APPROACH

"The essence of investment management is the management of RISKS, not the management of RETURNS.  Well-managed portfolios start with this precept."
                                                                                          
                                                                                                      -- Benjamin Graham

Risks to client objectives are dynamic events.  Our committment is to put in place a sound process that addresses clients' risk at the individual level.  We accomplish this by practicing a risk-first methodology that explains the clients personal needs instead of implying the clients needs based on industry standard assumptions.
 

Step 1: Client-Driven
Getting to know you is the most important step.  During this step we want to understand your objectives.  This will assist us in designing solutions specific to your needs.

Step 2: Risk-First Methodology
Next, we illustrate the associated risk and functionality of each asset and liability by developing a "risk-allocation" model.  Understanding stated risk allows us to put planning strategies in place to address your objectives and allocate investable assets based upon three primary purposes - preservation, growth and lasting wealth.

Step 3: Implementation
Well designed solutions can become negated due to internal walls that constrain access to research, investments, and platform capabilities.  Our independence allows us to provide clients with an open architectural platform ensuring the end result is client-driven.

Risk management strategies are implemented to protect current assets from unpredictable liability events and long-term unknowns. 

Investment management strategies are well-defined, research based, purpose-driven solutions to meet stated target preservation, growth and lasting wealth allocations.

Step 4: Monitor & Manage
The market is driven by various factors.  Understanding these factors allows us to monitor and manage client portfolios accordingly.  Following are examples of these factors:

Valuation:
Determine whether assets are attractively priced relative to fundamentals. Classic financial concepts are utilized.

Economic environment:
Consider the effect of monetary policy and the economic environment on asset prices.

Investor positioning:
Assess price movements to determine if we need to be offensive or defensive.