Investment Management Department Role

The role of the Investment Management department is to manage Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) funds in a prudent manner consistent with its fiduciary obligation to benefit plan participants and institutional clients. Department responsibilities include selecting investment managers, monitoring performance, screening investments and managing the Positive Social Purpose Lending Program.

Selecting Managers

Wespath engages the services of a variety of independent investment managers to manage the funds (excluding funds invested in the Positive Social Purpose Investment Program). The department identifies, selects and monitors investment managers using a rigorous process.

Monitoring Performance

The investment performance for each individual investment manager and each fund as a whole is monitored on a daily, monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Investments are also evaluated to ensure that they are in compliance with each investment manager’s specific mandate and with the Investment Strategy Statement and Statement of Administrative Investment Policy (collectively termed "Investment Policy").

Screening Investments

The Investment Management department is responsible for ensuring that every investment decision adheres to the Investment Policy). Screening is an ongoing process that involves monitoring equity and fixed-income holdings to ensure that Wespath does not invest in businesses that derive significant revenues from gambling or from the manufacture, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco-related products, pornography, weapons, or the management or operation of private prison facilities. Investments are monitored on a continual basis to ensure they remain in compliance with the Wespath's Sustainable Investing Guidelines.

Managing the Positive Social Purpose Investment Program

Another major responsibility of the Investment Management department is managing and administering Wespath’s Positive Social Purpose Lending Program, which strives to make a positive social impact in the U.S. and around the world. The department performs thorough due diligence for each potential investment. All loans in which Wespath participates are intended to produce competitive rates-of-return commensurate with the risk assessment for each qualifying project.