CAIS, an alternative investments platform for the independent wealth channel, is to offer independent financial advisers institutional quality outsourced-CIO (OCIO) services through investment services provided by Mercer.
Mercer’s investment services offering includes access to one of the largest manager research platforms in the industry, model portfolio construction, manager selection, custom fund implementations and due diligence across the entire investable universe. Advisors will have the ability to choose what they need to supplement their in-house expertise, boost their arsenal of investment strategies, differentiate their portfolios and provide a superior client experience.
“Independent financial advisors oversee their clients’ economic futures, and can benefit from the same access to resources available to large institutions. Mercer’s investment services platform levels the playing field, giving CAIS advisors access to the tools and solutions of a global investment consultancy,” says Matt Brown, CEO of CAIS. “Making Mercer’s investment services available to CAIS advisors demonstrates our joint commitment to lead with alternative investment education, foster the democratisation of alternatives for independent advisors, and to broaden the tools and services that advisors rely on each day.”
For the last nine years, CAIS advisors have accessed Mercer’s research and due diligence for alternatives on the CAIS platform as a value-add to their memberships. Now, through the new, extended relationship between CAIS and Mercer, CAIS advisors can engage with Mercer for additional investment services and broaden their access to distinctive asset management strategies across the globe. By leveraging its global infrastructure, Mercer advances the investment management capabilities of financial advisory firms, helping them to provide innovative investment strategies for their clients.
“Our investment advisor-focused services are specifically designed to help advisors enhance portfolio choices, mitigate risk and generate asset growth,” says Rich Joseph, US Business Leader at Mercer Investment Management. “CAIS has nearly a decade of experience as one of the premier alternatives product platforms for the independent advisor, and is a natural channel to bring Mercer’s resources and services to the benefit of wealth managers.”
Joseph was recently named to the CAIS Advisory Council – a collaboration of strategic advisors with deep experience across wealth management, technology and marketing.
“CAIS and Mercer have worked hand-in-hand for nearly a decade to empower independent advisors with the tools, research and technology to drive business growth,” says Brown. “Rich’s addition to the CAIS Advisory Council only strengthens our commitment to working with Mercer to best serve the investment needs of the independent wealth channel and its end-clients. We’re excited to have him on board.”
