent disclosure document provided by each TPMM to whom you are referred. These fees
may or may not be negotiable. You should review the recommended TPMM's brochure for
information on its fees and services.
You may be required to sign an agreement directly with the recommended TPMM(s). You may
terminate your advisory relationship with the TPMM according to the terms of your agreement
with the TPMM. You should review each TPMM's brochure for specific information on how you
may terminate your advisory relationship with the TPMM and how you may receive a refund, if
applicable. You should contact the TPMM directly for questions regarding your advisory
agreement with the TPMM.
Additional Fees and Expenses
As part of our investment advisory services to you, we may invest, or recommend that you invest,
in mutual funds and exchange traded funds. The fees that you pay to RPG for investment advisory
services are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds or
exchange traded funds (described in each fund's prospectus) to their shareholders. These fees
will generally include a management fee and other fund expenses. You will also incur transaction
charges and/or brokerage fees when purchasing or selling securities. These charges and fees
are typically imposed by the broker-dealer or custodian through whom your account transactions
are executed. We do not share in any portion of the brokerage fees/transaction charges imposed
by the broker-dealer or custodian. To fully understand the total cost you will incur, you should
review all the fees charged by mutual funds, exchange traded funds, RPG, and others. For
information on our brokerage practices, refer to the Brokerage Practices section of this brochure.
Use of No Transaction Fee (“NTF”) Funds
The purchase or sale of transaction-fee (“TF”) funds available for investment through RPG will
result in the assessment of transaction charges to you, your Advisor, or RPG. Although no-
transaction-fee (“NTF”) funds do not assess transaction charges, most NTF funds have higher
internal expenses than funds that do not participate in an NTF program. These higher internal
fund expenses are assessed to investors who purchase or hold NTF funds. Depending upon the
frequency of trading and hold periods, NTF funds may cost you more, or may cost RPG or your
Advisor less, than mutual funds that assess transaction charges but have lower internal
expenses. In addition, the higher internal expenses charged to clients who hold NTF funds will
adversely affect the long-term performance of their accounts when compared to share classes of
the same fund that assess lower internal expenses. It is important to note that RPG will only
purchase NTF funds when no other share class is available for purchase. The administrative fees
charged for each NTF fund trade is the same as the administrative fees for all other funds. For
those advisory programs that assess transaction charges to clients, to RPG, or the Advisor, a
conflict of interest exists because RPG and your Advisor have a financial incentive to recommend
or select NTF funds that do not assess transaction charges but cost you more in internal
expenses than funds that do assess transaction charges but cost you less in internal expenses.
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
RPG can earn performance-based (incentive) compensation from the Fund as discussed in the Fund
documents (see disclosure above at Item 4). RPG may also enter into performance fee arrangements
with individual clients who qualify under Rule 205-3 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (i.e., a
client who has at least $1.1 million in portfolio assets managed by RPG, or who together with their
spouse have a net worth of at least $2.2 million, excluding their principal residence. Clients are advised
that performance based fees involve a sharing of any portfolio gains between the client and the
investment manager. Such performance-based fees create an economic incentive for RPG to take
additional risks in the management of a client portfolio that may be in conflict with the client’s current
investment objectives and tolerance for risk. Please Also Note: Conflict Of Interest. Because
performance fee (incentive) arrangements permit RPG and/or its affiliates to earn compensation in
excess of its standard asset based fee schedule referenced in Item 5 above, the recommendation that
a client enter into a performance fee arrangement (or become a Fund investor) presents a conflict of
interest. No client is under any obligation to enter into a performance fee arrangement or become a
Fund investor. RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to address any
questions regarding this conflict of interest.
Item 7 Types of Clients
RPG’s clients are typically high net worth individuals, families and their affiliated entities. Such
entities often include trusts, charitable organizations, foundations, donor-advised funds and
closely held businesses.
In general, we require a minimum of $10,000,000 to open and maintain an advisory account. At
our sole discretion, we may waive this minimum account size. For example, we may waive the
minimum if you appear to have significant potential for increasing your assets under our
management.
RPG charges a minimum annual fee in the amount of $75,000 (plus prevailing annual CPI rider)
to open and maintain an advisory relationship. RPG, may, in its sole discretion, charge a lesser
investment advisory fee, charge a flat fee, waive its fee entirely, or charge fee on a different
interval, based upon certain criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future
additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition,
complexity of the engagement, anticipated services to be rendered, grandfathered fee schedules,
employees and family members, courtesy accounts, competition, negotiations with client, etc.).
