You are running an RIA and wearing too many hats. Outsourcing your CIO function can free you to focus on clients and growth, but only if you pick the right partner.
What are Financial & Business Services services?
Registered Investment Advisors are increasingly turning to outsourced Chief Investment Officer services to access institutional-caliber research, portfolio management, and risk oversight without building an in-house investment team. The demand is driven by the need to scale efficiently, meet fiduciary responsibilities, and deliver sophisticated strategies to high-net-worth clients. The market offers a range of models, from full OCIO partnerships to research and model delivery, so understanding your firm's needs is critical.
What we looked at when researching Financial & Business Services
We evaluated each provider on service scope, depth of research, customization, and clarity of client focus. Greenrock Research stood out for its exclusive focus on RIAs and comprehensive OCIO offering, including customized strategies and ongoing monitoring. Burney Advisors impressed with its proprietary equity ratings and flexible customization options. Cornerstone Portfolio Research demonstrated a strong emphasis on scalability and operational efficiency for larger RIAs. Helios Quantitative Research excelled in quantitative models and advisor enablement tools, with tiered service levels to fit different practice sizes.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Burney Advisors | Advisory teams seeking customizable OCIO with proprietary equity research |
| Greenrock Research | RIAs seeking a dedicated OCIO partner with customized solutions |
| Cornerstone Portfolio Research | Large AUM RIAs looking to scale efficiently with OCIO support |
| Helios Quantitative Research | Advisors seeking quantitative models and tiered service options |
A closer look at 4 standout Financial & Business Services
#1 Burney Advisors
A screenshot of the Burney Advisors website.
Burney Advisors delivers a complete Outsourced CIO service designed to help advisory teams improve client outcomes and run more profitable businesses. You get real-time stock ratings on over 2,800 US equities, blending quantitative analytics with expert analysis. The platform emphasizes customization, allowing you to choose from a broad range of assets, including alternatives, to craft portfolios that suit various client profiles. Their committee's daily market commentary can be repurposed for client communications, saving you time. For teams seeking a resilient, repeatable investment methodology, Burney Advisors offers a compelling solution. Learn more about their approach at Burney Advisors Outsourced CIO.
#2 Greenrock Research
A screenshot of the Greenrock Research website.
Greenrock Research exclusively serves Registered Investment Advisors as their trusted outsourced Chief Investment Officer. You gain access to institutional-caliber investment research and portfolio management tailored to your firm's unique needs and fiduciary responsibilities. Their seasoned team develops customized investment strategies, asset allocation models, and risk management frameworks. Ongoing portfolio monitoring, performance analysis, and regular reporting ensure optimal outcomes. As a strategic partner, Greenrock empowers you to serve your clients with confidence. Discover more at Greenrock Research.
#3 Cornerstone Portfolio Research
A screenshot of the Cornerstone Portfolio Research website.
Cornerstone Portfolio Research focuses on helping RIAs with large AUM outsource their CIO function strategically. They understand that managing investments in-house requires dedicated resources and constant oversight, which can distract from client relationships and growth. Their OCIO services aim to enhance investment performance, improve risk management, and optimize operational efficiency. By leveraging Cornerstone, you can scale your firm without expanding your in-house investment team. Their approach is detailed in their guide on outsourcing your CIO.
#4 Helios Quantitative Research
A screenshot of the Helios Quantitative Research website.
Helios Quantitative Research helps financial advisors simplify and scale their investment process through quantitative research, portfolio oversight, and advisor enablement tools. You can choose from two service levels—Premium Research Services and Investment Committee Services—designed to fit your practice's current stage and grow with you. Their offerings include ETF, mutual fund, and stock research, quantitative investment models, and advanced portfolio design. Helios also provides compliance documentation and trading services, making it a comprehensive solution for advisors. Explore their outsourced CIO services for more details.
How to choose the right Financial & Business Services
When selecting an outsourced CIO partner, start by defining your firm's needs: Do you require full portfolio management or just research and models? Consider the level of customization you need and whether the provider offers ongoing monitoring and reporting. Evaluate their research depth and whether they provide client-ready content. Also, assess their experience serving RIAs and their understanding of fiduciary responsibilities. Finally, consider pricing clarity and scalability to ensure the partnership grows with you.
Expert Conclusion
Outsourcing your CIO function can be a game-changer for your RIA, but the right fit depends on your firm's size, client base, and investment philosophy. Greenrock Research offers a dedicated OCIO partnership exclusively for RIAs, while Burney Advisors brings proprietary equity research and customization. Cornerstone Portfolio Research caters to larger AUM firms seeking operational efficiency, and Helios Quantitative Research provides quantitative models with tiered services. Evaluate your priorities and choose the partner that aligns with your goals.