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Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Firm Brochure
March 28, 2025
2330 West Joppa Road, Suite 160
Lutherville, Maryland 21093
Tel: 410-659-8900
Fax: 410-659-8899
www.HarborLLC.com
This brochure (“Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Harbor
Investment Advisory, LLC (“Harbor”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please
contact William C. Schadty, Chief Compliance Officer at 410-659-8900 and/or wschadty@harborllc.com.
Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Adviser
does not imply any level of skill or training.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The SEC’s web site also provides information about any persons affiliated with,
registered, and required to be registered, as investment adviser representatives of Harbor Investment
Advisory, LLC.
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ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES
No material changes have been made to this Brochure since our last annual update on September 12, 2024.
Harbor makes ongoing changes to this Brochure to improve, clarify and update the descriptions of our business
practices and compliance policies in response to the evolving firm and regulatory practices; we do not believe
any of these changes are material. We encourage you to review this Brochure in its entirety.
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ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 1: Cover Page ..................................................................................................................... 1
ITEM 2: Material Changes ............................................................................................................ 2
ITEM 3: Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 3
ITEM 4: Advisory Business ........................................................................................................... 4
ITEM 5: Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................. 6
ITEM 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ............................................... 8
ITEM 7: Types of Clients .............................................................................................................. 8
ITEM 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .......................................... 9
ITEM 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................. 11
ITEM 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .......................................................... 11
ITEM 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ..... 11
ITEM 12: Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................... 11
ITEM 13: Review of Accounts ....................................................................................................... 14
ITEM 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensations .................................................................... 14
ITEM 15: Custody ........................................................................................................................ 14
ITEM 16: Investment Discretion .................................................................................................... 14
ITEM 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................. 15
ITEM 18: Financial Information ..................................................................................................... 15
OTHER INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 15
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ITEM 4: ADVISORY BUSINESS
Description of Harbor
Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC (“Harbor”, “our” and/or “we”) is an investment adviser and broker-dealer
providing investment advisory and brokerage services to our clients (“Client”, ”you”, and/or “your”). The firm is
registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and various states, and is a
member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Investor Protection
Corporation (“SIPC”). Harbor has been registered since 2010 and is 100% owned by Harbor Investment
Management, LLC.
It is important to understand that investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct
from each other and each is governed by different laws and by separate arrangements that we have with our
Clients. The specific services or investment strategies that we provide and our legal duties to you in each
arrangement are described in detail in our applicable agreements between you and Harbor.
In its capacity as an investment adviser, Harbor provides investment advisory services (“Advisory Services” or
“Advisory Programs”) to its advisory Clients across a broad range of asset classes, strategies, and investments,
which are described in this Brochure. Separately, Harbor provides wrap fee programs where the Client pays
Harbor a single, bundled, or wrap fee for investment advice, transaction services, administrative expenses and
other fees and expenses, which are described in the Harbor Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1 Wrap Fee Program
Brochure (“Wrap Fee Brochure”).
In its capacity as a broker-dealer, Harbor also offers brokerage account services (“Brokerage Services”) that
allows you to invest through a commission or transaction-based account, and that may be more appropriate than
investing through Advisory Services, if you do not want ongoing investment advice or management of your
account, but instead desire only periodic or on-demand recommendations. By utilizing Brokerage Services,
Harbor will make recommendations which are suitable for your account based on information you provide, but
we will not necessarily monitor your account unless we have specifically agreed to provide you with that service.
Brokerage Services are separate from, and are not described in this Brochure.
In addition, when we are providing investment advice with respect to your IRA or other ERISA qualified plan,
including advice to roll over assets from an employee benefit plan to an IRA, we are acting as a fiduciary and
must follow the impartial conduct standards under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Asset Information
As of December 31, 2024, Harbor had Regulatory Assets Under Management (“AUM”) and Assets Under
Administration (“AUA”) of approximately:
Regulatory Assets Under Management:
Discretionary:
Non-Discretionary:
Total AUM:
$3,159,100,000
$2,841,100,000
$6,000,200,000
Brokerage Assets Under Administration*:
$3,978,600,000
Total Assets:
$9,978,800,000
* AUA refers to assets held in non-advised brokerage accounts at Harbor.
Advisory Services
Working with a registered investment adviser representative (“Financial Advisor”), investment advice, financial
planning and portfolio management services are provided on a continuing basis, which includes managing Client
assets among cash, stocks, mutual funds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), bonds, variable annuities and other
securities (collectively“Assets”). Our advice and services are also based on your stated investment objectives
for your investment portfolio account (“Account”). We will execute investment recommendations in accordance
with information gathered in the Harbor New Account Form, the Harbor Master Advisory Agreement (“Advisory
Agreement”), and other documents which describe the investment objectives of Clients and a description of their
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Assets, earnings, tax status, acceptable levels of investment risk, imposed investment restrictions, and other
information.1 Based on this information Harbor will provide a variety of investment related services including,
but not limited to:
• Provide ongoing managed Advisory Services pursuant to the Advisory Agreement,
• Assisting Clients in determining investment objectives and establishing an investment implementation
strategy,
• Performing due diligence on third-party asset managers (“Portfolio Manager”) and individual securities,
• Performing agency brokerage transactions for the Account effected by Harbor in its capacity as
introducing broker and executed by Pershing LLC (“Pershing”); and
• Performing administrative services including, but not limited to, the processing of deposits and
withdrawals from the Account pursuant to the Client’s instruction.
