5 Largest Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in Connecticut

2. Bridgewater Associates = ~$235B+ in AUM

Founded by Ray Dalio in 1975, Bridgewater Associates is a Westport, Connecticut-based asset management firm delivering unique insight and partnership for certain private investment funds and institutional investors worldwide. Dalio built Bridgewater using a principle-based approach by applying standard ways to deal with complex situations. With the goal of creating an idea meritocracy, Dalio wrote a set of principles that became the framework for the firm's management philosophy. Chief among them is employing radical truth and transparency. The firm's investment process is driven by a pursuit to understand how the world’s markets and economies work — using cutting edge technology to validate and execute on timeless and universal investment principles. By fostering a culture of openness, transparency and inclusion, Bridgewater Associates strives to unlock complex matters in investment strategy, management and corporate culture.

Quick Hitters:

- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Westport, CT
- Discretionary Assets: ~$235B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $0
- Total AUM: ~$235B+
- Specialties: Portfolio management and advisory services to individuals, institutions, trusts, private funds, charitable organizations, and investment companies 

3. Capula Investment Management = ~$105+ in AUM

Established in 2005, Capula Investment Management is a UK registered fixed income specialist headquartered in London with affiliated entities in Greenwich, CT; New York; Hong Kong; Singapore and Tokyo. The firm manages absolute return, enhanced fixed income, volatility and tail risk strategies. Capula Investment Management develops innovative investment strategies that exhibit low correlation to traditional equity and fixed income markets. The firm operates within a multi-faceted corporate governance framework and seeks to provide quality service to its diversified global investor base - primarily sovereigns, institutions and financial intermediaries. Capula Investment Management is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 

Quick Hitters:

- Founded: 2005
- Headquarters: Greenwich, CT
- Discretionary Assets: ~$105B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $0
- Total AUM: ~$105B+
- Specialties: Global fixed income specialist; manages absolute return, enhanced fixed income, volatility and tail risk strategies

4. Conning Inc. = ~$101B+ in AUM

With roots dating back to 1912, Conning Inc. is a Hartford, Connecticut-based investment management firm with a long history of serving the insurance industry. With additional offices throughout Asia and Europe, Conning supports institutional investors (including pension plans) with investment solutions, risk modeling software and industry research. In November of 2020, the firm announced the launch of a new Climate Risk Reporting and Scenario Service, equipping institutional investors with the tools needed to assess portfolio risk under a range of climate change stresses. Conning’s Board of Directors supervises management’s efforts to adhere to the firm’s standards for investment operations, including ESG considerations.

Quick Hitters:

- Founded: 1912
- Headquarters: Hartford, CT
- Discretionary Assets: ~$100B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: ~$1.5B+
- Total AUM: ~$101B+
- Specialties: Asset management, risk solutions, insurance industry research, pension LDI solutions, liability-driven investing, investment accounting and reporting 

5. Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO) = ~$101B+ in AUM

Founded in 1981, Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO) operates as an investment management firm offering fixed income, commercial mortgage loans, equities and portfolio management services to insurance, sub-advisory and other institutional clients in the United States, England and Asia. HIMCO’s investment philosophy is centered on the belief that markets often overreact and risk can become misaligned. Identifying and exploiting these relative-value opportunities assist in delivering consistent risk-adjusted returns. The firm uses a balanced investment process with macro-strategy, sector rotation and security selection as the three main sources of performance. A consistent quantitative framework in conjunction with qualitative inputs and disciplined fundamental analysis inform portfolio construction. HIMCO offers holistic and sector-specific capabilities to enhance investment portfolios. HIMCO has a history of managing assets on behalf of its parent company, The Hartford, and provides strategies for retail and institutional investors as well. The firm's broad capability set — across fixed income, equity and alternative markets — allows them to offer comprehensive investment management for a variety of client needs.

Quick Hitters:

- Founded: 1981
- Headquarters: Hartford, CT
- Discretionary Assets: ~$100B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $1.6B+
- Total AUM: ~$101B+
- Specialties: Fixed income, commercial mortgage loans and portfolio management services to clients in the US, England and Asia

RIA Review:

In general terms, a registered investment advisor (RIA) is a firm advising or managing the wealth of high net-worth individuals or institutions. Directly regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), RIAs offer a wide range of financial services - from wealth and investment management to direct lending and personal finance education, etc. An important distinction regarding RIAs is the fiduciary obligation to always act in the best interest of their clients.

For more information on RIAs, check out our recent blog post: Exploring the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Channel, or visit the FINTRX Resource Library below.