Overview

Summit’s goal is to partner with a select group of clients. To maintain the highest level of quality and consistency in the services provided, the firm’s consultants serve a maximum of 10 client relationships. We firmly believe this is a reasonable client-to-consultant ratio, allowing the firm’s consultants to give each client the time and attention they deserve.

Summit implements a unique team approach to client service. Two consultants are assigned; the lead consultant has primary responsibility for client service and coordinates all aspects of the work provided, and the co-consultant serves a backup role, translating to increased availability when an issue arises that requires prompt attention. Representatives from all departments – Manager Research, Capital Markets Research, Performance Measurement, and Administration – are also assigned to each client service team, and are able to maintain a functional knowledge of the client’s investment program through Summit’s system of weekly meetings and from working on the various and unique aspects of the account. Summit’s clients appreciate this arrangement, as there is always someone in the office prepared and ready to help.

Summit provides a disciplined approach to Design, Implementation, and Monitoring. In the course of a full service retainer relationship, any or all of the following services may be provided:

Strategy Development (Design):

• Capital Market Assumptions
• Asset/Liability Modeling for Defined Benefit Plans
• Asset/Financial Statement Modeling for Hospital
• Asset/Spending Modeling for Foundations and Endowments
• Asset Allocation Analysis for Defined Contribution Plans
• Investment Policy Development; Guidelines, Goals, and Objectives

Implementation:

• Board/Committee/Staff Education
• Asset Class Research and Analysis
• Portfolio Construction
• Custom Benchmarks; All Asset Classes
• Due Diligence and Manager Search/Selection; All Asset Classes
• Custodian Review, Search/Selection
• Plan Administration/Fund Provider Review, Search/Selection
• Transition Assistance
• Securities Lending Review, Search/Selection
• Fee Negotiation Assistance, All Providers

Monitoring

• Performance Measurement, Analysis, and Reporting
• Daily performance of portfolios & benchmarks available on-line
• Style Analysis and Attribution
• Investment Manager Due Diligence
• Ad Hoc Investment Research, All Areas
• Trade and Compliance Monitoring
• Periodic Asset Allocation Reviews, Modeling
• AICPA Standard Reporting on Alternative Investments

Related Links:

Learn more about Capital Markets Research.

Learn more about Manager Research.

Learn more about Performance Measurement.