Following Courtiers’ latest LSEG Lipper Award for long‑term performance, Chief Investment Officer Gary Reynolds reflects on the origins of the Courtiers funds, the lessons learned across decades of market cycles, and why disciplined risk management has always come before short‑term gains.
Gary explains why the Courtiers Funds were created in the first place:
- To allow portfolios to be rebalanced responsibly without triggering unnecessary tax consequences for clients
- To manage and maintain diversification to maximise opportunity and mitigate risk
- To ensure alignment with clients’ long‑term objectives.
The structure of the funds, established nearly two decades ago, continues to underpin the funds today.
Reflecting on major market episodes, from the dot‑com boom and bust to modern‑day geopolitical shocks – Gary highlights how technology, data and improved information flow have changed the way markets react, while uncertainty remains a constant. Meanwhile Courtiers upholds a basic rule-of-three in its investment approach: obsessive attention to risk, broad diversification and the flexibility to adapt when things change.
Gary also shares his views on the evolving role of technology and AI in investment management as a tool to enhance decision‑making and efficiency. It will not replace human judgement, ever. The responsibility that comes with managing clients’ capital across generations isn’t something you can just pop into a machine and expect to come out the other side with a comparable level of empathy, understanding and focus on the future. The human touch cannot be replaced, just as AI cannot itself provide a level of comfort in decision-making without careful scrutiny through human analysis.
Ultimately, this latest award serves as reassurance that the funds are doing what they were designed to do: deliver long‑term outcomes within clearly defined risk parameters, through whatever the markets bring next.
For the full interview and deeper insights, watch the video or tune into the latest podcast.
Watch: Jake Reynolds responds to LSEG Lipper Fund award announcement