Firm Description
MFS is a Delaware limited liability company (“LLC”) authorized to act as a foreign
LLC in the State of New York that has been engaged in the business of providing
investment advisory services to its clients since January 2011. MFS is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Meeschaert Corporation, a Delaware corporation that in turn is owned by
Societe D’Etudes et de Gestion Financiere Meeschaert, SA., a French corporation that
also owns other investment advisory and securities brokerage companies in France and
the United States. The Firm provides investment advice to separate accounts of U.S.
persons and a France-based mutual fund.
Principal Owners
MFS is owned by Meeschaert Corporation in the United States, which has as its ultimate
owner Societe D’Etudes et de Gestion Financiere Meeschaert, S.A, a Paris, France
based financial services company ultimately owned by the Meeschaert Family.
Types of Advisory Services
MFS is a limited purpose investment advisory firm that provides portfolio management
services to individuals, foundations, and other entities, including the French mutual fund
of its Paris, France based affiliate, Meeschaert Asset Management, the MAM SUSTAIN
USA Fund. Its services are discretionary in nature, for which the Firm is paid a
percentage of its advisory clients’ assets under management, and in the case of the
mutual fund a percentage of the fund’s performance above its target index. MFS does
not provide financial planning services or tax preparation services.
The investment management fees charged by MFS to its Separate Account holders and
Mutual Fund client are subject to negotiation. Accordingly, the fees charged by MFS
are NEGOTIABLE. The fees currently charged to MFS clients are set forth in the
respective registration statement of the mutual fund it manages and in the advisory
agreement signed with each advisory client. The fees are subject to periodic review and
approval by the client and subject to termination. Fees are negotiated before the services
are rendered and payable only after the services are provided. Fees generally are
expressed as a percentage of net assets of the client account.
Types of Agreements
MFS has entered into:
An Advisory Agreement with the French Mutual Fund in which MFS is paid a
percentage of the assets under management for the services it provides to the
fund, as well as a percentage of the performance of the fund above its target
index;
An Investment Advisory Agreement with each investment advisory client for
which MFS acts as investment adviser, and is paid a percentage of the assets
under management.
Advisory Service Agreements
(1) French Mutual Fund. Under the Firm’s current Advisory Agreement with the
Mutual Fund, MFS provides day-to-day portfolio financial management services;
(2) Individual Separate Accounts for individuals and entities. MFS enters into separate
Advisory Agreements with each investment advisory client, pursuant to which the
Firm provides discretionary advisory services.
Sub-Advisory Agreements
The Firm is a Sub-Advisor of the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund, a French mutual fund
open to French Nationals, which is run by the Firm’s Paris, France based affiliate,
Meeschaert Asset Management.
Termination of Agreement
MFS Advisory Agreements may be terminated with respect to the Firm’s Advisory
Clients at any time by written notice to the other party from either the Client or MFS
in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement. In the case
of the Mutual Fund, termination must be conducted in accordance with the prospectus
and by-laws of the investment company in effect at the time of such termination.
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Description
MFS charges an annual management fee to its separate account advisory clients,
payable semi-annually for its advisory services, based upon the valuation of the client
account at the end of each 6-month period. Cash or money market investments will be
included in the valuation of the client’s account. The fee for the semi-annual period in
which the account is opened will be pro-rated based on the number of days remaining
in the semi-annual period. Upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement, a pro rata
refund of fees is made to the client based on the number of days remaining in the semi-
annual period.
Fee Billing
The amount of the annual fee to be paid semi-annually in advance is negotiable with a
maximum annualized fee of 0.5% for fixed income securities and 1% for equity
securities.
The negotiated fee is determined on a case-by-case basis depending upon facts and
circumstances, including complexity of the client’s account, assets to be placed under
management, portfolio style, reports and other factors. MFS may group certain related
client accounts for the purposes of determining the annualized fee. The specific annual
fee will be identified in the written contract between MFS and the investment advisory
client.
By signing the Investment Advisory Contract, the Investment Advisory Client
authorizes the Custodian to deduct from the Client’s Account and pay to MFS pursuant
to the submission of a bill the management fee for each six-month period.
