The BWC Wrap Fee Program (the “Program”) is an investment advisory program
sponsored by Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC d/b/a Beirne. (“Beirne”, “BWC” or
the “Firm”). John Anthony Beirne, Jr. and John-Oliver Beirne are the current executive
officers of the Firm.
As of December 31, 2023, BWC had $1,135,235,910 of Regulatory Assets Under
Management (RAUM), of which $453,367,499 was managed on a discretionary basis and
$681,868,411 was managed on a non-discretionary basis. RAUM is inclusive of the Wrap
Program assets of $59,500,787.
Non-discretionary assets include non-discretionary advice rendered to 401k participant-
directed plans when BWC works with the plan recordkeeper to assist with the
implementation of investment options.
This Brochure describes the Wrap Fee Program services of BWC as it relates to clients
receiving services through the Program. Certain sections also describe the activities of
the Firm’s Supervised Persons, which refer to any officers, partners, directors (or other
person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), employees, or other
persons who provide investment advice on BWC’s behalf and are subject to the Firm’s
supervision.
In addition to the Program, the Firm also offers financial planning, consulting and
investment management services under different arrangements than those described
herein. Information about these services is contained in BWC’s Disclosure Brochure,
which appears as Part 2A of the Firm’s Form ADV.
Description of the Program
The Program is offered as a wrap fee program, which provides clients with portfolio
management services of BWC with the ability to trade in certain investment products
without incurring separate brokerage commissions or transaction charges. A wrap fee
program is considered any arrangement under which clients receive investment advisory
services (which may include portfolio management or advice concerning the selection of
other investment advisers) and the execution of client transactions for a specified fee or
fees not based upon transactions in their accounts. BWC is the Sponsor of the Program.
Essentially this Program provides clients the option of traditional investment management
services of BWC vs a wrap fee program where brokerage/trading costs are included in
the management fee.
Prior to receiving services through the Program, clients are required to enter into a written
agreement with BWC setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the advisory
relationship (the “Agreement”). Clients must also open a new account and complete a
new account agreement with Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services (“Fidelity”) or another
broker-dealer BWC approves under the Program (collectively “Financial Institutions”).
At the onset of the Program, clients complete an investor profile describing their individual
investment objectives, liquidity and cash flow needs, time horizon and risk tolerance, as
well as, any other factors pertinent to their specific financial situations. After an analysis
of the relevant information, BWC assists its clients in developing an appropriate strategy
for managing their assets. Clients’ investment portfolios are generally managed on a
discretionary or non-discretionary basis by either BWC’s investment adviser
representatives or an independent investment manager (collectively “Independent
Managers”), as recommended or selected by BWC. BWC and/or the Independent
Managers generally allocate clients’ assets among the various investment products
available under the Program, as described further in Item 6 (below).
Certain of the foregoing services are also provided by BWC as a fiduciary under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). To the
extent a client’s plan is covered by ERISA, in accordance with ERISA Section 408(b)(2),
each plan sponsor is provided with a written description of BWC’s fiduciary status, the
specific services to be rendered and all direct and indirect compensation the Firm
reasonably expects under the engagement.
Depending upon the percentage wrap-fee charged by BWC, the amount of portfolio
activity in the client's account, and the value of custodial and other services provided,
the wrap fee may or may not exceed the aggregate cost of such services if they were to
be provided separately.
Conflict of Interest: Because BWC’s Program fee is inclusive of transaction fees or
commissions incurred at the account level and the custodian/broker-dealer shall retain a
portion of the Program fee debited from the Client’s account to offset these
custodial/broker-dealer fees, BWC has an economic incentive to maximize its
compensation by seeking to minimize the number of trades in the client's account.
However, as a fiduciary it remains BWC’s duty to always act in the client’s best interest.
There will be times, including extensive periods, where there will be no recommendations
to trade a client’s account, because of each individual client’s facts and circumstances,
including tax reasons, and other financial decisions. BWC’s management remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding
the corresponding conflict of interest a wrap fee arrangement may create.
Fees for Participation in the Program
Investment management services are offered through the Program on a fee basis,
meaning that clients pay a single annualized fee based upon assets under management.
The Firm also offers advisory services outside of the Program under different fee
arrangements than those discussed below, as described in BWC’s Part 2A brochure.
