TwinFocus was established as a family office and boutique investment advisory firm in response to the
investment and service offering restrictions, as well as conflicts of interest present at traditional, product-
driven financial services firms. TwinFocus’ founders and principals, Paul and Wesley Karger, sought to
establish a unique global financial services firm where their philosophy and capabilities could work to best
deliver success to a select group of investors and institutions. As such, the firm is driven by the principle
of providing comprehensive, quality, objective investment advice, free from the conflicts inherent to other
business arrangements.
TwinFocus has been in business as a registered investment adviser since May 23, 2006. As of March 31,
2019, TwinFocus had $2,471,262,714 of regulatory assets under management1, of which $2,291,092,312
are managed on a discretionary basis and $180,170,403 are managed on a non-discretionary basis. As of
the same date, TwinFocus had $6,189,433,109 of total assets under advisement.2 The firm’s assets under
advisement include private investments in direct opportunities, private equity, venture capital, real estate
and hedge funds.
TwinFocus provides financial, wealth advisory and investment management, family office management,
institutional consulting, business and tax management and philanthropic services. Prior to engaging
TwinFocus to provide any of the foregoing services, the client is required to enter into one or more written
agreements with TwinFocus setting forth the terms and conditions under which TwinFocus renders its
services (collectively the “
Agreement”).
This disclosure brochure describes the business of TwinFocus. Certain sections will also describe the
activities of
Supervised Persons. Supervised Persons
are any of TwinFocus’ officers, partners, directors (or
other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employees, or any other
person who provides investment advice on TwinFocus’ behalf and is subject to TwinFocus’ supervision or
control.
Financial Advisory and Family Office Services
TwinFocus may provide its clients with a broad range of comprehensive financial advisory and family office
services, which may include non-investment and tax-related matters. Areas addressed broadly include
1 Regulatory assets under management are defined in the SEC’s instructions to Part 1 of Form ADV. They
include all assets where TwinFocus can effect a trade whether on a discretionary or non-discretionary
basis.
2 Assets under advisement are defined as any asset which TwinFocus monitors or considers within an
overall portfolio construct, though may not exercise regular and continuous supervision or cannot effect
a trade. An example of an asset under advisement which is not under management might be a primary
residence.
5 multi-generational planning, philanthropic planning, family business and continuity planning, family
member education, and family governance services, in addition to education, tax and estate planning.
These services are generally offered in conjunction with the firm’s wealth management services, as
described below.
In performing its services, TwinFocus is not required to verify any information received from the client or
from the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.) and is expressly authorized to rely
on such information. TwinFocus may recommend the services of itself, or other professionals to
implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest may exist if TwinFocus
recommends its own services. The client is under no obligation to act upon any of the recommendations
made by TwinFocus under a financial planning or consulting engagement or to engage the services of any
such recommended professional, including TwinFocus itself. The client retains absolute discretion over
all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any of TwinFocus’ recommendations.
Clients are advised it remains their responsibility to promptly notify TwinFocus if there is ever any change
in their financial situation, as well as facts and circumstances that may impact their investment objectives
to provide for proper comprehensive and timely reviewing, evaluating, or revising TwinFocus’ previous
recommendations or services.
Corporate & Institutional Consulting Services
TwinFocus renders investment and non-investment related consulting services to various institutions and
independent third parties as part of its institutional consulting services. Generally, these services are
specialized engagements individually negotiated with each institution based upon their specific needs and
objectives. In summary, TwinFocus works closely with its institutional clients to:
• Help develop objectives memorialized in an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) to guide the future
investment decision-making process;
• Implement an investment strategy in furtherance of the institution’s long-term goals and
consistent with the IPS;
• Implement a suitable asset allocation model using its proprietary manager and strategy selection
process;
• Proactively work with each institution’s board, trustees, and other authorized representatives in
helping them fulfill their fiduciary duties; and
• Monitor, rebalance and report results on a periodic basis, as per the institution’s needs.
In addition, TwinFocus advises public and private corporations regarding their profit sharing plans, 401(k)
plans, defined benefit plans and other pools of assets, on issues such as investment design and review,
and cost containment and management.
6 TwinFocus’ corporate and institutional consulting services are generally not available to individuals,
addressing fundamental issues affecting various corporations or institutions within TwinFocus’ area of
concentration.
Investment Management & Wealth Management Services
Clients can engage TwinFocus to manage all or a portion of their assets on a discretionary basis or a non-
discretionary basis. In addition, TwinFocus may provide clients with wealth management services which
generally include a broad range of comprehensive financial advisory and family office services, as well as
discretionary or non-discretionary management of investment portfolios.
TwinFocus primarily allocates clients’ investment management assets among Independent Managers (as
defined below), mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). In addition, TwinFocus may
recommend that clients, who are “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and “qualified purchasers” as defined under Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, invest in private placement securities, which may include debt, equity, and/or
pooled investment vehicles when consistent with the clients’ investment objectives. Often these are
referred to as “alternative investments” such as hedge funds, private equity, real estate and direct equity
or debt investments in private deals, generally accessed via limited partnership or limited liability
company structures, and offshore blocker structures for Non-US taxable, US taxable (where and when
prudent) and US tax-exempt clients.
