A: Privateer is a private Investment Counsel service where we manage investment portfolios on a discretionary basis. First, we analyze your goals, objectives and risk tolerance. Then we design a portfolio of highly diversified ETF investments to meet your specific needs. We implement the portfolio and monitor it constantly to ensure it remains optimal, and in-line with your investment objectives.

A: Portfolio Manager Larry Berman CFA, CMT, CTA oversees the investment strategy for the Privateer Investment Counsel program.

A: First we execute a management agreement and then we assist you with setting up an account at National Bank, who acts as the custodian for your assets. The account will remain in your name, and will be CDIC and CIPF Insured. ETFCM does not take possession of your securities or handle any cash. We simply have authority to purchase and sell securities, and deduct management fees from the account. There is no lock-up or minimum holding period, and you can cancel our agreement, and withdraw your funds at any time (subject to the Privateer Management Agreement).

A: You will have online access to your National Bank account to monitor your portfolio, and National Bank will send you individual trade confirmations, monthly account statements, and tax reporting. ETFCM will review your account with you periodically and send you performance reports. Privateer investors will also receive ETF Capital Research reports at no charge (a $1,600/year value) to provide transparency about our strategic thinking and market outlook.

A: Privateer is suitable for most investors, however it is not for everyone. ETFCM will consult with you to help determine if our investment counsel is right for you. There is NO accredited investor requirement for Privateer and RRSP/Registered accounts CAN be accepted. The minimum account size is $200,000 per household. The minimum size for each account within a household is $50,000 or such lesser amount as may be agreed to by ETFCM. Since Privateer is not a program of holistic financial planning, ETFCM generally requires that clients have investable assets of $500,000 or greater, or a long-term time horizon. ETFCM in its sole discretion may not accept client accounts that do not meet these criteria.

A: Our fee is calculated as a percentage of the total market value of the assets under our management. We also participate in a percentage of returns above our annual hurdle rate. Management fees are billed to accounts monthly, and performance fees are billed annually. Our fee schedule follows a declining percentage scale - the more assets you have invested with us, the lower your fee percentage can be. For taxable accounts, our fees are fully tax-deductible. Clients receive tax reporting each year. Contact us to learn more.