Francy Taylor, Executive Director at Colonial First State, and Toby Potter, Chair of the Investment Management Association of Australia, dive into the booming world of managed accounts. They discuss the significant rise in advisor usage from 16% to 56%, fueled by tech advances and custom strategies. The duo tackles the complexities of benchmarking and the importance of tailored portfolios that align with clients’ goals. They also highlight the evolving fiduciary responsibilities, emphasizing the need for personalized interactions in today's dynamic financial landscape.
The significant growth in managed accounts, increasing from 16% to 56% adoption since 2012, demonstrates their rising popularity among financial advisors driven by efficiency and customization.
Technological advancements in managed accounts are enabling advisors to offer personalized investment strategies, thereby enhancing client relationships and adapting to complex financial needs.
Deep dives
Growth and Efficiency of Managed Accounts
Managed accounts have experienced significant growth, with funds under management nearing $200 billion, highlighting their rising popularity among financial advisors. This growth is largely attributed to the efficiency they offer, allowing advisors to provide consistent performance outcomes for their clients, thereby meeting ethical obligations to treat clients equally. Additionally, the technological advancements in managed accounts have matured, enabling better implementation, trading, and a broader range of asset types within these accounts. As a result, more advisors are adopting managed accounts, transitioning from just 16% in 2012 to 56% currently.
Customization and Accessibility in Managed Accounts
The shift towards managed accounts is also marked by an increasing demand for customization and access to a diverse range of assets that retail clients previously found challenging to invest in. As platforms evolve, they are focusing on developing sophisticated rebalancing tools and democratizing investments, providing clients access to semi-illiquid and international assets, which were often restricted for retail investors. Advisors now have options that cater to various client needs, from using off-the-shelf solutions to customizing portfolios that reflect their investment philosophies. This flexibility encourages advisors to utilize managed accounts as a means to better express their investment approaches while catering to individual client circumstances.
Future of Financial Advice with Managed Accounts
The future landscape of financial advice will likely see a blend of traditional and innovative approaches, emphasizing the continuing evolution of managed accounts. As client needs become more complex, there will be a shift towards personalized advice that incorporates technological solutions, such as AI, which can provide tailored investment strategies based on individual circumstances. Life events may prompt clients to seek more comprehensive financial advice, further underscoring the necessity for advisors to adapt their offerings and maintain strong client relationships. Ultimately, this transformation will enable financial advisors to leverage managed accounts to meet diverse client requirements while navigating the regulatory environment.