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Item 1: Cover Page
Item 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
July 30, 2025
Harmony Point Wealth Advisors, Inc.
SEC No. 801-126832
Mailing Address
6789 Quail Hill Pkwy. #831
Irvine, CA 92603
Office Address
18872 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 410
Irvine, CA 92612
phone: 888-391-7378
email: info@harmonypointwa.com
website: www.harmonypointwa.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Harmony Point
Wealth Advisors, Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
888-391-7378 or email info@harmonypointwa.com. The information in this brochure has not been
approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities
authority. Registration with the SEC or state regulatory authority does not imply a certain level of skill or
expertise.
Additional information about Harmony Point Wealth Advisors, Inc. is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2: Material Changes
Item 2: Material Changes
This Firm Brochure is our disclosure document prepared according to regulatory requirements
and rules. Consistent with the 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. Furthermore, we will provide you with other interim disclosures about material changes as
necessary.
There are no material changes to this Brochure from the last annual update issued on March 21,
2025.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
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 ............................................................................................................................ 7
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ......................................................... 11
Item 7: Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ................................................. 13
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 25
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................................ 26
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................... 30
Item 13: Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 37
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................ 38
Item 15: Custody .......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Item 16: Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................... 40
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................................ 41
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................ 42
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Ownership/Advisory History
Harmony Point Wealth Advisors, Inc. (“Harmony Point” or the “Firm”) is a California corporation.
The principal owners of Harmony Point are Marek Pfeil, President, and Kenneth Graham, Vice
President. Harmony Point became registered as an investment adviser in 2022.
B. Advisory Services Offered
Portfolio Management Services
Harmony Point offers ongoing portfolio management services based on the individual goals,
objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance of each client. Harmony Point creates an Investment
Profile Questionnaire for each client, which outlines the client’s current situation (income, tax
levels, and risk tolerance levels). Portfolio management services include, but are not limited to,
investment strategy, personal investment policy, asset allocation and asset selection, and regular
portfolio monitoring.
For its discretionary portfolio management services, Harmony Point receives a limited power of
attorney to effect securities transactions on behalf of its clients that include securities and
strategies described in Item 8 of this brochure.
Clients have the right to provide the Firm with any reasonable investment restrictions on the
management of their portfolio, which must be in writing and sent to the Firm. Clients should
promptly notify the Firm in writing of any changes in such restrictions or in the client's personal
financial circumstances, investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. Harmony Point will
remind clients of their obligation to inform the Firm of any such changes or any restrictions that
should be imposed on the management of the client’s account. Harmony Point will also contact
clients at least annually to determine whether there have been any changes in a client's personal
financial circumstances, investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Retirement Rollovers – Conflicts and Added Fees. As a fee-based investment adviser, Harmony
Point (and its investment adviser representatives) makes more money either when your account
assets grow or when you add money to your account. As a plan participant, clients may be
paying little or nothing for the plan’s investment services. As such, clients’ costs are likely to be
more post-rollover. Alternative courses of action are available to you: (i) Assuming it is permitted
by the Plan, you can leave your money in your current Plan. (ii) If you have changed employers,
you can roll your assets into the new employer’s Plan, if permissible by your new employer. (iii)
You can establish an IRA R/O and place into a commission-based account at a broker-dealer. (iv)
You can establish an IRA R/O and place into a fee-based advisory account. (v) You can withdraw
your retirement money and pay the taxes and any applicable penalties.
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Selection of Other Advisers (Sub-Advisers)
As part of its portfolio management services, Harmony Point may recommend one or more
third-party sub-advisers to manage all or a portion of the client's investment portfolio. Factors
taken into consideration when making recommendations include, but are not limited to, the
sub-adviser’s performance, investment strategies, methods or analysis, advisory fees and other
fees, assets under management, and the client's financial objectives and risk tolerance. Harmony
Point would generally retain authority to hire/fire the sub-adviser and regularly monitors the
performance of the sub-adviser to ensure its management and investment style remain aligned
with the client's objectives and risk tolerance. Harmony Point continuously manages any sub-
adviser relationship and regularly monitors the client's account(s) for performance metrics and
adherence to the client's investment objectives. Each sub-adviser maintains a separate
disclosure document that Harmony Point will provide to the client. The client should carefully
review the sub-adviser's disclosure document for information regarding fees, risks and
investment strategies, and conflicts of interest. The sub-adviser’s fee will be in addition to the
advisory fees charged by Harmony Point.
Harmony Point has a sub-advisory agreement with AssetMark, Inc. (“AssetMark”), an unaffiliated
registered investment adviser and platform provider, in which Harmony Point primarily conducts
its business. Harmony Point accesses various model portfolio strategies made available through
the AssetMark investment platform. Harmony Point determines which portfolios the client assets
are to be invested in, and thereafter AssetMark, as sub-adviser, implements all trades necessary
to cause such assets to be invested in the model portfolios and strategies.
Financial Planning Services
Harmony Point’s financial planning services are offered in several areas of a client’s financial
situation, depending on their goals and objectives. Financial planning services may encompass
one or more areas of need, including but not limited to the following:
▪ Goals and objectives review
▪ Retirement income & cash flow planning
▪ Risk assessment
▪ Social security analysis
▪ Budget analysis
▪ Estate planning & asset protection strategies
▪ Personal purchases
▪ Employee benefit planning
▪ Debt payment & payoff analysis
▪ Multi-generational wealth transfer
▪ College savings
▪ Long-term care planning
Harmony Point will develop its recommendations typically through two in-person or virtual
consultations with the client. Harmony Point may work with the client’s other professionals such
as attorneys, certified public accountants, trust officers, etc., to provide financial and estate
planning advice.
None of the financial planning services include legal, tax, or accounting advice. Clients should
contact their attorney(s), accountant(s), or other professional with respect to legal, accounting
and/or tax matters. With respect to estate planning or tax planning, Harmony Point’s role shall
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Item 4: Advisory Business
be that of a facilitator between the client and the client’s designated professional estate or tax
planning advisor(s).
The client has the sole discretion to follow or disregard, in whole or in part, any of Harmony
Point’s recommendations, suggestions, or advice. The client also has the right to implement
Harmony Point’s recommendations at the client’s sole discretion using a professional advisor(s)
of the client’s choosing, including a financial advisor, broker, accountant, attorney or other
professional.
ERISA & Qualified Plan Services
ERISA & Qualified Plan Services are provided exclusively through World Investment Advisors,
LLC, dba Pensionmark by Marek Pfeil in his capacity as an investment adviser representative with
Pensionmark. Please refer to Pensionmark’s disclosure documents for description of services and
fees. See Item 10.C. of this Brochure for conflict-of-interest disclosure.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
Harmony Point does not sponsor or manage a wrap fee program, but client portfolios that are
sub-advised through AssetMark as a sub-adviser to Harmony Point will be charged a wrap fee
under AssetMark’s wrap fee program, where brokerage commissions and transaction costs are
included in the asset-based fee charged to the client. AssetMark maintains a separate wrap fee
program brochure that Harmony Point will provide to the client.
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, Harmony Point had $210,212,547 in discretionary and $41,120,897 in
non-discretionary assets under management.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Methods of Compensation and Fee Schedule
Portfolio Management & Sub-Adviser Fees
Harmony Point’s portfolio management fee is an asset-based fee, calculated as a percentage of
the value of the managed assets. The total managed account fee will include Harmony Point’s
tiered fee as outlined in the following fee schedule (negotiable), plus a model manager and
platform fee if the AssetMark platform is utilized (AssetMark’s fee portion is non-negotiable).
