Libretto LLC (“Libretto” or the “Firm”) is a software as a service (“SAAS”) company focused
on delivering digital advice systems and resources to aid other third-party advisors (each
an “Advisor,” and collectively, “Advisors”) in managing complex wealth. Libretto does not
provide services directly to retail clients. Rather, it provides a suite of services including
planning, investment advice, wealth management, among other services, directly to
Advisors, who in turn utilize Libretto’s platform to service their clients.
Libretto provides its investment advice exclusively through its proprietary interactive
website.
Libretto is currently registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an
internet investment adviser with its principal place of business located in El Segundo,
California. Libretto began conducting its business in 2015 and became a registered
investment advisor in 2018. Libretto is controlled by its majority owner and Chief Executive
Officer, Jeffery Coyle.
Investment Advisory Services Data Aggregation and Portfolio Accounting Advisor firms manage client data within their respective systems and may input data into
the Libretto system manually or through established feeds with third party providers.
Libretto’s system imports client-level portfolio data from Advisors’ data systems and/or
custodial feeds. Advisors are responsible for the integrity and reconciliation of client data.
This data is captured and organized within Libretto’s system to inform planning, portfolio
construction, reporting and support trading.
Financial Planning The Libretto Financial Planning system employs a priorities-driven planning methodology
that is based on a present value framework, where a priority is described by the goal, time
and relative importance. Each objective is an expected future financial liability. Given a
set of client priorities (annual spending, travel budget, second home, college funding for
children, etc.) and financial resources (human capital, social security & pensions, liquid
assets, semi-liquid assets, illiquid assets, etc.), the Financial Planning system provides
illustrative calculations for the present value of expected future liabilities and current and
expected financial resources. On this basis, the Financial Planning system provides
context to the Advisor that can be used to evaluate the sufficiency of financial resources
in meeting stated client priorities and objectives.
The financial plans are presented by the Advisors to their end clients. Financial Planning
recommendations from Libretto’s Financial Planning system are not limited to any specific
product or service offered by a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer or insurance
company.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 5
Asset Allocation The Libretto Asset Allocation system is a liabilities-driven methodology that maps priorities
to high-level asset allocation targets based on the type, level of importance and time
horizon of each priority. Each priority is assigned a target asset allocation, and the target
asset allocation for each priority rolls up to determine a total household target asset
allocation. Advisors may customize asset allocation targets to tailor recommendations to
clients.
Trading The Libretto Trading system provides Advisors with tools that enable them to set account-
level asset allocation targets, which ultimately may be used to inform potential trades.
The Libretto Trading system does not offer any recommendations with respect to the
buying and selling of specific financial products; rather, it provides tools that allow
Advisors to fully customize targets to reflect the needs of their clients.
Investment Policy Statement Libretto offers Advisors the ability to engage end clients using an intuitive planning
narrative centered around life priorities. The priorities inform planning and portfolio
construction which Advisors may choose to incorporate into the client’s Personal
Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”). The IPS becomes a living document such that it will
evolve to reflect changes in life priorities as amended by clients through time. Libretto
provides a template IPS which Advisors may use to tailor to their specific firm needs.
Wealth Management Directives Libretto’s Financial Planning system establishes an initial draft set of wealth management
directives that may be suitable to enhance the client’s overall financial strategy. These
directives are driven by client-defined priorities and may include estate, tax, insurance
and other non-financial products or services such as health care advocacy or trustee
services. The directives serve as an initial draft to enable Advisors to tailor a final set of
wealth management products and services to the unique needs and circumstances of
each end client.
Change Management and Business Services As part of Libretto’s service offering, each Advisor receives the following guidance
regarding implementing the Libretto system within their respective firms and delivering
the value proposition to their clients. Libretto will aid in the following areas:
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 6
Business assessment – clarify Advisors’ current value proposition and identify
how it may be evolved to establish additional client value, market differentiation
and competitive advantage.
Service Delivery Design – review current client service delivery model and
suggest potential improvements.
CIO Augmentation – Libretto will provide additional resources and/or
perspectives to aid client CIOs and broaden their current resources. Resources
will include guidance on investment philosophy refinement, portfolio policy
weights, expected return inputs and empirical research, among others.
