The Search for an OCIO: Strategies, Risks and Evaluations with Barclay Douglas

Rosemont Roundtable: Exploring the Business of Investment Management

In the latest episode of the Rosemont Roundtable: Exploring the Business of Investment Management (formerly known as Global Investment Leaders), Chas Burkhart sat down with Barclay Douglas, an investment industry veteran with over 15 years at the helm of Criterium Advisors, a firm offering traditional consulting services, but focused on Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) search.

During their conversation, Barclay shares his wisdom into various aspects of the investment management industry, and specifically his wide-ranging observations on the OCIO space.

Specifically, they discuss:

• Barclay's background and his career trajectory, from his early days as a trainee stockbroker, to investment management marketing and business leadership, to founding Criterium Advisors, which initially focused on total fund management consulting but expanded into traditional institutional consulting and OCIO search services in 2013.
• Perspectives on the growing demand for OCIO services, competitive dynamics, business models, distinguishing characteristics, scale and offerings.
• How Criterium and Rosemont evaluate OCIO businesses and performance and the challenges in comparison, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach beyond traditional benchmarking.
• The potential future of private equity; the importance of finding an OCIO with an understanding of the space and significant outperformance in U.S. markets.
• The risks associated with finding the right OCIO, including undervaluing the importance of expertise in alternative investments, over-reliance on quantitative metrics, inadequately assessing fee structures and underestimating the dynamic nature of the asset management industry.
• Industry developments and trends that are top of mind and views on current sales and marketing strategies.

Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities and dynamics of the OCIO industry, emphasizing the importance of client relationships, investment integrity and sustainable business practices.