Single-family offices (SFOs) play a pivotal role in managing the wealth and financial affairs of affluent families. As the complexity of investment strategies and regulatory demands continues to grow, SFOs can benefit from turning to independent, fee-only advisory firms to manage their investment portfolios. This strategic decision to outsource the investment management function brings with it a multitude of advantages, from access to specialized expertise to cost-efficiency. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of outsourcing investment management to an independent advisory firm in the role of the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO), such as access to greater resources, economies of scale, and cost benefits, while retaining other critical family office functions in-house.

Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO)

One of the primary advantages of outsourcing investment management to an independent RIA is gaining access to a seasoned investment management team. As an OCIO, the independent advisor serves as the linchpin in the investment process, responsible for formulating and executing investment strategies that align with the family’s financial goals and risk tolerance. The benefits of this approach include:

• Expertise and Specialization: Independent advisors will often have a team of experienced investment professionals who specialize in various asset classes, investment styles, and strategies. By outsourcing the investment function, single family offices tap into this wealth of knowledge, benefiting from diversified expertise that may be difficult and costly to replicate in-house.
• Greater Resources and Economies of Scale: Collaborating with an independent advisor can offer SFOs access to a broader range of resources and the benefits of economies of scale, which are often challenging for an SFO to achieve on its own.
• Broad Access to Investment Opportunities: Advisory firms often have access to investment opportunities that may not be available to individual investors or smaller single-family offices, nor available through bank and broker-dealer platforms. These can include private equity, private credit, venture capital, hedge funds, and other alternative investments, which can improve the expected return of the family’s portfolio while also providing diversification benefits.
• Research Capabilities: Independent advisory firms often invest heavily in research and technology. They have access to cutting-edge tools and data analytics that can provide deeper insights into market trends and investment opportunities, enhancing the investment decision-making process.
• Enhanced Portfolio Reporting: Independent advisory firms often invest in leading performance reporting and financial planning software solutions that are a significant upgrade to what many SFOs currently utilize. In addition, advisory firms often build sophisticated customizations into their software solutions, and have established data feed connections with leading financial custodians, allowing for a more comprehensive overview of assets and investment performance.
• Cost Efficiency: Given their scale relative to many smaller single-family offices, advisory firms can in some cases negotiate for lower fees on investment products and services, particularly in alternative investments such as private equity and private real estate.

Outsourcing investment management to an independent advisor also has the potential  to create significant cost savings for SFOs, while allowing them to retain other critical functions in-house.

• Reduced Overhead: Maintaining an in-house investment team comes with substantial costs, including salaries, benefits, office space, and technology infrastructure. Outsourcing eliminates these overhead expenses, enabling SFOs to allocate resources more efficiently.
• Focus on Core Competencies: By outsourcing the investment function, SFOs can refocus their efforts on core competencies, such as accounting, legal, real estate management, and the management and oversight of family operating companies. This specialization can result in better outcomes and overall financial well-being for the family.

Outsourcing investment management to an independent, fee-only advisory firm can provide single-family offices with a multitude of benefits. From accessing the expertise of an OCIO to leveraging greater resources, economies of scale, and cost savings, this strategic decision can enhance the overall financial health and success of high net worth families and their family offices. By choosing to outsource the investment function while retaining other critical functions in-house, SFOs can strike a balance between specialized expertise and cost efficiency, ultimately working towards achieving their financial objectives with greater confidence and peace of mind.

This publication is provided by Element Pointe Family Office (“Element Pointe”) for general information and educational purposes only. Any discussion of securities or investment strategies should not be construed as research or investment advice. This material should not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This publication contains certain forward-looking statements that indicate future possibilities. Due to known and unknown risks, other uncertainties and factors, actual results may differ materially from the expectations portrayed in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

Element Pointe does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefore. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Nothing herein should be construed to limit or otherwise restrict Element Pointe’s investment decisions. Element Pointe customizes the portfolios it manages to suit the needs of each client. Investment advisory services are only provided to investors who become Element Pointe clients pursuant to a written account agreement, which investors are urged to read and carefully consider in determining whether such agreement is suitable for their individual facts and circumstances.

Investing in fixed income products is subject to certain risks, including interest rate, credit, inflation, call, prepayment, and reinvestment risk. Investments in alternative investment strategies is speculative, often involves a greater degree of risk than traditional investments including limited liquidity and limited transparency, among other factors and should only be considered by sophisticated investors with the financial capability to accept the loss of all or part of the assets devoted to such strategies. Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. The indexes mentioned are unmanaged and an investment cannot be made directly into them and do not include fees and charges, which would reduce an investor’s return. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change without prior notice. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed herein will come to pass.