Vermilion Software is pleased to announce the successful implementation of Vermilion Reporting Suite (VRS) within Mercer’s UK investment consulting business. VRS is being used to produce informative and comprehensive investment performance monitoring reports to meet the needs of Mercer’s UK client base. The VRS reports provide detailed investment performance analysis, asset allocation and risk characteristics for the clients’ fund line-up.
The suite has been designed to work alongside Mercer’s other proprietary tools, enabling the efficient flow of investment manager information, data and research between systems. The system’s analytics are complemented with qualitative views from Mercer’s global manager research boutiques.
Vermilion designed and implemented the dedicated calculations system and data warehouse, whilst the core VRS product is being used for reporting and workflow.
Fiona Dunsire, Senior Partner at Mercer, commented “This was always going to be a challenging project to implement, and this is why we selected Vermilion. The whole project team was very diligent and supportive throughout the implementation process and we are extremely pleased with the outcome. Our new solution will ensure we continue to deliver high-quality reporting to our clients and efficiencies throughout Mercer.”
“No other performance solution existed for the Investment Consultant market. This is a level above the standard portfolio transactions and holdings performance calculations that we usually see from asset management performance solutions and we needed to design this highly flexible calculation system to fit seamlessly with VRS. The team devised a world class solution here and although it meant we had to go the extra mile, it was important to focus on delivering only the best.” added Alan Beer, Operations Director and Head of Implementations at Vermilion.
Sales and Marketing Director, Simon Cornwell summed up by saying: “The complex requirements that we have delivered truly reflect the ability of Vermilion Software, and the flexibility of the Vermilion Reporting Suite (VRS). The dedication shown throughout the implementation proves the importance of selecting the right partner when delivering complex Client Communication projects, and this is why Vermilion is consistently being selected.”
Showing posts with label Investment Consulting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Investment Consulting. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
IMCA Publication Examines the History of Sovereign Debt Crises: Journal of Investment Consulting Offers a Closer Look at how Debt and Default Spread
Markets may react negatively to a sovereign debt crisis in the short-run, but investors who identify companies that come out unscathed can capitalize on a positive long-term opportunity, according to a recent publication by INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION® (IMCA®). An article by Brian J. Jacobsen, PhD, in the latest issue of the Journal of Investment Consulting examines viral crises and how they spread from country to country and to other sectors of the economy. The extent to which a debt crisis spreads within an economy depends on the government’s interaction with the private sector, the article says.
Other articles in the latest Journal of Investment Consulting, a semi-annual, peer-reviewed publication focused on the needs of investment management consultants, include an interview with Edward O. Thorp, PhD, who pioneered the use of quantitative methods for asset management. Additionally, Joseph J. Wawrzaszek, Jr., and Hemambara Vadlamudi authored in-depth research about the opportunity to diversify risks and returns through investments in frontier markets. The 70-page publication also examines topics such as volatility as an asset class, perceptions of fair investment behavior across countries, downside risk management in emerging markets, and adaptive asset allocation policies.
“The Journal of Investment Consulting provides world-class investment management content only available through IMCA,” said Margaret M. Towle, PhD, CPWA®, the publication’s editor-in-chief. “Our latest edition helps readers consider alternative solutions to the ongoing challenges investors face today. We encourage IMCA members and other financial professionals to closely monitor the timely issues addressed in this publication and to think creatively in all aspects of their work.”
The Journal of Investment Consulting is one of many ways IMCA benefits its members and the financial services industry. IMCA’s 2011 Annual Conference, which provided a wide range of educational content for advisors, hosted a record 1,900 attendees in May. The conference was less than a month after IMCA’s CIMA credential earned accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI®). CIMA is the first internationally accredited financial services certification in the United States. Visit http://www.IMCA.org for more information about the benefits of IMCA membership, conferences and educational opportunities.
Based in Denver, IMCA was established in 1985 to deliver the premier investment consulting and wealth management credentials and world-class educational offerings—membership, conferences, research, and publications. The cornerstone of IMCA is the CERTIFIED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ANALYST(SM) or CIMA® certification, the only advanced certification designed specifically for investment consultants. IMCA also delivers the advanced credential for wealth management professionals working with high-net-worth clients, the CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR® or CPWA® designation.
Other articles in the latest Journal of Investment Consulting, a semi-annual, peer-reviewed publication focused on the needs of investment management consultants, include an interview with Edward O. Thorp, PhD, who pioneered the use of quantitative methods for asset management. Additionally, Joseph J. Wawrzaszek, Jr., and Hemambara Vadlamudi authored in-depth research about the opportunity to diversify risks and returns through investments in frontier markets. The 70-page publication also examines topics such as volatility as an asset class, perceptions of fair investment behavior across countries, downside risk management in emerging markets, and adaptive asset allocation policies.
“The Journal of Investment Consulting provides world-class investment management content only available through IMCA,” said Margaret M. Towle, PhD, CPWA®, the publication’s editor-in-chief. “Our latest edition helps readers consider alternative solutions to the ongoing challenges investors face today. We encourage IMCA members and other financial professionals to closely monitor the timely issues addressed in this publication and to think creatively in all aspects of their work.”
The Journal of Investment Consulting is one of many ways IMCA benefits its members and the financial services industry. IMCA’s 2011 Annual Conference, which provided a wide range of educational content for advisors, hosted a record 1,900 attendees in May. The conference was less than a month after IMCA’s CIMA credential earned accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI®). CIMA is the first internationally accredited financial services certification in the United States. Visit http://www.IMCA.org for more information about the benefits of IMCA membership, conferences and educational opportunities.
Based in Denver, IMCA was established in 1985 to deliver the premier investment consulting and wealth management credentials and world-class educational offerings—membership, conferences, research, and publications. The cornerstone of IMCA is the CERTIFIED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ANALYST(SM) or CIMA® certification, the only advanced certification designed specifically for investment consultants. IMCA also delivers the advanced credential for wealth management professionals working with high-net-worth clients, the CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR® or CPWA® designation.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Aon Hewitt Wins 30 New Delegated Investment Consulting Clients Globally
Aon Hewitt, the global human resources consulting and outsourcing business of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON), has announced that its global investment consulting business (operating as Hewitt EnnisKnupp(1) in the U.S.) has won 30 new delegated investment consulting clients around the world since the start of 2011. In its role as delegated investment consultant, Aon Hewitt is given the authority by the pension plan's fiduciary committee to rebalance plan portfolios and, often, for the retention or termination of plan investment managers.
Since announcing the offering in 2009, Aon Hewitt has won 63 delegated investment consulting clients. Currently, total assets under advisement exceed $17 billion.
"We are excited to have been selected to provide delegated investment consulting services by these plan sponsors," said Kemp Ross, head of U.S. Investment Solutions at Aon Hewitt. "Our delegated investment services provide plan sponsors with a more efficient and effective way to manage their plans amidst an increasingly complex and highly volatile investment environment. We believe plan sponsors choose to partner with us because our solution reflects our actuarial, risk management and global investment management expertise provided through a single point of accountability."
Aon Hewitt's delegated investment services leverage Aon Hewitt's global research and pension risk management solutions to help plan sponsors better understand and manage the assets and liabilities in their pension plans. Using its pension risk management tools, Aon Hewitt is able to monitor the assets and liabilities of a company's pension plan on a frequent basis. This enables quicker, more informed investment decisions and better management of surplus risk.
About Aon Hewitt
Aon Hewitt is the global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions. The company partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance. Aon Hewitt designs, implements, communicates and administers a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies. With more than 29,000 professionals in 90 countries, Aon Hewitt makes the world a better place to work for clients and their employees. For more information on Aon Hewitt, please visit www.aonhewitt.com.
About Aon
Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing. Through its more than 59,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to deliver distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon's industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally in over 120 countries. Named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008, 2009 and 2010 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance's listing of the world's insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008 and 2009. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary 2007-2010, best reinsurance intermediary 2006-2010, best captives manager 2009-2010, and best employee benefits consulting firm 2007-2009 by the readers of Business Insurance. Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon and http://www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.
Since announcing the offering in 2009, Aon Hewitt has won 63 delegated investment consulting clients. Currently, total assets under advisement exceed $17 billion.
"We are excited to have been selected to provide delegated investment consulting services by these plan sponsors," said Kemp Ross, head of U.S. Investment Solutions at Aon Hewitt. "Our delegated investment services provide plan sponsors with a more efficient and effective way to manage their plans amidst an increasingly complex and highly volatile investment environment. We believe plan sponsors choose to partner with us because our solution reflects our actuarial, risk management and global investment management expertise provided through a single point of accountability."
Aon Hewitt's delegated investment services leverage Aon Hewitt's global research and pension risk management solutions to help plan sponsors better understand and manage the assets and liabilities in their pension plans. Using its pension risk management tools, Aon Hewitt is able to monitor the assets and liabilities of a company's pension plan on a frequent basis. This enables quicker, more informed investment decisions and better management of surplus risk.
About Aon Hewitt
Aon Hewitt is the global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions. The company partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance. Aon Hewitt designs, implements, communicates and administers a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies. With more than 29,000 professionals in 90 countries, Aon Hewitt makes the world a better place to work for clients and their employees. For more information on Aon Hewitt, please visit www.aonhewitt.com.
