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OVERVIEW
Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission with its principal place of business in Rome, Georgia. DLS began
conducting business in 2007. DLS is owned by the following individuals: Jerry Eskel
Dempsey, Jr. (CEO); John Hayward Lord (CCO); Ernest Liddell Smith (Vice President, Sales
& Marketing); and Duvan Ledbetter Brock (Vice President, Recruiting and Sales). Jerry Eskel
Dempsey owns 28% of the firm while the remaining individuals each have a 24% ownership
interest in DLS. As of March 31, 2024, DLS managed $585,613,076 of Client’s assets, all of
which are managed on a discretionary basis.
The following paragraphs provides details of the different programs and services offered to
Clients.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
DLS provides portfolio management services on a discretionary basis and non-discretionary
basis. DLS will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as financial condition,
investment objectives, tax status, and general risk characteristics. As appropriate, we also
review and discuss a Client’s investment history, family composition, and background. The
information may be collected by DLS through questionnaires, account forms completed by
the Client, or through communication with the Client.
DLS will utilize information obtained from the Client to tailor the Client’s portfolio to the needs
of the Client. The Client may impose reasonable restrictions or guidelines on the
management of the Client's assets, including limitations on the purchase or sale of securities,
types of securities, or industry sectors. Assets managed by DLS may be invested in a wide
variety of securities, including but not limited to mutual funds, equities, bonds, exchange
traded funds, and other security types.
Managing assets on a discretionary basis allows DLS to purchase, sell, invest, reinvest,
exchange, and trade the assets in the account(s) of the Client, subject to any restrictions
imposed by the Client. This means DLS will have the authority to determine what securities
and investments are to be bought or sold, the amount of transactions, and the timing of
transactions without first seeking approval of the transaction by the Client. For non-
discretionary portfolio management, all portfolio decisions require prior approval by the Client.
DLS requires all accounts of Clients receiving this service to be maintained through our
firm, a broker-dealer registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”),
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), and applicable states, and other
qualified custodians. Accounts maintained through DLS are introduced to and custodied
by National Financial Services (“NFS”), who holds Client assets as well as executes and
settles transactions.
Clients will receive account statements from the custodian no less than quarterly concerning
all transactions, balances and portfolio holdings within their account.
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MODEL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
DLS provides portfolio management services on a discretionary basis and non-discretionary
basis using one or more asset allocation model portfolios professionally managed by DLS.
DLS offers a Growth and Income Portfolio, an Income Portfolio, and an ETF/Mutual Fund
Portfolio.
Growth & Income Portfolio
The Growth & Income Portfolio seeks to grow the principal value of the investment portfolio
and generate income with a moderate risk profile. The portfolio may use different types of
securities, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate investment
trusts, exchange-traded funds, etc.
Income Portfolio
The Income Portfolio seeks to generate income with a moderate risk profile. The portfolio
may use different types of securities, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, mutual
funds, real estate investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, etc.
ETF/Mutual Fund Portfolio
The ETF/Mutual Fund Model seeks to grow the principal value of the investment portfolio,
and generate income with a moderate risk profile. The portfolio will use mutual funds, and
exchange traded funds to diversify the portfolio's investments.
DLS will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as financial condition,
investment objectives, and tax status. The information may be collected by DLS through
questionnaires, account forms completed by the Client, or through communication with the
Client. Based on this information, DLS determines if a model portfolio is appropriate for the
Client. The portfolio is managed based on the portfolio's goal, rather than on each Client's
individual needs. Clients, nevertheless, have the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions
on the types of investments to be held in their account.
Managing assets on a discretionary basis allows DLS to purchase, sell, invest, reinvest,
exchange, and trade the assets in the account(s) of the Client, subject to any restrictions
imposed by the Client. This means DLS will have the authority to determine what securities
and investments are to be bought or sold, the amount of transactions, and the timing of
transactions without first seeking approval of the transaction by the Client. For non-
discretionary portfolio management, all portfolio decisions require prior approval by the Client.
DLS requires all accounts of Clients receiving this service to be maintained through our
firm. Accounts maintained through DLS are introduced to and custodied by National
Financial Services (“NFS”), who holds Client assets as well as executes and settles
transactions.
Clients will receive account statements from the custodian no less than quarterly concerning
all transactions, balances and portfolio holdings within their account.
