Hirtle, Callaghan & Co., also known as Hirtle Callaghan, is a financial advisor firm based out of West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, though it has other offices throughout the U.S. The firm has a proprietary offering called the Chief Investment Officer program, which involves helping clients with all aspects of investment management. The firm works with a diverse range of clients, the majority of whom are individuals.
Hirtle Callaghan is a fee-only firm, which means it solely earns compensation from the advisory fees that clients pay. That's different from a fee-based firm, which might also receive sales commissions.
Hirtle Callaghan Background
Hirtle Callaghan began providing investment advisory services in 1988. The principal owner of the firm is holding company Hirtle Callaghan Holdings, Inc., which is in turn owned by the firm's executive chairman Jonathan Hirtle. The firm's leadership team has a large number of advisory certifications, including chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and certified financial planners (CFPs).
Hirtle Callaghan Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
The client base at Hirtle Callaghan is comprised of both institutional and individual investors. The former includes investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, insurance companies, endowments and businesses. In terms of quantity, though, the firm primarily works with individuals above and below the high-net-worth threshold.
For new accounts, Hirtle Callaghan calls for a minimum investment of $10 million. This requirement may be waived or negotiated at the discretion of the firm.
Services Offered by Hirtle Callaghan
Hirtle Callaghan focuses on providing comprehensive investment management services to its clients. Each client-advisor relationship opens with the firm aiding in the planning of an investment strategy that fits the client's individual needs. The firm then selects independent managers that can properly implement the developed investment plan. Advisors continually monitor and report the performance of client portfolios, while also rebalancing them on an as-needed basis.
The firm uses another company, HC Capital Trust, to help execute investment programs for its clients. HC Capital Trust has a number of different portfolios, each designed to focus on a different asset class. The firm does not provide dedicated financial planning services, though.
Hirtle Callaghan Investment Philosophy
Hirtle Callaghan's principal goal is to tailor its investment strategies to the individual financial objectives and needs of each client. Advisors attempt to act as "outsourced chief investment officers," helping with all aspects of clients' investment decisions. Each customized investment portfolio is designed to maximize returns while adhering to the personal risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs and other preferences set by each client.
This firm's overall investment philosophy is driven by fundamental analysis and specific investment valuation. Advisors place a significant amount of emphasis on effective asset allocation planning and global diversification. Portfolios at this firm and HC Capital Trust incorporate varying types of investments.
Fees Under Hirtle Callaghan
Hirtle Callaghan charges clients fees based on a specific percentage of their overall assets under management (AUM). All accounts can incur a fee of up to 0.95% annually. Hirtle Callaghan typically calculates and charges fees on a monthly basis.
Each client's fee schedule is determined at the beginning of their relationship with Hirtle Callaghan. The firm reserves the right to adjust fees depending on variables like total assets held at the firm and the scope of investment services requested.
What to Watch Out For
There are no disclosures present on Hirtle Callaghan's SEC-filed Form ADV.
Hirtle Callaghan's suite of advisory services are solely centered around investment planning and management, as the firm's Chief Investment Officer program makes clear. As a result of this focus, the firm does not have any dedicated financial planning services. If you're looking for an advisor that offers financial planning, SmartAsset's free advisor matching tool can pair you with suitable options in your area.
Opening an Account With Hirtle Callaghan
Hirtle Callaghan's website features a contact form that prospective clients can fill out if they want to engage the firm for its services. You shold also feel free to call the firm's headquarters at (800) 242-9596 if you'd prefer to work over the phone directly.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
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