Would you like your investment committee to utilize best practices and produce better outcomes? This rundown from a recent episode of the podcast I co-host with one of my Fiducient Partners should prove insightful. Ten Habits of Effective Investment Committees is based on what I and my talented colleagues have gleaned over the years from observing many well-run investment committees.  

1. Assemble the correct committee. Like most successful teams, it all begins with having not only talented, but the right mix of players. A Plan Sponsor may wish to include colleagues from human resources, finance and perhaps legal on their committee. Regardless of which departments are represented, you want members who possess a solid understanding, but also are willing to think about the greater good. A spirit of collaboration and lack of ego will go a long way in helping participants obtain a financially secure retirement.  

2. Focus on what really matters. Committees often meet quarterly, but regularly get hung up on the previous 90-days of performance. While there is a fiduciary obligation to monitor performance and replace investments as warranted, the truth is that overemphasizing short-term performance swings can prove counterproductive. To be sure, our best clients routinely examine investment results. However, unless there is a “problem fund” or some other incident, the greater portion of a quarterly meeting is spent on matters that can ultimately make for a better retirement plan. We use our proprietary Fiduciary Governance Calendar to systematically address important topics such as Investment Menu Design, Administration Fees, Legislative Updates and more.   

3. Practice smart logistics. This sounds simple and should be if your committee proceeds with intentionality. Some common themes among our clients with highly effective investment committees include:

4. Remain curious. The best committees act as continuous learners. We find they are always interested in what other Plan Sponsors do well and they strive to stay informed on relevant trends. Interestingly, good committees periodically engage in debate and are comfortable enough to challenge one another and ask questions. A telling sign of a valued committee member is someone who can make a statement or disagree, but on behalf of plan participants, not their own interests. 

Being an investment committee member encompasses duties and responsibilities, but also great opportunity to enhance your plan for the benefit of participants and your organization. Feel free to access additional resources below and to reach out to me or any of our professionals at Fiducient Advisors for assistance.