Overview
- Headquarters
- Bedford, NH
- Total Firm Assets
- $2.0 billion
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $3.9 million
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (THE HARBOR GROUP PART 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $2,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $2,000,001 | $4,000,000 | 0.75% |
| $4,000,001 | $6,000,000 | 0.50% |
| $6,000,001 | $8,000,000 | 0.40% |
| $8,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.30% |
| $10,000,001 | and above | 0.20% |
Minimum Annual Fee: $10,000
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $40,000 | 0.80% |
| $10 million | $59,000 | 0.59% |
| $50 million | $139,000 | 0.28% |
| $100 million | $239,000 | 0.24% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 89.96%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 456
- Total Client Accounts
- 3,734
- Discretionary Accounts
- 3,687
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 47
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 105637
Primary Brochure: THE HARBOR GROUP PART 2A (2026-05-04)
View Document Text
Item 1 – Cover Page
Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
THE HARBOR GROUP, INC.
331 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
BEDFORD, NH 03110
SEC FILE #: 801-22924
PHONE 603-668-0634
FAX 603-668-4561
WWW.HARBORGROUP.COM
EMAIL INFO@HARBORGROUP.COM
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of The Harbor Group, Inc. If you have any questions about the
contents of this Brochure, please contact us at: 603-668-0634, or by email
at: info@harborgroup.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.
Additional information about The Harbor Group, Inc. is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
References to The Harbor Group, Inc. as a “registered investment adviser”
or being “registered” do not imply a certain level of skill or training.
May 4, 2026
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Item 2 – Material Changes
Material Changes
There have been no material changes to this Form ADV Part 2A Brochure since
the annual updating amendment filing on March 7, 2025.
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure,
telephone at: 603-668-0634 or by email at:
please contact us by
info@harborgroup.com.
Any Questions
The Harbor Group, Inc.’s Chief Compliance Officer, Christopher MacBean, is
available to address any questions about this Brochure, The Harbor Group,
Inc.’s service offering, or any conflicts of interest presented.
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ........................................................................................................ i
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................... i
Item 3 – Table of Contents .............................................................................................. 1
Item 4 – Advisory Business ............................................................................................. 2
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ................................................................................... 8
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees.................................................................................. 9
Item 7 – Types of Clients ............................................................................................... 10
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................ 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ................................................................................... 17
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ......................................... 17
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading .......................................................................................................................... 17
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................... 18
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ....................................................................................... 22
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..................................................... 22
Item 15 – Custody ......................................................................................................... 23
Item 16 – Investment Discretion .................................................................................... 24
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ................................................................................. 24
Item 18 – Financial Information ..................................................................................... 25
Business Continuity Plan ............................................................................................... 25
Information Security Program ........................................................................................ 25
Privacy Notice ............................................................................................................... 26
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Firm Description
The Harbor Group, Inc. (“THG,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was founded in 1981.
THG offers personalized financial planning and investment management to
individuals, high net worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts,
estates, charitable organizations, and business entities. We provide advice
through consultation with the client and may include determination of financial
objectives, identification of financial challenges, preparation of net worth
exhibits, cash flow management, tax planning, insurance review, investment
management, education funding, retirement planning, and estate planning
recommendations.
Investment advice is an integral part of financial planning. In addition, THG
advises clients about cash flow, college planning, retirement planning, tax
planning, estate planning and any other areas that the client requests us to
review, provided we feel competent to do the work. Typically, we provide a
written evaluation of each client's initial financial situation. We may also
conduct periodic reviews to provide reminders of the specific courses of action
that need to be taken or to track progress toward a goal. For asset management
clients, we review accounts on at least a quarterly basis.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, etc.) are engaged directly by
the client on an as-needed basis. Conflicts of interest will be disclosed to the
client in the unlikely event they should occur.
The initial meeting, which may be by telephone, is free of charge and is
considered an exploratory interview to determine the extent to which financial
planning and investment management may be beneficial to the client.
Principal Owners
Timothy M. Riley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ryan J. Callaghan,
Chief Investment Officer, and Christopher MacBean, Chief Planning Officer,
and Chief Compliance Officer, are THG’s principal owners.
Types of Advisory Services - Financial Planning and Consulting
A financial plan is designed to help the client with all aspects of financial
planning without ongoing investment management after the financial plan is
completed. The financial plan may include, but is not limited to: a net worth
statement; a cash flow statement; a review of investment accounts, including
reviewing asset allocation and providing repositioning recommendations;
strategic tax planning; a review of retirement accounts and plans including
recommendations; a review of insurance policies and recommendations for
changes if necessary; one or more retirement scenarios; estate planning review
and recommendations; and education planning with funding recommendations.
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Detailed investment advice and specific recommendations may be provided as
part of a financial plan. Implementation of the recommendations is at the
discretion of the client.
Because financial planning includes a discovery process, it is possible that
THG may identify financial exposures or issues about which the client was not
previously aware. Therefore, if the client’s situation is substantially different
than disclosed at the initial meeting, a revised fee will be provided for mutual
agreement. The client must approve the change of scope in advance of the
additional work being performed when a fee increase is deemed necessary.
After delivery of a financial plan, future face-to-face meetings may be
scheduled, as necessary. THG generally provides ongoing financial planning
services without additional charge, as part of its investment supervisory
services. However, upon client agreement, follow-up implementation work may
be billed separately at rates ranging from $125 per hour to $650 per hour
depending on the financial planner completing the work.
For clients who do not wish to complete a full financial plan, a scope of work is
agreed upon which identifies the specific financial planning areas to be
reviewed. THG reminds those clients that financial planning would benefit
them, and that the decision not to engage THG for those financial planning
services may limit THG’s financial advice. At that time, an engagement letter is
prepared which specifies the maximum number of hours to be billed. The hourly
rate ranges from $125 per hour to $650 per hour depending on the staff
member or financial planner completing the work.
Types of Advisory Services – Investment Management
Clients typically choose to have THG manage their assets in order to obtain
ongoing in-depth advice and life planning. THG conducts a thorough review of
the client’s financial affairs, which sometimes includes a review of the client’s
children or family members. THG assists clients in setting goals and investment
objectives. As those goals and investment objectives change over time, THG
may suggest and implement changes on an ongoing basis.