TwinFocus also may render non-discretionary investment management and tax-related services to clients
relative to variable life/annuity products that they may own, their individual employer-sponsored
retirement plans, and/or 529 plans or other products that may not be held by the client’s primary
custodian. In so doing, TwinFocus either directs or recommends the allocation of client assets among the
various investment options that are available with each product. Client assets are maintained at the
specific insurance company, the product sponsors, and custodian designated by the product.
TwinFocus tailors its advisory services to the individual needs of each client initially and on an ongoing
basis. One of the first tasks in our advisory process requires development of an investment policy
statement which maps out the risk tolerances, time horizon and other factors that may impact clients’
investment needs. TwinFocus ensures that clients’ investments are suitable for their investment needs,
goals, objectives and risk tolerances.
Clients are advised to promptly notify TwinFocus if there are factual changes in their financial situation or
investment objectives or if they wish to impose any restrictions and constraints upon TwinFocus’
management services.
7 Use of Independent Managers
As mentioned above, where prudent and suitable, TwinFocus may recommend client authorization of
allocations of portions or all of client assets to the active discretionary management to select independent
investment managers (“
Independent Managers”), based upon the stated investment objectives of the
client. The terms and conditions under which the client engages the
Independent Managers are set forth
in separate written agreements between TwinFocus or the client and the designated
Independent
Managers.
TwinFocus renders services to the client relative to the discretionary or non-discretionary selection or
recommendation of
Independent Managers. TwinFocus also monitors and reviews the account or
portfolio performance and the client’s investment objectives. TwinFocus receives an annual advisory fee
which may be based in whole or in part upon a percentage of the market value of the assets being
managed by the designated
Independent Managers or on a fixed annual fee as mutually agreed upon with
the client.
When recommending or selecting an
Independent Manager for a client, TwinFocus reviews information
about the
Independent Manager such as its disclosure brochures, due diligence questionnaires, and/or
materials supplied by the
Independent Manager or independent third parties to obtain descriptions of the
Independent Manager’s investment strategies, management teams, past performance and risk-adjusted
results, to the greatest extent available.
Factors that TwinFocus considers in recommending an
Independent Manager include the client’s stated
investment objectives, management style and philosophy, portfolio management team, performance,
reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, expenses, transparency policies, and research. The
investment management fees charged by the designated
Independent Managers, together with the fees
charged by the corresponding designated broker-dealer/custodian of the client’s assets, may be exclusive
of, and in addition to, TwinFocus’ investment advisory fee set forth above. As discussed above, the client
may incur additional fees than those charged by TwinFocus, the designated
Independent Managers, and
corresponding broker-dealer and custodian.
In addition to TwinFocus’ written disclosure brochure, the client also receives the written disclosure
brochure of the designated
Independent Managers. Certain
Independent Managers may impose more
restrictive account requirements and varying billing practices than TwinFocus. In such instances,
TwinFocus may alter its corresponding account requirements or billing practices to accommodate those
of the
Independent Managers.
Additions and Withdrawals to Accounts
Clients may deposit additional funds or redeem from their account at any time, subject to TwinFocus’
right to terminate an account. Pending notification to TwinFocus, Clients may redeem account assets,
8 subject to the usual and customary securities settlement procedures. However, because TwinFocus
designs each client’s portfolios based on strategic asset allocations aligned with the client’s goals and
objectives as codified in the IPS, such redemptions may impede achievement of these goals.
Additionally, to the extent that TwinFocus allocates a portion of client assets to alternative investments
that provide limited liquidity, where TwinFocus believes such illiquid investments are prudent based on
the facts and circumstances at the time of each investment, within the context of the client’s investment
profile as detailed in the IPS, immediate redemptions may not be available. This may be particularly the
case with private investments and private equity investments, where liquidity may not be available for
several years. Such investments with limited liquidity characteristics are carefully selected and sized for
each client portfolio, consistent with the IPS.
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TwinFocus offers its services on a fee basis, which may include hourly and/or fixed fees, as well as fees
based upon assets under management or the performance of the client’s portfolio.
Financial Advisory and Family Office Service Fees
TwinFocus may charge a fixed annual fee, billed quarterly, and/or hourly fee for financial advisory and/or
certain family office services. These fees are negotiable, but generally range from $100,000 to $2,000,000
on an annual fixed fee basis, and/or from $350 to $1,250 on an hourly rate basis, depending upon the
level and scope of the services and the professional rendering the financial planning and/or the consulting
services. If the client engages TwinFocus for additional investment advisory services, TwinFocus may
credit all or a portion of planning and consulting fees for those services based upon the amount paid for
the financial planning and/or consulting services.
Prior to engaging TwinFocus for financial planning or consulting services, the client is required to enter
into a written agreement with TwinFocus, setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement.
