View Document Text
Form ADV Part 2A
Firm Brochure
Harbour Investments, Inc.
575 D’Onofrio Dr., Suite 300, Madison WI 53719
608-662-6100
www.harbourinv.com
October 1, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications, business practices and
disclosures of Harbour Investments, Inc. ("Harbour"). If you have any questions about the
contents, please contact your Harbour Investment Advisory Representative (“IAR”) or
Harbour at info@harbourinv.com. 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.
is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an
Harbour Investments, Inc.
investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral and written
communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to
hire or retain an adviser.
also is available on the SEC’s
Additional information about Harbour Investments, Inc.
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
i
Item 2 – Material Changes
Pursuant to SEC Rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary of any material changes
to this and subsequent brochures within 120 days of the close of our business’ fiscal year.
We provide other ongoing disclosure information about material changes as necessary.
We will further provide you with a new brochure as necessary based on changes or new
information, at any time, without charge.
Currently, our brochure may be requested by contacting us at 608-662-6100 and/or email
info@harbourinv.com. Our brochure is also available on our web site
www.harbourinv.com/client_resources.html also free of charge.
is also available via the SEC’s web
Additional information about Harbour Investments, Inc.
site www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The SEC’s web site also provides information about any
persons affiliated with Harbour who are registered, or are required to be registered, as
investment adviser representatives of Harbour.
ii
Item 3 -Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………i
Item 2 – Material Changes.................................................................................................................................................... ii
Item 3 – Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................. iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business ............................................................................................................................................. 1-4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................................................. 4-6
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management..................................................................... 6
Item 7 – Types of Clients ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................................ 7-8
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................................................... 8
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ..................................................................... 8-10
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions............................................. 11-13
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices……………………………………………………………………………......................... 13-14
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 14-15
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .............................................................................................. 15
Item 15 – Custody .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities .................................................................................................................................. 16
Item 18 – Financial Information ...................................................................................................................................... 16
iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business
Harbour is a Wisconsin headquartered securities broker/dealer and federal registered
investment adviser incorporated in 1987. Nick W. Sondel owns 75% or more of the firm.
Harbour’s principal place of business is Madison, Wisconsin and its telephone number is
(608) 662-6100. Harbour and its Investment Adviser Representatives (“IARs”) provide a
variety of investment advisory services to clients and range from “non-discretionary” to
“full discretionary.” Third party programs as well as financial planning programs are also
offered as described below. Clients and prospective clients should note that participation
in any of Harbour’s Wrap Fee Programs may cost the client more or less than purchasing
the services separately. Factors which influence cost include the negotiated fee for the
program, the frequency of trading in the account, the type of management sought, as well
as other factors intrinsic to specific accounts.
Financial Planning and Consultation
Asset Management Services
For clients needing financial advice involving analysis of a particular investment, overall
holdings, or a short or long-term financial situation, Harbour and its IARs provide Financial
Planning and Consultation Services to meet client's financial objectives and needs.
Harbour's financial planning services usually include, but are not limited to an analysis of
client's existing assets, investment objectives, insurance, investments, cash flows, risk
management, retirement projections, estate or business plans, savings plans, or other
special objectives. The scope of the financial plan is as broad or detailed as the client
reasonably specifies. Harbour's consultation services include, but are not limited to,
investment advice regarding retirement, education or estate planning, or the modification
of an existing financial plan. For a client requesting advice on only a portion of their
financial plan or regarding a limited project, Harbour and IAR will provide consultation
services limited to the client’s request. Harbour’s services generally consist of a review and
analysis of all relevant data supplied by the client. A written report(s) may be generated
based on the scope of the plan and client's objectives.
Harbour provides investment advisory services to individual and institutional clients. Our
advisory offerings include both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management
services, financial planning, and other consultative services tailored to meet the unique
goals and objectives of our clients.
Harbour and it’s IAR utilize
Clients may be subject to annual maintenance
A client's securities portfolio will typically be custodied at one of Harbour’s transaction
clearing firms, Pershing Advisor Solutions (“PAS”), Charles Schwab Institutional, American
Funds Service Company or Life Insurance Companies of Annuity products. Harbour and its
IARs participate in American Funds F-2 Direct Program. Class F-2 mutual funds are
purchased directly through American Funds.
various annuity products purchased directly with Life Insurance Companies.
fees and set up costs for accounts through American Funds.
1
Clients may be
subject to expenses and fees charged by the Life Insurance Companies for costs associated
with the owning an annuity contract.
Advisory Services (Discretionary & Non-Discretionary)
When clients engage Harbour on a discretionary basis, they grant the Firm authority to
manage their investment accounts without obtaining advance approval for each
transaction. This discretionary authority is established through the execution of the
advisory agreement. Under discretionary authority, Harbour is responsible for;
determining the type and amount of securities to be purchased or sold; rebalancing
accounts consistent with the client’s stated investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time
horizon; and implementing investment strategies designed to achieve the client’s long-term
financial goals.
