CINCINNATI, June 4, 2025 — Ultimus Fund Solutions, a prominent provider of comprehensive fund administration and investor services, has successfully completed the transition of Sterling Capital Management’s mutual fund portfolio to its advanced servicing platform. This strategic shift involves 18 mutual funds that span 60 share classes and manage approximately $4.8 billion in assets. The move represents a significant step in enhancing operational efficiency and service capacity for Sterling Capital, an indirect subsidiary of Guardian Capital.
The relationship between Ultimus and Sterling Capital is deepening, having initially begun with the administration of the firm’s actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Sterling Capital’s decision to extend its partnership with Ultimus follows their positive experience with the provider’s award-winning services, thereby broadening the scope of Ultimus’s responsibilities to encompass the full mutual fund complex.
In recent years, investment firms have increasingly recognized the value of outsourcing fund administration to specialists like Ultimus, facilitating a sharper focus on strategic investment initiatives and client engagement. This transition allows Sterling Capital to realign its operational strategy across its investment offerings, with an emphasis on delivering high-quality products to its shareholders.
James Gillespie, managing director of Sterling Capital, underscored the importance of this transition, stating that the partnership with Ultimus enhances their ability to provide competitive investment options while maintaining a commitment to efficiency. “We value our existing relationship with Ultimus and appreciate the support they have provided throughout this transition,” Gillespie noted, emphasizing the alignment of their investment products.
In conjunction with the mutual fund conversion, Sterling Capital is also set to launch a new ETF, marking its second addition to the market with Ultimus. This initiative is indicative of Sterling Capital’s ongoing commitment to diversify its investment offerings in response to the changing demands of both advisors and investors. The launch will leverage Ultimus’s cutting-edge technology and established industry connections, further bolstering Sterling’s presence in the competitive ETF arena.
Gary Tenkman, CEO of Ultimus Fund Solutions, expressed pride in the evolving partnership, affirming the efficacy of Ultimus’s solutions in enhancing operational efficiency. “This decision speaks to the strength of our solutions and highlights our ability to bolster the operational efficiency of their mutual funds and ETFs,” Tenkman remarked. He affirmed Ultimus’s ongoing commitment to support Sterling Capital as it explores new fund structures and strategies.
As the investment landscape becomes increasingly complex, the role of experienced fund administrators like Ultimus is paramount. The firm’s emphasis on technology and human expertise underpins its service model, allowing it to cater to the unique needs of a wide spectrum of clients, from pension funds to private foundations. Ultimus operates with more than 1,100 professionals, including accountants, attorneys, compliance specialists, and fund administrators, all focused on delivering tailor-made solutions to enhance the operational frameworks of its clients.
With over 2,100 traditional and alternative funds under its management, Ultimus plays a crucial role in helping investment managers navigate today’s dynamic financial markets. As firms like Sterling Capital aim to adapt swiftly to emerging trends and investor preferences, their strategic partnerships with technology-driven service providers will be vital for sustaining long-term growth and operational scalability.
Ultimus’s headquarters in Cincinnati, complemented by offices in major cities such as Denver, New York, and Philadelphia, positions the firm to provide localized support while maintaining a broad reach. The company’s ongoing investments in talent and technology reflect a commitment to evolving with the financial landscape, ensuring that clients are well-equipped to meet the changing demands of the market.
In an environment where investment risks are inherent and the potential for principal loss exists, the alignment of operational capacities with strategic investment objectives is critical. The shift of Sterling Capital’s mutual funds to Ultimus not only serves as a case study in effective partnership management but also embodies a broader trend in the financial services industry towards enhanced operational efficiencies.
The management of mutual funds carries with it a host of regulatory responsibilities and operational challenges. By selecting a dedicated fund administration partner, firms like Sterling Capital can focus more intently on their core business of investment management. As the marketplace continues to evolve, the move towards specialized fund services is likely to gain further traction, leading to expanded relationships across the financial services landscape.
While the current informative exchange highlights only the immediate impacts of the conversion and the new ETF launch, it also suggests potential future collaborations between Ultimus and Sterling Capital as both entities seek to capitalize on the synergies created through their enhanced partnership.
In summary, the successful conversion of Sterling Capital’s mutual funds to Ultimus Fund Solutions positions both firms for future growth and adaptability in a continually changing financial environment. The decision not only ensures the provision of high-quality service to fund shareholders but also reflects a proactive approach to meeting evolving investor needs amidst competitive market pressures. As firms navigate this complex landscape, partnerships that leverage technological innovations and industry expertise will likely become pivotal to sustaining long-term financial success.