FAQ

Hercules is emerging as a leader within a breed of new-age money managers. We have achieved this position by actively and opportunistically participating in markets in a risk-controlled manner, using computer models to deliver protection and profits to our clients’ portfolios. Instead of buy-and-hold, we adjust our outlook continuously according to changing market conditions in order to best profit from new opportunities and risks. Unlike most money managers, some of Hercules Investments’ strategies are designed to seek profits from falling markets to the same extent seen in rising markets. We achieve this objective by monetizing Equity Index Volatility. We leverage this expertise to protect traditional portfolios from downside risks in select markets. We focus trades on broad markets in order to capture group psychology and behavior, instead of targeting specific stocks (which each bear their own unique risks). We invest in highly-liquid products and markets. Our portfolios, therefore, have high-price transparency and negligible impact from any liquidation.

We offer to our clients growth-oriented strategies that suit moderate-to-very aggressive risk appetites. We actively manage our client portfolios in response to changing market conditions in order to effectively improve profit outcomes, as well as protect portfolios from market downside risk. Our client portfolios are tailored to meet each client’s unique investment objectives. We inquire about each clients’ unique investment objectives in order to create a personalized portfolio to meet their specific needs. The pairing of our clients’ unique investment objectives with our market outlook enables us to determine each client’s asset allocation. We offer to our prospective clients an objective and analytical Second Opinion on their existing portfolios. Each customized Second Opinion provides an outlook for existing holdings and suggests revisions, as deemed necessary and appropriate.

We invest across asset classes that include equities, fixed income, commodities, and real estate. We actively trade derivatives (typically, equity index options) that include leverage. We use options as hedging instruments when deemed appropriate, given each client’s unique position and current market conditions. Our clients’ long-term financial goals dictate our customized investment choices.

Unlike many money managers, we do not earn commissions on trades. We use a flat fee structure instead of a commission-based fee structure. Our fee structure allows us to prioritize and focus on what is in the client’s best interest. When our clients succeed, we succeed.

When a client invests with us, we manage the investments, while the assets are held by Interactive Brokers, LLC. Interactive Brokers is a third-party custodian. Using a third-party custodian promotes transparency and reduces the potential for conflicts of interest. Client Securities Accounts that are held by Interactive Brokers LLC are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) for maximum coverage in the amount of $500,000.00 (with a cash sublimit of $250,000.00). The Client Securities Accounts are additionally held subject to the Interactive Brokers, LLC. SIPC policy. The Client Securities Accounts are held with certain underwriters at Lloyd’s of London for a maximum individual account balance in the amount of $30,000,000.00 (with a cash sublimit of $900,000.00), subject to an aggregate limit of $150 million.

Futures and options on futures are not covered by these policies. As with all securities firms, this coverage provides protection against failure of a broker-dealer, but does not protect against loss of market value of securities. Interactive Brokers, LLC incorporates several checks and balances into the process. As such, their positions are marked to market daily and the resulting payables/receivables are automatically reconciled to outside sources. Their real-time margining system marks all client positions to market on a continuous basis. All orders are credit-vetted before execution and positions in accounts with inadequate margin deposits are automatically liquidated.

In addition, Hercules Investments’ platform is supported by comprehensive data management systems and security policies designed to protect client data from external threats. On a consolidated basis, Interactive Brokers Group (IBG) LLC, the parent company of Interactive Brokers, LLC, exceeds $8.1 billion in equity capital and over $6.0 billion in excess of regulatory requirements.

You may become a client by calling us today at 800-729-0417 or emailing us at [email protected]. You may also reach us through the contact form located on our corporate website (www.hercules-investments.com) . Our office is located in downtown Los Angeles in the prestigious US Bank Tower. Our office address is 633 W. 5th Street, Suite 6770, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

We would be delighted to speak with you. Please contact us so that we may discuss your investment goals and guide you through the new client registration process. Our hands-on approach respects your time, keeps you informed and reduces unnecessary paperwork. Please call us toll free at 800-729-0417 or click here to contact us via email.

You can also learn more about Hercules Investments here.