Each year, CIO builds a list of the industry’s top knowledge brokers. These are the people
tasked with identifying the best investment managers and financial firms, as well as
how to put them all together in a portfolio that will perform well.
As it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve investment mandates, the role of the
knowledge broker has expanded into that of a strategic partner. Manager performance
still matters, but so does finding an investment mix that meets a broader objective than
having a good quarter—or even a good year. Now, consultants are called upon to keep
fees low, find an opportunity set that lasts, and bring prior experience to the table about a
whole host of other issues. Helping humans manage all of the new technology that comes
with investing is also top of mind for many of the knowledge brokers on the list this year.
By Bailey McCann / Art by Gracia Lam