Item 5 - Fees and Compensation ..................................................................................................... 3
Item 7 -Performance Based Fees and Side by Side Management................................................... 8
Item 8 - Types of Clients ................................................................................................................... 9
Item 9 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ......................................... 10
Item 10 - Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................. 15
Item 11 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................ 15
Item 12 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading . 15
Item 14 - Review of Accounts or Financial Plans ........................................................................... 19
Item 15 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..................................................................... 19
Item 16 - Custody............................................................................................................................ 20
Item 17 - Investment Discretion ..................................................................................................... 21
Item 18 - Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................... 21
Item 19 - Financial Information ...................................................................................................... 22
Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
Description of the Advisory Firm:
Ariston Services Group, LLC, hereinafter (“the Adviser” or the “Firm”) was founded in 2008
and is an SEC registered investment adviser.
The Firm provides financial planning, consulting, and investment management services to
individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations,
corporations, and business entities. The Firm also provides advisory services to a private
investment fund organized as a California Limited Partnership, the Ivanhoe Partners Fund, LP
(the “Ivanhoe Fund”). The Ivanhoe Fund is closed to new investors. Peter E. Shenas, is the
managing member of the general partner of the Ivanhoe Fund (“General Partner”). The
General Partner has appointed the Adviser as an investment adviser to the Ivanhoe Fund.
Types of Services:
The Adviser provides investment advisory services, also known as asset management services
and furnishes investment advice through consultations. The Firm also provides financial
planning advice as further described below.
The Firm will only implement its investment management recommendations after the client
has arranged for and furnished the Firm with all information and authorization regarding
accounts with appropriate financial institutions. Financial institutions shall include, but are not
limited to, Charles Schwab, other broker-dealer recommended by the Firm, other broker-
dealers directed by the client, trust companies, banks etc. (collectively referred to herein as
the “Financial Institution(s)”).
Prior to engaging the Firm to provide financial planning and/or consulting services, the client
will generally be required to enter into a written agreement with the Firm setting forth the
terms and conditions of the engagement and describing the scope of the services to be
provided and the portion of the fee that is due from the client prior to the Firm commencing
services. Generally, the Firm requires one-half of the financial planning / consulting fee
(estimated hourly or fixed) payable upon entering into the written agreement. The balance is
generally due upon delivery of the financial plan or completion of the agreed upon services.
The Ivanhoe Fund serves as fund through which the
assets of its partners are utilized to
acquire, hold, operate, manage, finance, and dispose of investments through centralized
management to streamline the investment decision process. The Ivanhoe Fund is a limited
partnership, comprised of limited partner investors and a general partner of which Peter E.
Shenas is the Managing Member. The activities of the Ivanhoe Fund are governed by a limited
partnership agreement (“Governing Documents”) that specifies the investment guidelines and
investment restrictions applicable to the Ivanhoe Fund.
In performing its services, the Firm shall not be required to verify any information received
from the client or from the client’s other professionals (such as the client’s attorney or
accountant) and is expressly authorized to rely on such information. The Firm will recommend
the services of itself and/or other professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients
are advised that a conflict of interest exists if the Firm recommends its own services. The client
is under no obligation to act upon any of the recommendations made by the Firm under a
financial planning /consulting engagement and/or engage the services of any such
recommended professional, including the Firm itself. The client retains absolute discretion
over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any of the Firm’s
recommendations. Moreover, each client is advised that it remains their responsibility to
promptly notify the Firm if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment
objectives.
As of December 31, 2024, the Firm manages approximately $466,856,592.19 in assets for
approximately 69 clients. Approximately $330,663,719.46 is managed on a discretionary basis,
and $136,663,719.46 is managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Types of Agreements:
The following agreements define the typical client relationship:
Financial Planning Agreement. The financial plan could include, but is not limited to: a net
worth statement; a cash flow statement; a review of investment accounts, including reviewing
asset allocation and providing repositioning recommendations; strategic tax planning; a
review of retirement accounts and plans including recommendations; a review of insurance
policies and recommendations for changes, if necessary; one or more retirement scenarios;
estate planning review and recommendations; and education planning with funding
recommendations.
The financial planning could be the only service provided to the client and does not require
that the client use or purchase the investment advisory services offered by the Firm. The Firm
does not make any representation that these products and services are offered at the lowest
available cost and the client could be able to obtain the same products or services at a lower
cost from other providers.
Investment Management Agreement. As part of the investment management service, various
aspects of the client’s financial affairs are reviewed, realistic and measurable goals are set and
objectives to reach those goals are defined. As client goals and objectives change over time,
suggestions are made and implemented on an ongoing basis. The Firm periodically reviews a
client’s financial situation and portfolio through periodic contact with the client which typically
includes an annual meeting.
The scope of work and fee for advisory services is provided to the client in writing prior to the
start of the relationship (such agreement is referred to as the “Advisory Services Agreement”).
The Advisory Services Agreement sets forth the services to be provided, the fees for the service
and that the agreement can be terminated by either party in writing at any time.
Hourly Planning Engagements. The Firm provides hourly planning services for clients who
need advice on a limited scope of work.
Asset Management Services:
The Firm could invest in the following as part of its asset management services: equities
(stocks), warrants, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, municipal securities,
investment company securities (variable life insurance, variable annuities, and mutual funds
shares), U. S. government securities, and interests in partnerships, exchange traded funds.
The Firm could also invest in Alternative Investment Strategies, including: private equity
strategies in oil & gas exploration/production, growth equity, real estate & mezzanine, multi-
strategy hedge & closed-end master limited partnership funds, shipping, & high yielding debt
securities.
The Firm intends to primarily allocate its client’s investment management assets, on a
discretionary and/or a non-discretionary basis among Independent Managers (as defined
below), including mutual funds, and exchange traded funds in accordance with the investment
objectives of the client.
The Firm may also provide advice at the beginning of the relationship on any type of
investment held in a clients portfolio.
The Firm does not directly participate in wrap fee programs.