Operational Integration – Libretto will assist with setting up data access from
clients’ portfolio accounting systems and/or custodial feeds and contribute to the
refinement of data management procedures.
Professional Training – Libretto will conduct training symposiums covering
numerous subjects within the field of wealth and portfolio management. The
training will seek to advance professional competency and enhance the ability of
firms to implement and deliver advice and services using Libretto’s system of
management.
Knowledge and Sales Resources – Libretto will also make additional resources
available including white label slides, papers and other materials that may be used
by professionals to advance their skills or better communicate primary concepts
with clients.
Wealth Management Tools and Diagnostics – Libretto will deliver a set of tools
and diagnostics enabling advisors to apply additional rigor to specific areas of
wealth management. Such resources will include client ready seminars and
checklists for detailed strategy analysis among others.
Additional System Perspectives Libretto does not provide regular and continuous management of assets, and all advice
is generated using software-based models or applications on a non-discretionary basis.
Portfolios are based on the inputs of the Advisors in the application of planning, asset
allocation, asset location, product fulfillment and investment policy. Libretto’s systems will
assist Advisors in managing portfolios based on the end client’s individual objectives, time
horizons, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. As appropriate, Advisors may also review and
discuss their client’s prior investment history, as well as family composition and
background.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 7
Libretto enables management of the Advisor’s advisory accounts on a non-discretionary
basis. Account supervision is guided by the client's stated objectives and liquidity needs,
as well as tax considerations.
Advisors may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of
securities or industry sectors through the Libretto system.
Once the Advisor’s client's portfolios have been established, the Advisor may conduct
periodic portfolio and financial plan reviews with the client and rebalance the portfolio as
conditions warrant based on the client's individual needs.
Libretto will make initial illustrative investment suggestions which are not limited to any
specific product or service offered by a broker-dealer or insurance company. However,
the Advisor may override or select its own investment recommendations.
All investments involve some risk, and some types of investments involve certain
additional degrees of risk. Implementation of recommendations generated by Libretto’s
system should only be implemented by Advisors when consistent with the Advisor’s end
client's stated investment objectives, tolerance for risk, liquidity and suitability, all as
determined by the Advisor.
Libretto’s system supports Advisors’ efforts to continuously iterate the financial plan and
portfolio to reflect changes in their end clients’ objectives, assets, suitability and
preferences. The system enhances the ability of Advisors to successfully communicate
with their own clients and properly reflect their wishes in their strategy.
Configuration & Implementation Consulting Libretto may be engaged, as part of existing SAAS agreement or on a standalone basis,
to provide consulting on system integration, wealth strategy design and implementation
of Libretto’s software platform. This service is designed to help clients ensure a smooth
software implementation process that includes business planning, discovery and
research. We work together with the client to outline an implementation plan that covers
all business goals, investment strategies and integration.
Wrap Fee Programs
Libretto does not sponsor or participate in any wrap fee programs.
Assets Under Management Libretto does not manage client assets directly, but rather supports the efforts of Advisors.
Therefore, it has no regulatory assets under management.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 8
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Libretto charges basis point fees on the Advisor’s total regulatory assets under
management (“RAUM”) or equivalent metric in non-RIA circumstances. The term RAUM,
as defined by the SEC in the instructions to Form ADV, will be used at the time the Advisor
enters into an agreement with Libretto and updated annually in conjunction with the
Advisor’s Annual Updating Amendment. Libretto will determine its fees using the following
two-step process:
1.
Base Fee. The “Base Fee” shall be determined by the following basis point fee
schedule based on Advisor’s total regulatory assets under management (RAUM), or
equivalent, as of the Effective Date and updated annually thereafter during the Term:
Libretto Fee Schedule Fee Detail 100% AUM Tiers Cumulative Base Fee
First 100,000,000 100,000,000 0.0400%
Next 100,000,000 200,000,000 0.0250%
Next 100,000,000 300,000,000 0.0200%
Next 100,000,000 400,000,000 0.0180%
Next 100,000,000 500,000,000 0.0160%
Next 500,000,000 1,000,000,000 0.0140%
Next 4,000,000,000 5,000,000,000 0.0100%
Above 5,000,000,000 10,000,000,000 0.0075%
2.
