Analyzing Manager Selection

Analyzing Manager Selection

When To Use

• Screening new investment managers for inclusion in a portfolio or platform
• Conducting periodic re-evaluation of existing manager relationships
• Comparing managers within the same asset class or strategy mandate
• Performing due diligence ahead of a fund commitment or allocation change
• Assessing whether a manager's style drift, personnel turnover, or performance degradation warrants replacement

Inputs To Gather

• Mandate definition: Asset class, strategy type (e.g., long/short equity, core fixed income, venture), target geography, and any ESG or thematic constraints
• Quantitative data: Returns (gross and net), AUM history, inception date, benchmark used, fee schedule (management fee, carry/incentive, hurdle rate)
• Risk metrics: Standard deviation, Sharpe ratio, Sortino ratio, max drawdown, beta, tracking error, information ratio, up/down capture ratios
• Peer universe: Comparable manager set or index for relative ranking
• Qualitative materials: Pitch book or DDQ, organizational chart, key person bios, investment process narrative, operational due diligence reports
• Reference checks: Prior or current allocator references, if available
• Existing portfolio context: Current manager lineup, target allocation, overlap analysis inputs

Workflow

1. Define the search criteria

   • Confirm asset class, strategy, geography, vehicle type (SMA, commingled fund, LP interest), and size constraints
   • Establish minimum track record length (typically 3–5 years; [VERIFY] against client IPS or committee policy)
   • Set quantitative screening thresholds (e.g., top-quartile returns over trailing 5 years, Sharpe > 0.5, max drawdown < 20%)

2. Run quantitative screening

   • Pull performance data across common periods (1Y, 3Y, 5Y, since inception) against the stated benchmark
   • Calculate risk-adjusted metrics: Sharpe, Sortino, information ratio, up/down capture
   • Flag managers with AUM growth > 50% in a single year (capacity risk) or AUM decline > 30% (redemption risk)
   • Rank candidates within peer universe; eliminate those below threshold on more than one key metric

3. Conduct qualitative assessment

   • People: Evaluate team stability (key person tenure, turnover rate), depth of analyst bench, succession planning, alignment of interest (co-investment, deferred comp)
   • Process: Assess repeatability of the investment process — idea generation, portfolio construction, position sizing, sell discipline
   • Philosophy: Confirm the stated philosophy matches observed portfolio behavior (e.g., a "value" manager should show consistent value factor exposure)
   • Organization: Review firm ownership structure, business concentration risk (single-strategy vs. diversified), regulatory history, compliance infrastructure

4. Evaluate operational infrastructure

   • Review custodian, administrator, auditor, and legal counsel independence
   • Assess valuation policy, especially for illiquid or hard-to-value holdings [VERIFY]
   • Check for any material findings in SOC 1 / SSAE 18 reports
   • Confirm insurance coverage (E&O, fidelity bond) adequacy relative to AUM

5. Perform fee and terms analysis

   • Compare management fees, incentive fees, hurdle rates, and clawback provisions against peer norms
   • Model net-of-fee return impact across scenarios (base, upside, downside)
   • Evaluate liquidity terms: lockup period, redemption notice, gate provisions [VERIFY]

6. Score and rank finalists

   • Apply a weighted scorecard across quantitative (typically 40–50%), qualitative (30–40%), and operational (15–20%) dimensions
   • Highlight any single-factor disqualifiers (regulatory action, key person departure, style drift beyond tolerance)
   • Prepare a side-by-side comparison matrix for the top 2–4 candidates

7. Document recommendation

   • Summarize the rationale for the recommended manager(s) with explicit reference to scorecard results
   • Note any conditions or monitoring triggers (e.g., "recommend allocation contingent on completion of on-site visit")
   • Include dissenting considerations or risks that the investment committee should weigh

Output

• Manager Selection Memo: 3–5 page narrative covering search parameters, screening methodology, finalist profiles, scorecard results, and final recommendation
• Comparison Matrix: Side-by-side table of finalists across key quantitative, qualitative, and operational dimensions
• Scorecard Summary: Weighted scoring grid with category scores, weights, and composite rank
• Risk Flag Register: List of any amber or red flags identified during screening, with mitigation notes
• Monitoring Plan: Suggested ongoing review triggers (performance breach, key person change, AUM threshold, regulatory event)

Quality Checks

• Confirm all return data uses the same calculation methodology (time-weighted vs. money-weighted) and fee basis (gross vs. net) across managers
• Verify benchmark alignment — each manager should be measured against the benchmark stated in their own materials, not a generic proxy
• Ensure the peer universe is appropriately constructed (same strategy, similar AUM band, comparable vintage)
• Check that qualitative assessments cite specific evidence (e.g., "PM tenure of 12 years" not just "experienced team")
• Validate that fee comparisons reflect the actual share class or negotiated terms, not headline rates [VERIFY]
• Confirm no conflicts of interest exist (revenue-sharing, placement agent fees, affiliated relationships) or that they are disclosed
• Flag any data gaps with [VERIFY] rather than interpolating or assuming