Envestnet Services
Harbor offers certain Advisory Services through an integrated third-party service and technology provider,
Envestnet Portfolio Services, Inc., Envestnet Asset Management, Inc., and/or their affiliates (collectively,
“Envestnet”) for various administrative, investment advisory, investment management, model portfolio
management, overlay management, tax overlay services, Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
overlay services, investment and manager due diligence, research, reporting, trade implementation, compliance
monitoring, operational support, and/or other services. Envestnet is not a tax advisor nor does it provide any tax
advice; Client should consult with Client’s tax consultant prior to investing in the tax overlay service. The Advisory
Program selected by the Client is defined in the Advisory Agreement and the Envestnet Statement of Investment
Selection (“SIS”) agreement, when applicable. Certain fees payable to Envestnet will be charged to your
Account, which are further defined in the Advisory Fee Section of the Advisory Agreement, when applicable. For
a complete description of Envestnet services, please refer to the Envestnet Form ADV Part 2A and Form Part 2A
Appendix 1, which is available here, or upon request and free of charge.
Advisory Programs
Harbor and its Financial Advisor offer several different Advisory Programs and Services depending on the
investment objectives of the Client, which are described as follows:
Harbor Manager Select (“Manager Select”)
In the Manager Select program, your Financial Advisor assists you with limited due diligence to assist
you in selecting and engaging one or more individual Portfolio Managers in a manner consistent with
your investment objectives without discretion. Client selects and engages Portfolio Managers, on a
“dual contract” basis, to provide investment management services including the investment and re-
investment of the Assets in your Account. Services provided and applicable fees charged by the
Portfolio Managers are governed under a separate agreement maintained directly between Client
and the Portfolio Managers.
Harbor Investment Consulting (“Harbor Consulting”)
The Harbor Consulting program is an investment management, consulting and reporting service,
where your Financial Advisor assists you to determine the allocation of your Assets and to manage
the Assets in your Account, and Assets held outside of your Account with third-party custodians or
other broker-dealers, in a manner consistent with your investment objectives, on a non-discretionary
basis. For Assets you have specifically identified for investment, Harbor will assist you in evaluating
the investments and/or Portfolio Managers with you being responsible for the final decision on the
selection of all investments, Portfolio Managers, and other Assets. Harbor will not affect any
transactions on your behalf at third-party custodians or broker-dealers, and Client is responsible for
separately making arrangements with outside parties regarding commissions, charges, trailing and
other fees and account services.
1 Harbor provides certain Clients with tax consulting and compliance services pursuant to separate agreements with the
Clients to whom these services are offered. The agreements specify the services to be provided and any fees to be
charged. These services are not offered to all Harbor Clients.
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Retirement Plan Services
Harbor offers Discretionary Investment Management Services, Non-Discretionary Investment
Management Services and/or Retirement Plan Consulting Services to employer sponsored
retirement plans and their participants. Depending on the type of plan, and the specific arrangement
with the Sponsor, Harbor may provide one or more of these services.
Financial Planning Services (“Financial Planning”)
Harbor offers Financial Planning which may be comprehensive or limited in scope depending on a
Client’s particular needs. The financial plan may include, but is not limited to, review and prioritization
of the Client’s goals and objectives, development of a net worth statement, cash flow summary and
insurance analysis, review of investment holdings, and development of an investment management
strategy. A financial plan may also include financial projections and analysis, in addition to education
funding, retirement and estate planning analyses. The scope of the Financial Planning, including fees,
proposed length of the engagement and a description of any conflicts of interest are defined in a letter
of engagement which is executed in advance between the Client and Harbor.
Wrap Fee Programs
Harbor sponsors five wrap fee programs to include the Harbor Advisor Discretionary, the Harbor
Advisor Non-Discretionary, the Harbor Separately Managed Account, the Harbor Unified Managed
Account, and the Harbor Fund Strategist Program. These programs are described in detail in Harbor’s
Form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1 Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
ITEM 5: FEES AND COMPENSATIONS
Harbor is compensated through an annualized asset-based fee (referred to as “Advisory Fee”, “Client Fee” or
“Wrap Fee” depending on the Advisory Program selected by the Client), which will be paid monthly or quarterly
in arrears, as indicated in the table below. The amounts and specific manner that fees are charged is memorialized
in our Advisory Agreement with the Client. Although many fees are individually negotiated, the range of Harbor’s
Advisory Fees are described below:
Harbor Program
Fee Range *
When Charged
Harbor Manager Select
0.25% - 2.00%
Monthly in Arrears
Harbor Investment Consulting
0.25% - 1.50%
Monthly in Arrears
Retirement Plan Services
Flat Fee, Hourly Fee, and/or Fee on Assets
Monthly or Quarterly in Arrears
Financial Planning Services
Flat Fee, Hourly Fee, and/or Fee on Assets
Varies by Engagement Letter
* Computed as a percentage of assets under management in the Account including any margin debit in the Account.
