Description of the Advisory Firm
Portfolio Strategies, Inc. (“PSI” or the “Firm”) is a company organized in the State of New York. PSI is an investment advisory firm
registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). PSI has been providing investment advisory services to a
varied clientele since 1993. PSI is majority owned by Mr. Paul S. Kirshenbaum. PSI offers services both from Monsey, NY and a branch
office located in Montvale, NJ.
Types of Advisory Services
PSI provides holistic and personalized discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services to individuals, including high net
worth individuals, and entities, including, but not limited to, trusts, estates, private foundations, and qualified retirement plans.
Investment Management Services
PSI offers investment management services on a discretionary basis. All investment advice provided is customized to each client’s
investment objectives and financial needs. The information provided by the client, together with any other information relating to
the client’s overall financial circumstances, will be used by PSI to determine the appropriate portfolio asset allocation and
investment strategy for the client. Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives (i.e., growth, growth with some current
income, current income with some growth) and risk tolerance of the client. PSI's basic investment approach is to achieve capital
appreciation (i.e., growth), with variations on the approach that take into consideration the client's objectives and risk tolerance.
The securities utilized by PSI for investment in client accounts primarily consist of equity securities, registered mutual funds and
exchange traded funds (ETFs), but we may also invest in corporate bonds, REITS, unit investment trusts, alternative investments
and variable annuities, among others, if we determine such investments fit within a client’s objectives and are in the best interest
of our clients. Client portfolios may also include private investment funds, which are offered only to clients who are accredited
investors, and when the investment is consistent with the client’s stated investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Investment Management Services to Retirement Plans
PSI offers discretionary and non-discretionary advisory services to qualified plans, including 401k and pension plans. These
services include, depending upon the needs of the plan client, recommending, or for discretionary clients selecting, investment
options for plans to offer to participants, ongoing monitoring of a plan’s investment options, assisting plan fiduciaries in creating
and/or updating the plan’s written investment policy statements, working with plan service providers, and providing general
investment education to plan participants.
PSI cannot provide any guarantees or promises that a client’s financial goals and objectives will be met.
Client-Tailored Advisory Services
We want clients to have a thorough understanding of PSI's investment approach. If a client requests securities other than mutual funds or
ETFs in his/her portfolio the client will be accommodated, if possible. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on the management of their
accounts if PSI determines, in its sole discretion, that the conditions would not materially impact the performance of a management strategy
or prove overly burdensome for PSI’s management efforts.
Information Received From Clients
PSI will not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or the information provided by clients. PSI is not obligated to verify any information
received from a client or other professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant) designated by a client, and PSI is expressly authorized by the client
to rely on such information provided. Under all circumstances, clients are responsible for promptly notifying PSI in writing of any material
changes to the client’s financial situation, investment objectives, time horizon, or risk tolerance.
Wrap Fee Program
PSI does not participate in a wrap fee program.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2019, PSI has approximately $494,052,405 in discretionary client assets under management.
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PSI charges fees based on a percentage of assets under management. The specific fees charged by PSI for services provided will be set
forth in each client’s Agreement.
Investment Management Services
Fees for Investment Management Services
PSI charges an annual advisory fee that is agreed upon with each client and set forth in an agreement executed by PSI and the
client. The advisory fee will be specified on the fee schedule as set forth in the agreement executed by PSI and the client. The fee
is based on a percentage of the value of assets under management and the advisory fee for the initial quarter shall be paid, on a pro
rata basis, in arrears, based on the value of the net billable assets under management at the time the account becomes subject to the
management of PSI. For subsequent quarters, the advisory fee shall be paid, in arrears, based on the average asset value of the
client’s accounts. The average balance is defined as the average of the first business day of the quarter and the last business day of
the preceding quarter as provided by third-party sources, such as pricing services, custodians, fund administrators, and client-
provided sources. Clients are assessed a quarterly management fee ranging up to 0.002 of assets under management per quarter.
If new money is deposited into a portfolio within the quarter, it will be billed only for the portion of the quarter that it was in
the portfolio. Similarly, money withdrawn from a portfolio in within the quarter will not be billed for the portion of the quarter
during which it was out of the portfolio.
Fees for Investment Management Services to Retirement Plans
For the provision of discretionary services for retirement plans PSI is compensated based on a percentage of assets under
management, which includes all assets that are assets of any retirement plan client. In addition, the other services that may be
provided by PSI to retirement plan clients described above are included within the percentage of assets under management fee.
There is no separate fee charged by PSI for these other services.
