About XO. Consultants
Expertise Built for Complexity
Navigating the complex landscape of modern investment management requires more than just expertise—it demands a strategic partner who understands the intricacies of your business, from regulatory compliance to succession planning.
At XO. Consultants, we specialize in providing high-level strategic consulting to senior management teams at leading investment firms, asset managers, and family offices. Whether it’s fund structuring, transaction guidance, new business formation, or navigating special situations, we deliver insights that enable clarity and confidence.
Our team brings decades of experience in strategic advisory, tailored to the distinct challenges faced by senior decision-makers in investment management. We understand that the stakes are high—whether you’re structuring a new fund, managing complex transactions, or transitioning ownership. Our advisors have walked this path before and bring a refined understanding of market dynamics, legal requirements, and the nuanced needs of asset managers and family offices.
Founding Partner
The consulting boutique XO. Consultants GmbH was founded in 2024 by Dr. Carsten Fischer who excels with a distinguished career in the legal and compliance sectors. Before returning to entrepreneurship, Dr. Fischer served as the Head of Legal and Compliance at Union Investment from January 1, 2015. In this role, he managed a team of 75 employees across three departments: Regulatory Law, Compliance & Anti-Money Laundering, and Corporate Law, including the Information Security and Data Protection unit. His responsibilities spanned multiple locations, including Frankfurt, Hamburg, Luxembourg, and Vienna.
From 2019, Dr. Fischer also served as a member of the Executive Committee of Union Investment and as a Supervisory Board member of Union Investment Luxembourg, demonstrating his strategic leadership within the organization.
Prior to his tenure at Union Investment, Dr. Fischer gained twelve years of experience as a lawyer, including significant roles as a partner at the prestigious U.S. law firms Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in London and Frankfurt, and Dechert LLP in Munich and Frankfurt. His expertise in investment law and funds management earned him recognition in leading legal directories such as Legal 500, Chambers, and JUVE, where he was repeatedly named as one of Germany’s top experts in this field.
With his extensive background in legal practice, compliance management, and strategic advisory roles, Dr. Fischer brings a wealth of experience to XO. Consultants GmbH, positioning the firm as a specialist in legal and regulatory consulting.
Partner/CEO
Carlos Böhles is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of XO. Consultants Services GmbH, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the asset management and financial services industry to the firm.
Before taking on his role at XO. Consultants Services GmbH, Carlos Böhles served as Head of Institutional Business for Germany and Austria at Schroder Investment Management.
In this position, he was responsible for overseeing the institutional business and contributed significantly to the tenfold growth of Assets under Management.
He led a team across Germany and Austria and was a member of the European Institutional Management Team, collaborating on cross-border strategic initiatives and integration projects.
Prior to his tenure at Schroders, Carlos Böhles held senior positions at Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers, where he worked closely with leading institutional investors in Germany and Europe and supported major primary and secondary capital market transactions. His early international training at Lehman Brothers in New York and London provided him with a broad foundation in sales, trading, and research.
Carlos Böhles holds a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and a Master of Arts in Philosophy, History, and Islamic Studies from Heidelberg University. He is also a Certified European Financial Analyst (CEFA).
Through XO. Consultants Services GmbH, Carlos Böhles and his team support asset managers and investors with targeted distribution strategies, market access, and strategic consulting — offering a practical, experienced, and results-oriented partnership to meet today’s complex industry demands.
Why „XO. Consultants“?
In the context of the U.S. military, an XO, or Executive Officer, serves as the second-in-command within a unit, such as a battalion or company. The XO operates as the primary deputy to the commanding officer, ensuring the seamless execution of strategic directives and overseeing daily operations.
The key responsibilities of an XO include managing logistics, resource allocation, operational planning, and interdepartmental coordination. Acting as a critical enabler, the XO ensures that the unit runs efficiently and adheres to established standards and policies. Additionally, the XO frequently bridges communication between the commander and the broader team.
In terms of competencies, an XO must exhibit exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and strategic foresight. The role demands decisiveness and adaptability, as the XO often assumes command in the commander’s absence. This position embodies operational excellence and strategic support, a concept that directly inspired the ethos of “XO. Consultants” in empowering both, senior management as well as the organization, to achieve optimal performance.