Marquette Associates is an independent investment consulting firm providing customized investment solutions to institutional investors. With a history spanning over 35 years, they serve a diverse clientele including endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, corporations, and public funds. Their core mission is to empower clients to achieve their financial goals through insightful advice, rigorous research, and a commitment to independent thinking. Marquette’s investment philosophy centers around long-term value creation. They believe in a disciplined, research-driven approach that emphasizes thorough due diligence and a deep understanding of capital markets. Their investment process typically involves several key stages: setting investment objectives and policies, developing asset allocation strategies, conducting manager research and selection, and ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation. A cornerstone of Marquette’s service is their asset allocation expertise. Recognizing that asset allocation is the primary driver of long-term investment returns, they work closely with clients to develop customized asset allocation strategies tailored to their specific risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs. They analyze various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, alternative investments (such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate), and inflation-sensitive assets, to construct portfolios designed to meet client objectives. Manager research and selection is another critical aspect of Marquette’s investment consulting services. Their dedicated research team conducts in-depth analysis of investment managers across a wide range of strategies. This process involves both quantitative and qualitative assessments, including evaluating the manager’s investment philosophy, process, track record, team, and organizational structure. They aim to identify skilled managers who are likely to outperform their benchmarks over the long term. They also place significant emphasis on operational due diligence to ensure managers have sound controls and processes in place. Marquette differentiates itself through its independent ownership structure. As an employee-owned firm, their consultants have a direct stake in the success of their clients, fostering a culture of accountability and alignment. This independence also allows them to provide objective advice, free from conflicts of interest that may arise at larger, integrated financial institutions. Furthermore, Marquette places a strong emphasis on transparency and communication. They provide clients with clear and concise reporting on portfolio performance, manager activity, and market developments. They regularly meet with clients to discuss investment strategy, review portfolio performance, and address any questions or concerns. Their commitment to continuous improvement is evident in their ongoing investment in research and technology. They constantly strive to enhance their analytical tools and capabilities to better serve their clients. They also actively participate in industry events and conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices. In summary, Marquette Associates offers institutional investors comprehensive investment consulting services grounded in a disciplined, research-driven approach. Their focus on asset allocation, manager selection, independent advice, and client communication positions them as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to achieve their long-term financial goals. Their employee ownership structure reinforces their commitment to client success and ensures objectivity in their recommendations.