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History

In 1972, W. Patrick Clarke began his career as a stockbroker at a time when other stockbrokers were struggling to survive. In 1975, he helped pioneer the concept of financial planning by developing a methodology for individual investing based on clients’ unique situations, including their goals, stage in life, personal circumstances and risk tolerance. By 1988, other financial planners were asking Mr. Clarke to apply his methodology for their clients. This led him to increasingly focus on being a third party asset manager for other financial planners.

In 1989, Mr. Clarke was the majority partner in creating the independent asset allocation firm Clarke Lanzen Skalla Investment Firm, LLC. The company was founded on the lessons learned by Mr. Clarke as both a financial advisor and an individual investor. With Mr. Clarke’s direction, that company would eventually become the money management firm CLS Investments, LLC.

Today, CLS works with more than 1,500 financial advisors and 1,300 qualified plan sponsors to manage 40,000 client portfolios as well as managing its own proprietary funds and creating additional fund families as demand dictates. Our business model of working with advisors is intentional and deliberate; it is a mutually beneficial connection. Advisors have a close relationship with their clients and can communicate to CLS critical and timely information as life changes occur with their clients. In a responsive relay, CLS can take appropriate and timely action in managing the clients’ portfolio. This allows CLS to augment and enhance an advisor’s service to clients. With more than $7 billion in assets under management, CLS has the investment experience to help you – and your clients – achieve financial success.

Our market research keeps us – and you – on top of industry news, from historical perspectives to current events to emerging trends. The marketplace is one of continual change and CLS can help you keep pace with that change. Recent innovations include our eProfile system (which makes the operational process of doing business easier for both you and your clients) and our communications package (which makes use of video, scan tags and mobile apps to keep you in touch with your clients). CLS has a competitive advantage and that advantage can be yours – as a CLS Investment Advisor.

  • Founded in 1989 by veteran financial advisor W. Patrick Clarke
  • One of the largest 3rd party money managers in the United States
  • Manages more than $7 Billion
  • 1,500 financial advisors, 1,300 plan sponsors, and 40,000 individual clients

Read the full history of CLS, a NORTHSTAR Company.

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