Advisory Fees are deducted from your Account within twenty (20) business days of the end of the period for
which the fees are incurred. The Advisory Fee for the initial monthly period shall be charged pro rata from the
funding date of the Account based on the number of days services were provided, and the value of the Assets held
in the Account at the end of the initial monthly period. Upon termination of an Account, any earned, unpaid
Advisory Fees will be due and payable.
In addition to the Advisory Fee, Clients will incur, directly or indirectly, other fees and expenses for investments
made for the Client. Harbor refers some Clients to providers of investment offerings for which Harbor and/or its
employees receive selling and/or placement compensation, in addition to the Advisory Fee, which are credited
back to the Client or used to reduce the Client’s Advisory Fee. Harbor does not, in its capacity as introducing
broker for Advisory Clients’ Accounts, charge brokerage commissions on transactions placed in Advisory
Accounts. Custody fees imposed on IRA accounts are waived for Advisory Accounts. Other administrative fees
charged for wire transfers and check writing services are not included in the Advisory Fee. Harbor may
unilaterally amend certain fees affecting all Harbor Clients upon thirty (30) day written notice of the change and
without Client having to execute a new Advisory Agreement.
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By investing with certain third-party money managers and/or by making direct investments, Client will incur fees,
brokerage commissions, transaction fees, manager’s fees, custody fees, and other related costs and expenses.
Such third-party charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to Harbor’s Advisory Fee.
Additionally, Clients will indirectly incur certain fees and expenses for investments made for the Account in
mutual funds, ETFs, money market funds, variable annuities and other Assets. Fund fees and expenses are
paid by the fund and are borne by all fund shareholders owning the same class of share. The fees and expenses
can include, but are not limited to, mutual fund servicing fees, sub-accounting fees, management fees, custody,
portfolio transaction execution costs, administration fees, distribution fees, and shareholder servicing fees. Fees
and expenses charged by funds are deducted from each fund's net asset value, while annuity expenses are
deducted from the value of the annuity by the annuity issuer, and as such, these are indirect expenses of the
Client. When Harbor recommends or places an annuity in an Advisory Account, neither Harbor nor its
representatives receive a commission. These types of investments can be purchased directly without being
managed by Harbor pursuant to this Agreement, which may cost you more or less.
Harbor receives mutual fund distribution and servicing fees from certain mutual fund companies, depending on
the class of shares held. Harbor credits to the Client, or applies it to reduce the Client’s Advisory fee, all payments
received from any fund on account of Client’s advisory holdings. Clients should be aware that when we place a
transaction on your behalf, we attempt to place Clients in the most cost-effective share class available at that
time. Since fund companies can add new share classes at any time, without offering or executing an automatic
exchange from existing share classes of the same fund, it is possible that the class originally selected may no
longer be the most cost-effective class available. As set forth below, Harbor offers all Clients an annual review
of their account and holdings and the share class selections are among the topics that will be covered in the
review. For a complete description of the fees and expenses related to each investment, Client should review
the prospectus for the respective mutual fund, ETF, money market fund, and other Assets.
For fixed income securities transactions, Clients will indirectly incur certain fees and expenses for transactions
effected through a broker-dealer other than Pershing from the commission or mark-up/down that is included in
the net purchase price or sale proceeds of the security. Harbor does not receive any portion of these fees or
expenses, so they will not be credited back to Client’s investment Account or used to reduce the Client’s Advisory
Fee.
A Client’s Advisory Account can hold certain Assets that are not supervised by Harbor and are not charged an
Advisory Fee. Harbor acts only as broker-dealer, and not as an investment adviser, with respect to these non-
managed securities. In the event of a transaction on these non-managed assets, the Client will not incur a
brokerage commission or mark-up/down.
Transactions in any securities effected through Harbor for the Accounts of Clients that are employee benefits
plans subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") will be completed in
compliance with Exemption 86-128 of ERISA. The foregoing regulatory requirements generally provide, among
other things, that advance written authorization must be obtained from each Client with respect to the utilization of
Harbor as a broker-dealer to effect transactions for its account and that periodic reports of such transactions be
furnished to its Clients. All fees and expenses will reduce the Client’s investment return.
