Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Model Portfolio?

A Model Portfolio is a collection of collective funds (such as ETFs or Unit Trusts) that a Financial Planner will combine together to execute a client’s financial planning strategy.

Typically the portfolio is held within a financial product (such as a Pension or ISA in the UK) and it will invest globally in a mix of asset classes (sich as stocks and bonds) to optimise the risk and return profile of the investment strategy.

Are You Truly Bespoke?

Yes, 100%. We are a truly bespoke, and independent business. In fact, we have always worked this way since 2011.

Unlike some MPS providers (who might swap out a fund here and there and claim to be bespoke); we have the skill set, resources and experience to provide a truly bespoke Model Portfolio Solution and Service.

All our solutions are built from the ground up, and in alignment with any network or compliance requirements the Advisory Firm may have (or if they have an existing MPS that needs managing, then we can assist the Adviser with this instead).

Are You Regulated?

We execute our service through the regulatory permissions of the Financial Adviser, providing technical support and guidance (similar to how a Paraplanning Service, or third-party research partner might work).

This approach gives us the flexibility to offer a personalised and bespoke solution at cost-effective price.

Our ethos is to invest our time and money into the right resources and continuing to develop our skill set, so we can deliver a high value product to you.

How Much Does it cost?

Fees range from c. £750 to £1,000 per month. This is paid as a retainer fee, set up as a direct debt from the Advisory firms bank account.

The first year has a minimum 12-month subscription, with a 3-month cancellation period thereafter.

So, for example, a firm with £40m under management that has 12 Model Portfolios would pay a monthly fee between £750 to £1,000 per month. I.e, the fee will cover all 12 portfolios and is NOT per portfolio (see what great value we are).

How our Fees Compare

Typically, the average UK Model Portfolio Manager fee is around 0.19% per year, where as our fees are between 0.05% to 0.06%.

So, for a firm with £20m Assets Under Management (AUM); you are saving your business a whopping £26,000 to £29,000 per year (relative to the average MPS manager fee).

MPS fund fees can also vary and normally Advisers have a target range in mind. We tend to find that we build portfolios with fund costs that range from 0.15% to 0.25% (for a hybrid, passive active solution, with a tactical factor overlay).

Overall, the total average MPS fees in the UK come in around c. 0.46% (before advice and product costs).

We expect to come in around 0.21% to 0.31% overall, for our service ( a saving range of - 0.15% to 0.25% per year.

We are great value for money and ensure their is lots of headroom for your Advisory and Product Fees.

Why are your fees so Great Value?

This is because we are a boutique firm who is looking to grow our client base and a business that builds profitability through long term relationships.

Will you put your Fees Up ?

All new clients are offered a 3 year price guarantee lock in. We don't have plans to increase fees sharply in the future and any increases will be over time and in line with CPI.

Overall, we love our job and want to build value via long term relationships with our Adviser clients.

I have an existing MPS can you Help me manage this?

Yes. In fact, we manage many existing MPS solutions (and this is the majority of our work).

However, we can also build news ones as required; in fact, our clients are a mix of new builds and existing models.

Don't worry we don't go crazy and change all the funds or the strategy, if you have an existing MPS that you need assistance with.

Generally, for existing portfolios, our wise minds and experience have informed us over many years, that ensuring a smooth transition of the existing MPS is the priority and then over time, understanding the practice needs.

What Types of Model Portfolios can you Assist with?

All. This can be this smart beta, active, passive, income, hybrid, ESG, factor, et al.

We have the knowledge and skill set and long run experience (of more than 15 years, managing all types of Adviser Model Portfolios, across a wide range of market regimes, for which our advisers repeatedly tell us, they and their clients have been grateful for).

However, if you want an MPS, but you are unsure where to start, or what you want, then we can help you with this as well.

Can I White Product the MPS?

Yes, in fact most of our clients do this. Although we are very beautiful, we generally remain in the background.

We only ask, that if you like what we do, then please tell you peers about us, as we prefer referrals over marketing.

Do You Work with International Advisers?

Yes. Typically, we have historically worked within the UK, but we are an international business and expanding globally, seeking new opportunities to work with International Advisers, in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

I Have Never Heard of 451 Analytics?

451 Analytics is a new launch boutique firm with a very rich heritage.

Our team has worked behind the scenes managing investment portfolios for UK Financial Advisers since 2004 (across a very wide range of markets, from the 2007 financial crash, Covid and the 2022 inflation blood bath and more).

At 451 Analytics, we have worked on all portfolio types over this time, for small and big Adviser firms alike.

Overall, we are not trying to offer a mass market, generic 'burger chain' MPS solution, but a high quality, personalised investment service for Financial Advsiers, at a great price.