Advisers Seek Co-Manufactured MPS to Better Meet Client Goals

Why It Matters

The move toward co‑manufactured MPS signals a deeper advisory demand for flexibility and risk‑managed customization, reshaping how asset managers and platforms structure their offerings to retain and grow client relationships.

Key Takeaways

• 91% of advisers prioritize co‑manufactured MPS partnerships
• Top criteria: market suitability (34%), income/growth tailoring (33%)
• 31% value risk‑targeted, actively managed volatility ranges
• Sustainability and custom exposure also sought by 31% of advisers

Pulse Analysis

The advisory landscape is evolving as wealth managers seek more than off‑the‑shelf products. Recent data from Charles Stanley shows that 91% of advisers now prefer a strategic partner capable of co‑manufacturing managed portfolio services (MPS) that can be fine‑tuned to client goals. This reflects a broader industry trend where fiduciary responsibilities and client expectations drive demand for solutions that blend active management with disciplined risk parameters. By collaborating with platform providers, advisers can embed their own market insights while leveraging economies of scale, creating a hybrid model that balances customization with operational efficiency.

Key selection criteria underscore the nuanced needs of modern investors. Alignment with target‑market suitability leads the list at 34%, followed closely by the ability to tailor portfolios for income or growth (33%) and access to active solutions (32%). Notably, 31% of advisers emphasize risk‑targeted ranges managed within defined volatility bands, and an equal share prioritize sustainability preferences and bespoke exposure. These metrics reveal that advisers are not only looking for diversified asset mixes—bonds, equities, funds, and geographic spread—but also for dynamic rebalancing frequencies and the integration of passive options where appropriate. Platforms that can deliver this multi‑dimensional flexibility are poised to become indispensable partners.

For asset managers and technology providers, the implications are clear: product development must shift toward collaborative frameworks that enable co‑creation of MPS. Investing in modular technology stacks, transparent governance structures, and robust risk analytics will be critical to meet the 31% demand for active volatility management and sustainability integration. As advisers continue to prioritize tailored, risk‑aware solutions, firms that embed these capabilities into their core offerings will likely capture greater market share and deepen client loyalty, reshaping the competitive dynamics of the wealth‑management ecosystem.