Complexity Adjustment. The Base Fee shall be increased or decreased, at
Libretto’s discretion, based on the relative complexity of Advisor’s business and extent
of its use of the Libretto IP, including, but not limited to, the number of users and
offices, average account size, number of accounts, and advisory rate fees (the
“Complexity Adjustment,” and with the Base Fee, the “Total Fee”). Any applicable
Complexity Adjustment shall be set forth in the written license agreement between
Libretto and an Advisor.
In limited cases at the discretion of Libretto, the Total Fee will be staged-in during the
implementation process. A portion of the Total Fee will be charged prior to completing
onboarding onto the digital wealth management system and during the initial
implementation stage when knowledge resources and training are being applied. The
remainder of the Total Fee will then be applied as the comprehensive system becomes
fully operational.
All fees are negotiable and subject to the term and conditions of the license agreement.
Once the annual fee has been determined, the fee is divided into four equal quarterly
payments and billed in advance.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 9
Libretto believes its fees are reasonable in light of the type of services to be provided and
given the experience and expertise of Libretto’s personnel. However, lower fees for
comparable services may be available from other sources.
Configuration & Implementation Consulting Fees Fees for Configuration & Implementation of Libretto’s platform and software are
negotiated and based on the level of complexity of implementation and degree of
customized configurations.
General Fee Information Termination of the Advisory Relationship: Each client license agreement is subject to
a three (3) year term or commitment. The license agreement may only be terminated for
a breach of contract as set forth in the terms and conditions within each agreement.
Additional Fees and Expenses: Libretto does not restrict an Advisor from charging their
clients separate fees in connection with the services provided through Libretto’s systems.
In addition to the fees described above, an Advisor will also incur certain charges or fees
imposed by third-parties other than Libretto. The Advisor and its clients are responsible
for all fees and expenses charged by the Advisor’s custodians and imposed by the
Advisor’s broker-dealers, including, but not limited to, any transaction charges imposed
by a broker-dealer with which an Advisor effects transactions. Furthermore, fees and
expenses related to any investment product or service delivered in conjunction with
Libretto’s systems are the sole responsibility of the Advisor (and/or its clients). Each
Advisor must disclose such fees, as appropriate, on its own Form ADV Part 2.
Limited Prepayment of Fees: Under no circumstances does Libretto require or solicit
payment of fees in excess of $1,200 more than six months in advance of services
rendered.
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Libretto does not charge performance-based fees (i.e. fees calculated based on a share
of capital gains upon or capital appreciation of client assets).
Libretto does not engage in side-by-side management of accounts that are charged a
performance-based fee with accounts that are charged another type of fee (such as
assets under management).
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Libretto currently provides its services to Registered Investment Advisors and Business
Managers, and does not provide services directly to individual clients.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 10
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Loss Methods of Analysis Libretto uses the following methods of analysis in formulating its investment advice:
Factor-Based Liabilities-Driven Investing: Factor-based liability-driven investing asks
the question: what compensated risks are appropriate for a certain individual to take? By
intelligently assembling a portfolio of assets that perform well when essential end client
objectives are most at risk, factor-based liability-driven investing can work to minimize
risk to priorities that are central to end client well-being. With key risks addressed, an
individual may opt to pursue higher expected returns by holding assets that co-vary with
risk factors. There are multiple sources of compensated risks, and central to the portfolio
construction process is identifying risks that are appropriate for a given individual to take
in the context of his or her holistic financial structure. The core system is comprised of
six components: financial planning, asset allocation, expected returns, asset location,
product fulfillment and wealth management directives. The intention of the system is for
the six components to work together to improve the client’s likelihood of achieving stated
life priorities.
Financial Planning: The Libretto Financial Planning system takes a holistic approach to
eliciting risk structure by understanding the key risks associated with life objectives and
assets. It aims to identify the extent to which a current financial structure is appropriate in
the context of stated life objectives.
• Financial Structure: An end client’s financial structure reflects the current value
of assets and liabilities as well as the present value of future resources such as
human capital, social security and pensions. The financial structure is organized
by asset allocation, liquidity and entity structure, and life objectives are expressed
as priorities.