Advisory Fee Descriptions
Advisor Fee
As compensation to Harbor’s Financial Advisor, Client shall pay an advisor fee (“Advisor Fee”) which
may be a percentage of the assets under management, or a fixed annual dollar amount, as set forth
in the Advisory Agreement. The Advisor Fee includes payment for; (i) investment advisory services
provided by Harbor, (ii) brokerage commissions on all agency transactions for the Client Account
effected by Harbor in its capacity as introducing broker-dealer and executed by Pershing, except for
those transactions ordered directly by Client and those processed after notice of Advisory Agreement
termination is provided and except for transactions involving non-managed assets, (iii) as applicable,
custodial and clearing services with respect to the securities brokerage account, (iv) administrative
services such as computing, charging and collection of Account fees, including fees for services
provided, (v) administrative services such as the processing of deposits and withdrawals from the
Account pursuant to the Client’s instruction, (vi) the issuance of monthly and/or quarterly account
statements, and (vii) other services as agreed. Harbor may charge other Clients different fees, which
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may be higher or lower than the fees charged with respect to the Client's Accounts for similar services.
Envestnet Platform Fee
As compensation to Envestnet and depending on the Advisory Program, Client will incur fees when
applicable for overlay management, for underlying Portfolio Managers, for services defined in the
Master Advisory Agreement, and for platform access (collectively, the “Platform Fee”) and other costs
associated with transactions executed other than at Pershing, unless Harbor specifically notifies Client
to the contrary. These fees are imposed directly by Envestnet and are separate from Harbor’s Advisor
Fee. The Platform Fee is set forth in the Advisory Agreement and is further defined in the Envestnet
Statement of Investment Selection (“SIS”) agreement. The Platform Fee is invoiced to Harbor by
Envestnet and is charged to Client’s Account(s). Client should refer to Envestnet’s and/or the Portfolio
Manager’s Form ADVs for information about their fee calculation methodologies.
Client Fee
The combined total of the Advisor Fee and the Platform Fee (the “Client Fee”) will be charged to the
Client Account. Client agrees to pay the Client Fee monthly, in arrears, based on the value of the
Assets under management in the Account at the end of each monthly period. The Client Fee for the
initial monthly period shall be charged pro rata from the funding date of the Account based on the
number of days services were provided, and the value of the Assets held in the Account at the end of
the initial monthly period. The term "month" as used here means a calendar month.
Account Requirements
Minimum Account size is dictated by the program in which a Client is participating as described in the chart
below. Exceptions to the minimum account size are made at the discretion of the manager and/or Harbor
depending on the circumstances of the relationship and manner in which Assets are allocated by Account type
and title.
Harbor Program
Minimum Account Size
Harbor Manager Select
$1,000,000
Harbor Investment Consulting
$100,000
Retirement Plan Services
No Minimum Account Size
Financial Planning Services
No Minimum Account Size
Type of Compensation
Based on the investment services provided, Harbor is compensated by:
• A percentage of assets under management,
• Fixed fees (other than subscription fees),
• Commissions (when Harbor is acting only as broker-dealer and not as investment adviser with
respect to the specific Assets).
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
Harbor does not charge any performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital
appreciation of the Assets), nor does it provide side-by-side management.
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS
Clients include ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals, their families, family offices and related entities
such as trusts, estates, private foundations, as well as pension, profit sharing and other retirement plans,
charitable organizations, corporations, and other business entities. Clients receive ongoing personalized
investment advice and guidance from their Harbor Financial Advisor.
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ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS
Harbor utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative analytical tools to support investment
recommendations for its Clients. Investment strategies are defined based on the Client’s investment objectives,
time horizon, liquidity needs and risk tolerance. Our Financial Advisors discuss with Clients that investing in
securities involves certain risks and a potential for loss, which allows for Clients to understand the risks
associated with investment portfolios. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared
to bear.
Sources of Information
The main sources of information that we use to analyze investments includes:
• Research materials prepared by others
• Corporate rating services
• Timing services
• Annual reports, prospectuses, filings with the SEC
• Company press releases
• Financial newspapers and magazines
• Investment Manager Database Services
Investment Strategies
We work with our Clients to identify an appropriate asset allocation to achieve their investment objectives. Asset
allocation requires an understanding of Client specific issues and consideration of the economic and capital
market environment. Our investment management approach reflects a focus that seeks consistent, risk-adjusted
returns. We adhere to a philosophy of evaluating the global landscape of information and investment
opportunities. In constructing portfolios, we perform due diligence on a variety of offerings such as individual
securities, professional money managers, index funds, and alternative investments.
Recommendation of Portfolio Managers
Harbor can engage the services of third-party managers in the form of mutual funds, ETFs, and other
independent money managers. Before recommending third-party portfolio managers to our Clients, we perform
due diligence on the manager and strategy by considering factors such as the clarity of the manager’s definition of
its investment strategy, the manager’s investment selection process, whether the manager discloses a sell
discipline or downside protection, the manager’s historical adherence to the stated investment style, the quality
and depth of the management team, the manager’s firm ownership, the manager’s policy with respect to closing
portfolios based on size, the manager’s type of Client base, the manager’s regulatory compliance record, the
transparency of the investments used for the strategy, the manager’s research capabilities, the risk-adjusted
returns, performance attribution, portfolio composition, fees and statistical measures. The selection, retention or
dismissal of a manager is based on our ongoing due diligence assessment.
