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Item 1
Cover Page
Torren Management, LLC
ADV Part 2A, Firm Brochure
Dated: March 21, 2025
Contact: Todd Hyatt, Chief Compliance Officer
401 B Street, Suite 1900
San Diego, California 92101
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Torren
Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us
at (858) 395-9580. 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 Torren Management, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
References herein to Torren Management, LLC as a “registered investment adviser” or any
reference to being “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Item 2
Material Changes
Since Torren Management’s initial ADV Part 2A Brochure filing on December 22, 2023, this Brochure has
not been materially amended.
Item 3
Table of Contents
Item 1 Cover Page .................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3
Item 4 Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................ 3
Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................ 8
Item 5
Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management .......................................................... 10
Types of Clients .......................................................................................................................... 10
Item 7
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................... 10
Item 9 Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................ 11
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 12
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading.............. 13
Item 12 Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 14
Item 13 Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 16
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 16
Item 15 Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 16
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 17
Item 17 Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 17
Item 18 Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 17
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Item 4
Advisory Business
A. Torren Management, LLC (the “Registrant”) is a limited liability company formed in
November 2023 in the state of Delaware. The Registrant is equally owned by the Hyatt
Family Trust Dated March 22, 2008 and the Reinig O’Shea Family Trust Dated April 13,
2006.
B.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
The Registrant provides discretionary investment advisory services on a fee-only basis. The
Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee is based upon a percentage (%) of the market
value of the client’s assets placed under the Registrant’s management.
The Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee typically includes investment advisory
services and financial planning and consulting services. In the event the client requires
extraordinary planning and/or consultation services (to be determined in the sole discretion
of the Registrant), Registrant may determine to charge for such additional services, the
dollar amount of which shall be set forth in a separate written notice to the client.
Before engaging Registrant to provide investment advisory services, clients are required to
enter into an Investment Advisory Agreement 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. Before providing investment advisory services, an
investment adviser representative will ascertain each client’s investment objectives.
Thereafter, Registrant will allocate and/or recommend that the client allocate investment
assets consistent with the designated investment objectives. Once allocated, Registrant
provides ongoing monitoring and review of account performance, asset allocation and
client investment objectives.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES
The Registrant may provide financial planning and/or consulting services (including
investment and non-investment related matters, including estate planning, insurance
planning, etc.) on a stand-alone separate fee basis. Registrant’s planning and consulting
services are offered on either an hourly or a fixed fee basis. The Registrant may also be
engaged by a client to complete a project separate and apart from the Registrant’s core
services.
Prior to engaging the Registrant to provide planning or consulting services, clients are
generally required to enter into a Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement with
Registrant 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 prior to Registrant commencing services. If requested by the
client, Registrant may recommend the services of other professionals for implementation
purposes. The client is under no obligation to engage the services of any such
recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion over all such
implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from the
Registrant.
If the client engages any recommended unaffiliated professional, and a dispute arises
thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from
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and against the engaged professional. At all times, the engaged licensed professional[s]
(i.e., attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.), and not the Registrant, shall be
responsible for the quality and competency of the services provided.
It remains the client’s responsibility to promptly notify the Registrant if there is ever any
change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing,
evaluating or revising Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Limitations of Financial Planning and Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation
Services. To the extent requested by a client, Registrant may provide financial planning
and related consulting services regarding non-investment related matters, such as estate
planning, tax planning, insurance, etc. The Registrant does not serve as a law firm,
accounting firm or insurance agency and no portion of Registrant’s services should be
construed as legal or accounting services. Accordingly, Registrant does not prepare estate
planning documents or tax returns.
To the extent requested by a client, Registrant may recommend the services of other
professionals for certain non-investment implementation purposes (i.e., attorneys,
accountants, insurance agents, etc.). Clients are reminded that they are under no obligation
to engage the services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute
discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any
recommendation made by Registrant or its representatives.
If the client engages any recommended unaffiliated professional, and a dispute arises
thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from
and against the engaged professional. At all times, the engaged licensed professional[s]
(i.e., attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.), and not the Registrant, shall be
responsible for the quality and competency of the services provided.