• Planning System: The Libretto Financial Planning system is driven by a priorities-
based planning methodology, in which a priority is described by a level of
importance and cash outflows that occur over a given period of time. Each priority
represents a set of expected future financial liabilities, such as the annual
payments associated with funding a child’s college tuition.
Asset Allocation: In the context of an end client’s risk and financial structure, the liability-
driven Libretto Asset Allocation system assists the Advisor in determining appropriate
asset types for a given client’s portfolio. A successful investment portfolio will reflect
appropriate asset allocation targets and sufficient liquidity within the context of an end
client’s holistic asset and liability structure. Advisors are free to modify illustrative asset
allocation targets set by the Libretto Asset Allocation system.
Expected Returns: The purpose of the expected returns methodology is to provide an
illustration of potential outcomes associated with a target investment strategy and provide
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 11
information used to assist the advisor in evaluating the extent to which an end client’s
current resources are expected to be sufficient to achieve his or her life objectives. End
clients may expect to receive a return for exposing their capital to risk. While Libretto
seeks to understand each of these risks, the future is ultimately unknowable. End clients
should have an expectation that there will be times when their portfolios produce better
and worse returns than planned. Such deviation is expected and is addressed by adapting
one’s life and portfolio to the realized results. This process of iteration is foundational to
increasing the likelihood of success within the financial plan. Libretto’s system is designed
to enable clients to make well-informed tradeoffs when adapting to realized results.
Ultimately, expected returns are inputs within the Libretto system and will be decided upon
by Advisors.
Wealth Management Directives: Wealth management directives identify additional
products and services that may be valuable in increasing the likelihood of the financial
plan’s success. Such directives may include insurance, estate, tax and other applications.
Multi-Layered Risk Management: While we may enhance understanding by analyzing
the past, the future is ultimately unknowable and often highly unpredictable. This lack of
predictability introduces risk to portfolios, financial plans and life objectives. Libretto’s
system recognizes the limited ability to predict future events and seeks to manage risk by
improving the suitability of each application. The Financial Planning system helps identify
the sufficiency of assets as related to funding clients’ goals and protecting essential
priorities. The liability-driven Asset Allocation system matches suitable assets to the
unique character of each financial liability. The Wealth Management Directives system
recognizes that it requires a comprehensive set of solutions to improve the likelihood of a
financial plan’s success, including planning, investment, tax, estate, insurance and other
applications. Uncertainty around the future always exists, but Libretto’s systematic
process of addressing risk seeks to improve the likelihood of success. Finally, the iterative
nature of the Libretto system is designed to enable clients to make well-informed tradeoffs
in response to realized results and thus adapt their lives to the reality of the markets and
their financial structure.
Risk Considerations Prior to using the Libretto system, Advisors should consider all risks related to leveraging
an investment software platform, including but not limited to the below key risks:
Risk of Loss: Securities investments are not guaranteed and may lose value. Further, Libretto’s systems require that each Advisor work closely with their clients to understand
each client’s tolerance for risk.
Market Risk: All investments are characterized by a variety of risks, many of which are common to several asset classes. Equities are subject to shocks to economic conditions,
liquidity conditions, financial distress, growth expectations and investor sentiment, among
other risks. Fixed income instruments are subject to shocks to interest rates, realized and
expected inflation, liquidity conditions, credit conditions and prepayments, among other
risks. Inflation-indexed securities may be subject to additional liquidity and tax risk, and
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 12
they may behave differently than nominal instruments during times of distress.
International investments are additionally subject to currency risk with the potential for
greater exposure to political instability. Real assets may share many risks with equities
and fixed income assets while additionally being subject to fluctuations in commodity
prices or real estate specific risks. Alternative assets are subject to a variety of risks
specific to the investment strategy of each fund. While the above provides a sample of
investment risks, all securities are subject to additional risks, and each Advisor is
responsible for determining the suitability of risk-taking for each client.
Tax Risk: Investment strategies may be affected by changes in legislative environment,
including modifications to the tax code. Further, the Libretto expected returns system
makes simplifying tax assumptions that may prove inaccurate, particularly if legislation
results in material changes to the tax code. Libretto does not engage in tax planning nor
does it offer tax advice, and clients should seek the advice of a certified tax professional
in considering tax-related decisions. All tax inputs and assumptions may be customized
by Advisors, who retain ultimate responsibility for their accuracy.