When determining which managers to recommend or engage for a Client, the Harbor Financial Advisor generally
designs a portfolio for the Client based on the Client’s financial situation and needs, and then identifies the
specific managers/strategies that are appropriate for each element of the planned portfolio, with an overall goal of
identifying a portfolio allocation that seeks returns reflective of the Client’s risk tolerance, time horizon and other
needs.
Investment Strategy Risk and Risk of Loss
Harbor does not guarantee the future performance of any Client Account, investment decision or strategy. Future
results may vary substantially from past performance and no investment strategy can guarantee profit or
protection from loss. Returns on investments can be volatile and an investor may lose all or a portion of the
amount invested. Clients must consider specific risks associated with various investment management strategies
and products. You should consult with your Financial Advisor for more details regarding the specific risks
associated with the investments in your Account. Some general investment risks are described below.
Market Risk
There are risks associated with investing in securities. Market movements are difficult to predict and
are influenced by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, government fiscal and
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monetary policies, changing supply and demand relationships, international political and economic
events, catastrophic acts of nature, epidemics or pandemics, company-specific factors, and the
inherent volatility of the marketplace.
Lack of Diversification
Portfolio investments could be concentrated in certain securities and/or asset classes and
diversification could be limited. There are no limits with respect to position sizes.
Liquidity
Generally, we invest Client Assets primarily in securities that are liquid at the time of purchase, but
there is no guarantee that there will be a market for any given security in the future. Securities could
become less liquid during the holding period.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounts may maintain significant cash positions from time to time and the Client will pay the Advisory
Fee based on the net asset value of the Account, including cash and cash equivalents. Holding cash
and cash equivalents could provide a higher or lower interest rate to the Client versus other
investments.
Taxes
Any transactions initiated to the Client’s Account may cause the Client to incur tax consequences.
Leverage and Margin
We may use leverage in investing. One way that we use leverage is by investing in leveraged
products, including leveraged ETFs or structured products. These products carry higher expenses
than traditional ETFs. Greater leverage will magnify results, whether positive or negative. Greater
leverage carries greater risk. Details about costs and risks are set forth in the prospectus for the fund
or product.
Another way that we use leverage is by purchasing securities on margin. The use of short-term
margin borrowings entails additional risks and costs. For example, should the securities pledged to
a broker to secure a margin loan decline in value, a “margin call” may be issued pursuant to which
additional Assets would be required to be deposited with the broker or the broker would affect a
mandatory liquidation of the pledged securities to compensate for the decline in value. We might not
be able to liquidate Assets quickly enough to pay off the margin debt and the Accounts may therefore
also suffer additional significant losses as a result of the default. Please see the Margin Risk
Disclosure for additional information on the risks of using margin.
Interest Rate Fluctuation
The prices of securities in which a Client may invest may be sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.
Unexpected fluctuations in interest rates could cause the corresponding prices of the long and short
positions to move in directions which were not initially anticipated. In addition, interest rate increases
generally will increase the interest carrying costs of borrowed securities and leveraged investments.
Utilization of Alternative Investments
Alternative investment products, including hedge funds, commodities, hedged equity, private equity,
and managed futures, involve a high degree of risk, often engage in leveraging and other speculative
investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss, can be highly illiquid, are not
required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors, may involve complex tax
structures and delays in distributing important tax information, are not subject to the same regulatory
requirements as mutual funds, often charge high fees which may offset any trading profits, and in
many cases the underlying investments are not transparent and are known only to the investment
manager.
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ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary
events that would be material to your evaluation of Harbor or the integrity of Harbor’s management. There have
not been any material legal, or disciplinary events involving the Advisory business of Harbor or its management
personnel.
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
Harbor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and state jurisdictions, and
is a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Harbor offers insurance products to Clients through those Harbor representatives licensed as insurance agents.
The products offered include life insurance (universal, variable universal, whole life, and term), disability, and
long-term care (collectively “Insurance Products”). Harbor and the representatives that sell Insurance Products
will receive commissioned-based compensation on Insurance Products sold to Advisory Clients, which are
separate from Harbor’s Advisory Fee. This practice presents an incentive for us to recommend Insurance
Products to Clients. Harbor is a producer of an unaffiliated third-party insurance agency, which provides Harbor
a platform to sell Insurance Products through the independent agency, of which they receive a portion of all
commissions generated. Clients are under no obligation, contractual or otherwise, to purchase Insurance
Products through representatives of Harbor.
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND
PERSONAL TRADING
Harbor has adopted a Code of Ethics for all supervised persons of the firm describing its high standard of
business conduct and fiduciary duty to its Clients. The Code of Ethics includes provisions relating to the
confidentiality of Client information, a prohibition on insider trading, a prohibition of rumor-mongering, restrictions
on the acceptance of significant gifts, the reporting of certain gifts and business entertainment items, and
personal securities trading procedures, among other things. All supervised persons at Harbor must acknowledge
the terms of the Code of Ethics annually, or as amended.