Please Note: As result of the above, similarly situated clients could pay different fees. In addition,
similar advisory services may be available from other investment advisers for similar or lower
fees. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to
address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding advisory
fees.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
RPG may use one or more of the following methods of analysis or investment strategies when
providing investment advice to its clients:
Charting Analysis - involves the gathering and processing of price and volume pattern
information for a particular security, sector, broad index or commodity. This price and volume
pattern information is analyzed. The resulting pattern and correlation data is used to detect
departures from expected performance and diversification and predict future price movements
and trends.
Risk: Our charting analysis may not accurately detect anomalies or predict future price
movements. Current prices of securities may reflect all information known about the security and
day-to-day changes in market prices of securities may follow random patterns and may not be
predictable with any reliable degree of accuracy.
Technical Analysis - involves studying past price patterns, trends and interrelationships in the
financial markets to assess risk-adjusted performance and predict the direction of both the overall
market and specific securities.
Risk: The risk of market timing based on technical analysis is that our analysis may not accurately
detect anomalies or predict future price movements. Current prices of securities may reflect all
information known about the security and day-to-day changes in market prices of securities may
follow random patterns and may not be predictable with any reliable degree of accuracy.
Fundamental Analysis - involves analyzing individual companies and their industry groups, such
as a company's financial statements, details regarding the company's product line, the experience
and expertise of the company's management, and the outlook for the company and its industry.
The resulting data is used to measure the true value of the company's stock compared to the
current market value.
Risk: The risk of fundamental analysis is that information obtained may be incorrect and the
analysis may not provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock's
value. If securities prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not
result in favorable performance.
Cyclical Analysis - a type of technical analysis that involves evaluating recurring price patterns
and trends. Economic/business cycles may not be predictable and may have many fluctuations
between long-term expansions and contractions.
Risk: The lengths of economic cycles may be difficult to predict with accuracy and therefore the
risk of cyclical analysis is the difficulty in predicting economic trends and consequently the
changing value of securities that would be affected by these changing trends.
Modern Portfolio Theory - a theory of investment which attempts to maximize portfolio expected
return for a given amount of portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of
expected return, by carefully diversifying the proportions of various assets.
Risk: Market risk is that part of a security's risk that is common to all securities of the same
general class (stocks and bonds) and thus cannot be eliminated by diversification.
Long-Term Purchases - securities purchased with the expectation that the value of those
securities will grow over a relatively long period of time, generally greater than one year.
Risk: Using a long-term purchase strategy generally assumes the financial markets will go up in
the long-term which may not be the case. There is also the risk that the segment of the market
that you are invested in or perhaps just your particular investment will go down over time even if
the overall financial markets advance. Purchasing investments long-term may create an
opportunity cost - "locking-up" assets that may be better utilized in the short-term in other
investments.
Short-Term Purchases - securities purchased with the expectation that they will be sold within
a relatively short period of time, generally less than one year, to take advantage of the securities'
short-term price fluctuations.
Risk: Using a short-term purchase strategy generally assumes that we can predict how financial
markets will perform in the short-term which may be very difficult and will incur a disproportionately
higher amount of transaction costs compared to long-term trading. There are many factors that
can affect financial market performance in the short-term (such as short-term interest rate
changes, cyclical earnings announcements, etc.) but may have a smaller impact over longer
periods of times.
Trading: We may use frequent trading (in general, selling securities within 30 days of purchasing
the same securities) as an investment strategy when managing your account(s). Frequent trading
is not a fundamental part of our overall investment strategy, but we may use this strategy
occasionally when we determine that it is suitable given your stated investment objectives and
tolerance for risk. This may include buying and selling securities frequently in an effort to capture
significant market gains and avoid significant losses.
Risk: When a frequent trading policy is in effect, there is a risk that investment performance within
your account may be negatively affected, particularly through increased brokerage and other
transactional costs and taxes.
Our investment strategies and advice may vary depending upon each client's specific financial
situation. As such, we determine investments and allocations based upon your predefined
objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, financial information, liquidity needs and other various
suitability factors. Your restrictions and guidelines may affect the composition of your portfolio. It
is important that you notify us immediately with respect to any material changes to your
financial circumstances, including for example, a change in your current or expected
income level, tax circumstances, or employment status.
We typically will not perform quantitative or qualitative analysis of individual securities. Instead,
we will advise you on how to allocate your assets among various classes of securities or third
party money managers. We primarily rely on investment model portfolios and strategies
developed by the third party money managers and their portfolio managers. We may
replace/recommend replacing a third party money manager if there is a significant deviation in
characteristics or performance from the stated strategy and/or benchmark.
Tax Considerations
RPG will try to invest in a tax aware manner. That said, our strategies and investments may have
unique and significant tax implications. Regardless of your account size or any other factors, we
strongly recommend that you consult with a tax professional regarding the investing of your
assets.
