The Firm and Related Companies
Galapagos Advisory, LLC (“Galapagos Advisory”, the “Adviser”, or the “Firm”) is a
Delaware limited liability company that was organized in May 2022. Galapagos
International LLC (“Galapagos Holdings”) is the managing member and owner of
Galapagos Advisory. Galapagos Holdings is a Delaware limited liability company
that is owned 75% owned by Galapagos Capital Control Participações SA and 25%
by Galapagos Capital Partnership Participações S.A. (the “Parent Companies”),
which have their principal places of business in São Paulo, Brazil. The Parent
Companies and their affiliates have operated as a privately held Brazilian
investment management group that offers asset management, wealth
management, and debt capital markets to Brazilian and international investors
since 2019.
Galapagos Holdings also owns and serves as the managing member of Galapagos
Global Capital Management LLC (“Galapagos Investment Management”), a
Delaware limited liability company organized in February 2023 that is also
registered as an investment adviser. Bruno de A. Carvalho currently serves as the
Manager and a Managing Director of both the Adviser and Galapagos Investment
Management.
Galapagos Investment Management currently offers “Macro” and “Real Estate”
investment strategies, principally through investments by private funds that it or a
partner manages. The Firm expects to recommend or direct investments by its
clients in strategies and funds (collectively, “Galapagos Funds”) managed by
Galapagos Investment Management or other Parent Company affiliates
(collectively, the “Galapagos Group”), with appropriate disclosures to the client.
See also “Investments in Securities Issued / Marketed by Affiliates” and Items 10
and 14 below.
The Firm and Galapagos Investment Management share offices and have their
principal place of business in Miami, Florida.
Advisory Services Offered
Galapagos Advisory provides investment advisory services primarily to high-net-
worth individuals, corporations, trusts, and institutional clients. Its client base
primarily consists of domestic and international clients with a focus on the Brazilian
market. Galapagos Advisory’s investment management services include the
design, structure, and implementation of investment strategies for advisory
accounts managed on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, as well as
customized services that may include both or either of discretionary or non-
discretionary management with respect to specified client accounts and advice and
reporting with respect to client-directed assets.
An Investment Advisory Agreement (each, a “Client Agreement”) executed with each
client sets forth the terms and conditions of the engagement and other important
disclosures and defines the services to be provided and advisory fees to be paid
by the client. A Client Agreement will be effective upon acceptance by the client
and Galapagos Advisory.
Accounts are managed in accordance with each client’s investment objectives and
risk profile. Clients will generally select one or more of the portfolio strategies listed
below. A detailed description of each of the strategies is included under Item 8 of
this Brochure.
1. Conservative
2. Income
3. Bond
4. Balanced
5. Growth
Client portfolios will typically include, as appropriate, a wide range of assets and
securities in a variety of markets including stocks, bonds, time deposits, Exchange
Traded Funds (“ETFs”), mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity funds and other
alternative investments, commodities, and currencies. For certain clients the Firm
will offer portfolios with a concentration in alternative investments and structured
products. The Firm may also initiate forward foreign exchange transactions,
provided they serve to hedge an existing investment and as long as this does not
subject the Firm to having to register with the National Futures Association under
the Commodity Exchange Act as a Commodity Trading Adviser.
Tailored Relationships
The Firm offers the same suite of services to all of its clients. However, specific client
investment strategies and their implementation are dependent upon each client’s
investment objectives and risk tolerance as set forth in the client’s Client Agreement
or other documents. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions or guidelines on
the types of investments in their account. However, if the restrictions prevent the
Firm from properly servicing the client account, or if the restrictions would require
the Firm to deviate from its standard suite of services, the Firm reserves the right
to end the relationship.
Use of Subadvisors / Third Party Managers
The Firm may select affiliated or unaffiliated third-party managers to serve as
subadvisors and assist in actively managing all or a portion of a client’s portfolios
and may recommend or direct investments by its clients in Galapagos Funds or
other private funds. The specific advisory services under which a client or the Firm
(acting on behalf of a client) engages a subadvisor will be set forth in a separate
written agreement with and the designated subadvisor, and private fund
investments will be made pursuant to a client’s subscription agreement or other
written direction by a client.
Fees charged to the Firm’s clients by the subadvisors or borne by a client as an
investor in a private fund are in addition to the Firm’s management fees depend on
several factors, including the size and type of the investment, trading strategy, and
degree of risk, except as described below in “Investments in Securities Issued /
Marketed by Affiliates” with respect to Galapagos Funds. Subadvisors may charge
performance fees on realized or unrealized gains in their portfolio. The Firm does
not receive any portion of fees, commissions, or other charges from subadvisors,
brokers, or other service providers. The Firm does not receive fees or commissions
for recommending any security, investment, or subadvisor. Clients will be provided
with the subadvisor’s Brochure and/or other written disclosure documents and fee
schedule. Please refer to the subadvisor’s Form ADV or disclosure documents for
additional information regarding fees and other important information.