Clients review and sign an advisory service agreement identifying the scope of
work and applicable fee before THG provides services on a fee basis. An
advisory service agreement may include, for example: cash flow management;
insurance review; investment management (including performance reporting);
education planning; retirement planning; estate planning; and tax planning, as
well as the implementation of recommendations within each area. Financial
planning work is usually included as part of the investment advisory fee,
however, in some instances it may be billed separately on an hourly or quoted
basis.
Assets are invested primarily in no-load mutual funds and exchange-traded
funds, usually through discount brokers. Fund companies charge each fund
shareholder an investment management fee that is disclosed in the fund
prospectus. Discount brokerages may charge a transaction fee for the
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purchase of some funds. Stocks and bonds may be purchased or sold through
a brokerage account when appropriate. The brokerage firm may charge fees
for stock and bond trades. THG does not receive any compensation from fund
companies.
Investments may also include equities (stocks), corporate debt securities,
certificates of deposit, municipal securities, investment company securities
(variable life insurance, variable annuities, and mutual fund shares), and U.S.
government securities. In certain limited circumstances, THG may also
recommend that clients allocate investment assets to Real Estate Investment
Trusts (“REITs”). Please refer to Item 8 below for a description of the risks
associated with these investments.
Under this engagement, THG may provide investment advisory services
related to the client’s 401(k) plan assets, for which THG will manage the client’s
account comprised of investment options available through the applicable
401(k) platform. THG’s investment management options will be limited to
allocation of the assets among the investment alternatives available through
the plan. THG will not receive any communications from the plan sponsor or
custodian, and it is the client’s exclusive obligation to notify THG of any
changes in investment alternatives, restrictions, etc. pertaining to the
retirement account.
investment assets among unaffiliated
independent
While THG does not currently make it a practice, it previously allocated certain
clients’
investment
managers / separately managed account platforms (the “Independent
Managers”). THG generally evaluated the following factors when considering
Independent Manager recommendations: the client’s designated investment
objectives, management style, performance, reputation, financial strength,
reporting, pricing, and research. In these situations, the Independent Managers
continue to have day-to-day responsibility for the active discretionary
management of the allocated assets while THG monitors and reviews account
performance and alignment with client investment objectives. The investment
management fees charged by Independent Managers are separate from, and
in addition to, THG’s investment advisory fee as set forth below. Clients who
elected to engage Independent Managers pay two fees, similar to the fee
structure of mutual funds: one to THG and one to the Independent Manager.
Clients that use Independent Managers who purchase individual securities may
also be charged brokerage fees exceeding the transaction charge for mutual
fund purchases.
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The annual investment advisory fee under this engagement is based on a
percentage of the investable assets generally according to the following
schedule under which clients incur respective fees at each tier:
1.00% on the first $2,000,000;
0.75% on the next $2,000,000;
0.50% on the next $2,000,000;
0.40% on the next $2,000,000;
0.30% on the next $2,000,000; and
0.20% on assets over $10,000,000.
Except as expressly agreed in writing, account assets consisting of cash and
cash equivalent positions are included in the value of an account’s assets for
purposes of calculating the advisory fee. Clients can advise THG not to
maintain (or to limit the amount of) cash or cash equivalent positions in their
account.
THG imposes a minimum annual fee for investment management services. If a
client maintains less than a $1,000,000 average daily balance of assets under
THG’s management as of the end of a billing quarter, the $10,000 annual
minimum investment advisory fee would trigger and THG would apply a
minimum quarterly fee of $2,500. However, in no event will any client be
charged in excess of 3.00% for investment management services.
THG’s investment advisory fee under this engagement is negotiable in certain
limited circumstances at THG’s sole discretion, depending upon objective and
subjective factors including but not limited to: the amount of assets to be
managed; portfolio composition; the scope and complexity of the engagement;
the anticipated number of meetings and servicing needs; related accounts;
future earning capacity; anticipated future additional assets; the professionals
rendering the services; prior relationships with THG and its representatives;
and negotiations with the client. THG may also determine to aggregate account
values for related clients (such as spouses and minor children sharing the same
residence) for the purpose of reducing the overall fee. Certain clients may have
accepted different pre-existing service offerings from THG and may therefore
receive services under different fee schedules than as set forth above. As a
result of these factors, similarly situated clients could pay different fees, the
services to be provided by THG to any particular client could be available from
other advisers at lower fees, and certain clients may have fees different than
those specifically set forth above.
THG does not act as a qualified custodian of client assets. The client always
maintains joint asset control. In the case of accounts that do not allow for third-
party authorization, THG uses access information provided by the client to
access the account via the internet to place trades, and to obtain values and
transactional data.
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Tax Preparation and Planning Services
Clients may also engage THG to provide tax planning and tax preparation
services through a representative who focuses specifically on financial
planning and tax matters. THG’s fixed fee for tax preparation services generally
ranges between $200 and $5,000 on a fixed fee basis, depending upon the
scope and complexity of the services required.
The recommendation that a client engage a THG representative to provide tax
planning or preparation services presents a conflict of interest, because the
receipt of additional compensation for those services may provide an incentive
to recommend that a THG representative perform the service based on
compensation to be received, rather than on a particular client’s need. THG
clients are under no obligation to engage THG representatives for tax planning
or tax preparation services.
Miscellaneous Disclosures
Retirement Plan Rollovers – No Obligation / Conflict of Interest. A client or
prospective client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an
existing retirement plan (and may engage in a combination of these options):
(i) leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the
assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are
permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash
out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s age, result in
adverse tax consequences). If THG recommends that a client roll over their
retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by THG, such a
recommendation creates a conflict of interest if THG will earn a new (or
increase its current) advisory fee as a result of the rollover. No client is under
any obligation to roll over plan assets to an IRA managed by THG or to engage
THG to monitor and/or manage the account while maintained at the client’s
employer.
