Investment Advice

Institutional investors operate in an environment of heightened fiduciary scrutiny, increasing operational complexity, and growing demands for transparency. Whether managing pension assets, operating reserves, endowment funds, insurance portfolios, or public-sector investments, organizations need confidence that assets are secure, accurately accounted for, and administered within a strong control framework.

Nonprofit organizations operate within a fundamentally different financial framework than traditional investors. Their objective is not simply to maximize returns, but to ensure consistent and effective delivery of their mission. Therefore, capital must be managed with a broader purpose to support ongoing operations, preserve long-term financial health, and maintain the trust of stakeholders.

Large investors require far more than basic asset holding. They benefit from an experienced provider that helps preserve holdings, simplify day-to-day administration, and reinforce fiduciary governance. Institutional trust and custody offerings deliver structured oversight for retirement plans, endowments, foundations, and similar asset pools, helping ensure assets are managed in line with governing terms, strategic priorities, and changing compliance demands.

Organizations frequently hold excess operating cash due to conservative forecasting, seasonal revenue fluctuations, or strategic liquidity buffers. While this surplus reflects financial prudence, it also presents an opportunity to enhance returns, improve capital efficiency, and support long-term objectives.

As we prepare for a new year and for the commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, our 2026 Market Outlook, developed by our Key Wealth Chief Investment Office team, delves into the latest research, insights, and economic data to help you navigate our nation’s evolving societal landscape, artificial intelligence, market shifts and more so you can make informed decisions and grow your portfolio

Employers that offer a 401(k) retirement plan to their employees take on significant fiduciary risk and responsibilities as well as administrative duties. These fiduciary responsibilities are often held personally by the senior executives/owners of an organization, so it is important for all involved to understand the roles and obligations in managing a single employer 401(k) plan.

The updated SECURE Act 2.0 (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act) provides great motivation to think about IRAs and charitable contributions. Part of the new development is the expansion of the  type of charity that is eligible for a qualified charitable deduction (QCD). 

Unlike for-profit entities, foundations manage their investment portfolios with a distinct mission in mind – generating returns that support their charitable endeavors.

The 401(k) plan has become the dominant source of retirement savings for most Americans. That said, a 401(k) plan was not originally designed to be the primary retirement tool.

For foundation investment committees, selecting the right investment managers is paramount to achieving their financial objectives and maximizing their charitable missions. While fees are a consideration, prioritizing solely on underlying manager fees can be detrimental. This paper explores why a comprehensive approach that prioritizes value over cost is essential for foundation investment committees.