BWC’s asset based fees shall be negotiated and generally vary between (1.00% and
1.50%), depending upon the market value of the assets under management, as follows:
PORTFOLIO VALUE TOTAL CLIENT FEE
First $1,000,000 1.50%
Next $2,000,000 1.30%
Next $2,000,000 1.25%
Next $5,000,000 1.10%
Above $10,000,000 1.00%
Advisor
Fee
Custody
Fee
Platform
Fee
Independent
Manager Fee
.15%-1.15% .05%-.11% .08%-.10% .22%-.50%
The management fee is prorated and billed quarterly in advance, as derived from the
market value of the assets being managed by BWC under the Program on the last day of
the previous quarter.
If assets are deposited into or withdrawn from an account after the inception of a billing
period, the fee payable with respect to such assets is not adjusted or prorated to account
for the change in portfolio value. For the initial term of the Program, the fee is calculated
on a pro rata basis. In the event the Agreement is terminated, the fee for the final quarter
is prorated through the effective date of the termination and the remaining balance is
refunded to the client, as appropriate.
Fee Comparison
A portion of the advisory fees paid to BWC are used to cover the custodian and
transactional costs attributed to the management of its clients’ portfolios, as well as the
fees charged by the Independent Managers engaged to provide services under the
Program.
Services provided through the Program may cost clients more or less than purchasing
these services separately. The number of transactions made in clients’ accounts, as well
as the fees charged for each transaction, determines the relative cost of the Program
versus paying for execution on a per transaction basis and paying a separate fee for
advisory services. Fees paid for the Program may also be higher or lower than fees
charged by other sponsors of comparable investment advisory programs.
Fee Discretion
BWC, in its sole discretion, may negotiate to charge a lesser fee based upon certain
criteria, such as the type of client, market value of the assets under management, type of
services provided including the amount of resources to be utilized, anticipated future
earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, related accounts, account
composition, pre-existing client relationship, account retention and pro bono activities.
Typically, BWC will negotiate specific fees with institutional clients.
Fee Debit
The Firm’s Agreement and the separate agreement with any Financial Institutions
generally authorize BWC and/or the Independent Managers to debit its clients’ accounts
for the amount of the Program fee and to directly remit that fee to BWC or the Independent
Managers. Any Financial Institutions recommended by BWC have agreed to send
statements to clients not less than quarterly indicating all amounts disbursed from the
account, including the amount of Program fees paid directly to BWC.
Account Additions and Withdrawals
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to
BWC’s right to terminate an account. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that
the Firm reserves the right to liquidate any transferred securities or decline
to accept
particular securities into a client’s account. Clients may withdraw account assets, subject
to the usual and customary securities settlement procedures. However, BWC designs its
portfolios as long-term investments, and the withdrawal of assets may impair the
achievement of a client’s investment objectives. BWC may consult with its clients about
the options and implications of transferring securities. Clients are advised that when
transferred securities are liquidated, they may be subject to transaction fees, fees
assessed at the mutual fund level (e.g., contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax
ramifications.
Other Charges
Clients do not incur charges imposed by third parties in addition to the Program fee, as
the Program fee is inclusive of all fees. These additional charges may include fees
charged by the Independent Managers, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or
exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) in the account, as 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, as well as mark-ups, mark-
downs or spreads paid to market makers.
Compensation for Recommending the Program
BWC 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,
BWC is required to disclose any direct or indirect compensation that it provides for client
referrals.
BWC has a sub-advisory agreement with LLBH (. LLBH and BWC will split the net revenue
(by mutually agreed upon percentage allocation) of client fees charged to LLBH’s clients
for investment advisory services, where BWC is appointed by LLBH as a sub- adviser.
Solicitation arrangements inherently give rise to potential conflicts of interest because the
promoter is receiving an economic benefit for the recommendation of advisory services.
BWC addresses these conflicts through this disclosure. If a client is introduced to BWC
by a promoter, BWC has agreed to pay that promoter a referral fee in accordance with
the requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 of the Advisers Act and any corresponding state
securities law requirements. Any referral fees incurred for successful solicitations are paid
solely from BWC’s investment management fee, and do not result in any additional charge
to the client. If the client is introduced to BWC by a promoter, the promoter provides the
client with a copy of BWC’s written disclosure brochure which meets the requirements of
Rule 204-3 of the Advisers Act and a copy of the promoter’s disclosure statement
containing the terms and conditions of the solicitation arrangement including
compensation.”
There are no referral fees received by BWC for recommending services of other
professionals, such as estate or tax professionals.