About Aon
Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing. Through its more than 59,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to deliver distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon's industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally in over 120 countries. Named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008, 2009 and 2010 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance's listing of the world's insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008 and 2009. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary 2007-2010, best reinsurance intermediary 2006-2010, best captives manager 2009-2010, and best employee benefits consulting firm 2007-2009 by the readers of Business Insurance. Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon and http://www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
AHEB Investment Group Now Offering Business Management Consulting Services
AHEB Investment Group recently announced the launch of its new business management consulting services, designed to complement its recently introduced services for business planning development. These newly available services are designed to complement the recently launched business plan development options and increase the supporting services AHEB can provide to its clients, which include many start up businesses or companies in stages of growth or development.
As well as assisting with development of financing plans, budgeting and cash flow analysis, AHEB Investment Group is now also in a position to help businesses with the creation, and implementation of their complete business strategy, development and growth, whether that is new product development or new market development and innovative diversification strategies.
The company’s past experience in this sector is a major competitive advantage they bring to the table in a highly competitive market. Managing Director Mr Charalambous is keen to point out that these services can be used by any type of company regardless of their stage of growth or success so far. “Our aim is to be more than just a financial consulting firm, but to offer valued business and management consulting services, based on our many years’ experience advising and assisting business of all sizes, in various stages of their growth and in global marketplaces. We understand the pressures and challenges of complex strategy for start-ups in a growth period, as well as those considerations for a global business seeking to develop and grow in new markets abroad.”
As well as their first hand experience, AHEB promise to provide a different approach to consulting, designed to suit those businesses that want a long term and mutually beneficial relationship with their consulting firms. The company will also be able to provide marketing and sales support services, including development and creation of important tools such as presentations and marketing sales initiatives. This is in addition to the already very popular services such as budgeting, financial assessment of the business and cash flow consulting.
Some of the frequently requested services are related to strategy and alignment of business strengths to market opportunities in order to allow strategic focus in the right direction. Aside from this however, AHEB has been providing much value with its highly sought financial consulting services. These include financial planning facilities such as financial statements, company budgets and cashflow preparations which are an essential tool for any business.
There are also niche services for start ups, designed to assist with businesses in the early phases of their growth and to assist them with their strategic choices and the best way to structure and develop their strategy, team, management, marketing and finance in order to set, measure and achieve their goals.
“AHEB aims to be different in its approach to its business consulting services”, explains Charalambous. “The practical hands on experience that our team at AHEB has through assisting businesses of different sizes and market situations means that we can provide an increased understanding of their situations and tailored advice and solutions for their needs. “
AHEB also plans to approach the consulting with a partnership perspective. Rather than merely presenting a report with their analysis and findings, AHEB are seeking to remain involved with their clients, in the implementation of their report recommendations and throughout the period of evaluation to ensure results.
Charalambous says this is key to the AHEB ethos. “Our strategy as a company is to be an invaluable asset to our clients and to work as part of their team rather than an external consultant. This allows us to see our projects through to the end and gives our client added reassurance that we have a vested interest in the success of their business.”
Any businesses, entrepreneurs or project owners interested in learning more about how the new AHEB Investment Group services can help their businesses are invited to contact AHEB Investment Group.
About AHEB Investment Group
AHEB Investment Group was founded in 2008 to provide professional support and consulting regarding financing to businesses of large and medium size but also start up enterprises. AHEB specializes in assisting the development of large commercial and industrial projects by offering financing solutions and advisory support. Successful projects include real estate developments, construction including large hotels, energy based projects covering power plants and oil rigs with other major purchases of ships and aircraft. For further information about AHEB Investment Group, visit http://www.ahebgroup.com.
As well as assisting with development of financing plans, budgeting and cash flow analysis, AHEB Investment Group is now also in a position to help businesses with the creation, and implementation of their complete business strategy, development and growth, whether that is new product development or new market development and innovative diversification strategies.
The company’s past experience in this sector is a major competitive advantage they bring to the table in a highly competitive market. Managing Director Mr Charalambous is keen to point out that these services can be used by any type of company regardless of their stage of growth or success so far. “Our aim is to be more than just a financial consulting firm, but to offer valued business and management consulting services, based on our many years’ experience advising and assisting business of all sizes, in various stages of their growth and in global marketplaces. We understand the pressures and challenges of complex strategy for start-ups in a growth period, as well as those considerations for a global business seeking to develop and grow in new markets abroad.”
As well as their first hand experience, AHEB promise to provide a different approach to consulting, designed to suit those businesses that want a long term and mutually beneficial relationship with their consulting firms. The company will also be able to provide marketing and sales support services, including development and creation of important tools such as presentations and marketing sales initiatives. This is in addition to the already very popular services such as budgeting, financial assessment of the business and cash flow consulting.
Some of the frequently requested services are related to strategy and alignment of business strengths to market opportunities in order to allow strategic focus in the right direction. Aside from this however, AHEB has been providing much value with its highly sought financial consulting services. These include financial planning facilities such as financial statements, company budgets and cashflow preparations which are an essential tool for any business.
There are also niche services for start ups, designed to assist with businesses in the early phases of their growth and to assist them with their strategic choices and the best way to structure and develop their strategy, team, management, marketing and finance in order to set, measure and achieve their goals.
“AHEB aims to be different in its approach to its business consulting services”, explains Charalambous. “The practical hands on experience that our team at AHEB has through assisting businesses of different sizes and market situations means that we can provide an increased understanding of their situations and tailored advice and solutions for their needs. “
AHEB also plans to approach the consulting with a partnership perspective. Rather than merely presenting a report with their analysis and findings, AHEB are seeking to remain involved with their clients, in the implementation of their report recommendations and throughout the period of evaluation to ensure results.
Charalambous says this is key to the AHEB ethos. “Our strategy as a company is to be an invaluable asset to our clients and to work as part of their team rather than an external consultant. This allows us to see our projects through to the end and gives our client added reassurance that we have a vested interest in the success of their business.”
Any businesses, entrepreneurs or project owners interested in learning more about how the new AHEB Investment Group services can help their businesses are invited to contact AHEB Investment Group.
About AHEB Investment Group
AHEB Investment Group was founded in 2008 to provide professional support and consulting regarding financing to businesses of large and medium size but also start up enterprises. AHEB specializes in assisting the development of large commercial and industrial projects by offering financing solutions and advisory support. Successful projects include real estate developments, construction including large hotels, energy based projects covering power plants and oil rigs with other major purchases of ships and aircraft. For further information about AHEB Investment Group, visit http://www.ahebgroup.com.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Altegris Expands Its Sales And Consulting Group To Meet Increased Product Demand
The Altegris Companies, providers of premier alternative investments, are pleased to announce several new additions to its team of seasoned industry sales and consulting professionals.
“Our uncompromising focus on providing access to premier alternative investments and giving advisors the support they need has helped us achieve significant growth in our alternative mutual funds and private funds,” said Jon Sundt, President and CEO of Altegris. “We are very excited to welcome new talent to our existing Sales and Consulting Team, and we look forward to their contributions as we continue to grow.”
New appointments include Shawn Wears, Vice President, Midwestern Regional Director, and Brandon Rosenbaum, Vice President, Pacific Northwestern Regional Director. In these roles, Mr. Wears and Mr. Rosenbaum will oversee business development of the broker-dealer and RIA channels in their respective regions.
Mr. Wears brings more than eight years of financial services experience to Altegris. Previously, he oversaw various territories at Rydex-SGI and served as a top Account Executive at Capital One in the Commercial and Residential Financing Division. Mr. Rosenbaum, with more than sixteen years of industry experience, was most recently Divisional Vice President at Sunamerica, where he was responsible for wholesaling variable annuities in the Pacific Northwest region.
Altegris also appointed two new Regional Consultants, Sofiya Zhovnovataya, Vice President, Southwestern Regional Consultant, and Michael Bermel, Vice President, South Central Regional Consultant. They will oversee sales in the intermediary channel for their respective territories, serving clients in the RIA and broker-dealer space.
Ms. Zhovnovataya previously served as an Investment Associate at UBS Financial Services’ International Division, upholding a robust institutional client base focused on providing cash management solutions to large foreign entities. Mr. Bermel was formerly an Internal Sales Associate at ICON Advisors, working with advisors from a number of broker-dealers and RIAs.
“As the demand for alternative investments increases so does our dedication to empowering advisors to make intelligent, trusted investment choices. Our latest enhancements to the Altegris twenty-member Sales and Consulting Team reflect our commitment to helping advisors include high-quality alternative investments within their client portfolios,” said Dick Pfister, Head of Global Sales and Consulting.
Altegris also announced several promotions that further reinforce its business development efforts. Vance Barse was promoted to Vice President, Southeastern Regional Director. Lisa Cutuli was promoted to Vice President, Northeastern Regional Consultant. Jessica Powers was promoted to Associate Vice President, Strategic Relationships.
About Altegris
Altegris has one core mission—to find the best alternative investments for our clients. Altegris offers what we believe are straightforward and efficient solutions for financial professionals and individual investors seeking to improve portfolio diversification with historically low correlated investments.