Generally, TwinFocus requires one-half of the financial advisory or family office fee (estimated hourly or
fixed) payable upon entering the written agreement. The balance is generally due upon delivery of the
financial plan or completion of the agreed upon services.
Investment Management and Wealth Management Fee
TwinFocus is compensated for providing investment advisory services to its clients with respect to their
assets under management or assets under advisement in accordance with the Basic Fee Schedule and
other provisions as agreed to in each client’s agreement. TwinFocus’ Basic Family Office Fee Schedule for
new clients is generally the greater of $250,000 per year, or:
9 TwinFocus provides investment management services for an annual fee based upon a percentage of the
market value of the assets being managed and or advised by TwinFocus, or an agreed upon fixed fee.
TwinFocus’ annual fee is exclusive of and in addition to brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and
other related costs and expenses which are incurred by the client. TwinFocus does not, however, receive
any portion of these commissions, fees, or costs.
TwinFocus’ annual fee is prorated and charged quarterly, in advance, based upon the agreed upon fixed
fee or market value of the assets being managed by TwinFocus on the last day of the previous month or
quarter. For assets being managed on a fixed fee basis, the annual fee ranges between $100,000 and
$2,000,000, depending upon the type, scope, and magnitude of investment management services to be
rendered. In the alternative, the asset based fee varies, depending upon the market value of the assets
under management, as follows:
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (AUM) INCLUDES ANY CASH OR SECURITIES OWNED
BY AN ADVISORY CLIENT AT THE TIME OF THE REPORTING PERIOD IS (AND
IDENTIFIED AS PART OF THE AUM BY THE ADVISORY CLIENT) AND AT ANY TIME
THEREAFTER; THE PARTIES MUTUALLY AGREE THAT ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE
INCLUDABLE IN AUM FOR FEE CALCULATION PURPOSES, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
DATE OF PURCHASE OR INVESTMENT.
TwinFocus, in its sole discretion, may negotiate to charge a lesser management fee based upon certain
criteria (e.g., anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of
assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, pre-existing client, strategic relationships,
account retention,
pro bono activities, etc.).
Performance Fee
TwinFocus may render investment management services to
qualified clients for a performance-based fee
in accordance with the requirements set forth in applicable laws, rules, and regulations. For those clients,
TwinFocus charges its fees based upon a percentage of the market value of the assets being managed
and/or advised by TwinFocus (“
base fee”) in addition to a fee based on the performance of the account
(“
performance fee”).
TwinFocus Family Office Fee ScheduleAssets Under Management/Advisory TierAsset TierFee (%)First Tier$50,000,0000.50%
Second Tier$50,000,0000.40%
Third Tier$100,000,0000.25%
Fourth Tier> $200MMNeg
10 TwinFocus may charge a
performance fee up to twenty percent (20%) of the net performance once the
account exceeds a suitable, pre-selected benchmark. TwinFocus may also charge a
base fee for
investment management services in this case, which is comprised of either an annual fixed fee or a fee
based upon a percentage of assets under management, as set forth in the following:
TwinFocus’ annual
base fee is prorated and charged quarterly, in advance, based upon the agreed upon
fixed fee or the market value of the assets on the last day of the previous quarter. TwinFocus’
performance
fee is charged annually, in arrears, based on the net gains of the client’s portfolio at the end of the calendar
period.
Fees Charged by Financial Institutions
As further discussed in response to Item 12 (below), TwinFocus generally requires clients use the
brokerage and clearing services of a qualified broker-dealer for investment management accounts.
TwinFocus may only implement its investment management recommendations after the client has
arranged for and furnished TwinFocus with all information and authorization regarding accounts with
appropriate financial institutions or third-party investment managers. Financial institutions include, but
are not limited to, any broker-dealer recommended by TwinFocus, any broker-dealer directed by the
client, trust companies, banks etc. (collectively referred to herein as the “
Financial Institutions”).
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by the
Financial Institutions and other third parties such as fees
charged by
Independent Managers (as defined below), custodial fees, charges imposed directly by a
mutual fund or ETF in the account, which shall be disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund
management fees and other fund expenses), deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes,
wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities
transactions. Additionally, clients may incur brokerage commissions and transaction fees. Such charges,
fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to TwinFocus’ fee.
TwinFocus’
Agreement and the separate agreement with any
Financial Institutions may authorize
TwinFocus or
Independent Managers to debit the client’s account in the amount of TwinFocus’ fee and to
directly remit that management fee to TwinFocus or the
Independent Managers. Any
Financial Institutions TwinFocus Family Base Investment Management/Advisory ScheduleAssets Under Advisory TierAsset TierFee (%)First Tier$10,000,0001.00%
Second Tier$25,000,0000.75%
Third Tier$100,000,0000.50%
Fourth Tier> $200MMNeg
11 recommended by TwinFocus have 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
TwinFocus. Alternatively, clients may elect to have TwinFocus send an invoice to them directly.
Fees for Management during Partial Quarters or Months of Service
For the initial period of investment management services, the fees are calculated on a
pro rata basis.