Input Risk: The quality of Libretto outputs relies on accurate and timely inputs from
Advisors, both in terms of those relating to portfolio and other financial resources and
those relating to clients’ priorities. Inputs related to expected returns, taxes, asset
allocation settings and fulfillment settings will be determined by Advisors. Libretto
provides perspectives that assist advisory firms in tailoring the system to reflect their
preferences and views. Due to the subjectivity of inputs and parameters used in the
system, outputs may prove incorrect. There is a risk that inaccurate system inputs, data
and assumptions could result in outputs or illustrative recommendations that are
misaligned with client goals. Further, information omitted from the system by the client or
advisor may result in outputs that are less useful than those that would result from
including such information.
Model Risk: The Libretto framework for expected returns relies on various assumptions
regarding the potential behavior of asset prices. Specifically, it incorporates advisor
assumptions within the frameworks of economic models that make strict simplifying
assumptions regarding the process of returns. Simplifying assumptions include, but are
not limited to, those relating to taxes, expenses, the behavior of asset class returns and
the characteristics of asset classes not modeled by the expected returns system, among
others. Models are subject to estimation uncertainty, uncertainty about the true process
of returns and uncertainty about changes in expected returns over time, among other
sources of uncertainty. Models that appear useful for analyzing past performance may
not be useful for characterizing future performance. Illustrations of the potential
distribution of outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment
results, and are not guarantees of future results. Actual results may vary significantly from
expected results. Further, expected return calculations are based on hypothetical
portfolios with asset allocation targets that shift over time. To the extent Advisors opt to
execute investment strategies that deviate from the Libretto system targets, the
information provided by the expected returns system may be less meaningful.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 13
Algorithm Risk: Certain functionalities of the Libretto system are informed by algorithms.
Algorithms make simplifying assumptions and may not always capture the full complexity
of a client’s situation. Further, certain types of algorithms may be highly sensitive to
changes in Advisor inputs. The interpretation of algorithm results should take into account
inherent limitations, and the incorporation of algorithm outputs within a client’s strategy is
ultimately up to the discretion of the Advisor.
Cybersecurity Risk:
Use of an internet-based software platform may expose clients to
potential risks linked to cybersecurity breaches. Cybersecurity breaches may allow an
unauthorized party to gain access to personal information, client data or assets.
Additionally, breaches may result in data corruption or a loss of system functionality. By
using an internet-based software platform, clients may be impacted by such cybersecurity
breaches. Libretto maintains high standards of cybersecurity practices, including, but not
limited to, OWASP testing, infrastructure and application controls, multifactor
authentication, data protection and encryption, static vulnerability analysis, periodic
dynamic web application vulnerability scanning, automated penetration testing, web
application firewall, distributed denial of service protection layers and intrusion protection,
prevention and response.
Availability Risk: The Libretto system is supported by cloud infrastructure that enables
the delivery of key Libretto system functionality. Infrastructure failure may result in data
loss or a loss of system functionality, and in such cases, Advisors may be unable to
access the data or tools used to inform end-client strategies. To minimize the impact of
infrastructure failures, Libretto implements timely backups and leverages high-availability
systems with hardware and data redundancies. In addition to cloud automated backups,
Libretto manages internal tools and processes to orchestrate additive automated
backups. These backups are distributed across multiple locations and multiple cloud
providers. Further, Libretto maintains and periodically tests a disaster recovery plan
outlining response procedures to failures related to core cloud providers. Libretto
implements multiple layers of monitoring, including health checks and error tracking, to
enable rapid detection of infrastructure failures and immediate launch of a response.
Software Risk:
The Libretto system is delivered through the channel of software as a
service. Libretto software is developed with the highest standards of rigor, and all code is
subject to multiple layers of testing, including unit testing of individual functions, quality
assurance auditing and quality engineering automation. In addition to rigorous testing,
Libretto maintains best practices for oversight including access control, segregation of
environments, processes for changes and periodic monitoring. Nonetheless, it is possible
that such software may not perform exactly as disclosed on the website, whitepapers,
blogs or other disclosure documents, particularly in unique circumstances with unusual
combinations. Libretto continuously tests and monitors code performance and strives to
immediately address any circumstances in which software does not perform precisely as
disclosed. Libretto may periodically modify software, including algorithms, models or
assumptions in ways that have unintended consequences.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 14
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Registered investment advisors, such as Libretto, are required to disclose any legal or
disciplinary events that are material to a client's or prospective client's evaluation of our
advisory business or the integrity of our management.