With one of the leading Research and Investment Groups focused solely on alternative investments, Altegris follows a disciplined process for identifying, evaluating, selecting, and monitoring investment talent across the spectrum of hedge funds, managed futures funds, and other alternative investments. As veteran experts in the art and science of alternatives, Altegris guides investors through the complex and often opaque universe of alternative investing.
Alternatives are in our DNA. Our very name, Altegris, highlights our singular focus on alternatives, the highest standards of integrity, and a process that constantly seeks to minimize investor risk while maximizing potential returns.
The Altegris Companies, wholly owned subsidiaries of Genworth Financial, Inc., include Altegris Investments, Altegris Advisors, Altegris Funds, and Altegris Clearing Solutions. Altegris currently has approximately $2.1 billion in client assets, and provides clearing services to $800 million in institutional client assets.
“Our uncompromising focus on providing access to premier alternative investments and giving advisors the support they need has helped us achieve significant growth in our alternative mutual funds and private funds,” said Jon Sundt, President and CEO of Altegris. “We are very excited to welcome new talent to our existing Sales and Consulting Team, and we look forward to their contributions as we continue to grow.”
New appointments include Shawn Wears, Vice President, Midwestern Regional Director, and Brandon Rosenbaum, Vice President, Pacific Northwestern Regional Director. In these roles, Mr. Wears and Mr. Rosenbaum will oversee business development of the broker-dealer and RIA channels in their respective regions.
Mr. Wears brings more than eight years of financial services experience to Altegris. Previously, he oversaw various territories at Rydex-SGI and served as a top Account Executive at Capital One in the Commercial and Residential Financing Division. Mr. Rosenbaum, with more than sixteen years of industry experience, was most recently Divisional Vice President at Sunamerica, where he was responsible for wholesaling variable annuities in the Pacific Northwest region.
Altegris also appointed two new Regional Consultants, Sofiya Zhovnovataya, Vice President, Southwestern Regional Consultant, and Michael Bermel, Vice President, South Central Regional Consultant. They will oversee sales in the intermediary channel for their respective territories, serving clients in the RIA and broker-dealer space.
Ms. Zhovnovataya previously served as an Investment Associate at UBS Financial Services’ International Division, upholding a robust institutional client base focused on providing cash management solutions to large foreign entities. Mr. Bermel was formerly an Internal Sales Associate at ICON Advisors, working with advisors from a number of broker-dealers and RIAs.
“As the demand for alternative investments increases so does our dedication to empowering advisors to make intelligent, trusted investment choices. Our latest enhancements to the Altegris twenty-member Sales and Consulting Team reflect our commitment to helping advisors include high-quality alternative investments within their client portfolios,” said Dick Pfister, Head of Global Sales and Consulting.
Altegris also announced several promotions that further reinforce its business development efforts. Vance Barse was promoted to Vice President, Southeastern Regional Director. Lisa Cutuli was promoted to Vice President, Northeastern Regional Consultant. Jessica Powers was promoted to Associate Vice President, Strategic Relationships.
About Altegris
Altegris has one core mission—to find the best alternative investments for our clients. Altegris offers what we believe are straightforward and efficient solutions for financial professionals and individual investors seeking to improve portfolio diversification with historically low correlated investments.
With one of the leading Research and Investment Groups focused solely on alternative investments, Altegris follows a disciplined process for identifying, evaluating, selecting, and monitoring investment talent across the spectrum of hedge funds, managed futures funds, and other alternative investments. As veteran experts in the art and science of alternatives, Altegris guides investors through the complex and often opaque universe of alternative investing.
Alternatives are in our DNA. Our very name, Altegris, highlights our singular focus on alternatives, the highest standards of integrity, and a process that constantly seeks to minimize investor risk while maximizing potential returns.
The Altegris Companies, wholly owned subsidiaries of Genworth Financial, Inc., include Altegris Investments, Altegris Advisors, Altegris Funds, and Altegris Clearing Solutions. Altegris currently has approximately $2.1 billion in client assets, and provides clearing services to $800 million in institutional client assets.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
AHEB Investment Group Provides Business Planning & Consulting Services
Specialised financial consulting firm AHEB Investment Group today announced the availability of its new business plan development and consulting services, designed to help clients and new start ups reach the next phase of their development and growth.
Designed to be a flexible service tailored to client needs and budget, AHEB's business plan consulting came about as a result of increased demand from clients for a service which could provide that missing gap between financial and business objectives and strategy. As a key player in the business development process, AHEB Investment Group has a unique understanding of the complexity of this type of planning, and the team also has extensive experience in consulting and funding companies in their growth stages.
The complete customised strategic planning service, available immediately, now provides AHEB clients with a service which allows them to optimise their business strategy and develop a complete business plan. As part of the service, thorough, in-depth research and analysis will be carried out on the market and business industry in which the company operates, in order to create a clear direction and plan for the company, saving the business many hours which can be better spent in revenue creation activities.
Some of the services now immediately available include business plan development (using Basell II principles and strategy), creation of financing plans and review of any existing business or financing plans as well as budgeting and cash flow analysis. AHEB's expert team are also, through their experience on an international level, able to provide insight and consulting on a strategic level, and so their services also encompass risk analysis, investment analysis as well as marketing planning, project planning services and market analysis. The entire process is designed to identify the opportunities available to the company, their strengths and assist in matching them to find the best way to drive the business forward into the most profitable areas.
Each company will have its own situation reviewed and the business planning service will be customised accordingly, to include the elements which are of most value to the company in question and the consulting is done in close partnership with a team of key project stakeholders.
Managing Director of AHEB Investment Group, Mr Andreas Charalambous, says the new service is fundamental for clients in growth stages, commenting: "A strategic plan for a business is vital in order to provide a current overview and analysis of the performance and standing of the business and provide it with a roadmap as to where it should be heading. It also allows a business to grow through an increased awareness of its direction and strengths. Finally, and most importantly, in many instances where financing needs to be secured, whether that be an overdraft facility or a loan from a financial institution in order to fund venture capital, a current business plan must be provided. Therefore a business plan is an essential tool in the natural growth of a company."
Further to the positive reception around the launch of this service, Mr Charalambous also appreciates the importance and value of this service to the company's clients. "Although many companies have a vision when they start out their business, they do not always develop their business plan successfully. It is important to set objectives which then determine your plan of action and strategy. In addition to this, it is also important to understand that progress and milestones must be measured and monitored in order to ensure success. AHEB's business planning allows our clients to set benchmarks and performance measures at various key stages of the financial year, to ensure the company is on the right path."
All those interested in learning more about the business planning and consulting services offered are invited to contact AHEB Investment Group.
About AHEB Investment Group
AHEB Investment Group was founded in 2008 to provide professional support and consulting regarding financing to businesses of large and medium size but also start up enterprises. AHEB specializes in assisting the development of large commercial and industrial projects by offering financing solutions and advisory support. Successful projects include real estate developments, construction including large hotels, energy based projects covering power plants and oil rigs with other major purchases of ships and aircraft. AHEB's relationships with principal global and regional banking institutions and its network of investment partners enable client businesses to also secure arrangement of collateral and to receive unrivalled support throughout the financing process.
For further information about AHEB Investment Group, visit www.ahebgroup.com.
Designed to be a flexible service tailored to client needs and budget, AHEB's business plan consulting came about as a result of increased demand from clients for a service which could provide that missing gap between financial and business objectives and strategy. As a key player in the business development process, AHEB Investment Group has a unique understanding of the complexity of this type of planning, and the team also has extensive experience in consulting and funding companies in their growth stages.
The complete customised strategic planning service, available immediately, now provides AHEB clients with a service which allows them to optimise their business strategy and develop a complete business plan. As part of the service, thorough, in-depth research and analysis will be carried out on the market and business industry in which the company operates, in order to create a clear direction and plan for the company, saving the business many hours which can be better spent in revenue creation activities.
Some of the services now immediately available include business plan development (using Basell II principles and strategy), creation of financing plans and review of any existing business or financing plans as well as budgeting and cash flow analysis. AHEB's expert team are also, through their experience on an international level, able to provide insight and consulting on a strategic level, and so their services also encompass risk analysis, investment analysis as well as marketing planning, project planning services and market analysis. The entire process is designed to identify the opportunities available to the company, their strengths and assist in matching them to find the best way to drive the business forward into the most profitable areas.
Each company will have its own situation reviewed and the business planning service will be customised accordingly, to include the elements which are of most value to the company in question and the consulting is done in close partnership with a team of key project stakeholders.
Managing Director of AHEB Investment Group, Mr Andreas Charalambous, says the new service is fundamental for clients in growth stages, commenting: "A strategic plan for a business is vital in order to provide a current overview and analysis of the performance and standing of the business and provide it with a roadmap as to where it should be heading. It also allows a business to grow through an increased awareness of its direction and strengths. Finally, and most importantly, in many instances where financing needs to be secured, whether that be an overdraft facility or a loan from a financial institution in order to fund venture capital, a current business plan must be provided. Therefore a business plan is an essential tool in the natural growth of a company."
Further to the positive reception around the launch of this service, Mr Charalambous also appreciates the importance and value of this service to the company's clients. "Although many companies have a vision when they start out their business, they do not always develop their business plan successfully. It is important to set objectives which then determine your plan of action and strategy. In addition to this, it is also important to understand that progress and milestones must be measured and monitored in order to ensure success. AHEB's business planning allows our clients to set benchmarks and performance measures at various key stages of the financial year, to ensure the company is on the right path."
