Leeward Financial Partners is a financial advisor firm located in Bellevue, Washington. The firm's small staff provides broad portfolio management services to its clients, in addition to financial planning and consulting. Leeward's client base consists mainly of individuals, although it also works with at least one charitable organization.
Leeward is a fee-only firm, only receiving compensation in the form of advisory fees paid by clients. This type of firm operates differently from a fee-based firm, which may receive commissions from third parties in addition to any client-paid fees.
Leeward Financial Partners Background
Leeward Financial Partners was established in 2017 by president and chief investment officer (CIO) Michael D. Emery and CEO James M. Ridgeway. Emery and Ridgeway, who have a combined 50-plus years of experience in the financial services industry, own the firm. Emery is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA).
Leeward Financial Partners Client Types and Minimum Account Size
Leeward Financial Partners' small client base is mostly composed of individuals and high-net-worth individuals. As mentioned earlier, it does work with one charitable organization and is open to advising limited liability companies, partnerships, trusts, corporations, among other entities.
In order to open an account at Leeward Financial Partners, you'll need at least $2 million in investable assets. The firm may decide to reduce or waive this requirement at its discretion.
Services Offered by Leeward Financial Partners
Through separately managed accounts (SMAs), Leeward Financial Partners works with clients to provide investment management services, along with a selection of financial planning and consulting offerings. All advisory services take into account the financial needs and objectives of clients. The firm typically carries out its services on a discretionary basis, though in some cases clients can impose restrictions on how their assets are handled.
Leeward Financial Partners Investment Philosophy
Leeward Financial Partners looks to tailor its investment advisory services to the needs of clients. This involves taking into account their financial objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, investment history and other important factors. Clients are encouraged to reach out whenever their situation changes so the firm can make appropriate alterations to their portfolio. In order to ensure their intended portfolio plan remains intact, the firm regularly monitors client portfolios.
When it comes to investing, Leeward typically crafts client portfolios using a combination of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and stocks. However, the firm's advisors may also utilize mutual funds, bonds or other securities if they fall in line with the client's stated investment goals. Advisors typically take a long-term approach to investing, with asset allocation and portfolio diversification principles being of the utmost importance.
Fees Under Leeward Financial Partners
Investment management fees at Leeward Financial Partners are charged based on a percentage of each client's total assets under management (AUM). Rates are negotiable and based on the fair market value of a client's AUM and the scope and complexity of the required services. However, asset-based fees will not exceed 1.25% annually.
Here's a look at the current fee schedule at Leeward Financial Partners:
| Amount of Assets | Management Fee |
| Up to $250,000 | 1.25% |
| $250,000 - $1MM | 1.00% |
| Next $2MM | 0.85% |
| Next $2MM | 0.75% |
| Above $5MM | 0.60% |
Here's how much you can expect to pay in advisory fees based on the size of your account:
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at Leeward Financial Partners* | |
| Your Assets | Leeward Financial Partners Fee Amounts |
| $500K | $5,625 |
| $1MM | $10,625 |
| $5MM | $42,625 |
| $10MM | $72,125 |
Financial planning and consulting services operate on a negotiable flat fee structure or as a combination of a flat fee and an asset-based fee. The firm negotiates the timing of fee payments on an individual basis.
What to Watch Out For
Leeward Financial Partners does not have disclosures listed on the Form ADV that it filed most recently with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Opening an Account With Leeward Financial Partners
To open an account with Leeward, call (206) 718-6644 or go online to its website and submit a contact form so an advisor can reach out to you directly.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
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