The Firm evaluates a variety of information about subadvisors and private funds it
recommends. The Firm analyzes subadvisors and private fund managers based
upon their investment strategies, experience, performance track records,
reputations, and fees. To the extent possible, the Firm seeks to assess each
subadvisor’s and private fund manager’s investment strategies, past performance,
and risk results in relation to its clients’ individual portfolio allocations and risk
exposure. The Firm also takes into consideration the subadvisor’s or private fund
manager’s management style, returns, reputation, financial strength, reporting,
pricing, and research capabilities, among other factors. On an ongoing basis, the
Firm monitors the performance of those private funds and the accounts being
managed by subadvisors. The Firm seeks to ensure the subadvisor and private
fund strategies and target allocations remain aligned with its clients’ investment
objectives and overall best interests. Galapagos Advisory’s due diligence of
subadvisors and private funds also includes a review of subadvisors and private
fund manager publicly available disclosure documents, materials supplied by the
subadvisors and private fund managers themselves and other third-party analyses
from sources the Firm believes to be reliable.
The Firm also offers sub-advisory services to our affiliates as well as to independent
investment advisors and/or family offices in Brazil.
Investments in Securities Issued / Marketed by Affiliates
The Firm expects to recommend or invest client assets in securities or other
investment products (including Galapagos Funds) that Galapagos Group members
issue, promote, underwrite, manage, or serve as a general partner, and in which
Galapagos Group members have a material financial interest.
Recommending securities or other investment products described above creates
an inherent conflict of interest between the interests of the Firm’s clients and those
of Galapagos Group members including the Firm. Galapagos Advisory has a
fiduciary duty to act in its client’s best interests and manage this conflict of interest
and has in place policies and procedures to ensure that investment selection and
recommendations are made based on what is suitable and in the best interests of
its clients with disclosures that allow clients to make informed decisions. Clients
are under no obligation to accept recommendations to engage the services of
affiliated companies or invest in products issued by the Firm’s affiliates. See Items
10, 12 and 14 below for additional information regarding the Galapagos Group and
the Firm’s brokerage practices.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do not sponsor or manage a Wrap Fee Program. We will, where appropriate,
use a third-party sponsored wrap account to manage a client’s portfolio.
Portfolio Consolidation Services
Galapagos also provides portfolio consolidation services designed for clients using
multiple custodians and / or asset managers. This service provides an overview of
the client’s consolidated portfolio and several analytical tools to help optimize asset
allocation, risk, performance, and cost. Reporting is customized to the client’s
needs and requirements. The portfolio consolidation offered by Galapagos is part
of its services and is a non-investment advisory product or service. Also see Item
13 Consolidated Reports.
Consulting, Financial Planning, Reporting, and Special
Projects
Clients may engage the Firm for consulting, financial planning, reporting, and
special projects. These services may include family office-type services, including
consolidated reporting. Consolidated reporting is customized to the client’s needs
and requirements. The scope of such services, terms and conditions, and fees will
be set forth in a written agreement.
Transferring Assets
Clients may fund their accounts with cash or securities. The Firm will typically
liquidate securities transferred in and invest the proceeds in accordance with the
investment mandate selected by the client. Depending on the types of securities
involved, length of time held in the client’s portfolio, and other factors, liquidations
could result in redemption fees and tax consequences. Clients should carefully
review the impact of such fees and potential tax consequences before transferring
assets. Additionally, certain investments, such as Private Placements, hedge
funds, limited partnerships, insurance contracts or commodities, may not be
transferred or held in the account. Clients should consult with their Galapagos
Advisory Representative prior to instructing the transfer or liquidation of assets.
Regulatory Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2023, Galapagos Advisory had USD$106,667,465 in assets
under management, of which USD$54,318,352 were managed on a discretionary
basis and USD$52,249,465 are non-discretionary assets.
Fees
The Firm typically charges a management fee on a per annum basis of the client’s
net assets under management by the Firm and other Galapagos Group members,
including amounts invested in Galapagos Funds, as per the agreed schedule. The
management fee is calculated quarterly based on the average of month-end values
and cash balances of the previous three months, as adjusted on a pro-rated basis
for contributions and withdrawals during the quarter and charged in arrears during
the month following the end of the quarter. Account valuations are determined by
the custodian or other independent third party. The Firm, in its discretion, may
impose a minimum fee for managing smaller accounts.
Fees generally range from 0.5% to 1.5% but may be negotiated at our discretion
and may vary from client to client based on the assets managed, related accounts,
and other services provided as set out in the Client Agreement. The Firm has also
agreed with other members of the Galapagos Group that manage Galapagos
Funds that the management fees charged to the Firm’s clients who invest in those
funds will typically be reduced by 0.5% (subject to negotiated adjustments) per
annum to mitigate the layering of fees resulting from such an investment. The fees
paid to the Firm may also be reduced for employee and family member accounts.