The
Agreement between TwinFocus and the client will continue in effect until terminated by either party
pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement. TwinFocus’ fees are prorated through the date of termination
and any remaining balance is charged or refunded to the client, as appropriate.
Additions may be in cash or securities, provided that TwinFocus reserves the right to liquidate any
transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities into a client’s account. TwinFocus may
consult with its clients about the options and ramifications of transferring securities. However, clients are
advised that when transferred securities are liquidated, they are subject to transaction fees, fees assessed
at the mutual fund level (i.e. contingent deferred sales charge) and tax ramifications.
If assets are deposited into or withdrawn from an account after the inception of a month or quarter, it
will be specified by TwinFocus and the client in the Agreement the circumstances in which a pro rata fee
or rebate is appropriate.
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MANAGEMENT
As discussed in response to Item 5, above, TwinFocus may render investment management services to
qualified clients for a performance-based fee. This fee arrangement raises potential conflicts of interest.
The performance fee may be an incentive for TwinFocus to make investments that are riskier or more
speculative than would be the case absent a performance fee arrangement. In addition, where TwinFocus
charges performance-based fees and also provides similar services to accounts not being charged
performance-based fees, there is an incentive to favor accounts paying a performance-based fee.
TwinFocus takes its Fiduciary Duty very seriously. As such, TwinFocus has policies and procedures in place
to ensure that any recommendations are objectively made based on underlying fundamentals and in the
best interest of clients regardless of whether the client is paying a performance-based fee or different
type of fee.
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TwinFocus provides its services to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, corporations and business entities. TwinFocus’ clients reside and work in many different
geographic locations.
12 Minimum Account Size
As a condition for starting and maintaining a relationship, TwinFocus generally imposes a minimum
advisory base assets / portfolio size of $80,000,000. TwinFocus, in its sole discretion, may accept clients
with smaller portfolios based upon certain criteria including anticipated future earning capacity,
anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, pre-existing relationship, account retention, and
pro bono activities. TwinFocus shall only
accept clients with less than the minimum portfolio size if, in the sole opinion of TwinFocus, the smaller
portfolio size will not cause a substantial increase of investment risk beyond the client’s identified risk
tolerance. TwinFocus may aggregate the portfolios of family members to meet the minimum portfolio
size.
Additionally, certain
Independent Managers may impose more restrictive account requirements and
varying billing practices than TwinFocus. In such instances, TwinFocus may alter its corresponding account
requirements and/or billing practices to accommodate those of the
Independent Managers.
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AND RISK OF LOSS
Primary Methods of Analysis
TwinFocus relies primarily on a proprietary combination of fundamental and technical methods of analysis,
employing both top-down macroeconomic and bottom-up microeconomic analytical approaches.
TwinFocus’ investment process begins with a proprietary top-down analysis of the global macroeconomic
environment, scouring the globe to discern favorable structural trends to invest, and segregating those
trends to avoid, while identifying key tactical or cyclical opportunities. This research is all performed in-
house. These efforts allow the firm to develop global themes and biases, based on demographic,
geopolitical and geo-economic considerations.
Once TwinFocus is satisfied that it has identified the key themes to exploit or avoid, it begins a bottom-up
microeconomic analysis on the different investment vehicles, strategies and instruments to be used to
implement those themes. It is during this process that TwinFocus:
• Conducts due diligence on money managers and strategies through quantitative and qualitative
screens with continuing follow-up and monitoring;
• Determines optimal exposure types and the most effective ways to achieve such exposures;
• Examines potential investments in ETFs, index funds, actively managed vehicles, hedge funds,
private equity, venture capital, and other alternative investment types;
• Reviews the performance of certain options overlay strategies for selected groups of clients; and
• Analyzes the tax implications and strategizes accordingly.
13 Analytical Risks
Fundamental analysis involves the fundamental financial condition and competitive position of an
investment. TwinFocus will analyze the financial condition, capabilities of management, earnings, new
products and services, as well as the investment’s markets and position within those markets in order to
determine the recommendations made to clients. The primary risk in using fundamental analysis is that
while the overall health and position of an investment may be good, market conditions may negatively
impact the security.
Technical analysis involves the analysis of past market data rather than specific data internal to an
opportunity, in determining the recommendations made to clients. Technical analysis may involve the
use of charts to identify market patterns and trends which may be based on investor sentiment rather
than the fundamentals of the investment. The primary risk in using technical analysis is that spotting
historical trends may not help to predict such trends in the future. Even if the trend will eventually reoccur,
there is no guarantee that TwinFocus will be able to accurately predict such a reoccurrence.
Investment Strategy
TwinFocus implements a highly disciplined, multi-step approach that seeks to go beyond the bounds of
traditional asset allocation decisions typically utilized by competing firms. The investment process begins
with the development of the client relationship. TwinFocus believes that knowing the client and defining
specific objectives permits flexibility with later rebalancing and adjustments in response to changing
market conditions, stated objectives, and the performance of each individual investment strategy. During
the initial phase of the relationship, TwinFocus seeks to determine:
• Needs, goals and objectives;
• Time horizons
• Risk tolerance
• Liquidity requirements and constraints;
• Special legal or regulatory concerns;
• Overall risk and reward parameters;
• Income, estate, and gift tax issues; and
• Philanthropic programs.
