We encourage you to ask us about our charges, the type of advice we will provide, and what you can do if you have a complaint about our services. When we offer services for strategic planning it is important to know each client personally. We can then match our expertise to the right individuals that insist on unique and personal approaches to financial planning and risk management.

   
What is the registration of the Harlock Group of Companies?
Who are the central team members of your firm?
Who owns and operates the group?
What characteristics distinguish Harlocks from its competitors?
What Financial Services can you offer?
What are your fees?
Are my investment fees tax deductible?
How often do you meet with your clients?
Who serves as the custodian for the assets that we manage?
How do you minimise the tax bills of your taxable clients?
What insurance does Harlocks carry?
Do I get detailed information about actual commissions and any other benefits that the firm or my adviser may obtain from making the recommendations?
 
Will you give me advice that is suitable to my investment needs and financial circumstances?
 
What should I know about any risks of the investments or investment strategies you recommend to me?
 
I need more information?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
What is the registration of othe Harlock Group of Companies?
Harlock Group of Companies is a Canberra based firm established in 1972 with the introduction of Harlocks Pty Limited focusing on insurance. Harlock Investment Services was formed in 1999, all advisers hold Financial Services Licence authorities also referred to as Authorised Representatives.

   
Who are the central team members of your firm?
Our directors for Harlocks Insurance Division are James Mullins covering general insurance schemes and risk management projects. Harlocks Investment Services was founded by Graeme Mullins, who is Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director. He heads the internal research team which additionally consists of Stephen Hurford; they all have the relevant knowledge, education and authorities from Financial Services Licensees. There are five members within our client services team who hold specific authorities, they can generally provide assistance when advisers are unavailable. We draw on external research firms which have the best reputations in the industry. We only use independent sources of information so that we never engage in activities that are a conflict of interest with our clients.

   

Who owns and operates the group?
Three out of every four financial planning dealer groups in Australia are owned by product providers. Additionally, merger acquisition and takeover activity is high. You should always ensure you are comfortable with your advisers ownership. The products institutionally owned dealer groups can advise on may cause a conflict of interest.

The Harlock Group has two Proprietary Limited Companies (Pty Ltd), privately and independently owned and operated. Harlock Investment Services is completely independent of any institution or product providers. Harlocks Insurance Division may work with single Insurance Companies when underwriting their schemes.

Harlocks Pty Limited administers the general insurance schemes, risk management projects and all aspects of the firm. Harlock Investment Services Pty Limited specialises in client investment relations and insurance broking. Graeme Mullins performs the detailed investment and life insurance operations and co-manages the investment committee. Warrington Private Wealth coordinates back
office administration for financial planning. All our long-term team members have specific incentives that motivate them to act as business owners.

   
What characteristics distinguish Harlock Group from its competitors?
We believe that our firm has distinguished itself in five significant areas:
Our Innovative History - We have found niche opportunities in the insurance industry and continue to utilise our position in this market. In this thinking we strive to deliver unique financial planning advice to our clients.
Our Values-Based Conduct - Our decisions are driven by reliability to our clients and an understanding of their needs. Our long-term success is motivated by our loyalty, and by always putting the client's interests first.
Our Research - We believe that research and information is
a vital part of our continuing business success. We spend a considerable portion of our income on research, education
and conference attendance. Specialist research gives precise and up to date information on various Funds, products, investment options, strategies and recommendations.
We use a number of stockbrokers for up-to-the-minute research and our clients' direct investment exposure.
Comprehensive Choice - We use wholesale funds which provide lower costs to our clients. Additionally, stockbrokers provide us with extensive listing opportunities. We have the ability to access funds that are closed to retail investors.

Our Relationships - Our clients include individuals, companies and foundations. We believe strong client relationships are developed out of an accurate understanding of each client's individual needs and objectives. Our team members endeavour to make the practice of exceptional service the foundation of our services.

   
What Financial Services can you offer?
The advisers at Harlock Investment Services are experienced in all aspects of financial planning, ranging from an extensive knowledge of financial markets and investment strategies, through to insurance and superannuation.

The initial consultation with the adviser is free of charge to the client. At this time the adviser will sit down with the client and find out exactly what the client’s objectives and goals are. This includes discussions on past experiences with investments, attitude to taxation issues, and what the client’s overall cash flow position is.

