Even the most established investment committees can benefit from an independent perspective. A second opinion on fund selection provides additional rigour, broadens the range of options considered, and helps ensure decisions are fully tested before implementation.

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In addition to fund selection support, we provide independent research on fund managers with a demonstrable edge, helping you identify true skill, not luck. Our insight is also designed to be shared, with concise market commentary and client-ready content that reinforces your communication and advice.

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What we bring

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Comprehensive coverage – of open-ended funds, investment trusts, and ETFs.

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Panel construction – advising on, or building, curated fund panels aligned with your stated parameters.

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Active and passive insight – weighing both objectively, free from product bias.

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Governance strength – providing an impartial lens to support transparent and accountable decision-making.

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Depth of experience

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With over two decades of experience as a fund selector, fund-of-funds manager, and industry commentator, we bring a disciplined, research-led approach. Where active funds are recommended, they are drawn only from managers we have engaged with directly and where there is clear evidence of capability, process, and investment philosophy.

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The result is a robust and defensible shortlist that strengthens governance, informs debate, and supports confident, long-term decisions.

Many financial advisers now choose to outsource some or all of their clients’ investments to external managers. Others are considering the shift from advisory to discretionary models. In both cases, independent support can add discipline, reduce risk, and provide reassurance that decisions stand up to scrutiny.

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Outsourcing Selection Support

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We help advisers make confident, evidence-based choices when selecting a discretionary fund manager (DFM) or multi-manager solution by:

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• Reviewing the full range of available options.

• Guiding due diligence with the right questions.

• Providing independent analysis of performance, costs, and service standards.

• Ensuring alignment between chosen partners, your business model, and your clients’ needs.

 

Supporting Firms Transitioning to DFM

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For firms moving from advisory to discretionary (such as launching a managed portfolio service), we provide structured guidance to:

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• Interpret and meet the FCA’s expectations around governance, process, and capital adequacy.

• Strengthen internal committees with independent, experienced input.

• Demonstrate to both regulators and clients that robust skills, processes, and governance are in place.

• Act as an external investment committee member, bringing challenge, credibility, and capacity.

 

Whether you are outsourcing to a third-party manager or building in-house discretionary capability, we provide independent expertise and governance support. Our role is to ensure that investment processes meet professional and regulatory standards, giving you, your committee, and your clients confidence in the decisions being made.

Bringing in an independent voice to your investment committee helps strengthen decision-making. Our role is not to replace existing expertise, but to add perspective, ask the right questions, and highlight opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.

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How independent input helps

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Challenge constructively – encouraging open debate and ensuring assumptions are tested.

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Broaden perspective – considering alternative approaches or access routes you may not have explored.

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Strengthen governance – acting in a non-executive capacity to balance discussion and reduce blind spots.

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Support better outcomes – ensuring decisions are made with clarity, confidence, and transparency.

 

Our role in your committee

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By sitting as an independent member, we act much like a non-executive partner:

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• Contributing impartial analysis.

• Helping frame complex issues in plain language.

• Creating space for diverse viewpoints before decisions are made.

 

The result is a more rounded investment conversation that empowers the whole group to move forward with greater confidence.