This course is for institutional investors, including trustees and staff members of nonprofits, and public and corporate funds. This session familiarizes fund sponsor trustees and staff with basic investment theory, terminology, and practices.

It is comprised of 3 x 2-3 hour virtual modules and is designed for individuals who are relatively new to institutional asset management oversight or looking to sharpen their existing skill set.

Participants will learn about different types of investment fund options and how they fit in an institutional investor’s portfolio.

 The session includes:

• A description of the different parties involved in the investment management process, including their roles and responsibilities;
• A brief outline of the types and characteristics of different plans (i.e. defined benefit, defined contribution, endowments, foundations, and operating funds);
• An introduction to fiduciary issues as they pertain to fund management and oversight;
• An overview of capital market theory, characteristics of various asset classes, and the processes by which fiduciaries implement their investment decisions.

This course is beneficial to anyone involved in the investment management process, including:

• trustees and staff members of public, corporate and Taft-Hartley retirement funds (defined benefit and/or defined contribution);
• trustees and staff members of endowment and foundation funds;
• representatives of family trusts;
• and investment management professionals and staff involved in client service, business development, consultant relations, and portfolio management.

Prerequisites: None required. This is an introductory course for institutional investors, including trustees and staff members of nonprofits, and public and corporate funds.