Governance
Governance is more than a policy statement. Governance is a system of management. Concord’s tested leadership provides clients with effective oversight, sound policies and procedures and board best practices.
There are three critical areas to focus on when establishing an investment program. These are the development of an investment policy statement, establishing strategic asset allocation targets and policy, and the selection of investment managers and asset custodian. Although all of these activities are interrelated, all should be approached from an individual perspective when the investment portfolio is initially being structured. During the process of structuring the portfolio, expectations in terms of the desired outcome from the portfolio management process should be clearly delineated. Unrealistic or inconsistent expectations will lead to poor management decisions.
Concord will draft an investment policy statement customized to meet specific client needs. This IPS is the governing document for the investment program and for oversight of the investment portfolio(s).
Concord will review the investment policy statement on a regular basis. Updates or adjustments may be warranted if significant changes have occurred at the organizational level or within the general investment market conditions.
Concord takes an education-centric approach to servicing our client relationships, as our view is that ongoing education and training is a necessary component of fulfilling one’s fiduciary obligation. Ongoing education is provided to the board & committee members of our clients. Topics covered will range from timely investment topics to basic responsibilities of investment fiduciaries. Every client has access to Concord research that is produced, but more importantly we work with our clients to establish a customized education plan that meets their needs. In addition our research team produces ‘briefs’ that we provide to clients on pertinent and important topics. Concord regularly participates in conferences and has been a featured speaker on both fiduciary and investment issues.
We have over 25 years of experience in assisting clients in setting, implementing, and maintaining their social guidelines. Concord’s approach starts with assisting clients in designing responsible investing guidelines that match their social values which can be practically implemented. With added compliance constraints, most investment managers will no longer interpret social guidelines. Guidelines need to be specific. Concord has the ability and experience to establish client-specific requirements and avoidance lists. This process is supported by our use of MSCI ESG impact monitor.
Concord can assist clients in establishing an operating process that meets industry best practices. Effective decision making protocol is integral to successful investment programs. Our team spends a good deal of time with the our clients evaluating and reviewing objectives, as it is crucial to establish the appropriate planning and policy in order to meet long-term goals. By combining the financial position of your organization with a customized asset allocation approach, the investment program takes the form of a coordinated strategic investment plan – tied to organizational objectives. This integrated approach allows Investment Committees and Boards to understand the full financial picture as they make financial decisions.
Concord has over a decade of experience consulting clients on all aspects of delegated investment operations or Outsourced CIO (OCIO) relationships. Concord has expert knowledge of OCIO service models and their organizational and operating structures.Project-Based Evaluations of Established OCIO Relationships:Concord conducts comprehensive reviews of the service being provided by current outsourced chief investment officers (“OCIO”). Detailed analysis will focus on these key areas:
- Benchmarking – construction and applicability
- OCIO performance - identify whether the OCIO has provided the “value added” services that were originally proposed
- Performance Attribution –measure alpha generation via tactical asset allocation and / or active manager selection
- Cost Evaluation-assess the true “all in” cost of the investment program
- Appraisal of Portfolio Construction- Asset Mix and Alternative Investments
This comprehensive process will increase transparency and ensure the OCIO program is structured to meet policy objectives. Concord’s review utilizes a best practices approach. This approach determines if any improvements should be implemented within the existing OCIO program. Concord’s goal is to enhance existing OCIO relationships to avoid a disruptive move onto a new platform that is complex to manage.Review projects can be structured to include Concord’s oversight and monitoring for a period of time after the project is completed. This allows Concord to work with the Client and OCIO to implement any improvements identified.
Concord has over a decade of experience consulting clients on all aspects of delegated investment operations or Outsourced CIO (OCIO) relationships. Concord has expert knowledge of OCIO service models and their organizational and operating structures.
Project-Based Evaluations of Established OCIO Relationships:
Concord conducts comprehensive reviews of the service being provided by current outsourced chief investment officers (“OCIO”). Detailed analysis will focus on these key areas:
- Benchmarking – construction and applicability
- OCIO performance - identify whether the OCIO has provided the “value added” services that were originally proposed
- Performance Attribution –measure alpha generation via tactical asset allocation and / or active manager selection
- Cost Evaluation-assess the true “all in” cost of the investment program
- Appraisal of Portfolio Construction- Asset Mix and Alternative Investments
This comprehensive process will increase transparency and ensure the OCIO program is structured to meet policy objectives. Concord’s review utilizes a best practices approach. This approach determines if any improvements should be implemented within the existing OCIO program. Concord’s goal is to enhance existing OCIO relationships to avoid a disruptive move onto a new platform that is complex to manage.
Review projects can be structured to include Concord’s oversight and monitoring for a period of time after the project is completed. This allows Concord to work with the Client and OCIO to implement any improvements identified.