All those interested in learning more about the business planning and consulting services offered are invited to contact AHEB Investment Group.
About AHEB Investment Group
AHEB Investment Group was founded in 2008 to provide professional support and consulting regarding financing to businesses of large and medium size but also start up enterprises. AHEB specializes in assisting the development of large commercial and industrial projects by offering financing solutions and advisory support. Successful projects include real estate developments, construction including large hotels, energy based projects covering power plants and oil rigs with other major purchases of ships and aircraft. AHEB's relationships with principal global and regional banking institutions and its network of investment partners enable client businesses to also secure arrangement of collateral and to receive unrivalled support throughout the financing process.
For further information about AHEB Investment Group, visit www.ahebgroup.com.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
MCA Announces “Best of IMCA” Workshop Series
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION® (IMCA®), known for providing advanced educational content for investment consultants and wealth management professionals, is bringing highlights from its certification programs and conferences to the local level through a series of one-day Best of IMCA seminars.
Each seminar was created in collaboration with top finance faculty of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and leading investment and wealth advisory practitioners. Confirmed presenters for the series include Jeffrey F. Jaffe and Craig MacKinlay, professors of finance at The Wharton School and instructors for IMCA’s Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) certification; J. Richard Joyner, managing director in Tolleson Wealth Management’s private wealth management group and founding instructor of IMCA’s Certified Private Wealth AdvisorSM (CPWA®) designation; and Ash Rajan, director of investment management and guidance at Merrill Lynch Global Private Client. Modern portfolio theory, behavioral finance, tax law, asset allocation, and evaluating investment manager performance are some of the topics to be covered. Additionally, each day-long seminar will be worth six hours of continuing education credit for investment consultants and wealth managers.
In 2011, the series will feature six events in locations across the country and in Canada. The first three Best of IMCA seminars scheduled are April 12 in Toronto, Ontario; April 27 in Vienna, VA; and June 1 in Irvine, CA. Events are also planned for Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco; final dates and locations are undetermined at the time of this release.
Best of IMCA one-day seminars are available to participants at a minimal cost, with IMCA helping underwrite expenses. Additionally, Artio Global Management LLC will be the exclusive sponsor for the series. IMCA members will be able to attend these high-level events for a $195 registration fee, while nonmembers can attend for $395, which includes membership in IMCA.
IMCA provides the premier community for investment consultants and wealth management professionals through educational conferences, advanced credentials, and membership benefits. Best of IMCA seminars offer learning and networking opportunities to members and advisors. For more information about these events, visit http://www.bestofimca.org.
Based in Denver, IMCA® was established in 1985 to deliver the premier investment consulting and wealth management credentials and world-class educational offerings—membership, conferences, research, and publications. CIMA® (Certified Investment Management AnalystSM) certification is the premier credential for advanced investment advisors and consultants, and the CPWA® (Certified Private Wealth AdvisorSM) designation is an advanced credential created specifically for wealth managers and advisors who work with high-net-worth clients on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution.
IMCA® and INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION® are registered trademarks and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM is a service mark of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. and denote the highest quality of standards and education for financial professionals. CIMA®, CIMC®, CPWA® are registered certification marks of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. does not discriminate in educational opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Each seminar was created in collaboration with top finance faculty of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and leading investment and wealth advisory practitioners. Confirmed presenters for the series include Jeffrey F. Jaffe and Craig MacKinlay, professors of finance at The Wharton School and instructors for IMCA’s Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) certification; J. Richard Joyner, managing director in Tolleson Wealth Management’s private wealth management group and founding instructor of IMCA’s Certified Private Wealth AdvisorSM (CPWA®) designation; and Ash Rajan, director of investment management and guidance at Merrill Lynch Global Private Client. Modern portfolio theory, behavioral finance, tax law, asset allocation, and evaluating investment manager performance are some of the topics to be covered. Additionally, each day-long seminar will be worth six hours of continuing education credit for investment consultants and wealth managers.
In 2011, the series will feature six events in locations across the country and in Canada. The first three Best of IMCA seminars scheduled are April 12 in Toronto, Ontario; April 27 in Vienna, VA; and June 1 in Irvine, CA. Events are also planned for Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco; final dates and locations are undetermined at the time of this release.
Best of IMCA one-day seminars are available to participants at a minimal cost, with IMCA helping underwrite expenses. Additionally, Artio Global Management LLC will be the exclusive sponsor for the series. IMCA members will be able to attend these high-level events for a $195 registration fee, while nonmembers can attend for $395, which includes membership in IMCA.
IMCA provides the premier community for investment consultants and wealth management professionals through educational conferences, advanced credentials, and membership benefits. Best of IMCA seminars offer learning and networking opportunities to members and advisors. For more information about these events, visit http://www.bestofimca.org.
Based in Denver, IMCA® was established in 1985 to deliver the premier investment consulting and wealth management credentials and world-class educational offerings—membership, conferences, research, and publications. CIMA® (Certified Investment Management AnalystSM) certification is the premier credential for advanced investment advisors and consultants, and the CPWA® (Certified Private Wealth AdvisorSM) designation is an advanced credential created specifically for wealth managers and advisors who work with high-net-worth clients on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution.
IMCA® and INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION® are registered trademarks and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM is a service mark of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. and denote the highest quality of standards and education for financial professionals. CIMA®, CIMC®, CPWA® are registered certification marks of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. does not discriminate in educational opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Names James F. Walker Head of Consulting Services Group
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney today announced the appointment of Managing Director James F. Walker to head the Consulting Services Group, the industry-leading provider of investment consulting and managed account services.
Mr. Walker, 47, succeeds James J. Tracy, who was named in July as Chief Operating Officer of Distribution and Development for Wealth Management in the U.S., Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Mr. Walker will continue to report to Paul Hatch, Head of the Investment Strategy and Solutions Group.
"Jim Walker's extensive industry experience, deep knowledge of Consulting Services and close rapport with Financial Advisors and clients make a great leadership combination. I look forward to working with him as we drive investment excellence and build on the historic leadership of our Consulting Services Group," said Mr. Hatch.
With over $385 billion in client assets, the Consulting Services Group is the U.S. wealth management industry's managed accounts leader, with a market share of nearly 21%. It also leads in several of the fastest growing managed account categories, including rep as portfolio manager (35.3% market share) and unified managed accounts (33.8% market share). (Source: Cerulli Associates 2Q 2010 Summary, August, 2010).
Mr. Walker most recently served at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as Chief Operating Officer of Investment Strategy and Solutions, with responsibility for strategy, coordination and overall business leadership. Prior to this position, he was Director of Finance, Risk and Strategy for Citi Global Wealth Management Investments, having joined Citi in 2006 as COO of Investment Advisory Services.
Earlier, Mr. Walker held a succession of leadership positions over 20 years with Merrill Lynch's Global Wealth Management Group, including Chief Administrative Officer for the Global Private Client business, complex manager positions in Wellesley, MA and Norfolk, VA, and Midwest regional sales manager. He began his career in 1985 as a Financial Advisor in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.
He received his B.A. in economics from Catholic University of America, and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Sloan Fellow, where he received a S.M. in management science and continues as a lecturer. He is a Certified Investment Management Analyst and member of the Investment Management Consultants Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, a global leader in wealth management, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, cash management, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services. For further information about Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, please visit www.morganstanleysmithbarney.com.
Morgan Stanley (MS 27.01, +1.04, +4.00%) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 42 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
Mr. Walker, 47, succeeds James J. Tracy, who was named in July as Chief Operating Officer of Distribution and Development for Wealth Management in the U.S., Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Mr. Walker will continue to report to Paul Hatch, Head of the Investment Strategy and Solutions Group.
"Jim Walker's extensive industry experience, deep knowledge of Consulting Services and close rapport with Financial Advisors and clients make a great leadership combination. I look forward to working with him as we drive investment excellence and build on the historic leadership of our Consulting Services Group," said Mr. Hatch.
With over $385 billion in client assets, the Consulting Services Group is the U.S. wealth management industry's managed accounts leader, with a market share of nearly 21%. It also leads in several of the fastest growing managed account categories, including rep as portfolio manager (35.3% market share) and unified managed accounts (33.8% market share). (Source: Cerulli Associates 2Q 2010 Summary, August, 2010).
Mr. Walker most recently served at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as Chief Operating Officer of Investment Strategy and Solutions, with responsibility for strategy, coordination and overall business leadership. Prior to this position, he was Director of Finance, Risk and Strategy for Citi Global Wealth Management Investments, having joined Citi in 2006 as COO of Investment Advisory Services.
Earlier, Mr. Walker held a succession of leadership positions over 20 years with Merrill Lynch's Global Wealth Management Group, including Chief Administrative Officer for the Global Private Client business, complex manager positions in Wellesley, MA and Norfolk, VA, and Midwest regional sales manager. He began his career in 1985 as a Financial Advisor in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.
He received his B.A. in economics from Catholic University of America, and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Sloan Fellow, where he received a S.M. in management science and continues as a lecturer. He is a Certified Investment Management Analyst and member of the Investment Management Consultants Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, a global leader in wealth management, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, cash management, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services. For further information about Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, please visit www.morganstanleysmithbarney.com.
