Equitas

Q: What does Equitas mean?

A: From the traditional Latin:

1. Just and equitable conduct toward others; justice, equity, or fairness.
2. The uniform relation of one thing to others; equality, conformity or symmetry.
3. A quiet, tranquil state of mind, evenness of temper.

Q: How are you compensated?

A: Equitas is compensated solely by our clients. We do not receive fees for selling products, from investment managers nor for brokerage commissions. This structure assures that our interests are always aligned with those of our clients.

Q: What is your typical client size?

A: Our clients range from high net worth individuals with portfolios of a few million dollars to corporate and insurance clients whose portfolios are hundreds of millions of dollars.

Q: Do all of your clients end up with the same portfolios?

A: No.  Equitas customizes each of our clients’ portfolios to meet their unique investment objectives and risk tolerance levels. No two clients have the same portfolios.

Q: Which investment managers do you utilize?

A: Equitas performs due diligence on hundreds of managers every year and we subscribe to databases that contain data on thousands of investment managers. As an independent investment consultant, we are free to choose the best investment managers globally from which to construct our clients’  portfolios.

Q: What services do you provide?

A: Investment Policy Statements — The investment policy statement is a blueprint for investment decisions required of a client’s fiduciaries. We work to build a living document that serves as a guide to meet your company’s objectives and provides prudent risk management oversight.

Asset Allocation Studies — The asset allocation process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the Fund’s objectives, preferences and constraints. We blend the Fund’s cash flow needs, actuarial functions, liquidity concerns, regulatory constraints, risk tolerances and the funding status into a comprehensive decision matrix to build an asset allocation strategy.

Manager Search & Selection — We utilize seven comprehensive databases of investment managers to search and select an appropriate fit for your company. In addition, we analyze a number of qualitative factors, such as philosophy and process, when selecting a manager.

Manager Performance Evaluation & Review — Once an investment manager has been selected for the Fund, Equitas begins the process of measuring and evaluating their performance. We provide fully customizable reports on a quarterly basis which we review with the client to address any questions or concerns.

Attribution Analysis — An attribution analysis allows institutional consultants to better evaluate the valued added by portfolio managers. We segment investment returns into four categories in our analysis: sector returns, style returns, activity returns and security selection.

401 (k) Consulting — Equitas offers a comprehensive review and evaluation of 401 (k) plans. We are able to offer the unique service of Customized Model Portfolios because of our experience in constructing investment programs and portfolios for our clients.

Alternative Investments — We offer extensive research and analysis of alternative investments. Alternative investments often favored because their returns have a low correlation with those of traditional asset classes.

Fiduciary Education — In an ever-changing investment environment, a fund’s fiduciaries must stay abreast of trends and practices marketplace. The professionals at Equitas have provided educational workshops and seminars for over twenty years.

Custody Review — One of the most overlooked aspects of a client’s relationships is their custody arrangement. Equitas has developed an extensive screening and review process to evaluate a custodian.

Fee Negotiations — Equitas assists in all negotiations between the fund’s investment managers, custodians, and other service providers. In many cases, we have been able to affect overall savings equivalent to the fee for our services.

Q: Who are your typical clients?

A: Our clients range from foundations and endowments to corporations and insurance companies. We also consult to retirement plans, high net worth individuals and family offices.