Although discretionary accounts provide the Harbour with trading authority, all
management is based upon the client’s individually stated investment objectives,
restrictions, and preferences. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions and guidelines on
investing in certain securities, types of securities or industry sectors. Harbour expects all
such restrictions to be timely communicated to us. Client restrictions and guidelines may
negatively affect investment performance.
Discretionary accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis and are formally reviewed at
least annually. Harbour evaluates whether accounts remain aligned with the client’s goals
and whether changes are necessary due to market conditions, economic developments, or
updates in the client’s financial circumstances.
We explore different types of investment options and strategies in the design of a client's
customized investment profile and strategy. Investment recommendations are not limited
by any specific product or service offered by a broker- dealer or custodian. These
recommendations will generally include, but not necessarily be limited to, security types
from the following list: Money market funds and other cash instruments, Exchange listed
securities, and securities traded over-the-counter, mutual funds, Separately Managed
Accounts (SMAs) and exchange traded fund shares – passive and actively managed,
including mutual funds held at the fund company, Closed end fund shares, Certificates of
deposit, Corporate debt securities, Municipal securities, U.S. governmental securities,
Options, Variable (No-Load) annuity products (not held by our custodians). Each type of
security has its own unique set of risks associated with it, and it would not be possible to
list all of the specific risks of every type of investment. Even within the same type of
investment, risks can vary widely. However, in very general terms, the higher the
anticipated return of an investment, the higher the risk of loss associated with it. Because
some types of investments involve certain additional degrees of risk, they will only be
recommended and implemented when consistent with the client's risk tolerance and
investment strategy.
2
Non-Discretionary Services
For comparison, under non-discretionary relationships, Harbour provides
recommendations, but the client retains decision-making authority and must approve each
transaction before it is executed.
Wrap-Fee Programs (Discretionary Program & Non-Discretionary Program)
Harbour offers certain advisory services through wrap-fee programs. A wrap-fee program
generally provides clients with a package of investment advisory and brokerage services,
along with the costs of execution of securities transactions, for a single inclusive fee (“wrap
fee”). When a client participates in a wrap-fee program, the client typically pays an asset-
based fee rather than separate charges for advisory services and trade execution. The fee is
not based on the number of transactions in the account nor the amount of brokerage
commissions generated.
Wrap-fee program accounts are managed on either a discretionary or non-discretionary
basis, depending on the terms of the client’s advisory agreement. Services may include;
Portfolio management in accordance with the client’s investment objectives and
restrictions, Ongoing account monitoring and periodic reviews, Trade execution and
custodial services through the designated program sponsor; and Client reporting and
program-level administration.
Because the wrap-fee structure bundles services and trading costs, clients should
understand that they may pay more or less overall than if they purchased similar services
separately. For example, wrap-fee accounts that experience little trading activity may pay
higher total costs than if advisory and brokerage services were unbundled. Conversely,
accounts with higher trading activity may benefit from the wrap-fee arrangement.
Clients are encouraged to review Harbour’s wrap-fee agreement for additional information
about program costs, services, and conflicts of interest. Harbour provides portfolio
management services within the program, but execution and administrative
responsibilities are generally handled by the program sponsor or custodian.
For our discretionary wrap-fee services, Harbour will receive a limited power of attorney
to effect securities transactions on behalf of a client. The client may limit our discretionary
authority by providing us with a written communication that details restrictions and other
guidelines.
3
For our non-discretionary wrap-fee services, Harbour would first obtain a client's approval
before executing transactions in a non-discretionary account. Requests for approval will be
communicated via electronic mail to an authorized account or via a telephone call to an
authorized phone number. The client will be responsible for responding in a timely
manner. Unless otherwise agreed to by the client and Harbour, if we manage a client's
account on a non-discretionary basis, we will have the ongoing responsibility to make
investment recommendations based on the client's individualized investment strategy or
we will develop and implement an asset allocation strategy, which we will continuously
monitor and supervise.
Harbour Traded Model Platform (HTM)
Harbour Traded Models (“HTM”) is a subscription-based portfolio service offered to
advisors under the firm’s name. Services are implemented through a signed contract. The
contract is an addendum to the Client’s existing advisory agreement(s) directly with their
Advisor, not with Harbour. Clients are charged a 0.15% platform fee plus an Advisor’s Fee
(up to 2.0%) and may incur additional transaction fees based on specific investments. In
connection with the program, Harbour provides operational and trading support functions
which may include, but are not limited to, processing initial investment transactions,
executing rebalancing trades, assessing and deducting advisory fees, making cash available
for withdrawal, and processing cash distributions. The use of Harbour Traded Models
name does not imply that Harbour Investments, Inc. (“Harbour”) assumes contractual
responsibility for the ongoing management of client accounts. All investment advice,
portfolio management decisions, and ongoing advisory services are the responsibility of
the Advisor with whom the client has contracted. Harbour does not provide individualized
investment advice to clients within this program, nor does it assume fiduciary
responsibility for client account management under the program. As HTM is offered
alongside other programs, potential conflicts of interest may arise.
