ABOUT US
Consultants to higher education and not-for-profit institutions
The Yuba Group was founded in 2010 with the focused goal of providing independent, objective analysis and advice to higher education and not-for-profit institutions. We recognize that institutional capital planning and financing have become even more challenging in today’s uncertain economic environment, and the volatility in the markets and the unique culture at each institution makes decision-making even more difficult than in the past. We seek to bring together complex quantitative analysis with experienced strategic approaches based on detailed knowledge of financial institutions, capital markets, rating agencies and higher education and not-for-profit institutions to best serve our clients.
Our Approach
Objective and informed perspective and judgment
As the investment and commercial banking community continues to focus on profitability and discrete transactions, we believe that there are conflicts that can arise from relying on traditional banking relationships to guide decisions. As a result, governing boards and senior management appear to have placed greater value on independent advice and assistance in evaluating and implementing financing decisions over the longer term.
Customized and analytic approach
Given the unique nature of each institution’s needs, organizational structure and decision-making process, we tailor our engagements to reflect the specific scope and services desired by our clients. Despite the shared missions of many of our clients, there is no “one size fits all” approach, and the customized analytical tools and models we develop reflect the specific circumstances of each client.
Strategic guidance, advice and counsel
Although we are able to develop and successfully execute complex (as well as straightforward) debt and/or swap transactions due to the many decades of banking experience of our professionals, our approach is longer term and more strategic in nature. We recognize, and enjoy sharing, the challenges our clients face in working through issues to determine an appropriate and thoughtful approach and strategy to assist in the capital planning and financing process within current and potential internal, and external, economic realities and constraints.
Informal role as industry advocates
We are careful to respect the confidentiality of our clients and not to represent their views unless specifically requested; however, we are committed to serving as general advocates for the higher education and not-for-profit industry in our discussions and interactions with financial institutions, rating agencies, and other industry participants. We seek to do this in a congenial manner by developing collegial relationships with other market participants in order to engage in constructive dialogue that we hope will benefit our clients and the industry as a whole.
What’s a “Yuba”?
- Originally made by Buddhist monks and prized for its delicacy and nutritional value, yuba is derived from carefully skimming off the top of hot soybean milk. According to legend, the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang (B.C. 259 to 210) believed that consuming yuba would prolong life.
- The Yuba River runs through northern California and is considered one of the last strongholds for wild, self-sustaining salmon and steelhead runs. It is also home to the Yuba Goldfields created during the mid-1800s Gold Rush.