Libretto and its management personnel have no reportable disciplinary events to
disclose.
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Neither Libretto nor any of its management persons are registered, or have an application
pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer,
futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading adviser or
an associated person of the foregoing entities.
Libretto does not recommend or select other investment advisors for clients in exchange
for compensation from those advisors.
Libretto has an affiliated registered investment adviser, Monograph Wealth Advisors, LLC
(Monograph) CRD No. 173949, from which Libretto subleases office space. As a result,
Libretto, its information and employees are in close proximity to Monograph, and thus it
is possible for proprietary information related to Libretto to be seen or overheard. In order
to mitigate these conflicts, Libretto has (i) implemented physical and technological
safeguards to protect the information of clients and (ii) entered into legal agreements with
Monograph including confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements to protect the
information of both firms and their clients.
The advisory services offered by Monograph are separate and distinct from those
provided by Libretto, although the two advisory firms are affiliated through the common
ownership of Jeffrey Coyle, who owns a controlling interest in Libretto and non-control
interest in Monograph. Monograph's advisory services are not recommended to Libretto’s
clients. Libretto’s system is utilized by Monograph within its client delivery. There are no
referral fee arrangements between Libretto and Monograph above the current Monograph
license fee paid to Libretto. No Libretto client is obligated to use the advisory services of
Monograph, as no Monograph advisory client is obligated to use Libretto’s advisory
services.
The work conducted by Jeffery Coyle for Libretto directly benefits Monograph, and he
splits his time between the two entities recognizing the needs of each organization. Mr.
Coyle is an owner of both Libretto and Monograph and receives compensation from both
organizations. The contributions of Mr. Coyle overlap between the two organizations, and
while potential conflicts of interest could exist due to the respective time obligations,
Libretto believes both organizations benefit from the intended synergies. This potential
conflict is disclosed to Libretto clients at the time of entering into an advisory agreement
mainly through the delivery of this Disclosure Brochure (ADV Part 2A) and Mr. Coyle’s
Form ADV Part 2B Supplement Brochure.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 15
Alex Yaftali, Chief Compliance Officer for Libretto, spends more than 90% of his time on
activities relating to Monograph and receives compensation from Monograph.
As required, any affiliated investment advisors are specifically disclosed in Section 7.A.
on Schedule D of Form ADV, Part 1. (Part 1 of our Form ADV can be accessed by
following the directions provided on the Cover Page of this Firm Brochure.)
Libretto endeavors at all times to address conflicts of interests in a fair and equitable
manner and by disclosing such conflicts when identified.
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Transactions and Personal Trading Libretto has adopted a Code of Ethics which sets forth high ethical standards of business
conduct that we require of our employees, including compliance with applicable federal
securities laws. Libretto and our personnel owe a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith
towards our clients, and have an obligation to adhere not only to the specific provisions
of the Code of Ethics but also to the general principles that guide the Code.
The Code of Ethics includes policies and procedures requiring Libretto to maintain a list
of all reportable securities holdings for anyone associated with Libretto that has access to
advisory recommendations ("access person"). Our Chief Compliance Officer regularly
reviews access persons’ personal securities transactions. Such reviews include the
review of quarterly securities transactions reports as well as initial and annual securities
holdings reports that must be submitted by the access person. Among other things, our
Code of Ethics also requires the prior approval of any acquisition of securities in a limited
offering (e.g., private placement) or an initial public offering. The Code also provides for
oversight, enforcement and recordkeeping provisions.
The Code of Ethics also includes the Firm's policy prohibiting the use of material nonpublic
information. While we do not believe that we have any particular access to nonpublic
information, all employees are reminded that such information may not be used in a
personal or professional capacity.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is available to our advisory clients and prospective clients.
You may request a copy by email sent to
[email protected] or by calling us at (310) 496-
7316.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Libretto and our associated persons are prohibited from engaging in principal trading.
