Heartland Advisors

Heartland Advisors is an investment advisor focused on value investing and the management of Heartland Funds. They provide investment management services to institutions and individuals, emphasizing research-driven investment strategies.

CCI Score

18.19

-0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Heartland Advisors Political Finance Profile Snapshot

An OpenSecrets profile of Heartland Advisors indicates that the firm contributed $33,900 in the 2022 cycle and reported no lobbying activity in 2021, suggesting a limited direct political influence.

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SABOTEUR

Heartland Advisors is currently rated as a Saboteur.

+10 to +24 CCI Score

Companies in this bracket take more subtle actions to undermine authoritarian practices. They might implement internal policies or support reforms that quietly weaken oppressive systems, contributing to change in less overt ways.

Latest Events

FEB

06

2025

Heartland Advisors Political Finance Profile Snapshot
9.81

An OpenSecrets profile of Heartland Advisors indicates that the firm contributed $33,900 in the 2022 cycle and reported no lobbying activity in 2021, suggesting a limited direct political influence.
+10

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 2

The modest campaign contribution and absence of lobbying activities indicate that Heartland Advisors is not actively engaging in extensive political maneuvering. This limited involvement reflects a neutral to slightly positive stance in fostering transparency and reduced influence over political processes, which is favorable from an anti‐fascist perspective.

Heartland Advisors Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets
SEP

09

2024

Release of Human Rights Due Diligence Framework
33.37

In collaboration with Schroders and Wespath, Heartland released a white paper outlining the saliency-materiality nexus—a framework designed to help investors assess human rights impacts and financial risks in conflict-affected areas. The framework also explicitly criticizes rising authoritarianism and global instability.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

Heartland’s public statement condemns rising authoritarianism and highlights the risks of geopolitical conflict, demonstrating a commitment to public accountability and democratic values. This step promotes transparency and challenges authoritarian influences.

Schroders, Wespath and Heartland Release Framework for Conducting Human Rights Due Diligence
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

By developing a due diligence framework for human rights, Heartland demonstrates ethical business practices aimed at mitigating social and financial risks linked to human rights abuses. This proactive approach supports responsible investment and upholds ethical standards.

Schroders, Wespath and Heartland Release Framework for Conducting Human Rights Due Diligence
JUN

01

2023

Joint Statement Urges Action Against Spyware Abuse
62.50

Heartland Advisors, together with 45 civil society organizations, issued a joint statement urging governments at the Summit for Democracy 2023 to prioritize human rights due diligence for spyware technologies. The statement calls for transparency, accountability, and measures to prevent the abuse of surveillance tools, aligning with anti-authoritarian principles.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

Heartland Advisors took a clear public stand by joining a joint statement with civil society organizations to urge government action against the proliferation and abuse of spyware. This public and political behavior allies the company with anti-authoritarian values, promoting transparency and resisting surveillance practices linked to repressive regimes.

Joint Statement: States & Investors Have a Responsibility to Curtail the Abuse of Spyware
+70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

By urging investors and governments to enforce human rights due diligence on spyware technologies, Heartland Advisors reinforces ethical investment practices and corporate accountability. This stance supports business practices that resist the exploitation of technology for authoritarian surveillance.

Joint Statement: States & Investors Have a Responsibility to Curtail the Abuse of Spyware
SEP

13

2010

SEC Imposes Restrictions on Political Contributions by Investment Advisers
18.57

The SEC has adopted a new rule under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 that prohibits an investment adviser from offering its advisory services for compensation to a government client for two years following any political contributions made by the adviser or its key personnel. This rule aims to eliminate 'pay-to-play' practices and curb the undue influence of political contributions among investment advisers, a measure that affects firms such as Heartland Advisors.
+80

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 2

The SEC rule addresses the iron-clad 'pay-to-play' practices by barring investment advisers from obtaining government business for two years following political contributions. This measure is a positive move towards reducing undue corporate influence in government and combating authoritarian practices, thus aligning with anti-fascist principles.

SEC Rule on Political Contributions by Investment Advisers
DEC

11

2003

SEC Fraud Charges Against Heartland Advisors
-8.26

On December 11, 2003, the SEC announced civil fraud charges against Heartland Advisors, Inc. and several of its top officials for misrepresentations, mispricing, and insider trading related to two high yield bond funds. The charges allege that the firm deliberately mispriced funds and engaged in insider trading, thereby compromising transparency and undermining investor trust.
-70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The SEC’s charges against Heartland Advisors indicate serious ethical breaches, including fraudulent pricing practices, insider trading, and misleading disclosures. These actions reflect a fundamental failure in business ethics and corporate transparency, severely undermining fiduciary responsibilities and investor confidence.

SEC Levels Fraud Charges Against Heartland Advisors, Inc., 12 Company Officials and Others for Misrepresentations, Mispricing and Insider Trading in Two High Yield Bond Funds
SEP

28

2000

SEC Enforcement: Misrepresentation and Unethical Fund Management
-6.85

The SEC filed a civil injunctive action against Heartland Advisors for misrepresenting the management and liquidity of its municipal bond funds. The complaint highlights that the firm misrepresented how it managed fund NAVs, failed in adequate credit research, and concealed liquidity risks, leading to severe devaluations in September and October 2000.
-80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The SEC complaint details that Heartland Advisors engaged in deceptive practices by misrepresenting its active management of funds and failing to adjust for market risks. These unethical business practices not only harmed investors but also eroded trust, representing a significant instance of corporate misconduct.

SEC.gov | Heartland Advisors et al.