On November 6, 2024 Hartt Wealth Regina hosted an engaging evening, introducing Harbourfront Wealth Management and its innovative approach to investing through the Watermark Private Portfolio, offering a fresh perspective on financial growth and stability.
Welcome and Introductions
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Rob and Virginia of Hartt Wealth Management, highlighting the in progress renovation of the first Harbourfront office in Regina, a symbol of Harbourfront’s growth and commitment to client service. Sandra Kamstra, Senior Vice President Private Wealth with 30 years of experience, and Ian Goodman, Head Portfolio Manager with 20 years in the industry, took the stage to introduce the Watermark Program and the advantages of private investing.
Sandra Kamstra
Senior Vice President Private Wealth
Ian Goodman
Head Portfolio Manager
Sandra Kamstra on Investment Solutions
Sandra shared insights into the unique challenges faced by investors today, such as the volatility of public equities and the high costs associated with mutual funds. She explained how Harbourfront’s strategy within the Watermark program, utilizes private investments which other successful funds such as the Canada Pension Plan has done for years. These solutions offer increased diversification, and better downside protection, making them accessible to average investors.
Ian Goodman on Market Dynamics
Ian provided an analysis of the history of the program and current market conditions, and an example of inflated costs of public equities explaining that half of the returns are investors just paying more for the product. He showcased the benefits of Harbourfront’s pension-style investing approach, which aims for a balanced profile that includes allocations in private sectors. This strategy offers more consistent returns and reduced volatility.
Exploring the Watermark Private Portfolio
The Watermark Private Portfolio was the highlight of the evening, presenting pension style asset management for the retail investor. A Unified Managed Account using a multi-strategy, total portfolio solution consisting of stocks, bonds, ETFs, and managed investments all in one account.
- Alternative Fixed Income: Exclusive to Harbourfront clients, the Rockridge Private Debt Pool provides consistent cash flows and consistent monthly returns that historically have been uncorrelated to public equities.
- Private Real Estate: Exclusive to Harbourfront clients, the Forsyth Private Real Estate Portfolios provide strong consistent cash flows that have historically been uncorrelated to public equities, resulting in a portfolio with diversified assets classes.
- Private Equity: Exclusive to Harbourfront clients, the Laurier Private Equity Pool provides access to equity-like growth, with volatility that has historically been lower than public equity volatility. This pool seeks to generate significant long term capital growth through exposure to a broad variety of all Private Equity investments throughout the North American and Global market.
- Equity: Multiple core equity and/or balanced pools are held in the Watermark Private Portfolio Program as specified in the portfolio profile. These pools are designed to give investors the ability to participate in upside during periods when equity markets are rising. More importantly, protect when markets are not performing well.
Q&A Session
Below are a few of the engaging questions participants had the opportunity to ask:
How long has the Watermark program been operating?
The Watermark Private Portfolio program has been operating since 2019 with continued success offering tax-favoured investment solutions.
What are the investment options?
The program includes a pooled investment suitable for various account types including non-registered and registered accounts like the TFSA and RRSP.
What is the minimum investment required?
While the two more popular versions are the Balanced Core Junior model (4 holdings) with a minimum investment of $50K and the Senior model starting at $150K (6-8 holdings), there are other more accessible options to start with that you can discuss with your advisor.
Do I lose my RRSP or TFSA contributions if I switch to this program?
No. You don’t pull your money out of your existing accounts. You simply transfer it to the same account type with no tax or contribution implications. Then you would enter the program within that account.
Harbourfront’s Competitive Edge
The session concluded with a discussion on Harbourfront’s proprietary approach and fee structure. Harbourfront’s early adoption and established relationships allow for exclusive investment opportunities, setting them apart from other institutions. Their fee structure is either the same or better compared to traditional commissions, personalized to each client’s needs.
Why Choose Harbourfront?
Harbourfront Wealth Management continues to innovate in the investment landscape, offering comprehensive solutions that adapt to the evolving market. With a client-first approach and a commitment to excellence, Harbourfront is poised to help you achieve your financial goals with confidence.
Contact us for more information on the Watermark Private Portfolio program, or other investment opportunities with us at Harbourfront Wealth Management.
Harbourfront Wealth Management Brochure
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Watermark Private Portfolio Brochure
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Pension and endowments funds have been investing in private securities for decades. In 2018, Harbourfront built and launched accessible 'retail friendly' private securities with third-party managers.
Stay tuned for information on our move to the new office in December.
DISCLAIMER
This information transmitted is intended to provide general guidance on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader who accepts full responsibility for its use, and is not to be considered a definitive analysis of the law and factual situation of any particular individual or entity. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a professional accounting, tax, legal or other professional advisor. Laws and regulations are continually changing and their application and impact can vary widely based on the specific facts involved and will vary based on the particular situation of an individual or entity. Prior to making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with a professional advisor. The comments and information pertaining to the Rockridge Private Debt Pool, Forsyth Private Real Estate Portfolios, and Laurier Private Equity Pool (“The Portfolios”) are not to be construed as a public offering of securities in any jurisdiction of Canada. The offering of units of The Portfolios is made pursuant to the Offering Memorandum and only to investors in Canadian jurisdictions. Important information about The Portfolio is contained in the Offering Memorandum available through Willoughby Asset Management Inc. Please read the Offering Memorandum before investing. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in The Portfolios. Investments in The Portfolios are not guaranteed, the values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Unit values and investment returns will fluctuate and there is no assurance that The Portfolios can maintain a specific net asset value. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
The Portfolios are available to clients of Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. (“Harbourfront”), as outlined in the fund offering documents, available on willoughbyasset.com. Harbourfront is an affiliate of Willoughby Asset Management Inc. (the “Fund Manager”), the principal selling agent of The Portfolios and receives fees for its advisory services as detailed in the Offering Memorandum. Investors may purchase The Portfolios through Harbourfront or other third party registered dealers retained by the Fund Manager. The Portfolios are a related or connected issuer to Harbourfront, as described in the Harbourfront Relationship Disclosure document and the Statement of Policies Regarding Related and Connected Issuers, which can be accessed at harbourfrontwealth.com.