Navigating the OCIO Landscape with Nikki Kraus of Strategic Investment Group
In this episode of Rosemont Roundtable, Chas sits down with Nikki Kraus, CEO of Strategic Investment Group, a leading $31B pure-play OCIO for endowments, foundations, and other institutions. With over three decades of experience advising investment committees, Nikki shares her perspective on the evolution of the OCIO model, the sustaining principles that drive Strategic’s success, the company’s client centricity, its culture and organizational approach, and its ownership architecture.Â
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Inside the OCIO World: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
In this episode of Rosemont Roundtable, Brad Mook and Chas Burkhart speak with Amanda Tepper and Ravi Venkataraman, leaders of Chestnut Advisory Group and their new market research division, The Chestnut Solutions Institute.The discussion lifts the hood on the OCIO/investment solutions industry, exploring how the space is defined, competitive challenges and growth opportunities, firm approaches, keys to sustainability, M&A trends, the wealth management segment's growing popularity, and more. All four participants bring long investment experience and varied backgrounds to this insightful conversation, offering valuable perspectives for anyone involved in or following the evolution of investment solutions.Â
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A Closer Look at Internal Equity Transition
In this year-end episode of the Rosemont Roundtable podcast, Rosemont leaders Chas Burkhart and Brad Mook tackle a topic essential to the success of all firms in the investment industry ecosystem. With decades of experience, Chas and Brad offer broad-based thinking and practical approaches to managing internal ownership changes while safeguarding a firm's long-term health. Key points in their discussion:Why building adaptable equity programs is essential for preparing future leaders and maintaining organizational stability.How firms have adjusted their approaches to ownership over time, balancing employee ownership with external capital opportunities.Specific metrics and examples of firms that have successfully transitioned employee ownership over decades.Practical methods for aligning leadership, addressing disparate market valuations, and creating equity programs which align with strategy goals. Internal equity transition isn’t just about operational logistics—it represents a firm's commitment to continuity, leadership and its culture. This episode shows how firms can handle these transitions to create multi-generational legacy through smart planning and clear direction. All episodes of the Rosemont Roundtable podcast are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.
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The Human Element of Wealth Management with Austin Shapard of Fiduciary Trust
In this episode of Rosemont Roundtable, Brad Mook engages with Austin Shapard, President & CEO of Fiduciary Trust, the Boston-based wealth management firm overseeing $29 billion in client assets. Their conversation examines the evolving landscape of wealth management through both strategic and human lenses.Drawing from his experience leading financial institutions, Austin shares insights on building enduring client relationships and steering a legacy firm through changing times.Key themes include:The Art of Leadership: How Austin's educational and early professional experiences influence his approach to guiding Fiduciary Trust's strategic direction.Industry Consolidation: A nuanced look at wealth management M&A—beyond the headlines to the practical challenges of preserving culture and client trust through transitions.Talent and Culture: Fiduciary Trust's methodology for identifying professionals who combine technical expertise with emotional intelligence and client empathy.Strategic Focus: The principles behind Fiduciary Trust's decisions on which capabilities to develop internally versus source from specialists.The discussion reveals how successful wealth management transcends portfolio construction to encompass the fuller scope of clients' financial lives. Austin articulates why, in an age of automation, the essence of the business remains deeply human—built on understanding, trust, and sustained dialogue. His perspective suggests that firms will thrive not only by chasing scale, but also by excelling at these enduring client service principles.All episodes of the Rosemont podcast—including Rosemont Roundtable and Global Investment Leaders—are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. Subscribe today to receive new episodes as soon as they premiere.
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The Power of Strategic Partnerships with Clearstead and WST
In the latest episode of the Rosemont Roundtable podcast, we sit down with two special guests for a conversation about a transaction between two Rosemont Investments – Wilbanks Smith and Thomas (WST) and Clearstead – in which WST was acquired by Clearstead and rebranded as Clearstead Advisory Solutions. Today, Clearstead has $44 billion assets under advisement*, including a significant chunk of assets under management.Co-Chairman of Clearstead, Carl Tippit, CFA, and Executive Managing Director of Clearstead (formerly of WST) Wayne Wilbanks CFA, explored the intricacies of WST’s acquisition into Clearstead. Host Chas Burkhart, CEO of Rosemont, set the stage by detailing the long-standing relationships and critical strategic decisions that led to WST’s acquisition by Clearstead.Now, six months post-merger, Wilbanks and Tippit share their personal reflections, recounting the journey from separate entities to a unified, forward-thinking team. The discussion calls attention to the importance of cultural fit, strategic alignment and a shared vision for long-term growth.Key talking points from the conversation:Clearstead's acquisition strategy, particularly their integration of OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) services.The development of Clearstead's alternatives platform, designed to make efficient investments in private equity, has proven to be a cornerstone of the company's success.Wayne highlighted the crucial role of cultural fit in their partnership, emphasizing the need for a partner who would support WST's existing team and nurture the next generation of leaders.Their shared long-term vision for continued growth, the need for strategic planning and the importance of maintaining aligned financial partners to ensure long-term success and sustainability.Tune in now for insights on the power of strategic alignment and business growth. All episodes of the Rosemont Roundtable podcast are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. *Approximate AUM of Clearstead at the time of recording.
About Rosemont Roundtable: Exploring the Business of Investment Management
Rosemont Roundtable: Exploring the Business of Investment Management features interesting conversations with thought leaders in the investment industry covering topics such as business strategy, M&A, succession planning, asset allocation and more.
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