Harbor anticipates that, in appropriate circumstances, consistent with Clients’ investment objectives, it will cause
Accounts over which Harbor has authority to effect and will recommend to investment advisory Clients or
prospective Clients, the purchase or sale of securities in which Harbor, its affiliates and/or Clients, directly or
indirectly, have a position of interest. Harbor’s employees and persons associated with Harbor are required to
follow Harbor’s Code of Ethics. Subject to satisfying this policy and applicable laws, officers, directors and
employees of Harbor and its affiliates may trade for their own accounts in securities which are recommended to
and/or purchased for Harbor’s Clients. The Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities
transactions, activities, and interests of the employees of Harbor will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the
best interest of advisory Clients and (ii) implementing those decisions while, at the same time, allowing
employees to invest for their own accounts. Generally, the Code of Ethics requires prior written approval for
personal securities transactions placed for all employee and employee-related accounts. Nonetheless, because
the Code of Ethics in some circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same securities as Clients,
there is a possibility that employees might inadvertently benefit from market activity by a Client in a security held
by an employee. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code of Ethics and is designed to
reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between Harbor and its Clients. Harbor’s Clients or prospective Clients
may request a copy of the firm's Code of Ethics by contacting William C. Schadty, Chief Compliance Officer.
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES
Selection of Brokers
Harbor does not maintain custody of Client Assets that we manage and upon which we advise, although we may
be deemed to have custody of Client Assets if the Client gives us authority to withdraw Assets from the Client’s
Account (for further information about constructive custody, see Item 15: Custody). Client Assets must be
maintained in an account at a “qualified custodian”, generally a broker-dealer or bank.
We have negotiated competitive pricing and services for our Clients with Pershing, a broker-dealer registered
with the SEC, member NYSE, FINRA, Chicago Board of Options Exchange, and SIPC, as the qualified
custodian. Pershing is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. Pershing is one
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Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure 03/28/25
of the world’s largest providers of custody, clearing and settlement services, offering Clients financial strength
and stability, economies of scale, and reliable state of the art technology.
Harbor is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with Pershing. Harbor, in its capacity as a
broker-dealer, has entered into a fully disclosed clearing agreement with Pershing, which means that Pershing
is the custodian for all brokerage accounts held through Harbor to facilitate buy and sell security transactions.
While we recommend that Clients use Pershing as custodian/broker, Clients can decide to maintain their
advisory Accounts at other custodians. Clients open an Account with Pershing by entering into an account
agreement with Pershing through Harbor. Even though the Account is maintained at Pershing, you can still use
other brokers to execute trades for your Account. If, however, you request and we approve the use of a broker-
dealer other than Pershing for securities transaction execution, be aware that we will generally be unable to
negotiate commissions or other fees for your Account. As a result, we will be unable to ensure “best execution”
with respect to such directed trades and you may pay more in transaction charges than at other broker-dealers.
In selecting the custodian/broker-dealer to recommend to Clients, we considered the full range and quality of
the services it offers, including the breadth of its service offering, its execution capabilities, competitiveness of
the price of its services (including commission rates), financial responsibility, responsiveness and level of
service, and the value of other products and services provided.
On certain types of trades, Pershing charges commissions, markups, transaction fees, and other service fees
and charges. In addition, Pershing charges Clients a flat dollar amount as a “prime broker” or trade away fee for
each trade that we have executed by a different broker-dealer, but where the securities bought or the funds from
the securities sold are deposited (settled) into the Client’s Pershing Account. These fees are in addition to the
commissions or other compensation the Client pays the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, in order to
minimize Clients’ trading costs, we have Pershing execute most trades for Clients’ Accounts. We have
determined that having Pershing execute most trades is consistent with our duty to seek “best execution” of
Client trades.
Pershing Relationship
Pershing provides us and our Clients with brokerage, trading, custody, reporting, and related services. Pershing
also makes available various support services, including access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of Client Assets; access to software and other technology that
provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate
trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts, provide pricing and other
market data, facilitate payment of our fees from our Clients’ Accounts, and assist with back-office functions,
recordkeeping, and Client reporting; and educational conferences and events and occasional business
entertainment of our personnel. The availability of these services from Pershing benefits us to the extent that we
do not have to produce or purchase them separately. In addition, Pershing paid Harbor an incentive fee in
connection with Harbor’s renewal of its fully disclosed clearing agreement for a period ending 2023. The clearing
agreement states that if Harbor moves its Client Accounts out of Pershing during this period, Harbor will be
responsible for a termination fee which decreases over the eight years of the agreement. Therefore, Harbor has
an incentive to maintain Client Accounts at Pershing during that period. Further, with the prior written approval
from FINRA, Pershing provided Harbor with a forgivable loan. On each anniversary of the closing date, provided
that Harbor meets specific conditions, one-eighth of the loan and accrued interest is forgiven. One of the
conditions for forgiveness is that Harbor maintains a certain average amount of Assets in custody at Pershing
over the course of the year. The loan will be fully forgiven in 2025.