Morgan Stanley (MS 27.01, +1.04, +4.00%) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 42 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hewitt Associates Completes Acquisition of Leading U.S. Investment Advisory Firm, EnnisKnupp
Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, today announced it has completed its acquisition of EnnisKnupp, a leading provider of investment advisory services to large institutional investors. As a combined entity, Hewitt EnnisKnupp now becomes one of the largest providers of investment consulting services in the U.S. and in the world, with $3 trillion in assets under advisement globally.
Hewitt EnnisKnupp's 200 investment professionals in the U.S. currently serve nearly 300 clients from offices in five major U.S. cities. By the end of 2010, the business will open an additional office in Newport Beach, CA in response to growing client demand in the region.
"We've hit the ground running with our integration plans," said Steve Cummings, leader of Hewitt EnnisKnupp. "Our investment professionals are working to pool their expertise and knowledge to meet the needs of a broader range of clients, while maintaining the highest levels of independence and integrity. Clients from both organizations are equally enthusiastic, and they are eager to take advantage of the global reach and expanded suite of services that our newly combined organization will offer."
On July 12, Hewitt announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Aon Corporation. Aon intends to integrate Hewitt--including Hewitt EnnisKnupp--with its existing human capital operations (Aon Consulting) and operate the segment globally under a newly created Aon Hewitt brand. More information will be available upon close of the Aon Hewitt transaction.
Hewitt announced its intent to acquire EnnisKnupp on July 20, 2010. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About Hewitt Associates
Hewitt Associates provides leading organizations around the world with expert human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions to help them anticipate and solve their most complex benefits, talent, and related financial challenges. Hewitt works with companies to design, implement, communicate, and administer a wide range of human resources, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation, and talent management strategies. With a history of exceptional client service since 1940, Hewitt has offices in more than 30 countries and employs approximately 23,000 associates who are helping make the world a better place to work. For more information, please visit www.hewitt.com.
Hewitt EnnisKnupp's 200 investment professionals in the U.S. currently serve nearly 300 clients from offices in five major U.S. cities. By the end of 2010, the business will open an additional office in Newport Beach, CA in response to growing client demand in the region.
"We've hit the ground running with our integration plans," said Steve Cummings, leader of Hewitt EnnisKnupp. "Our investment professionals are working to pool their expertise and knowledge to meet the needs of a broader range of clients, while maintaining the highest levels of independence and integrity. Clients from both organizations are equally enthusiastic, and they are eager to take advantage of the global reach and expanded suite of services that our newly combined organization will offer."
On July 12, Hewitt announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Aon Corporation. Aon intends to integrate Hewitt--including Hewitt EnnisKnupp--with its existing human capital operations (Aon Consulting) and operate the segment globally under a newly created Aon Hewitt brand. More information will be available upon close of the Aon Hewitt transaction.
Hewitt announced its intent to acquire EnnisKnupp on July 20, 2010. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About Hewitt Associates
Hewitt Associates provides leading organizations around the world with expert human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions to help them anticipate and solve their most complex benefits, talent, and related financial challenges. Hewitt works with companies to design, implement, communicate, and administer a wide range of human resources, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation, and talent management strategies. With a history of exceptional client service since 1940, Hewitt has offices in more than 30 countries and employs approximately 23,000 associates who are helping make the world a better place to work. For more information, please visit www.hewitt.com.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Keller Group Is Now First Foundation Advisors
The Keller Group Investment Management Inc., a well known Irvine-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) serving high net worth families for almost 20 years has changed its name to First Foundation Advisors (FFA).
The new name reflects the expanded platform of services - all in one location - which includes trust and banking services through its affiliate First Foundation Bank (FFB). This provides clients with a single source of expertise for investment management, consulting and financial services united under the corporate umbrella of First Foundation Inc.
"We're proud of the reputation we've built as the Keller Group over the last 20 years and excited to reach this next level of services for our clients," said Rick Keller, CEO of First Foundation Advisors, which has approximately $1.2 billion of assets under management.
"Because our clients are successful individuals, they tend to have complex financial needs," he said. "By combining our expertise in investment management with our wealth planning and consulting talent, we've created a cohesive team to provide high net-worth clients with an integrated approach to achieve their personal and philanthropic goals."
Keller is one of the pioneers of fee-only wealth management in Orange County and is a recognized leader in the community. He is Chairman of the Board of First Foundation Inc. which two years ago became one of the first wealth management firms in the country to establish its own community bank, First Foundation Bank.
First Foundation Inc. is now one of the few independent financial companies to integrate wealth management, consulting, trust and banking services into one platform.
"We look forward to providing the same commitment over the next 20 years to the excellence of service that The Keller Group has been known for," noted Scott Kavanaugh, CEO, First Foundation Bank.
About First Foundation Inc.
First Foundation Inc. offers wealth management, consulting, trust and banking products and services through its wholly owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors, a registered investment advisor and First Foundation Bank. First Foundation has been providing financial services to the California market for 20 years. For information visit firstfoundationinc.com.
The new name reflects the expanded platform of services - all in one location - which includes trust and banking services through its affiliate First Foundation Bank (FFB). This provides clients with a single source of expertise for investment management, consulting and financial services united under the corporate umbrella of First Foundation Inc.
"We're proud of the reputation we've built as the Keller Group over the last 20 years and excited to reach this next level of services for our clients," said Rick Keller, CEO of First Foundation Advisors, which has approximately $1.2 billion of assets under management.
"Because our clients are successful individuals, they tend to have complex financial needs," he said. "By combining our expertise in investment management with our wealth planning and consulting talent, we've created a cohesive team to provide high net-worth clients with an integrated approach to achieve their personal and philanthropic goals."
Keller is one of the pioneers of fee-only wealth management in Orange County and is a recognized leader in the community. He is Chairman of the Board of First Foundation Inc. which two years ago became one of the first wealth management firms in the country to establish its own community bank, First Foundation Bank.
First Foundation Inc. is now one of the few independent financial companies to integrate wealth management, consulting, trust and banking services into one platform.
"We look forward to providing the same commitment over the next 20 years to the excellence of service that The Keller Group has been known for," noted Scott Kavanaugh, CEO, First Foundation Bank.
About First Foundation Inc.
First Foundation Inc. offers wealth management, consulting, trust and banking products and services through its wholly owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors, a registered investment advisor and First Foundation Bank. First Foundation has been providing financial services to the California market for 20 years. For information visit firstfoundationinc.com.
Monday, September 21, 2009
IMCA Journal of Investment Consulting Interviews Harry Markowitz, 'Father of Modern Portfolio Theory'
The just-released Summer 2009 issue of Investment Management Consultants Association's Journal of Investment Consulting features an interview with Harry Markowitz, Ph.D., the "Father of Modern Portfolio Theory."
In "Ideas and Innovation across Multiple Disciplines: A Discussion with Nobel Laureate Harry M. Markowitz, Ph.D.," Dr. Markowitz talks about the current state of finance, the history of financial market and investment theory, and the continued importance of diversification. Dr. Markowitz said, "It's yet to be shown that anybody has the capability to market time successfully, and it's certainly yet to be shown that billions of dollars worth of pension funds could be successfully market-timed." Advisors should realize that 2008 was not unique and they should educate clients "to establish a mix of stocks and bonds that they can live with," he said.
Dr. Markowitz discussed two areas in which he's working to provide value for the future: 1) The problem of illiquidity and changing probability distributions. 2) The fact that "our models--our hypotheses about the world--tend to be very simplistic. Economists' models tend to consist of a few equations and a few unknowns, and that's supposed to model the world. I think there should be more use of asynchronous, discrete event simulation models of financial markets." These areas have applications in government policies as well as investment policies and trading strategies, he said.
The interview with Dr. Markowitz is the eighth installment of the Journal of Investment Consulting's Masters Series, which presents topical discussions with leading experts and visionaries in finance, economics, and investments. Previous interviews in the series featured Eugene F. Fama, Ph.D., Barr Rosenberg, Ph.D., John Bogle, and others.
Other papers in the Summer 2009 issue of IMCA's academic, peer-reviewed journal include the following: "Approaching the Tarmac: Examining Target Date and Balanced Funds" by Craig L. Israelsen, Ph.D.; "Location and Trading Performance in Electronic Markets" by Ryan Garvey, Ph.D., and Fei Wu, Ph.D.; "A New Approach to Tail Risk" by Ana Cascon, Ph.D., and William F. Shadwick, Ph.D.; "The Yield Disparity in 401(k) Plans: Does Higher Annual Pay Mean Higher Rates of Return on Retirement Accounts?" by Matthew Morey, Ph.D.; and "A Framework for Portfolio Decumulation" by Richard K. Fullmer, CFA®.
To learn more about the Journal of Investment Consulting or to purchase reprints of these articles, visit www.IMCA.org/main/do/The_Journal.
In "Ideas and Innovation across Multiple Disciplines: A Discussion with Nobel Laureate Harry M. Markowitz, Ph.D.," Dr. Markowitz talks about the current state of finance, the history of financial market and investment theory, and the continued importance of diversification. Dr. Markowitz said, "It's yet to be shown that anybody has the capability to market time successfully, and it's certainly yet to be shown that billions of dollars worth of pension funds could be successfully market-timed." Advisors should realize that 2008 was not unique and they should educate clients "to establish a mix of stocks and bonds that they can live with," he said.
