Great Lakes Advisors, LLC is an investment advisory firm founded in 1981 and wholly owned by Wintrust Financial Corporation. The firm offers discretionary and non-discretionary investment management services across a wide range of U.S. equity, international equity, balanced, and fixed income strategies. Great Lakes Advisors serves high-net-worth individuals, families, institutional investors, pension plans, endowments, and participants in various wrap fee programs. The firm utilizes a combination of quantitative models, fundamental research, and risk-based asset allocation approaches to construct portfolios aligned with client objectives. In addition to traditional separately managed accounts, the firm manages commingled funds, collective investment trusts, and acts as a sub-advisor for mutual funds. Clients may also access services through various proprietary programs such as Private Wealth Direct and Multi-Asset Strategies. The firm operates under a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of its clients, though certain affiliations with Wintrust banking and brokerage entities create inherent business and financial conflicts of interest.
Fee Structure
Portfolio-Based Fees (Tiered)
| Portfolio Value | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1.0M | 1.00% |
| $1.0M - $5.0M | 0.75% |
| $5.0M - $10.0M | 0.50% |
| $10.0M - $25.0M | 0.35% |
| $25M+ | 0.25% |
Fees and minimums are negotiable. Institutional and other program schedules vary by strategy type.