Investment management companies in North Carolina control equities, income securities, real estate and derivative products of these assets. Investment firms in North Carolina represent the customers, or “buy side,” of the investments business and the sellers, or “sell side,” are the investment bankers.

North Carolina investment management firms classify themselves by the specific type of asset they manage. Investment companies in North Carolina 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 North Carolina investment firms:

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

2. Investment management firms in North Carolina 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.

3. The source of institutional funds is pensions, endowments and foundations for non-profit organizations. Investment management firms in North Carolina invest in 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 companies in North Carolina that consider long-term results

A high degree of diversification to minimize risk is the most common strategy for these types of investment management firms. North Carolina 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: Use Prudential for a variety of investment management services including retirement planning. You can find an agent in your area by entering your zip code or city and state at Prudential’s website. Complete the form at Retirement Job Center and a single agent licensed to sell retirement planning services in North Carolina will contact you.

Find an investment management firm in North Carolina 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: Country Financial has specialized experience in serving clients who have attained sudden wealth. You can find the nearest agent with a search form on Country Financial's website. Smith Barney provides a range of financial services, including wealth management. You will begin the financial consultation questionnaire on its website by entering your zip code or city and state along with the search radius.

Select North Carolina investment services that are local to 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: Starks Financial Group in Asheville concentrates on comprehensive investment strategies, especially for retirement funds. Jonathan Smith & Company in Greensboro specializes in multigenerational wealth management.

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. An investment agency in North Carolina should assess fund performance over a long period, usually at least 3 years. This time frame will minimize the effect of short-term fluctuations and the business cycle.