Rock cairns are used throughout the world to serve as reliable and steadfast trailmarkers that can withstand the tests of time and the elements.
Cairn Investment Performance Consulting provides the industry with expert guidance and resources related to their investment management and performance measurement practices. Our comprehensive services can include GIPS Standards Verification, Back-Office Support, Performance Measurement Services, Composite Management, Risk Analytics and Portfolio Characteristics, and GIPS compliance support. We also leverage our extensive experience to provide educational training and review materials for the CIPM certificate.
Like our namesake, we strive to be a strong and reliable partner in helping our clients reach their destinations, when the path forward may seem uncertain.
After many years of conducting GIPS Standards verifications and ad hoc performance projects, we observed that many firms recognize the need for reliable performance figures and/or GIPS compliance, but lack the resources and/or expertise to achieve their goals. Some firms start by looking for a verification firm, and don’t adequately assess the commitment of resources needed for these projects. That’s where we come in.
On the other hand, if you are already GIPS compliant, or close, our verification services might be exactly what you need. At Cairn Investment Performance Consulting we believe each firm is unique. Accordingly, each GIPS standards verification must take into account those unique aspects. We start with a custom risk-based verification plan, add experienced US based professionals, test for compliance and as issues may arise provide expert education to the firm.
While technology is used, as an agile company we are not constrained by it. Instead professional judgement and real world experiences frame our verification work.
If you feel that your current verifier doesn’t understand you or are ready for a fresh approach to verification please include us in your next verification cycle.
We were originally founded as Nelson Investment Performance Measurement Services in 2009, and were succeeded by Cairn IPC in 2012. Our mission has remained constant: to provide a wide range of expert guidance and efficient investment performance solutions to investment advisors. With broad experience in GIPS compliance, practical knowledge of performance measurement, and essential understandings of performance software, we have developed a hands-on approach to move your projects to their conclusion, using the most experienced and efficient resources available to you.
Time-tested experience ~ Rock-solid reliability
Christian Nelson, CIPM
Managing Member
(541) 414-3123 Ext 1
Christian founded our predecessor firm in 2009, Nelson IPM Services, to fulfill a much needed service of hands-on performance measurement services and consulting to investment advisory firms. With grounding in the best practices of the GIPS standards, and in-depth knowledge of programming, and accounting systems, Christian is able to use his insights and creativity to assist firms in finding the shortest path to their destination, using the most efficient resources possible. Prior to founding Nelson IPM Services, Christian worked for the Performance Measurement Resource Group, providing similar services to those provided today. Christian also spent four years providing GIPS consulting and verification services with Ashland Partners & Company, working with firms across the U.S., and in Mexico, Chile, Korea, China, and the United Kingdom.
- Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®)
- B.S. in Accounting, University of Oregon
- Member of CIPM Association
Erik Johnsen, CFA, CPA, CIPM
Managing Member
(541) 414-3123 Ext 2
Erik joined our predecessor firm in 2010 as a highly experienced professional who assists firms in achieving GIPS compliance and operational efficiency in the areas of GIPS compliance, performance measurement, and marketing. Erik has established the reputation as an expert and resource for clients and colleagues in the areas of GIPS compliance and interpretations, performance measurement, alternative investments, and international issues. Erik also develops and serves as our lead instructor for our CIPM review material. Prior to joining Cairn, Erik spent seven years as a Manager with Ashland Partners & Company, gaining invaluable experience from conducting hundreds of verification and consulting engagements across the U.S. and around the globe, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Poland, and Romania. Erik also previously worked as a public company Research Analyst at William O’Neil + Co.
- Chartered Financial Analyst®
- Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®)
- Certified Public Accountant
- B.A. in Political Science and Economics, University of California, Los Angeles
- Member of CFA Institute
- Member of CFA Society of Los Angeles
- Member of CIPM Association
Zach Innes
Performance Consultant
Zach joined Cairn Investment Performance Consulting at the beginning of 2018 and brings a unique perspective to the team. He previously worked in the aviation industry gaining a wide breadth of experience in aviation and security guidelines, customer service, operational management. Zach graduated from Southern Oregon University in 2017 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Public Accounting. Zach’s problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and aptitude for learning make him a valuable asset to the team.