Most financial advisors realize that having a website is essential, if for no other reason than to validate their existence in a digitally connected world. While many advisors are investing more money to upgrade the quality of their websites beyond unimaginative and technologically deficient digital brochures, most are not designed in an effective manner to attract visitors who may need their services.
In an action announced by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 13, 2014 against Wedbush Securities Inc., the SEC reminds us that, in this age filled with issues involving cybersecurity, foreign corrupt practices and bitcoins, the basics still matter.
Read MoreNot only is the 2020 election appearing to offer a record-breaking number of candidates, it may also offer 3PM’s, asset managers and other registered persons a potential pitfall by violating SEC and/or MSRB prohibitions on political contributions.
Read MoreWhen a boutique firm’s primary business is the institutional or high net-worth marketplace, some executives would rather manage portfolios than manage the product line of mutual funds. “We pay for investment research over mutual fund industry research,” said one CEO and portfolio manager of a boutique asset manager with just a handful of funds who was networking at the TDA Conference recently in San Diego.
Read MoreA growing number of fund companies realize that Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firms are the future of the intermediary business. This is a challenge for fund distribution teams, since traditional product-focused email marketing campaigns and wholesaler “greet, meet and eat” strategies that work in broker/dealers don’t align with a business model where fiduciary responsibilities, rather than commissions, guide investment recommendations.
Read MoreThe latest Kurtosys digital marketing survey reveals some encouraging trends as asset management firms continue their slow crawl into the digital age. The good news is an increasing number of asset managers are embracing digital technologies, including enhanced web designs, content marketing, and CRM systems. However, fewer firms are connecting the dots between technologies, which often results in a disjointed approach to marketing, sales and client servicing.
Read MoreFor asset management firms that hope to make headway with asset growth in 2019, the performance of their portfolio managers will be key. And, we’re not talking about portfolio performance, though that is always important. We’re actually talking about their performance in front of a critical audience – the gatekeepers and investment consultants behind the decision to select funds for institutional portfolios, model portfolios and select lists. In getting the attention and a favorable nod from these highly discerning investment professionals, big budgets, marketing and sales people are simply no substitute for your portfolio management team.
Read MoreIn regards to timing, it has become commonplace for managers to produce monthly performance updates on their strategies, regardless of the liquidity of the strategy and product structure in which it is sold. Quarterly is simply a long time in today’s 24/7/365 world. More detailed, qualitatively driven materials may still be produced quarterly. Regardless of which timeframe you commit to, all materials must be produced and disseminated as close to month/quarter end as is feasible.
Read MoreThe markets have been volatile as of late. What does this mean for ongoing marketing efforts? Institutional research professionals, particularly those closer to client contact, often indicate that managers and marketers alike needed to exhibit greater sensitivity to what their day to day struggles are. What are the Institutional research professionals you are marketing to faced with? What deadlines and priorities do they have?
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