Third Party Manager – Full Discretion Authority to Third Party Manager
Harbour also sponsors a Program in which the IAR recommends an independent
investment manager(s) provide portfolio management services for the client. Harbour has
agreements with such third party managers. These include: Q3 Asset Management, LVZ
Advisors and others. To facilitate account reporting when using third party managers,
account assets are usually custodied as designated by the third party manager. They
generally require all securities transactions for the client's account be executed by the
custodian. Once a client has selected a manager program, Harbour and its IAR supply the
program manager with information regarding the financial background and investment
objectives as the client provides. The client executes an advisory agreement with the
program whereby the third party independent manager(s) agrees to accept and manage
the client’s account on a discretionary basis according to client objectives. A client may
also use a third party manager platform such as Charles Schwab Institutional. This
platform has access to numerous additional third party managers.
4
If Harbour and its IAR become aware of changes in a client's financial circumstances or
objectives, it informs the client's manager. Updated financial information about a client is
not collected by Harbour and IAR on a regular basis or given to a manager unless Harbour
and IAR are made aware of changes by the client. Clients also communicate changes
directly with the client's manager. Harbour receives a portion of the wrap fee charged for
our services.
Asset Management Services – Participant Account Management – Discretionary
(Pontera / 401k Management Services)
We use a third-party platform to facilitate management of held away assets such as defined
contribution plan participant accounts, with discretion. The platform allows us to avoid
being considered to have custody of Client funds since we do not have direct access to
Client log-in credentials to affect trades. We are not affiliated with the platform in any way
and receive no compensation from them for using their platform. A link will be provided to
the Client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform. Once Client account(s) is
connected to the platform, the IAR will review the current account allocations. When
deemed necessary, the IAR will rebalance the account considering client investment goals
and risk tolerance, and any change in allocations will consider current economic and
market trends. The goal is to improve account performance over time, minimize loss during
difficult markets, and manage internal fees that harm account performance. Client
account(s) will be reviewed and allocation changes will be made as deemed necessary.
Client assets are managed in all of the above programs. As a point of comparison, at
December 31, 2024, Harbour advisors managed assets of approximately $7,569,614,628;
$4,869,690,700 under Full Discretionary authority and $2,699,923,928 on a non-
discretionary basis. Harbour also had approximately $1,328,641,601 under Third Party-
Manager Programs.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
The hourly fee for consultation services is negotiable but generally range from $50 to $300
per hour. Services can also be performed on a flat fee basis. Flat fees generally range
between $200 to $2,500 but vary depending on the scope of the plan. The rate and fee
payment schedule is typically determined by the complexity of the project and the amount
of time involved. Client charges for a plan or service are negotiable. Typically the fee is
paid in its entirety up front or an estimate of the total fee is given to client by Harbour or
the IAR and a deposit of 50% of the estimated hourly or flat fee is paid at the execution of
the agreement. The balance of any fees is due upon receipt of the final written report or
advisory service. Hourly or flat fees can be waived or refunded when repositioning of the
client's portfolio has generated trading concessions to Harbour and IAR. In the event of
contract termination by the Client or Harbour, prepaid fees received but not earned are
reimbursed to the client. Clients may purchase investment products that IAR’s recommend
through other brokers or agents unaffiliated with Harbour.
5
Harbour sponsors Wrap Fee Programs through Pershing Advisor Solutions (“PAS”),
American Funds Service Company and Charles Schwab Advisor Services division of Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc, and Life Insurance Companies. This program maintains assets at a
designated custodian or Life Insurance Company. The custodian generally executes trades
in the client’s account. The client, at all times, makes the decision where to custody assets
including accounts under ERISA or IRA rules and regulations. Harbour and its IARs offer
different compensation options. In most cases, when the client wishes an ongoing
These fees have a maximum of 2.0%.
investment advisory relationship, compensation is calculated as a percentage of AUM.
Since the IAR receives fees as a result of the client’s
participation in the program, the IAR has a financial incentive to recommend a wrap fee
program over other services. This constitutes a conflict of interest for Harbour and the IAR
which must be disclosed to the client, along with a comparison of the cost of the wrap fee
program with other potential arrangements. The client is free after such disclosure to
choose the wrap fee program or any other program Harbour offers, including a brokerage
account charging transaction-based compensation.
