We are going through the painful correction, before it gets back to a better world

Not one to sit by the sidelines, Seven Investment Management chief executive Tom Sheridan is always ready to pitch in, charge forward and putt for success.

For 7IM, hitting the back of the winning net comes in the form of its high net-worth and independent focus.

As a pioneer in both wrap and multi-manager platforms in the UK the Surbiton hockey club captain sets his sights in keeping 7IM at the top of its game.

Mr Sheridan explained its strategy and said: “7IM has been pretty conservatively positioned for the past two years and still is. There are times to make money for your clients and there are times not to lose it.

“We do not promise people we are going to be the number one fund in the land, as the level of risk is one they have to take, but they should not expect us to be on the floor either.

“The view we have been taking is cautious. The combination of asset management and platform is unique and very important, and that will create a unique offering. We also, as we have integration with other platforms on the market, take a very interesting range to access investment world, which will become a popular approach.”

However, although built for the long-term investor, Mr Sheridan vows 7IM will not stand on its laurels.

He said: “One thing that investors will be sure of, is continued volatility in the market. Until we can get the banking system to function again, it is hard to see a sustained recovery, as we have a combination of a severe downturn and a banking crisis.

“Previously we have hit downturns, but the banks have functioned to help move the economy, to get back on its feet again.”

His solution is to remain consistent in the mixture of risk, by taking into account cash, fixed interest, commodities and equities.

He continued: “The most important aspect of investment is to figure out what type of investment or asset classes people want to be in or out of. The implementation of that decision is best left to somebody else.

“You allow yourself to take advantage of whatever is in the market including what will be coming up tomorrow, that is not included in today.

“The proportions of that change, and every three months we take another look at the world and we decide whether we want to add a little more risk, or take it off the table.

“What we do not want to do is to re-balance to a set formula, as we would rather take a look at what is happening next, then gear ourselves towards that view.”

Its logical, yet practical game plan, should come as no surprise to those who know the laid-back New Yorker.

The 56-year-old spent two decades with US stockbroker Prudential Bache on three continents, with the latter years as chief operating officer of its International Division in New York, having also taken the reins of its Australian and London-based subsidiaries.