Other Fees
In addition to the annual fees paid to MFS, Investment Advisory Clients in separate
accounts will also pay fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and ETFs, as
described in each fund’s prospectus. These fees generally include a management fee,
other fund expenses, and distribution fees (also called 12b-1 fees). Neither MFS nor any
of its affiliates will share in any of these fees paid by any mutual fund or ETF on account
of any investments made in such funds or ETFs by advisory clients of MFS.
Investment Advisory Clients in separate accounts will also pay transaction charges to
broker-dealers for execution of securities transactions. MFS is authorized to select
broker-dealers for each securities transaction, and requires that each client contract with
and maintain a relationship with a qualified custodian that is unaffiliated with and fully
independent from MFS. The client’s custodian holds the client’s securities and reports
directly to the client on a periodic basis. MFS makes recommendations of independent
custodial brokers to its clients based upon their individual needs and circumstances.
MFS does not recommend that any client enter into a custodial relationship with any
affiliates of MFS. However, MFS utilizes the brokerage services of its affiliated broker-
dealer, Meeschaert Capital Markets, of AlexBrown/Raymond James, Oppenheimer, and
Stiefel to execute transactions in client advisory accounts managed by MFS, subject to
the conditions set forth under “Brokerage Practices.”
In the case of the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund, MFS is paid a management fee and a
percentage of the fund’s performance above its target index, the Standard & Poor’s 500
Index.
Performance-Based Fees
Sharing of Capital Gains
MFS does not receive any performance based fees from any individual advisory client’s
separate account. In the case of the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund, MFS is paid a
management fee and a percentage of the fund’s performance above its target index, the
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
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Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
MFS uses research reports and analysis of performance provided by third parties,
publicly available research and reports regarding investment strategies, charting,
fundamental, technical, and other methods of analysis.
MFS does not utilize any investment strategies that involve specific risks other than the
general risks of investment in securities. All investments made by MFS involve risk and
the possibility of loss of principal. Past performance of any investment is no guarantee
of future results.
MFS develops a personal investment strategy for its individual investment advisory
clients in separately managed accounts, based upon a review of the client’s particular
circumstances and investment goals. MFS manages the client’s portfolio based on that
policy. MFS will invest in one or more of the following types of securities: individual
equities, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and other investment
products. MFS will allocate the client’s account among those categories of securities
in accordance with the terms of the client’s investment policy. Mutual funds and ETFs
are selected on the basis of the following criteria: performance history, industry sectors,
investment objectives, track records, and the style and philosophy of the fund manager.
Portfolio weighting between funds and market sectors will be determined in accordance
with each client’s investment policy. Clients will have the opportunity to place
reasonable restrictions on the types of investments made on the client’s behalf, which
will be reflected in the investment policy.
In the case of the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund, MFS manages the portfolio in line with
the parameters of the Firm’s prospectus and investment objectives.
Risk of Loss
The MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund serviced by MFS has specific risks, which are
disclosed in the registration statement and prospectus for the fund. Registration
statements, reports, and other information, including specific risk disclosures, regarding
the Reports and other information about the Fund is available free of charge from
Meeschaert Asset Management 12 Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées 75008 Paris Tel:
01.53.40.20.20, [email protected] or www.meeschaert.com.
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Legal and Disciplinary
MFS, its officers and affiliates, have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events
related to past or present business activities that require disclosure under U.S.
Regulations.
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Financial Industry Activities
MFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Meeschaert Corporation, which is in turn
owned by Societe D’Etudes et de Gestion Financiere Meeschaert, SA., a French
corporation that owns other investment advisory and securities brokerage companies
in France and the United States, and is in turn ultimately owned by the Meeschaert
Family.