Custodians and broker-dealers must report the cost basis of equities acquired in client accounts.
Your custodian will default to the First-In First-Out ("FIFO") accounting method for calculating the
cost basis of your investments. You are responsible for contacting your tax advisor to determine
if this accounting method is the right choice for you. If your tax advisor believes another accounting
method is more advantageous, provide written notice to our firm immediately and we will alert
your account custodian of your individually selected accounting method. Decisions about cost
basis accounting methods will need to be made before trades settle, as the cost basis method
cannot be changed after settlement.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that every client should be prepared to bear. RPG
does not represent or guarantee that its services or methods of analysis can or will predict future
results, successfully identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate clients from losses due to market
corrections or declines. RPG does not offer any guarantees or promises that client financial goals
and objectives will be met. Past performance is in no way an indication of future performance.
Other Risk Considerations
When evaluating risk, financial loss may be viewed differently by each client and may depend on
many different risks, each of which may affect the probability and magnitude of any potential
losses. The following risks may not be all-inclusive but should be considered carefully by a
services.
prospective
client
before
retaining
our
Liquidity Risk: The risk of being unable to sell your investment at a fair price at a given time due
to high volatility or lack of active liquid markets. You may receive a lower price or it may not be
all.
the
possible
to
sell
investment
at
Credit Risk: Credit risk typically applies to debt investments such as corporate, municipal, and
sovereign fixed income or bonds. A bond issuing entity can experience a credit event that could
client.
impair
or
erase
the
value
of
an
issuer’s
securities
held
by
a
Inflation and Interest Rate Risk: Security prices and portfolio returns will likely vary in response to
changes in inflation and interest rates. Inflation causes the value of future dollars to be worth less
and may reduce the purchasing power of a client’s future interest payments and principal. Inflation
also generally leads to higher interest rates which may cause the value of many types of fixed
decline.
income
investments
to
Horizon and Longevity Risk: The risk that your investment horizon is shortened because of an
unforeseen event, for example, the loss of your job. This may force you to sell investments that
you were expecting to hold for the long term. If you must sell at a time when the markets are
down, you may lose money. Longevity Risk is the risk of outliving your savings. This risk is
particularly relevant for people who are retired or are nearing retirement.
Recommendation of Particular Types of Securities
We recommend various types of securities and we do not primarily recommend one particular
type of security over another since each client has different needs and different tolerance for risk.
Each type of security has its own unique set of risks associated with it and it would not be possible
to list here all of the specific risks of every type of investment. Even within the same type of
investment, risks can vary widely. However, in very general terms, the higher the anticipated
return of an investment, the higher the risk of loss associated with the investment. A description
of the types of securities we may recommend to you and some of their inherent risks are provided
below.
Money Market Funds: A money market fund is technically a security. The fund managers attempt
to keep the share price constant at $1/share. However, there is no guarantee that the share price
will stay at $1/share. If the share price goes down, you can lose some or all of your principal. The
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") notes that "While investor losses in money
market funds have been rare, they are possible." In return for this risk, you should earn a greater
return on your cash than you would expect from a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC")
insured savings account (money market funds are not FDIC insured). Next, money market fund
rates are variable. In other words, you do not know how much you will earn on your investment
next month. The rate could go up or go down. If it goes up, that may result in a positive outcome.
However, if it goes down and you earn less than you expected to earn, you may end up needing
more cash. A final risk you are taking with money market funds has to do with inflation. Because
money market funds are considered to be safer than other investments like stocks, long-term
average returns on money market funds tends to be less than long term average returns on riskier
investments. Over long periods of time, inflation can eat away at your returns.
Certificates of Deposit: Certificates of deposit (“CD”) are generally a safe type of investment
since they are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”) up to a certain
amount. However, because the returns are generally low, there is risk that inflation outpaces the
return of the CD. Certain CDs are traded in the marketplace and not purchased directly from a
banking institution. In addition to trading risk, when CDs are purchased at a premium, the premium
is not covered by the FDIC.
Municipal Securities: Municipal securities, while generally thought of as safe, can have
significant risks associated with them including, but not limited to: the credit worthiness of the
governmental entity that issues the bond; the stability of the revenue stream that is used to pay
the interest to the bondholders; when the bond is due to mature; and, whether or not the bond
can be "called" prior to maturity. When a bond is called, it may not be possible to replace it with a
bond of equal character paying the same amount of interest or yield to maturity.
Bonds: Corporate debt securities (or "bonds") are typically safer investments than equity
securities, but their risk can also vary widely based on: the financial health of the issuer; the risk
that the issuer might default; when the bond is set to mature; and, whether or not the bond can
be "called" prior to maturity. When a bond is called, it may not be possible to replace it with a bond
of equal character paying the same rate of return.
