The Oxford Way

The Evolution of Institutional Consulting Services

Traditionally, institutional consulting services have been synonymous with endowments, foundations and retirement plans. These clients have been at the heart of our institutional practice, serving as stewards of charitable missions and custodians of long-term financial health. While these pillars remain fundamental, the challenges of 2023 have necessitated innovation and brought some additional dimensions to the forefront.

THE ART OF MANAGING LIQUIDITY
In the shifting sands of interest rates, closely held businesses are seeking new avenues to optimize their liquidity reserves. The environment has transformed from zero rates to opportunities, where you can potentially earn five or six percent annually while maintaining excellent liquidity. Oxford has mastered the art of managing liquidity, securing returns beyond the confines of a traditional bank account.

This approach is characterized by prudence, offering returns commensurate with slightly increased risk, yet far exceeding what you might expect from a standard savings account.

EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) have long been a unique niche within our institutional consulting repertoire. ESOPs function as custodians of closely held business stock on behalf of employees. However, a lesser-known facet of ESOPs lies in their excess reserves. These surplus funds can be invested strategically to benefit employees in the form of long-term growth. Oxford’s expertise in diversification and portfolio management comes to the forefront in this context, allowing ESOPs to harness the potential of a diversified portfolio, much like other institutional and family investors.

DEEP RESEARCH TEAM
Our institutional consulting practice stands apart not only for its innovation but also for the depth of our research team. A significant portion of our team specializes in private market solutions, providing clients with insights and opportunities that others may miss. It’s this commitment to research and expertise that allows us to negotiate favorable terms and access unique investment opportunities.

While the foundations of our institutional consulting services remain strong, 2024 presents us with the chance to explore new avenues of growth, diversification and optimization. This is because we view institutional consulting not just as a service, but as a partnership built on trust, expertise and a shared vision for financial success. At Oxford, we remain dedicated to delivering not only financial solutions but also innovation and insight that elevate financial strategies.

“I can give you a six-word formula for success: think things through—then follow through.”

— Edward Rickenbacker