If the adviser believes that he can provide an ongoing service to the client, then a fee will be charged for the drafting of a detailed financial plan, including recommendations and strategies based on the discussions held with the client, regarding objectives, goals and risk profile.

If they agree to proceed with the plan and the adviser’s advice thus far, they then become a client of Harlock Investment Services.

One of the unique attributes of Harlocks is that the client relationship is "retainer based". This means that the client pays only one payment per year, that payment being to retain the services of Harlocks. Any commissions made by Harlocks are, wherever possible, reinvested for or returned to the client. This means that the advice regarding all aspects of the client's financial position is made on an objective basis, rather than a product basis or commission basis.

Clients of Harlock Investment Services receive advice based on the benefit of recommendations for that individual client, not based on commissions or remuneration that may be received by Harlock Investment Services. The fact that commissions are rebated to the client means that an impartial service can be provided.

   
What are your fees?
The initial consultation with the adviser is free of charge to the client.
All of our services are provided on a fee-only basis. We never accept commissions on any of our investment vehicles, nor do we accept or give referral fees. All commission and brokerage, which would normally be paid to us for placing investments on behalf of clients, is rebated to the client. This means that our clients are paying us for on-going strategy advice as well as investment selection and investment strategy advice. For preparation of a financial plan our fee would be between $300 and $1,500 depending on the complexity of your situation. Our remuneration is then based upon an agreed scale of annual retainer fees calculated on investments under management. All client conferences, client meetings, and performance reviews are included in our services and are not subject to extra charges.

   
Are my investment fees tax deductible?
Typically our plan preparation fee is considered capital in nature and therefore is not tax deductible. The annual retainer fee is deductible to the entity to which it is charged. This is based on the assumption that the expenditure (fee) was incurred in gaining or producing assessable income.

   
How often do you meet with your clients?
We meet with our clients on an as required basis. This may vary based upon the client's preference or a change in current situation. Typically we meet with our local Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne based clients on an average of twice a year. We will communicate through all types of media. A majority of our clients maintain an Internet connection, which assists to speed communication between us.

   
Who serves as the custodian for the assets that we manage?
We don't use custodian accounts for our clients' funds. When an investment is purchased or an investment vehicle established, all funds would be held in your name.

   
How do you minimise the tax bills of your taxable clients?
For taxable clients we take a number of steps to maximise after-tax returns. These steps include:
Ensuring investments and other assets are structured in the most tax effective manner. This may involve the use of trusts or companies to reduce the overall tax liability.
Effectively using salary and wage earnings, under the concept of remuneration packaging alternatives. This is commonly referred to as salary sacrificing.
The use of debt for investment purposes can capture the returns from more funds than could be initially used. Interest repayments in certain cases are allowable tax deductions.
We consider whether it makes sense to continue to hold equities or funds that we might otherwise sell once they have built up large capital gains.
Remembering that reducing the tax that a client must pay cannot be the only (or most significant) goal. Legislative risk must be considered and strategies must remain flexible.

   
What insurance does Harlocks carry?
We hold current and comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance. A copy of the policy and Certificate of Currency are available upon request.

   
Do I get detailed information about actual commissions and any other benefits that the firm or my adviser may obtain from making the recommendations?
Yes. You have the right to know about details of commissions or any other benefits your adviser receives for recommending investments. We will provide this information to you when we make specific recommendations.

   
Will you give me advice that is suitable to my investment needs and financial circumstances?
Yes. But to do so we need to find out your individual investment objectives, financial situation and needs before we recommend any investment to you. Harlocks specialises in providing a comprehensive range of financial services and personalised financial management advice and reporting, subject to your requirements.

You have the right not to divulge this information to us if you do not wish to do so. However, we are required to warn you about the possible consequences of us not having your full personal information.

   
What should I know about any risks of the investments or investment strategies you recommend to me?
We will explain to you any significant risks of investments and strategies that we recommend to you. If you are not clear about any investment, you should ask us to explain any details about which you require further information.

   
I need more information?
If you have another question that has not been answered here or elsewhere on our web site, feel free to email questions or comments to us at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 Harlock Group of Companies.
 Harlocks Pty. Limited  ABN 78 008 552 010. 
 Harlock Investment Services Pty Ltd  ABN 86 008 542 390.
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