Ailares is an investment advisory firm focused on performance-driven investment management for qualified investors. Our approach combines fundamental research, quantitative analysis, macroeconomic analysis, and market sentiment to manage client portfolios with a focus on risk-adjusted returns. Ailares is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in New Jersey. It is regulated by FINRA and New Jersey Board of Securities.
Many traditional advisors charge a management fee based on assets under management, regardless of investment results. Ailares is designed to better align our compensation with client outcomes by charging no management fee and using a performance-fee structure, where permitted by applicable law.
We also emphasize transparency. Client assets remain in the client's own brokerage account with Interactive Brokers, and clients can monitor their positions, account activity, and performance directly.
No. Ailares does not charge a traditional management fee based on assets under management. Our compensation is based on a performance fee, where permitted by applicable law and client eligibility requirements.
A performance fee is a fee based on investment gains rather than the size of the account. This structure is intended to align the advisor's compensation with the client's investment results.
Performance fees are subject to regulatory requirements and are generally available only to eligible clients, such as "qualified clients" under applicable investment advisory rules.
A high-water mark means that performance fees are charged only on new net profits above the client account's previous highest value, subject to the specific terms of the advisory agreement.
For example, if an account declines after reaching a prior high, Ailares would first need to recover the losses and exceed the prior high before earning a new performance fee.
We believe a performance-fee model can create better alignment between the advisor and the client. Under this model, Ailares is compensated only when the client account generates qualifying investment gains, subject to the terms of the advisory agreement.
No. Performance-fee arrangements are subject to legal and regulatory requirements. In general, clients must meet certain eligibility standards, such as being a "qualified client" under applicable investment advisory regulations.
Ailares will review each prospective client's eligibility before entering into a performance-fee advisory relationship.
A qualified client is a client who meets certain regulatory thresholds that allow an investment advisor to charge performance-based compensation. These thresholds may include a minimum amount of assets under management with the advisor or a minimum net worth requirement, as defined by applicable law.
Under the current SEC Advisers Act Rule 205-3, Qualified Investors have either:
Eligibility standards may change over time, and Ailares will evaluate eligibility based on the rules in effect at the time of engagement.
The minimum investment to begin working with Ailares is expected to be $250,000, subject to client eligibility, account type, strategy suitability, and acceptance by Ailares.
Client assets are held in the client's own brokerage account with Interactive Brokers. Ailares does not take custody of client assets. Clients maintain direct access to their account and can monitor their positions, account value, transactions, and performance through the brokerage platform: both website and digital app.
No. Ailares does not take custody of client assets. Client assets remain in the client's own brokerage account with Interactive Brokers.
Ailares may receive limited trading authorization to manage the account according to the client's advisory agreement, but clients retain ownership and visibility of their assets.
A Separately Managed Account (SMA) means the client has their own individual brokerage account, and the investment adviser manages that account for that specific client.
The client opens and owns an account at a custodian, Interactive Brokers. Ailares receives trading authority to manage investments in that account, but the assets remain in the client's name, and custody stays with the broker. Ailares does not pool client assets into a fund and does not take custody of the assets.
| Structure | Who owns the account/assets? | Are assets pooled? | Client sees holdings? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA | Individual client | No | Yes |
| Hedge fund / private fund | Fund entity owns pooled portfolio | Yes | Usually limited |
| Mutual fund / ETF | Fund owns pooled portfolio | Yes | Client sees fund shares, not every trade |
We are different because we combine a performance-driven model with full transparency and institutional investment expertise. Unlike many traditional wealth advisors, we do not charge a management fee. We are compensated only through a performance fee, which means our economics are directly tied to client outcomes. If clients do not make money, we do not make money. That creates a much stronger alignment of interests than a traditional asset-based advisory fee.
We also differ from many hedge funds because clients retain control of their assets in their own brokerage accounts, have real-time visibility into positions and performance, and are not subject to a lock-up period. At the same time, our investment team brings deep quantitative and institutional experience: both advisors hold advanced degrees, including Ph.D. and master's-level training, and have professional credentials such as the CFA designation and Series 65 license. In addition, our in-house CPA has over 30 years of experience in managing tax efficient strategy and planning. Together, we have more than 100 years of investment experience, including prior work as algorithmic trading quants.
