For many years prior to establishing the company, I had been both acutely aware of and concerned with a fundamental flaw in the manner in which traditional banks, trust companies and investment firms managed assets for wealthy families, foundations and endowments. In general, those firms required that all of their clients’ assets be managed by their own employee investment managers – a limited pool. There were thousands of portfolio managers in the world, but there were only a few truly exceptional managers who consistently generated above-average returns. Most of those “exceptional” managers did not work for banks or trust companies, and few of them worked at the same investment firms.

  

Modeled on those strong beliefs, Tiedemann was established to offer a new approach to the management of investment assets. Our goal was and will always be to provide flexible, proactive management of individual family, trust, foundation and endowment assets to achieve superior investment performance. Our founding thesis was that, by taking an unconstrained and non-affiliated approach to allocating our clients’ assets to the best managers around the world, we would produce results superior to those of firms who are limited to their own captive investment managers. Building on this foundation, we developed broad asset allocation capabilities and market strategy expertise to effectively construct portfolios using these unaffiliated managers, also incorporating tactical direct investments and thematic hedges. Over time, we have proven that our thesis and model work. We have established a robust investment process that ensures objectivity and makes possible superior investment results.

 

From its inception, Tiedemann was meant to be far more than an investment firm.  Our goal was and is to deliver truly comprehensive and objective wealth management services to each of our clients, providing a breadth and level of service that is generally unavailable at traditional investment firms and trust companies. In addition to superior investment performance and tax efficiency, we provide access to innovative structural and planning solutions, superior administrative and reporting services, and complete coordination with other advisors and service providers. Our ultimate goal is to create a custom suite of tailored services which fulfill each client’s unique objectives and wishes - rather than providing traditional solutions from a set menu of services. Very simply, we aim to be a valuable partner and resource for every client.

  

I am immensely satisfied with the company we have built and the solutions we have achieved and will continue to achieve for our clients. We have developed the creative, client-focused service offering we set out to build while promoting a firm culture of excellence, performance and accountability. Our goal will always be to maintain a staff with an exceptional combination of entrepreneurial drive, intellectual curiosity and a sincere desire to care for our clients. In any environment or time, these qualities will provide our clients with innovative solutions, superior investment performance, creative estate planning and genuine comfort.

  

This company and our service to our clients will be my legacy, and I truly believe that we will be a lasting, distinctive presence in the ever-changing wealth management arena. My hope is that many of you will have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the value and pleasure of the Tiedemann client experience in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Carl H. Tiedemann