The annualized fee for the discretionary and non-discretionary advisory services provided by PSI, which is inclusive of other
services for retirement plan clients, is outlined above. Generally, PSI’s fees shall be paid, in arrears, based on the average asset
value of the client’s accounts. The average balance is defined as the average of the first business day of the quarter and the last
business day of the preceding quarter as provided by third-party sources, such as pricing services, custodians, fund administrators,
and client-provided sources.A plan and/or its participants will also be subject to fees charged by the administrator for a plan, which
may include an asset based charge at a plan client level, specific fees for services such as plan loans and withdrawals, transaction
based fees and such other fees and expenses as agreed to by a plan and the administrator for a plan. PSI does not receive any
portion of these fees.
Fees for Private Investment Funds
PSI may upon occasion enter into arrangements with qualified investors in private investment funds, as discussed below in Item
10 of this brochure. At its discretion, PSI may charge its standard investment advisory fee for managing investments by advisory
clients that have been invested in these private funds, however, clients who invest in private investment funds through PSI may
also be responsible for expenses related to the fund, as specified in the Offering Memorandum for that fund, that should be reviewed
by the client.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, PSI and the client may choose to negotiate an annual advisory fee that varies from the schedule set forth
above. Factors upon which a different annual advisory fee may be based include, but are not limited to, the size and nature of the relationship,
the services rendered, the nature and complexity of the products and investments involved, time commitments, and travel requirements. The
advisory fee charged by the Firm will apply to all of the client’s assets under management, unless specifically excluded in the client agreement
or as otherwise agreed. PSI may group certain related client accounts for the purposes of determining the annualized fee. PSI reserves the
right to reduce or waive advisory fees for services to certain family members and friends, and in certain circumstances. These rates are not
available to all of PSI’s advisory clients. Although PSI believes that its fees are competitive, clients should understand that lower fees for
comparable services may be available from other sources and firms. Pre-existing advisory clients are subject to PSI's advisory fees in effect
at the time the client entered into the advisory relationship, unless otherwise agreed. Therefore, PSI's advisory fees may differ among clients.
The investment advisory agreement between PSI and the client may be terminated at will by either PSI or the client upon written notice. PSI
does not impose termination fees when the client terminates the investment advisory relationship, except when agreed upon in advance.
Payment of Fees
PSI may deduct its advisory fee from a client’s investment account(s) held at his/her custodian, or alternatively PSI may directly bill a client
for investment advisory fees, if it determines that such billing arrangement is appropriate given the circumstances. Upon engaging PSI to
manage such account(s), a client may grant PSI limited authority to duduct advisory fees through a written instruction to the custodian of
his/her account(s). The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the calculation of the advisory fee; the custodian will not determine
whether the fee is accurate or properly calculated. See the section above herewith for further information on fee billing.
The custodian of the client’s accounts provides each client with a statement, at least quarterly, indicating separate line items for all amounts
disbursed from the client's account(s), including any fees paid directly to PSI.
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to PSI’s right to terminate an account. Additions may
be in cash or securities provided that the Firm reserves the right to liquidate transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities
into a client’s account. Clients may withdraw account assets at any time on notice to PSI, subject to the usual and customary securities
settlement procedures. However, the Firm generally designs its portfolios as long-term investments and the withdrawal of assets may impair
the achievement of a client’s investment objectives. PSI may consult with its clients about the options and implications of transferring
securities. Clients are advised that when transferred securities are liquidated, they may be subject to transaction fees, short-term redemption
fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (e.g. contingent deferred sales charges) and/or tax ramifications. Clients who invest in private
investment funds through PSI may also be responsible for expenses related to the fund, as specified in the Offering Memorandum for that
fund.
Clients Responsible for Fees Charged by Financial Institutions and External Money Managers
In connection with PSI’s management of an account, a client will incur fees and/or expenses separate from and in addition to PSI’s advisory
fee. These additional fees may include transaction charges and the fees/expenses charged by any custodian, subadvisor, mutual fund, ETF,
separate account manager (and the manager’s platform manager, if any), limited partnership, or other advisor, transfer taxes, odd lot
differentials, exchange fees, interest charges, ADR processing fees, and any charges, taxes or other fees mandated by any federal, state or
other applicable law, retirement plan account fees (where applicable), margin interest, brokerage commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs and
other transaction-related costs, electronic fund and wire fees, and any other fees that reasonably may be borne by a brokerage account. The
client is responsible for all such fees and expenses. Please see Item 12 of this brochure regarding brokerage practices.
Prepayment of Fees
As noted above, PSI’s advisory fees generally are paid in arrears. Upon the termination of a client’s advisory relationship, any earned, unpaid
fees for the quarter, or otherwise applicable period, will be due and payable. The client may determine how best to address the invoice (i.e.,
a check sent directly to PSI for the balance due).
Outside Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products to Clients
PSI does not buy or sell securities and does not receive any compensation for securities transactions in any client account, other than the
investment advisory fees noted above.