The IAR negotiates the management fee with the client. All agreements are subject to
Harbour approval. Where the IAR uses commissioned products to implement an
investment strategy, fees on the AUM may be waived for agreed periods after the sale
which generated the commission. Any refund must be approved by Harbour. In most
cases, the value of AUM is determined at account commencement or at the end of the first
month or quarter after the account is established. Harbour and the IAR are compensated by
the client for advisory services on a monthly, quarterly or any other agreed upon schedule.
Fees are calculated by multiplying the percentage fee agreed upon in the advisory
agreement between Harbour and client against the AUM. The product of this calculation is
the fee paid by the client. The fee excludes transaction and custodian costs including
brokerage commissions and account maintenance fees depending on the agreement with
the client. Upon agreement between Harbour and the client, certain assets under
management are excluded from the computation of the AUM. Transaction costs are per
transaction or a percentage of AUM. When these costs are not included in the typical
service fees, they are separately charged to the account.
maximum of 1.0%.
Harbour and IAR do not take custody of any clients' funds or
Accounts with account values under $25,000 may have greater service fees due to higher
costs of the IAR maintaining the account. Clients authorize the client's account
custodian(s) to deduct, upon Harbour's instruction, fees when due from assets held in the
account. Money market funds and other securities in the client's account in amounts
sufficient to cover Harbour's fees are liquidated to pay fees. In all other cases, Harbour and
IAR calculate and submit a fee invoice to the client which can be paid from the client’s
account with client permission. The service fees for American Funds F-2 Direct Program
are a
securities.
The investment advisory contract between Harbour and each client can be terminated by
either party upon receipt of written notification. The client also has the right to rescind the
6
contract within five business days of the date the contract was signed. IAR and Harbour
are reimbursed for expenses incurred by request of the client.
between 0.25% to 2.50% per annum
maximum
.
Third party Manager fee programs generally range
advisor fee is 2.0%
These fees include both the advisor fees and the Third Party Manger fees. The
and is separate from the Third Party Manager fees. For example, an
advisor charging 2.0% utilizes a third party manager that charges a separate fee of 0.80%,
the cumulative fee charged to the client would be 2.80%. Each manager dictates their own
fee schedule which may vary. These may be higher or lower than those charged by other
management services. Harbour and its IAR will provide periodic assistance in evaluating
manager(s) performance and, if necessary, recommend replacing a manager. Under the
terms of Third Party Managers agreements, Harbour receives a fee for the referral of a
Harbour client, calculated as a percentage of AUM or as a percentage of the advisory fee
received by the investment manager from the client. Such fees continue to be paid as long
as the account remains under management. A conflict of interest exists when Harbour
recommends managers or a manager’s platform and receives compensation from the
manager for doing so. In all cases, the total management fees will be disclosed to the client
and the client advised of the conflict of interest. The client will be further advised that he
or she is free to use other managers from whom Harbour does not receive compensation.
The third party manager provides reports to client at the frequency specified in the
investment management agreement entered into with the client. A client's IAR will discuss
reports and assist the client with other matters associated with the third party account.
The annual fee does not include transaction or custodial fees and costs. Fees are generally
payable quarterly in advance. Upon termination, any unearned prepaid fees will be
returned to the client. Clients usually authorize both the manager and Harbour to debit the
client's account for the amount of fees due.
All clients engaging in Directly Managed Held Away programs must engage in asset
management. This fee will be assessed and billed quarterly. Specifically for directly-
managed held-away accounts, which are determined by the account value at the end of the
quarter. If the IAR only manages your assets for part of a quarter, the charge will be
prorated. The advisory fee is a separate fee, resulting in a combined weighted fee. For
example, an account valued at $2,000,000 would pay an effective fee of 1% with the annual
fee being $20,000 (a quarterly fee of $5,000). Investment management fees are generally
directly debited on a pro rata basis from client accounts. The exception for this is directly-
managed held-away accounts, such as 401(k)’s. As it is impossible to directly debit the fees
from these accounts, those fees will be assigned to the client’s taxable accounts on a pro-
rata basis. If the client does not have a taxable account, those fees will be billed directly to
the client. Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a pro-
rated fee based on the amount of time remaining in the billing period. An account may be
terminated with written notice at least 15 calendar days in advance.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
7
Harbour does not offer Performance-Based fees.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Harbour offers its services and investment advice to entities, individuals, trusts, investment
companies, investment advisors, pension and 401(k) plans and other tax-deferred vehicles
like Individual Retirement Accounts, Single Employment Plans, high net worth individuals
and others needing investment services and advice.
