How We Serve:
Develop and Administer: Each investment program is unique and we work with the Investment Committee to profile risk and make sure the approach is in line with the organizational view. We usually start with a proprietary fund profile, a detailed asset allocation showing cash flow needs, developing and populating an investment structure, adopting the Investment Policy Statement and concluding with a systematic update and review process. The level of Committee involvement is key to determining how decisions are made and the format for servicing moving forward. We provide a dedicated team that will help refine or develop an Investment Policy Statement making suggestions to assure that “best practices” are adhered to in the administration of the program.
Due Diligence: An initial step with a new engagement is to perform due diligence on any existing managers and make suggestions if they are needed to develop the “best fit” for a new investment program. An investment mix may contain active managers in the form of separate accounts or institutional mutual funds. Passive management may be incorporated for diversity or cost controls. Alternative assets strategies may also be used if the committee is receptive to a broader blend of growth and risk control devices.
Asset Allocation: We develop an asset allocation strategy for each relationship and update the study every three years unless there is a material change in the philosophy or the economic environment. Our consulting group has access to industry leading analytics for combining different asset classes and stress testing portfolio blends for market related volatility. We use updated capital market assumptions to develop a strategic allocation and generate category ranges for tactical adjustments where needed.
Liaison to Investment Bank: Alex.Brown has a long history of working with developing companies which may need access to capital markets for growth or liquidity. Our team has decades of experience in helping management teams find venture capital, private equity or access to the public markets. As a part of Raymond James we work in a liaison capacity to facilitate exposure to investment bankers who are industry specific in their knowledge of M&A, equity capital raises or taking companies public. We are complementary to the overall process and serve as the relationship manager to bring all the capabilities of the combined organization to the table.
Cash Management: Cash management is a fundamental program available in our corporate services area. We can help develop a cash flow program that manages reserves in a controlled and systematic manner. The development of a cash management policy helps define what is acceptable for income producing assets.