Dr. Markowitz discussed two areas in which he's working to provide value for the future: 1) The problem of illiquidity and changing probability distributions. 2) The fact that "our models--our hypotheses about the world--tend to be very simplistic. Economists' models tend to consist of a few equations and a few unknowns, and that's supposed to model the world. I think there should be more use of asynchronous, discrete event simulation models of financial markets." These areas have applications in government policies as well as investment policies and trading strategies, he said.
The interview with Dr. Markowitz is the eighth installment of the Journal of Investment Consulting's Masters Series, which presents topical discussions with leading experts and visionaries in finance, economics, and investments. Previous interviews in the series featured Eugene F. Fama, Ph.D., Barr Rosenberg, Ph.D., John Bogle, and others.
Other papers in the Summer 2009 issue of IMCA's academic, peer-reviewed journal include the following: "Approaching the Tarmac: Examining Target Date and Balanced Funds" by Craig L. Israelsen, Ph.D.; "Location and Trading Performance in Electronic Markets" by Ryan Garvey, Ph.D., and Fei Wu, Ph.D.; "A New Approach to Tail Risk" by Ana Cascon, Ph.D., and William F. Shadwick, Ph.D.; "The Yield Disparity in 401(k) Plans: Does Higher Annual Pay Mean Higher Rates of Return on Retirement Accounts?" by Matthew Morey, Ph.D.; and "A Framework for Portfolio Decumulation" by Richard K. Fullmer, CFA®.
To learn more about the Journal of Investment Consulting or to purchase reprints of these articles, visit www.IMCA.org/main/do/The_Journal.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
InvestorSoup.com Issues Technical Trading Overview for Huron Consulting Group Inc.
InvestorSoup.com announces an investment report featuring Huron Consulting Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HURN) The report includes financial and investment analysis, analyst consensus, and pertinent industry information you need to know to make an educated investment decision.
The investment report on Huron Consulting Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HURN) should be of particular interest to consulting firms: FTI Consulting Inc. (NYSE:FCN), LECG Corp. (Nasdaq:XPRT) and Navigant Consulting Inc. (NYSE:NCI).
It is available at: http://www.investorsoup.com/lp/HURN
Get our alerts BEFORE the rest of the market. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/investorsoup
Huron Consulting Group Inc. (HURN) engages in the business of corporate management consulting. The Company advises and executes complex regulations integration, resolves disputes, offers crisis management teams, and leverages client technologies to stimulate revenue and earnings growth. Its clients include leading academic institutions, healthcare companies, all-sized business from Fortune 500 to medium-size business, and legal firms representing these clients.
In the report, the analyst notes:
"Following steady revenue growth and stock performance over the past five years, the floor fell out from under the Company's stock after its announcement on July 31 of accounting irregularities at the Company. Since HURN is a consulting firm on this very matter, its stock plunged 70% on the revelation of Monday, August 3, scaring investors of a full-blown scandal must be in the works which could hurt the Company's future revenue growth.
"On August 18, the Company posted its fiscal second-quarter results, which showed a profit of $9.6 million, or 47 cents per share, compared with $1.1 million, or six cents per share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose to $165.8 million, or almost 16%, from last year's second-quarter revenue of $143.4 million. Mean analysts' estimate polled by Thomson Reuters expected a profit of 45 cents per share on revenue of $165 million, not including one-time items."
To read the entire report visit: http://www.investorsoup.com/lp/HURN.
InvestorSoup.com is a small-cap research and investment commentary provider. InvestorSoup.com strives to provide a balanced view of many promising small-cap companies that would otherwise fall under the radar of the typical Wall Street investor. We provide investors with an excellent first step in their research and due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more information on InvestorSoup.com, please visit http://www.InvestorSoup.com.
The investment report on Huron Consulting Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HURN) should be of particular interest to consulting firms: FTI Consulting Inc. (NYSE:FCN), LECG Corp. (Nasdaq:XPRT) and Navigant Consulting Inc. (NYSE:NCI).
It is available at: http://www.investorsoup.com/lp/HURN
Get our alerts BEFORE the rest of the market. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/investorsoup
Huron Consulting Group Inc. (HURN) engages in the business of corporate management consulting. The Company advises and executes complex regulations integration, resolves disputes, offers crisis management teams, and leverages client technologies to stimulate revenue and earnings growth. Its clients include leading academic institutions, healthcare companies, all-sized business from Fortune 500 to medium-size business, and legal firms representing these clients.
In the report, the analyst notes:
"Following steady revenue growth and stock performance over the past five years, the floor fell out from under the Company's stock after its announcement on July 31 of accounting irregularities at the Company. Since HURN is a consulting firm on this very matter, its stock plunged 70% on the revelation of Monday, August 3, scaring investors of a full-blown scandal must be in the works which could hurt the Company's future revenue growth.
"On August 18, the Company posted its fiscal second-quarter results, which showed a profit of $9.6 million, or 47 cents per share, compared with $1.1 million, or six cents per share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose to $165.8 million, or almost 16%, from last year's second-quarter revenue of $143.4 million. Mean analysts' estimate polled by Thomson Reuters expected a profit of 45 cents per share on revenue of $165 million, not including one-time items."
To read the entire report visit: http://www.investorsoup.com/lp/HURN.
InvestorSoup.com is a small-cap research and investment commentary provider. InvestorSoup.com strives to provide a balanced view of many promising small-cap companies that would otherwise fall under the radar of the typical Wall Street investor. We provide investors with an excellent first step in their research and due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more information on InvestorSoup.com, please visit http://www.InvestorSoup.com.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
LCG Promotes Chotiner to Consultant
LCG Associates, Inc., an institutional investment consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, promoted Claire P. Chotiner to Consultant. Chotiner has eight years of industry experience and is based out of the Atlanta office. Her responsibilities include investment strategy development and investment advice, manager due diligence, and special research projects.
Chotiner joined LCG in 2007 as an Investment Analyst from Donaldson & Co. where she was responsible for providing client service for the Midwest and East Coast as well as developing new business opportunities. She began her career at Donaldson & Co. in 2001 and held positions as a Sales Assistant as well as a Reconciliation Representative.
She is a candidate for Level II of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program.
Chotiner graduated magna cum laude from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia with a B.B.A.
LCG provides investment consulting services for corporations, utilities, endowments, foundations, not-for-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and other institutional asset pools. Institutional investment consulting is our only business. LCG is independent and 100% employee-owned. For more information on LCG, visit www.lcgassociates.com.
Chotiner joined LCG in 2007 as an Investment Analyst from Donaldson & Co. where she was responsible for providing client service for the Midwest and East Coast as well as developing new business opportunities. She began her career at Donaldson & Co. in 2001 and held positions as a Sales Assistant as well as a Reconciliation Representative.
She is a candidate for Level II of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program.
Chotiner graduated magna cum laude from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia with a B.B.A.
LCG provides investment consulting services for corporations, utilities, endowments, foundations, not-for-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and other institutional asset pools. Institutional investment consulting is our only business. LCG is independent and 100% employee-owned. For more information on LCG, visit www.lcgassociates.com.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Superior Consulting Services Purchases Shares of ATI Petroleum
Superior Consulting Services, the Houston-based energy industry investment group, has announced the purchase of 1.8 million shares of ATI Petroleum (Euronext: MLATP), the petroleum exploration management and operations company. The shares are common stock and were purchased at current market price.
Vanessa Karkabi, CEO of Superior Consulting Services, commented: “Having done extensive research into ATI Petroleum, its holdings, operations, and management team, we felt this was an ideal time to invest.”
The volume of MLATP shares on average has increased nearly tenfold over the past three months from 4,600 to 43,000.
About ATI Petroleum
ATI Petroleum is an exploration management and operations company engaged in negotiating and managing production sharing contracts for petroleum and other natural resources. The company evaluates, performs, and/or purchases geological and geophysical data regarding exploration sites throughout South East Asia and Africa, including offshore and onshore prospects. ATI Petroleum holds production sharing contracts for oil and gas exploration, as well as mining of precious minerals such as uranium and titanium, in locations including Vietnam, Niger, Tunisia, and the Ivory Coast. The company is a member of ATI Group and is listed on the French Stock Exchange, Euronext Paris. Visit www.ati-petroleum.com for more information.
About Superior Consulting Services
Superior Consulting Services is dedicated to investing in companies that work to ensure the continuity of energy resources for today and tomorrow.
Vanessa Karkabi, CEO of Superior Consulting Services, commented: “Having done extensive research into ATI Petroleum, its holdings, operations, and management team, we felt this was an ideal time to invest.”
The volume of MLATP shares on average has increased nearly tenfold over the past three months from 4,600 to 43,000.
About ATI Petroleum
ATI Petroleum is an exploration management and operations company engaged in negotiating and managing production sharing contracts for petroleum and other natural resources. The company evaluates, performs, and/or purchases geological and geophysical data regarding exploration sites throughout South East Asia and Africa, including offshore and onshore prospects. ATI Petroleum holds production sharing contracts for oil and gas exploration, as well as mining of precious minerals such as uranium and titanium, in locations including Vietnam, Niger, Tunisia, and the Ivory Coast. The company is a member of ATI Group and is listed on the French Stock Exchange, Euronext Paris. Visit www.ati-petroleum.com for more information.