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WEALTH MANAGEMENT PLATFORM – FIDELITY MANAGED ACCOUNT SOLUTIONS
PROGRAM
Overview
DLS offers Clients the opportunity to receive professional portfolio management through third
party asset managers as part of a wrap fee program. DLS is a participant in the Fidelity
Managed Accounts Solution Program (“FMAX Program”) offered by National Financial
Services, LLC. (“NFS”). NFS is a registered investment adviser that operates a technology
platform to assist DLS in providing a variety of managed account offerings, recommending
asset allocations or specific third party asset managers and/or investment products to our
Clients. NFS is not affiliated with DLS. A complete description of the FMAX Program and the
services provided by NFS are outlined in NFS’s ADV Part 2 Brochure which you should read
carefully.
DLS will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as financial condition,
investment objectives, tax status, and general risk characteristics. As appropriate, we also
review and discuss a Client’s investment history, family composition, and background. The
information may be collected by DLS through questionnaires, account forms completed by
the Client, or through communication with the Client. Upon obtaining sufficient information,
DLS will provide the Client with an asset allocation strategy.
DLS will then proceed with performing management searches of various third party asset
managers. Based on the Client's individual circumstances and needs, DLS determines which
third party asset manager’s portfolio management style is appropriate for that Client. Factors
considered in making this determination include account size, risk tolerance, the opinion of
each Client and the investment philosophy of the selected asset manager. Once a third party
asset manager is selected, the third party asset manager will create and manage the Client's
portfolio based on information supplied to the manager by DLS to tailor the portfolio to the
Client. The Client may or may not be able to impose restrictions or guidelines on the
management of the Client's assets, including limitations on the purchase or sale of securities,
types of securities, or industry sectors. The type of securities that may be utilized by the third
party asset manager may vary from manager to manager based on investment style,
limitations on types of securities the manager utilizes, and overall philosophy of a third party
asset manager.
DLS monitors the performance of the third party asset manager(s). If we determine that a
third party asset manager is not providing sufficient management services to the Client, or is
not managing the Client's portfolio in a manner consistent with the Client’s information, then
we may recommend the Client replace managers. Client meetings are available on a regular
basis, or as determined by the Client, to review the account. At least annually, we meet with
the Client to review and update, as necessary, the Client's information. However, should there
be any material change in the Client's personal and/or financial situation, we should be
notified immediately to determine whether any review and/or revision of the Client's strategy
is warranted.
Assets of the Client will be managed on a discretionary basis by the third party asset manager.
Managing assets on a discretionary basis allows the manager to purchase, sell, invest,
reinvest, exchange, and trade the assets in the account(s) of the Client, subject to any
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restrictions imposed by the Client. This means the manager will have the authority to
determine what securities and investments are to be bought or sold, the amount of
transactions, and the timing of transactions without first seeking approval of the transaction
by the Client. See the ADV Part 2 of NFS for complete details.
Assets will be custodied at National Financial Services, LLC, or other qualified custodian. At
a minimum, Clients will receive account statements from the custodian no less than quarterly
concerning all transactions, balances and portfolio holdings within their account.
The following paragraphs provide details on each option available under the Managed
Account Solutions Program.
Separately Managed Account
DLS offers a Separately Managed Account Program through our relationship with NFS. This
provides our Clients with access to more than 200 investment strategies available from over
75 portfolio managers selected by NFS through their due diligence and portfolio manager
evaluation processes. The Separately Managed Account Program is designed to provide our
Clients the ability to tailor an investment portfolio to their specific financial needs such as
diversification or tax-conscious investing, along with affording Clients further customization
of their portfolio by placing reasonable investment restrictions on the types of assets allowed
within the account. Portfolio managers are recommended based on the Client’s investment
objectives and other information provided. Manager changes would be recommended if
DLS’s or NFS’s due diligence reviews indicate the portfolio manager is no longer suitable for
a particular investment strategy or if a Client’s investment objectives change. The minimum
account value for the Separately Managed Account Program is $100,000.
Multi-Manager Account
DLS offers a managed account option available through NFS where one or more
Subadvisers are selected to manage the Client’s assets on a discretionary basis. This
investment strategy delivers the benefits of a traditional separately managed account in a
single diversified portfolio. NFS exercises investment discretion over the account and each
account is initially structured based upon the Client’s risk tolerance and objectives.
The
minimum account value for the Multi-Manager Account Program is $50,000.