Assets Under Management
First $500,000
Next $500,000
Next $4,000,000
Over $5,000,000
Harmony Point Annual Fee
Equity Assets
1.00%
0.80%
0.50%
0.30%
Harmony Point Annual Fee
Fixed Assets
0.50%
0.50%
0.25%
0.15%
Please be advised that Harmony Point has an incentive to preference equity investments over
fixed income investments because equity investments yield a higher economic benefit to the
Firm. Harmony Point’s management fee is negotiable at the Firm’s discretion, taking into
consideration historical relationship, types of assets, anticipated future additional assets, dollar
amounts of assets to be managed, related (household) accounts, account composition, and
other factors.
As model manager fees vary depending on the strategy(ies) selected, Harmony Point has an
economic incentive to recommend those strategies that yield the highest fees to Harmony Point.
While Harmony Point prioritizes clients’ best interests, it’s important to be aware of this conflict
of interest during the construction of the client’s investment portfolio. Lastly, clients should note
that comparable services may be available elsewhere at more favorable pricing. Clients are
encouraged to discuss with their financial professional the most appropriate tier of services,
given the client’s needs and the applicable cost given the client’s investment goals and
objectives.
The specific advisory fees are set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement. Such fees are
payable quarterly in advance and will be based on the value of account assets as of the last
business day of the prior quarter. If a client utilizes leverage, Harmony Point’s fees will be billed
on the net equity in the portfolio. The fees will be prorated if the investment advisory
relationship commences otherwise than at the beginning of a calendar quarter. Adjustments for
significant contributions ($20,000 or more) to a client’s portfolio are prorated for the quarter in
which the change occurs; no adjustments will be made for withdrawals.
Harmony Point may modify the fee at any time upon 30 days’ written notice to the client. In the
event the client has an ERISA-governed plan, fee modifications must be approved in writing by
the client.
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Financial Planning Fees
Financial planning fees will be billed at the rate of $420 per hour or a fixed fee mutually agreed
upon by the client and Harmony Point. For fixed fee arrangements, Harmony Point will provide
the prospective client with an estimate of the fixed charges prior to finalizing the financial
planning agreement. Estimates will be based upon a good faith estimate of the number of hours
to complete the assignment multiplied by the hourly rate, and re-evaluated at a later point.
The fees charged are solely for the preparation of the financial plan and do not include any
commissions or fees that might be generated upon implementation of any recommendations.
B. Client Payment of Fees
Portfolio Management Services
Harmony Point generally requires fees to be prepaid on a quarterly basis. Harmony Point
requires clients to authorize the direct debit of fees from their accounts. Exceptions may be
granted subject to the Firm’s consent for clients to be billed directly for our fees. For directly
debited fees, the custodian’s periodic statements will show each fee deduction from the
account. Clients may withdraw this authorization for direct billing of these fees at any time by
notifying us or their custodian in writing.
Harmony Point will deduct advisory fees directly from the client’s account provided that (i) the
client provides written authorization to the qualified custodian, and (ii) the qualified custodian
sends the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the
account. The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s
custodian will not verify the calculation.
The Investment Advisory Agreement may be canceled at any time by the client, or by Harmony
Point with 30 days’ prior written notice to the client. Upon termination, any unearned, prepaid
fees will be promptly refunded.
Financial Planning Fees
Financial planning fee terms are subject to the agreement between the client and Harmony
Point. For prepaid fees of $1,200 or more, services will be completed within six months of the
date fees are received.
The financial planning engagement may be canceled at any time by either party upon written
notice. Upon termination, any unearned, prepaid fees will be refunded to the client, and any
earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
C. Additional Client Fees Charged
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, sub-advisers, private placement,
pooled investment vehicles, broker-dealers, and custodians retained by clients. Such fees and
expenses are described in each exchange-traded fund and mutual fund’s prospectus, each sub-
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
adviser’s Form ADV and Brochure and Brochure Supplement or similar disclosure statement,
each private placement or pooled investment vehicle’s confidential offering memoranda, and by
any broker-dealer or custodian retained by the client. Clients are advised to read these materials
carefully before investing. If a mutual fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial
or deferred sales charge as further described in the mutual fund’s prospectus. A client using
Harmony Point may be precluded from using certain mutual funds or separate account
managers because they may not be offered by the client's custodian.
Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section (Item 12) for additional information regarding the
Firm’s brokerage practices.
D. External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Harmony Point’s advisory professionals are compensated primarily through a salary and bonus
structure/through a percentage of advisory fees charged to clients. Harmony Point’s advisory
professionals may be paid sales, service or administrative fees for the sale of mutual funds or
other investment products. Harmony Point’s advisory professionals may receive commission-
based compensation for the sale of securities. Investment adviser representatives, in their
capacity as a registered representative of a broker-dealer, are prohibited from earning an
advisory fee on the securities value transferred from an advisory client’s brokerage account
unless commissions earned on such securities transactions occurred at least 12 months prior to
the transfer. Please see Item 10.C. for conflicts of interest.
E. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that certain of the Firm’s investment adviser representatives are registered
with a broker-dealer and/or the Firm is a broker-dealer or affiliated with a broker-dealer. Under
these arrangements, we can access certain investment programs offered through the broker-
dealer that offer certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of
which clients need to be aware. As such, the investment adviser representative and/or the Firm
may have an economic incentive to recommend the purchase of 12b-1 or revenue share class
mutual funds offered through the broker-dealer platform rather than from the investment
adviser platform. Please note the following:
Limitation on Mutual Fund Universe for Custodian Investment Programs: Please note that as a
matter of policy we prohibit the receipt of revenue share fees from any mutual funds utilized for
our advisory clients’ portfolios. There are certain programs in which we participate where a
client’s investment options may be limited in certain of these programs to those mutual funds
and/or mutual fund share classes that pay 12b-1 fees and other revenue sharing fee payments,
and the client should be aware that the Firm is not selecting from among all mutual funds
available in the marketplace when recommending mutual funds to the client.
Conflict Between Revenue Share Class (12b-1) and Non-Revenue Share Class Mutual Funds:
Revenue share class/12b-1 fees are deducted from the net asset value of the mutual fund and
generally, all things being equal, cause the fund to earn lower rates of return than those mutual
funds that do not pay revenue sharing fees. The client is under no obligation to utilize such
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
programs or mutual funds. Although many factors will influence the type of fund to be used, the
client should discuss with their investment adviser representative whether a share class from a
comparable mutual fund with a more favorable return to investors is available that does not
include the payment of any 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees given the client’s individual needs
and priorities and anticipated transaction costs. In addition, the receipt of such fees can create
conflicts of interest in instances (i) where our adviser representative is also licensed as a
registered representative of a broker-dealer and receives a portion of 12b-1 and or revenue
sharing fees as compensation – such compensation creates an incentive for the investment
adviser representative to use programs which utilize funds that pay such additional
compensation; and (ii) where the custodian receives the entirety of the 12b-1 and/or revenue
sharing fees and takes the receipt of such fees into consideration in terms of benefits it may
elect to provide to the Firm, even though such benefits may or may not benefit some or all
of the Firm’s clients.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Harmony Point does not charge performance-based fees and therefore has no economic
incentive to manage clients’ portfolios in any way other than what is in their best interests.
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Item 7: Types of Clients
Item 7: Types of Clients
Harmony Point offers its investment services to various types of clients including individuals and
high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations or business
entities.
Harmony Point generally requires a minimum account size of $100,000. Harmony Point, in its
sole discretion, may waive the required minimum.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to
bear. There is no guarantee that any specific investment or strategy will be profitable for a
particular client.
Methods of Analysis
Harmony Point uses a variety of sources of data to conduct its economic, investment and market
analysis, which may include economic and market research materials prepared by others,
conference calls hosted by individual companies or mutual funds, corporate rating services,
annual reports, prospectuses, and company press releases, and financial newspapers and
magazines. Harmony Point may employ outside vendors or utilize third-party software to assist
in formulating investment recommendations to clients.
