An Alaska investment firm controls equities, income securities, real estate and derivative products of these assets. Investment firms in Alaska represent the customers, or “buy side,” of the investments business and the sellers, or “sell side,” are the investment bankers.

Alaska investment management firms classify themselves by the specific type of asset they manage. Investment companies in Alaska may dedicate themselves to a specific client base while others serve all client types, including businesses that have assets to invest.

It is important to distinguish between the three basic investment types when evaluating investment management firms in Alaska:

1. Mutual funds use the contributions of individual investors to form a single fund. Alaska investment management firms typically use mutual funds for investors that do not have a high net worth.

2. Alaska investment services form hedge funds with contributions from members of a private partnership and typically invest in public securities or a financial derivative of a public security. Hedge funds may employ many different strategies to make a profit.

3. The source of institutional funds is pensions, endowments and foundations for non-profit organizations. Investment management firms in Alaska invest these types of funds more conservatively than mutual funds.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select investment management in Alaska that seeks long-term results

A high degree of diversification to minimize risk is the most common strategy for these types of investment management firms. Alaska investment managers look for stocks that have a value that is not reflected in their current prices combined with a high earnings potential.

I recommend: Workman Securities deals in a range of investment services, including retirement planning, and allows you to locate representatives by state on its website. Complete the form at Retirement Job Center and a single agent licensed to sell retirement planning services in Alaska will contact you.

Find an Alaska investment firm for wealthy investors

A unique investment management plan is frequently beneficial for affluent clients. The financial advisers for these types of clients should work closely with the investment management firm to increase the client's wealth over the long term.

I recommend: The National Association of Active Investment Managers is a non-profit association of registered investment advisers. You can find the nearest registered adviser by providing your city and state on its website. Wealth management is one of the core businesses of Wachovia. You can locate its nearest financial center by entering your city and state or zip code on its website.

Select Alaska investment services that are in your area

Firms based in a specific area will manage equities and bonds investments in local business more efficiently than other investment managers. Their local knowledge will put your money to good use, not only increasing your own worth, but helping other local business owners expand and prosper as well.

I recommend: The Alaska Trust Company in Anchorage provides wealth planning and administration services for the unique needs of long-term investors. Alaska USA Trust Company in Anchorage generally requires a minimum investment of $500,000 to meet the long-term financial needs of you and your family.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fund performance is the gold standard by which an investment management firm is measured. Financial analysts use standard indices and peer groups to compare the performance of different funds over the same time period. Investment management in Alaska should assess fund performance over a long period, usually at least 3 years. This time frame will minimize the effect of short-term fluctuations in the business cycle.