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PSI does not charge performance based fees or participate in side-by-side management. Performance-based fees are fees that are based on a
share of a capital gains or capital appreciation of a client’s account. Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing accounts
that are charged performance-based fees while at the same time managing accounts that are not charged performance-based fees. PSI’s fees
are calculated as described in Item 5 above.
However, certain PSI clients may be investors in PSI Capital Management LLC Funds (“the Funds”). PSI affiliate PSI Capital Management
LLC, some of whose Members are officers of PSI, provides services to the PSI Bolingbrook, LLC fund and does have the opportunity to
receive performance fees. The performance fee varies for each private investment fund, and is detailed in the Offering Memorandum for each
investment fund. Clients should review the subscription and offering documents for additional information regarding this fee.
As further outlined in Item 10 below, the officers and shareholders of PSI may also be managing member(s) of limited liability companies
and/or general partners to limited partnerships formed for various investment purposes. In such a scenario the Firm may have an incentive
to favor accounts for which PSI affiliates receive Performance Fees. So as to address this apparent conflict of interest, in executing its
fiduciary duty to clients, the Firm and its personnel endeavor at all times to put the interest of clients first and seeks to manage all client
accounts in accordance with this fiduciary duty. In addition, the Firm seeks to address this apparent conflict of interest through the execution
the Firm’s policies and procedures.
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PSI offers investment advisory services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, families, trusts, businesses, charitable
foundations, and retirement/profit-sharing plans. PSI does not impose a minimum portfolio size or a minimum initial investment to open an
account. However, PSI does reserve the right to accept or decline a potential client for any reason in its sole discretion.
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Methods of Analysis and Risk of Loss
A primary step in PSI’s investment strategy is getting to know the clients – to understand their financial condition, risk profile, investment
goals– and assemble as a complete picture of their financial situation as possible. Once PSI has an understanding of its clients’ needs and
goals, the investment process can begin, and the Firm can recommend strategies and investments that it believes are aligned with the client’s
goals and risk profile.
PSI primarily employs fundamental analysis methods in developing investment strategies for its clients. Technical analysis is also sometimes
used to evaluate markets, and both commercially available and proprietary programs are used to assist in decision making. Research and
analysis from PSI is based on numerous sources, including third-party research materials and publicly-available materials, such as company
annual reports, prospectuses, and press releases.
PSI generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its clients, as consistent with their financial goals. At times, the Firm may also
buy and sell positions that are more short-term in nature, depending on the goals of the client and/or the fundamentals of the security, sector
or asset class.
Client portfolios with similar investment objectives and asset allocation goals may own different securities and investments. The client’s
portfolio size, tax sensitivity, desire for simplicity, income needs, long-term wealth transfer objectives, time horizon and choice of custodian
are all factors that influence PSI’s investment recommendations.
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss. A client can lose all or a substantial portion of his/her investment. A client should be willing to
bear such a loss. Some investments are intended only for sophisticated investors and can involve a high degree of risk.
Material Risks Involved
Investing in securities involves a significant risk of loss which clients should be prepared to bear. PSI’s investment recommendations are
subject to various market, currency, economic, political and business risks, and such investment decisions will not always be profitable.
Clients should be aware that there may be a loss or depreciation to the value of the client’s account. There can be no assurance that the client’s
investment objectives will be obtained and no inference to the contrary should be made
.
Generally, the market value of equity stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and small- stock prices generally will fluctuate more than
large-stock prices. The market value of fixed income securities will generally fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market
conditions prior to maturity. Fixed income securities are obligations of the issuer to make payments of principal and/or interest on future
dates, and include, among other securities: bonds, notes and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or by a non-U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities; municipal
securities; and mortgage-backed and asset- backed securities. These securities may pay fixed, variable, or floating rates of interest, and may
include zero coupon obligations and inflation-linked fixed income securities. The value of longer duration fixed income securities will
generally fluctuate more than shorter duration fixed income securities. Investments in overseas markets also pose special risks, including
currency fluctuation and political risks, and it may be more volatile than that of a U.S. only investment. Such risks are generally intensified
for investments in emerging markets. In addition, there is no assurance that a mutual fund or ETF will achieve its investment objective. Past
performance of investments is no guarantee of future results.
Additional risks involved in the securities recommended by PSI include, among others:
• Stock market risk, which is the chance that stock prices overall will decline. The market value of equity securities will generally
fluctuate with market conditions. Stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising prices and periods of falling prices.
Prices of equity securities tend to fluctuate over the short term as a result of factors affecting the individual companies, industries
or the securities market as a whole. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities.