Harmony Point and its investment adviser representatives are responsible for identifying and
implementing the methods of analysis used in formulating investment recommendations to
clients.
▪ Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating the intrinsic value of an asset and
analyzing the factors that could influence its price in the future. This form of analysis is
based on external events and influences, as well as financial statements and industry
trends.
▪ Technical analysis involves charting price and volume data as reported by the exchange
where the security is traded to look for price trends.
▪ Cyclical Analysis attempts to identify the industry cycle of a company to determine
whether the company is in a market introduction phase, growth phase or maturity phase.
Generally, projected revenues, growth potential and business risk may fluctuate based on
the company’s cycle stage
Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds, Individual Securities, Third-Party Sub-
Advisers
Harmony Point may recommend ”institutional share class” mutual funds, exchange-traded funds
(“ETFs”), and individual securities (including fixed income instruments).
Harmony Point may also assist the client in selecting one or more appropriate sub-advisers for
all or a portion of the client’s portfolio. Such sub-advisers will typically manage assets for clients
who commit to the manager a minimum amount of assets established by that sub-adviser—a
factor that Harmony Point will take into account when recommending sub-advisers to clients.
Harmony Point 's selection process cannot ensure that sub-advisers will perform as desired, and
Harmony Point will have no control over the day-to-day operations of any of its selected sub-
advisers. Harmony Point would not necessarily be aware of certain activities at the underlying
sub-advisers level, including without limitation a sub-adviser’s engaging in unreported risks,
investment “style drift,” or even regulatory breaches or fraud.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A description of the criteria to be used in formulating an investment recommendation for
mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities (including fixed-income securities), and sub-advisers is
set forth below.
Harmony Point has formed relationships with third-party vendors that:
▪ provide a technological platform for separate account management,
▪ prepare performance reports,
▪ perform or distribute research of individual securities, and
▪ perform billing and certain other administrative tasks.
Harmony Point may utilize additional independent third parties to assist it in recommending and
monitoring individual securities, mutual funds, and sub-advisers to clients as appropriate under
the circumstances.
Harmony Point reviews certain quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and
sub-advisers and to formulate investment recommendations to its clients. Quantitative criteria
may include:
▪ performance history of a mutual fund or sub-adviser evaluated against that of its peers
and other benchmarks;
▪ analysis of risk-adjusted returns;
▪ analysis of the manager’s contribution to the investment return (e.g., manager’s alpha)
standard deviation of returns over specific time periods, sector and style analysis;
▪
fund, sub-adviser or manager’s fee structure;
▪
the relevant portfolio manager’s tenure.
Qualitative criteria used in selecting/recommending mutual funds or sub-advisers include the
investment objectives and/or management style and philosophy of a mutual fund or sub-
advisers; a mutual fund or sub-adviser’s consistency of investment style; and employee turnover
and efficiency and capacity.
Quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and sub-advisers are reviewed by
Harmony Point on a quarterly basis or such other interval as appropriate under the
circumstances. In addition, mutual funds or sub-advisers are reviewed to determine the extent to
which their investments reflect any of the following: efforts to time the market, engage in
portfolio pumping, or evidence style drift such that their portfolios no longer accurately reflect
the particular asset category attributed to the mutual fund or sub-advisers by Harmony Point
(both of which are negative factors in implementing an asset allocation structure).
Harmony Point may negotiate reduced account minimum balances and reduced fees with sub-
advisers under various circumstances (e.g., for clients with minimum level of assets committed to
the manager for specific periods of time, etc.). There can be no assurance that clients will receive
any reduced account minimum balances or fees, or that all clients, even if apparently similarly
situated, will receive any reduced account minimum balances or fees available to some other
clients. Also, account minimum balances and fees may significantly differ between clients. Each
client’s individual needs and circumstances will determine portfolio weighting, which can have
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
an impact on fees given the funds or sub-advisers utilized. Harmony Point will endeavor to
obtain equal treatment for its clients with funds or sub-advisers, but cannot assure equal
treatment.
Harmony Point will regularly review the activities of mutual funds and sub-advisers utilized for
the client. Clients that engage sub-advisers or who invest in mutual funds should first review and
understand the disclosure documents of those sub-advisers or mutual funds, which contain
information relevant to such retention or investment, including information on the methodology
used to analyze securities, investment strategies, fees and conflicts of interest.
Material Risks of Investment Instruments
Harmony Point generally invests in the following types of securities:
▪ Equity securities
▪ Mutual fund securities
▪ Exchange-traded funds
▪ Exchange-traded notes
▪ Leveraged and inverse exchange-traded products
▪ Fixed income securities
▪ Private placements
▪ Pooled investment vehicles
▪ Fixed equity annuities
▪ Fixed equity indexed annuities
▪ Variable annuities
▪ Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
▪ Private Equity
▪
Interval Funds
▪ Derivatives
Equity Securities
Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks relate to the
company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost of the
company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing
or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s ability to create
shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price). Foreign securities, in
addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk, financial transparency
risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
Mutual Fund Securities
Investing in mutual funds carries inherent risk. The major risks of investing in a mutual fund
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification, and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries. In addition, mutual funds tend to be
tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital gains taxes on fund investments while
not having yet sold the fund.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, streetTRACKS®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index
Tracking StockSM (“QQQs SM”) iShares® and VIPERs®. ETFs have embedded expenses that the
client indirectly bears.
Investing in ETFs involves risk. Specifically, ETFs, depending on the underlying portfolio and its
size, can have wide price (bid and ask) spreads, thus diluting or negating any upward price
movement of the ETF or enhancing any downward price movement. Also, ETFs require more
frequent portfolio reporting by regulators and are thereby more susceptible to actions by
hedge funds that could have a negative impact on the price of the ETF. Certain ETFs may
employ leverage, which creates additional volatility and price risk depending on the amount of
leverage utilized, the collateral and the liquidity of the supporting collateral.
Further, the use of leverage (i.e., employing the use of margin) generally results in additional
interest costs to the ETF. Certain ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore have additional
volatility and liquidity risk. Volatility and liquidity can severely and negatively impact the price
of the ETF’s underlying portfolio securities, thereby causing significant price fluctuations of the
ETF.
Leveraged and Inverse Exchange-Traded Products (“ETPs”)
Leveraged ETPs employ financial derivatives and debt to try to achieve a multiple (for example
two or three times) of the return or inverse return of a stated index or benchmark over the
course of a single day. The use of leverage typically increases risk for an investor. However,
unlike utilizing margin or shorting securities in your own account, you cannot lose more than
your original investment. An inverse ETP is designed to track, on a daily basis, the inverse of its
benchmark. Inverse ETPs utilize short selling, derivatives trading, and other leveraged
investment techniques, such as futures trading to achieve their objectives. Leverage and
inverse ETPs reset each day; as such, their performance can quickly diverge from the
performance of the underlying index or benchmark. An investor could suffer significant losses
even if the long-term performance of the index showed a gain. Engaging in short sales and
using swaps, futures, contracts, and other derivatives can expose the ETP.
There is always a risk that not every leveraged or inverse ETP will meet its stated objective on
any given trading day. An investor should understand the impact an investment in the ETP
could have on the performance of their portfolio, taking into consideration goals and
tolerance for risk. Leveraged or inverse ETPs may be less tax-efficient than traditional ETPs, in
part because daily resets can cause the ETP to realize significant short-term capital gains that
may not be offset by a loss. Be sure to check with your tax advisor about the consequences of
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
investing in a leveraged or inverse ETP. Leveraged and Inverse ETPs are not suited for long-
term investment strategies. These are not appropriate for buy-and-hold or conservative
investors and are more suitable for investors who understand leverage and are willing to
assume the risk of magnified potential losses. These funds tend to carry higher fees, due to
active management, that can also affect performance.
