State Street Global Advisors partnered with Greenwich Associates to conduct a study of ETF model portfolios and their users. Our goal was to gain a better understanding of what the investment community is looking for from their ETF model portfolio strategies and providers.
From this research, we developed a comprehensive ETF due diligence framework to assist ETF model portfolio users to differentiate between providers and select the best partner to achieve their goals. The eight elements of the framework are:
Clarity of investment philosophy and process is a critical consideration. Can the provider clearly articulate its philosophy? Is it easily understood? Ensure a provider can express its philosophy and process in a way that makes immediate and intuitive sense. |
Performance plays an important role in the decision-making process; noting attention should also be paid to how the performance is calculated. Calculating performance for portfolio components in aggregate can be complicated. Buyers should assess how well providers have achieved specific goals—such as delivering downside protection, upside capture and liquidity. |
While pricing can be an important facor in provider selection, investors should look beyond overall pricing to broader factors influencing total costs. Factors include cost to trade, trading frequency, portfolio administration, and underlying investment fees. Moreover, investors should look at fees relative to the strategy being provided, as the strategy employed influences fees charged. |
Investors should carefully evaluate the robustness of the provider’s infrastructure. Does the firm have sufficient staff, resources and capabilities in risk management, legal and compliance? Does the firm obtain designated resources to coordinate these functions and deliver a seamless solution? |
There is wide variation among competitors in terms of experience, expertise and commitment to their ETF model portfolios. Large or small, providers need to clearly demonstrate their depth of knowledge and capabilities. |
Buyers of ETF model portfolios should seek providers with a clear division of labour across functions. Having staff dedicated to investments, ETF selection, risk management, legal and compliance functions demonstrates that a provider has the expertise required to execute their strategies and support clients on a day-to-day basis. |
How well does a provider communicate their strategy and performance updates? Seek a provider with a proven track record of timely, effective and thorough client communications. Providers should alert investors about any changes to the portfolio or underlying products, provide relevant updates about the firm, and supply market research and thought leadership. |
Two key considerations
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ETF model portfolios can be complex and have unique characteristics; it’s important to take into account all the value-add factors that result from this. Users of these strategies should remember they are not just buying a portfolio—they are also selecting a partner to support you and the portfolio over the long term. As a result, buyers of these products should rely on established best practices when implementing due diligence procedures for ETF model portfolios.
We are here to help support you throughout any stage of your due diligence process. Contact the State Street ETF Model Portfolio Team to understand how we can help.