Size isn't everything: Local vs national DFMs

Advisers looking to outsource their investment proposition face a bewildering choice. Even after they decide to use a DFM they have more than 200 options available. Faced with this, there is a temptation to simply plump for a familiar national brand with massive assets under management (AUM). However, for at least some, this would be a mistake. Certainly the big, national firms can present a compelling proposition. Among the reasons for choosing a DFM is the ability to tap outside knowledge and expertise, and many of the big players do bring significant research capabilitie...