ERISA / IRC Fiduciary Acknowledgment. When THG provides investment
advice to a client about the client’s retirement plan account or individual
retirement account, it does so as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and/or the Internal
Revenue Code (“IRC”), as applicable, which are laws governing retirement
accounts. Because the way THG makes money creates some conflicts with
client interests, THG operates under a special rule that requires it to act in the
client’s best interest and not put its interests ahead of the client’s. Under this
special rule’s provisions, THG must: meet a professional standard of care when
making investment recommendations (give prudent advice); never put its
financial interests ahead of the client’s when making recommendations (give
loyal advice); avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and
investments; follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that THG gives
advice that is in the client’s best interest; charge no more than is reasonable
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for THG’s services; and give the client basic information about conflicts of
interest.
Limitations of Financial Planning and Consulting Services. THG provides
financial planning and consulting services that can be included with asset
management services or may be completed on a standalone basis and billed
separately. Unless specifically agreed in writing, neither THG nor its
representatives are responsible for implementing any financial plans or
financial planning advice; providing ongoing financial planning services; or
providing ongoing monitoring of financial plans or financial planning advice. The
client is solely responsible for revisiting the financial plan or financial planning
advice with THG, if desired. The client retains absolute discretion over all
financial planning and related implementation decisions and is free to accept
or reject any recommendation from THG and its representatives in that respect.
THG’s financial planning and consulting services are completed upon
communicating its recommendations to the client, upon delivery of the written
financial plan, or upon termination of the applicable agreement.
Upon client request, THG may agree to provide consulting services about non-
investment related matters, such as estate planning, tax planning, or insurance
matters. THG does not serve as a law firm or CPA firm. No portion of THG’s
services should be construed as legal or insurance implementation services.
However, clients can engage THG to provide tax preparation and planning
services as described below. THG may recommend the services of other
professionals for certain non-investment implementation purposes (i.e.,
attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, etc.). Clients are under no obligation
to engage the services of any recommended professional who is responsible
for the quality and competency of the services they provide.
Client Obligations. When performing its services, THG is not required to verify
any information received from the client or from the client’s designated
professionals and is expressly authorized to rely on that information. Clients
are responsible to promptly notify THG if there is ever any change in their
financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing or
amending THG’s services or previous recommendations.
Asset Aggregation / Reporting Services. THG may provide access to reporting
services through one or more third-party aggregation / reporting platforms that
can reflect all of the client’s investment assets, including those investment
assets that the client has not engaged THG to manage (the “Excluded Assets”).
THG’s service for the Excluded Assets is strictly limited to reporting, and
specifically excludes investment management or implementation. Because
THG does not have trading authority for the Excluded Assets, the client (and/or
a designated investment professional), and not THG, will be exclusively
responsible for implementing any recommendations for the Excluded Assets
and the resulting performance or related activity (such as timing and trade
errors) pertaining to the Excluded Assets. The third-party aggregation /
reporting platforms may also provide access to financial planning information
and applications, which should not be construed as services, advice, or
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recommendations provided by THG. Accordingly, THG will not agree to be
responsible for any adverse results a client may experience if the client
engages in financial planning or other functions available on the third-party
reporting platforms without THG’s participation or oversight.
Tailored Relationships
The goals and objectives for each client are documented in their initial financial
plan or in meeting notes. Investment policy statements are created that reflect
the stated goals and objectives. Clients may impose restrictions on investing in
certain securities or types of securities.
Termination of Agreement
A client may terminate any agreements with THG at any time by providing THG
written notice, but that client will remain responsible for paying for the time
spent and work performed on the engagement before notification of
termination. THG may also terminate any client agreements at any time by
notifying the client in writing. THG does not accept advance payments, so no
refunds of unearned fees will be necessary. Upon termination, THG will bill or
debit the client account for the pro-rated portion of the unpaid investment
advisory fee, calculated based upon the number of days services were
provided during the billing quarter.
Wrap Fee Programs
THG does not participate in a wrap program.
Regulatory Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2025, THG managed: $1,942,771,968 of client assets on
a discretionary basis, and $53,566,220 on a non-discretionary basis, for a
combined $1,996,338,188 in assets under management.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Description
THG bases its fees on a percentage of assets under management, hourly
charges, and fixed fees (not including subscription fees). Please refer to Item
4 above for a complete description of the fees THG charges for its particular
services.
Some agreements may be priced based on the complexity of work, especially
when asset management is not the most significant part of the relationship.
Therefore, financial plans are typically priced according to the degree of
complexity associated with the client’s situation.
Fees are negotiable in limited circumstances as discussed in Item 4.
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Fee Billing
Investment advisory fees are billed quarterly in arrears. The fee schedule is
based upon the average daily balance during the billing period. Fees are
usually deducted from a designated client account to facilitate billing. The client
must consent in advance to direct debiting of their investment account.
Fees for financial plans are billed upon delivery of the financial plan.
Transaction and Custodial Fees
Broker-dealers charge transaction fees for executing certain securities
transactions according to their fee schedule and they or their affiliated or
unaffiliated custodians also impose additional charges for custodial services
and other fees associated with maintaining the client’s account. Without limiting
the foregoing, clients may also be required to pay certain charges and
administrative fees related to their investment advisory accounts, including, but
not limited to: transaction charges (including mark-ups and mark-downs); prime
brokerage fees resulting from trades executed through or with a broker-dealer
other than the designated broker-dealer/custodian; transfer taxes; transfer or
wiring fees; odd lot differentials; exchange fees; interest charges; American
Depositary Receipt agency processing fees; and any charges, taxes or other
fees mandated by any federal, state or other applicable law or otherwise agreed
to with regard to client accounts. THG does not receive any portion of these
fees or commissions.
Expense Ratios
Mutual funds and ETFs generally impose a management fee for the fund
manager’s services. The management fee plus other fund expenses are
sometimes called an expense ratio. For example, an expense ratio of 0.50
means the mutual fund company charges 0.5% for their services and fund
expenses. THG does not receive any portion of these fees, which are in
addition to the fees paid by you to THG.
