Countplus subsidiary signs with Ibbotson for managed accounts
Countplus subsidiary Total Financial Solutions (TFS) has signed an agreement with Ibbotson Associates to act as investment manager for its separately managed accounts and to also provide investment consulting and advice to the planning group.
Ibbotson was involved in the development of TFS's SMA offering - Privilege Portfolios — and will be provide investment committee and governance oversight, asset allocation advice and dealer group and practice support to member firms.
The SMAs on offer by TFS will also use Morningstar's equity research capabilities in conjunction with the investment and asset allocation offered by its subsidiary Ibbotson.
Ibbotson Associates Australia managing Director and head of investment advisory Chris Galloway said TFS decision would enable its advisers to leverage Ibbotson's skill sets for better client outcomes.
TFS chief executive Phillip Aris said the group was an alternative to bank and insurance-owned dealer groups and the SMA offerings provided its advisers with a differentiated service to build out their value proposition and best interest obligations.
Ibbotson indicated in mid-2013 that it would offering managed account offerings and dealer group support despite the group having to date focused on investment and asset consulting for the institutional sector.
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