Wrap Strategists Mutual Fund & ETF Wrap Portfolio (“Wrap Strategists”)
Wrap Strategists consists of independent professional third party money managers (i.e.
“strategists”) who provide models of mutual funds and/or ETFs. The strategies include, but
are not limited to the following: ICON Advisers, Inc. (mutual funds), Russell Investments
(mutual funds), Fund Evaluation Group (managed portfolios), Standard & Poor’s Investment
Advisory Services (MAP mutual fund portfolios), Standard & Poor’s Investment Advisory
Services (MAP ETF Portfolios), Symmetry Partners (mutual fund portfolios), PMC ETF
Solution, and PMC Tactical ETF (Core and Total Return portfolios). This program offers the
Client professional money management, performance reporting, and associated service
and support. The minimum investment in this program is typically $5,000 or more depending
on strategist selected.
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Advisor Directed Unified Managed Account
Through our relationship with NFS, DLS offers the Advisor-Directed Unified Managed
Account (“UMA”) Program, which allows Clients access to multiple investment strategies
through the use of Separate Account Managers (“SAMS”), mutual funds and/or ETFs to
facilitate diversification within an individually managed account. The Advisor-Directed UMA
features NFS as overlay portfolio manager, whose role includes managing the asset
allocation of the account on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis and coordinating
trading across investments. Each Advisor-Directed UMA is initially structured based upon the
Client’s stated goals and objectives. The minimum account value for the Advisor Directed
UMA Program is $50,000.
PMC “SIGMA” and Select Mutual Fund Solution Program (“PMC”)
PMC is a mutual fund wrap program consisting of portfolios sub-managed by Envestnet Asset
Management, Inc. (Envestnet). This program offers the Client professionally managed
portfolios of mutual funds to meet the financial goals and objectives of the Client. Envestnet
will use both proprietary PMC mutual funds, and when deemed appropriate, non-proprietary
mutual funds to construct the mutual fund portfolios. The minimum investment in this program
is $25,000.
Strategic Adviser Portfolios Program (“SAP”)
SAP is a mutual fund wrap program consisting of portfolios sub-managed by Strategic
Advisers, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fidelity Investments. This program offers the
Client professionally managed portfolios of mutual funds to meet the financial goals and
objectives of the Client. The minimum investment in this program is $50,000.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT PLATFORM – DLS WRAP FEE PROGRAM
Overview
DLS offers Clients the opportunity to receive professional portfolio management through DLS
as part of a wrap fee program.
DLS will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as financial condition,
investment objectives, tax status, and general risk characteristics. As appropriate, we also
review and discuss a Client’s investment history, family composition, and background. The
information may be collected by DLS through questionnaires, account forms completed by
the Client, or through communication with the Client. Upon obtaining sufficient information,
DLS will provide the Client with an asset allocation strategy.
DLS will seek to tailor the Client’s portfolio to their individual needs. The Client may impose
reasonable restrictions or guidelines on the management of the Client's assets, including
limitations on the purchase or sale of securities, types of securities, or industry sectors.
Assets managed by DLS may be invested in a wide variety of securities, including but not
limited to mutual funds, equities, bonds, exchange traded funds, and other security types.
The minimum investment in this program is $10,000.
Assets of the Client may be managed on a discretionary basis or non-discretionary basis by
the third party asset manager. Managing assets on a discretionary basis allows the manager
to purchase, sell, invest, reinvest, exchange, and trade the assets in the account(s) of the
Client, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Client. This means the manager will have
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the authority to determine what securities and investments are to be bought or sold, the
amount of transactions, and the timing of transactions without first seeking approval of the
transaction by the Client. For non-discretionary portfolio management, all portfolio decisions
require prior approval by the Client.
In choosing a wrap fee program as opposed to another program managed by DLS, the sole
difference is that all custodial, brokerage, and other non-product fees are included in the
wrap fee as opposed to other programs. Portfolios are not managed any different. DLS
receives a portion of the wrap program fee.
Accounts of Clients receiving this service will be maintained through our firm, a broker-dealer
registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), and applicable states. Accounts maintained through DLS
are introduced to and custodied by National Financial Services (“NFS”), who holds Client
assets as well as executes and settles transactions.
Clients will receive account statements from the custodian no less than quarterly concerning
all transactions, balances and portfolio holdings within their account.
