Investment solutions and OCIO services for institutional investors
Addressing common investment challenges
Balancing investor risks, returns and reputational requirements, has become an increasingly complex challenge. Investors need to be in a position to make efficient decisions. They therefore need access to the right expertise and resources. That’s why many investors are looking externally for strategic portfolio management advice, access to manager research and support with asset allocation and day-to-day operations.
Investors are using outsourced investment solutions to address a range of common challenges. These include cost pressures, operational inefficiencies, resource constraints, regulatory changes, manager sourcing, accessing private market opportunities, integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into portfolios, and impact investing.
More and more investors are recognising the benefits of collaborating with external and unbiased financial service providers. However, some reservations and myths remain. These are addressed below.
Common myths about investment solutions and OCIO
Key considerations for institutional investors
- 1 Manage risk
- 2 Embed sustainability
- 3 Identify new opportunities
Three steps for optimising your investment process
-
Review and adapt your governance frameworkIt is vital to keep your portfolio on track. If you need to improve your governance operating model, our investment solutions can provide the support you require, both now and in the future.
-
Assess your portfolio against your future objectivesUnderstanding how investments are performing takes vigilance. Investors must also search for new opportunities in order to future-proof their portfolios. We can help you have confidence that your investment strategy reflects your risk, return and reputational requirements.
-
Test your ability to adapt and respond to market movementsYou need to be in a position to rebalance your portfolio quickly and effectively if you are faced with market volatility. We can help you install optimised decision-making processes. These will ensure your portfolio is responsive and aligned to your outcome requirements.
It's all here: MercerInsight® Community
Mercer CIOs' views on investment trends and challenges
Solutions to help you achieve your investment goals
Many investors seek guidance and support with investment strategy design, manager research and strategic asset allocations. They also look for assistance with the day-to-day operations of their investment programmes. We call these services investment solutions. Investment solutions can also be referred to as outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) , delegated solutions, or fiduciary management solutions.
Our investment solutions offer a range of tools to help you solve your investment challenges. They provide the support of investment professionals, while still allowing you to maintain control over your investments. They will give you added confidence and can help reduce your workload.
-
Governance and due diligence
Leverage our expertise to expand your governance capabilities and improve your due diligence processes. This will help you to identify optimum investment opportunities. -
Risk management
Be better prepared with our risk-management framework. This will help you navigate today’s most pressing risks and tomorrow’s potential hurdles. -
Investing sustainably
If you want to benefit from long-term investments that match your sustainability goals, we aim to help you make choices that will help to deliver true societal gains, alongside a good return potential. -
Manager research and sourcing
We can help you optimise your investment strategy by engaging our global research network and accessing some of the world’s best investment managers and ideas. -
Implementation services
We will gain an understanding of your goals and then work as an extension of your team. We’ll help you improve your investment governance, management and implementation. Contact us to find out more. -
Alternative investments
Gaining exposure to private assets or hedge funds can diversify a portfolio’s risk and return profile, while aiming to increase its capacity to deal with market volatility. Leverage our expertise in the field to boost your access to new opportunities.
Addressing complex investment challenges
Our outcome-orientated solutions bring a holistic perspective. They will allow you to focus on the things that matter most to you. Our breadth and depth of experience can help you build confidence in your strategic decisions as we act as your trusted adviser, aiming to help you succeed.
President, Investments and Retirement
Time, expertise and confidence
Leverage our breadth and depth
US $16.2 trillion in global assets under advisement1
US $492 billion in global assets under management2
More than 11,900 investment strategies rated3
More than 3,000 asset managers rated4
Introducing some of our team
We're here to help you achieve your investment goals
References to Mercer shall be construed to include Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited and/or its associated companies.
© 2023 Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited. All rights reserved.
This content may not be modified, sold or otherwise provided, in whole or in part, to any other person or entity without Mercer's prior written permission.
Mercer does not provide tax or legal advice. You should contact your tax advisor, accountant and/or attorney before making any decisions with tax or legal implications.
This does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell any securities.
The findings, ratings and/or opinions expressed herein are the intellectual property of Mercer and are subject to change without notice. They are not intended to convey any guarantees as to the future performance of the investment products, asset classes or capital markets discussed.
This does not contain investment advice relating to your particular circumstances. No investment decision should be made based on this information without first obtaining appropriate professional advice and considering your circumstances. Mercer provides recommendations based on the particular client's circumstances, investment objectives and needs. As such, investment results will vary and actual results may differ materially.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the amount you have invested. Investments denominated in a foreign currency will fluctuate with the value of the currency. Certain investments, such as securities issued by small capitalization, foreign and emerging market issuers, real property, and illiquid, leveraged or high-yield funds, carry additional risks that should be considered before choosing an investment manager or making an investment decision.
Information contained herein may have been obtained from a range of third party sources. While the information is believed to be reliable, Mercer has not sought to verify it independently. As such, Mercer makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information presented and takes no responsibility or liability (including for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages) for any error, omission or inaccuracy in the data supplied by any third party.
For the most recent approved ratings of an investment strategy, and a fuller explanation of their meanings, contact your Mercer representative.
Mercer universes: Mercer’s universes are intended to provide collective samples of strategies that best allow for robust peer group comparisons over a chosen timeframe. Mercer does not assert that the peer groups are wholly representative of and applicable to all strategies available to investors.
Please see the following link for information on investment management index definitions.
Not all services mentioned are available in all jurisdictions. Please contact your Mercer representative for more information.
In the United Arab Emirates, Mercer’s Services are delivered by Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited (“MFSMEL”). MFSMEL is registered with the DIFC, License No. 0939 and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
For the conflict of interest statement of Mercer Investments, of which MFSMEL is a part, contact your Mercer representative or see https://www.mercer.com/conflictsofinterest.