Five steps to choosing a discretionary fund manager

How to vet DFMs before outsourcing your investment function...

clock

Maria Merricks asks two experts how advisers should vet discretionary fund managers (DFMs) before outsourcing their investment function...

As the industry moves ever closer to RDR, advisers are deciding whether or not to outsource their investment decisions. For many, allocating clients’ money to a discretionary fund manager (DFM) is the chosen path – but choosing the right manager can be a difficult process. Here we provide a step-by-step guide to make the process easier: 1. Understanding your clients The first and most important step is getting to grips with what your clients really need. In understanding their requirements, a thorough analysis of their risk profile is the key. While this is something advisers may we...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Wealth Club launches UK's first private markets SIPP

Wealth Club launches UK's first private markets SIPP

45% income tax relief

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
Rebalancing act: Sometimes doing very little in portfolio management is the hardest thing to do

Rebalancing act: Sometimes doing very little in portfolio management is the hardest thing to do

'More often, it's the quieter disciplines that matter most'

Phillip Young
clock 23 March 2026 • 3 min read
Crypto investors receive 40 times more HMRC tax warnings than stock traders

Crypto investors receive 40 times more HMRC tax warnings than stock traders

Data shows enforcement activity shift

clock 19 March 2026 • 2 min read