Setting the ball rolling in implementing its Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Economic Stabilization Act, the Treasury Department announced October 13 that it had hired Chicago-based EnnisKnupp and Associates to serve as its investment advisor to help implement TARP.
In announcing the hire, Treasury said EnnisKnupp and Associates will “begin work immediately to help the Department administer the complex portfolio of troubled assets the Department will purchase.” Treasury said it hired the investment consultant “for assistance as it evaluates potential asset managers and other vendors.” The firms’ duties also will include “developing and maintaining investment policies and guidelines and assisting with the oversight of the portfolio’s multiple asset managers. This oversight will include helping Treasury to determine asset allocations for each manager, evaluating the performance and costs, identifying conflicts of interest and identifying strategic investment and market issues impacting the overall portfolio,” Treasury said.