Affiliations
MFS is under common ownership and control with the following entities:
Meeschaert Capital Markets, Inc. (“MCM”), MEMBER: FINRA/SIPC;
Financiere Meeschaert S.A., a foreign Financial Markets Authority (“AMF”)
registered broker dealer based in France;
Meeschaert Asset Management, a foreign AMF registered investment adviser
based in France;
Meeschaert Gestion Privee, a foreign AMF registered investment adviser based in
France;
Meeschaert Immobilier, a foreign real estate broker based in France; and
Societe D'etudes et de Gestion Financiere Meeschaert, Sa. a foreign AMF
registered investment adviser based in France
When permitted by applicable law and subject to the considerations set forth under
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securities transactions.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
The Firm’s Access Persons are subject to the MFS Code of Ethics (the “Code”). A
copy of the Code of Ethics is available upon request.
Participation or Interest in Program Participant Transactions
MFS has adopted a Code that is designed to promote compliance with the relevant legal
and fiduciary obligations to which MFS is subject, and is based upon the principle that
certain persons, including the directors, officers, employees and certain affiliated
persons of the Firm owe a fiduciary duty to its clients and to the shareholders of any
fund for which MFS acts as advisor. In general, all persons subject to the Code must
conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such manner as
to minimize potential conflicts of interest and to avoid serving their personal interests
ahead of clients or shareholders; taking inappropriate advantage of their position with
MFS; and any actual conflicts of interest or any abuse of their positions of trust and
responsibility.
Personal Trading
In order to monitor personal investment activities at MFS, the Code contains provisions
for the purchase or sale of certain securities and reporting requirements of employees
to ensure compliance with the Code.
MFS has adopted Insider Trading Policies to detect and prevent the improper use of
material and non-public information. The CCO is responsible for the implementation
and maintenance of these policies.
Selecting Brokerage Firms
MFS takes several factors into consideration when selecting, recommending or utilizing
broker-dealers for client transactions. These factors include the broker's financial
strength, reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, access to markets and
service. MFS seeks competitive commission rates, but the commissions and fees
charged by a broker-dealer selected by MFS may be higher or lower than those charged
by other broker-dealers. MFS does not receive compensation from broker- dealers
selected or recommended by MFS for client transactions.
Best Execution
MFS performs quarterly reviews and supervises on an ongoing basis the Best Execution
received from the executing brokers the Firm engages for the securities traded in the
MAM America fund portfolio.
For the Firm’s separate account clients, MFS trades the account with the agency desk
of the broker dealer holding the client account in custody. MFS will supervise on an
ongoing basis the Best Execution received from such executing brokers and advise its
clients regarding any dissatisfaction with the execution services received.
MFS may in many instances effect such transactions through an affiliated broker-
dealer, MCM, even though the total brokerage commission for the transaction may be
higher than that which might have been charged by another broker for the same
transaction. MFS may generally use its affiliated broker, Meeschaert Capital Markets,
more than an unaffiliated broker, based on the circumstances related to each trade.
Soft Dollars
MFS does not conduct securities transactions or provide products or services on a soft
dollar basis.
Order Aggregation
MFS does not aggregate trades with multiple clients, because MFS does not generally
buy the same securities for different clients at the same time. MFS also does not engage
in agency cross-trading, meaning the sale of a security held by one client of MFS to
another client of MFS, or principal transactions, meaning the sale of securities held by
MFS to a client.
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Periodic Reviews
MFS reviews and supervises the portfolio management services it provides to its
separate accounts and to the mutual fund on an ongoing basis. Advisory accounts are
continuously monitored, and are reviewed at least annually by the Chief Compliance
Officer. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client's stated investment
objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered by a material
change in a client's individual circumstance, or the market, political or economic
environment.
Regular Reports
In addition to the monthly statements and confirmations of transactions that clients
receive from their custodial broker-dealer, MFS may provide quarterly reports
summarizing account performance, balances and holdings.
The MFS CCO will contact each separate account client periodically, and will make
inquiry regarding changes in the client's financial situation, needs or investment
objectives, and whether any modifications to the manner of account management should
be implemented.