• Sector risk, which is the chance that significant problems will affect a particular sector, or that returns from that sector will trail
returns from the overall stock market. Daily fluctuations in specific market sectors are often more extreme than fluctuations in
the overall market.
• Issuer risk, which is the risk that the value of a security will decline for reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management
performance, financial leverage, and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services.
• Non-diversification risk, which is the risk of focusing investments in a small number of issuers, industries or foreign currencies,
including being more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more
diversified portfolio might be.
• Value investing risk, which is the risk that value stocks not increase in price, not issue the anticipated stock dividends, or decline
in price, either because the market fails to recognize the stock’s intrinsic value, or because the expected value was misgauged. If
the market does not recognize that the securities are undervalued, the prices of those securities might not appreciate as anticipated.
They also may decline in price even though in theory they are already undervalued. Value stocks are typically less volatile than
growth stocks, but may lag behind growth stocks in an up market.
• Smaller company risk, which is the risk that the value of securities issued by a smaller company will go up or down, sometimes
rapidly and unpredictably as compared to more widely held securities. Investments in smaller companies are subject to greater
levels of credit, market and issuer risk.
• Foreign (non-U.S.) investment risk, which is the risk that investing in foreign securities result in the portfolio experiencing more
rapid and extreme changes in value than a portfolio that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies. Risks associated with
investing in foreign securities include fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies that may affect the U.S. dollar value
of a security, the possibility of substantial price volatility as a result of political and economic instability in the foreign country,
less public information about issuers of securities, different securities regulation, different accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards and less liquidity than in the U.S. markets.
• Interest rate risk, which is the chance that prices of fixed income securities decline because of rising interest rates. Similarly, the
income from fixed income securities may decline because of falling interest rates.
• Credit risk, which is the chance that an issuer of a fixed income security will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner,
or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of that fixed income security to
decline.
• Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) risk, which is the risk of an investment in an ETF, including the possible loss of principal. ETFs
typically trade on a securities exchange and the prices of their shares fluctuate throughout the day based on supply and demand,
which may not correlate to their net asset values. Although ETF shares will be listed on an exchange, there can be no guarantee
that an active trading market will develop or continue. Owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying
securities it is designed to track. ETFs are also subject to secondary market trading risks. In addition, an ETF may not replicate
exactly the performance of the index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the
temporary unavailability of certain securities in the secondary market, or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect
to weighting of securities or number of securities held.
• Management risk, which is the risk that the investment techniques and risk analyses applied by PSI may not produce the desired
results and that legislative, regulatory, or tax developments, affect the investment techniques available to PSI. There is no guarantee
that a client’s investment objectives will be achieved.
• Real estate risk, which is the risk that an investor’s investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) or real estate-linked
derivative instruments will subject the investor to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including
losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates,
zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. An investment in REITs or real estate-linked
derivative instruments subject the investor to management and tax risks.
• Investment companies (“Mutual Funds”) risk, when an investor invests in mutual funds, the investor will bear additional expenses
based on his/her pro rata share of the mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the management fees. The risk of owning a
mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying investments the mutual fund holds.
• Commodity risk, generally commodity prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions
or political circumstances (especially of key energy-producing and consuming countries), the impact of weather on demand, levels
of domestic production and imported commodities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation
(agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control), international politics, policies of OPEC, taxation and the availability
of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems and the emotions of the marketplace. The risk of loss in trading
commodities can be substantial.
Cybersecurity risk, which is the risk related to unauthorized access to the systems and networks of PSI and its service providers.
The computer systems, networks and devices used by PSI and service providers to us and our clients to carry out routine business
operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures,
computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various
protections utilized, systems, networks or devices potentially can be breached. A client could be negatively impacted as a result
of a cybersecurity breach. Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices; infection
from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations,
business processes or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches cause disruptions and impact business operations,
potentially resulting in financial losses to a client; impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers to transact
business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other
compensation costs, or other compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information. Similar adverse
consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issues of securities in which a client invests; governmental and
other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions;
and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by those entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches
in the future.
Alternative investments/private funds risk, investing in alternative investments is speculative, not suitable for all clients, and
intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who are willing to bear the high economic risks of the investment, which can
include:
loss of all or a substantial portion of the investment due to leveraging, short-selling or other speculative investment
practices;
lack of liquidity in that there may be no secondary market for the investment and none expected to develop;
volatility of returns;
restrictions on transferring interests in the investment;
potential lack of diversification and resulting higher risk due to concentration of trading authority when a single adviser
is utilized;
absence of information regarding valuations and pricing;
delays in tax reporting;
less regulation and higher fees than mutual funds;
risks associated with the operations, personnel, and processes of the manager of the funds investing in alternative
investments.