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETN”)
ETNs are structured debt securities. ETN liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the
issuer. Most ETNs are designed to track a particular market segment or index. ETNs have
expenses associated with their operation. When a fund invests in an ETN, in addition to
directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear its pro rata portion of
the ETN’s expenses. The risks of owning an ETN generally reflect the risks of owning the
underlying securities the ETN is designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETN could
result in it being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. In addition, because
of ETN expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly it may be more costly
to own an ETN. The value of an ETN security should also be expected to fluctuate with the
credit rating of the issuer.
Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of ten years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds have liquidity and
currency risk.
Private Placements
Private placements carry significant risk in that companies using the private placement market
conduct securities offerings that are exempt from registration under the federal securities laws,
which means that investors do not have access to public information and such investors are
not provided with the same amount of information that they would receive if the securities
offering was a public offering. Moreover, many companies using private placements do so to
raise equity capital in the start-up phase of their business, or require additional capital to
complete another phase in their growth objective. In addition, the securities issued in
connection with private placements are restricted securities, which means that they are not
traded on a secondary market, such as a stock exchange, and they are thus illiquid and cannot
be readily converted to cash.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
A pooled investment vehicle, such as a commodity pool or investment company, is generally
offered only to investors who meet specified suitability, net worth and annual income criteria.
Pooled investment vehicles sell securities through private placements and thus are illiquid and
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
subject to a variety of risks that are disclosed in each pooled investment vehicle’s confidential
private placement memorandum or disclosure document. Investors should read these
documents carefully and consult with their professional advisors prior to committing
investment dollars. Because many of the securities involved in pooled investment vehicles do
not have transparent trading markets from which accurate and current pricing information can
be derived, or in the case of private equity investments where portfolio security companies are
privately held with no publicly traded market, the Firm will be unable to monitor or verify the
accuracy of such performance information.
Fixed Equity Annuities
A fixed annuity is a contract between an insurance company and a customer, typically called
the annuitant. The contract obligates the company to make a series of fixed annuity payments
to the annuitant for the duration of the contract. The annuitant surrenders a lump sum of cash
in exchange for monthly payments that are guaranteed by the insurance company. Please note
the following risks: (i) Spending power risk. Social Security retirement benefits have cost-of-
living adjustments. Most fixed annuities do not. Consequently, the spending power provided
by the monthly payment may decline significantly over the life of the annuity contract because
of inflation, (ii) Death and survivorship risk. In a conventional fixed annuity, once the annuitant
has turned over a lump sum premium to the insurance company, it will not be returned. The
annuitant could die after receiving only a few monthly payments, but the insurance company
may not be obligated to give the annuitant’s estate any of the money back. A related risk is
based on the financial consequences for a surviving spouse. In a standard single-life annuity
contract, a survivor receives nothing after the annuitant dies. That may put a severe dent in a
spouse’s retirement income. To counteract this risk, consider a joint life annuity. (iii) Company
failure risk. Private annuity contracts are not guaranteed by the FDIC, SIPC, or any other federal
agency. If the insurance company that issues an annuity contract fails, no one in the federal
government is obligated to protect the annuitant from financial loss. Most states have
guaranty associations that provide a level of protection to citizens in that state if an insurance
company also doing business in that state fails. A typical limit of state protection, if it applies
at all, is $100,000. To control this risk, contact the state insurance commissioner to confirm
that your state has a guaranty association and to learn the guarantee limits applicable to a
fixed annuity contract. Based on that information, consider dividing fixed annuity contracts
among multiple insurance companies to obtain the maximum possible protection. Also check
the financial stability and credit ratings of the annuity insurance companies being considered.
A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s publish ratings information.
Fixed Equity Indexed Annuities
An equity-indexed annuity is a type of fixed annuity that is distinguished by the interest yield
return being partially based on an equities index, typically the S&P 500.The returns (in the
form of interest credited to the contract) can consist of a guaranteed minimum interest rate
and an interest rate linked to a market index. The guaranteed minimum interest rate usually
ranges from 1 to 3 percent on at least 87.5 percent of the premium paid. As long as the
company offering the annuity is fiscally sound enough to meet its obligations, you will be
guaranteed to receive this return no matter how the market performs. Your index-linked
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
returns will depend on how the index performs but, generally speaking, an investor with an
indexed annuity will not see his or her rate of return fully match the positive rate of return of
the index to which the annuity is linked — and could be significantly less. One major reason
for this is that returns are subject to contractual limitations in the form of caps and
participation rates. Participation rates are the percentage of an index's returns that are
credited to the annuity. For instance, if your annuity has a participation rate of 75 percent,
then your index-linked returns would only amount to 75 percent of the gains associated with
the index. Interest caps, meanwhile, essentially mean that during big bull markets, investors
won't see their returns go sky-high. For instance, if an index rises 12 percent, but an investor's
annuity has a cap of 7 percent, his or her returns will be limited to 7 percent.
Some indexed annuity contracts allow the issuer to change these fees, participation rates and
caps from time to time. Investors should also be aware that trying to withdraw the principal
amount from a fixed indexed annuity during a certain period — usually within the first 9 or 10
years after the annuity was purchased — can result in fees known as surrender charges, and
could also trigger tax penalties. In fact, under some contracts if withdrawals are taken amounts
already credited will be forfeited. After paying surrender charges an investor could lose money
by surrendering their indexed annuity too soon.
Variable Annuities
Variable Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. In
essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which payment(s) are made to an insurance
company, which agrees to pay out an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are
contract limitations and fees and charges associated with annuities, administrative fees, and
charges for optional benefits. They also may carry early withdrawal penalties and surrender
charges, and carry additional risks such as the insurance carrier's ability to pay claims.
Moreover, variable annuities carry investment risk similar to mutual funds. Investors should
carefully review the terms of the variable annuity contract before investing.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
A REIT is a tax designation for a corporate entity which pools capital of many investors to
purchase and manage real estate. Many REITs invest in income-producing properties in the
office, industrial, retail, and residential real estate sectors. REITs are granted special tax
considerations, which can significantly reduce or eliminate corporate income taxes. In order to
qualify as a REIT and for these special tax considerations, REITs are required by law to
distribute 90% of their taxable income to investors. REITs can be traded on a public exchange
like a stock, or be offered as a non-traded REIT. REITs, both public exchange-traded and non-
traded, are subject to risks including volatile fluctuations in real estate prices, as well as
fluctuations in the costs of operating or managing investment properties, which can be
substantial. Many REITs obtain management and operational services from companies and
service providers that are directly or indirectly related to the sponsor of the REIT, which
presents a potential conflict of interest that can impact returns on investments.
Non-traded REITs include: (i) A REIT that is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) but is not listed on an exchange or over-the-counter market (non-exchange
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
traded REIT); or, (i) a REIT that is sold pursuant to an exemption to registration (Private REIT).
Non-traded REITs are generally blind pool investment vehicles. Blind pools are limited
partnerships that do not explicitly state their future investments prior to beginning their
capital-raising phase. During this period of capital-raising, non-traded REITs often pay
distributions to their investors.
The risks of non-traded REITs are varied and significant. Because they are not exchange-traded
investments, they often lack a developed secondary market, thus making them illiquid
investments. As blind pool investment vehicles, non-traded REITs’ initial share prices are not
related to the underlying value of the properties. This is because non-traded REITs begin and
continue to purchase new properties as new capital is raised. Thus, one risk for non-traded
REITs is the possibility that the blind pool will be unable to raise enough capital to carry out its
investment plan. After the capital raising phase is complete, non-traded REIT shares are
infrequently re-valued and thus may not reflect the true net asset value of the underlying real
estate investments. Non-traded REITs often offer investors a redemption program where the
shares can be sold back to the sponsor; however, those redemption programs are often
subject to restrictions and may be suspended at the sponsor’s discretion. While non-traded
REITs may pay distributions to investors at a stated target rate during the capital-raising
phases, the funds used to pay such distributions may be obtained from sources other than
cash flow from operations, and such financing can increase operating costs.
