Financial Professionals at Harding Financial Group
Michael R. Harding, CFP®
Michael brings 18 years of professional investment experience to the table. Prior to founding the Harding Financial Group in 2005, Michael spent 8 years at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch developing conservative investment strategies for high net worth families.
Certifications and Awards
College of Financial Planning – Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP)
- The CFP is awarded to individuals with a college degree, significant work experience, and the highest levels of commitment to ethical standards and professional responsibility. CFP certification also requires 18 months of specialized educational course work and successfully passing a comprehensive 10-hour exam.
Additional Professional Studies
- Certified Financial Management program. Wealth Management advanced studies exclusively for Merrill Lynch executives: sophisticated global investment strategies, comprehensive asset management, estate planning, trust and charitable giving solutions.
- Retirement Planning Specialist program – Morgan Stanley financial training with retirement planning specialization.
Licenses Held
- Series 65 – Uniform Investment Advisor Law
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law
- Series 31 – Futures Managed Funds
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative
- Licensed Investment Advisor
Awards
- Harding Financial Group has been named to Columbus Business First’s Top Fee-Based Financial Advisors list four consecutive years
- Morgan Stanley: Directors Award for a performance in the top 3% of his peers nationwide
- Merrill Lynch: Executive Club award for superior national performance
- American Funds: All American Club in recognition of Michael’s consistent utilization of sound investment principles
Michael Holly, CFP®, ChFC®, ALHC
Michael Holly is an Associate Financial Advisor at Harding Financial Group. He’s a graduate of The Ohio State University and lives in Marysville, OH with his wife, two children, and dog.
Prior to joining HFG in 2022, Michael spent 5 years with Nationwide Financial in its annuity organization, specializing in retirement income solutions. He brings to the table in-depth experience of customer service, financial sales, and relationship management. As an advisor he is committed to transparency and cultivating authentic relationships with his clients.
Michael is devoted to a lifelong pursuit of education and continuously seeks opportunities to grow as a financial professional.
Certifications and Licenses
Certifications
- CFP® – CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP Board of Standards, Inc.
- ChFC® – Chartered Financial Consultant, The American College of Financial Services
- ALHC – Associate, Life and Health Claims, The International Claims Association
Licenses
- Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law
Lisa Bandy, FPQP™
Lisa joined the Harding Financial Group as the Client Services Director in 2018 and handles the administrative duties. She holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional℠ designation, has over 25 years of client service experience, and enjoys working with clients.
Lisa is a native Ohioan, grew up in Mansfield, and moved to Columbus in 1998. She has two daughters and two grandchildren and enjoys gardening and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.