Health Savings Account Management
BWC offers investment advisor services for client Health Savings Accounts (“HSAs”) to
assist clients in investing HSA assets among mutual fund investment options, which will
be reviewed every six months. BWC utilizes the Health Savings Administrators platform
to provide an investment only HSA vehicle, and Health Savings Administrators comes
with a collection of educational tools. BWC will be paid as a percentage of assets under
management and/or advisory services, a negotiated flat advisory fee, or as a
combination of a flat fee plus an asset-based fee directly from the account.
BWC will monitor the client’s account and make investment recommendations based on
the client’s responses to a web-based interactive questionnaire that establishes a risk
profile based on client goals, objectives, time horizon and circumstances.
To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA, you must meet the following
requirements:
• You must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), on the first day
of the month;
• You have no other health coverage, except what is permitted under other health
coverage;
• You are not enrolled in Medicare; and
• You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
To cover administrative services, Health Savings Administrators will deduct the following
fees from participant accounts:
• $45 annual administrative fee
• Quarterly custodial fees based on the choice of investment program
NON-PURPOSE LOANS and OPTION OVERLAY
Where clients deem beneficial and appropriate based on their risk tolerance and
investment objectives, a non-purpose Loan or option overlay will be utilized as part of
their investment strategy.
A non-purpose loan is a type of loan that uses an investment portfolio as loan collateral
and the proceeds of which cannot be used to purchase, carry or trade securities. This
type of loan allows investors access to funds without having to sell their investments for
personal reasons, such as loans for education, real estate, taxes or other expenses.
Such loans, using a client portfolio as collateral or use of options for leverage, has
inherent high risk, are not advisable for the majority of clients, and will depend entirely
on other client assets, client risk profile and appropriateness.
ERISA SERVICES:
BWC will provide non-discretionary and discretionary, fiduciary and non-fiduciary
advisory services to the sponsors of the defined contribution, defined benefits plan and
non-qualified deferred compensation, whom have ultimate authority to direct the
investing and reinvesting of plan assets as they deem appropriate, considering each
plan’s stated objective, liquidity needs, and stated policies and guidelines. Non-
discretionary investment services provided to an ERISA plan means the ERISA plan
client retains and exercises the final decision-making authority for implementing or
rejecting BWC’s recommendations. Discretionary investment management services
provided on a discretionary basis as an ERISA 3(38) investment manager means BWC
makes the investment decisions in its sole discretion without the ERISA plan client’s prior
approval.
Certain of the foregoing services are provided by BWC as a fiduciary under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). To the extent a client’s
plan is covered by ERISA, in accordance with ERISA Section 408(b)(2), each plan
sponsor is provided with a written description of BWC’s fiduciary status, the specific
services to be rendered and all direct and indirect compensation BWC reasonably
expects under the engagement.
When BWC provides investment advice for a fee to an ERISA plan or ERISA plan
participant, it is a fiduciary under ERISA. In addition, BWC is a fiduciary under the
Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”) when it provides investment advice to an ERISA plan,
ERISA plan participant, an IRA or an IRA owner (collectively, a “Retirement Account
Client”). The DOL significantly expanded the definition of fiduciary under ERISA and the
IRC. Under this expanded definition, when an adviser recommends that a plan
participant take a distribution from an ERISA plan and roll it over to an IRA advised by
the adviser or recommends that an IRA owner transfer his/her IRA to an IRA advised by
the adviser, the adviser is engaged in a fiduciary act that presents a conflict of interest.
As such, BWC is subject to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the IRC that
include, among other things, prohibited transaction rules which are intended to prohibit
fiduciaries from acting on conflicts of interest. When a fiduciary gives advice in which it
has a conflict of interest, the fiduciary must either avoid or eliminate the conflict or rely
upon a prohibited transaction exemption (a “PTE”).
A conflict of interest arises and the prohibited transaction rules are implicated when 1)
BWC recommends that an ERISA plan participant take a distribution from an ERISA Plan
and roll it over to an IRA that BWC advises or 2) if BWC recommends that an IRA owner
transfer his IRA to an IRA that BWC advises because BWC will receive compensation
that it would not have received absent the recommendation – i.e., the IRA advisory fee.
When BWC engages in this transaction, it relies on the PTE known as the Best Interest
Contract Exemption or BICE, which requires compliance with the “impartial conduct
standards.”
The impartial conduct standards are designed to mitigate conflicts of interest by requiring
that investment advice be in the “best interest” of the Retirement Account Client, that
advisers not make any materially misleading statements and not charge a fee that
exceeds a reasonable amount. The best interest standard requires that advisers act with
the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a
prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use, based
on the investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial circumstances and needs of the
Retirement Account Client. This mirrors the prudent man standard of conduct and duty
of loyalty found in ERISA.”