ADVISOR REFERRAL PROGRAM
The Advisory Referral Program is another program through which Clients can obtain
professional portfolio management services through a third party asset manager. In this
program, DLS has entered into separate agreements with third party asset managers for
Clients to be able to utilize the services of third party asset manager.
DLS will obtain pertinent information concerning the Client such as financial condition,
investment objectives, tax status, and general risk characteristics. As appropriate, we also
review and discuss a Client’s investment history, family composition, and background. The
information may be collected by DLS through questionnaires, account forms completed by
the Client, or through communication with the Client.
Based on the Client's information, DLS determines which selected third party asset
manager’s portfolio management style is appropriate for that Client. Factors considered in
making this determination include account size, risk tolerance, the opinion of each Client and
the investment philosophy of the selected third party asset manager.
The third party asset manager may or may not tailor a portfolio to the needs of the Client. The
Client may or may not be able to impose restrictions or guidelines on the management of
the Client's assets, including limitations on the purchase or sale of securities, types of
securities, or industry sectors. The type of securities that may be utilized by the third party
asset manager may vary based on investment style, limitations on types of securities the
manager utilizes, and overall philosophy of a third party asset manager.
Assets of the Client may be managed on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis by the
third party asset manager depending on their policies.
Managing assets on a discretionary basis allows the manager to purchase, sell, invest,
reinvest, exchange, and trade the assets in the account(s) of the Client, subject to any
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restrictions imposed by the Client. This means the manager will have the authority to
determine what securities and investments are to be bought or sold, the amount of
transactions, and the timing of transactions without first seeking approval of the transaction
by the Client. For nondiscretionary portfolio management, all portfolio decisions require prior
approval by the Client. Clients should refer to the asset manager's Firm Brochure or other
disclosure document for a full description of the services offered by the third party asset
manager.
Assets may be custodied at National Financial Services, LLC or through another broker-
dealer custodian selected by the third party asset manager.
On an ongoing basis, DLS monitors the performance of the third party asset manager(s).
DLS will meet with the Client on a regular basis, or as determined by the Client, to review
the account. We will, when needed, suggest changes in the Client's portfolio (''rebalancing''),
to more effectively address each Client's goals. The Client may then instruct the third party
asset manager to make any or all of the changes we recommended. These
recommendations are our own, and are neither recommended nor approved by any third
party asset manager.
At a minimum, Clients will receive account statements from the custodian maintaining the
Client’s assets no less than quarterly concerning all transactions, balances and portfolio
holdings within their account.
Complete details concerning a third party asset manager’s services can be found in their ADV
Part 2 Brochure.
FINANCIAL PLANNING & CONSULTING SERVICES
DLS provides financial planning and consulting services. Financial planning services may
include, but are not limited to, investment selection/asset allocation, portfolio reviews,
periodic Client consultations, retirement planning, estate planning, education planning, cash
flow/budget/income analysis, business retirement planning, employee benefits analysis,
business succession planning, and/or insurance planning and analysis. The Client may
select any or all of these services from DLS.
DLS will rely on objectives and financial profile information provided by the Client to make
recommendations on various types of investments, or insurance products to help Client
achieve his/her financial objectives, as applicable. Further, DLS will utilize such information
to provide guidance on steps and actions the Client can take to achieve other objectives. All
financial planning services are tailored to the needs of the Client.
Financial planning services provided are based on the professional judgement of DLS, and
Client understands that DLS cannot guarantee that the Client's financial objectives can be
met. Through the financial planning process, all questions, information and analysis are
considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the
Client.
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Should the Client choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, we
suggest the Client work closely with his/her attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or
financial advisor. Implementation of financial plan recommendations is entirely at the Client's
discretion. The Client is under no obligation to use DLS for implementing recommendations.
Upon mutual agreement, a written report may be provided to the Client concerning
recommendations by DLS. The financial planning recommendations and any written financial
plan issued by DLS will be presented to the Client within six months of the contract date,
provided that all information needed to prepare the financial plan or make recommendations
has been promptly provided by the Client.
PENSION CONSULTING SERVICES
DLS provides pension consulting services. Pension consulting services may include, but are
not limited to, investment selection/asset allocation, portfolio reviews, periodic Client
consultations, investment policy statement preparation, monitoring of investment
performance, employee communications, and benefits analysis. The Client may select any
or all of these services from DLS.