Is the DFM sector behind when it comes to changing fees?

‘A lot of the DFM community remains AUM-based’

Isabel Baxter
clock • 4 min read

The discretionary fund management (DFM) community has not noticeably changed fees as much as the advice community, Sparrows Capital investment director Mark Northway told Professional Adviser.

He said that since Consumer Duty was implemented, advisers have noticeably changed their fee structures, but DFMs have not changed the way they charge as significantly. Northway noted that much of the DFM community still has an assets under management (AUM) fee structure. "We have a bit of an issue with that, because the workload associated with a larger AUM around single model is no larger than the workload that's associated with a smaller AUM," he said. "Whilst it's important to cover costs and have a profit element, that linear relationship is a little bit difficult to justify."...

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 DFM & Model Portfolios

What advisers should expect from their investment manager

What advisers should expect from their investment manager

'Working with an investment manager should be a frictionless experience'

Ben Peele
clock 17 October 2025 • 3 min read
Defaqto unveils passive and active MPS comparators

Defaqto unveils passive and active MPS comparators

Subsets of its whole-of-market tool launched last year

Isabel Baxter
clock 15 October 2025 • 3 min read
Quilter Investors expands WealthSelect MPS with absolute return fund

Quilter Investors expands WealthSelect MPS with absolute return fund

Will be managed by Janus Henderson Investors

Michael Nelson
clock 14 October 2025 • 2 min read