Stocks: There are numerous ways of measuring the risk of equity securities (also known simply
as "equities" or "stock"). In very broad terms, the value of a stock depends on the financial health
of the company issuing it. However, stock prices can be affected by many other factors including,
but not limited to the class of stock (for example, preferred or common); the health of the market
sector of the issuing company; and the overall health of the economy. In general, larger, better
established companies ("large cap") tend to be safer than smaller start-up companies ("small
cap") but the mere size of an issuer is not, by itself, an indicator of the safety of the investment.
Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds: Mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETF")
are professionally managed collective investment systems that pool money from many investors
and invest in stocks, bonds, short-term money market instruments, other mutual funds, other
securities, or any combination thereof. The fund will have a manager that trades the fund's
investments in accordance with the fund's investment objective. While mutual funds and ETFs
generally provide diversification, risks can be significantly increased if the fund is concentrated in
a particular sector of the market, primarily invests in small cap or speculative companies, uses
leverage (i.e., borrows money) to a significant degree, or concentrates in a particular type of
security (i.e., equities) rather than balancing the fund with different types of securities. ETFs differ
from mutual funds since they can be bought and sold throughout the day like stock and their price
can fluctuate throughout the day. The returns on mutual funds and ETFs can be reduced by the
costs to manage the funds. Also, while some mutual funds are "no load" and charge no fee to buy
into, or sell out of, the fund, other types of mutual funds do charge such fees which can also
reduce returns. Mutual funds can also be "closed end" or "open end". So-called "open end" mutual
funds continue to allow in new investors indefinitely whereas "closed end" funds have a fixed
number of shares to sell which can limit their availability to new investors.
ETFs may have tracking error risks. For example, the ETF investment adviser may not be able to
cause the ETF’s performance to match that of its Underlying Index or other benchmark, which
may negatively affect the ETF's performance. In addition, for leveraged and inverse ETFs that
seek to track the performance of their Underlying Indices or benchmarks on a daily basis,
mathematical compounding may prevent the ETF from correlating with performance of its
benchmark. In addition, an ETF may not have investment exposure to all of the securities included
in its Underlying Index, or its weighting of investment exposure to such securities may vary from
that of the Underlying Index. Some ETFs may invest in securities or financial instruments that are
not included in the Underlying Index, but which are expected to yield similar performance.
Real Estate: Real estate is increasingly being used as part of a long-term core strategy due to
increased market efficiency and increasing concerns about the future long-term variability of stock
and bond returns. In fact, real estate is known for its ability to serve as a portfolio diversifier and
inflation hedge. However, the asset class still bears a considerable amount of market risk. Real
estate has shown itself to be very cyclical, somewhat mirroring the ups and downs of the overall
economy. In addition to employment and demographic changes, real estate is also influenced by
changes in interest rates and the credit markets, which affect the demand and supply of capital
and thus real estate values. Along with changes in market fundamentals, investors wishing to add
real estate as part of their core investment portfolios need to look for property concentrations by
area or by property type. Because property returns are directly affected by local market basics,
real estate portfolios that are too heavily concentrated in one area or property type can lose their
risk mitigation attributes and bear additional risk by being too influenced by local or sector market
changes.
Real Estate Investment Trust: A real estate investment trust ("REIT") is a corporate entity which
invests in real estate and/or engages in real estate financing. A REIT reduces or eliminates
corporate income taxes. REITs can be publicly or privately held. Public REITs may be listed on
public stock exchanges. REITs are required to declare 90% of their taxable income as dividends,
but they actually pay dividends out of funds from operations, so cash flow has to be strong or the
REIT must either dip into reserves, borrow to pay dividends, or distribute them in stock (which
causes dilution). After 2012, the IRS stopped permitting stock dividends. Most REITs must
refinance or erase large balloon debts periodically. The credit markets are no longer frozen, but
banks are demanding, and getting, harsher terms to re-extend REIT debt. Some REITs may be
forced to make secondary stock offerings to repay debt, which will lead to additional dilution of
the stockholders. Fluctuations in the real estate market can affect the REIT's value and dividends.
Limited Partnerships: A limited partnership is a financial affiliation that includes at least one
general partner and a number of limited partners. The partnership invests in a venture, such as
real estate development or oil exploration, for financial gain. The general partner has
management authority and unlimited liability. The general partner runs the business and, in the
event of bankruptcy, is responsible for all debts not paid or discharged. The limited partners have
no management authority and their liability is limited to the amount of their capital commitment.
Profits are divided between general and limited partners according to an arrangement formed at
the creation of the partnership. The range of risks are dependent on the nature of the partnership
and disclosed in the offering documents if privately placed. Publicly traded limited partnerships
have similar risk attributes to equities. However, like privately placed limited partnerships their tax
treatment is under a different tax regime from equities. You should speak to your tax adviser in
regard to their tax treatment.
