Is the DFM cost war in danger of leaving suitability behind?

'Vanilla products with little differentiation'

clock • 7 min read

As cost competition intensifies in the discretionary fund manager (DFM) market, Jon Yarker explores whether there is a risk of client service being negatively impacted as a result...

Over the past few years DFMs have capitalised on a growing demand for outsourcing investment functions from advisers. The advantages for those using this route are clear: for a fee they can offload the burden of investment, and the significant time and resources this requires, to a third party. The adviser can then focus on their core responsibilities, namely providing financial planning and advice to their client bank. Unsurprisingly, the DFM space has grown significantly as a result and competition has intensified between these players. To thrive in this flourishing market, DFMs need t...

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 Multi-Asset

Multi-asset insight: Rethinking value beyond cost

Multi-asset insight: Rethinking value beyond cost

'Ultimately, the biggest risk to long-term returns is not fees, it's behaviour'

Madhushree Agarwal
clock 14 May 2026 • 4 min read
Low-cost multi-asset funds outperforming competitors

Low-cost multi-asset funds outperforming competitors

Morningstar report finds

Michael Nelson
clock 27 February 2026 • 2 min read
Baton change: What comes after exceptional

Baton change: What comes after exceptional

In the first of a regular series of multi-asset focused articles, Louis Hutchings looks at what comes after exceptional...

Louis Hutchings
clock 06 February 2026 • 4 min read