With respect to publicly traded REITs, publicly traded REITs may be subject to additional risks
and price fluctuations in the public market due to investors’ expectations of the individual
REIT, the real estate market generally, specific sectors, the current yield on such REIT, and the
current liquidity available in public market. Although publicly traded REITs offer investors
liquidity, there can be constraints based upon current supply and demand. An investor when
liquidating may receive less than the intrinsic value of the REIT.
Private Equity
Private equity is an ownership interest in a company or portion of a company that is not
publicly owned, quoted, or traded on a stock exchange. Private equity takes an ownership
interest in a company with the goal of enhancing the company's value by bringing about
change. Compared to public equity, long-term results of private equity investments are less
dependent on overall market performance. Private equity investments are subject to certain
risks such as market and investment style risk. Investments are highly illiquid and subject to
greater risk. These risks include lack of liquidity, lack of valuation transparency, conflicts of
interest, higher management fees, and complex tax structures. Private equity investments may
require a longer holding period and are highly speculative and may result in a loss of invested
capital. The strategies discussed may only be appropriate for certain qualified investors.
Interval Funds
An interval fund is a type of investment company that periodically offers to repurchase its
shares from shareholders. That is, the fund periodically offers to buy back a stated portion of
its shares from shareholders. Shareholders are not required to accept these offers and sell
their shares back to the fund.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Legally, interval funds are classified as closed-end funds, but they are very different from
traditional closed-end funds in that:
▪ Their shares typically do not trade on the secondary market. Instead, their shares are
subject to periodic repurchase offers by the fund at a price based on net asset value.
▪ They are permitted to (and many interval funds do) continuously offer their shares at a
price based on the fund’s net asset value.
An interval fund will make periodic repurchase offers to its shareholders, generally every three,
six, or twelve months, as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus and annual report. Interval funds
are not liquid, meaning they are not easily converted into cash. Just as the fund will offer to
repurchase a percentage of the fund at intervals, the investor is limited to selling shares at
intervals. In other words, interval funds have limited liquidity. As a result interval funds are only
appropriate for clients who do not have short term cash needs. The price that shareholders will
receive on a repurchase will be based on the per share NAV determined as of a specified (and
disclosed) date. Note that interval funds are permitted to deduct a redemption fee from the
repurchase proceeds, not to exceed 2% of the proceeds. The fee is paid to the fund, and
generally is intended to compensate the fund for expenses directly related to the repurchase.
Interval funds may charge other fees as well. An interval fund’s prospectus and annual report
will disclose the various details of the repurchase offer. Before investing in an interval fund,
you should carefully read all of the fund’s available information, including its prospectus and
most recent shareholder report.
Derivatives
Some ETFs use derivatives, such as swaps, options and futures, among others. Derivative
instruments may be illiquid, difficult to value and leveraged so that small changes may
produce disproportionate losses to a client. Over-the-counter derivatives, such as swaps, are
also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will
not fulfill its contractual obligation. Losses from investments in derivatives can result from a
lack of correlation between the value of those derivatives and the value of the underlying asset
or index. In addition, there is a risk that the performance of the derivatives to replicate the
performance of a particular asset or asset class may not accurately track the performance of
that asset or asset class.
B. Investment Strategy and Method of Analysis Material Risks
Our investment strategy is custom-tailored to the client’s goals, investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and personal and financial circumstances.
Margin Leverage
Although Harmony Point, as a general business practice, does not utilize leverage, there may be
instances in which the use of leverage may be appropriate for certain clients and situations or
requested by the clients for personal use. In this regard please review the following:
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
The use of margin leverage enhances the overall risk of investment gain and loss to the client’s
investment portfolio. For example, investors are able to control $2.00 of a security for $1.00. So,
if the price of a security rises by $1.00, the investor earns a 100% return on their investment.
Conversely, if the security declines by $0.50, then the investor loses 50% of their investment.
The use of margin leverage entails borrowing, which results in additional interest costs to the
investor.
Broker-dealers who carry customer accounts have a minimum equity requirement when clients
utilize margin leverage. The minimum equity requirement is stated as a percentage of the value
of the underlying collateral security with an absolute minimum dollar requirement. For example,
if the price of a security declines in value to the point where the excess equity used to satisfy the
minimum requirement dissipates, the broker-dealer will require the client to deposit additional
collateral to the account in the form of cash or marketable securities. A deposit of securities to
the account will require a larger deposit, as the security being deposited is included in the
computation of the minimum equity requirement. In addition, when leverage is utilized and the
client needs to withdraw cash, the client must sell a disproportionate amount of collateral
securities to release enough cash to satisfy the withdrawal amount based upon similar reasoning
as cited above.
Regulations concerning the use of margin leverage are established by the Federal Reserve Board
and vary if the client’s account is held at a broker-dealer versus a bank custodian. Broker-dealers
and bank custodians may apply more stringent rules as they deem necessary.
Short-Term Trading
Although Harmony Point, as a general business practice, does not utilize short-term trading,
there may be instances in which short-term trading may be necessary or an appropriate
strategy. In this regard, please read the following:
High-frequency trading creates substantial transaction costs that in the aggregate could
negatively impact account performance.
Short Selling
Harmony Point generally does not engage in short selling but reserves the right to do so in the
exercise of its sole judgment. Short selling involves the sale of a security that is borrowed rather
than owned. When a short sale is effected, the investor is expecting the price of the security to
decline in value so that a purchase or closeout of the short sale can be effected at a significantly
lower price. The primary risks of effecting short sales is the availability to borrow the stock, the
unlimited potential for loss, and the requirement to fund any difference between the short credit
balance and the market value of the security.
Technical Trading Models
Technical trading models are mathematically driven based upon historical data and trends of
domestic and foreign market trading activity, including various industry and sector trading
statistics within such markets. Technical trading models, through mathematical algorithms,
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
attempt to identify when markets are likely to increase or decrease and identify appropriate
entry and exit points. The primary risk of technical trading models is that historical trends and
past performance cannot predict future trends, and there is no assurance that the mathematical
algorithms employed are designed properly, updated with new data, and can accurately predict
future market, industry, and sector performance.
Option Strategies
Various option strategies give the holder the right to acquire or sell underlying securities at the
contract strike price up until expiration of the option. Each contract is worth 100 shares of the
underlying security. Options entail greater risk but allow an investor to have market exposure to
a particular security or group of securities without the capital commitment required to purchase
the underlying security or groups of securities. In addition, options allow investors to hedge
security positions held in the portfolio. For detailed information on the use of options and
option strategies, please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for the current Options Risk
Disclosure Statement.
Harmony Point as part of its investment strategy may employ the following option strategies:
▪ Covered call writing
▪ Long call options purchases
▪ Long put options purchases
Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the-money call option against a long
security position held in the client portfolio. This type of transaction is used to generate
income. It also serves to create downside protection in the event the security position declines
in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such income may be
reduced to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior to its expiration.
This strategy may involve a degree of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses
if the underlying security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally
suited for companies with little price volatility.
Long Call Option Purchases
Long call option purchases allow the option holder to be exposed to the general market
characteristics of a security without the outlay of capital necessary to own the security. Options
are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of issuance), and as a result can
expose the investor to significant loss.
Long Put Option Purchases
Long put option purchases allow the option holder to sell or “put” the underlying security at
the contract strike price at a future date. If the price of the underlying security declines in
value, the value of the long put option increases. In this way long puts are often used to hedge
a long stock position. Options are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of
issuance), and as a result can expose the investor to significant loss.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
C. Concentration Risks
There is an inherent risk for clients who have their investment portfolios heavily weighted in one
security, one industry or industry sector, one geographic location, one investment manager, one
type of investment instrument (equities versus fixed income). Clients who have diversified
portfolios, as a general rule, incur less volatility and therefore less fluctuation in portfolio value
than those who have concentrated holdings. Concentrated holdings may offer the potential for
higher gain, but also offer the potential for significant loss.
