Annual survey of private wealth managers 2020

Acuity conducted a study of global PWMs to understand how best-in-class firms organise their research products to drive their advisory businesses. We also questioned the PWMs to understand the evolution of research needs amid the pandemic and how they have adapted their research products to the current scenario. Our survey targeted CEOs, CIOs, heads of advisory, heads of research, analysts and relationship managers, focused on understanding how PWMs leverage research within their advisory processes to attract and retain client assets, build brand image and comply with regulations such as those of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and MiFID II.
Top themes that emerged from the survey:

Key Takeaways

• Research emerged as a key driver of advisory revenue.
• A research product with in-depth analysis complemented by a broad research coverage universe emerged as the top preference.
• Partnering with an outsourced research provider was the most preferred and cost-effective solution.
• While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dip in inflow of funds, it has also led to increased demand for more analytical publications and high-touch relationships.

Download the report to read the insights in full.

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