Morningstar has introduced a database of managed portfolios, which it claims is the first independently gathered, 'whole-market' comparative dataset of UK managed portfolios.

The Morningstar UK Managed Portfolio database presently covers approximately 900 portfolios and over 50 providers, with the company hoping to cover the bulk of portfolios and providers by the end of 2022.

This new database helps users view calculated performance, categorised portfolios, ESG parameters, Morningstar's sustainability ratings, and portfolio risk scores.

There is no fee for providers to submit data to the database, and it is free to view. Morningstar stated that "considering the development of UK Managed Portfolio products and the limited choices for advisers to do whole-market comparisons, this database provides financial advisers with improved transparency, comparability, and insight."

Morningstar consulted an advisory panel of providers, including AJ Bell, Brewin, and Waverton, to create the database.

Anastasia Georgiou, director of client solutions, adviser segment, EMEA, said: "As asset flows into managed portfolios are accelerating, Morningstar believes it is important to provide advisers with the same level of transparency on managed portfolios as is available for funds. In the past, the UK adviser market has struggled to compare the vast majority of solutions on a like-for-like basis.

"Given the growing global trend for outsourcing managed portfolios, demand for greater transparency and insight among the UK adviser market will only grow."

Kevin Doran, managing director of AJ Bell Investments, added: "For the first time, advisers will now be in a position to perform whole of market research within the MPS market without the need for cumbersome licences and permission from the DFM.

"It finally puts MPS on the same footing as multi-asset funds and should accelerate the trend towards segregated model portfolios vs the single-line, single-price solution amongst those genuinely independent advisers."

Source: Investment Week

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