What is the primary purpose of an investment policy statement (IPS)?

The primary purpose of an investment policy statement (IPS) is to outline the goals, investment strategies, and guidelines for an investment portfolio. An IPS serves as a foundational document that provides clarity and structure to the investment process. It establishes the investor’s objectives, risk tolerance, and investment preferences, creating a framework within which the investment manager can operate. This comprehensive approach ensures that all investment decisions align with the specified goals and constraints, facilitating better communication between the investor and the investment manager.

Additionally, the IPS often addresses the time horizon for investments, asset allocation strategies, and specific investment vehicles that are considered acceptable. By having this clear set of guidelines, both the investor and the investment manager can work towards achieving the desired financial outcomes while adhering to the agreed-upon strategies.

Considering the other choices, tracking the performance of a fund focuses on evaluating results rather than setting foundational guidelines, while providing tax implications deals with a specific aspect of investment outcomes rather than investment strategy. Ensuring compliance with legal regulations is important, but it is generally a requirement that falls under broader operational policies rather than the primary objective of the IPS itself.