What'ss The Key To Asset Management Success?

There are many factors that go into developing and maintaining a successful business enterprise. If you were asked, though, what is the single greatest key to business success, what would you say?

Given that this blog is all about helping people navigate the economic landscape, let’s delve into what asset management firms believe is the key to their success. It should come as no surprise. The FT highlights this key point this morning in writing:

It is often said that trust is the hardest thing to gain, but the easiest to lose. The experiences of many fund management companies over the past few years are testament to that.

The unexpected fund blow-ups, malpractice and lack of transparency exposed since the 2007-08 financial crisis have left some big industry players wondering how they can regain the high standing they once had among investors and advisers, which they had taken years to build up.

For the past four years, the Financial Times has conducted research into the image of US fund managers among financial advisers, seeking to find out what the most important attributes are for a strong reputation, and how to achieve them.

The latest survey – conducted last September – sought the opinions of 397 US financial advisers, the majority of whom are subscribers to Ignites.

The results are conclusive: the key to a strong reputation among intermediaries is trustworthiness.

No surprise there. This simple virtue of trust is priceless. Recall that a few weeks back I highlighted the anemic levels of trust that most Americans hold in our banks, our television media, and our politicians. Trust is not some base commodity that one can purchase in an open market. Trust takes years to develop and can be lost in a heartbeat. What are the top five actions investors would like to see asset management firms undertake to build and maintain trust?

1. Clear and consistent investment process

2. Consistent returns

3. Increased transparency

4. Reasonable fees

5. Solid customer service track record

The FT research shows that while advisers view performance as a key measure of reputation, they will forgive under performance if it is not unexpected and the asset manager has been open and transparent.

“Advisers told us they do not want to be surprised by asset managers and they want clear and frequent communications,” says Mr Rothman. “They want communication during good periods and especially if there are issues that have come up.”

How much trust do you have in your financial advisors?

How much do you trust our major banks, media, and politicians?

Once, twice, thrice times burned, four, five, six times shy, no?