On a case-by-case involving large, sophisticated, qualified clients (as defined under the
Advisers Act), the Firm will agree to charge a negotiated performance-based fee instead
of a management fee based on assets under management. See also discussion of
Performance Fees in Item 6 below. Clients should be aware that the same or similar
investment services may be available from other investment advisors for a lower or
higher fee, and any qualified clients.
The Client Agreement provides us with written authorization to deduct advisory
fees from a client’s custodian account. The fees will be reflected in the client’s
custodian account statements. We request that clients carefully review their
custodian statements and inform us of any discrepancies.
An asset-based fee may cost more than a transaction-based fee, but clients may
prefer an asset- based fee if they want continuing advice or for someone to make
investment decisions on their behalf. Although the Firm believes the charges and
fees offered are competitive with other investment advisors and/or investment
sources, we make no guarantee that the aggregate cost of a particular program
will be lower than that which may be available elsewhere.
When appropriate, the Firm may recommend the use of margin and/or option
transactions. As these investment strategies involve a certain degree of additional
risk, they are only recommended when consistent with the client objectives and
risk tolerance. The use of margin also results in interest charges in addition to all
other fees and expenses associated with the management of the account.
Although account statements for margined accounts may reflect a negative
amount, our advisory fee is based on the account’s absolute market value. This
poses a conflict of interest because the Firm benefits by receiving a higher fee
based on the account’s absolute market value.
Minimum Fees/Flat Fees
For certain small discretionary and non-discretionary accounts, Galapagos may
impose a minimum fee threshold of $785 per quarter or negotiate a flat fee. Both
minimum fees and flat fees are payable quarterly in arrears.
Payment of Special Services Fees
The Firm does not charge “set up” or termination fees. If applicable, any such fees
would be charged by the client’s custodian. Clients that terminate their relationship
with the Firm will only be charged a prorated amount for any unbilled management
fees. Fees for consulting, financial planning, reporting, and special projects are
charged on a flat fee, per project, hourly or as negotiated with the client based on
a minimum hourly fee ranging from USD$500-$800. Galapagos Advisory’s fee will
be based upon various factors including but not limited to the services requested
by the client, the size of the portfolio, the type of holdings in the portfolio and any
pre-existing relationship with the client. Since these are customized services and
separate from the other services we provide to clients, the fees will vary by client
and by project.
Fees for consulting, financial planning, and other services fees will be invoiced to
the client upon completion of the project.
Portfolio Consolidation Fees
Pricing for the Galapagos portfolio consolidation service is a fixed dollar amount
per year based on the number of custodians, the number of investment positions
and the ease of access to the data (varying from electronic data interface to manual
input from printed statements). Pricing ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 per quarter,
a basis points base fee can be implemented. At our discretion, we may discount the
fee and/or offset all or a portion of the fee against fees paid for investment
management services.
Client Responsibility for Third Party Fees
Clients will generally incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and
other third parties such as fund managers. These include third-party manager fees,
custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire
transfer and electronic fund transfer fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage
account and securities transactions. Clients are responsible for the payment of all
third-party fees. Such fees are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses
charged by the Firm. See Item 12 for additional information.
In addition to the Firm’s advisory fee, each mutual fund or ETF in which a client's
assets may be invested, also charges its own management fees. Specific fees and
expenses are described in the respective fund’s prospectus. Depending on the
fund, a client may be able to invest directly in the shares issued by a mutual fund
with or without incurring any sales or advisory fees.
Mutual fund companies generally offer multiple share classes of the same fund.
Share classes are described in the mutual fund's prospectus. Each share class
charges different fees and expenses and depending on the share class selected,
fees and internal expenses charges may be higher or lower. Certain funds do not
charge a transaction fee but have higher internal expenses. Selecting funds that
charge higher fees and expenses may adversely impact an account’s long-term
performance. Galapagos Advisory’s policy is to recommend that clients invest in
the lowest cost share class available based on the client’s individual situation. The
Firm generally recommends Advisor or Institutional share classes that typically
have the lowest expense ratios and the Firm believes are more beneficial than
other share classes. Advisor or Institutional share classes are generally available
to investors in qualified fee-based advisor programs, or accounts that meet certain
minimum investment requirements.
When deemed appropriate, we may recommend that a client that transfers in
mutual fund holdings liquidate their existing holdings. This could result in tax
consequences, contingent deferred sales charges, or other redemption fees to the
client. Clients are encouraged to review the fees charged by the funds and our
advisory fees to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid. Please refer
to the mutual fund's prospectus for additional information regarding a particular
fund’s fees and expenses.
Prepayment of Fees
The Firm collects its fees in arrears. It does not collect fees in advance.
Outside Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Neither the Firm nor its supervised persons accept any compensation for the sale
of securities or other investment products, including asset-based sales charges or
service fees from the sale of mutual funds.
Termination
Clients may terminate their Client Agreement without penalty within five business
days of signing the contract. Thereafter, clients may terminate the Client
Agreement by providing 30 days' written notice prior to termination. Fees for
accounts terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged on a prorated basis.