Alternative Investing
Chris Tobe brings over 25 years of institutional investment experience across all asset classes, with a particular focus on alternative investments such as hedge funds and private equity. While he possesses extensive expertise in these areas, Chris is also known for his cautious approach and critical stance towards excessive fees and risks associated with alternative investments.
Experience and Expertise:
- With 15 years dedicated to working with hedge funds, private equity, and other alternative investments, Chris has amassed invaluable experience in navigating these complex asset classes.
- He has actively engaged in alternative investment projects, including a major investment review for the $40 billion Maryland Retirement System and a significant DB investment project for the Utah Legislative Auditor.
Education and Consulting:
- Chris has been instrumental in educating institutional investors about hedge funds and private equity. As a consultant for Fund Evaluation Group, he provided education sessions to endowments such as the University of Memphis, Creighton University, the University of South Carolina, and Indiana State University.
- During his tenure at NEPC, Chris earned the CAIA designation, a leading professional credential for alternative investments. He participated in alternative searches for public plans and provided consulting services to entities like the $850 million St. Louis Public School Employees.
Trustee and Investment Committee Roles:
- From 2008 to 2012, Chris served as a Trustee and Investment Committee Member for the $14 billion Kentucky Retirement Systems. During his tenure, the systems significantly expanded their alternative investment allocations, including hedge funds and private equity, reflecting Chris’s expertise and strategic guidance.
Commitment to Diversity and Responsible Investing:
- At NEPC, Chris contributed to managing a $175 million alternative investment program that included diversity as one of its mandates, underscoring his commitment to responsible investing practices.
- Throughout his career, Chris has advocated for transparency, accountability, and sound fiduciary practices in alternative investing, emphasizing the importance of aligning investment strategies with the best interests of investors and pension beneficiaries.
Chris Tobe’s extensive experience, critical perspective, and commitment to responsible investing make him a trusted advisor and advocate in the realm of alternative investments. His insights and leadership have contributed to shaping investment strategies and fostering a greater understanding of these complex asset classes among institutional investors.
Presentations
- Due Diligence Compliance in alternatives NY March 2010
- Distressed Assets IMN Public Pension Forum Phoenix March 2010
- Round Table Participant Pensions & Investments (P&I) Institutional Investments Forum (IIF January 2010 New York on Hedge Funds
- Distressed Investments Pension Bridge Private EquityConference Chicago July 2009
- Current Trends IFEBP Investments Institute, April 2009
- Distressed Assets Private Equity IMN Public Pension Forum March 2009
- The New Face of Hedge Funds: Where Are Investors Deploying Capital.” P&I AIMSE New York February 2009
- Hedge Funds in Public Pensions GAIM Hedge FundsConference Miami Public Pension Roundtable January 2009
Now that you’ve gained insight into the benefits of alternative investment advice tailored to your needs, you might be interested in exploring specialty investment areas and services to further enhance your portfolio strategy.