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
There is nothing to report on this item.
B. Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Neither Harmony Point nor its affiliates are registered broker-dealers and do not have an
application to register pending.
Marek Pfeil is a registered representative of Pensionmark Securities, LLC (“Pensionmark”), a
FINRA-registered broker-dealer and member of SIPC. Pensionmark is a financial services
company engaged in the sale of investment products. In his capacity as a registered
representative of Pensionmark, Mr. Pfeil is subject to the general oversight of Pensionmark and
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (“FINRA”). As such, clients of Harmony Point
should understand that their personal and account information is available to FINRA and
Pensionmark for the fulfillment of their regulatory oversight obligations and duties.
Harmony Point professionals who effect transactions for advisory clients may receive transaction
or commission compensation from Pensionmark. The recommendation of securities transactions
for commission creates a conflict of interest in that Harmony Point is economically incented to
effect securities transactions for clients. Although Harmony Point strives to put its clients’
interests first, such recommendations may be viewed as being in the best interests of Harmony
Point rather than in the client’s best interest. Harmony Point advisory clients are not compelled
to effect securities transactions through Pensionmark.
B. Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither Harmony Point nor its affiliates are registered as a commodity firm, futures commission
merchant, commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor and do not have an
application to register pending.
C. Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and
Conflicts of Interest
Broker-Dealer Registration
Please see Item 10.A. above.
Dual Registration as Investment Adviser Representatives
Marek Pfeil is dually registered as an investment adviser representative with World Investment
Advisors, LLC dba Pensionmark, an SEC-registered investment adviser. ERISA & Qualified Plan
Services are provided exclusively through World Investment Advisors, LLC, dba Pensionmark by
Marek Pfeil in his capacity as an investment adviser representative with Pensionmark. To the
extent a participant in the qualified plan wants to engage for individualized wealth management
services, Marek Pfeil has a conflict of interest in that he has an incentive to recommend either
Harmony Point or Pensionmark, whichever one yields him the greatest economic benefit. To
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Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
better understand Harmony Point’s fiduciary obligations to clients, please refer to Item 11 of this
Brochure regarding Code of Ethics.
D. Recommendation or Selection of Other Investment Advisors and
Conflicts of Interest
Harmony Point may engage third-party sub-advisers to manage all or a portion of the client's
assets. Harmony Point’s fees are separate and distinct from the sub-advisers it utilizes. Harmony
Point will always act in the best interests of the client, including when determining which sub-
adviser to recommend and/or utilize for clients.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics Description
In accordance with the Advisers Act, Harmony Point has adopted policies and procedures
designed to detect and prevent insider trading. In addition, Harmony Point has adopted a Code
of Ethics (the “Code”). Among other things, the Code includes written procedures governing the
conduct of Harmony Point's advisory and access persons. The Code also imposes certain
reporting obligations on persons subject to the Code. The Code and applicable securities
transactions are monitored by the chief compliance officer of Harmony Point. Harmony Point
will send clients a copy of its Code of Ethics upon written request.
Harmony Point has policies and procedures in place to ensure that the interests of its clients are
given preference over those of Harmony Point, its affiliates and its employees. For example,
there are policies in place to prevent the misappropriation of material non-public information,
and such other policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with federal and state
securities laws.
B. Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and
Conflicts of Interest
Harmony Point does not engage in principal trading (i.e., the practice of selling stock to advisory
clients from a firm’s inventory or buying stocks from advisory clients into a firm’s inventory). In
addition, Harmony Point does not recommend any securities to advisory clients in which it has
some proprietary or ownership interest.
C. Advisory Firm Purchase or Sale of Same Securities Recommended to
Clients and Conflicts of Interest
Harmony Point, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations and retirement plans established by it may purchase or sell the same securities as
are purchased or sold for clients in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures.
The personal securities transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise
potential conflicts of interest when they trade in a security that is:
▪ owned by the client, or
▪ considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client), which
Harmony Point specifically prohibits. Harmony Point has adopted policies and procedures that
are intended to address these conflicts of interest. These policies and procedures:
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest
▪ prohibit fraudulent conduct in connection with the trading of securities in a client
account
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
▪ prohibit employees from personally benefitting by causing a client to act, or fail to act in
making investment decisions
▪ prohibit the Firm or its employees from profiting or causing others to profit on
knowledge of completed or contemplated client transactions
▪ allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner
▪ provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee benefiting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow Harmony Point’s procedures when
purchasing or selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client.
D. Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory
Firm Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
Harmony Point, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, and retirement plans established by it may effect securities transactions for their
own accounts that differ from those recommended or effected for other Harmony Point clients.
Harmony Point will make a reasonable attempt to trade securities in client accounts at or prior
to trading the securities in its affiliate, corporate, employee or employee-related accounts.
Trades executed the same day will likely be subject to an average pricing calculation. It is the
policy of Harmony Point to place the clients’ interests above those of Harmony Point and its
employees.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
Custodian Recommendations
Harmony Point may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with AssetMark, Inc.,
or the Schwab Advisor Services division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (herein collectively
referred to as “Custodian”), FINRA-registered broker-dealers, members SIPC, to maintain
custody of clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. Although Harmony Point may
recommend that clients establish accounts at the Custodian, it is the client’s decision to custody
assets with the Custodian. Harmony Point is independently owned and operated and not
affiliated with the Custodian. For Harmony Point-managed advisory accounts, the Custodian
generally does not charge separately for custody services but is compensated by account
holders through commissions and other transaction-related or asset-based fees for securities
trades that are executed through the Custodian or that settle into Custodian accounts.
Harmony Point considers the financial strength, reputation, operational efficiency, cost,
execution capability, level of customer service, and related factors in recommending broker-
dealers or Custodians to advisory clients.
In certain instances and subject to approval by Harmony Point, Harmony Point will recommend
to clients certain other broker-dealers and/or Custodians based on the needs of the individual
client, and taking into consideration the nature of the services required, the experience of the
broker-dealer or Custodian, the cost and quality of the services, and the reputation of the
broker-dealer or Custodian. The final determination to engage a broker-dealer or Custodian
recommended by Harmony Point will be made by and in the sole discretion of the client. The
client recognizes that broker-dealers and/or Custodians have different cost and fee structures
and trade execution capabilities. As a result, there may be disparities with respect to the cost of
services and/or the transaction prices for securities transactions executed on behalf of the client.
Clients are responsible for assessing the commissions and other costs charged by broker-dealers
and/or Custodians.
How We Select Brokers/Custodians to Recommend
Harmony Point seeks to recommend a Custodian/broker who will hold client assets and
execute transactions on terms that provide the most value given a particular client’s needs
when compared to other available providers and their services. We consider a wide range of
factors, including, among others, the following:
▪ combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services
(generally without a separate fee for custody);
▪ capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for client accounts);
▪ capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers,
check requests, bill payment, etc.);
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-
traded funds (ETFs), etc.);
▪ availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions;
▪ quality of services;
▪ competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates,
other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them;
▪
reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider;
▪
their prior service to us and our other clients;
▪ availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below.
