Economic policymaking is now as unpredictable as the markets themselves. The delayed US trade tariff regime, which is prompting policy shifts worldwide, is just one of many global events shaking investor confidence. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, coupled with evolving financial regulations, are adding to the uncertainty. As a result, client expectations are changing, and we must continuously adapt our business and solutions to remain competitive.
In this environment, investment professionals play a heightened role in striking a balance between portfolio diversification and returns. Investing successfully in today’s turbulent markets and meeting clients’ shifting expectations requires more than smart asset allocation.
“Over time, we have realised that to deliver on client needs, we needed to enhance our multi-manager offering into an investment solutions business. The business evolved to reflect our growth in services and expertise, built on over 25 years of investment experience and market insights. As a result, we have revisited how we take our business to market, as the current naming protocol contains the word ‘multi-manager’. To signal change and continuity in our business, we are now going to market as Symmetry, a name that is part of the DNA of our investment business,” says Kieyam Gamieldien, Managing Director at Symmetry.
He continues: “The name Symmetry also accurately captures what we do, balancing both sides of the investment equation, and the ambition of being a full-service investment solutions business. Importantly, our operational framework is unchanged, as Symmetry remains wholly owned by the Old Mutual Group and operates as a distinct, independently managed entity with its own leadership and mandates”.
Gamieldien says the overarching goal for the business is to continue enhancing the offering and remain relevant to meet investor needs and demands. The investment business will include the existing retail and institutional multi-managed funds, Discretionary Fund Management (currently called Tailored Fund Portfolios), and incubate a Best-in-Class proposition, in addition to expanding the investment product range.
Gamieldien explains that the provider has enhanced its existing capabilities in Manager Research, Multi-managed Solutions, Specialist Investment Funds, Discretionary Fund Management (DFM), Model Portfolios, and Investment Tools.
“In addition, we have created new capabilities in providing outsourced CIO services and Investment Consulting. We are also excited about the newly incubated Best-in-Class offering, a premium solution that aims to identify and form partnerships with accomplished asset managers who have a unique approach to investment management and have delivered exceptional, sustained long-term performance,” Gamieldien explains.
He adds that the plan is to offer bold thinking and consistent delivery of positive client outcomes, balancing risk and return anchored in agility and discipline to plan for the long term.
“We will do so by deepening relationships with advisers and clients while growing alongside them. Accessing new markets and bringing innovative investment solutions to market is a key opportunity we are exploring,” he says.
“We build solutions that reflect clients’ long-term investment objectives in the context of the socioeconomic and industry realities they face. Whether we’re working with independent advisers or institutions, our team places a strong emphasis on understanding the client’s context before designing or implementing a strategy,” adds Gamieldien.
He concludes: “Regardless of the state of the markets, our clients’ investment goals and needs remain key to our approach. The ultimate objective is to deliver value over the long term”.