These initial discovery efforts are codified in an investment policy statement, which serves as the future
client or family office road map, used to delineate the path to be taken to achieve the ultimate goals and
objectives of all the parties involved.
TwinFocus’ risk management efforts begin with the construction and implementation of a strategic asset
allocation model which allows for tactical and cyclical deviations that reflect short-term judgment calls on
current market conditions. The firm seeks to develop core positions in those traditional asset classes – i.e.,
global equities and fixed income – with active satellite tentacles that are designed to effectively grasp
14 alpha in those markets that TwinFocus judges to be inefficient. TwinFocus quantifies risk at the aggregate
portfolio level, taking into account cross-correlations of assets within the portfolio while stress testing the
portfolio for unforeseen events when the markets experience correlation breakdowns and the
corresponding reduction of Modern Portfolio Theory diversification benefits.
Once portfolios are constructed and capital is deployed, TwinFocus monitors the portfolio and the
underlying investments on a continuous basis, rebalances as needed to assure the portfolio is within the
risk parameters mandated by the client, and periodically reports results to client in the frequency the
client wishes, using customized reports that suit each client’s needs. These rebalancing practices are
based on market valuations, tactical exploitation of short term market conditions, and deviations to client
needs or circumstances.
Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual fund and ETF
shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers of the fund’s
underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-level capital gains,
as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains in the event they sell securities
for a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss. As such, a mutual fund investor may incur
substantial tax liabilities even when the fund underperforms.
Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the fund itself or
a broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is equal to a fund’s stated
daily per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholders fees (e.g., sales loads, purchase fees,
redemption fees). The share NAV of a mutual fund is calculated at the end of each business day, although
the actual NAV fluctuates with intraday changes to the market value of the fund’s holdings. The trading
prices of a mutual fund’s shares may differ significantly from the NAV during periods of market volatility,
which may, among other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to
NAV.
Some mutual funds, known as alternative mutual funds, may invest using complicated strategies or in
unusual security types. These alternative mutual funds often have different terms than traditional mutual
funds and may carry additional risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to, leverage and liquidity.
Some alternative mutual funds may employ leverage, which has the potential to increase returns, but also
may increase the size of losses. Some alternative mutual funds, also referred to as Interval Funds, may
only allow subscriptions and redemptions during certain trading windows, and not necessarily at the end
of every trading day. Such alternative mutual funds may also have tax treatments that are different from
traditional mutual funds.
15 Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the secondary
market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is generally calculated at
least once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for actively managed ETFs. However, certain
inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There is also
no guarantee that an active secondary market for such shares will develop or continue to exist. Generally,
an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as creation units (usually 50,000 shares or more). Therefore,
if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have no way
to dispose of such shares.
Options
Options allow investors to buy or sell a security at a contracted strike price (not necessarily the current
market price) at or within a specific period of time. Clients may pay or collect a premium for buying or
selling an option. Investors transact in options to either hedge (limit) losses in an attempt to reduce risk
or to speculate on the performance of the underlying securities in a highly levered manner. Options
transactions contain a number of inherent risks, including the partial or total loss of principal in the event
that the value of the underlying security or index does not increase/decrease to the level of the respective
strike price. Holders of options contracts are also subject to default by the option writer which may be
unwilling or unable to perform its contractual obligations, although this counterparty risk is greatly
diminished with regulated options that trade through clearinghouses.
Market Risks
The profitability of a significant portion of TwinFocus’ recommendations may depend to a great extent
upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate,
and other asset classes or sub-classes. Inter-market and intra-market correlations may shift significantly
and rapidly at any time. Markets which may have a history of being relatively uncorrelated may become
more or less highly correlated at any time. There can be no assurance that TwinFocus will be able to
predict those price movements accurately.
Use of Independent Managers
TwinFocus may recommend the use of
Independent Managers for certain clients. TwinFocus conducts
ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such recommendations rely, to a great extent, on the
Independent Managers’ ability to successfully implement their investment strategy. TwinFocus continues
to render services to the client relative to the discretionary selection of the
Independent Managers, as
well as the monitoring and review of account performance and investment objectives.
In certain instances, an independent manager may also be a client of TwinFocus. TwinFocus only makes
recommendations based on the fundamentals of each situation and does not take into consideration
whether the independent manager is a TwinFocus client when making any recommendation.
16 Use of Private Collective Investment Vehicles
TwinFocus may recommend the investment by certain clients in privately placed collective investment
vehicles, some of which may be known colloquially as “hedge funds”. The managers of these vehicles will
have broad discretion in selecting the investments. There are few limitations on the types of securities or
other financial instruments which may be traded and no requirement to diversify. The hedge funds may
trade on margin, short securities, use derivative investments, or otherwise leverage positions, thereby
potentially increasing the risk to the vehicle. There are numerous other risks in investing in these
securities including potential key-man risks and the inability to withdraw funds in a timely manner. The
client will receive a private placement memorandum and/or other documents explaining such risks.
