As fiduciaries we believe an investment policy statement (IPS) is critical to the success of the advisor/client relationship as well as the attainment of an investor's goals.
This document, drafted between advisor and client, is designed to govern the manner in which an investor's assets are managed in order to meet short term, intermediate, and long term goals.
Specific attention is taken in identifying:
- risk tolerance
- time horizon
- conflicts of interest
- investment selection
- asset allocation
- rebalancing investor accounts
Ultimately, this document helps keep the client and advisor focused on goals while not taking on inappropriate risks that can significantly hinder long term success.
Reviewing goals along with the IPS and making changes as an investor's circumstances evolve are key to successfully utilizing the IPS as a tool to achieve results.