Past Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement
information about
THG reserves the right to stop work on any account that is more than 30 days
overdue. In addition, THG reserves the right to terminate any financial planning
engagement where a client has willfully concealed or has refused to provide
pertinent
financial situations when necessary and
appropriate, in THG’s judgment, to providing proper financial advice.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees
Sharing of Capital Gains
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of
managed securities.
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THG does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential
conflict of interest. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive
for the adviser to recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of
risk to the client.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Description
THG generally provides investment advisory services to individuals, high net
worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, and business entities. The majority of clients are individuals and
high net worth individuals.
Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Account Minimums
THG does not impose any mandatory requirements for opening or maintaining
investment advisory accounts. However, THG imposes a minimum annual fee
for investment management services. If a client maintains less than a
$1,000,000 average daily balance of assets under THG’s management as of
the end of a billing quarter, the $10,000 annual minimum fee would trigger and
THG would apply a minimum quarterly fee of $2,500. Notwithstanding the
above, in no event will any client be charged in excess of 3.00% for investment
management services.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk
of Loss
Methods of Analysis
THG is not generally involved in the selection, recommendation, or analysis of
individual equity securities. THG typically utilizes mutual funds and ETFs when
recommending investments to clients.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines,
research materials prepared by others, prospectuses, filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, and company press releases.
Other sources of information that THG may use include Morningstar Advisor
mutual fund information, Morningstar Advisor stock information, Charles
Schwab & Company's Institutional web site, and other resources available via
the Internet.
Investment Strategies
The primary investment strategy used on client accounts is strategic asset
allocation using mutual funds and ETFs. Portfolios are globally diversified to
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the risk associated with
traditional markets. THG’s approach
control
emphasizes prudent diversification of assets and long-term investment
planning consistent with the client’s objectives.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated
by the client during consultations. The client may change these objectives at
any time. Each client executes an Investment Policy Statement that documents
their objectives and their desired investment strategy.
For some clients, other strategies may be utilized. If a client wants to include
an individual equity in the portfolio, THG will hold the security and report on its
performance. However, we explicitly state in our Investment Policy Statement
the conditions for including the security, which include that the client must be
the individual to specify the time to purchase or sell the asset. THG may also
include individual fixed income securities such as Certificates of Deposit,
investment grade bonds, government, and agency bonds, and exchange-
traded funds as part of a portfolio. THG may also recommend the use of fixed
or variable annuities when appropriate for the client.
Risk of Loss
levels.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to
bear, including the loss of principal investment. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees
of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific
investment or investment strategy (including the investments and strategies
recommended or undertaken by THG) will be profitable or meet any specific
Investment strategies such as asset allocation,
performance
diversification, or rebalancing do not assure or guarantee better performance
and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. There is no guarantee that
a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that
does not engage in such strategies. While asset values may increase and client
account values could benefit as a result, it is also possible that asset values
may decrease, and client account values could suffer a loss.
All investment programs have risks for the investor. Our investment approach
keeps the risk of loss in mind. The following provides a short description of
some of the risks associated with the investments or processes that THG uses
or recommends:
• Market Risk. The price of a security may drop in reaction to tangible and
intangible events and conditions. This type of risk may be caused by
external factors (such as economic or political factors) but may also be
investments.
incurred because of a security’s specific underlying
Additionally, each security’s price can
fluctuate based on market
movement, which may or may not be due to the security’s operations or
changes in its true value. For example, political, economic and social
conditions may trigger market events which are temporarily negative, or
temporarily positive.
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• Fixed Income Risk. Investments in fixed income instruments involve several
risks that can affect their value. The prices of these investments can change
from day to day. Common risks include changes in interest rates, the
financial condition of the issuer, and how quickly principal is repaid. When
interest rates rise, the value of existing fixed income investments typically
falls. If an issuer’s financial condition worsens or its credit rating is
downgraded, the value of its fixed income securities may also decline.
Some fixed income investments may also be affected by early repayments,
which can limit returns when interest rates are low.
• Geopolitical Risk. Increased interconnectivity between global economies
and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in
one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different
country, region or financial market. Certain securities may underperform
due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand
for particular products or resources, climate change or climate-related
events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, international
conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental
actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years
may result in market volatility and may have long-term effects on both the
U.S. and global financial markets.
•
Inflation Risk. When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not
buy as much as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at
the rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk. Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the
value of the dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating
country. This is also referred to as exchange rate risk.
• Reinvestment Risk. This is the risk that future proceeds from investments
may need to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e., interest
rate). This primarily relates to fixed income securities.
• Business Risk. These risks are associated with a particular industry or a
particular company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies
depend on finding oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can
generate a profit. They could then carry a higher risk to achieving
profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from a
steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the
economic environment is like.
• Liquidity Risk. Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into
cash. Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a
standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while
real estate properties are not.
• Concentration Risk. Maintaining concentrated positions in the same
companies, industries, and issuers invested in the same industries
increases the risk of loss relative to the market as a whole.
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• Financial Risk. Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations
increases the risk to profitability, because the company must meet the terms
of its obligations in good times and bad. During periods of financial stress,
the inability to meet loan obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a
declining market value.
• Mutual Fund Risk. Mutual funds are operated by investment companies that
raise money from shareholders and invest it in stocks, bonds, and other
types of securities. Each fund will have a manager that trades the fund’s
investments in accordance with the fund’s investment objective. Mutual
funds charge a separate management fee for their services, so the returns
on mutual funds are reduced by the costs to manage the funds. While
mutual funds generally provide diversification, risks can be significantly
increased if the fund is concentrated in a particular sector of the market.
Mutual funds come in many varieties. Some invest aggressively for capital
appreciation, while others are conservative and are designed to generate
income for shareholders. In addition, the client’s overall portfolio may be
affected by losses of an underlying fund and the level of risk arising from
the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of
derivatives).
• Exchange Traded Fund Risk. ETFs are marketable securities that are
designed to track, before fees and expenses, the performance or returns of
a relevant index, commodity, bonds, or basket of assets, like an index fund.
Unlike mutual funds, ETFs trade like common stock on a stock exchange.
