DISCLOSURES
General Information
This website and blog are published by Zurich Awes Financial Management (“ZAFM” or the “Firm”). Information presented is collected from sources we believe to be reliable, factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Content should not be viewed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies presented.
Registration and Regulatory Status
ZAFM is registered as an investment advisor with the U.S. Virgin Islands (principal office), Minnesota, and Texas. The Firm serves clients in other jurisdictions under applicable de minimis exemptions where registration is not required. ZAFM only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the Firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
Additional information about Zurich Awes Financial Management, LLC, including our Form ADV and disciplinary history, is available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IARD) website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/121033.
Fee-Based Compensation and Conflicts of Interest
ZAFM operates on a fee-based compensation model, not fee-only. Our primary compensation is asset-based advisory fees for investment management and financial planning services. Our principal is also licensed as an independent insurance agent and may receive insurance commissions when clients choose to implement insurance recommendations through our firm. Insurance commissions represent a minimal portion of total firm revenue (roughly less than 5%) and are not a significant revenue source for the firm. This arrangement creates a potential conflict of interest, as we may have an incentive to recommend insurance products. However, clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products through ZAFM and may work with any insurance professional of their choosing. All conflicts of interest are fully disclosed in our Form ADV Part 2A.
Client Examples and Case Studies
Client stories and examples presented on this website (including “Meet Jim,” “Meet Annick,” “Meet Joyce & Ned,” “Meet Stanley,” “Meet Samuel,” “Meet Cynthia,” “Meet Mary Anne,” and “Meet Peter & Randy”) are based on actual client situations from the firm’s history. Identifying information has been modified to protect client confidentiality for anonymized examples, including names, ages, locations, occupations, family circumstances, asset amounts, and other personal details. In some cases, clients have authorized use of their actual identity and likeness. These examples are provided for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not represent specific past recommendations, guaranteed future results, or typical client experiences. Individual client outcomes vary significantly based on personal circumstances, risk tolerance, time horizon, market conditions, and other factors. Your situation is unique, and results will differ.
Performance Disclaimers
Content should not be viewed as representing the performance achieved by any client of ZAFM or as past specific recommendations of the Firm.
ETF discussions are used solely for the purpose of illustrating investment cycles and strategy and are not presented as past or specific recommendations of our Firm.
Content should not be viewed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies presented.
Third-Party Content
Certain content may be prepared by third parties under the direction of the adviser.
Investment Risk Disclosures
Past performance may not be indicative of future results. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. There are no assurances that a portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals, and economic conditions may materially alter the performance of your portfolio.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
ZAFM may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools, software, and related technologies to support certain aspects of its advisory services. We believe that these tools can enhance efficiency, improve data analysis, and assist in the delivery of services to clients. AI tools may be used for functions such as:
- Portfolio monitoring and data analytics
- Risk assessment and scenario modeling
- Automating administrative tasks (e.g., trade surveillance alerts, data reconciliation, client communications)
AI tools are not a substitute for human judgment. All investment recommendations, advice, and compliance determinations are reviewed and approved by qualified firm personnel prior to implementation. AI tools may rely on third-party data sources, which could contain errors or omissions. The Firm does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of AI-generated output which may generate results that are incomplete, inaccurate, or biased. The Firm regularly evaluates and monitors AI outputs for accuracy and reasonableness but cannot eliminate these risks entirely.
Client information used in connection with AI tools is handled in accordance with the Firm’s privacy policy and applicable data protection requirements. The Firm exercises due diligence when engaging AI service providers and seeks to ensure appropriate safeguards for sensitive client data.
The Firm’s fiduciary duty to our clients remains paramount. The use of AI tools is intended to supplement, not replace, the Firm’s professional judgment, investment expertise, and compliance oversight. All decisions regarding client accounts, investments, and recommendations are ultimately made by Firm personnel in what we believe are in the best interests of its clients.
As a further safeguard, the Firm periodically reviews its use of AI tools to evaluate effectiveness, manage risks, and ensure compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations.
Social Media
ZAFM maintains a presence on LinkedIn and Facebook. Content posted on these platforms may include third-party articles and educational materials that have been reviewed for compliance. Social media content is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Comments, testimonials, or endorsements from third parties on social media platforms are not solicited, reviewed, or adopted by ZAFM unless explicitly stated.
General Disclaimer
This website is solely for informational purposes. Nothing contained herein shall constitute investment advice, which will only be provided after a client service agreement is in place with ZAFM.
Effective date of this document is December 31, 2025