Client’s Custody and Brokerage Costs
For client accounts that the Firm maintains, the Custodian generally does not charge clients
separately for custody services but is compensated by charging either transaction fees or
Custodian asset-based fees on trades that it executes or that settle into the Custodian’s
accounts. For some accounts, the Custodian may charge a percentage of the dollar amount of
assets in the account in lieu of commissions. The Custodian’s commission rates and asset-
based fees applicable to the Firm’s client accounts were negotiated based on the Firm’s
commitment to maintain a certain minimum amount of client assets at the Custodian. This
commitment benefits the client because the overall commission rates and asset-based fees
paid are lower than they would be if the Firm had not made the commitment. In addition to
commissions or asset-based fees, the Custodian charges a flat dollar amount as a “prime
broker” or “trade away” fee for each trade that the Firm has 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 Custodian 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 the client’s trading costs, the Firm has the Custodian execute most trades for the
account.
Soft Dollar Arrangements
Harmony Point does not utilize soft dollar arrangements. Harmony Point does not direct
brokerage transactions to executing brokers for research and brokerage services.
Institutional Trading and Custody Services
The Custodian provides Harmony Point with access to its institutional trading and custody
services, which are typically not available to the Custodian’s retail investors. These services
generally are available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no
charge to them so long as a certain minimum amount of the advisor’s clients’ assets are
maintained in accounts at a particular Custodian. The Custodian’s brokerage services include
the execution of securities transactions, custody, research, and access to mutual funds and
other investments that are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or
would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Other Products and Services
Custodian also makes available to Harmony Point other products and services that benefit
Harmony Point but may not directly benefit its clients’ accounts. Many of these products and
services may be used to service all or some substantial number of Harmony Point's accounts,
including accounts not maintained at the Custodian. The Custodian may also make available
to Harmony Point software and other technology that:
▪ provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements);
▪
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts;
▪ provide research, pricing and other market data;
▪
facilitate payment of Harmony Point’s fees from its clients’ accounts;
▪ assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
The Custodian may also offer other services intended to help Harmony Point manage and
further develop its business enterprise. These services may include:
▪ compliance, legal and business consulting,
▪ publications and conferences on practice management and business succession, and
▪ access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers.
The Custodian may also provide other benefits such as educational events or occasional
business entertainment of Harmony Point personnel. In evaluating whether to recommend
that clients custody their assets at the Custodian, Harmony Point may take into account the
availability of some of the foregoing products and services and other arrangements as part of
the total mix of factors it considers, and not solely the nature, cost or quality of custody and
brokerage services provided by the Custodian, which creates a conflict of interest.
Independent Third Parties
The Custodian may make available, arrange, and/or pay third-party vendors for the types of
services rendered to Harmony Point. The Custodian may discount or waive fees it would
otherwise charge for some of these services or all or a part of the fees of a third party
providing these services to Harmony Point.
Additional Compensation Received from Custodians
Harmony Point may participate in institutional customer programs sponsored by broker-
dealers or Custodians. Harmony Point may recommend these broker-dealers or Custodians to
clients for custody and brokerage services. There is no direct link between Harmony Point’s
participation in such programs and the investment advice it gives to its clients, although
Harmony Point receives economic benefits through its participation in the programs that are
typically not available to retail investors. These benefits may include the following products
and services (provided without cost or at a discount):
▪
receipt of duplicate client statements and confirmations;
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪
research-related products and tools;
▪ consulting services;
▪ access to a trading desk serving Harmony Point participants;
▪ access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions
for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts);
▪
the ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts;
▪ access to an electronic communications network for client order entry and account
information;
▪ access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money
managers;
▪ discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management
products or services provided to Harmony Point by third-party vendors.
The Custodian may also pay for business consulting and professional services received by
Harmony Point’s related persons, and may pay or reimburse expenses (including client
transition expenses, travel, lodging, meals and entertainment expenses for Harmony Point’s
personnel to attend conferences). Some of the products and services made available by such
Custodian through its institutional customer programs may benefit Harmony Point but may
not benefit its client accounts. These products or services may assist Harmony Point in
managing and administering client accounts, including accounts not maintained at the
Custodian as applicable. Other services made available through the programs are intended to
help Harmony Point manage and further develop its business enterprise. The benefits received
by Harmony Point or its personnel through participation in these programs do not depend on
the amount of brokerage transactions directed to the broker-dealer.
Harmony Point also participates in similar institutional advisor programs offered by other
independent broker-dealers or trust companies, and its continued participation may require
Harmony Point to maintain a predetermined level of assets at such firms. In connection with its
participation in such programs, Harmony Point will typically receive benefits similar to those
listed above, including research, payments for business consulting and professional services
received by Harmony Point’s related persons, and reimbursement of expenses (including
travel, lodging, meals and entertainment expenses for Harmony Point’s personnel to attend
conferences sponsored by the broker-dealer or trust company).
As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, Harmony Point endeavors at all times to put the
interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic
benefits by Harmony Point or its related persons in and of itself creates a conflict of interest
and indirectly influences Harmony Point’s recommendation of broker-dealers for custody and
brokerage services.
The Firm’s Interest in Custodian’s Services
The availability of these services from the Custodian benefits the Firm because the Firm does
not have to produce or purchase them. The Firm does not have to pay for the Custodian’s
services so long as a certain minimum of client assets is kept in accounts at the Custodian.
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Custodian’s services give the Firm an incentive to recommend that clients maintain their
accounts with the Custodian based on the Firm’s interest in receiving the Custodian’s services
that benefit the Firm’s business rather than based on the client’s interest in receiving the best
value in custody services and the most favorable execution of client transactions. This is a
conflict of interest. The Firm believes, however, that the selection of the Custodian as
Custodian and broker is in the best interest of clients. It is primarily supported by the scope,
quality, and price of the Custodian’s services and not the Custodian’s services that benefit only
the Firm.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Harmony Point does not engage in the practice of directing brokerage commissions in exchange
for the referral of advisory clients.
Directed Brokerage
Harmony Point Recommendations
Harmony Point typically recommends AssetMark or Schwab as Custodian for clients’ funds and
securities and to execute securities transactions on its clients’ behalf.
Client-Directed Brokerage
Harmony Point does not permit clients to direct brokerage.
B. Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
Best Execution
Harmony Point, pursuant to the terms of its investment advisory agreement with clients, has
discretionary authority to determine which securities are to be bought and sold and the amount
of such securities. Harmony Point recognizes that the analysis of execution quality involves a
number of factors, both qualitative and quantitative. Harmony Point will follow a process in an
attempt to ensure that it is seeking to obtain the most favorable execution under the prevailing
circumstances when placing client orders. These factors include but are not limited to the
following:
▪
financial strength, reputation and stability of the broker;
▪ efficiency with which the transaction is effected;
▪ ability to effect prompt and reliable executions at favorable prices (including the
applicable dealer spread or commission, if any);
▪ availability of the broker to stand ready to effect transactions of varying degrees of
difficulty in the future;
▪ efficiency of error resolution, clearance and settlement;
▪ block trading and positioning capabilities;
▪ performance measurement;
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ online access to computerized data regarding customer accounts;
▪ availability, comprehensiveness, and frequency of brokerage and research services;
▪ commission rates;
▪ economic benefit to the client;
▪
related matters involved in the receipt of brokerage services.
Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, Harmony Point seeks to ensure that clients receive
best execution with respect to clients’ transactions by blocking client trades to reduce
commissions and transaction costs. To the best of Harmony Point’s knowledge, these
Custodians provide high-quality execution, and Harmony Point’s clients do not pay higher
transaction costs in return for such execution.
Commission rates and securities transaction fees charged to effect such transactions are
established by the client’s independent Custodian and/or broker-dealer. Based upon its own
knowledge of the securities industry, Harmony Point believes that such commission rates are
competitive within the securities industry. Lower commissions or better execution may be able
to be achieved elsewhere.
Security Allocation
Since Harmony Point may be managing accounts with similar investment objectives, Harmony
Point may aggregate orders for securities for such accounts. In such event, allocation of the
securities so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, is made by
Harmony Point in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its
fiduciary obligations to such accounts.
