FAQ on how Lestrade creates customer value
At Lestrade, our co-managed ODD model is designed to empower institutional investors and asset allocators with deep expertise, speed, and seamless collaboration.
But what does that look like in practice?
Co-managed ODD isn’t a layer on top of traditional due diligence—it’s a smarter, more agile foundation. From day one, we built Lestrade to solve the challenges that internal teams and large consultants often face:
the need to move fast without losing depth,
to bridge investors and asset managers with trust and transparency,
and to deliver conflict-free, truly independent insight.
In today’s environment—marked by regulatory change, rising complexity, and growing scrutiny—allocators need operational due diligence that doesn’t just tick boxes, but actively protects capital, supports fiduciary responsibility, and aligns with evolving investment mandates.
This isn’t process optimization. It’s architectural.
If you’re rethinking how ODD should work today, this FAQ is for you. Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions we receive.
1. What makes Lestrade’s co-managed ODD model different from traditional ODD providers?
Our co-managed model integrates our ODD expertise directly into your in-house processes—rather than operating as a detached external reviewer. By blending your local knowledge with our specialized skills, we deliver a friction-free, faster, and more personalized due diligence experience. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all providers, we tailor each step to your exact needs, ensuring deeper insights and stronger, long-term partnerships.
2. How flexible is your approach in adapting to our specific requirements?
Flexibility is key to our co-managed model. We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs, delivering insights that seamlessly integrate with your processes and objectives. Every report we provide is client-specific.
3. How do you integrate our internal teams effectively?
Seamless collaboration is core to our co-managed model. We align with your team’s preferred level of involvement—whether that means joining manager calls, requesting targeted follow-ups, reviewing draft findings, or delegating the entire process to us. Some clients stay closely engaged throughout; others prefer a light-touch approach. Either way, we ensure real-time visibility and responsiveness, so your internal oversight is always supported, never sidelined.
4. How quick can you deliver results, and how do you achieve this?
We’re built for speed. Our typical turnaround is five (5) weeks, with faster timelines possible for new selections or urgent reviews. What makes this possible? Streamlined workflows, a fully trained team ready to deploy immediately, and technology that eliminates delays and manual friction.
While timelines can depend on how promptly the asset manager engages with our DDQ and data requests, we’re structured to keep momentum—even when their reporting cycles are tight.
5. How does Lestrade deliver value faster?
Our value comes from laser-focused ODD expertise, without the extra layers you find in large consultancies. We’re nimble—our entire team is built around quick response times and close client relationships. By specializing in ODD alone, we avoid the bureaucratic hurdles of full-service firms and can out-execute them on speed, clarity, and personalized delivery every time.
6. Aren’t you too small to handle our needs?
Not at all. Our size is our strength. We maintain operational slack—strategic capacity designed to ensure responsiveness during high-pressure periods. Plus, our dedication to happy employees and continuous training makes our team resilient, engaged, and ready to deliver exceptional quality.
7. But how do you manage key-man risk in your team?
We eliminate key-man risk through a robust team structure. Everyone on our team is cross-trained, and all members are actively involved in each file – including the partners. This rotation system ensures deep familiarity across clients, asset classes and organizational types, which in turn guarantees continuity of service.
8. Can your approach scale with our growing needs?
Absolutely. Our process is designed for scale. Through our rotational associate program, new team members are contributing independently within six months—keeping our talent pipeline strong and ready.
We also build in operational slack: intentional excess capacity within our team structure that acts as a buffer during spikes in demand or accelerated timelines. This is a core part of our process design—it ensures we can take on new mandates without compromising quality, speed, or focus. Whether your needs grow steadily or shift suddenly, we’re built to scale alongside you.
9. How do you attract and retain talent?
Our commitment to good jobs practices means we invest heavily in our people. Continuous training, operational slack, and a healthy work-life balance create an environment where top talent thrives—and stays. This low turnover benefits our clients through consistent quality and relationship building.
10. How do you approach your relationship with our asset managers in a way that strengthens our relationship?
We take a collaborative, respectful approach with asset managers—because we understand they’re your long-term partners. Our process is designed to be as friction-free as possible, making it easy for managers to provide information, clarify gaps, and engage constructively.
Rather than positioning ourselves as auditors, we operate as facilitators—focused on improving processes and enhancing transparency. In fact, many managers become advocates of our approach, recognizing that we’re here to support—not scrutinize—the operational side of their business.
11. How do you ensure confidentiality and data security?
We safeguard all sensitive information using robust protocols within the secure Microsoft ecosystem—encryption at rest and in transit, strict user-access controls, and continuous monitoring by a certified third-party cybersecurity partner. Our team follows rigorous confidentiality standards, including role-based permissions, non-disclosure agreements, and documented breach-response procedures. These measures ensure your data remains fully protected throughout every step of our ODD process.
12. How does Lestrade’s model compare in cost to traditional ODD providers or building an in-house team?
Our one-off ODD rates are typically on par with other providers. However, partnering with Lestrade often cuts the per-review cost by as much as 40%—thanks to a streamlined co-managed subscription. Building a full in-house team at that same production level usually proves more expensive and slower to ramp up. With our model, you tap into an established ODD ecosystem immediately, rather than spending months creating one from scratch.
13. Does co-managed ODD mean I need to do a lot myself or hire additional people?
Not at all. Co-managed means you retain as much ODD knowledge as you wish in your organization while we handle most of the heavy lifting. Whether you prefer to stay hands-on or delegate tasks, we ensure our findings integrate seamlessly into your investment process—no extra hiring or exhaustive oversight required.
14. What’s the real benefit of this co-managed model?
Ultimately, it’s about turning ODD from a procedural hurdle into a strategic opportunity for you as Asset Allocator. You gain the agility of an external partner without sacrificing the depth of your own expertise. The best allocators already understand it’s not about 'make or buy'—it’s about having both.
What other questions do you have about how we create value?
Contact us at info@lestradefs.com