Yes. Clients can monitor their account positions, cash balance, transactions, and performance directly through their brokerage account. Transparency is an important part of the Ailares model.
Clients generally retain access to their own brokerage account and may request withdrawals, subject to the brokerage firm's procedures, account restrictions, settlement periods, advisory agreement terms, and any applicable regulatory or operational limitations.
There is no hedge-fund-style lock-up period in the Ailares separately managed account model.
Ailares generally follows a disciplined investment process and does not seek to trade excessively. Trading frequency may vary depending on market conditions, portfolio opportunities, risk management considerations, and the specific strategy used for the client account.
Ailares uses a multi-factor investment approach that may include fundamental analysis, quantitative research, macroeconomic analysis, technical analysis, and market sentiment. The objective is to identify attractive investment opportunities while managing downside risk.
Quantamental investing combines quantitative analysis with fundamental research. Quantitative analysis uses data, models, and statistical techniques, while fundamental research evaluates business quality, valuation, competitive position, earnings prospects, and industry trends.
Ailares uses both types of analysis as part of its investment process.
Ailares may use a range of investment instruments depending on the client's strategy, suitability, and account permissions. These may include equities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, crypto, cash, and other permitted instruments.
The specific strategy and investment authority will be described in the client's advisory agreement.
Ailares may use options where appropriate, depending on the strategy, market conditions, account permissions, and client suitability. Options involve additional risks and are not suitable for all investors.
Ailares may not be suitable for every investor. Our strategies involve market risk and may experience losses. Prospective clients should consider their investment objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, financial situation, and eligibility before entering into an advisory relationship.
No. Investment performance is not guaranteed. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Investment performance should be reviewed based on the methodology disclosed by Ailares, including the relevant time period, whether returns are gross or net of fees, whether returns are before or after performance fees, and the calculation method used.
Any performance information presented by Ailares should be read together with the accompanying disclosures and limitations.
Ailares uses the statements provided directly by Interactive Brokers for measuring investment performance.
Ailares may present historical performance information that has been reviewed or verified by an independent third party, where applicable. Any such information should be read carefully, including the scope of review, time period, methodology, account type, and limitations of the verification.
Third-party review of historical performance does not guarantee future results.
Investors should evaluate performance together with risk. Important factors include total return, annualized return, volatility, drawdown, consistency, market exposure, benchmark comparison, and risk-adjusted return.
Investors should also consider whether the strategy is suitable for their financial objectives and risk tolerance.
Maximum drawdown measures the largest peak-to-trough decline in an investment account or strategy over a specific period. It is one way to evaluate downside risk.
A lower drawdown may indicate better downside protection, but it does not eliminate the risk of future losses.
The Sharpe ratio is a measure of risk-adjusted return. It compares investment return to volatility. A higher Sharpe ratio may indicate better return per unit of risk, but it is only one measure and should not be used alone to evaluate an investment strategy.
Ailares is designed for qualified investors who want a transparent, performance-aligned investment management relationship. This may include entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, and other high-net-worth individuals who want active investment management without a traditional management-fee model.
Ailares may work with certain retirement accounts where legally and operationally appropriate. Retirement accounts are subject to additional regulatory, custodial, tax, and suitability considerations.
Prospective clients should consult their tax, legal, and financial advisors before using retirement assets for an advisory strategy involving performance-based compensation.
Ailares primarily focuses on investment management. If financial planning services are offered, the scope of those services will be described separately in the advisory agreement or client materials.
No. Ailares does not provide tax or legal advice unless specifically stated in a written agreement. Clients should consult their own tax, legal, and accounting advisors regarding their personal circumstances.
Prospective clients can schedule an introductory call with Ailares. During the process, Ailares will review the investor's objectives, risk tolerance, eligibility, account type, investment amount, and suitability for the strategy.
If both the investor and Ailares determine that the relationship is appropriate, the investor will complete the required onboarding documents and open or link the applicable brokerage account.
The introductory call is designed to determine whether Ailares may be a good fit. We typically discuss the investor's goals, investment experience, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, account structure, eligibility, and questions about our fee model and investment process.
Prospective clients may contact Ailares through the website contact form or request an introductory call. A member of the Ailares team will follow up to discuss the next steps.