Closed-end funds risk, Closed-end funds typically use a high degree of leverage. They may be diversified or non-diversified. Risks
associated with closed-end fund investments include liquidity risk, credit risk, volatility and the risk of magnified losses resulting
from the use of leverage. Additionally, closed-end funds may trade below their net asset value.
Structured notes risk -
o Complexity. Structured notes are complex financial instruments. Clients should understand the reference asset(s) or index(es)
and determine how the note’s payoff structure incorporates such reference asset(s) or index(es) in calculating the note’s
performance. This payoff calculation may include leverage multiplied on the performance of the reference asset or index,
protection from losses should the reference asset or index produce negative returns, and fees. Structured notes may have
complicated payoff structures that can make it difficult for clients to accurately assess their value, risk and potential for growth
through the term of the structured note. Determining the performance of each note can be complex and this calculation can
vary significantly from note to note depending on the structure. Notes can be structured in a wide variety of ways. Payoff
structures can be leveraged, inverse, or inverse-leveraged, which may result in larger returns or losses. Clients should carefully
read the prospectus for a structured note to fully understand how the payoff on a note will be calculated and discuss these
issues with PSI.
o Market risk. Some structured notes provide for the repayment of principal at maturity, which is often referred to as “principal
protection.” This principal protection is subject to the credit risk of the issuing financial institution. Many structured notes do
not offer this feature. For structured notes that do not offer principal protection, the performance of the linked asset or index
may cause clients to lose some, or all, of their principal. Depending on the nature of the linked asset or index, the market risk
of the structured note may include changes in equity or commodity prices, changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates,
and/or market volatility.
o Issuance price and note value. The price of a structured note at issuance will likely be higher than the fair value of the
structured note on the date of issuance. Issuers now generally disclose an estimated value of the structured note on the cover
page of the offering prospectus, allowing investors to gauge the difference between the issuer’s estimated value of the note
and the issuance price. The estimated value of the notes is likely lower than the issuance price of the note to investors because
issuers include the costs for selling, structuring and/or hedging the exposure on the note in the initial price of their notes. After
issuance, structured notes may not be re-sold on a daily basis and thus may be difficult to value given their complexity.
o Liquidity. The ability to trade or sell structured notes in a secondary market is often very limited, as structured notes (other
than exchange-traded notes known as ETNs) are not listed for trading on securities exchanges. As a result, the only potential
buyer for a structured note may be the issuing financial institution’s broker-dealer affiliate or the broker-dealer distributor of
the structured note. In addition, issuers often specifically disclaim their intention to repurchase or make markets in the notes
they issue. Clients should, therefore, be prepared to hold a structured note to its maturity date, or risk selling the note at a
discount to its value at the time of sale.
o Credit risk. Structured notes are unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, meaning that the issuer is obligated to make
payments on the notes as promised. These promises, including any principal protection, are only as good as the financial
health of the structured note issuer. If the structured note issuer defaults on these obligations, investors may lose some, or all,
of the principal amount they invested in the structured notes as well as any other payments that may be due on the structured
notes.
Clients are advised that they should only commit assets for management that can be invested for the long term, that volatility from investing
can occur, and that all investing is subject to risk. PSI does not guarantee the future performance of a client’s portfolio, as investing in
securities involves the risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Past performance of a security or a fund is not necessarily indicative of future performance or risk of loss.
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Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary events that would be material to
a client’s evaluation of the adviser and the integrity of the adviser’s management. PSI has no information applicable to this Item.
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Private Funds
The officers and shareholders of PSI may also be managing member(s) of limited liability companies and/or general partners to limited
partnerships formed for various investment purposes. PSI’s officers and shareholders will typically receive separate and customary
compensation for the services they provide in these capacities including a portion of the profits, if any, generated by these LLCs and LPs.
The officers and shareholders of PSI are also the managing members of PSI Capital Management, LLC (“PSICM”). PSICM is no longer
actively involved in seeking new real estate investment opportunities. Presently, certain of the officers and shareholders of PSI are also the
managing members of Brightstone Real Estate Partners, LLC (“BREP”) and Brightstone Capital, LLC (“BC”). BREP and BC are the
managing members of several entities formed to invest in real estate.
Advisory clients of PSI may invest in real estate investment opportunities identified by BREP or BC. PSI addresses this conflict through
disclosure and strives to make recommendations which are in the best interests of its clients. Clients are under no obligation to purchase
these products through any person affiliated with PSI. The officers and shareholders of PSI will disclose to clients any affiliations to any
such investment(s) at the time of solicitation and will provie the offering documents for such opportunities.
