Risk-Managed Institutional Portfolio Services

The four primary portfolio management strategies are: (1) Active management, where managers attempt to outperform the market through security selection; (2) Passive management, which tracks market indexes with minimal trading; (3) Discretionary management, where advisors make investment decisions on behalf of clients within agreed parameters; and (4) Non-discretionary management, where advisors recommend strategies but clients retain final decision authority. At Sentinel, we employ a discretionary approach guided by formal Investment Policy Statements, combining modern portfolio theory with tax-efficient execution to eliminate unsystematic risk while managing systematic risks aligned with institutional objectives.

A managed portfolio solution is a professionally constructed and monitored investment program tailored to an organization's specific goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. It involves continuous oversight, rebalancing, tax management, and strategic adjustments as market conditions and institutional needs evolve. Sentinel's managed portfolios are globally diversified, stress-tested against historical market conditions, and designed to be resilient through economic cycles. Each portfolio is guided by a formal Investment Policy Statement, monitored for style drift, and coordinated with your broader financial ecosystem to minimize lifetime tax liability while pursuing consistent growth.

We employ a comprehensive PRIME risk framework addressing Purchasing Power, Reinvestment, Interest Rate, Market, and Exchange risks. Our portfolios are deliberately diversified to eliminate unsystematic risk, leaving only systematic risks you're compensated to bear. We stress-test every strategy against historical bear markets, recessions, and inflationary periods. For income-focused portfolios, we use structured withdrawal 'buckets' that insulate near-term cash flow from market volatility while maintaining growth-oriented allocations for longer horizons. Continuous monitoring ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your Investment Policy Statement and adapts to changing market dynamics without panic or guesswork.

An Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is a formal document that defines your institutional investment objectives, risk tolerance, asset allocation guidelines, rebalancing protocols, and performance benchmarks. It serves as the strategic blueprint for portfolio construction and ongoing management. At Sentinel, every client portfolio is guided by a customized IPS that prevents emotional decision-making during market volatility, ensures consistency in strategy execution, and provides a clear framework for measuring success. The IPS also facilitates transparent communication with stakeholders and board members, documenting fiduciary responsibilities and decision-making processes for institutional compliance and governance.

Our fee structure is transparent and aligned with the assets under management. Fees are clearly disclosed in your advisory agreement and Investment Policy Statement, with no hidden charges or surprise costs. We operate on a fiduciary standard, meaning our compensation is directly tied to your portfolio's growth and success. Fee schedules vary based on portfolio size, complexity, and the breadth of services required. During your initial consultation, we provide a detailed breakdown of all costs, including management fees, custodial expenses, and any third-party fund costs. Our goal is complete fee transparency so you can make informed decisions about your institutional investment strategy.

We construct globally diversified portfolios spanning domestic and international equities, investment-grade and high-yield fixed income, real estate investment trusts, commodities, and alternative investments when appropriate for institutional objectives. Asset allocation is customized based on your Investment Policy Statement, risk tolerance, time horizon, and income requirements. We avoid concentration risk by diversifying across sectors, geographies, market capitalizations, and investment styles. Each asset class is selected for its role in the overall portfolio—whether providing growth, income, inflation protection, or volatility dampening. Our approach emphasizes tax efficiency, low-cost implementation, and evidence-based allocation models refined through decades of institutional experience.

Portfolio rebalancing frequency depends on your Investment Policy Statement guidelines, market conditions, and tax considerations. We typically employ a threshold-based approach, rebalancing when asset class allocations drift beyond predetermined ranges (usually 5-10% from target weights). This disciplined method captures market opportunities while avoiding excessive trading costs and tax consequences. For tax-sensitive accounts, we coordinate rebalancing with tax-loss harvesting strategies and capital gains management. We also conduct comprehensive portfolio reviews quarterly and annually, assessing performance against benchmarks, stress-testing resilience, and adjusting strategies as institutional needs evolve. All rebalancing decisions are documented and communicated transparently to stakeholders.

Absolutely. We view collaboration with your existing professional team as essential to comprehensive institutional planning. Our advisors routinely coordinate with estate attorneys, CPAs, benefits consultants, and other specialists to ensure every aspect of your financial strategy is aligned. When complex estate planning, trust structures, or regulatory compliance issues arise, we work alongside your legal counsel to implement solutions that are both financially sound and legally proper. This collaborative approach ensures nothing falls through the cracks and that your portfolio management integrates seamlessly with tax planning, succession strategies, and organizational governance. We're here to complement your team, not replace it.