Harbour does not stipulate account minimums, however, for an account value less than
$5,000 held at Pershing Advisor Solutions and/or Charles Schwab, Inc., Harbour will not
assess an advisory fee. An IAR may require account minimums in excess of these numbers.
Third party manager programs have different account minimums depending on the
manager. Harbour’s American Funds F-2 Direct Program minimums are set per individual
mutual fund prospectus which are considerably lower than Harbour general account
minimums. Harbour’s HTM program….
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategy
Certain IARs provide asset management/wrap fee services. In these cases, IARs generally
use fundamental or technical analysis. Each IAR uses his or her own analysis and
investment strategy.
Some portfolio managers employ fundamental analysis seeking to understand the
underlying value of securities based on financial and market fundamentals to determine
whether securities are under- or over-valued. Fundamental analysis can be applied to most
securities, including equities, bonds and fixed assets. It can also be applied to broader
markets through economic analysis and investment strategy.
Other portfolio managers use technical information in providing investment services.
Technical analysis focuses on information from the market itself, including but not limited
to price levels, movement, volatility, trade volume and demand. Markets and securities
develop trends, whether up, down or sideways, and technical analysis attempts to measure
the characteristics of those trends. Momentum investing is a form of trend-following
investing used by a variety of investors. Technical analysis is an important tool for
momentum investors, especially in determining when trends change.
The types of analysis used by Harbour IARs all have inherent risk associated with them
since investing in securities involves risk of total loss. Clients must be prepared to bear
such risks when investing. Other risks include market risk, default risk, option risk, high
turnover risk and foreign investing risk.
8
Third Party Managers
Harbour has agreements with certain third party managers that use a variety of methods
for analyzing stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments in client portfolios. These
include but are not limited to the following:
•
•
•
Sophisticated, analytical modeling techniques identifying intermediate to long-term
market trends
Macro economic models which analyze economic data like gross domestic product,
inflation, unemployment, money flows and overall market conditions. This analysis
seeks to determine the current phase of the business cycle (expansion, peak,
contraction or trough)
Academic research modeling known as “Modern Portfolio Theory.”
Each third party manager uses different forms of analysis. The client, assisted by their IAR,
determines which will best suit the client’s situation. Harbour’s selection and review of
third party managers includes reviewing AUM, including mixes of assets, risk tolerance and
client objectives matched against adviser’s management style. Harbour also reviews
financial stability, tenure and performance.
One of Harbour’s criteria for replacing recommended managers in the program is based on
inactivity. Managers who have not received Harbour-client funds for two years or more are
considered for replacement.
Criteria used to recommend third party management changes to a client include, but are
not limited to ongoing suitability of the manager’s style with the client objectives, client’s
overall objective change, cost and/or change of cost of the program and performance.
Harbour does not calculate portfolio manager performance, nor does it review
performance information to verify its accuracy or its compliance with presentation
standards.
The types of analysis used by Harbour’s IARs and third party managers all have inherent
risk associated with them because investing in securities involves total risk of loss. Clients
must be prepared to bear such risks when investing. Other risks may include: market risk,
default risk of individual bonds, inflation risk, option risk, high turnover risk and foreign
investment risk.
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 a client’s evaluation of Harbour or the
integrity of Harbour’s management. Harbour entered into Consent Order with the SEC in
September 2018. The Consent Order, among other things, relates to marketing agreement
compensation received from a third party broker-dealer, 12b-1 fees received by Harbour,
9
disclosures regarding both of these, conflicts of interest, best execution, and share class
selection and disclosures. The Consent Order resulted in disgorgement, a fine and interest
totaling $241,479.00.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Harbour is also registered as a FINRA member and brokers/deals investment products. In
conducting this business, Harbour markets investment products to its customers on a
commission basis. Approximately 50% of the firm's staff time is spent providing
investment advisory services.
As a FINRA broker/dealer firm, Harbour may execute proprietary transactions for itself
and/or its IARs.
Harbour receives commissions and/or fees from other registered investment adviser firms
and registered third party managers programs which are fully disclosed in the appropriate
selling agreements.
Harbour’s IARs are often dually registered broker-dealer representatives with Harbour.
This poses an inherent conflict of interest. Prior to transacting any securities or advisory
business, the IAR must disclose the total fee and commission structure to the client so that
he or she may evaluate the compensation arrangement and the total transaction cost of any
recommendation. For example, all costs and other client consideration must be reviewed
to determine whether an adviser account or a traditional broker-dealer based account in
which transactions are assessed a commission is best for the client. If there are 12b-1 trail
commissions (commission generated by mutual funds and paid as “trailing” compensation
to Harbour and its IARs) generated by a recommended product after purchase, this must be
disclosed to the client prior to investment. When Harbour and its IAR use commissioned
products to implement an investment strategy, fees can be waived or offset in lieu of
receipt of the commission(s). This will be disclosed in writing. The IAR must also disclose
whether the purchase of a particular investment product adds to the IAR's production
volume for incentives such as gifts, trips, etc. An IAR who is managing an investment
account positioned in mutual funds or variable contracts must also disclose all
management fees and expenses as described in prospectus. Fees are prepaid six months or
more in advance up to $500, prepaid less than six months in advance or billed in arrears on
a monthly, quarterly or other client agreed upon periodic schedule. Harbour and its IARs
cannot assign, sell or otherwise transfer a client's investment advisory contract unless they
have written permission to do so from the client or the client's designated legal
representative.
