Products and Services

Investment Policy Statement

Ironshore provides an IPS that may be used by the client as a guide or template in the preparation of their unique policy statement or adopted in its current form as the basis for managing the investment aspects of the Plan. This IPS contains the standard provisions that should be present in a comprehensive investment policy: 1) roles and responsibilities, 2) investment guidelines and restrictions, 3) ERISA compliance matters, and 4) review and evaluation criteria. The process for conducting the ongoing review and evaluation of the investment options is detailed and specific to the proprietary methodology followed by Ironshore.

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Investment Evaluation

Both the initial and ongoing evaluation processes involve considerations of menu construction and specific investment vehicles made available to participants. Ironshore designs an investment menu that offers a broad range of asset classes and/or investment styles to allow participants the opportunity to construct a diversified portfolio that is customized to their needs. Selection of the individual investment options is based upon Ironshore’s proprietary evaluation methodology. The evaluation criteria were chosen to address performance (return and risk) and process (consistency and efficiency) characteristics of each investment strategy. Ironshore considers the persistence of a manager’s ranking (outperformance or underperformance) over a reasonable time period as the primary factor in the decision-making process for either retaining or replacing that particular investment option.  However, the quantitative scoring is not the only evaluation factor given consideration. Ironshore includes qualitative aspects of manager evaluation (people, process, firm culture or philosophy etc.) and other third-party evaluation tools (i.e. asset allocation or Target Date Fund analysis software) in the comprehensive review upon which its recommendations or decisions are based.

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Investment Management

Ironshore may provide discretionary investment management services to certain clients. These services are in accordance with a written agreement with the client authorizing Ironshore to exercise discretionary authority as an “investment manager” to the named fiduciaries of the plan as this term is defined by §3(38) of ERISA. At a minimum, Ironshore’s discretionary authority involves selection of investment options for the retirement plan “menu” from which participants may choose how to allocate their account balance. Frequently, this service also includes the management of model portfolios that present diversified asset allocation strategies designed to alleviate the participant’s burden of making a less-informed allocation decision. In these circumstances, Ironshore exercises complete discretion in portfolio management decisions, including asset allocation and security selection. One of these model portfolios generally is selected as the QDIA for the plan. Ironshore asserts that its selection of a QDIA will comply with the Department of Labor’s guidance for such a choice.

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Periodic Review

Ironshore prepares and delivers to clients an  Evaluation & Monitoring of Plan Investments report  on a quarterly basis. The report communicates the results of the ongoing evaluation process and documents the use of a prudent process for fulfilling the investment fiduciary responsibilities required by ERISA. Generally, and sometimes on a less-frequent basis (either semi-annually or annually), Ironshore conducts a detailed review of this report with the client designee(s). Such review may be completed in person or via telephonic conference depending on the client needs or desires and the specific arrangements defined by the service agreement.