Other examples of private collective investments may include: private equity, venture capital, private debt,
and real estate. Other niche strategies may also be private collective investments.
TwinFocus may pool money into a type of collective known as a Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”). SPVs are
typically arranged for limited unique investment purposes. Often an SPV will invest in one specific private
company or opportunity. SPVs may entail heightened risks through high concentration and low/no
liquidity.
Management through Similarly Managed Accounts
For certain clients, TwinFocus may manage portfolios by allocating portfolio assets among various
securities on a discretionary basis using one or more of its proprietary investment strategies (collectively
referred to as an “
investment strategy”). In so doing, TwinFocus buys, sells, exchanges and/or transfers
shares of securities based upon the
investment strategy.
TwinFocus’ management using the
investment strategy complies with the requirements of Rule 3a-4 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Rule 3a-4 provides similarly managed accounts, such
as the
investment strategy, with a safe harbor from the definition of an investment company.
The
investment strategy may involve an above-average portfolio turnover that could negatively impact
upon the net after-tax gain experienced by an individual client. Securities in the
investment strategy are
usually exchanged and/or transferred without regard to a client’s individual tax ramifications. Certain
investment opportunities that become available to TwinFocus’ clients may be limited. For example,
various mutual funds or insurance companies may limit the ability of TwinFocus to buy, sell, exchange or
transfer securities consistent with its
investment strategy. As further discussed in response to Item 12B
(below), TwinFocus allocates investment opportunities among its clients on a fair and equitable basis.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Clients should be prepared to bear such loss.
17
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TwinFocus is required to disclose the facts of any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s
evaluation of its advisory business or the integrity of management. TwinFocus does not have any
disclosures related to this Item.
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AFFILIATIONS
TwinFocus is required to disclose any relationship or arrangement that is material to its advisory business
or to its clients with certain related persons.
Association with Other Ventures
The principals of the firm, Paul Karger and Wesley Karger, serve on the Board of Managers of the following
entities (collectively referred to as the “
Funds”):
• TF Special Opportunities I, LLC: Organizing Member, TwinFocus Capital Partners, LLC ;
• TF Special Opportunities – Glory, LLC: Organizing Member, TwinFocus Capital Partners, LLC;
• TF Special Opportunities – PPR, LLC: Organizing Member, TFSO Partners, LLC;
• TF Special Opportunities – PPR, Series II, LLC: Organizing Member, TFSO Partners, LLC;
• TF Special Opportunities – Salvera, LLC: Organizing Member, TFSO Partners, LLC;
• TF Realty Partners – 322W, LLC: Organizing Member, TF Managers, LLC; and
• TF Okeana Partners, LLC: Organizing Member, Tridelphia Partners, LLC.
Other related entities associated with TwinFocus include:
• TFSO Partners, LLC;
• TF Managers, LLC: Organizing Member, TF Partners Fund, LLC.
• TF Global Partners, LLC;
• TwinFocus Limited.
Additionally, Paul and Wes Karger, as well as John Pantekidis, are members of TF Partners, LLC, which is
in turn the Sole Member of TFSO Partners, LLC. The
Funds are special purpose pooled investment vehicles,
the interests of which are privately offered pursuant to Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Lastly,
the Organizing Members of the
Funds, as detailed above, may earn a
performance fee up to twenty
percent (20%) of the net performance once the Funds realize returns that exceed suitable, pre-selected
benchmarks.
In addition, Paul Karger serves as a Director on the company board of Glory Sports International Pte. Ltd.,
an international combat sports promotion company based in Singapore. He also serves as a Director on
the company board of Fundraise.com, a social online fundraising platform for nonprofits around the world.
18 A conflict of interest exists to the extent TwinFocus’
Supervised Persons recommend an investment in the
Funds due to the affiliation therewith of TwinFocus, Paul Karger, and Wesley Karger. TwinFocus seeks to
ensure that any such recommendations are provided on a fully-disclosed basis and only when aligned with
its clients’ bests interests.
John McGillian, a Senior Advisor at TwinFocus, founded and continues to be involved in Symmetry Global
Advisors LLC, an investment platform dedicated to alternative asset management and a registered
Commodity Trading Advisor.
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TwinFocus and persons associated with TwinFocus (“Associated Persons”) are permitted to buy or sell
securities that it also recommends to clients consistent with TwinFocus’ policies and procedures.
TwinFocus has adopted a code of ethics that sets forth the standards of conduct expected of its associated
persons and requires compliance with applicable securities laws (“
Code of Ethics”). In accordance with
Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), its
Code of Ethics contains
written policies reasonably designed to prevent the unlawful use of material non-public information by
TwinFocus or any of its associated persons. The
Code of Ethics also requires that certain of TwinFocus’
personnel (called “
Access Persons”) report their personal securities holdings and transactions and obtain
pre-approval of certain investments such as initial public offerings and limited offerings.