Retirement Rollovers-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 Registrant provides a recommendation as to whether a client should
engage in a rollover or not, Registrant is acting as an ERISA fiduciary by making such
recommendation. Furthermore, if Registrant recommends that a client roll over their
retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by Registrant, such a recommendation
creates a conflict of interest if Registrant will earn new (or increase its current)
compensation as a result of the rollover. No client is under any obligation to roll over
retirement plan assets to an account managed by Registrant.
Independent Managers. The Registrant may allocate (and/or recommend that the client
allocate) a portion of a client’s investment assets among unaffiliated independent
investment managers in accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s).
In such situations, the Independent Managers shall have day-to-day responsibility for the
active discretionary management of the allocated assets. The Registrant shall continue to
render investment advisory services to the client relative to the ongoing monitoring and
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review of account performance, asset allocation and client investment objectives. Factors
which the Registrant shall consider in recommending Independent Managers include the
client’s designated investment objective(s), management style, performance, reputation,
financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research. The investment management fee
charged by the Independent Manager(s) is separate and in addition to the Registrant’s
investment advisory fee.
Sub-Advisory Arrangements. The Registrant may engage sub-advisors for the purpose
of assisting the Registrant with the management of its client accounts. The sub-advisor(s)
shall have discretionary authority for the day-to-day management of the assets that are
allocated to it by the Registrant. The sub-advisor shall continue in such capacity until such
arrangement is terminated or modified by the Registrant. The Registrant will render
ongoing and continuous advisory services to the client relative to the monitoring and
review of account performance, client investment objectives, and asset allocation. The
Registrant shall pay a portion of the investment advisory fee received for these allocated
assets to the sub-advisor for its sub-advisory services. The Registrant may also allocate
funds to a third-party manager who charges a fee in addition to the Registrant’s fee. To the
extent Registrant engages third-party manager on the client’s behalf, any additional fee will
be disclosed to the client.
Unaffiliated Private Investment Funds. Registrant may recommend that certain qualified
clients consider an investment in unaffiliated private investment funds. Registrant’s role
relative to the private investment funds shall be limited to its initial and ongoing due
diligence and investment monitoring services. Registrant’s clients are under absolutely no
obligation to consider or make an investment in a private investment fund(s).
Risk Factors: 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.
Valuation: If Registrant bills an investment advisory fee based upon the value of private
investment funds or otherwise references private investment funds owned by the client on
any supplemental account reports prepared by Registrant, the value for all private
investment funds owned by the client will reflect the most recent valuation provided by the
fund sponsor. The current value of any private investment fund could be significantly more
or less than the original purchase price or the price reflected in any supplemental account
report.
Interval Funds. When consistent with a client’s investment objectives, Registrant may
allocate investment assets to “interval funds.” Investment companies structured as “interval
funds” are generally designed for long-term investors that do not require daily liquidity.
Shares in interval funds typically do not trade on the secondary market. Instead, their shares
are subject to periodic redemption offers by the fund at a price based on net asset value.
Accordingly, interval funds are subject to liquidity constraints. Interval funds investing in
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securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, derivatives, or securities with
substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk.
Client Obligations. In performing its services, Registrant 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, each client is advised that it remains their
responsibility to promptly notify the Registrant if there is ever any change in their financial
situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising
Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services.
Cash Positions. Registrant treats cash as an asset class. As such, unless determined to the
contrary by Registrant, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall continue to be
included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating Registrant’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), Registrant 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, Registrant’s advisory fee could exceed the interest
paid by the client’s money market fund.
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, Registrant generally
purchases a higher yielding money market fund available on the custodian’s platform with
cash proceeds or deposits, unless Registrant 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.
Use of Mutual and Exchange Traded Funds. Registrant utilizes mutual funds and
exchange traded funds for its client portfolios. In addition to Registrant’s investment
advisory fee described below, and transaction and/or custodial fees discussed above, 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 the Registrant are generally available directly
to the public. Thus, a client can generally obtain the funds recommended and/or utilized by
Registrant independent of engaging Registrant as an investment advisor. However, if a
prospective client does so, then he/she/they will not receive Registrant's initial and ongoing
investment advisory services.