Options Contracts: RPG, or a TPMM RPG hires, may engage in options transactions for the
purpose of hedging risk and/or generating portfolio income. The use of options transactions as an
investment strategy can involve a high level of inherent risk. Option transactions establish a
contract between two parties concerning the buying or selling of an asset at a predetermined price
during a specific period of time. During the term of the option contract, the buyer of the option
gains the right to demand fulfillment by the seller. Fulfillment may take the form of either selling
or purchasing a security, depending upon the nature of the option contract. Generally, the
purchase or sale of an option contract shall be with the intent of “hedging” a potential market risk
in a client’s portfolio and/or generating income for a client’s portfolio. Please Note: Certain
options-related strategies (i.e. straddles, short positions, etc.), may, in and of themselves, produce
principal volatility and/or risk. Thus, a client must be willing to accept these enhanced volatility
and principal risks associated with such strategies. In light of these enhanced risks, clients may
direct RPG, in writing, not to employ any or all such strategies for his/her/their/its accounts. Please
Covered Call Writing.
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the-money call options against a long
security position held in a client portfolio. This type of transaction is intended to generate
income. It also serves to create partial downside protection in the event the security
position declines in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such
income may be reduced or lost to the extent it is determined to buy back the option position
before its expiration. There can be no assurance that the security will not be called away
by the option buyer, which will result in the client (option writer) to lose ownership in the
security and incur potential unintended tax consequences. Covered call strategies are
generally better suited for positions with lower price volatility.
Also Note: There can be no guarantee that an options strategy will achieve its objective or prove
successful. No client is under any obligation to enter into any option transactions. However, if the
client does so, he/she must be prepared to accept the potential for unintended or undesired
consequences (i.e., losing ownership of the security, incurring capital gains taxes).
The two types of options are calls and puts. A call gives the holder the right to buy an asset at a
certain price within a specific period of time. Calls are similar to having a long position on a stock.
Buyers of calls hope that the stock will increase substantially before the option expires. A put
gives the holder the right to sell an asset at a certain price within a specific period of time. Puts
are very similar to having a short position on a stock. Buyers of puts hope that the price of the
stock will fall before the option expires.
Selling options is more complicated and can be even riskier.
The option trading risks pertaining to options buyers are:
• Risk of losing your entire investment in a relatively short period of time.
• The risk of losing your entire investment increases if, as expiration nears, the stock is
below the strike price of the call (for a call option) or if the stock is higher than the strike
price of the put (for a put option).
• European style options which do not have secondary markets on which to sell the options
prior to expiration can only realize its value upon expiration.
• Specific exercise provisions of a specific option contract may create risks.
• Regulatory agencies may impose exercise restrictions, which stops you from realizing
value.
The option trading risks pertaining to options sellers are:
• Options sold may be exercised at any time before expiration.
• Covered Call traders forgo the right to profit when the underlying stock rises above the
strike price of the call options sold and continues to risk a loss due to a decline in the
underlying stock.
• Writers of Naked Calls risk unlimited losses if the underlying stock rises.
• Writers of Naked Puts risk unlimited losses if the underlying stock drops.
• Writers of naked positions run margin risks if the position goes into significant losses. Such
risks may include liquidation by the broker.
• Writers of call options could lose more money than a short seller of that stock could on the
same rise on that underlying stock. This is an example of how the leverage in options can
work against the option trader.
• Writers of Naked Calls are obligated to deliver shares of the underlying stock if those call
options are exercised.
• Call options can be exercised outside of market hours such that effective remedy actions
cannot be performed by the writer of those options.
• Writers of stock options are obligated under the options that they sold even if a trading
market is not available or that they are unable to perform a closing transaction.
• The value of the underlying stock may surge or ditch unexpectedly, leading to automatic
exercises.
Other option trading risks are:
• The complexity of some option strategies is a significant risk on its own.
• Option trading exchanges or markets and option contracts themselves are open to
changes at all times.
• Options markets have the right to halt the trading of any options, thus preventing investors
from realizing value.
• Risk of erroneous reporting of exercise value.
• If an options brokerage firm goes insolvent, investors trading through that firm may be
affected.
• Internationally traded options have special risks due to timing across borders.
Risks that are not specific to options trading include market risk, sector risk and individual stock
risk. Option trading risks are closely related to stock risks, as stock options are a derivative of
stocks.