Generally per TwinFocus’
Code of Ethics, none of TwinFocus’
Access Persons may effect for themselves or
for their immediate family (i.e., spouse, minor children, and adults living in the same household as the
Access Person) any transactions in a security which is being actively purchased or sold, or is being
considered for purchase or sale, on behalf of any of TwinFocus’ clients. Under unusual circumstances, the
TwinFocus Chief Compliance Officer may grant an exception to this policy. TwinFocus generally
discourages short-term trading by Access Persons.
When TwinFocus is purchasing or considering for purchase any security on behalf of a client, no
Access
Person may effect a transaction in that security prior to the completion of the purchase or until a decision
has been made not to purchase such security. Similarly, when TwinFocus is selling or considering the sale
of any security on behalf of a client, no
Access Person may effect a transaction in that security prior to the
completion of the sale or until a decision has been made not to sell such security. These requirements are
not applicable to: (i) direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) money market
instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase
agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii)
shares issued by open-ended mutual funds or money market funds; and (iv) shares issued by unit
investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual funds.
Clients and prospective clients may contact TwinFocus to request a copy of its
Code of Ethics.
19
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As discussed above, in Item 5, TwinFocus may recommend that clients utilize the brokerage and clearing
services of a qualified broker-dealer
.
Factors which TwinFocus considers in recommending a qualified broker-dealer to clients include their
respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, overall cost, and service. The commissions
and transaction fees charged by the broker-dealer recommended by TwinFocus may be higher or lower
than those charged by other
Financial Institutions.
The commissions paid by TwinFocus’ clients comply with TwinFocus’ duty to obtain best execution. Clients
may pay commissions that are higher than another qualified
Financial Institution might charge to effect
the same transaction where TwinFocus determines that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the
value of the brokerage and services received. 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
Financial Institution’s services, including the value of services
provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. TwinFocus seeks competitive rates
but may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
TwinFocus periodically and systematically reviews its policies and procedures regarding its
recommendation of
Financial Institutions in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
The client may direct TwinFocus in writing to use a particular
Financial Institution to execute some or all
transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the account
with that
Financial Institution, and TwinFocus will not seek better execution services or prices from other
Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution through other
Financial
Institutions with orders for other accounts managed by TwinFocus (as described below). As a result, the
client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable
net prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best
execution, TwinFocus may decline a client’s request to direct brokerage if, in TwinFocus’ sole discretion,
such directed brokerage arrangements would result in additional operational difficulties.
Transactions for each client generally will be affected independently, unless TwinFocus decides to
purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. TwinFocus may
(but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to obtain best execution, to negotiate more
favorable commission rates, or to allocate equitably among TwinFocus’ clients differences in prices and
commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently. Under this procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price and allocated
among TwinFocus’ clients pro rata to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client on any given day.
To the extent that TwinFocus determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of securities,
20 including securities in which TwinFocus’
Supervised Persons may invest, TwinFocus shall generally do so
in accordance with applicable rules promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action guidance provided
by the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. TwinFocus shall not receive any additional
compensation or remuneration as a result of the aggregation. In the event that TwinFocus determines
that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the particular circumstances, the allocation will be
made based upon other relevant factors, which may include: (i) when only a small percentage of the order
is executed, shares may be allocated to the account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to
an account that is out of line with respect to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios, with
similar mandates; (ii) allocations may be given to one account when one account has limitations in its
investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other securities which are expected to produce
similar investment results and can be purchased by other accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an
investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to other
accounts (this may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed); (iv) with
respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash; (v) in cases when a pro rata
allocation of a potential execution would result in a
de minimis allocation in one or more accounts,
TwinFocus may exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the transactions may be executed on a pro
rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases where a small proportion of an order is executed
in all accounts, shares may be allocated to one or more accounts on a random basis.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to certain broker-
dealers in return for investment research products and/or services which assist TwinFocus in its
investment decision-making process. Such research generally will be used to service all of TwinFocus’
clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research that is not used in
managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products and/or services as well as
the allocation of the benefit of such investment research products and/or services poses a conflict of
interest because TwinFocus does not have to produce or pay for the products or services.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
TwinFocus does not engage in soft dollar arrangements. TwinFocus may receive from a broker-dealer that
it recommends, without cost to TwinFocus, computer software and related systems support, which allow
TwinFocus to better monitor client accounts maintained at the recommended broker-dealer. TwinFocus
may receive the software and related support without cost because TwinFocus renders investment
management services to clients that maintain assets at the recommended broker-dealer. The software
and related systems support may benefit TwinFocus, but not its clients directly. In fulfilling its duties to its
clients, TwinFocus endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware,
however, that TwinFocus’ receipt of economic benefits from a broker-dealer creates a conflict of interest
since these benefits may influence TwinFocus’ choice of broker-dealer over another broker-dealer that
does not furnish similar software, systems support, or services.