Use of DFA Mutual Funds. Registrant utilizes the mutual funds issued by Dimensional
Fund Advisors (“DFA”). DFA funds are generally only available through registered
investment advisers approved by DFA. Thus, if the client was to terminate Registrant’s
services, and transition to another adviser who has not been approved by DFA to utilize
DFA funds, restrictions regarding additional purchases of, or reallocation among other
DFA funds, will generally apply.
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Exchange-Traded Notes. The Registrant may also utilize and/or recommend that a client
utilize exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”). ETNs are a type of debt security that trade on
exchanges and seek a return linked to a market index or other benchmark. ETNs are
unsecured debt securities issued by an underwriting bank. They have a maturity date and
are backed only by the credit of the underwriting bank. ETNs are linked to the performance
of a particular market benchmark(s) or strategy and upon maturity, the underwriting bank
promises to pay the amount reflected in the benchmark index minus fees. ETNs are only
linked to the performance of a benchmark; they do not actually own the benchmark index.
ETNs face the risk that the credit rating of the underwriting bank may be reduced or the
underwriting bank may go bankrupt, thus reducing the value of the ETN. Even though
ETNs are not equities or index funds, they may also face some of the risks of investing in
equities or index funds. The return on an ETN generally depends on price changes if the
ETN is sold prior to maturity (as with stocks or ETFs) or on the payment, if any, of a
distribution if the ETN is held to maturity (as with some other structured products).
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that Registrant
and its third-party service providers use to provide services to Registrant’s clients employ
various controls that are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from
intentional or unintentional actions that could cause significant interruptions in Registrant’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, the Registrant is
committed to protecting the privacy and security of its clients' non-public personal
information by implementing appropriate administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards. Registrant 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 Registrant are nonetheless subject to the risk
of cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or
other adverse consequences. Although the Registrant has established processes to reduce
the risk of cybersecurity incidents, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be
successful, especially considering that the Registrant 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, the Registrant 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 the Registrant’s written Brochure and Client Relationship
Summary, as set forth on Part 2 of Form ADV and Form CRS respectively, shall be
provided to each client prior to, or contemporaneously with, the execution of the Investment
Advisory Agreement or Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement.
to providing
investment advisory services, an
C. The Registrant shall provide investment advisory services specific to the needs of each
client. Prior
investment adviser
representative will ascertain each client’s investment objective(s). Thereafter, the
Registrant shall allocate and/or recommend that the client allocate investment assets
consistent with the designated investment objective(s). The client may, at any time, impose
reasonable restrictions, in writing, on the Registrant’s services.
D. The Registrant does not participate in a wrap fee program.
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E. As of December 31, 2024, the Registrant had $176,977,731 in assets under management
on a discretionary basis.
Item 5
Fees and Compensation
A.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Registrant provides investment advisory services on a discretionary fee-only basis.
Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee ranges between 0.20 and 0.90%, based upon
the value of assets under the Registrant’s management. The Registrant’s fee schedule is as
follows:
Assets under Management
$0-$3,000,000
$3,000,000-$5,000,000
$5,000,000-$10,000,000
$10,000,000-$25,000,000
$25,000,000-$50,000,000
$50,000,000-$100,000,000
$100,000,000+
Annual Advisory Fee
0.90%
0.80%
0.65%
0.45%
0.35%
0.30%
0.20%
Tiered-Blended Pricing Schedule: The actual fees charged to a client are a blending of the
rates above. For example, a client with $5,000,000 of assets under management would pay
0.90% annually on the first $3,000,000 and 0.80% on the next $2,000,000. The resulting
blended fee would be 0.86%.