Harbor has an incentive to recommend that you maintain your Account with Harbor through Pershing based on
our interest in receiving Pershing’s services that benefit our business, and based on the firm’s interest in avoiding
a termination fee and receiving loan forgiveness. This is a conflict of interest. We believe, however, that our
selection of Pershing as custodian and broker is in the best interests of our Clients. Our selection is primarily
supported by the scope, quality, and price of Pershing’s services and we do not believe that recommending that
our Clients collectively maintain Assets at Pershing presents a material conflict of interest.
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Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure 03/28/25
Directed Brokerage
When Clients direct Harbor to execute all or a portion of their transactions effected on their behalf with a third-
party broker, Harbor does not negotiate commission rates on behalf of its Clients unless specifically directed to
do so. Harbor does not determine whether commission rates charged by a broker selected by its Clients are the
lowest available. For trades not directed to Harbor by the advisory Client, Harbor will use its best efforts to obtain
execution on the best terms reasonably available. As noted above, Harbor does not charge commissions on
transactions involving Assets that are managed by Harbor. In other circumstances, however Harbor may, in
compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, receive commissions in excess of the
amount of commissions other broker-dealers would have charged; commission amounts are disclosed to the
Client on the transaction confirmation sent to the Client.
Transaction rates for trades executed through Harbor may not always be as favorable as those that could be
obtained if transactions were executed through another broker-dealer. Although Harbor does not receive
transaction-based compensation for transactions executed on managed Assets in Advisory Accounts, the fact that
Harbor’s Clients are likely to use Harbor’s clearing firm to execute transactions presents a potential conflict of
interest in that Harbor receives other benefits, such as more favorable pricing on services, based on the volume
of transactions introduced to the clearing broker-dealer.
Third-Party Broker-Dealers
If we select a broker-dealer other than Harbor’s clearing firm to execute transactions, we will, consistent with our
obligations to obtain best price and best execution for our Clients, take into consideration relevant factors such
as price, the broker's or dealer's facilities, reliability and financial responsibility, the ability of the broker or dealer
to effect transactions, particularly with regard to such aspects as timing, order size, and execution of orders and
any other factors we consider to be relevant. Subject to the requirements of Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are permitted to pay a broker a commission in excess of that which
another broker might charge in recognition of the value of research and execution provided.
Client Directed
Clients may instruct us to direct all or a portion of the securities transactions for the Client’s Account to a specified
broker-dealer. We will treat the Client direction as a decision by the Client to retain the discretion that otherwise
we would have in selecting a broker-dealer to effect transactions and in negotiating transaction fees generally for
the Client's Account. The Client who directs us to use a specific broker-dealer may pay higher or lower
transaction fees such as commissions, mark-ups, mark-downs, dealer spreads, credits or otherwise, and may
receive less or more favorable execution services than if the Client did not direct transactions to a particular
broker-dealer. If Harbor is not otherwise directed in writing to execute trades through a particular broker-dealer,
Harbor will execute, as a broker, all purchases and/or sales on behalf of a Client’s Account through Pershing.
Step Out Trades
When utilizing the Envestnet platform, Envestnet generally routes trades directly to the custodian of record.
Occasionally, in order to obtain best execution and minimize market impact, certain thinly traded securities,
illiquid or ETF trades, for example, can be “stepped-out” in order to gain best execution and minimize market
impact. In some instances, stepped-out trades are executed by the other firm without any additional commission
or markup or markdown, but in other instances, the executing firm may impose a commission or a markup or
markdown on the trade. If trades are placed with a firm that imposes a commission or equivalent fee on the trade,
including a commission that may be embedded in the price of the security, the Client will incur trading costs in
addition to the Advisory Fee the Client pays to Harbor. On an annualized-basis, the numberof step-out trades
conducted by Envestnet equates to approximately 2% of total order flow. Actual step-out percentages may vary
dependent on the third-party Manager products chosen by the Financial Advisor and the securities held in the
particular model. In other words, Clients will usually pay a commission in addition to the Advisory Fee for stepped-
out trades.
Block Trades
We may enter aggregated trade orders (“Block Trade”) in a given security for groups of Clients that are bunched
or aggregated. When entering Block Trades, we generally determine the full allocation to each participating
Account at the time the orders are placed. When execution of the order is completed in a single trading day, the
Block Trade is average priced and allocated in full to the Accounts that were part of the BlockTrade. When
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Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure 03/28/25
execution of the order is not completed in a single day (“Partial Fill”), the Account allocation of shares purchased
or sold in the Block Trade is provided to the broker-dealer using one of several fair and equitable methods of
allocation, generally at the end of the day’s trading. The allocation of a Partial Fill will be done in a fair and
equitable manner using various allocation methods at the average price for the day. Any given Account may
receive a better or worse price than if its trading had been accomplished separately. Any allocation procedures
administered are not intended to operate to favor or disfavor any Accounts.
