Here we reveal what’s behind CCI Asset Management’s (CCI AM) first 20 years. More than a performance-based celebration, this is a story of a partner delivering value and stability despite often volatile times, and about understanding the importance of the Mission of the Church and our role in supporting Church entities and Catholic communities.
Delivering specialist understanding
After nearly a decade with CCI AM, David Smith, National Business Development Manager, believes trust and understanding are the key to success. As a Catholic owned specialist investment provider, established to protect the Church’s assets and to manage returns to ultimately enable the Church’s Mission, CCI AM is very clear on what continues to add the real value for our Catholic clients.
“Much like why our parent company was established over 100 years ago to provide insurance for the Church, for the last 20 years we’ve been working with CDF’s and other Church entities to provide Catholic aligned investment strategies.”
The portfolio hit $1 billion of funds under management in 2013. Today, this exceeds $2 billion*, and while size and scale is a measure of success, for CCI AM we are focussed on building trust and developing a clear understanding of the needs of our clients and the outcomes they are seeking. Victor Dunn, Chancellor, Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, recently reflected on the relationship with CCI AM.
“Our relationship started back in 2013. A deep understanding of our situation and ongoing Mission was the initial attraction. This delivered a proactive investment strategy fully aligned with a robust Catholic Values Policy. I’m heartened to say, this consultative and progressive approach continues to this day.”
A guiding light
Foundation principles, such as aligning investments with Catholic values, have been fundamental to CCI AM’s investment philosophy. Added to this, the profit-sharing program sees a proportion of annual profits reinvested into client portfolios to give back to the Catholic community.
Early clients, such as the Marist Sisters Australia, still see this focus as a unique point of difference.
Sr Noelene Simmons, General Bursar, Marist Sisters Australia, takes up the story.
“The Marist Sisters were looking for a managed fund that would be based on ethical principles. There was a need to receive a return on the investment to support the work of our sisters in Mission areas. We also wanted to be sure that our money was not being used to fund initiatives that were in conflict with our Marist values or Catholic Social Teaching. The Catholic Values Trust was an opportunity for us to realise these goals. The Marist Sisters have invested with CCI Asset Management since 2003 and have been pleased with both the portfolio performance and the reporting procedures.”
‘More for the Mission’ has long been CCI AM’s rallying call. Understanding Catholic clients is the cornerstone of collective success. This continues to result in investment solutions that support the financial goals of the Church. It helps keep vital funds flowing – to improve schools, parishes, aged care facilities, and hospitals. In short, to support those who need Catholic care the most.
Stronger together
William Manuel, Head of Asset Management, sums up why, 20 years on, increasing numbers of Catholic entities are turning to CCI AM.
“We are motivated and driven by helping our Catholic clients provide care when and where it is needed most. This is the reason why we do what we do. Our resolve to create responsive investment strategies that deliver the right kind of Catholic future for all is stronger than ever. We’re all about building resilience and sustainability for future generations.”
If you’re passionate about achieving more for the Catholic Mission, we’re ready to talk about your investment strategy for the next 20 years when you are.