ETFs experience price changes throughout the day as they are bought and
sold. In addition to the general risks of investing, there are specific risks to
consider with respect to an investment in ETFs, including, but not limited to:
(i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above or below its
net asset value; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes
high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the
listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are
de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit
breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock
trading generally.
flexibility
• Cash and Cash Equivalent Risk. THG may hold a portion of a client’s assets
in cash or cash-equivalent positions (including but not limited to money
market funds). Maintaining cash or cash equivalent positions can help
reduce portfolio volatility and drawdowns during adverse market conditions
and can provide
to meet withdrawals or deploy capital
opportunistically. At the same time, holding cash or cash equivalents may
cause a client to miss market upswings, and THG’s investment advisory fee
could exceed the return earned on cash and cash equivalent positions.
Clients may instruct THG not to maintain (or to limit) cash or cash-equivalent
positions in their account.
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• REIT Risk. REITs are subject to risks generally associated with investing in
real estate, such as: possible declines in the value of real estate; adverse
general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of
mortgage funds; changes in interest rates; and environmental problems. In
addition, REITs are subject to certain other risks related specifically to their
structure and focus such as: dependency upon management skills; limited
diversification; the risks of locating and managing financing for projects;
heavy cash flow dependency; possible default by borrowers; the costs and
potential losses of self-liquidation of one or more holdings; the possibility of
failing to maintain exemptions from securities registration; and, in many
cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may result in less market
liquidity and greater price volatility.
•
Independent Manager Risk. While THG may conduct due diligence about
Independent Managers and their respective investment style and process,
THG will not have the opportunity to evaluate each specific investment that
the Independent Managers will execute on the client’s behalf. THG depends
on Independent Managers to develop the appropriate systems and
procedures to control operational risks. As a result, the rates of return to
clients will primarily depend upon the choice of investments and other
investment and management decisions of Independent Managers and
returns could be adversely affected by unfavorable performance of such
Independent Managers. Some of the strategies that Independent Managers
employ may also present additional risk.
Investing Risks and Limitations.
In
• Socially Responsible
limited
circumstances and upon specific client request, THG may agree to help
clients implement aspects of environmental, social and governance
(generally referred to as “ESG”) considerations into their investment
process. However, clients requesting to engage in ESG-focused investing
must be willing to accept the inherent risks and limitations of that strategy,
including without limitation those risks and limitations described below. The
investment universe of ESG-related investment vehicles is by nature
narrower in scope and therefore the investment options may be limited
when compared to non-ESG mandated securities. By narrowing the scope
of investment options, clients may miss the opportunity to invest in a non-
ESG mandated security or sector, which could contribute to their overall
portfolio performance. ESG securities could underperform broad market
indexes. ESG mandated investment funds may have higher expense ratios
than non-ESG mandated investment vehicles. ESG considerations may
vary from person to person, so the client’s opinion about what constitutes
valid and valuable ESG principles may differ from those of the security
issuer. ESG scores and ratings may also differ between two different ESG
securities because of the way the respective fund managers analyze and
identify ESG factors. The underlying holdings of some ESG investment
vehicles may not disclose the same level or scope of ESG information as
other companies. As a result, some investments may not capture ESG
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concepts with 100% accuracy. Therefore, THG may rely on portfolio
managers to establish their own system of ranking and sustainable factors
in coordination with their mandate.
• Margin / Securities Based Loans. THG generally does not recommend the
use of margin for investment purposes as part of our typical advisory
process. If a client determines to take a margin loan that collateralizes a
portion of the assets that THG is managing, THG’s fee will be computed
based upon the full value of the assets, without deducting the amount of the
margin loan.
As part of financial planning and consulting services, THG may recommend
that a client establish a margin loan or a securities-based loan (collectively,
“SBLs”) with the client’s broker-dealer/custodian, their affiliated banks, or
another qualified lender (“SBL Lender”) to access cash flow. Compared to
real estate-backed loans, SBLs may allow borrowers to access funds in a
shorter period of time, have more repayment flexibility, and may also offer
certain tax benefits. Clients interested in learning more about the potential
tax benefits should consult with an accountant or tax advisor. The terms and
conditions of each SBL are contained in a separate agreement between the
client and the SBL Lender selected by the client, which terms and conditions
may vary from client to client.
Borrowing funds on margin is not suitable for all clients and is subject to
certain risks, including but not limited to: increased market risk, increased
risk of loss, especially in the event of a significant downturn; liquidity risk;
the potential obligation to post collateral or repay the SBL if the SBL Lender
determines that the value of collateralized securities is no longer sufficient
to support the value of the SBL; the risk that the SBL Lender may liquidate
the client’s securities to satisfy its demand for additional collateral or
repayment, or the risk that the SBL Lender may terminate the SBL at any
time. Before agreeing to participate in an SBL program, clients should
carefully review the applicable SBL agreement and all risk disclosures
provided by the SBL Lender including the initial margin and maintenance
requirements for the specific program in which the client enrolls, and the
procedures for issuing “margin calls” and liquidating securities and other
assets in the client’s accounts. If THG recommends that a client apply for
an SBL instead of selling securities that THG manages for a fee to meet
liquidity needs, the recommendation presents an ongoing conflict of interest
because selling those securities (instead of leveraging those securities to
access an SBL) would reduce the amount of assets to which our investment
advisory fee percentage is applied, and thereby reduce the amount of
investment advisory fees THG collects. Likewise, the same ongoing conflict
of interest is present if a client determines to apply for an SBL on their own
initiative. These ongoing conflicts of interest would persist as long as THG
has an economic disincentive to recommend that the client terminate the
use of SBLs. If the client were to invest any portion of the SBL proceeds in
an account that THG manages, THG will receive an advisory fee on the
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invested amount, which could compound this conflict of interest. If a client
accesses an SBL through its relationship with THG and that client’s
relationship with THG is terminated, that client may then incur higher (retail)
interest rates on the outstanding loan balance. Clients are not under any
obligation to employ the use of SBLs, and are solely responsible for
determining when to use, reduce, and terminate the use of SBLs. Although
THG seeks to disclose all conflicts of interest related to our recommended
use of SBLs and related business practices, there may be other conflicts of
interest that are not identified above. Clients are therefore reminded to
carefully review the applicable SBL agreement, and all risk disclosures
provided by the SBL Lender as applicable and contact our Chief
Compliance Officer with any questions about the use of SBLs.