Fee Dispersion. Registrant, in its discretion, may charge a lesser or higher investment
advisory fee, charge a flat fee, waive applicable 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, referrals from existing clients, competition,
negotiations with client, etc.). 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.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES
Registrant’s planning and consulting services are offered on a fixed fee basis. The
Registrant’s planning and consulting fees are negotiable. The Registrant’s fee shall be
based upon the level and scope of the service(s) required and the professional(s) rendering
the service(s). The Registrant may also be engaged by a client to complete a project
separate and apart from the Registrant’s core services, in these instances the Registrant’s
planning and consulting fee shall generally range from a minimum of $10,000 annually or
higher amounts based on a negotiated fixed fee or hourly basis.
B. Clients may elect to have the Registrant’s advisory fees deducted from their custodial
account. Both Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement and the custodial/clearing
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agreement may authorize the custodian to debit the account for the amount of the
Registrant's investment advisory fee and to directly remit that management fee to the
Registrant in compliance with regulatory procedures. In the limited event that the
Registrant bills the client directly, payment is due upon receipt of the Registrant’s invoice.
C. As discussed below, unless the client directs otherwise or an individual client’s
circumstances require, the Registrant shall generally recommend that National Financial
Services, LLC (“Fidelity”), serves as the broker-dealer/custodian for client investment
management assets.
Broker-dealers such as Fidelity 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 Fidelity, generally (with the potential
exception for large orders) do not currently charge fees on individual equity transactions
(including ETFs), others do.
There can be no assurance that Fidelity will not change their transaction fee pricing in the
future.
Fidelity may also assess fees to clients who elect to receive trade confirmations and account
statements by regular mail rather than electronically.
Clients will incur, in addition to Registrant’s investment management fee, brokerage
commissions and/or transaction fees, and, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded
fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g., management fees and other fund
expenses)
D. Registrant's annual investment advisory fees shall be prorated and paid quarterly, in
advance, based upon the value of the client’s managed accounts on the last day of the
previous quarter.
The Registrant typically requires a minimum asset level of $3,000,000 for investment
management services. However, the Registrant my at its discretion, may choose to accept
investment management relationships that do not meet the firm’s stated minimum asset
requirement based upon various circumstances.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and the client will continue in
effect until terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement. Upon termination, the Registrant shall provide a pro-rated
refund to the client based upon the number of days remaining in the billing period.
E. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives accept compensation from the sale of
securities or other investment products.
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Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Neither the Registrant nor any supervised person of the Registrant accepts performance-
based fees.
Item 7
Types of Clients
The Registrant’s clients shall generally include individuals, businesses, and charitable
organizations.
Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. The Registrant may utilize the following methods of security analysis:
• Charting - (analysis performed using patterns to identify current trends and trend
reversals to forecast the direction of prices)
• Fundamental - (analysis performed on historical and present data, with the goal of
making financial forecasts)
The Registrant may utilize the following investment strategies when implementing
investment advice given to clients:
• Long Term Purchases (securities held at least a year)
• Short Term Purchases (securities sold within a year)
• Trading (securities sold within thirty (30) days)
• Options (contract for the purchase or sale of a security at a predetermined price
during a specific period of time)
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 the Registrant) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Investing in securities involves an inherent risk of loss that clients should be prepared to
bear.
Investors generally face the following types of investment risks:
• Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate.
For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive,
causing their market values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk may be caused by
external factors independent of the fund’s specific investments as well as due to the
fund’s specific investments. Additionally, each security’s price will fluctuate based on
market movement and emotion, which may, or may not be due to the security’s
operations or changes in its true value. For example, political, economic and social
conditions may trigger market events which are temporarily negative, or temporarily
positive.
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• Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much
as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to
be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily relates
to fixed income securities.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product.
For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk
of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good times
and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may
result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
B. The Registrant’s methods of analysis and investment strategies do not present any
significant or unusual risks.
However, every method of analysis has its own inherent risks. To perform an accurate
market analysis the Registrant must have access to current/new market information. The
Registrant has no control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore,
unbeknownst to the Registrant, certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market
information, severely limiting the value of the Registrant’s analysis. Furthermore, an
accurate market analysis can only produce a forecast of the direction of market values.
There can be no assurances that a forecasted change in market value will materialize into
actionable and/or profitable investment opportunities.
