A. Ownership/Advisory History
Focused Alpha, LLC (“FA” and/or the “firm”) is a limited liability company organized in the state
of Delaware. The firm was established in August 2020 and approved to conduct business in
March 2021. Daniel Barotz is the sole owner and Managing Member of FA.
Kevin Goldin, an investment advisory representative of FA, conducts investment advisory
activities through a separate unaffiliated entity titled Goldin Wealth Management. He is
registered through FA and performs investment advisory activities through and under the
supervision of FA.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Portfolio Management Services
FA provides a complete portfolio management service, primarily on a discretionary basis, but
provides non-discretionary services upon mutual consent between FA and the client. This
includes the purchase, sale, and continuous supervision of all assets under management.
Generally, we invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds, and bonds, although stock options and
convertible securities, among other investments, may be used in the customization of client
portfolios or asset allocation programs. See Item 8 of this brochure.
In addition to managing portfolios on a customized basis, FA may offer a variety of investment
strategies to retail clients, which will be presented and discussed at the time of the
recommendation.
The firm seeks to meet the client’s particular investment needs by developing a customized
investment strategy based upon guidelines that are jointly established by the client and FA. At
the commencement of services, the firm reviews the client’s investment objectives and risk
tolerance. Based upon that review and other information provided by the client, FA makes a
subsequent recommendation to the client as to which investment style the firm believes is best
suited for the client. The client makes the final decision as to which investment style is chosen
for the client’s account.
For its discretionary asset management services, FA receives a limited power of attorney to
effect securities transactions on behalf of its clients that include securities and strategies
described in Item 8 of this brochure. In addition, pursuant to the terms of its investment
advisory agreement with clients, FA will remind clients of their obligation to inform FA of any
modifications or restrictions that should be imposed on the management of the client’s account.
FA will also contact clients at least annually to determine whether there have been any changes
in a client's personal financial circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Third-Party Money Managers
As part of its portfolio management services, the firm may use one or more third-party money
managers to manage a portion of your account on a discretionary basis. We will regularly
monitor the performance of your accounts managed by third-party manager(s) and may make
retention decisions concerning any third-party manager(s) without your prior approval. Any fees
paid to third-party managers are in addition to FA’s fees.
Financial Planning Services
FA offers financial planning as part of our investment management services or as a standalone
service. Clients will receive a written or oral report (depending on the client’s preference)
providing a basic financial plan designed to help achieve their stated financial goals and
objectives. Based on the client’s needs, financial planning services may include (but are not
limited to) the following:
▪ Preparation of a recommended asset allocation that serves to diversify the client's
portfolio among different categories of investments, such as domestic and international
small, medium, and large capitalization securities; corporate and government fixed
income (short-, intermediate-, and long-term maturities); emerging market securities (i.e.,
foreign issuers); real estate investment trusts; and such other alternative asset categories
that are suitable in light of the client's investment goals, objectives, and risk tolerance.
▪ Preparation of an investment policy statement setting forth the client’s investment plan,
with specific direction in terms of diversification requirements, tax issues, estate planning
issues, risk tolerance, retirement, and other identified objectives of the client, including a
targeted rate-of-return objective.
▪ Preparation
of a retirement plan that serves to identify whether the client is saving
enough and investing in a way that meets retirement objectives in light of the client's
financial circumstances and risk tolerance.
▪ Preparation of cash flow projections to ensure that the client can meet daily living
expenses and obligations.
▪ Insurance planning to meet the needs of the client, taking into account family, business,
and other financial objectives of the client.
▪ General family office and business consulting:
• Retirement objectives
• Philanthropy
• Estate planning
• Wealth transition
• Business succession and related issues
• Recommendation of third-party managers for use by the client
FA gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews and questionnaires.
Information gathered includes a client's current financial status, investment objectives, future
goals, and attitudes toward risk. Related documents supplied by the client are carefully
reviewed, and a report is prepared covering one or more of the above-mentioned topics as
directed by the client.
401(k) Plan Services
The firm may provide analysis and advice on employer-sponsored qualified 401(k) plans
including participant education. Through written agreements with plans, we offer a package of
consulting services that may include the following.
▪ We will assist the plan sponsor with investment selection and monitoring for the plan, of
which may include:
• Meeting with the plan committee
• Creating model portfolios for the plan to implement
• Reviewing qualified default investment options (“QDIAs”) from investment options
selected by plan sponsor or a delegate thereof
• Selecting investment managers
• Monitoring the investment options against defined risk and return criteria.
▪ We may work with participants by
• Providing education about the plan to the participants
• Meeting with Participants to answer questions about the plan
Consulting services are provided on a nondiscretionary basis. A plan fiduciary, other than FA, has
responsibility for determining which investment options to make available to plan participants.
Workshops and Seminars
From time to time, the firm may present financial or investment-related seminars tailored
toward pre-retirees and retirees to educate our clients and/or the general investing public. The
seminar materials and any handouts provided may either be prepared by us or by an unaffiliated
publisher or distributor of investment seminar materials. The materials presented at the
seminars, and the seminars in general, are intended to be purely educational in nature. Neither
the information discussed at seminars nor the information contained in the seminar materials or
any handouts which may be distributed are intended as specific investment advice. We do not
purport that any information provided to you during a seminar will be appropriate for your
situation or will help you to meet your financial goals or objectives. Your attendance at a
seminar does not require you to complete an advisory agreement with us or any product
sponsor.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
FA offers its portfolio management services exclusively on a wrap fee basis as a wrap program
sponsor. Under our wrap program, you will receive investment advisory services and the
execution of securities brokerage transactions for a single specified fee.
Participation in a wrap program may cost you more or less than purchasing such services
separately. We adhere to our fiduciary duty when trading in your accounts. Trades are made
only on the basis of the account’s stated investment objectives, and without concern to the
firm’s trading costs and firm’s expenses.
Please refer to Appendix 1 of Part 2A: Focused Alpha, LLC Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2023, FA had $306,767,401 of discretionary assets under management.