Libretto does not buy or sell securities for the firm or its associated persons from or to our
advisory clients. Libretto and individuals associated with the firm are also prohibited from
engaging in agency cross transactions. Agency cross transactions occur where a person
acts as an investment adviser in relation to a transaction in which the adviser, or an
affiliate of the adviser, acts as broker for both the advisory client and for another person
on the other side of the transaction.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 16
Personal Trading
On occasion, it is possible that officers or employees of Libretto may buy or sell securities
or other instruments that Advisors recommend to clients via the Libretto system, and may
engage in transactions for their own account in a manner that is inconsistent with
recommendations to a client. Personal securities transactions by employees may raise
potential conflicts of interest when such persons trade in a reportable security that is
owned by, or considered for purchase or sale for, a client.
In order to mitigate this conflict of interest and to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations, Libretto’s Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities
transactions, activities and interests of our employees will not interfere with (i) making
decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii) implementing such decisions
while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts.
It is the expressed policy of Libretto that no person employed by the firm may knowingly
purchase or sell any reportable security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for a
client’s advisory account, thereby preventing such employee(s) from benefiting from
transactions placed on behalf of client accounts. Further, no principal or employee of
Libretto may buy or sell securities for their personal portfolio(s) where their decision is a
result of information received as a result of his or her employment unless the information
is also available to the investing public.
All of our principals and employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and
State regulations governing registered investment advisory practices. Libretto requires
delivery and acknowledgement of the Code of Ethics by each supervised person of the
Firm. Libretto has established policies requiring the reporting of Code of Ethics violations
to our senior management. Any individual who violates any of the above restrictions may
be subject to sanctions including termination.
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Brokerage
Libretto does not have and will not accept any authority to select or recommend broker-
dealers for Advisor client transactions. Each Advisor that utilizes Libretto’s systems will
be responsible for considerations and/or selection of broker-dealers for their clients’
transactions.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
Libretto does not have any soft-dollar arrangements and does not receive any soft-dollar
benefits.
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 17
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Libretto does not seek or receive client referrals for recommending broker-dealers.
Directed Brokerage
The Libretto system does not implement any advisory recommendation and does not
interface directly with any broker-dealers. Libretto does not have the discretionary
authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used or the commission rates to be paid by
Advisors or their clients. Each Advisor is responsible for implementing the
recommendations generated by the Libretto system. Libretto will have no responsibility in
seeking best execution for any recommended trade.
Aggregation of Client Trades
As previously disclosed, Libretto systems will result in outputs and information that can
be used to generate a set of potential trades for each considered account. The Advisor
must confirm or refine each trade and submit to a broker-dealer for execution through
their own trading systems. Therefore, Libretto will not have any responsibility to aggregate
trades on behalf of the Advisors or its clients.
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Libretto does not review client accounts but provides tools to assist each Advisor in
reviewing client accounts. Each Advisor is responsible for the review and management of
accounts through the Libretto system.
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It is Libretto's policy not to engage solicitors or to pay related or non-related persons for
referring potential clients to our firm.
It is Libretto's policy not to accept or allow our related persons to accept any form of
compensation, including cash, sales awards or other prizes, from a non-client in
conjunction with the advisory services we provide to our clients.
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As previously disclosed in Item 4 of this brochure, our Firm does not manage assets
directly. Libretto provides recommendations on a non-discretionary basis only directly to
Advisors through the Libretto system. Therefore, investment recommendations are
Libretto – Disclosure Brochure dated March 27, 2020 18
provided to the Advisor for approval and the Advisor is responsible for executing
transactions in the client's account. The Advisor will be responsible for obtaining
investment discretion from their clients or seeking permission and approval for each
transaction and executing trades accordingly.
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Libretto does not vote proxies for any Advisor or their clients’ accounts. Therefore, each
Advisor and/or their 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.
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As an advisory firm, we are also required to disclose any financial condition that is
reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet our contractual obligations. Libretto has no
such financial circumstances to report.
Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of fees in excess of $1,200 per
client more than six months in advance of services rendered. Therefore, we are not
required to include a financial statement.
Libretto has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten
years.
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Open Brochure from SEC website