Advisers see ‘alignment of client interests’ as biggest advantage for boutique asset managers

Financial advisers view the alignment of interests with clients and employee ownership as the greatest advantage for boutique asset managers, a study by Censuswide for Nedgroup Investments has found.

The proportion of advisers who saw this alignment as a strength of boutique managers has risen sharply over the past two years, rising from 19.6 per cent in 2024 to 49 per cent in 2026.

Almost a third (32 per cent) believed specialist focus was an advantage of boutique asset managers, up from 30.4 per cent two years ago, while the proportion who saw flexibility and nimbleness as a strength more than doubled from 14.2 per cent to 30 per cent over the same period.

The cost-effectiveness and streamlined management of boutiques was cited as an advantage by 27 per cent of advisers, although this was down from 28.9 per cent in 2024.

“The findings point to a clear shift in what investors value about boutique asset managers,” said Nedgroup Investments chief commercial officer, Apiramy Jeyarajah.

“Alignment of interests has emerged as the standout advantage, with almost half of respondents now citing managers’ interests aligning with clients, compared with just one in five in 2024.

“That suggests ownership structures and genuine alignment are becoming increasingly important differentiators in a competitive asset management market.”

When asked about the main ‘plus points’ relating to service and experience, better service levels were cited by 41 per cent of advisers, while 32 per cent pointed to personal experience and accessibility of portfolio managers, and 30 per cent cited greater discipline.

“These 2026 findings indicate boutiques are also being valued for their more personal and responsive qualities,” Jeyarajah added.

“Better service levels are cited by 41 per cent of respondents, while 32 per cent value personal experience and accessibility to portfolio managers and 30 per cent point to greater discipline.

“Together, these findings suggest that boutiques are increasingly differentiated not just by their investment approach, but by the quality, accessibility and consistency of the service they provide to clients.”

---