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Custodian, Statements, and Performance Reports
Separate account client assets are held with independent broker-dealers or bank
custodians, which are not affiliated with MFS (in certain instances a client account may
be introduced to Hilltop Securities (“Hilltop”) , a FINRA and SIPC member broker
dealer, by the Firm’s affiliated FINRA/SIPC member broker dealer, MCM, which is
acting as an introducing broker dealer. In such situations, however, custody resides
entirely with Hilltop, which is a non-affiliated independent broker dealer custodian).
Clients will receive monthly account statements from the custodian for the activity in
their accounts, and clients should carefully review these statements. Clients may also
receive quarterly statements from MFS, and clients should compare the statements
received from the custodian with the statements received from MFS.
MFS also manages the day-to-day investment decisions on a discretionary basis in line
with the objectives of the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund of its French affiliate,
Meeschaert Asset Management, which is open to French national investors. Investors
receive regular reports from the fund in regard to its performance and are able to monitor
daily NAV performance through public sources, since the fund is a registered mutual
fund with France’s AMF (the French “Financial Markets Authority”). All assets in the
M A M S U S T A I N U S A F u n d are held in custody by a non-affiliated,
independent custodian in
France, BNP Paribas.
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Discretionary Authority for Trading
MFS exercises investment discretion over the management of Individual Advisory
Client Separate Accounts as well as over the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund pursuant to
either the terms of the advisory services agreement with each client or the prospectus of
the mutual fund. MFS' authority is limited by the terms of the investment policy with
each client, and by any reasonable restrictions imposed by a client in writing and
accepted by MFS for the account.
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Proxy Votes
MFS does not accept voting authority for any securities owned by clients. Clients retain
the responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for any and all securities maintained
in the client accounts. Clients will receive notices directly from the custodian of their
accounts.
MFS will not advise or act on behalf of clients in legal proceedings involving companies
whose securities are held in the clients' accounts, including but not limited to, the filing
of "proofs of claim" in class action settlements. Clients may direct MFS to transmit
copies of class action notices and other notices to the client or a third party, and MFS
will make commercially reasonable efforts to forward such notices as directed by the
client.
In terms of the MAM SUSTAIN USA Fund, MFS will vote in line with the fund’s
objectives and policies established by the fund and described in the prospectus and
statements of additional information provided by the fund.
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Financial Condition
MFS does not have any financial impairment that will preclude the Firm from meeting
contractual commitments to clients.
MFS does not serve as a custodian for any client funds or securities, and does not require
prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per client six months or more in advance.
Business Continuity Plan
General
MFS has a Business Continuity Plan (“BCP”) in place that provides detailed steps to
mitigate and recover from the loss of office space, communications, services or key
people. Current or potential clients of the Firm can request a copy of the Firm’s current
BCP Summary Disclosure at the contact information provided on the cover of this
Brochure.
Disasters
The BCP covers significant business disruptions, whether natural disasters, such as
snow storms, hurricanes, tornados, and flooding, or man-made disasters, such as loss of
electrical power; fire; communications line or Internet outage; or other significant
business disruption. Electronic files are backed up daily and archived offsite.
Loss of Key Personnel
MFS has not to date signed a Business Continuation Agreement with another financial
advisory firm to support the Firm in the event of a serious disability or death.
Information Security Program
MFS maintains an information security program to reduce the risk that the proprietary
and confidential information of the Firm or a client may be breached.
Privacy Notice
Due to the limited nature of its advisory services, MFS does not within the normal
course of business obtain customer, investor or client private information beyond
customer account documentation. To the extent it may obtain such information, MFS
is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of the personal
information that is entrusted to us.
MFS maintains a secure office to ensure that private information is not placed at
unreasonable risk. MFS employs a firewall barrier, secure data encryption techniques
and authentication procedures in its computer environment.
MFS does not provide personal information to mailing list vendors or solicitors. MFS
requires strict confidentiality in its agreements with unaffiliated third parties that require
access to MFS records, including consultants and auditors. Federal and state securities
regulators may review MFS’s books and records as permitted by law.
Personally identifiable information will be maintained for the required period thereafter
that records are required to be maintained by federal and state securities laws. After
that time, information may be destroyed.
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