Mesirow Financial Investment Management (MFIM) has distinguished itself as a competitive independent advisory firm. MFIM is one of Chicago-based Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc.'s businesses. MFIM also goes by Mesirow Asset Management Inc. In 2016, the corporation acquired Fiduciary Management Associates, Inc. and joined its insurance business with Alliant Insurance.
Mesirow Financial Investment Management Background
Mesirow was founded in 1986, though the parent company goes back to 1937. It has offices in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. It also has offices in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Geneva.
As a fee-based firm, some advisors may have dual or multiple roles, which may present potential conflicts of interest that they are obligated to disclose.
Mesirow Financial Investment Management Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Most individual clients at MFIM do not have a high net worth. The firm also serves banking or thrift institutions, other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, state and municipal government entities, insurance companies, wealth funds, corporations and endowments.
The firm does not specify a minimum for portfolio management services, though it does have a minimum annual fee of $4,000, which it may choose to waive.
Services Offered by Mesirow Financial Investment Management
Mesirow Financial Investment Management provides wealth management services that combine investment management and financial planning for individuals and other clients. The firm develops an Investment Policy Statement, sets asset allocation targets, constructs and monitors portfolios, and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary management.
It may also engage third-party managers and provide access to proprietary and third-party investment products, including private funds.
Mesirow Financial Investment Management Investing Philosophy
Mesirow Financial Investment Management follows a goals-based approach centered on each client’s objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon, using asset allocation as the foundation of portfolio construction. The firm combines quantitative and qualitative analysis to select investments and build diversified portfolios, investing across mutual funds, equities, fixed income, ETFs, closed-end funds and alternative investments, including private funds.
Mesirow Financial Investment Management Fees
Management fees are typically an annual 1% of assets under management or advisement, though the percentage may vary, depending on account size, complexity of financial planning services and other factors. Alternately, fees can be a negotiated flat amount. As noted earlier, the minimum annual fee is $4,000. Private fund fees and other fees will be in offering and other relevant documents.
What to Watch Out For
In its most recent SEC filings, MFIM had one disclosure of legal or disciplinary actions to report. More information about this disclosure, which the firm settled with the SEC in 2022, is contained in MFIM's Form ADV.
Through its parent corporation, MFIM is affiliated with companies that sell financial products, including mutual funds and insurance products. These relationships can present potential conflicts of interest. As a fiduciary registered with the SEC, the firm is obligated to act in your best interest.
Opening an Account With Mesirow Financial Investment Management
You'll have multiple options for setting up an account with Mesirow Financial. You can either visit the firm's corporate headquarters in Chicago, set up an appointment with an advisor by calling the Chicago office or visit or contact any of the firm's other offices. You can reach Mesirow Financial at (312) 595-6000.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
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