Envestnet | PMC Launches Liquid Alternatives Program

CHICAGO, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ENVESTNET | PMC ("PMC"), the portfolio consulting group of Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV), a leading provider of wealth management solutions to financial advisors, is pleased to announce the launch of a Liquid Alternatives Program designed to help advisors identify high-performing liquid alternative strategies, mainly in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), while providing guidance in utilizing these portfolios. The Program is a direct response to the growing demand for accessible alternative strategies, as advisors seek solutions for improving portfolio diversification, reducing volatility and enhancing absolute performance in all market environments.

"PMC enables advisors to access a range of pre-screened, vetted alternative investment products across a wide range of styles. Our new Liquid Alternatives Program is the latest example of this commitment," said Brandon Thomas, Envestnet's Co-founder, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer. "Through this program, PMC's alternatives research group strives to help advisors navigate the liquid alternatives landscape, gain greater understanding and comfort around these alternative strategies and build more diversified portfolios."

Alternative investment strategies provide risk-and-return characteristics that are not found in long-only equity and fixed income portfolios. The PMC Liquid Alternatives Program allows advisors to seamlessly access alternative strategies in mutual funds and ETFs designed to pursue improved overall portfolio performance.

The PMC Liquid Alternatives Program seeks to identify, evaluate and approve hedge fund-like investment strategies that are available in a liquid, transparent structure. Through the program, advisors can access PMC's proprietary universe of more than 150 strategies across the alternatives spectrum, including long/short, merger arbitrage, absolute return, global tactical and others.  On an ongoing basis, PMC will review the alternatives landscape to add new strategies to the program based on quantitative and qualitative screens.

In addition, PMC will be adding new liquid alternatives portfolios to its existing Enhanced Portfolio Strategies series. These portfolios combine strategies from the PMC Liquid Alternatives Program into accessible, packaged solutions that are designed to complement each of the risk-based asset allocation models on the Envestnet platform.

"The proliferation of alternative mutual funds and ETFs has provided investors and their advisors with more choices for improving portfolio diversification and performance, while making the advantages of alternatives accessible to almost any investor," said Mr. Thomas. "Our Liquid Alternatives Program narrows this rapidly growing alternatives universe for advisors, providing an innovative solution for today's constantly changing marketplace and evolving investor needs."

About ENVESTNET | PMC

ENVESTNET | PMC has a proven tradition of "advising the advisor" by providing expert consulting and analytical investment solutions to financial advisors and their clients. As Envestnet's portfolio consulting group, PMC seeks to add value at all stages of the investment process by constructing customized portfolios, conducting rigorous research on asset managers and investment vehicles, creating tools to streamline an advisor's practice and by developing innovative solutions that address unmet investment needs. At PMC, the goal is to strengthen the relationship between advisors and their clients, driven by an unwavering focus on "perfecting the portfolio."® As of December 31, 2010, Envestnet had $14.5 billion in assets under management.

For more information about PMC, please visit envestnet.com or investpmc.com.

This document contains no investment advice or recommendations and is provided for informational purposes only. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios mentioned in this document will provide positive performance over any period of time. Investors could lose money if they invest in accordance with the portfolios discussed herein. The asset classes and/or investment strategies described above may not be suitable for all investors and investors should first consult with an investment advisor before investing. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor's specific financial needs and objectives, goals, time horizon, tax liability and risk tolerance. Neither Envestnet|PMC nor its representatives render tax, accounting or legal advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

SOURCE Envestnet