Derivatives: Derivatives are types of investments where the investor does not own the underlying
asset. There are many different types of derivative instruments, including, but not limited to,
options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts. Derivatives have numerous uses as well as
various risks associated with them, but they are generally considered an alternative way to
participate in the market. Investors typically use derivatives for three reasons: to hedge a position,
to increase leverage, or to speculate on an asset's movement. The key to making a sound
investment is to fully understand the characteristics and risks associated with the derivative,
including, but not limited to counter-party, underlying asset, price, and expiration risks. The use
of a derivative only makes sense if the investor is fully aware of the risks and understands the
impact of the investment within a portfolio strategy. Due to the variety of available derivatives and
the range of potential risks, a detailed explanation of derivatives is beyond the scope of this
disclosure.
Private Placements: A private placement (non-public offering) is an illiquid security sold to
qualified investors and are not publicly traded nor registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Risk: Private placements generally carry a higher degree of risk due to illiquidity. Most securities
that are acquired in a private placement will be restricted securities and must be held for an
extended amount of time and therefore cannot be sold easily. The range of risks are dependent
on the nature of the partnership and are disclosed in the offering documents.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose the facts of any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a
client's evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management. We do not have
any required disclosures under this item.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
As indicated at Item 4 above, RPG does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance
agent, and no portion of our services should be construed as same. Accordingly, RPG
does not prepare legal documents, prepare tax returns, or sell insurance products. To the
extent requested by a client, we may recommend the services of other professionals for
non-investment implementation purpose (i.e. attorneys, accountants, insurance, etc.),.
Recommendation of Other Advisers
We may recommend that you use a third party money manager ("TPMM") based on your needs
and suitability. We will not receive separate compensation, directly or indirectly, from the TPMM
for recommending that you use their services. Moreover, we do not have any other business
relationships with the recommended TPMM(s). Refer to the Advisory Business section above for
additional disclosures on this topic.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Description of Our Code of Ethics
We strive to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our practices. Therefore, our
Code of Ethics includes guidelines for professional standards of conduct for persons associated
with RPG. Our goal is to protect client interests at all times and to demonstrate our commitment
to our fiduciary duties of honesty, openness, integrity, good faith, and fair dealing with all clients.
All persons associated with RPG are expected to adhere strictly to these guidelines. Persons
associated with RPG are also required to immediately report any violations of our Code of Ethics.
Additionally, we maintain and enforce written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse
or dissemination of material, non-public information about clients or client account holdings by
persons associated with RPG.
Clients or prospective clients may obtain a copy of our Code of Ethics by contacting us at the
telephone number on the cover page of this brochure.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Neither RPG nor any persons associated with RPG has any material financial interest in client
transactions beyond the provision of investment advisory services as disclosed in this brochure.
Personal Trading Practices
RPG or persons associated with our firm may buy or sell the same securities that we recommend
to you or securities in which you are already invested. A conflict of interest exists in such cases
because we have the ability to trade ahead of you and potentially receive more favorable prices
than you will receive. To mitigate this conflict of interest, RPG has a securities transaction policy
in place to monitor the personal securities transactions and securities holdings of each of RPG’s
“Access Persons”. The policy states that neither RPG nor persons associated with RPG shall
have trading priority over your account in the purchase or sale of securities. RPG’s securities
transaction policy requires that RPG’s Access Persons provide the Chief Compliance Officer or
his/her designee with a written report of their current securities holdings within ten (10) days after
becoming an Access Person. Additionally, each Access Person must provide the Chief
Compliance Officer or his/her designee with a written report of the Access Person’s current
securities holdings at least once each twelve (12) month period thereafter on a date RPG selects.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
RPG does not have discretionary authority to select the broker-dealer/custodian (the “Custodian”)
for custody and execution services. The Client has full discretion to select a custodian. Your
assets must be maintained in an account at a “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or
bank. In the event that the client requests that RPG recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for
execution and/or custodial services, RPG generally recommends that investment advisory
accounts be maintained at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) or Pershing LLC (“Pershing”).
Prior to engaging RPG to provide investment management services, the client will be required to
enter into a formal Investment Advisory Agreement with RPG setting forth the terms and
conditions under which RPG shall advise on the client's assets, and a separate custodial/clearing
agreement with each designated broker-dealer/custodian. Factors that RPG considers in
recommending Schwab (or any other broker-dealer/custodian to clients) include historical
relationship with RPG, financial strength, reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and
service. Broker-dealers such as Schwab can charge transaction fees for effecting certain
securities transactions (See Item 4 above). To the extent that a transaction fee will be payable by
the client, the transaction fee shall be in addition to RPG’s investment advisory fee referenced in
Item 5 above.