About Superior Consulting Services
Superior Consulting Services is dedicated to investing in companies that work to ensure the continuity of energy resources for today and tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Stratford's Institutional Investment Consulting Service Receives HFMA Peer Review Designation
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) recently reviewed the Institutional Investment Consulting Service provided by Stratford Advisory Group, Inc. using the Peer Review process. After undergoing the rigorous review, Institutional Investment Consulting Service has been granted the "Peer Reviewed by HFMA" designation.
Stratford's comprehensive Institutional Investment Consulting Service focuses on critical success factors including, but not limited to: investment strategy development, asset allocation, investment manager oversight and fiduciary responsibility. Chuck French, Stratford Consultant said: "In this difficult investment environment, healthcare institutions need a resource dedicated to serving their unique investment needs. We are proud to align ourselves with HFMA to help more healthcare institutions meet their mandates via a strong investment program."
Stratford Advisory Group President, Tom Dodd, stated: "The HFMA Peer Reviewed designation is a symbol people recognize and trust, and we are honored by this vote of confidence from HFMA and our clients."
The Peer Review process validates the accuracy, effectiveness, quality and value of products and services that HFMA members are currently using. The goal of the review is to identify products and services that deliver organizational savings and performance improvement which enhance HFMA members' day-to-day business interactions and careers.
"For years HFMA members have asked us to identify viable healthcare finance resources and to filter some of the noise in the market place," says HFMA President and CEO Richard L. Clarke, FHFMA. "We see the new Peer Review Process as a powerful opportunity to do just that."
Criteria for a product to display the HFMA Peer Review mark include high survey scores for:
About HFMA
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) provides the resources healthcare organizations need to achieve sound fiscal health in order to provide excellent patient care. With over 35,000 members, HFMA is the nation's leading membership organization of healthcare finance executives and leaders. We provide education, analysis, and guidance; we lead change and innovative thinking; and we create practical tools and solutions that help our members get results. Addressing capital access to improved patient care to technology advancement, HFMA is an indispensable resource on healthcare finance issues.
About Stratford Advisory Group, Inc.
Stratford Advisory Group, Inc. is a full-service investment consulting firm, registered as an investment advisor with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. For over 27 years, Stratford has assisted clients with key aspects of investment program management, including: investment policy development, asset allocation, manager selection, performance measurement, fiduciary due diligence, cost containment, and operational efficiency. Stratford is distinguished by its independence, active oversight, robust research capabilities, timely and specific recommendations and co-fiduciary status.
Stratford's comprehensive Institutional Investment Consulting Service focuses on critical success factors including, but not limited to: investment strategy development, asset allocation, investment manager oversight and fiduciary responsibility. Chuck French, Stratford Consultant said: "In this difficult investment environment, healthcare institutions need a resource dedicated to serving their unique investment needs. We are proud to align ourselves with HFMA to help more healthcare institutions meet their mandates via a strong investment program."
Stratford Advisory Group President, Tom Dodd, stated: "The HFMA Peer Reviewed designation is a symbol people recognize and trust, and we are honored by this vote of confidence from HFMA and our clients."
The Peer Review process validates the accuracy, effectiveness, quality and value of products and services that HFMA members are currently using. The goal of the review is to identify products and services that deliver organizational savings and performance improvement which enhance HFMA members' day-to-day business interactions and careers.
"For years HFMA members have asked us to identify viable healthcare finance resources and to filter some of the noise in the market place," says HFMA President and CEO Richard L. Clarke, FHFMA. "We see the new Peer Review Process as a powerful opportunity to do just that."
Criteria for a product to display the HFMA Peer Review mark include high survey scores for:
- Enhanced productivity for the individual user and for the customer's organization
- Ease of installation and use
- Accuracy and reliability
- Good value for the price
- Excellent technical support and customer service
- An overall positive rating from reviewers based on a quantitative scale
About HFMA
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) provides the resources healthcare organizations need to achieve sound fiscal health in order to provide excellent patient care. With over 35,000 members, HFMA is the nation's leading membership organization of healthcare finance executives and leaders. We provide education, analysis, and guidance; we lead change and innovative thinking; and we create practical tools and solutions that help our members get results. Addressing capital access to improved patient care to technology advancement, HFMA is an indispensable resource on healthcare finance issues.
About Stratford Advisory Group, Inc.
Stratford Advisory Group, Inc. is a full-service investment consulting firm, registered as an investment advisor with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. For over 27 years, Stratford has assisted clients with key aspects of investment program management, including: investment policy development, asset allocation, manager selection, performance measurement, fiduciary due diligence, cost containment, and operational efficiency. Stratford is distinguished by its independence, active oversight, robust research capabilities, timely and specific recommendations and co-fiduciary status.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Callan Associates Hires Consulting Veteran Ryan Ball to Help Grow Chicago Business
Callan Associates today announced that R. Ryan Ball has joined the company’s Fund Sponsor Consulting office in Chicago as vice president and consultant. Ball, a former consultant at Stratford Advisory Group, Inc., is an important addition to the Chicago consulting team, where he will immediately begin working with clients and assist in growing Callan’s business in the region. Ball, 36, joined Callan in mid-March and reports to Kevin Dolsen.
“Ryan is a talented person with a wide array of skills, including building successful client relationships as an investment consultant and having in-depth knowledge in fixed income and alternative investment manager research,” said Kevin Dolsen, senior vice president and manager of Callan’s Fund Sponsor Consulting office in Chicago. “We are thrilled to have him as part of our team.”
Prior to joining Callan, Ball worked as a managing director for Stratford’s parent company, Clark & Wamberg, LLC, to head up the development of a hedge fund-of-funds strategy targeting select institutional investors. The previous seven years, he was a consultant at Stratford Advisory Group, responsible for developing and managing consulting relationships for institutional investors, including endowments, foundations, healthcare organizations and corporate funds.
“I am extremely happy to join a firm of Callan’s standing and to have the opportunity to work with a group of highly skilled investment professionals,” said Ryan Ball. “These attributes coupled with the firm’s deep resources and solid reputation captured my interest, and position Callan well for future growth.”
Ball began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago as an analyst before accepting a position at Lincoln Capital Management as a portfolio analyst.
Ball is a CFA Charterholder. He earned his BBA in Finance from The University of Iowa and his MBA in Finance from DePaul University.
About Callan Associates
Founded in 1973, Callan Associates is one of the largest independently-owned investment consulting firms in the country. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., the firm provides research, education, decision support and advice to a broad array of institutional investors through five distinct lines of business: Fund Sponsor Consulting, Independent Adviser Group, Institutional Consulting Group, Callan Investments Institute and the Trust Advisory Group. Callan employs more than 170 people and maintains four regional offices located in Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and Florham Park, NJ. For more information, visit www.callan.com.
“Ryan is a talented person with a wide array of skills, including building successful client relationships as an investment consultant and having in-depth knowledge in fixed income and alternative investment manager research,” said Kevin Dolsen, senior vice president and manager of Callan’s Fund Sponsor Consulting office in Chicago. “We are thrilled to have him as part of our team.”
Prior to joining Callan, Ball worked as a managing director for Stratford’s parent company, Clark & Wamberg, LLC, to head up the development of a hedge fund-of-funds strategy targeting select institutional investors. The previous seven years, he was a consultant at Stratford Advisory Group, responsible for developing and managing consulting relationships for institutional investors, including endowments, foundations, healthcare organizations and corporate funds.
“I am extremely happy to join a firm of Callan’s standing and to have the opportunity to work with a group of highly skilled investment professionals,” said Ryan Ball. “These attributes coupled with the firm’s deep resources and solid reputation captured my interest, and position Callan well for future growth.”
Ball began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago as an analyst before accepting a position at Lincoln Capital Management as a portfolio analyst.
Ball is a CFA Charterholder. He earned his BBA in Finance from The University of Iowa and his MBA in Finance from DePaul University.
About Callan Associates
Founded in 1973, Callan Associates is one of the largest independently-owned investment consulting firms in the country. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., the firm provides research, education, decision support and advice to a broad array of institutional investors through five distinct lines of business: Fund Sponsor Consulting, Independent Adviser Group, Institutional Consulting Group, Callan Investments Institute and the Trust Advisory Group. Callan employs more than 170 people and maintains four regional offices located in Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and Florham Park, NJ. For more information, visit www.callan.com.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mercer to Acquire Callan Associates, Creating One of the Largest Investment Consulting Businesses in the United States
Mercer announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to merge its investment consulting business with Callan Associates, creating one of the largest investment consulting businesses in the United States. Upon completion of the transaction, Mercer will have strengthened its US investment consulting business and its leading position in global investment consulting.
The transaction is expected to close near the end of the first quarter of 20091. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Clearly, this combination will position Mercer as one of the top US leaders in investment consulting,” said M. Michele Burns, chairman and chief executive officer of Mercer. “Callan’s solid US presence complements our US investment consulting strength, along with our strong positions in Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. This transaction demonstrates Mercer’s commitment to invest in businesses that provide long-term strategic growth and in high-quality investment consulting services that benefit clients.”
While Mercer’s investment consulting business will be well positioned for future growth, providing top-tier service to clients remains first and foremost the objective of the merged business.