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Description of Code of Ethics
PSI has a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) which requires PSI’s employees (“supervised persons”) to comply with their legal obligations and
fulfill the fiduciary duties owed to the Firm’s clients. Among other things, the Code of Ethics sets forth policies and procedures related to
conflicts of interest, outside business activities, gifts and entertainment, compliance with insider trading laws and policies and procedures
governing personal securities trading by supervised persons.
Personal securities transactions of supervised persons present potential conflicts of interest with the price obtained in client securities
transactions or the investment opportunity available to clients. The Code addresses these potential conflicts by prohibiting securities trades
that would breach a fiduciary duty to a client and requiring, with certain exceptions, supervised persons to report their personal securities
holdings and transactions to PSI for review by the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Code also requires supervised persons to obtain
pre-approval of certain investments, including initial public offerings and limited offerings.
PSI will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
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Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers
PSI generally recommends that its investment management clients utilize the custody and brokerage services of an unaffiliated broker/dealer
custodians (a “BD/Custodian”) with which PSI has an institutional relationship. Currently, this includes Fidelity Investment Wealth Services
(“FIWS”), sponspored by Fidelity Brokerage Services, which is a “qualified custodian” as that term is described in Rule 206(4)-2 of the
Advisers Act. Each BD/Custodian provides custody of securities, trade execution, and clearance and settlement of transactions placed on
behalf of clients by PSI. If your accounts are custodied at FIWS, FIWS will hold your assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities
when we instruct them to. Clients will pay fees to FIWS for custody and the execution of securities transactions in their accounts.
In making BD/Custodian recommendations, PSI will consider a number of judgmental factors, including, without limitation: 1) clearance
and settlement capabilities; 2) quality of confirmations and account statements; 3) the ability of the BD/Custodian to settle the trade
promptly and accurately; 4) the financial standing, reputation and integrity of the BD/Custodian; 5) the BD/Custodian’s access to markets,
research capabilities, market knowledge, and any “value added” characteristics; 6) PSI’s past experience with the BD/Custodian; and 7)
PSI’s past experience with similar trades. Recognizing the value of these factors, clients may pay a brokerage commission in excess of
that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction
.
In exchange for using the services of FIWS, PSI may receive, without cost, computer software and related systems support that allows PSI
to monitor and service its clients’ accounts maintained with RJA. FIWS also makes available to the Firm products and services that benefit
the Firm but may not directly benefit the client or the client’s account. These products and services assist PSI in managing and administering
client accounts. They include investment research, both FIWS’s own and that of third parties. PSI may use this research to service all or some
substantial number of client accounts, including accounts not maintained at FIWS. In addition to investment research, FIWS also makes
available software and other technology that:
provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements);
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts;
provide pricing and other market data;
facilitate payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts; and
assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
FIWS also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services include:
educational conferences and events;
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting;
publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance providers.
FIWS may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors to provide the services to the Firm.
FIWS may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or pay all or a part of a third party’s fees. FIWS may also provide the
Firm with other benefits such as occasional business entertainment of Firm personnel.
The benefits received by PSI through its participation in the FIWS custodial platform do not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions
directed to FIWS. In addition, there is no corresponding commitment made by PSI to FIWS to invest any specific amount or percentage of
client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as a result of participation in the program. While as a
fiduciary, we endeavor to act in our clients’ best interests, our recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts at FIWS will be
based in part on the benefit to PSI of the availability of some of the foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature, cost or
quality of custody and brokerage services provided by FIWS. The receipt of these benefits creates a potential conflict of interest and may
indirectly influence PSI’s choice of FIWS for custody and brokerage services.
PSI will periodically review its arrangements with the BD/Custodians and other broker-dealers against other possible arrangements in the
marketplace as it strives to achieve best execution on behalf of its clients. 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, but not limited to, the following:
a broker-dealer’s trading expertise, including its ability to complete trades, execute and settle difficult trades, obtain liquidity to minimize
market impact and accommodate unusual market conditions, maintain anonymity, and account for its trade errors and correct them in a
satisfactory manner;
a broker-dealer’s infrastructure, including order-entry systems, adequate lines of communication, timely order execution reports, an
efficient and accurate clearance and settlement process, and capacity to accommodate unusual trading volume;
a broker-dealer’s ability to minimize total trading costs while maintaining its financial health, such as whether a broker-dealer can
maintain and commit adequate capital when necessary to complete trades, respond during volatile market periods, and minimize the
number of incomplete trades;
a broker-dealer’s ability to provide research and execution services, including advice as to the value or advisability of investing in or
selling securities, analyses and reports concerning such matters as companies, industries, economic trends and political factors, or
services incidental to executing securities trades, including clearance, settlement and custody; and
a broker-dealer’s ability to provide services to accommodate special transaction needs, such as the broker-dealer’s ability to execute and
account for client-directed arrangements and soft dollar arrangements, participate in underwriting syndicates, and obtain initial public
offering shares.
