Archives

Individuals within organizations face impediments in trying to escape the established order. Similar forces are a factor for organizations, especially in the asset management business.

Interviews with those involved in active management yield insights into that “community of practice,” which is at a crossroads.

An anthropological view can offer deep insight into why an organization does what it does, providing perspectives that can be missed by others.

Multi-manager, multi-strategy funds are the subject of attention and fascination now. What are the implications of their success and popularity?

Processes need to move forward over time, even when it short-term gains can come from temporary solutions. (Also, continuous improvement means that you keep at it when others stop.)

Mutual fund boards are different from other governing bodies. Here are short items on questions of independence, new rules, performance evaluations, and board assessments.

There are certain attributes that define the culture of an organization. Using asset management firms as an example, here are some thoughts about a central consideration.

This first of three postings about Bill Gross and Pimco looks at the organizational dynamics of one of the most successful firms of the last four decades — and the deposition of Gross as the Bond King.

In this first of two related postings, a Mauboussin and Callahan report serves as the framework for examining longstanding areas of weakness for asset management firms.

If the goal of an asset management firm is to provide attractive performance that meets the expectations of its clients, then the impediments to that happening should be top of mind for the leaders of an organization.

Should there be an alignment regarding investment philosophy across companies, the asset managers who buy their shares, and the investors who hire asset managers?

A new idea is introduced, based upon backtested research. Live portfolios are created and tracked. We’ve seen it all before; what kinds of broader considerations stem from this particular case?

A look at ARK Investment Management brings up universal questions about the role of experience, the structure of research activities, and the balance between firmly-held beliefs and the openness to other voices.