The Registrant’s primary investment strategies - Long Term Purchases, Short Term
Purchases, and Trading - are fundamental investment strategies. However, every
investment strategy has its own inherent risks and limitations. For example, longer term
investment strategies require a longer investment time period to allow for the strategy to
potentially develop. Shorter term investment strategies require a shorter investment time
period to potentially develop but, as a result of more frequent trading, may incur higher
transactional costs when compared to a longer term investment strategy. Trading, an
investment strategy that requires the purchase and sale of securities within a thirty (30) day
investment time period, involves a very short investment time period but will incur higher
transaction costs when compared to a short term investment strategy and substantially
higher transaction costs than a longer term investment strategy.
C. Currently, the Registrant primarily allocates client investment assets among various
individual equity (stocks), debt (bonds) and fixed income securities, mutual funds and/or
ETFs, and independent managers on a discretionary basis in accordance with the client’s
designated investment objective(s).
Borrowing Against Assets/Risks. A client who has a need to borrow money could
determine to do so by using:
• Margin-The account custodian or broker-dealer lends money to the client. The
custodian charges the client interest for the right to borrow money, and uses the assets
in the client’s brokerage account as collateral; and,
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• Pledged Assets Loan- In consideration for a lender (i.e., a bank, etc.) to make a loan
to the client, the client pledges its investment assets held at the account custodian as
collateral;
These above-described collateralized loans are generally utilized because they typically
provide more favorable interest rates than standard commercial loans. These types of
collateralized loans can assist with a pending home purchase, permit the retirement of more
expensive debt, or enable borrowing in lieu of liquidating existing account positions and
incurring capital gains taxes. However, such loans are not without potential material risk
to the client’s investment assets. The lender (i.e., custodian, bank, etc.) will have recourse
against the client’s investment assets in the event of loan default or if the assets fall below
a certain level. For this reason, Registrant does not recommend such borrowing unless it is
for specific short-term purposes (i.e., a bridge loan to purchase a new residence). Registrant
does not recommend such borrowing for investment purposes (i.e., to invest borrowed
funds in the market).
Options Strategies. Although the intent of the options-related transactions that may be
implemented by the Registrant is to hedge against principal risk, certain of the options-
related strategies (i.e., straddles, short positions, etc.), may, in and of themselves, produce
principal volatility and/or risk. Therefore, a client must be willing to accept these enhanced
volatility and principal risks associated with such strategies. In light of these enhanced
risks, client may direct the Registrant, in writing, not to employ any or all such strategies
for their accounts.
Covered Call Writing. If the limited event that a client owns a substantial individual
equity position in the account managed by Vista, Vista may, upon the client’s consent,
engage in covered call writing (i.e., the sale of in-, at-, or out-of- the money call option
against a long security position held in a client portfolio). This type of transaction is used
to generate income. It also serves to create 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 to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior
to 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.
Item 9
Disciplinary Information
Neither the Registrant nor any management person of the Registrant has been the subject
of any disciplinary actions.
Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending
to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending
to register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity
trading advisor, or a representative of the foregoing.
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C. Affiliated Law Firm/Attorney. Mr. Hyatt, the Registrant’s Managing Member, is also the
Founder of HyattLaw, an affiliated law firm. Mr. Hyatt as a practicing attorney may, in his
individual capacity, provide legal services for a fee. Any recommendation by the Registrant
or its representatives that a client engage the services of HyattLaw and/or Mr. Hyatt in his
individual capacity as an attorney presents a conflict of interest. No client is under any
obligation to engage HyattLaw or Mr. Hyatt in his separate capacity as an attorney.
D. The Registrant does not receive, directly or indirectly, compensation from investment
advisors that it recommends or selects for its clients.
Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
A. The Registrant maintains an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions.
This investment policy is part of Registrant’s overall Code of Ethics, which serves to
establish a standard of business conduct for all of Registrant’s Representatives that is based
upon fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is
available upon request.
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Registrant
also maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of
material non-public information by the Registrant or any person associated with the
Registrant.