PSI’s clients may utilize qualified custodians other than PSI for certain accounts and assets, particularly where clients have a previous
relationship with such qualified custodians.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
PSI does not select or recommend BD/Custodians based solely on whether or not it may receive client referrals from a BD/Custodian or third
party.
Client-Directed Brokerage
Generally, in the absence of specific instructions to the contrary, for brokerage accounts that clients engage PSI to manage on a discretionary
basis, PSI has full discretion with respect to securities transactions placed in the accounts. This discretion includes the authority, without
prior notice to the client, to buy and sell securities for the client’s account and establish and affect securities transactions through the
BD/Custodian of the client’s account or other broker-dealers selected by PSI. In selecting a broker-dealer to execute a client’s securities
transactions, PSI seeks prompt execution of orders at favorable prices.
A client, however, may instruct PSI to custody his/her account at a specific broker-dealer and/or direct some or all of his/her brokerage
transactions to a specific broker-dealer. In directing brokerage transactions, a client should consider whether the commission expenses,
execution, clearance, settlement capabilities, and custodian fees, if any, are comparable to those that would result if PSI exercised its discretion
in selecting the broker-dealer to execute the transactions. Directing brokerage to a particular broker-dealer may involve the following
disadvantages to a directed brokerage client:
PSI’s ability to negotiate commission rates and other terms on behalf of such clients could be impaired;
such clients could be denied the benefit of PSI’s experience in selecting broker-dealers that are able to efficiently execute difficult trades;
opportunities to obtain lower transaction costs and better prices by aggregating (batching) the client’s orders with orders for other clients
could be limited; and
the client could receive less favorable prices on securities transactions because PSI may place transaction orders for directed brokerage
clients after placing batched transaction orders for other clients.
In addition to accounts managed by PSI on a discretionary basis where the client has directed the brokerage of his/her account(s), certain
institutional accounts may be managed by PSI on a non-discretionary basis and are held at custodians selected by the institutional client. The
decision to use a particular custodian and/or broker-dealer generally resides with the institutional client. PSI endeavors to understand the
trading and execution capabilities of any such custodian and/or broker-dealer, as well as its costs and fees. PSI may assist the institutional
client in facilitating trading and other instructions to the custodian and/or broker-dealer in carrying out PSI’s investment recommendations.
Trade Errors
PSI’s goal is to execute trades seamlessly and in the best interests of the client. In the event a trade error occurs, PSI endeavors to identify
the error in a timely manner, correct the error so that the client’s account is in the position it would have been had the error not occurred, and,
after evaluating the error, assess what action(s) might be necessary to prevent a recurrence of similar error in the future.
Trade errors generally are corrected through the use of a “trade error” account or similar account at FIWS, or another BD, as the case may
be. In the event an error is made in a client account custodied elsewhere, PSI works directly with the broker in question to take corrective
action. In all cases, PSI will take the appropriate measures to return the client’s account to its intended position.
Trade Aggregation
To the extent that the Firm determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of securities, including securities in which the
Firm’s supervised persons may invest, the Firm will generally do so in a fair equitable manner in accordance with applicable rules
promulgated under the Advisers Act and guidance provided by the staff of the SEC and consistent with policies and procedures established
by the Firm.
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Periodic Reviews
Investment Management Account Reviews
While investment management accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis, PSI’s investment adviser representatives seek to have at least
one annual meeting either in person or in the manner most convenient to the client to conduct a formal review of the clients’ accounts.
Accounts are reviewed for consistency with the investment strategy and other parameters set forth for the account and to determine if any
adjustments need to be made. PSI uses a proprietary computer program to aid in the review of all portfolios for specified conditions, resulting
in every discretionary client portfolio being reviewed every time there is a proposed trade.
Other Reviews and Triggering Factors
In addition to the periodic reviews described above, reviews may be triggered by changes in an account holder’s personal, tax or financial
status. Other events that may trigger a review of an account are material changes in market conditions as well as macroeconomic and
company- specific events. Clients are encouraged to notify PSI of any changes in his/her personal financial situation that might affect his/her
investment needs, objectives, or time horizon.
Regular Reports
Written brokerage statements are generated no less than quarterly and are sent directly from the qualified custodian. These reports list the
account positions, activity in the account over the covered period, and other related information. Clients are also sent confirmations following
each brokerage account transaction unless confirmations have been waived.
PSI also provides account statements and other reporting to clients on a periodic basis. PSI also provides account reports during client
meetings.
Clients are urged to carefully review all custodial account statements and compare them to any statements and reports provided by PSI. PSI
statements and reports may vary from custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of
certain securities.