those clients
• Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that
THG and its third-party service providers use to provide services to THG’s
to prevent
clients employ various controls, which are designed
cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or unintentional actions
that could cause significant interruptions in THG’s operations and result in
the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public
personal information. Clients and THG are nonetheless subject to the risk
of cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur losses,
including for example: financial losses, reputational damage, costs to
to regulatory obligations, costs associated with corrective
respond
measures, and loss from damage or interruption to systems. Although THG
has established its systems to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents
from coming to fruition, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always
be successful, especially considering that THG does not directly control the
cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third-party service
providers. Clients could incur similar adverse consequences resulting from
cybersecurity incidents that more directly affect issuers of securities in
which
invest, broker-dealers, qualified custodians,
governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial
market operators, or other financial institutions.
• Trading Activity / Inactivity Risk. As part of its investment advisory services,
THG will review client portfolios on an ongoing basis to determine if any
trades are necessary based upon various factors, including but not limited
to investment performance, market conditions, fund manager tenure, style
drift, account additions/withdrawals, the client’s financial circumstances,
and changes in the client’s investment objectives. Based upon these and
other factors, there may be extended periods when THG determines that
upon review, trades within a client’s portfolio are not prudent. Clients
nonetheless remain subject to the fees described in Item 4 during periods
of portfolio trading inactivity.
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Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
The firm and its employees are not involved in legal or disciplinary events
related to past or present investment clients.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Affiliations
Neither THG, nor its representatives are registered or have an application
pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a
broker-dealer; are registered or have an application pending to register, as a
futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading
advisor, or a representative of the foregoing. THG does not receive, directly or
indirectly, compensation from investment advisers that it recommends or
selects for its clients. THG does not have arrangements that are material to its
advisory business or its clients with any related person required to be disclosed
in this Item 10.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
The employees of THG have committed to a Code of Ethics that is available
for review by clients and prospective clients upon request. The firm will provide
a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
The Code of Ethics and Insider Trading policy requires employees to avoid any
potential conflicts of interest involving personal trades. Among other things, the
policy requires that employees:
• Act with integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical
manner with the public, clients, prospective clients, employers,
employees, and colleagues in the investment profession.
• Place the integrity of the investment profession, the interests of clients,
and the interests of THG above their own personal interests.
• Adhere to the fundamental standard that they should not take
inappropriate advantage of their position.
• Avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest.
• Conduct all personal securities transactions in a manner consistent with
the policy.
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conducting
investment
analysis, making
• Use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment
when
investment
recommendations, taking investment actions, and engaging in other
professional activities.
• Practice in a professional and ethical manner that will reflect credit on
themselves and the profession.
• Promote the integrity of, and uphold the rules governing, capital markets.
• Maintain and improve professional competence and strive to maintain
and improve the competence of other investment professionals.
• Comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
THG and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients.
Employees may not trade their own securities ahead of client trades.
Employees are expected to comply with the provisions of THG’s Compliance
Manual.
Personal Trading
Christopher MacBean is THG’s Chief Compliance Officer. He or his designee
reviews all employee trades each quarter. Ryan Callaghan reviews Mr.
MacBean’s personal trades each quarter. The personal trading reviews help
ensure that the personal trading of employees does not affect the markets, and
that clients of the firm receive preferential treatment. Because most employee
trades are small mutual fund or exchange-traded fund trades, THG does not
expect their employee trades to affect the securities markets. Employees are
required to pre-clear certain personal securities transactions to avoid any
potential conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest with client
trades.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
If a client requests that THG recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for
execution or custodial services, THG generally recommends that investment
management accounts be maintained at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., an SEC-
registered and FINRA member broker-dealer and qualified custodian
(“Schwab”). Before engaging THG to provide investment management
services, clients enter into a formal agreement with THG setting forth the terms
and conditions for the management of the client’s assets, and a separate
custodial/clearing agreement with the designated broker-dealer/custodian.
Depending on which broker-dealer/custodian clients select to maintain their
account, they may experience differences in customer service, transaction
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timing, the availability and investment return of sweep account vehicles and
money market funds, and other aspects of investing that could cause
differences in account performance.
When seeking “best execution” from a broker-dealer, the determinative factor
is not always the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents
the best qualitative execution when considering the full range of a broker-
dealer’s services including the value of research provided, execution capability,
commission rates, and responsiveness. Although THG cannot guarantee that
clients will always experience the best possible execution available, THG seeks
to recommend a broker-dealer/custodian that will hold client assets and
execute transactions on terms that are, overall, most advantageous when
compared with other available providers and their services. THG considers a
wide range of factors when recommending a broker-dealer/custodian,
including:
• Combination of transaction execution services and asset custody
services (generally without a separate fee for custody);
• Capability to execute, clear and settle trades (buy and sell securities for
client accounts);
• Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts
(wire transfers, check requests, bill payment, etc.);
• Breadth of available investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds,
ETFs, etc.);
• Quality of services (including research);
• Competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates,
margin interest rates, other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate the
prices;
• Reputation, financial strength, and stability; and
• Prior service to THG and its other clients.
Schwab is compensated for its services according to its fee schedule (which
may vary), generally by charging clients commissions or other fees on trades
that they execute or that settle into the custodial account. Although THG will
seek competitive rates and seek best execution for its clients, THG’s clients
may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates and fees for
all account transactions and services.
Research and Other Benefits
While THG does not receive traditional “soft dollar benefits,” THG, and by
extension, its clients receive access to certain institutional brokerage services
(trading, custody, reporting, and related services), many of which are not
typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes various
support services available to THG. Some of those services help THG manage
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or administer its clients’ accounts; while others help it manage and grow its
business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an unsolicited
basis (THG does not have to request them) and at no charge to THG.
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of
investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client
assets. The investment products available through Schwab include some to
which THG might not otherwise have access or that would require a
significantly higher minimum initial investment by its clients. These services
benefit THG’s clients and their accounts.