To the extent that a transaction fee is payable, RPG shall have a duty to obtain best execution
for such transaction. However, that does not mean that the client will not pay a transaction fee
that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction
where RPG determines, in good faith, that the transaction fee is reasonable. In seeking best
execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction
represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-
dealer’s services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, transaction
rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, although RPG will seek competitive rates, it may not
necessarily obtain the lowest possible rates for client account transactions.
Research and Benefits: Although not a material consideration when determining whether to
recommend that a client utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, RPG can
receive from Schwab (or another broker-dealer/custodian, investment manager, platform
sponsor, mutual fund sponsor, or vendor) without cost (and/or at a discount) support services
and/or products, certain of which assist RPG to better monitor and service client accounts
maintained at such institutions. Included within the support services that can be obtained by RPG
can be investment-related research, pricing information and market data, software and other
technology that provide access to client account data, compliance and/or practice management-
related publications, discounted or gratis consulting services (including those provided by
unaffiliated vendors and professionals), discounted and/or gratis attendance at conferences,
meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support (including client events),
computer hardware and/or software and/or other products used by RPG in furtherance of its
investment advisory business operations. Certain of the benefits that could be received can also
assist RPG to manage and further develop its business enterprise and/or benefit RPG’s
representatives.
RPG’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets maintained at
its recommended custodians/broker-dealers as the result of these arrangements. There is no
corresponding commitment made by RPG to its recommended custodians/broker-dealers, or any
other any entity, to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual
funds, securities or other investment products as result of the above arrangement.
the corresponding conflicts of
ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to
address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
interest presented by such
arrangements and
arrangements.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
RPG will monitor your accounts on an ongoing basis and will conduct account reviews at least
quarterly unless otherwise agreed to, to ensure the advisory services provided to you are
consistent with your investment needs and objectives. Additional reviews may be conducted
based on various circumstances, including, but not limited to:
• contributions and withdrawals,
• year-end tax planning,
• market moving events,
• security specific events, and/or,
• changes in your risk/return objectives.
The individuals conducting reviews may vary from time to time, as personnel join or leave RPG.
We will provide you with additional or regular written reports in conjunction with account reviews.
Reports we provide to you will contain relevant account and/or market-related information such
as an inventory of account holdings and account performance, etc. You will receive trade
confirmations and monthly or quarterly statements from your account custodian(s).
RPG's Chief Compliance Officer, will review financial plans as needed, depending on the
arrangements made with you at the inception of your advisory relationship to ensure that the
advice provided is consistent with your investment needs and objectives. Generally, we will
contact you periodically to determine whether any updates may be needed based on changes in
your circumstances. Changed circumstances may include, but are not limited to marriage,
divorce, birth, death, inheritance, lawsuit, retirement, job loss and/or disability, among others. We
recommend meeting with you at least annually to review and update your plan if needed.
Additional reviews will be conducted upon your request. Such reviews and updates may be
subject to our then current hourly rate. Written updates to the financial plan may be provided in
conjunction with the review. If you implement financial planning advice, you will receive trade
confirmations and monthly or quarterly statements from relevant custodians.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
As indicated at Item 12 above, RPG can receive from its recommended broker/dealer or custodian
(and others) without cost (and/or at a discount), support services and/or products. RPG’s clients
do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets maintained at its
recommended broker/dealer or custodian (or any other institution) as result of this arrangement.
There is no corresponding commitment made by RPG to its recommended broker/dealer or
custodian, or to any other entity, to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in
any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as the result of the above
arrangement. ANY QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding
the above arrangements and the corresponding conflicts of interest presented by such
arrangement.
RPG does not maintain promoter arrangements/pay referral fee compensation to non-employees
for new client introductions.
Item 15 Custody
As paying agent for RPG, your independent custodian will directly debit your account(s) for the
payment of our advisory fees. This ability to deduct our advisory fees from your accounts causes
RPG to exercise limited custody over your funds or securities. We do not have physical custody
of any of your funds and/or securities. Your funds and securities will be held with a bank, broker-
dealer, or other qualified custodian. You will receive account statements from the qualified
custodian(s) holding your funds and securities at least quarterly. The account statements from
your custodian(s) will indicate the amount of our advisory fees deducted from your account(s)
each billing period. You should carefully review account statements for accuracy.
We will also provide statements to you reflecting the amount of the advisory fee deducted from
your account. You should compare our statements with the statements from your account
custodian(s) to reconcile the information reflected on each statement. If you have a question
regarding your account statement, or if you did not receive a statement from your custodian,
contact us immediately at the telephone number on the cover page of this brochure.
Wire Transfer and/or Standing Letter of Authorization
RPG, or persons associated with RPG, may effect wire transfers from client accounts to one or
more third parties designated, in writing, by the client without obtaining written client consent for
each separate, individual transaction, as long as the client has provided us with written
authorization to do so. Such written authorization is known as a Standing Letter of Authorization.
