This month, we’re throwing a spotlight on the wonderful investment team at Intelligent Pensions.

For over a decade, our dedicated investment team has been at the heart of our strategic approach, fostering close collaboration across all departments in the business.

This small but highly skilled team oversees critical aspects of investment strategy, including:

  • Portfolio construction
  • Individual fund selection
  • Fund review
  • Fund research
  • Overall portfolio management.

Beyond this, the team provides invaluable support to our financial planners and clients, offering guidance and reassurance, particularly during times of market turbulence.

Collaboration within the team

Our investment manager, Karen Traquair, works closely with our investment director, Douglas Kearney, to oversee investment operations.

Karen’s role encompasses monitoring financial news, reviewing portfolio performance, addressing client requests, and exploring new fund opportunities. Her collaborative efforts ensure our strategies remain robust and aligned with client needs across platforms.

When asked about her role, Karen said, “On a daily basis, we monitor financial news and market updates to stay informed on global trends. We also receive daily data from our financial team regarding portfolio performance.

“We regularly review funds to ensure they remain suitable for our risk-rated portfolios. This involves using third-party ratings systems and risk-profiling tools to verify that portfolios meet our standards for risk and volatility.

“Additionally, we continually assess the broader fund universe to identify best-in-class funds for potential inclusion.

“My role also involves building portfolios across different platforms, coordinating with teams to ensure fund availability, and facilitating onboarding requests where necessary”.

Navigating market challenges

The team is acutely conscious that their work plays a crucial role in helping clients progress towards their retirement objectives.

A key aspect of the support the team provides is offering calm and thoughtful advice to colleagues and clients when the markets are volatile.

Such periods of uncertainty can lead to emotional decision-making. Indeed, human nature often drives a “fight or flight” response during stressful times.

Yet, under the leadership of Douglas Kearney, the team remains steadfast in its disciplined process, providing a reassuringly consistent approach however the market is performing.

While stressful periods – such as 2022, when nearly every asset class retreated – may test your resolve (and your nerves!), the investment team is always there to help you stay focused on your long-term goals.

Commitment to long-term investing

At Intelligent Pensions, we are committed long-term investors.

Our goal is to identify funds that offer attractive returns over time and ensure a well-diversified portfolio that effectively balances risk.

By blocking out short-term market noise and media distractions, we strive to provide consistent performance with minimal changes to portfolio structures.

This disciplined approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of “chopping and changing”, ensuring that long-term performance remains our unwavering focus.

Read more: How investing long term could help you stay calm in a volatile market

Building strong relationships

Much of our work involves cultivating strong relationships with fund managers. We stay closely updated on their strategies, investment views, portfolio construction, and performance.

Rather than judging results month-by-month, we evaluate funds in the context of their long-term objectives.

Regular face-to-face and online meetings ensure open communication and alignment.

Rigorous review processes

We dedicate significant time to reviewing the wealth of information provided by asset managers, including performance updates and new opportunities.

This constant analysis is complemented by formal fund reviews, which we conduct twice a year.

While we aim to avoid frequent changes, we act decisively when needed, for example, if a fund manager departs or a significant market event occurs.

To enhance these reviews, we utilise advanced tools such as Aladdin, the market-leading portfolio analysis software. This allows us to ensure our portfolios perform effectively within risk tolerances.

Additional portfolio services offered by other asset managers also contribute valuable insights.

A smooth financial journey

We hope you’ve enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek at the vital role of our investment team.

The Intelligent Pensions approach is often compared to a plane journey; our aim is to ensure a smooth flight with minimal turbulence, guiding you safely and stress-free to your financial destination.

While we can’t eliminate all market fluctuations, we remain committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence and peace of mind.

Get in touch

If you’d like to know more about how our investment team can help you progress towards your financial goals in 2025 and beyond, please get in touch.

Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.