Vestmark, BlackRock unite to enhance custom model portfolios for RIAs

Vestmark, BlackRock unite to enhance custom model portfolios for RIAs
Commercial partnership announced, drawing on complementary expertise.
SEP 24, 2024

Registered investment advisors will be offered enhanced custom model portfolios thanks to a new partnership between wealth management software firm Vestmark and the world’s largest asset manager.

BlackRock and Vestmark’s solution will draw on the tax management capabilities of Vestmark VAST across equities, ETFs, and SMAs, combined with BlackRock’s expertise in constructing model portfolios.

It will empower RIAs to scale up their offering of investment solutions optimized for tax, with the BlackRock range of standard and RIA custom model portfolios being available through Vestmark’s Manager Marketplace.

Custom asset allocation model portfolios are emerging as a priority for asset manager model providers, according to recent research from Cerulli Associates which shows that almost 60% of advisors who took part cite custom models as one of their top three initiatives.

“Collaborating with Vestmark allows us to continue expanding choice to RIAs who want our portfolio design solutions,” said Eve Cout, Head of Portfolio Design & Solutions within BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory business. “This effort aligns with BlackRock’s commitment to providing advisors with valuable tools and resources. By leveraging Vestmark’s technology, we can help RIAs build portfolios combining mutual funds, ETFs and SMAs.”

Vestmark’s offering includes its Unified Managed Account platform that gives advisors access to implement mutual funds, ETFs, equity separately managed accounts, fixed-income SMAs, and alternatives within a single custodian account.

“Partnering with BlackRock underscores the trust and confidence that many of the industry’s leading firms have in Vestmark’s capabilities,” said Karl Roessner, CEO of Vestmark. “This collaboration strengthens our position as a prominent solution that combines advanced portfolio management with tax management capabilities. We are excited to offer our unique UMA proposition to advisors, providing an innovative, sophisticated solution to help meet their clients’ diverse needs.”

Goldman Sachs Asset Management is another major firm that is charting a path to break into the top ranks of providers of model portfolios which is projected to grow into a more than $11 trillion industry by the end of the decade.

Latest News

Osaic executives Kristy Britt and Greg Cornick to leave
Osaic executives Kristy Britt and Greg Cornick to leave

The firm's CFO and EVP of Wealth Management Solutions are the latest executives to exit the broker-dealer.

Estate planning becomes a client retention issue for financial advisors, survey finds
Estate planning becomes a client retention issue for financial advisors, survey finds

Clients are saying they would consider switching advisors if another professional offered estate planning services, according to a new Trust & Will survey.

Candidly adds AI agents for Trump Accounts, workplace benefits
Candidly adds AI agents for Trump Accounts, workplace benefits

CEO Laurel Taylor says the fintech's composable AI stack helps workers optimize dollars across Trump Accounts, 529s, 401(k)s, and other employee benefits.

BMO adds three advisors in Dallas amid Y'all Street wealth boom
BMO adds three advisors in Dallas amid Y'all Street wealth boom

The bank has swiped three private banking veterans from BNY as the city climbs the ranks of America's fastest-growing wealth hubs.

UBS moves toward full-service US bank as plans to extend wealth business
UBS moves toward full-service US bank as plans to extend wealth business

Employee accounts, crypto trials and job cuts frame a pivotal year for the Swiss lender.

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.