Harmony Point’s allocation procedures seek to allocate investment opportunities among clients
in the fairest possible way, taking into account the clients’ best interests. Harmony Point will
follow procedures to ensure that allocations do not involve a practice of favoring or
discriminating against any client or group of clients. Account performance is never a factor in
trade allocations.
Harmony Point’s advice to certain clients and entities and the action of Harmony Point for those
and other clients are frequently premised not only on the merits of a particular investment, but
also on the suitability of that investment for the particular client in light of his or her applicable
investment objective, guidelines and circumstances. Thus, any action of Harmony Point with
respect to a particular investment may, for a particular client, differ or be opposed to the
recommendation, advice, or actions of Harmony Point to or on behalf of other clients.
Order Aggregation
Orders for the same security entered on behalf of more than one client will generally be
aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to the aggregation being in the best interests of
all participating clients. Subsequent orders for the same security entered during the same
trading day may be aggregated with any previously unfilled orders. Subsequent orders may also
be aggregated with filled orders if the market price for the security has not materially changed
and the aggregation does not cause any unintended duration exposure. All clients participating
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
in each aggregated order will receive the average price and, subject to minimum ticket charges
and possible step outs, pay a pro rata portion of commissions.
To minimize performance dispersion, “strategy” trades should be aggregated and average
priced. However, when a trade is to be executed for an individual account and the trade is not in
the best interests of other accounts, then the trade will only be performed for that account. This
is true even if Harmony Point believes that a larger size block trade would lead to best overall
price for the security being transacted.
Allocation of Trades
All allocations will be made prior to the close of business on the trade date. In the event an
order is “partially filled,” the allocation will be made in the best interests of all the clients in the
order, taking into account all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the size of each
client’s allocation, clients’ liquidity needs and previous allocations. In most cases, accounts will
get a pro forma allocation based on the initial allocation. This policy also applies if an order is
“over-filled.”
Harmony Point acts in accordance with its duty to seek best price and execution and will not
continue any arrangements if Harmony Point determines that such arrangements are no longer
in the best interest of its clients.
Trade Errors
From time to time, Harmony Point may make an error in submitting a trade order on the client’s
behalf. When this occurs, Harmony Point may place a correcting trade with the broker-dealer. If
an investment gain results from the correcting trade, the gain will remain in client’s account
unless the same error involved other client account(s) that should have received the gain, it is
not permissible for client to retain the gain, or Harmony Point confers with client and client
decides to forego the gain (e.g., due to tax reasons).
If the gain does not remain in client’s account and Schwab is the Custodian, Schwab will donate
the amount of any gain $100 and over to charity. If a loss occurs greater than $100, Harmony
Point will pay for the loss. Schwab will maintain the loss or gain (if such gain is not retained in
client’s account) if it is under $100 to minimize and offset its administrative time and expense.
Generally, if related trade errors result in both gains and losses in client’s account, they may be
“netted.”
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Item 13: Review of Accounts
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and
Advisory Persons Involved
Accounts are reviewed by Marek Pfeil, President. The frequency of reviews is determined based
on the client’s investment objectives, but reviews are conducted no less frequently than
annually. More frequent reviews may also be triggered by a change in the client’s investment
objectives, tax considerations, large deposits or withdrawals, large purchases or sales, loss of
confidence in the underlying investment, or changes in macro-economic climate.
The Firm will reach out to clients annually to offer a review and update of their financial plan.
Clients may also request a review of their plan at any time.
B. Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
Harmony Point may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material
changes in the client’s investment objectives or risk tolerance, or a material change in how
Harmony Point formulates investment advice.
C. Content of Client-Provided Reports and Frequency
The client’s independent Custodian provides account statements directly to the client no less
frequently than quarterly. The Custodian’s statement is the official record of the client’s
securities account and supersedes any statements or reports created on behalf of the client by
Harmony Point.
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Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources
and Conflicts of Interest
Harmony Point receives an economic benefit from Custodians in the form of the support
products and services it makes available to us. These products and services, how they benefit us,
and the related conflicts of interest are described above under Item 12 Brokerage Practices. The
availability to us of Custodians’ products and services is not based on us giving particular
investment advice, such as buying particular securities for our clients.
B. Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
Harmony Point does not pay for client referrals.
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Item 15: Custody
Item 15: Custody
Harmony Point is considered to have custody of client assets for purposes of the Advisers Act
for the following reasons:
▪ The client authorizes us to instruct their Custodian to deduct our advisory fees directly
from the client’s account. The Custodian maintains actual custody of clients’ assets.
▪ Our authority to direct client requests, utilizing standing instructions, for wire transfer of
funds for first-party money movement and third-party money movement (checks and/or
journals, ACH, Fed-wires). The Firm has elected to meet the SEC’s seven conditions to
avoid the surprise custody exam, as outlined below:
1. The client provides an instruction to the qualified Custodian, in writing, that includes
the client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or
the third party’s account number at a Custodian to which the transfer should be
directed.
2. The client authorizes the investment adviser, in writing, either on the qualified
Custodian’s form or separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a
specified schedule or from time to time.
3. The client’s qualified Custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction,
such as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization, and
provides a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
4. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s
qualified Custodian.
5. The investment adviser has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity
of the third party, the address, or any other information about the third party
contained in the client’s instruction.
6. The investment adviser maintains records showing that the third-party is not a
related party of the investment adviser or located at the same address as the
investment adviser.
7. The client’s qualified Custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice
confirming the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
Individual advisory clients will receive at least quarterly account statements directly from their
Custodian containing a description of all activity, cash balances, and portfolio holdings in their
accounts. Clients are urged to compare the account balance(s) shown on their account
statements to the quarter-end balance(s) on their Custodian's monthly statement. The
Custodian’s statement is the official record of the account.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients may grant a limited power of attorney to Harmony Point with respect to trading activity
in their accounts by signing the appropriate Custodian limited power of attorney form. In those
cases, Harmony Point will exercise full discretion as to the nature and type of securities to be
purchased and sold and the amount of securities for such transactions. Investment limitations
may be designated by the client as outlined in the investment advisory agreement. In addition,
subject to the terms of its investment advisory agreement, Harmony Point may be granted
discretionary authority for the retention of independent third-party investment management
firms. Please see the applicable third-party manager’s disclosure brochure for detailed
information relating to discretionary authority.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Harmony Point does not take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients. All
proxy material will be forwarded to the client by the client’s Custodian for the client’s review and
action. Clients may contact the Firm with questions regarding proxies they have received.
Harmony Point will endeavor to make recommendations to clients on voting proxies regarding
shareholder vote, consent, election or similar actions solicited by, or with respect to, issuers of
securities beneficially held as part of Harmony Point supervised and/or managed assets. In no
event will Harmony Point take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients.
Except as required by applicable law, Harmony Point will not be obligated to render advice or
take any action on behalf of clients with respect to assets presently or formerly held in their
accounts that become the subject of any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies.
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. Harmony Point has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are
subject to a pending or resolved class action lawsuit. Harmony Point also has no duty to
evaluate a client’s eligibility or to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities
class action settlement or verdict. Furthermore, Harmony Point has no obligation or
responsibility to initiate litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who may have been
injured as a result of actions, misconduct, or negligence by corporate management of issuers
whose securities are held by clients.
Where Harmony Point receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit, settlement,
or verdict affecting securities owned by a client, it will forward all notices, proof of claim forms,
and other materials to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate and where the
client has authorized contact in this manner.
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Item 18: Financial Information
Item 18: Financial Information
A. Balance Sheet
Harmony Point does not require the prepayment of fees of $1,200 or more, six months or more
in advance, and as such is not required to file a balance sheet.
B. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability
to Meet Commitments to Clients
Harmony Point does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to provide
services to clients.
C. Bankruptcy Petitions During the Past Ten Years
There is nothing to report on this item.
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