• Surprisingly, better than half of Advisor Perspectives’ readers reported they “Always” used tactical allocation, the most popular option selected (Page 2).
• However, “Implementation” remains the challenge with a change in strategy (also known as a use of alternatives).  As portfolio construction techniques grow more complex, advisors need assistance and education in how to apply the techniques to their client base.  In fact, Advisor Perspectives readers named “Access to Research Specialists” and “Additional Training” as the factors that would help make portfolio construction easier (Page 4).
• Investors and advisors are clearly demanding new methods for reducing risk in portfolios. However, implementing those methods comes with added complexity and risk if done incorrectly. Education will continue to play a major role in the adoption of these strategies. Advisors are open to training on the topics, but that must be geared to client solutions and ultimately improving the client experience (Page 6).
• The survey also indicates what advisors are and are not looking for in specialists.  Advisors want established records and good performance, but recognized brand and wholesaler support are not overly important. (Page 6)

Click here to read the full report on the Advisor Perspectives website.

Newton, MA (June 10, 2008) — Braver Wealth Management today announced the appointment of David J. D’Amico as President. Braver Wealth Management is part of Newton-based Braver PC, a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies and technology solutions.

Braver Wealth Management offers a broad range of services including financial planning, investment management and tax preparation, and currently manages more than $360 million. D’Amico has more than 21 years of experience in the investment management and private client industries. Most recently, he was a partner and head of private investment management at Lee Munder Investments, Ltd. in Boston, where he had overall responsibility for relationships totaling approximately $1.5 billion in assets.

“We are excited to welcome Dave to the Braver team” said Patrick Riley, president and CEO, Braver PC. “Dave’s addition will allow us to enhance our strong client service model, expand the investment platform, and accelerate the growth of assets under management to keep pace with the expansion of the accounting practice.”

D’Amico earned a BS in Accounting from Bentley and a Masters in Finance from Boston College. He earned his CFA designation in 1996.

About Braver Wealth Management

Braver Wealth Management offers a broad range of services including financial planning, investment management and tax preparation. We manage more than $360 million and our firm has more than twenty years of experience growing our clients’ assets. We work on a fee-only basis which means that we sell no products and receive no referral fees or commissions. In addition to traditional asset allocation, we offer unique “wealth preservation” investment programs designed to achieve market-like returns with significantly lower risk. All of our investment programs utilize no-load mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). When you work with us you can be certain that you are receiving an objective, results-oriented approach and that we will always do what’s best for you.

About Braver

Braver is a financial services company employing 200 professionals providing services in accounting, wealth management, business strategies and technology solutions — but it’s the way we do business that makes the difference. Braver’s accounting, auditing and tax services group was recently ranked the 7th largest CPA firm in Massachusetts. The wealth management division manages $400 million in assets and offers fee-only financial planning.