What is asset management?

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Asset management is the day-to-day running of a wealth portfolio. It is usually headed by an investment manager.

The management of assets involves building a portfolio of investments. This includes assessing risks, finding opportunities, and developing an overarching strategy for reaching a set of financial objectives.

How does asset management work?

 

Understanding your financial goals

An asset manager will work closely with you to understand your financial goals. This could be preparing for retirement through long-term investments or growing your assets through a diverse portfolio.

Creating a unique investment plan

Your asset manager will then create a strategy based on your personal preferences, comfortable risk level and unique circumstances. Using this plan, they can start making investments or using financial products on your behalf.

Maintaining your investments and managing products

Once you have a portfolio of investments, your asset manager will maintain your investments or manage any financial products which are part of your plan. This includes selling funds when the timing is right and purchasing more assets based on market research.

What do asset management companies do?

Asset management firms manage funds for individuals and companies. They make well-timed investment decisions on behalf of their clients to grow their finances and portfolio. Working with a group of several investors, asset management firms are able to diversify their clients' portfolios.

An asset manager’s main role is investing wealth. To maximise your potential returns, they monitor and assess the market to look for threats and opportunities and adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Utilising these areas of expertise, an asset management company will manage your portfolio daily to minimise your risks and seize new opportunities. 

Advantages of asset management

  • An asset management company will have a great deal of resources and services at their fingertips. This means you’ll have more investment options than trying to do this for yourself.
  • Your asset manager will aim to ensure your investments meet your financial objectives with the level of risk you have allowed them to take. Annual reviews are there to assess whether the strategy still meets your needs. If your needs have changed, you will be switched you to a new strategy.

Disadvantages of asset management

  • You may be able to reach your investment or savings goals without any outside help, using traditional savings products, like ISAs.
  • Many asset managers require a minimum level of investment, which could be more than you’re looking to invest.

Want to learn more about investing?

Visit our investment management page to find out how expert advice could help you.

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