Tom Brakke, CFA, principal and editor of The Investment Ecosystem, provides advice to the leaders of investment organizations, including asset managers, institutional asset owners, wealth management firms, and other entities. His broad experience enables him to analyze a particular organization in the context of the ecosystem by knowing the capabilities and motivations of rivals, partners, and clients.
All of Tom’s work is focused on improving current practices and identifying new ideas for leaders to consider. He regularly deals with issues of organizational design, investment process, decision making, the application of technology, the development of human capital, and the effective communication of investment ideas internally and externally.
Tom has evaluated many different kinds of investment organizations. His consulting, training, writing, and speaking mix research and creativity to present new possibilities for investment professionals and other fiduciaries to consider.
Tom worked for fifteen years in professional investment management and leadership roles with American Express Financial Advisors. With experience in both equities and fixed income, he held positions as an analyst, portfolio manager, and director of investment research. Tom was president of Advisory Capital Strategies, the firm's alternative investment division, and led a unit that created a variety of investment products. He subsequently taught at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
Thomas J. Brakke, LLC, which does business as The Investment Ecosystem and tjb research, was formed in 2003, when Tom became an independent consultant for the Global Research Analyst Settlement.
Tom lives in the Twin Cities.