Soft Dollar Arrangements
Harbor does not engage in any soft dollar arrangements.
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
Account Review
Client Accounts are reviewed periodically, but at least annually, for consistency with their Investment Objectives
and Risk Exposure (collectively “Client Information”). Additionally, Clients shall inform their Financial Advisors of
any changes in the Clients’ financial situation such as retirement, termination of employment, physical move,
inheritance or other material events that impact the Client Information, which will prompt a review with their
Financial Advisor.
Account Statements
Clients will receive written Account statements from the qualified custodian that holds and maintains Client’s
investment Accounts on a monthly or quarterly basis. Harbor may provide additional Account reports that are
supplemental to your custodian’s Account statements, but your custodial statements are the official record of
Account holdings, activity, and tax information. Our custom reports may vary from custodial statements based on
accounting procedures and reporting formats. We urge you to compare our custom reports with the custodial
statements and to notify us promptly of any discrepancy.
Trade Errors
Though Harbor will attempt to correct trading errors as soon as they are discovered, Harbor is not responsible for
poor executions or trading errors committed by the brokers with whom it transacts, or by Harbor itself unless the
error resulted from Harbor’s negligence, fraud or willful misconduct.
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Harbor compensates certain third parties to refer Clients to Harbor. Harbor pays a flat fee per referral, regardless
of whether the referral results in the engagement of Harbor to provide Advisory Services, which does not result
in additional costs to the Client.
Harbor receives mutual fund distribution and servicing fees from certain mutual fund companies, depending on
the class of shares held. Harbor will credit to the Client, or apply to reduce the Client’s Advisory fee, all payments
received from any fund on behalf of Client’s managed advisory Assets. Clients will receive the selected mutual
fund and money market fund prospectus, which provides a complete description of the fees and expenses
related to each investment. Clients should read these documents carefully.
ITEM 15: CUSTODY
Although Harbor may be deemed to have constructive custody, Harbor does not serve as the actual custodian
of Client Assets. Pershing is the custodian for most Clients’ accounts, but Clients (including retirement plan
sponsors) may maintain accounts with a qualified custodian of their choosing. Clients will receive written Account
statements from the qualified custodian that holds and maintains Client’s investment Accounts on a monthly or
quarterly basis. Harbor may provide additional Account reports that are supplemental to your custodian’s
Account statements. The custodial statements are the official record of Account holdings, activity, and tax
information.
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION
In its capacity as an investment adviser, Harbor offers discretionary investment management to determine the
type and quantity of securities to be bought or sold and specific Portfolio Managers to be selected. In all cases,
such discretion is to be exercised in a manner consistent with the stated investment objectives for the applicable
Client Account. For all discretionary authority, Client grants Harbor limited trading authorization with respect to
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Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure 03/28/25
Client Account and appoints Harbor as agents on Client’s behalf and attorney in fact to buy, sell or otherwise
transact in securities in Client’s Account.
or all non-discretionary programs selected by the Client, Harbor may purchase, sell, exchange, convert, and
trade the securities and other investments for the Account at Client’s risk, after receiving permission from the
Client to do so. Harbor is not authorized to withdraw or to transfer any Assets out of the Account either in the
name of Client or otherwise without the written permission of Client, other than for Advisory fees due to Harbor
and Envestnet.
ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Harbor does not take any action or render any advice with respect to the voting of proxies solicited by, or with
respect to, the issuers of any securities held in an Account. Clients retain responsibility for proxy voting and will
receive proxies and other solicitations directly from their custodian and may contact Harbor with any questions
related to the instructions.
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In this Item, we are required to disclose that Harbor is unaware of any financial condition that impairs its ability to
meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to Clients and has not been the subject of any bankruptcy
proceedings. Additionally, Harbor is not required to include a balance sheet for our most recent year end,
because we do not require or solicit more than $1,200 in fees per Client, six months or more in advance.
OTHER INFORMATION
Business Continuity Plan
Harbor has a Business Continuity Plan that addresses how the firm will respond to events that may disrupt its
business. If the main telephone line is inactive, the emergency numbers are 410-340-1225 or 410-913-7283. If
the emergency line is down, please contact our clearing firm, Pershing LLC, at 201-413-3635. We have a plan to
ensure that we can resume operations as quickly as possible after a business disruption. Our Business Continuity
Plan covers data backup and recovery, mission critical systems, financial and operational assessments,
alternative communications, alternate business locations, regulatory reporting and the assurance of prompt
access to funds and securities for our Clients. Additional details regarding the firm’s Business Continuity Plan
are available upon request.
Privacy Notice to Customers
We do not disclose nonpublic personal information about our individual Clients or former Clients except as
permitted by law. We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you (that we may obtain from your
Account and your transactions) to those employees who need to know that information to provide products or
services to you or to alert you to new, enhanced or improved products or services we provide. We maintain
physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to safeguard your nonpublic
personal information.
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Harbor Investment Advisory, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure 03/28/25