Wealth Management Managing Directors

Managing directors rank among the top decision makers in their firms. They help to establish and implement their company’s overall investment strategy, client focus, and/or new business strategy. Their duties vary by employer. Many managing directors still work with clients, although they are typically the most high-profile, high-net-worth customers that the firm has—or the problem clients whose money is just too valuable for the firm to lose. Managing directors also oversee staff, serve on the firm’s executive committees, and they may be asked to supervise a branch office or even the firm’s main office. In specialty positions, managing directors may serve as their firm’s chief investment officer, chief fiduciary officer, or general counsel.

Duties performed by managing directors include:

• working with the firm’s board of directors to devise, implement, and maintain investment policies and strategies
• providing investment recommendations to the firm’s financial advisors
• designing and maintaining financial portfolios
• working with the firm’s top clients to develop wealth and investment management strategies that match their goals and risk tolerance levels
• participating in the development of new business, including the creation of presentation materials for prospective customers
• conducting investment research and preparing investment reports for the board
• ensuring that various departments (e.g., risk, accounting, investor relations, compliance, etc.) function effectively   
• leading weekly meetings with the investment team and other departments
• managing staff resources to ensure proper client service
• establishing and managing departmental policies and procedures relating to the operational control environment
• maintaining and overseeing the work of third-party service providers
• managing operational risks and legal and compliance issues
• visiting branch offices, as necessary, to ensure their proper functioning
• coaching and mentoring wealth management advisors to help them meet service benchmarks and sales goals
• developing and maintaining financial research programs to ensure that the firm remains on the cutting-edge
• preparing and managing an annual budget, ensuring that revenue flows are maximized and fixed costs are effectively managed