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

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

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

2. An investment agency in Wisconsin forms hedge funds with contributions from members of a private partnership and typically invests 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 Wisconsin 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 companies in Wisconsin that seek long-term results

A high degree of diversification to minimize risk is the most common strategy for these types of investment management firms. Wisconsin 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 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. Respond.com uses a disciplined management approach to provide superior results over a complete market cycle for its clients.

Find an investment management firm in Wisconsin 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 its website. Robert W. Baird & Company specializes in wealthy investors and has a branch locator which you can use to find the nearest financial adviser.

Select Wisconsin 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. That 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: Fiscal Fitness in Verona is a fee-only adviser that provides flexible services based on the clients’ needs. Trinity Financial Planning is in Middleton and specializes in holistic financial planning.

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 Wisconsin 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.