Asset managers want to expand their advisor channels and offer more resources

Asset managers are keen to engage with the growing clout of independent and hybrid RIAs and will ensure that they provide the right resources in return.

Expanding product distribution is a priority for 85% of asset managers polled by Cerulli Associate,s followed by rolling out customized investment solutions (50%), including, but not exclusively focused on, equity direct indexing.

“As more advisors look to add personalization to their practices, being able to personalize beyond just equities through a multi-asset-class solution will become an important capability for managers touting personalization and customization,” Matt Belnap, associate director at Cerulli, said in a statement.

ACTIVE ETFS AMONG NEW VEHICLES

Another priority is creating new vehicles (46%), with 62% citing active exchange-traded funds, which many asset managers have not really investigated so far, meaning significant work is required.

“The relative tax advantages of the vehicle, combined with increased advisor comfort with ETFs in client portfolios, make active ETFs an attractive proposition for asset managers,” Belnap explained.

Recently, Brett Sheely, head of ETF specialists at Alliance Bernstein, joined InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg to discuss the growth of the active ETF market.

Other key product areas for asset managers in the months ahead are model-delivered separate accounts (50%), interval funds (46%), and collective investment trusts (42%).

“While interest in these types of products could be managers just looking to add where they currently have gaps in their lineup, careful consideration of whether there is appetite for these types of products at distribution partners will lead to a better chance of success for asset managers when they do come to market,” Belnap concluded.