B. Neither the Registrant nor any related person of Registrant recommends, buys, or sells for
client accounts, securities in which the Registrant or any related person of Registrant has a
material financial interest.
C. The Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant may buy or sell securities that are
also recommended to clients. This practice may create a situation where the Registrant
and/or representatives of the Registrant are in a position to materially benefit from the sale
or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of interest.
Practices such as “scalping” (i.e., a practice whereby the owner of shares of a security
recommends that security for investment and then immediately sells it at a profit upon the
rise in the market price which follows the recommendation) could take place if the
Registrant did not have adequate policies in place to detect such activities. In addition, this
requirement can help detect insider trading, “front-running” (i.e., personal trades executed
prior to those of the Registrant’s clients) and other potentially abusive practices.
The Registrant has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal
securities transactions and securities holdings of each of the Registrant’s “Access Persons”.
The Registrant’s securities transaction policy requires that an Access Person of the
Registrant must 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 the Registrant selects;
provided, however that at any time that the Registrant has only one Access Person, he or
she shall not be required to submit any securities report described above.
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D. The Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant may buy or sell securities, at or
around the same time as those securities are recommended to clients. This practice creates
a situation where the Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant are in a position to
materially benefit from the sale or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation
creates a conflict of interest. As indicated above in Item 11.C, the Registrant has a personal
securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal securities transaction and
securities holdings of each of Registrant’s Access Persons.
Item 12
Brokerage Practices
A. In the event that the client requests that the Registrant recommend a broker-
dealer/custodian for execution and/or custodial services (exclusive of those clients that may
direct the Registrant to use a specific broker-dealer/custodian), Registrant generally
recommends that investment management accounts be maintained at Fidelity. Prior to
engaging Registrant to provide investment management services, the client will be required
to enter into a formal Investment Advisory Agreement with Registrant setting forth the
terms and conditions under which Registrant shall manage the client's assets, and a separate
custodial/clearing agreement with each designated broker-dealer/ custodian.
Factors that the Registrant considers in recommending Fidelity (or any other broker-
dealer/custodian to clients) include historical relationship with the Registrant, financial
strength, reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. Although the
commissions and/or transaction fees paid by Registrant's clients shall comply with the
Registrant's duty to seek best execution, a client may pay a commission that is higher than
another qualified broker-dealer might charge to affect the same transaction where the
Registrant determines, in good faith, that the commission/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, commission rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, although Registrant will
seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates
for client account transactions. The brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by
the designated broker-dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in addition to, Registrant's
investment management fee. The Registrant’s best execution responsibility is qualified if
securities that it purchases for client accounts are mutual funds that trade at net asset value
as determined at the daily market close.
1. Research and Additional Benefits
Although not a material consideration when determining whether to recommend that a
client utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, Registrant receives
from Fidelity (or another broker-dealer/custodian, investment platform, unaffiliated
investment manager, vendor, unaffiliated product/fund sponsor, or vendor) without
cost (and/or at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which assist the
Registrant to better monitor and service client accounts maintained at such institutions.
Included within the support services that may be obtained by the Registrant may 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, discounted
and/or gratis attendance at conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social
events, marketing support, computer hardware and/or software and/or other products
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used by Registrant in furtherance of its investment advisory business operations. In
these situations the Registrant receives a benefit because the Registrant does not have
to produce or pay for research, products or services.
As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products that may be received
may assist the Registrant in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not
directly provide such assistance, but rather assist the Registrant to manage and further
develop its business enterprise. The Registrant may have an incentive to select or
recommend a broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving research or other products
or services, rather than on our client's interest in receiving the most favorable
execution.
There is no corresponding commitment made by the Registrant to Fidelity or any other
entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual
funds, securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement.
2. The Registrant does not receive referrals from broker-dealers.
3. The Registrant does not generally accept directed brokerage arrangements (when a
client requires that account transactions be affected through a specific broker-dealer).