Schwab also makes other products and services available to THG that benefit
THG but may only indirectly benefit its clients or their accounts, such as
investment research developed by Schwab or third parties that THG may use
to service clients’ accounts. In addition to investment research, Schwab also
makes available software and other technology that:
• Provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade
confirmations and account statements);
• Facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for
multiple client accounts;
• Provide pricing and other market data;
• Facilitate payment of THG’s fees from other clients’ accounts; and
• Assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
Schwab may offer other services intended to help THG manage and further
develop its business. These services include:
• Educational conferences and events;
• Consulting on technology, compliance, legal and business needs;
• Publications and conferences on practice management and business
succession; and
• Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and
insurance providers.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will
arrange for third-party vendors to provide the services to THG. Schwab may
discount or waive its fees for some of these services or pay all or a part of a
third party’s fees. Schwab can also provide occasional business meals and
entertainment for THG’s personnel.
The availability of the services and products described above that THG
receives from Schwab (the “Services and Products”) provides THG with an
advantage, because THG does not have to produce or purchase them.
However, THG does not have to pay Schwab or any other entity for Services
and Products that Schwab provides. THG’s clients do not pay more for
investment transactions executed or assets maintained at Schwab as a result
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of these arrangements. The receipt of these Services and Products is not
contingent upon THG committing any specific amount of business to Schwab
in trading commissions or assets in custody. There is no corresponding
commitment made by THG to Schwab or any other entity to invest any specific
amount or percentage of client assets in any specific securities or investment
products as a result of the above. However, these arrangements nonetheless
incentivize THG to recommend that clients maintain their account with Schwab,
based on THG’s interest in receiving Schwab’s services that benefit its
business rather than based on clients’ interest in receiving the best value in
custody services and the most favorable execution of their transactions. This
presents a conflict of interest. However, when THG makes such a
recommendation, it does so because it reasonably believes that recommending
Schwab to serve as broker-dealer/custodian is in its clients’ best interests. It is
primarily supported by the scope, quality, and price of Schwab’s services and
not Schwab’s services that benefit only THG.
Order Aggregation
Most trades are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds where trade
aggregation does not garner any client benefit. Based on this, THG does not
aggregate client trades.
Referrals from Broker-Dealers
THG does not currently receive referrals from broker-dealers. However, THG
previously received client referrals from Schwab through participation in the
Schwab Advisor Network™. Please refer to Item 14 below for more information.
Directed Brokerage
THG does not generally accept directed brokerage arrangements (when a
client requires that account transactions be executed through a specific broker-
dealer). In such client-directed arrangements, the client will negotiate terms and
arrangements for their account with that broker-dealer, and THG will not seek
better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to
“batch” the client’s transactions for execution through other broker-dealers with
orders for other accounts managed by THG. As a result, clients may pay higher
commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less
favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be
the case.
through a specific broker-dealer,
If the client directs THG to execute securities transactions for the client’s
the client correspondingly
accounts
acknowledges that such direction may cause the accounts to incur higher
commissions or transaction costs than the accounts would otherwise incur had
the client determined to execute account transactions through alternative
clearing arrangements that may be available through THG. Higher transaction
costs adversely impact account performance. Transactions for directed
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accounts will generally be executed following the execution of portfolio
transactions for non-directed accounts.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Advisors generally perform quarterly account reviews, or they conduct more
frequent reviews when market conditions dictate. THG’s Investment Committee
also meets weekly to review investment options, allocation, construction, and
related factors. The Investment Committee is instructed to consider the clients’
current security positions and the likelihood that the performance of each
security will contribute to client investment objectives on the whole.
Review Triggers
Other conditions that may trigger a review are changes in the tax laws, new
investment information, and changes in a client's own situation.
Regular Reports
Investment Management clients receive written reports on at least a quarterly
basis. Clients may also receive written updates when requested which may
include updated net worth statements, tax recommendations, education
exhibits, retirement planning updates, or other topics based on the client’s
request and situation.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Incoming Referrals
THG has been fortunate to receive many client referrals over the years. The
referrals came from current clients, estate planning attorneys, accountants,
employees, personal friends of employees and other similar sources. The firm
does not compensate referring parties for these referrals.
THG previously received client referrals from Schwab through participation in
the Schwab Advisor Network™ (“the Service”), designed to help investors find
an independent investment advisor. THG does not currently participate in the
Service with respect to newly referred clients. Schwab is a broker-dealer
independent of and unaffiliated with THG. Schwab does not supervise THG
and has no responsibility for THG’s management of clients’ portfolios or THG’s
other advice or services. THG continues to pay Schwab fees for previous client
referrals, but THG no longer receives referrals under this arrangement.
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Referrals Out
THG does not accept referral fees or any form of compensation from other
professionals when a prospect or client is referred to them.
Other Economic Benefits
THG receives certain economic benefits from Schwab, as described in Item 12
above. THG’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions executed or
assets maintained at a broker-dealer/custodian or other entity as a result of
these arrangements. There is no corresponding commitment made by THG to
a broker-dealer/custodian or any other entity to invest any specific amount or
percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities, or other
investment products as a result of the above arrangements.
Item 15 – Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at a qualified custodian, which means the custodian
provides account statements directly to clients at their address of record at least
quarterly.
Performance Reports
THG urges clients to compare the account statements received directly from
the custodian to any performance report or other statements provided by THG.
The account custodian does not verify the accuracy of THG’s investment
advisory fees. Reported market values of client assets may differ from the
values shown on custodial statements due to differences in accounting
procedures, reporting dates, valuation methodologies or other account
activities such as unsettled trades, accrued interest, and accrued dividends,
which may not be reflected on that client’s custodial statement as of the
valuation date.
Other arrangements
THG engages in other practices that require disclosure at the Custody section
of Part 1 of Form ADV, which are subject to an annual surprise CPA
examination in accordance with Rule 206(4)-2 of the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940.
