We are independent, objective, and believe in diversification across a variety of asset classes using both passive and active strategies. Clearstead Trust operates on an open-architecture platform which offers our clients flexibility in owning a diverse group of investments, both public and private, and consolidated performance reporting.

Depending on your individual or family situation, asset allocation objectives, portfolio size, and desired level of risk, we, at Clearstead Trust design portfolios using a variety of investment instruments to achieve your objectives. Where one client may be more comfortable with individual stocks and bonds, another client may desire a hybrid blend of active equity managers and passive index funds, including ETFs.

Most often clients come to Clearstead Trust with existing portfolios. As part of our service, we will conduct a portfolio review prior to you becoming a client. This process allows us to get to know you and how you think about your investments. If you agree, we can then build on your existing portfolio, further customizing an asset allocation and investment plan that meets your family’s objectives.

INVESTMENT RESEARCH

Drawing on the extensive resources of our parent company, Clearstead Advisors, we have access to a comprehensive suite of services and capabilities. These include global investment research, institutional portfolio allocation and construction, and due diligence teams able to evaluate and select the highest-quality public and private asset managers – that we in turn can access for our client portfolios.

Clearstead Trust portfolio managers and analysts meet weekly with Clearstead research, investment, private client, and institutional professionals. Collectively, we review current market conditions – as observed through a global macro lens – discussing any new developments around the globe. We compare our own in-house research with views of our active managers and trends they are observing.

This process broadens our overall investment perspective and ability to make thoughtful investment decisions.

For clients looking for active management through separately managed accounts (SMAs) or 40 Act funds, we have a rigorous search process. Our due diligence process for these investment managers considers both statistical data and intangibles that contribute to sustainable success. We factor in their investment philosophy and methodology and check to see whether they practice what they preach. In addition to in-person assessments and on-site visits, we also vet investment managers and strategies through the Clearstead Investment Committee and only select those who earn a stamp of approval from this committee. Our independence ensures our objective analysis. Through our experience, we have created detailed processes to assure we are staying true with our approach to manager research.

INDEPENDENT INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Clearstead Trust has an independent investment committee to review actions in all trust accounts. This committee meets bi-weekly and builds on information from weekly investment discussions with Clearstead research, investment, private client, and institutional professionals.