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Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Clients
PSI does not receive benefits from third parties for providing investment advice to clients.
Compensation to Non-Supervised Persons for Client Referrals
PSI does not pay any form of compensation for client referrals.
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All clients must utilize a “qualified custodian” as detailed in Item 12. Clients are required to engage the custodian to retain their funds and
securities and direct PSI to utilize the custodian for the client’s securities transactions. PSI’s agreement with clients and/or the clients’ separate
agreements with the B/D Custodian may authorize PSI through such BD/Custodian to debit the clients’ accounts for the amount of PSI’s fee
and to directly remit that fee to PSI in accordance with applicable custody rules.
The BD/Custodian recommended by PSI has agreed to send a statement to the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from
the account including the amount of management fees paid directly to PSI. PSI encourages clients to review the official statements provided
by the custodian, and to compare such statements with any reports or other statements received from PSI. For more information about
custodians and brokerage practices, see “Item 12 - Brokerage Practices.”
PSI is deemed to have custody of client funds and securities as a result of its relationship to certain private investment funds (“the Funds”).
While PSI is not the General Partner or the Managing Member of any of the Funds and does not directly manage any of the Funds, its officers
and shareholders are the managing members and/or general partners of the Funds in which PSI’s advisory clients are invested. The Funds
will make available the annually audited financials to each of the Fund's investors within 180 days of the applicable Fund's fiscal year end,
as required by applicable law.
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Clients have the option of providing PSI with investment discretion on their behalf, pursuant to a grant of a limited power of attorney
contained in PSI’s client agreement. By granting PSI investment discretion, a client authorizes PSI to direct securities transactions and
determine which securities are bought and sold, the total amount to be bought and sold, and the costs at which the transactions will be effected.
Clients may impose reasonable limitations in the form of specific constraints on any of these areas of discretion with the consent and written
acknowledgement of PSI if PSI determines, in its sole discretion, that the conditions would not materially impact the performance of a
management strategy or prove overly burdensome for PSI. See also Item 4, Client-Tailored Advisory Services.
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PSI does not accept the authority to and does not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Clients retain the responsibility for receiving and voting
proxies for all and any securities maintained in client portfolios.
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PSI is not required to disclose any financial information pursuant to this item due to the following:
a) PSI does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months or more in advance of rendering
services;
b) PSI 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; and
c) PSI has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
PART 2B DISCLOSURE BROCHURE SUPPLEMENT
PAUL KIRSHENBAUM, PRESIDENT
Educational Backgroud and Business Experience:
Year of Birth: 1937
Education
Brooklyn College, BA in Mathematics, graduating Magna Cum Laude,with Honors in Mathematics and Economics, 1959
New York University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, M.S. in Mathematics, 1961
NYU Stern School of Business, Ph.D. in Economics, graduating with Honors, 1966
Business Background: Providing investment advisor services since 1993.
Disciplinary Information: There are no legal or disciplinary actions to report on this professional.
Other Business Activities: This professional may also be a managing member of limited liability companies and/or general partner to limited
partnerships formed for various investment purposes. Presently, Mr. Kirshenbaum is also a Managing Member of PSI Capital Management
LLC, which is itself the Managing Member of PSI Bolingbrook LLC and PSI Misty Ridge LLC, private investment funds formed to invest
in real estate and real estate-related securities.
Additional Compensation: This professional will typically receive separate and customary compensation for the services he provides in his
capacity as a managing member of limited liability companies and/or general partner to limited partnerships, including a portion of the profits,
if any, generated by these LLCs and LPs.
Supervision : Mr. Kirshenbaum is supervised by the Chief Compliance Officer, Madeline Hedges.
CHAIM MUNK, VICE PRESIDENT
Educational Background and Business Experience:
Year of Birth: 1965
Education:
Talmudic Research Center of North Jersey
Telshe Yeshiva College, graduating 1982
Business Background: Providing investment advisor services since 1993.
Disciplinary Information: There are no legal or disciplinary actions to report on this professional.
Other Business Activities: This professional may also be a managing member of limited liability companies and/or general partner to limited
partnerships formed for various investment purposes. Presently, Mr. Munk is also a Managing Member of PSI Capital Management LLC,
which is itself the Managing Member of PSI Bolingbrook LLC and PSI Misty Ridge LLC, private investment funds formed to invest in real
estate and real estate-related securities.
Additional Compensation: This professional will typically receive separate and customary compensation for the services he provides in his
capacity as a managing member of limited liability companies and/or general partner to limited partnerships, including a portion of the profits,
if any, generated by these LLCs and LPs.
Supervision: Mr. Munk is supervised by the President, Mr. Paul Kirshenbaum and the CCO, Madeline Hedges.
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Open Brochure from SEC website