Overview
Marquette Associates is an independent investment consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm advises institutional investors on approximately $350 billion in total assets, providing guidance on asset allocation, manager selection, and investment program design across traditional and alternative asset classes.
Marquette has built a strong reputation serving mid-sized institutional investors including endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, and pension plans. The firm’s alternatives practice helps clients construct and manage their private equity, real estate, hedge fund, and infrastructure programs through manager research, recommendation, and ongoing portfolio monitoring.
The firm’s OCIO practice has been a growth area, providing smaller institutions with discretionary investment management that includes private market allocations. This gives Marquette both advisory influence and direct capital allocation authority, making the firm relevant to GPs seeking both consulting coverage and direct commitments.
How to Approach
GPs should engage with Marquette Associates’ alternatives research team to present their fund strategies and establish relationships. The firm’s consulting clients rely on Marquette’s manager recommendations when making private equity commitments, making the firm an important gatekeeper for institutional capital.
Marquette evaluates managers through a structured due diligence process and maintains research ratings that drive client recommendations. GPs with strategies suited to mid-sized institutional portfolios, typically mid-market buyout, growth equity, and specialized strategies, will find alignment with Marquette’s client base. The firm’s OCIO practice also represents direct commitment opportunities for managers who meet the firm’s investment criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of institutional investors does Marquette Associates serve?
Marquette Associates advises a diverse range of institutional investors including endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and Taft-Hartley funds. The firm has particular strength in serving mid-sized institutions that may not have large internal investment staffs, providing comprehensive consulting services that cover both traditional and alternative asset classes.
How does Marquette Associates help clients with private equity allocation?
Marquette Associates helps clients design their private equity programs including setting allocation targets, developing pacing plans, selecting fund managers, and monitoring portfolio performance. The firm's alternatives research team evaluates private equity managers across strategies and provides ranked recommendations to clients. Marquette also assists with secondary market transactions and portfolio rebalancing.
Does Marquette Associates offer OCIO services?
Yes. Marquette Associates offers outsourced CIO services for institutions that want discretionary portfolio management. Through its OCIO practice, Marquette has the authority to make investment decisions including private equity fund commitments on behalf of clients. This service is particularly valuable for smaller endowments and foundations that benefit from professional investment management without maintaining a full internal team.