In such client directed arrangements, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements
for their account with that broker-dealer, and Registrant will not seek better execution
services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to “batch” the client's
transactions for execution through other broker-dealers with orders for other accounts
managed by Registrant. As a result, client may pay higher commissions or other
transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on transactions
for the account than would otherwise be the case.
In the event that the client directs Registrant to effect securities transactions for the
client's accounts through a specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly
acknowledges that such direction may cause the accounts to incur higher commissions
or transaction costs than the accounts would otherwise incur had the client determined
to effect account transactions through alternative clearing arrangements that may be
available through Registrant. Higher transaction costs adversely impact account
performance.
Transactions for directed accounts will generally be executed following the execution
of portfolio transactions for non-directed accounts.
The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer remains available to address any questions
that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above arrangement.
B. To the extent that the Registrant provides investment management services to its clients,
the transactions for each client account generally will be effected independently, unless the
Registrant decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at
approximately the same time. The Registrant may (but is not obligated to) combine or
“bunch” such orders to seek best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates
or to allocate equitably among the Registrant’s clients differences in prices and
commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been
placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and
will be allocated among clients in proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for
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each client account on any given day. The Registrant shall not receive any additional
compensation or remuneration as a result of such aggregation.
Item 13
Review of Accounts
A. For those clients to whom Registrant provides investment supervisory services, account
reviews are conducted on an ongoing basis by the Registrant’s Principals and/or
representatives. All investment supervisory clients are advised that it remains their
responsibility to advise the Registrant of any changes in their investment objectives and/or
financial situation. All clients (in person or via telephone) are encouraged to review
financial planning issues (to the extent applicable), investment objectives and account
performance with the Registrant on an annual basis.
B. The Registrant may conduct account reviews on an other than periodic basis upon the
occurrence of a triggering event, such as a change in client investment objectives and/or
financial situation, market corrections and client request.
C. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction confirmation notices and
regular written summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian for
the client accounts. The Registrant shall also provide a written monthly report summarizing
account activity and performance.
Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. As referenced in Item 12.A.1 above, the Registrant receives an economic benefit from
Fidelity. The Registrant, without cost (and/or at a discount), receives support services
and/or products from Fidelity.
There is no corresponding commitment made by the Registrant to Fidelity or any other
entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual
funds, securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement.
B. Neither the Registrant nor any management person of the Registrant compensates, directly
or indirectly, any non-supervised person for client referrals.
Item 15
Custody
The Registrant shall have the ability to have its advisory fee for each client debited by the
custodian on a monthly basis. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written
transaction confirmation notices and regular written summary account statements directly
from the broker-dealer/custodian and/or program sponsor for the client accounts. The
Registrant shall also provide a written monthly report summarizing account activity and
performance.
To the extent that the Registrant provides clients with periodic account statements or
reports, the client is urged to compare any statement or report provided by the Registrant
with the account statements received from the account custodian.
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The account custodian does not verify the accuracy of the Registrant’s advisory fee
calculation. Clients should carefully review statements received from their custodian.
Item 16
Investment Discretion
The client can determine to engage the Registrant to provide investment advisory services
on a discretionary basis. Prior to the Registrant assuming discretionary authority over a
client’s account, the client shall be required to execute an Investment Advisory Agreement,
naming the Registrant as the client’s attorney and agent in fact, granting the Registrant full
authority to buy, sell, or otherwise effect investment transactions (thereby effecting the
amount of a particular security in the client’s account) involving the assets (securities) in
the client’s name found in the discretionary account.
Clients who engage the Registrant on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose
restrictions, in writing, on the Registrant’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 the
Registrant’s use of margin, etc.).
Item 17
Voting Client Securities
A. The Registrant does not vote client proxies. Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for:
(1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially
owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers,
acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining to the
client’s investment assets.
B. Clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian. Clients
may contact the Registrant to discuss any questions they may have with a particular
solicitation.
Item 18
Financial Information
A. The Registrant does not solicit fees of more than $1,200 per client, six months or more in
advance.
B. The Registrant is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its
ability to meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over
certain client accounts.
C. The Registrant has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
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