North Pier was engaged to assist the trustees of a multi-agency community foundation considering a transition from traditional advisor-assisted, trustee- directed investment management to a discretionary OCIO manager. The large all- volunteer committee with deep investment industry knowledge and expertise saw value in OCIO but had a bad experience when they initially tried to convert their incumbent to the OCIO model. The foundation had significant allocations (>40%) to alternative and illiquid investments and the multi- agency structure required significant administrative, accounting and reporting support. Having had a previous bad experience the foundation needed an OCIO manager with a track record that could gain the confidence of an unconvinced investment committee.
- North Pier educated the committee on the state of
the industry and the solutions available for OCIO
discretionary management
- After reviewing the challenges and
disappointments of the past attempt to transition to
OCIO, North Pier introduced suggestions for a
successful implementation>
- North pier reviewed governance documents
including the Committee Charter, Investment Policy
Statement and minutes of committee meetings
- Amendments and refinements to the documents
and fiduciary process were recommended
- North Pier also performed a historical review and
deep analysis of investment track records.
- North Pier initially reviewed records and performed
interviews of twenty-five (25) potential candidates
from which nine (9) were deemed to have the
capabilities and experience to provide OCIO
discretionary manager services to this foundation
- We developed and administered an RFP and
performed detailed due diligence on nine (9)
candidates, including reviewing performance track
records and performing in-depth investment analysis
- North Pier assisted the committee in selecting
three (3) finalists who were invited to participate in
in-person interviews at the client’s headquarters
- North Pier developed a structure for the
presentations, prepared the finalists and facilitated
the interviews
The Trustees selected and OCIO whose process, style, track record and investment approach best matched desired characteristics. This organization had demonstrable experience with the administration and accounting for multi-agency foundations.
On behalf of the client, North Pier negotiated favorable fees and a new service agreement. Overall, the foundation expects a significant reduction in time for the committee and staff as well as a reduction in total program fees of close to 20bps a year.