Discretionary fund
managers
Actively managed portfolios with mandate-appropriate
investments, asset classes and time frames.

The financial planner transfers day-to-day asset management responsibility to focus on strengthening client relationships and growing their business. Discretionary Fund Managers (DFM’s) actively manage a portfolio, identifying the appropriate asset classes and time frames, and selecting underlying funds or investments.

Our wide range of solutions offer a consistent approach to investment through asset allocation, manager selection, and investment philosophy. As one of South Africa's first Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX)-certified Investment Managers, we emphasize responsible investing and fiduciary care.

Our Core Range provides offers comprehensive range of investment solutions designed to meet the following client objectives: 

  • Targeting inflation 
  • Diversifying offshore 
  • Sustaining an income for life after retirement   

Benefits: 

  • Scalable, cost-effective solutions with reduced admin. 
  • Enhanced client acquisition and retention. 
  • Compliance management, asset manager due diligence, and broad platform access. 

Or choose an external DFM

Old Mutual Wealth also offers access to certain discretionary fund managers, offering you more flexibility and more choice.  Alternatively, should you require your own model portfolio range linked to your advice and investment process, speak to us to arrange a consultation. 

The benefits of a Discretionary Fund Manager
  • Regulatory Risk: The introduction of the legislation and compliance burden on planners has increased the cost of running practices. Some planners have opted to emphasise investment management as a component of their value proposition, although they lack the necessary licences to do so.
  • Time: DFMs can make changes without client consent due to Category I and II licences, allowing quick transaction execution.
  • Skill: Fund selection and portfolio management require different skills. DFMs use quantitative tools, reporting, manager research, asset allocation, and portfolio design.
  • Rebalancing: With a Category II licence, DFMs can make bulk switches for all clients in a portfolio instantly, unlike financial planners who need signed documents from each client.
  • Manager Selection: DFMs select investment managers with expertise in various asset classes and decide on passive, active, smart-beta, or combined strategies.
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