“Callan has been a leader in the investment consulting industry for over 35 years in the United States and by combining forces with Mercer, a global leader, we can offer clients a wider range of tools and resources, top-notch professional advice and enhanced research, educational and quantitative services,” said Ronald D. Peyton, chairman and chief executive officer of Callan Associates.
“With approximately 1,100 investment consulting employees in 41 offices around the world, Mercer will have the resources to offer clients customized guidance at every stage of the investment decision, risk management and investment monitoring process,” said Andrew Kirton, global head of Mercer's investment consulting business. “Our clients will have access to leading intellectual capital, deep and broad-based manager research, and the most committed and experienced consultants in the industry.”
Callan Associates currently has US offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago and Florham Park, NJ, and the combined business will continue to have a presence in those cities in conjunction with Mercer’s US investment consulting offices in New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Princeton, Richmond, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC.
“Both Callan and Mercer have similar business models, cultures and values, and share a commitment to excellence,” said Jeff Schutes, Mercer’s US investment consulting leader. “In the current challenging investment environment, we believe combining our resources will significantly improve our ability to help clients make informed, sound and strategic investment decisions.”
The companies also share the philosophy that a successful consulting organization must be one that is entirely focused on meeting client needs – and leaders at both firms recognize that the ongoing client experience will ultimately determine the success of Mercer investment consulting going forward.
“We sincerely believe our clients will benefit from the experience, resources and global reach of the new organization and it is our priority that our consultants remain keenly focused on ensuring that each and every relationship continues to be serviced at the highest level,” said Jim Callahan, executive vice president, Fund Sponsor Consulting at Callan Associates. “Our clients can expect a seamless transition as we combine the two organizations and we look forward to having the opportunity to build upon the great relationships we have worked so hard to cultivate."
About Mercer
Mercer is a leading global provider of consulting, outsourcing and investment services. Mercer works with clients to solve their most complex benefit and human capital issues, designing and helping manage health, retirement and other benefits. It is a leader in benefit outsourcing. Mercer’s investment services include investment consulting and multi-manager investment management. Mercer’s 18,000 employees are based in more than 40 countries. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., which lists its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) on the New York, Chicago and London stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.mercer.com.
About Callan Associates
Founded in 1973, Callan Associates is one of the largest independently-owned investment consulting firms in the country. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., the firm provides research, education, decision support and advice to a broad array of institutional investors through five distinct lines of business: Fund Sponsor Consulting, Independent Adviser Group, Institutional Consulting Group, Callan Investments Institute and the Trust Advisory Group. Callan employs more than 170 people and maintains four regional offices located in Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and Florham Park, NJ. For more information, visit www.callan.com.
The transaction is expected to close near the end of the first quarter of 20091. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Clearly, this combination will position Mercer as one of the top US leaders in investment consulting,” said M. Michele Burns, chairman and chief executive officer of Mercer. “Callan’s solid US presence complements our US investment consulting strength, along with our strong positions in Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. This transaction demonstrates Mercer’s commitment to invest in businesses that provide long-term strategic growth and in high-quality investment consulting services that benefit clients.”
While Mercer’s investment consulting business will be well positioned for future growth, providing top-tier service to clients remains first and foremost the objective of the merged business.
“Callan has been a leader in the investment consulting industry for over 35 years in the United States and by combining forces with Mercer, a global leader, we can offer clients a wider range of tools and resources, top-notch professional advice and enhanced research, educational and quantitative services,” said Ronald D. Peyton, chairman and chief executive officer of Callan Associates.
“With approximately 1,100 investment consulting employees in 41 offices around the world, Mercer will have the resources to offer clients customized guidance at every stage of the investment decision, risk management and investment monitoring process,” said Andrew Kirton, global head of Mercer's investment consulting business. “Our clients will have access to leading intellectual capital, deep and broad-based manager research, and the most committed and experienced consultants in the industry.”
Callan Associates currently has US offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago and Florham Park, NJ, and the combined business will continue to have a presence in those cities in conjunction with Mercer’s US investment consulting offices in New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Princeton, Richmond, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC.
“Both Callan and Mercer have similar business models, cultures and values, and share a commitment to excellence,” said Jeff Schutes, Mercer’s US investment consulting leader. “In the current challenging investment environment, we believe combining our resources will significantly improve our ability to help clients make informed, sound and strategic investment decisions.”
The companies also share the philosophy that a successful consulting organization must be one that is entirely focused on meeting client needs – and leaders at both firms recognize that the ongoing client experience will ultimately determine the success of Mercer investment consulting going forward.
“We sincerely believe our clients will benefit from the experience, resources and global reach of the new organization and it is our priority that our consultants remain keenly focused on ensuring that each and every relationship continues to be serviced at the highest level,” said Jim Callahan, executive vice president, Fund Sponsor Consulting at Callan Associates. “Our clients can expect a seamless transition as we combine the two organizations and we look forward to having the opportunity to build upon the great relationships we have worked so hard to cultivate."
About Mercer
Mercer is a leading global provider of consulting, outsourcing and investment services. Mercer works with clients to solve their most complex benefit and human capital issues, designing and helping manage health, retirement and other benefits. It is a leader in benefit outsourcing. Mercer’s investment services include investment consulting and multi-manager investment management. Mercer’s 18,000 employees are based in more than 40 countries. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., which lists its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) on the New York, Chicago and London stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.mercer.com.
About Callan Associates
Founded in 1973, Callan Associates is one of the largest independently-owned investment consulting firms in the country. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., the firm provides research, education, decision support and advice to a broad array of institutional investors through five distinct lines of business: Fund Sponsor Consulting, Independent Adviser Group, Institutional Consulting Group, Callan Investments Institute and the Trust Advisory Group. Callan employs more than 170 people and maintains four regional offices located in Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and Florham Park, NJ. For more information, visit www.callan.com.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Ellenbecker Investment Group Hires Capital Market Consultants, LLC for Mutual Fund
Capital Market Consultants, LLC (CMC) a Milwaukee-based investment consulting firm providing investment research and economic consulting to financial intermediaries has added Ellenbecker Investment Group, Inc. (EIG) to its growing list of clients.
Capital Market Consultants, LLC (CMC) a Milwaukee-based investment consulting firm providing investment research and economic consulting to financial intermediaries has added Ellenbecker Investment Group, Inc. (EIG) to its growing list of clients.
According to Karen Ellenbecker, President of EIG, "We are constantly looking for ways to help our clients; while we have always approached our business that way it has become even more important in the last six months. One of the areas of our business we wanted to try to strengthen this year was the research supporting buy and sell decisions on our mutual fund core holdings. As financial planners we wanted to redouble our efforts to understand our clients' needs and tolerance for risk. We decided to hire a research specialist to take over the ongoing due diligence on the funds we use to implement our asset allocation strategies. CMC was not only local to our firm but was able to structure a flexible arrangement that made sense for us and will help us accomplish this business objective for the year."
"'EIG is a great client for us. They are easy to work with, their needs are straightforward and they put their clients first. We were delighted to create a research relationship that could meet their needs and we look forward to a long lasting relationship as they grow." said Barry Mendelson, CIMA Managing Partner of CMC.
About Ellenbecker Investment Group
Ellenbecker Investment Group is a fee-based financial planning and investment firm based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin a western suburb of Milwaukee. EIG is committed to help their clients with their entire life planning not just their investments believing that all clients are unique and deserve a unique approach to servicing their needs.
About Capital Market Consultants, LLC
CMC is the leader in developing custom managed money business solutions for financial service organizations and intermediaries. With nearly fifty years of managed money experience, 100 combined years of high net worth investor experience and a unique set of team skills, credentialed staff and resources CMC is the partner of choice for firms striving to grow their third party investment management business.
Capital Market Consultants, LLC (CMC) a Milwaukee-based investment consulting firm providing investment research and economic consulting to financial intermediaries has added Ellenbecker Investment Group, Inc. (EIG) to its growing list of clients.
According to Karen Ellenbecker, President of EIG, "We are constantly looking for ways to help our clients; while we have always approached our business that way it has become even more important in the last six months. One of the areas of our business we wanted to try to strengthen this year was the research supporting buy and sell decisions on our mutual fund core holdings. As financial planners we wanted to redouble our efforts to understand our clients' needs and tolerance for risk. We decided to hire a research specialist to take over the ongoing due diligence on the funds we use to implement our asset allocation strategies. CMC was not only local to our firm but was able to structure a flexible arrangement that made sense for us and will help us accomplish this business objective for the year."
"'EIG is a great client for us. They are easy to work with, their needs are straightforward and they put their clients first. We were delighted to create a research relationship that could meet their needs and we look forward to a long lasting relationship as they grow." said Barry Mendelson, CIMA Managing Partner of CMC.
About Ellenbecker Investment Group
Ellenbecker Investment Group is a fee-based financial planning and investment firm based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin a western suburb of Milwaukee. EIG is committed to help their clients with their entire life planning not just their investments believing that all clients are unique and deserve a unique approach to servicing their needs.
About Capital Market Consultants, LLC
CMC is the leader in developing custom managed money business solutions for financial service organizations and intermediaries. With nearly fifty years of managed money experience, 100 combined years of high net worth investor experience and a unique set of team skills, credentialed staff and resources CMC is the partner of choice for firms striving to grow their third party investment management business.
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