investment consulting services

Strategic Planning/Investment Policy Formulation
Stratford Advisory Group assists clients to formulate a customized strategic plan that considers the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance and cash flow needs relative to appropriate market opportunities. We document investment program decisions, detail governance issues, and provide benchmarks and guidelines for evaluating the investment program.

Asset Allocation/Liability Modeling/Spending Policy/Strategic Capital Allocation Analysis
Using various techniques, we can develop optimal asset allocation strategies that meet client-specific risk/return and cash flow objectives. We use proprietary models to determine an optimal asset allocation under various market conditions and liability scenarios. Our unique process links asset allocation and liability or cash flow modeling to the unique operating characteristics and environment of the investment program.

Investment Structure Development
We analyze a client’s existing investment program and risk/return objectives to develop an effective investment structure that achieves optimal diversification within the parameters of size, cost considerations, existing synergies, and operational efficiencies.

Investment Manager Evaluation & Selection
For each manager search assignment, Stratford Advisory Group develops client-specific selection criteria, including fit with current investment managers. Each manager selection assignment is an open search. We identify and presents appropriate candidates, participate in the due diligence and selection process, and assist in fee negotiation, the transfer of assets and the setting of manager performance objectives and investment guidelines.

Performance Evaluation
We use a proprietary computer system to measure and analyze investment managers’ results. This includes calculating and validating investment returns (gross and net, AIMR compliant); comparing results to appropriate manager universes; calculating and analyzing various risk factors; analyzing returns to customized benchmarks; and providing comparisons to style peer groups. Services include customized quarterly performance reports, executive summaries, interim performance updates as required, interpretation of performance and timely recommendations.

Manager Monitoring
On-site due diligence and frequent communications with managers can often identify problems before they are evident in performance. Our specific recommendations, applied experience and assistance with implementation help clients optimize manager performance while minimizing turnover costs and benchmark risks.

Educational Workshops
Stratford Advisory Group develops and conducts customized educational workshops that keep clients up-to-date on investment strategies, investment opportunities and capital market developments. New committee member workshops have proven to be effective in ensuring continuity in an investment program.

Custodian Evaluation/Selection
We conduct custodian searches using a process similar to that for investment managers. Client specific requirements are incorporated in the selection process. On-site visits are usually a part of the search.

Alternative Asset Classes
Stratford Advisory Group researches, advises on, and conducts searches for alternative investments. In addition, we perform ongoing due diligence of alternative managers. Our capabilities include the following alternative investment classes: Real Estate, Hedge Funds (most types), Hedge Fund-of-Funds, Private Equity Funds (all types), Private Equity Fund-of-Funds and Commodities.