The investment office you would build is Strategic.
Strategic was created as an alternative to building a full internal investment office. Our singular commitment to OCIO and our conflict‑free business model means you can trust us to deliver asset management that’s designed to be aligned with your goals. We also provide the extra support your organization needs around foundational issues like strategic planning, governance, cash‑flow management, and staff education, so you can stay focused on your mission.
Why Strategic?
We don’t compromise on what defines a true OCIO, and neither should you. Here’s what that means in practice:
Independence and integrity
Our business model is conflict‑free: the only compensation we receive is from our clients. We don’t sell proprietary products, run competing business lines, or accept payments from managers or service providers. We act as a fiduciary to your organization, and you can trust that selection, sizing, and replacement decisions are independent of revenue considerations.
Open‑architecture access
Because we’re paid solely by our clients, we have the incentive and freedom to source the best managers and service providers – based on merit alone. We maintain open‑architecture access across all asset classes, including private investments and alternatives, so portfolios can be built for fit, not for shelf.
Robust investment process
We follow a structured, evidence‑based approach—risk‑aware and price‑sensitive—grounded in the belief that valuation and risk ultimately drive returns and that skillful, active management can add value from relatively uncorrelated sources.
Transparent, accountable, coordinated execution
Transparent reporting ties actions to outcomes so you can see what we did, why we did it, and how it performed. With delegated authority, we accept front‑line accountability—just like an internal CIO—to implement policy, hire/right‑size/replace managers promptly, rebalance, and manage transitions. We don’t stop at advice; we deliver end‑to‑end execution and back‑office support, so portfolios reflect decisions in real time.
Deliberate size and growth
As a true OCIO with delegated authority, our mid‑size team functions like an internal investment office—PMs, research, risk, and operations acting as one on your behalf. We’re large enough to provide senior‑level coverage, negotiate competitive fees, and secure manager capacity (including in alternatives), yet right‑sized to pursue differentiated opportunities without “becoming the market.”
A Strategic heritage.
Strategic started in 1987 with a simple idea: there had to be a better way for institutions to manage their investments. Back then, most relied on large and expensive internal teams, or banks or consultants that often lacked accountability and clear decision-making. We introduced our Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) approach as a smarter, cost-effective alternative. Our goal was to give clients a full suite of services—from portfolio design and manager selection to cash flow and audit support—under one roof, with one team fully responsible.
From day one, we looked at the whole portfolio, not just individual asset classes. We adopted an open-architecture approach to manager selection, so we could work with the best managers across all asset classes. This approach gives us flexibility, keeps us aligned with our clients, and lets us customize solutions, because every institution has its own mission, goals, and risk profile.
We also knew governance mattered. We’d seen what happens when it doesn’t: performance chasing, high turnover, and costly mistakes. So, we built processes that focus on discipline, transparency, and consistency, to help clients avoid those pitfalls and stay on track.
Nearly four decades later, those principles still guide us. We work with a small number of clients so we can give each one the attention they deserve. Our team is deeply resourced and committed to delivering thoughtful, integrated investment solutions that help institutions achieve their missions. We believe that’s what makes Strategic one of the most trusted OCIO providers today.
“What does operational excellence look like? When clients never have to think about it.”
“Consistency isn’t glamorous, but it’s how institutions avoid mistakes.”
“Successful private investing balances opportunity with responsibility, every time.”
“Good investing isn’t about reacting—it’s about staying aligned with your goals.”
Our values at work.
They are expressed through the operating principles that guide how we serve clients. We believe that investment excellence begins with a client‑first mindset. From the beginning, Strategic has focused on building solutions that fit each organization's unique goals based on entrepreneurial thinking, operational discipline, and outstanding client service.
Partnership before scale.
We build deep, enduring relationships and serve as a resource on mission‑critical issues, rather than pursuing growth in client numbers.
Performance with discipline.
We prioritize long‑term results, manage both relative and absolute risk, and broaden our decision set to enhance consistency and limit single‑point vulnerabilities.
Financial stewardship.
We aim for sustainable profitability over top‑line growth to maintain stability, independence, and alignment with clients.
Talent and standards.
We strive to recruit and retain high‑caliber professionals and provide a respectful, challenging environment that upholds the highest professional standards.
Elevating our field.
We champion integrity, sound governance, and client education across the OCIO industry.
"Our mission is to empower clients to achieve transformational impact through inspired investing."