10
Harbour’s fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related
costs and expenses incurred by the client unless otherwise noted. Each custodian has their
own transaction fee schedule. Charles Schwab Advisor Services division of Charles Schwab
& Co., Inc. does not charge for certain equity transactions such as stocks and exchange
traded funds. Clients incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, third party
investment and other third parties such as fees charged by managers, custodial fees,
deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic
fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds also charge internal management fees and are
disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and
in addition to Harbour’s fee, and Harbour does not receive any portion of these associated
fees and costs.
The broker/dealers with whom Harbour contracts to execute transactions and custody
client assets provide products and services that benefit Harbour but may not directly
benefit clients’ accounts. These benefits include specific educational events organized and
sponsored and paid for by the broker/dealer and occasional business entertainment of
personnel of Harbour including meals, lodging and invitations to sporting events. Other
product and services provided assist in managing and administering clients’ accounts.
These include software and technology that provide access to client account data, facilitate
trade execution, provide research, and facilitate payment of advisory fees from its client’s
accounts. The broker/dealer may make available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these
types of services rendered to Harbour by independent third parties. The broker-dealer
may also pay certain expenses of Harbour and/or its IARs or registered representatives. As
a fiduciary, Harbour endeavors to act in its clients’ best interests. The benefits Harbour
and its IARs receive create a conflict of interest since Harbour may be incentivized to
recommend broker/dealers or custodians providing such benefits. Before making a
recommendation in such circumstances, Harbour will also inform a client of the nature of
the conflict, the benefit received and inform the client he or she is free to designate other
broker-dealers to provide them service who do not provide Harbour such benefits.
Harbour requires its IARs to pass the Series 65 (Investment Adviser Representatives
Examination) or equivalent examination (Series 66) or have a noted designation approved
by Harbour, (i.e., CFP, ChFC, CFA, etc.) to provide investment advice. In all cases, individual
state and federal licensing and exam regulations govern.
Old timers exception: At the time of registration with Harbour some IARs qualified for a
regulatory exception that permitted long standing industry experience to replace the
standard testing requirements and therefore are permitted to become IAR licensed with
Harbour.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
Harbour maintains a Code of Ethics adopted pursuant to SEC Rule 204A-1. A copy of this
Code of Ethics will be furnished to clients and prospective clients upon request.
Harbour and its IARs exercise authority and responsibility for the benefit of the client.
They must place the interests of the client first, to refrain when possible from having
outside interests that conflict with the interests of the client and disclose all conflicts of
interest that exist or develop. Harbour and its IAR must avoid circumstances that adversely
11
affect or appear to affect their duty of complete loyalty to its clients.
It is unlawful for any adviser in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly,
of a security held or to be acquired by the adviser:
•
•
•
•
To employ any device, scheme or ploy to defraud;
To make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements, not misleading;
To engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate
as a fraud or deceit; or
To engage in any manipulative practice.
IAR transactions for their own personal accounts must be properly disclosed to a client
when the IAR and client hold common securities.
•
o
If entering personal and client orders for the same security in the same day, the
client’s order must always be entered before the IAR’s order.
A personal order may be part of a “block” trade where all participants receive
the same execution price.
Conflicts of Interest
Harbour and its IARs have a duty to disclose potential and actual conflicts of interest to
their clients. IARs also have a duty to report potential and actual conflicts of interest to
their advisory firms. IARs will not attempt to limit their liability for willful misconduct or
gross negligence through the use of disclaimers.
Harbour receives additional compensation based on a fixed amount, flat fee, a formula
based on assets under management, or expense reimbursements (“Additional
Compensation”) from certain product sponsors who are considered “participating sponsors”.
These payments are paid to Harbour out of the revenues of the sponsoring investment
company, registered investment adviser, insurance or financial company and are NOT paid
out of client assets. Harbour uses this Additional Compensation to assist in training,
education, and marketing services. Our 2024 participating sponsors include Advisors Excel,
Allianz Life, American Funds, Bluerock Capital, BTS Asset Management, Capital Square, CIM
Group, Equitable, ExchangeRight, First Trust, Gradient, Inland, Inspired Healthcare, Jackson
National, Lincoln Financial, Nationwide, Pacer ETF, Pacific Life, Prudential, Q3 Asset
Management, Sammons, US Energy, and Voya Financial. The participating sponsors’
additional compensation paid to Harbour ranged from $500.00 to $138,054.89.