21
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For those clients to whom TwinFocus provides investment management services, TwinFocus monitors
those portfolios as part of an ongoing process while in-depth account reviews are conducted on at least a
quarterly basis. For those clients to whom TwinFocus provides financial advisory or family office services,
reviews are conducted on an “as needed” basis, no less frequently than monthly. Such reviews are
conducted by designated members in both the Portfolio Advisory and Investment Research groups. All
investment advisory clients are encouraged to discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with TwinFocus
and to keep TwinFocus informed of any changes thereto. TwinFocus contacts ongoing investment advisory
clients at least annually to review its previous services and recommendations and to discuss the impact
resulting from any changes in the client’s financial situation or investment objectives.
Unless otherwise agreed upon, clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular
summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer or custodian for the client accounts. Those
clients to whom TwinFocus provides investment advisory services will also receive a report from
TwinFocus that may include such relevant account and/or market-related information such as an
inventory of account holdings and account performance on a quarterly basis. Clients should compare the
account statements they receive from their custodian with those they receive from TwinFocus.
Those clients to whom TwinFocus provides financial advisory or family office services will receive reports
from TwinFocus summarizing its analysis and conclusions as requested by the client or otherwise agreed
to in writing by TwinFocus.
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TwinFocus is required to disclose any relationship or arrangement where it receives an economic benefit
from a third party (non-client) for providing advisory services. In addition, TwinFocus is required to
disclose any direct or indirect compensation that it provides for client referrals. In the event a client is
introduced to Twin Focus by either an unaffiliated or an affiliated solicitor, the Firm may pay that solicitor
a referral fee in accordance with applicable state securities laws. Unless otherwise disclosed, any such
referral fee is paid solely from TwinFocus’ investment management fee and does not result in any
additional charge to the client. If the client is introduced to the Firm by an unaffiliated solicitor, the
solicitor is required to provide the client with Twin Focus’ written brochure(s) and a copy of a solicitor’s
disclosure statement containing the terms and conditions of the solicitation arrangement. Any affiliated
solicitor of Twin Focus is required to disclose the nature of his or her relationship to prospective clients at
the time of the solicitation and will provide all prospective clients with a copy of the Firm’s written
brochure(s) at the time of the solicitation.
22
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TwinFocus’
Agreement or the separate agreement with any
Financial Institution may authorize TwinFocus
through such
Financial Institution to debit the client’s account in the amount of TwinFocus’ fee and to
directly remit that management fee to TwinFocus in accordance with applicable custody rules.
The
Financial Institutions recommended by TwinFocus have 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 TwinFocus. Clients must notify TwinFocus promptly if they receive custodial
statements less frequently than quarterly, or not at all. In addition, as discussed in Item 13, TwinFocus
also sends periodic supplemental reports to clients. Clients should carefully review the statements sent
directly by the
Financial Institutions and compare them to those received from TwinFocus.
For certain clients, TwinFocus may enter into a relationship whereby TwinFocus pays certain client bills or
otherwise maintains the client’s direct access to the Financial Institution. If, as part of such an
arrangement, TwinFocus can direct funds out of the Financial Institution without the client’s prior consent,
TwinFocus may be deemed to have custody of those accounts. For some clients, TwinFocus may assume
custody through certain Powers of Attorney or by serving as a Trustee for client accounts. TwinFocus, or
its principals, may serve as the Managing Member for certain client investments (e.g. those entities
enumerated in Item 10, above.) which would be a custody relationship. Additionally, TwinFocus may
facilitate Standing Letters of Authorization (SLOAs) to accounts which may be deemed to be custody by
the SEC.
Certain accounts over which TwinFocus is deemed to have custody, depending on the exact nature of the
custody relationship, will be subject to an annual surprise inspection by an independent, third-party,
PCAOB accounting firm in full accordance with SEC rules and regulations. The cost of such inspections will
generally be the responsibility of the account owner.
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TwinFocus retains the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of clients. TwinFocus is considered to
exercise investment discretion over a client’s account/portfolio if it can affect transactions for the client
without first having to seek the client’s consent. TwinFocus is given this authority through a power-of-
attorney included in the agreement between TwinFocus and the client. Clients may request a limitation
on this authority (such as certain securities not to be bought or sold). TwinFocus takes discretion over the
following activities:
• The securities to be purchased or sold;
• The amount of securities to be purchased or sold;
• When transactions are made;
• The
Financial Institutions to be utilized; and
23 • The
Independent Managers to be hired or terminated.
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TwinFocus is required to disclose if it accepts authority to vote client securities. TwinFocus does not vote
client security proxies on behalf of its clients. Nevertheless, TwinFocus may vote on a client’s behalf with
regards to limited partnership agreements, LLC memberships, and their amendments.
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TwinFocus is required to disclose any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to
meet contractual commitments to clients. In addition, TwinFocus generally bills quarterly and does not
require or solicit the prepayment of more than six months or more in advance of fees. Therefore,
TwinFocus has no disclosures pursuant to this Item.
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Open Brochure from SEC website