An adviser with authority to conduct such third party wire transfers has access to the client's
assets, and therefore has custody of the client's assets in any related accounts. These
arrangements are disclosed at Item 9 of Part 1 of Form ADV. However, in accordance with the
guidance provided in the SEC’s February 21, 2017 Investment Adviser Association No-Action
Letter, the affected accounts are not subject to an annual surprise CPA examination. ANY
QUESTIONS: RPG’s Chief Compliance Officer, Kevin Lutz, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding custody-related
issues.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
The client can determine to engage RPG to provide investment advisory services on a
discretionary basis. Before we can buy or sell securities on your behalf, you must first sign our
discretionary management agreement and the appropriate trading authorization forms. Clients
who engage RPG on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions, in writing, on
RPG’s discretionary authority. (i.e., limit the types/amounts of particular securities purchased for
their account, exclude the ability to purchase securities with an inverse relationship to the market,
limit or proscribe RPG’s use of margin, etc.).
If you enter into non-discretionary arrangements with RPG, we will obtain your approval prior to
the execution of any transactions for your account(s). You have an unrestricted right to decline to
implement any advice provided by RPG on a non-discretionary basis.
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
RPG is responsible for voting client proxies, and shall do so in conjunction with the proxy voting
administrative and due diligence services provided by Proxy Edge, an unaffiliated nationally
recognized proxy voting service of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) RPG, in
conjunction with the services provided by Broadridge, shall monitor corporate actions of individual
issuers and investment companies consistent with RPG’s fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best
interests of its clients. With respect to individual issuers, RPG may be solicited to vote on matters
including corporate governance, adoption or amendments to compensation plans (including stock
options), and matters involving social issues and corporate responsibility. With respect to
investment companies (e.g., mutual funds), RPG may be solicited to vote on matters including the
approval of advisory contracts, distribution plans, and mergers. RPG (in conjunction with the
services provided by Broadridge) shall maintain records pertaining to proxy voting as required
under the Advisers Act. Information pertaining to how RPG voted on any specific proxy issue is
also available upon written request. Any questions regarding RPG’s proxy voting policy shall be
directed to Kevin Lutz, Chief Compliance Officer of RPG. Please Note: No client is under any
obligation to have RPG (in conjunction with Broadridge) vote the client’s proxies per the above
proxy voting process.
In the event the client wishes to direct RPG on voting a particular proxy, the client should contact
RPG's main office at the phone number on the cover page of this brochure with your instruction.
Conflicts of interest between the client and RPG or a principal of RPG, regarding certain proxy
issues could arise. If RPG determines that a material conflict of interest exists, it will take the
necessary steps to resolve the conflict before voting the proxies. For example, RPG may disclose
the existence and nature of the conflict to the client, and seek direction from the client as to how
to vote on a particular issue; RPG may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting
interests for the client (for example, where the client account(s) hold different securities in a
competitive merger situation); or, RPG will take other necessary steps designed to ensure that a
decision to vote is in the client's best interest and was not the product of the conflict.
Fair Fund Process. In the event that Broadridge is required to process a Fair Fund payment (i.e.,
a fund established by the SEC to distribute money to defrauded investors), Broadridge shall
deposit the gross settlement into the client’s account. However, Broadridge, unlike its does for
class action settlements, will not deduct its percentage fee from the client‘s gross settlement.
Rather RPG, subsequent to the Broadridge deposit, shall debit each client’s account for
Broadridge’s fee, and submit the fee to Broadridge.
Additionally, RPG maintains records pertaining to our proxy voting activities as required under the
Advisers Act. Information on RPG Proxy Voting Policy and/or how we voted on any specific proxy
issue is available upon written request.
Class Actions: The client shall maintain exclusive responsibility for all legal proceedings or other
type events pertaining to the assets managed by RPG, including, but not limited to, class action
lawsuits. RPG has identified an unaffiliated service provider, Broadridge, to assist the client, for a
fee with class-action matters. RPG shall not receive any compensation from the service provider.
Please Note: The client is under no obligation to engage the service provider. Please Also
Note: RPG does not participate in class action proceedings on behalf of its clients. Thus, if the
client chooses not to engage Broadridge, the client will be exclusively responsible to monitor and
pursue all class action claims.
Item 18 Financial Information
RPG is unaware of any financial condition or impairment that would prevent it from meeting its
client contractual commitments. RPG does not take physical custody of client funds or securities
or serve as trustee or signatory for client accounts. RPG does not require the prepayment of more
than $1,200 in fees six or more months in advance. Therefore, RPG is not required to include a
financial statement with this brochure.
RPG has not filed a bankruptcy petition at any time.