In addition, certain clients have established asset transfer authorizations that
permit the qualified custodian to rely upon instructions from THG to transfer
client funds or securities to parties that may be considered “third parties.” These
arrangements are disclosed at Item 9 of Part 1 of Form ADV. However, in
accordance with the guidance provided in the SEC’s February 21, 2017
Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter, the affected accounts are not
subject to an annual surprise CPA examination.
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Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
individual
THG accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf
of clients. In those engagements, THG has the authority to determine, without
obtaining specific client consent, the securities to be bought or sold, and the
amount of the securities to be bought or sold. THG trades in accordance with
the clients’
investment policy statements. For discretionary
management services, the client must provide THG with a limited power of
attorney acceptable to the custodian of the client’s assets.
The client approves the custodian to be used, and the commission rates or
transaction fees paid to the custodian. THG does not receive any portion of any
transaction fees or commissions paid by the client.
Discretionary trading authority facilitates placing trades in client accounts on
their behalf so that THG may promptly implement the investment policy the
client has approved in writing. A client may choose to withhold discretionary
authority and specify in their investment policy statement that they are to be
consulted before any trades may be placed in the account. In this situation, a
client may be holding an asset after discretionary clients have sold or
purchasing an asset after it was purchased for discretionary clients.
If a client engages THG to manage investments on a non-discretionary basis,
that client must approve each trade for their portfolio before it is executed.
Because THG cannot execute any account transactions without obtaining the
client’s prior consent in those situations, if THG would like to make a transaction
for a client’s account (including selling a security that THG no longer believes
is appropriate or buying a security that THG believes is appropriate), and the
client is unavailable to provide consent, THG will be unable to execute those
account transactions. Affected clients could suffer investment losses or miss
potential investment gains if they are not available to provide consent to the
proposed transaction.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited power of attorney is a trading authorization for this purpose. Clients
sign an advisory agreement including a limited power of attorney that allows
THG to execute the trades that clients have approved or have authorized by
granting THG discretionary trading authority.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
THG does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own
proxies.
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is requested, THG will provide
When assistance on voting proxies
recommendations to the client. If a conflict of interest exists, it will be disclosed
to the client.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Financial Condition
THG does not have any financial impairment that will preclude the firm from
meeting contractual commitments to clients.
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because THG does not serve
as a custodian for client funds or securities and does not require prepayment
of fees of more than $1,200 per client, and six months or more in advance.
Business Continuity Plan
General
THG has a Business Continuity Plan in place that provides detailed steps to
mitigate and recover from the loss of office space, communications, services,
or key people.
Disasters
The Business Continuity Plan covers natural disasters such as snowstorms,
hurricanes, tornados, and flooding. The Plan also covers manufactured
disasters. Electronic files are backed up daily and archived offsite.
Alternate Offices
Alternate offices are identified to support ongoing operations in the event the
main office is unavailable. It is our intention to contact all clients within five days
of a disaster that dictates moving our office to an alternate location.
Loss of Key Personnel
THG has sufficient personnel to support the firm in the event of an advisor or
owner’s serious disability or death. In addition to the business owners, there
are currently six Certified Financial Planners® on staff.
Information Security Program
Information Security
THG maintains an information security program to reduce the risk that your
personal and confidential information may be breached.
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Privacy Notice
FACTS
WHAT DOES THE HARBOR GROUP, INC. DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why?
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers
the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share,
and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
The types of personal information we collect, and share depend on the product or service you have with
us. This information can include:
■
■
What?
■
Information reported by the client on applications or other forms or communications the client
provides us (name, social security number, address, assets, etc.)
Information about the client’s transactions implemented by the firm or others (account
information, payment history, parties to transactions, etc.)
Information developed as part of financial plans, analyses, or investment advisory services.
Social Security number and income
How?
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share information as described in this notice.
All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In
the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal
information; the reasons The Harbor Group, Inc. chooses to share; and whether you can limit this
sharing. Please note that The Harbor Group, Inc. does not “sell” your personal information, with “sell”
meaning the disclosure of personal information to a third party for monetary or other valuable
consideration.
Reasons we can share your personal information
Does The Harbor Group, Inc.
share?
Can you limit this
sharing?
Yes
No
For our everyday business purposes—
such as to process your transactions, maintain and manage your
account(s), provide services to you, respond to court orders and
legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus
For our marketing purposes—
to offer our products and services to you
Yes
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies
No
N/A
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
N/A
N/A
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
N/A
N/A
For our affiliates to market to you
N/A
N/A
For nonaffiliates to market to you
No
N/A
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■ Call (603) 668-0634 and ask to speak to our Chief Compliance Officer
To limit
our sharing
Please note: If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the date
we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as
described in this notice. However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.
Questions?
■ Call (603) 668-0634 and ask to speak to our Chief Compliance Officer
Who we are
Who is providing this notice?
The Harbor Group, Inc.
What we do
How does The Harbor Group, Inc. protect my
personal information?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use,
we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures
include a comprehensive information security program designed to ensure
the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against
threats or hazards to the security of such information and prevent
unauthorized access.
We collect your personal information, for example, when you:
tell us where to send money
tell us about your investment or retirement portfolio
How does The Harbor Group, Inc. collect my
personal information?
■ open an account or perform transactions
■
■
■ become a beneficiary of a trust or an estate
We also may collect your personal information from others, such as credit
bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.
Federal law gives you the right to limit only:
■
sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes—information
about your creditworthiness
Why can’t I limit all sharing?
■ affiliates from using your information to market to you
■
sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit
sharing.
Your choices will apply to everyone on your account.
What happens when I limit sharing for an
account I hold jointly with someone else?
Definitions
Affiliates
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial
and nonfinancial companies.
Nonaffiliates
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be
financial and nonfinancial companies. The Harbor Group, Inc. does not
share information with nonaffiliates so that they can market to you.
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Joint marketing
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that
together market financial products or services to you. The Harbor Group,
Inc. does not engage in joint marketing.
Other important information
In certain cases, financial advisors may change investment advisory firms, and the nonpublic personal information collected by
us and your adviser may be provided to the new firm, so your adviser can continue to service your account(s). If you do not
want your financial adviser to provide this information to the new firm, please call (603) 668-0634 to opt out of this sharing.
The Harbor Group Inc.
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