In return for this Additional Compensation, Harbour’s Participating Sponsors have greater
access to IARs and also registered representatives for product training and other
educational presentations and information so they can better serve investors. This creates
a conflict of interest for Harbour, its IARs and registered representatives since it may
incentivize them to focus on these sponsors when recommending products to clients
12
instead of products from non-sponsors that have more limited access. Clients are advised
of this conflict and are informed that they are not required to purchase any product from a
participating sponsor who pays Harbour and its IARs Additional Compensation.
Additional Compensation for Expense Reimbursement – Harbour IARs receive expense
reimbursement from entities which include but are not limited to product sponsors.
Typically, this may include reimbursement for the costs of seminars, client get togethers,
meals, travel, lodging and other expense reimbursement. These reimbursements do not
impact client funds or performance since they are not paid directly or indirectly from client
assets. Nonetheless, the receipt of expense reimbursement creates a conflict of interest for
IARs receiving it, since it may cause IARs to favor recommendations of entities and
products of reimbursing entities over those entities not providing such reimbursement.
IARs will advise clients as part of any recommendation whether they receive such expense
reimbursement. Clients are free at all times upon disclosure to select products and services
from entities not providing registered representatives expense reimbursement.
Harbour and its IARs receive 12b-1 fees from certain mutual fund companies as described
in the fund’s prospectus. 12b-1 fees typically are expenses of the mutual fund which
reduce the overall return a client may receive on a mutual fund investment. The receipt of
such fees by Harbour, its IARs and registered representatives also results in a conflict of
interest for Harbour and its IARs since there is an incentive to recommend funds with 12b-
1 fees over funds that have no fees or lower fees. Clients are free to choose funds which do
not pay 12b-1 concessions. Such funds, often called an “advisory” fund or “institutional
share” fund usually makes a better low cost choice and offers the same or virtually the
same product as funds which pay 12b-1 fees to Harbour and/or its
representatives/advisers. Where it makes economic sense and like alternatives are
available, Harbour will recommend products for clients that do not pay 12b-1 fees.
Harbour and its IARs enter agreements with solicitors who refer clients to Harbour for
investment advisory services. Any compensation paid by Harbour to the solicitors for such
referrals is based on the client executing an advisory agreement with Harbour.
Compensation to the solicitor is paid based on a written agreement between Harbour and
the solicitor and is based on a percentage of the advisory fee a client pays to Harbour. This
fee is normally paid to the solicitor for the entire period of the advisory agreement between
the client and Harbour is in effect and is calculated based on the client’s Assets Under
Management. Any Solicitor is required to provide the client with a copy of Harbour’s Form
ADV Part 2A and an Investment Advisory Solicitors Disclosure Form. Clients acknowledge
receipt of these disclosures by signing the Investment Advisory Solicitors Disclosure Form.
Individual IARs from time to time invest or trade in securities which are recommended to
Harbour clients. This represents a conflict of interest for the IAR since recommending
securities held or traded by the IAR incentivizes the IAR in some situations to make the
recommendation to the client. Harbour addresses this by disclosing IARs hold or trade in
securities which he or she also recommends and offer on request of the client to disclose
the IARs holdings. Harbour discloses that its advisers/representatives have in the past and
13
will in the future make purchases, sales and will hold securities for his or her own account
and immediate family accounts which are also recommended and/or purchased or sold for
client accounts. Likewise, based on different investing goals, time horizons and other
reasons, recommendations made for one client’s account may be different or actually
contrary to what the adviser/representative is recommending or may recommend to other
clients or for his or her own account. Harbour monitors individual adviser/representative
holdings and activities to ensure client accounts are not disadvantaged in any way by an
adviser’s/representative’s trading for their own account.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Harbour considers various factors when selecting or recommending broker-dealers for
client transactions. These include financial stability, fees and costs, customer service and
transaction execution. Harbour reviews costs at other firms and compares them to the
costs it incurs at broker-dealers to determine the reasonableness of charges. Harbour does
not receive research or other soft dollar benefits in connection with client securities
transactions.
In certain circumstances, the cost to aggregate purchases or sale of securities is higher than
the cost of not aggregating due to extra ticket charge costs as well as market fluctuation.
Generally, Harbour does not aggregate the purchase or sale orders of securities for various
accounts, but an IAR may conduct an aggregated “block trade.” All trades are reviewed by a
registered principal of the broker-dealer for compliance purposes.
