James Goward: The ugly side of the DFM beauty parade

Due-diligence must be driving force

clock • 3 min read

Is the trend towards advisers holding 'beauty parades' to help clients choose a discretionary fund manager the best approach? James Goward argues advisers are far better placed to make this decision than their clients

We live in an age where consumers, more than ever before, are able to make informed purchasing decisions. The algorithms that sit behind shopping websites enable us to filter our potential choices down from everything to those items best suited to our objectives. But hiring a discretionary fund manager (DFM) is clearly not the same as buying a toaster - or any other item for that matter. There are many complex aspects to consider and - as advisers well know - it takes more than a few reviews to pick the right service. Surely an adviser is best-placed to narrow a crowded field to the most...

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 Your profession

Majority of UK wealth management sector eyes acquisitions this year

Majority of UK wealth management sector eyes acquisitions this year

Continued appetite and momentum in M&A space

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 June 2025 • 3 min read
How can firms improve client engagement with wealth products?

How can firms improve client engagement with wealth products?

Consumer first focus; Simplifying prodcut information

James Wood
clock 30 June 2025 • 4 min read
Verso rejects platform incentives model, says adoption must be earned

Verso rejects platform incentives model, says adoption must be earned

Nucleus-built platform rolled out across advice group with no mandated use as consolidator targets £5bn AUM

Sahar Nazir
clock 27 June 2025 • 2 min read