Mary Beth Lato, CFA

Senior Asset Allocation Strategist

Bachelor of Commerce (honours), Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
CFA Charterholder, CFA Institute


Mary Beth Lato is a director of investment strategy & solutions for Russell Investments’ Americas Institutional business. Mary Beth has responsibility for the completion of strategic reviews (non-profit strategic reviews and asset / liability studies) and risk-monitoring exercises for clients and prospects. As part of the strategic review process, Mary Beth educates clients on the impact of investment risk on organizational goals to assist clients in determining the appropriate level of investment risk to take. Mary Beth also educates clients on how the current market environment impacts the ability of non-profits and pension plans to meet their goals, and how investment diversification can assist in meeting those goals. Mary Beth helps clients reach an effective asset allocation decision by bringing together spending needs, liabilities and available asset classes in a risk-reward framework.

Prior to this role Mary Beth was in the Investment Consulting group where she provided analytical and strategic support to defined benefit and non-profit clients. She was responsible for client service support connected with investment strategies, investment implementation, performance monitoring and manager evaluation.

Prior to this role, Mary Beth was in the London office where she worked in the Consulting & Advisory Services Team. She focused on quantitative analysis and supporting consultants in providing a wide range of investment advice to institutional clients across Europe focussing on investment strategy, asset allocation, liability-hedging and risk budgeting. Mary Beth joined Russell Investments in 2007.


Liquidity considerations for non-profit investors

December, 2023
Uncover the power of private assets in meeting long-term goals efficiently. Learn how a holistic approach balances liquidity needs, risk, and performance in investment portfolios.

Non-profit spending policy options

March, 2020
A useful framework for non-profit fiduciaries to help support the needs of their communities for generations to come.