For mid-size institutions, proper investment structure is vitally important in obtaining competitive results. Balancing the proper number and style of managers with available monetary and administrative resources is essential. Concord's vast experience in the mid-size market empowers clients to implement and maintain investment structures that are best for the client, as opposed to adopting structures that are more profitable for the client's vendors. Most importantly, these structures must be efficiently priced. Many times, a client's fee structure can be the determining factor as to whether investment success is achieved.
Concord expends great energy to ensure our clients' investment pricing structures are efficient. This process is so important, Concord offers our efficient studies, "Cost And Structure Evaluation" (CASE), as part of our retainer services or as a stand-alone service. CASE is designed to provide clients with objective information regarding all investment related costs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the client is paying competitive fees in relation to the services rendered by its vendors.
The CASE process entails Concord identifying and analyzing all costs associated with the management of the portfolios' assets. CASE is quite different than one-dimensional cost saving services such as commission recapture or trading analysis. Our review will encompass such items as:
- Bank / Custody Fees
- Asset Management Fees
- Trading Costs and Commissions
- Soft Dollar Usage, etc.
- Discounting Policies
Most importantly, Concord does not seek to replace current relationships with less expensive ones. Concord's goal is to maintain clients' current relationships. Concord realizes that most clients have long-term relationships that are meaningful and valued. The CASE program is designed to enhance current relationships, not disrupt them. All fee negotiations are based on realistic and fair pricing schedules. Concord utilizes its vast database to compare clients' costs to fees being charged to similar clients.
