An investment manager is a professional who manages assets and invests funds on behalf of clients or institutions. They use their expertise in financial markets to make strategic decisions about buying, selling, and holding various types of securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate investments with the goal of maximizing returns while minimizing risk for their clients. Investment managers may work independently or be part of a larger firm that offers a range of financial services including wealth management, portfolio management, and retirement planning. They typically charge a fee for their services based on a percentage of assets under management or on an hourly basis.