ARIS was formed in 2014 and as of May 1, 2020, is wholly owned by Evoke Holdings, LLC, which is
primarily owned by Mr. David Hou through his trusts. As of December 31, 2023, the Firm has
$12,874,369,648 of assets under management, all of which are managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Prior to ARIS rendering any advisory services, clients are required to enter into one or more written
agreements with ARIS setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the advisory relationship (the
“Advisory Agreement”).
While this brochure generally describes the business of ARIS, certain sections also discuss the activities
of its Supervised Persons, which refer to the Firm’s officers, partners, directors (or other persons occupying
a similar status or performing similar functions), employees or any other person who provides investment
advice on ARIS’ behalf and is subject to the Firm’s supervision or control.
Investment Management Services
ARIS manages client investment portfolios on a non-discretionary basis. ARIS primarily recommends
clients allocate assets among various independent investment managers (“Independent Managers”),
investment funds (including privately placed securities), mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”),
individual debt securities, and options in accordance with their stated investment objectives.
Where appropriate, the Firm may also provide advice about any type of legacy position or other investment
held in client portfolios. Clients may engage ARIS to manage and/or advise on certain investment
products that are not maintained at their primary custodian, such as variable life insurance and annuity
contracts and assets held in employer sponsored retirement plans and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 529
plans). In these situations, ARIS recommends the allocation of client assets among the various
investment options available with the product. These assets are generally maintained at the underwriting
insurance company or the custodian designated by the product’s provider.
ARIS tailors its advisory services to meet the needs of its individual clients and seeks to manage
client portfolios in a manner consistent with those needs and objectives. ARIS consults with clients on
an initial and periodic basis to assess their specific risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity constraints
and other related factors relevant to the management of their portfolios. Clients are advised to promptly
notify ARIS if there are changes in their financial situation or if they wish to place any limitations on the
management of their portfolios. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions or mandates on the management
of their accounts if ARIS determines, in its sole discretion, the conditions would not materially impact
the performance of a management strategy or prove overly burdensome
to the Firm’s management efforts.
Use of Independent Managers
As mentioned above, ARIS may recommend to clients certain Independent Managers to actively manage
a portion of its clients’ assets. The specific terms and conditions under which a client engages an
Independent Manager may be set forth in a separate written agreement with the designated Independent
Manager. In addition to this brochure, clients may also receive the written disclosure documents of
the respective Independent Managers engaged to manage their assets.
ARIS evaluates a variety of information about Independent Managers, which may include the
Independent Managers’ public disclosure documents, materials supplied by the Independent Managers
themselves and other third-party analyses it believes are reputable. To the extent possible, the Firm seeks
to assess the Independent Managers’ investment strategies, past performance, and risk results in relation to
its clients’ individual portfolio allocations and risk exposure. ARIS also takes into consideration each
Independent Manager’s management style, returns, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and
research capabilities, among other factors.
ARIS continues to provide services relative to the non-discretionary selection of the Independent
Managers. On an ongoing basis, the Firm monitors the performance of those accounts being managed by
Independent Managers. ARIS seeks to ensure the Independent Managers’ strategies and target allocations
remain aligned with its clients’ investment objectives and overall best interests.
Retirement Plan and Investment Consulting Services
ARIS also offers clients a broad range of retirement plan and investment consulting services, which may
include advice regarding asset allocation, manager selection and investment risk management, among
other areas.
ARIS may recommend clients engage the Firm for additional related services and/or other professionals
to implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest exists if clients engage
ARIS or its affiliates to provide additional services for compensation. Clients retain absolute discretion
over all decisions regarding implementation and are under no obligation to act upon any of the
recommendations made by ARIS under a retirement plan or investment consulting engagement. In
performing these services, ARIS is not required to verify any information received from the client or from
the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.,) and is expressly authorized to rely on
such information. Clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify the Firm of
any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or
revising ARIS’ recommendations and/or services.