Putnam Institute is a research and educational organization funded by Putnam Investments. Its focus is primarily on investment theory and practice related to retirement and educational savings and lifelong income provisions. It aims to critically examine key investment theories, strategies, and assumptions, and suggests changes that may achieve better outcomes for companies, institutions, plan sponsors, investment advisors, and individual investors. The Institute seeks to have an impact on the investment, academic, and policymaking communities by sharing its studies, seminars, and other educational events with the public, the media, and government officials. The Institute has a bias toward practical action, based on its core belief: There are no "perfect" solutions; but well-grounded research and practical experience can guide an unending process of innovation and improvement.
W. Van Harlow,
Ph.D., CFA
Director of Research
Dr. Harlow is Director of Investment Retirement Solutions at Putnam Investments. In his role, he is responsible for creating products and services that seek to address key investment goals. He also develops asset allocation tools and planning methodologies used by financial advisors, consultants, and plan sponsors in the retirement and institutional markets. Continue
Advisory board
Professor Keith C. Brown, Ph.D., CFA
Financial economist
University of Texas
Daniel P. Cassidy, FSA, CFA
Actuary
Cassidy Retirement Group
Professor Joseph F. Coughlin, Ph.D.
Aging expert
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Professor Christopher P. Hennessey, LL.M., CPA
Financial and estate planning
Babson College
Guy L. Patton
Endowments and foundations
University of Oklahoma Foundation
Professor Meir Statman, Ph.D.
Behavioral economist
Santa Clara University