Harbour’s asset management – wrap programs are limited/full discretionary or non-
discretionary platforms. Trading is directed by the client or IAR subject to client’s chosen
objective and strategies. Client (or IAR in a limited/full discretionary account) determines
the securities to be bought or sold and the amount of the trades. The Wrap Fee Programs
are described above and are also described in the Wrap Fee Brochure Appendix which
Harbour provides to clients and prospective clients.
Harbour’s third party managers offer discretionary platforms. Trading is directed by the
adviser, and sometimes by a sub-adviser to whom discretionary authority is granted.
Subject to client’s chosen objective and strategies adviser will determine securities to be
bought or sold, price, timing and broker/dealer that adviser and/or sub-adviser believes is
capable of providing best price and execution of client orders.
Harbour and its IARs must obtain the “best execution” of client transactions. The
determination of what constitutes best execution of a securities transaction by a broker
involves a number of considerations and is subjective. Factors affecting brokerage
selection include the overall direct net economic result to the portfolios, the efficiency with
which the transaction is effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large
block is involved, and the operational facilities of the broker-dealer, the value of ongoing
relationship with such broker/dealers and the financial strength and stability of the broker.
14
Clients are always free to direct where they wish transactions in their advisory account be
executed. If a client declines to direct Harbour to a custodian or broker to execute trades,
Harbour will choose a broker based on the best execution criteria suggested above.
In some instances, Harbour’s use of particular brokers and/or custodians result in actual
and potential conflicts of interest. These are discussed above under “Conflicts of Interest”
in Item 11.
IARs conduct investment advisory activities under separate unaffiliated business names.
These names can be found on Harbour’s ADV Part 1, Section 1.B by accessing
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. All client funds must be made payable to the corresponding
custodian, not the IAR or their unaffiliated business.
Clients provided asset management services receive account reports prepared by PAS,
Charles Schwab Advisor Services division of Charles Schwab & Co. and other approved
custodians on a monthly or quarterly basis. In addition, a report may be prepared by
Harbour and IAR according to the frequency agreed upon between IAR and client which
may be none.
For those clients purchasing or depositing mutual funds with Harbour, Harbour will choose
or convert the share class of a mutual fund holding to a lower cost share class of the same
mutual fund, if available, if this otherwise makes economic sense and is in the best interest
of the client. Each mutual fund, as well as each clearing firm custodian has minimum
purchase amounts. Charles Schwab & Co. and PAS charge for mutual fund share class
conversions. A review will be conducted on these accounts to determine if a share class
conversion makes sense for the client. IARs will consult with the client regarding share
class conversions.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Accounts receiving asset management within a wrap fee program are monitored by a
client's IAR on a continuous basis. The frequency of client reviews is determined by the
investment mix of the account and the desire of the client. Such reviews may also be
triggered by economic news, news about a particular security, client requests, change in
client's personal or financial situation, securities research, and deposits to or withdrawals
from an account or other events.
Harbour conducts, on a quarterly basis, a compliance spot check of a selection of advisory
accounts. The review is conducted by a registered principal of Harbour and, among other
things, reviews the reasonableness of performance and holdings in relation to client
provided risk tolerance and investment objectives.
If Harbour and its IAR become aware of changes in a client's financial circumstances or
objectives, it informs the client's manager. Updated financial information about a client is
15
not collected by Harbour and IAR on a regular basis or given to a manager unless Harbour
and IAR are made aware of changes by the client. Clients also communicate changes
directly to the client's portfolio manager.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
As indicated in Item 11 above in the discussion of Conflicts of Interest, there are
relationships Harbour has entered into which provide economic benefit to Harbour and/or
its IARs. Please refer to Item 11 above for discussion of such conflicts including situations
regarding referrals both by Harbour and to Harbour and/or its IARs.
Item 15 – Custody
Harbour does not have custody of client funds or securities. Clients should receive at least
quarterly statements from the broker-dealer or other qualified custodian that holds and
maintains client’s investment assets. Harbour urges you to carefully review such
statements.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Harbour accepts a contract for a full discretionary account. In such cases, a client gives the
IAR and Harbour discretion and authority to choose which securities are traded, including
the timing and amount of each trade. This is done without the need to obtain prior consent
from the client. Clients grant this authorization by executing a discretionary trading power
of attorney.
There are no restrictions on a client’s ability to contact and consult with their IAR or
manager in any account.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Harbour does not vote proxies on behalf of advisory clients. Clients retain the
responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for any and all securities maintained in
client portfolios. Harbour may provide advice to clients regarding the client’s voting of
proxies.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain
financial information or disclosures about Harbour’s financial condition under particular
circumstances. Harbour has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet
contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and has not been the subject of a
bankruptcy proceeding. Harbour does not require or solicit prepayment of fees of more
than $500 per client, six months or more in advance.
16