Time pressures are holding back growth
Advisers were also clear about the opportunity cost of managing portfolios in-house. Two-thirds said that if they could reallocate just five to ten hours of portfolio management time each week, they could grow their client base by up to 10% over the next year. A further quarter said they could grow by between 11% and 20%.
When asked how they would use that extra time, most advisers said they would focus on bringing in new clients, doing deeper tax and estate planning work, and having more proactive conversations with current clients.
For firms looking to scale without sacrificing service, this kind of shift could be transformative.
MPS is playing a bigger role and advisers expect more from it
The research suggests that MPS is already well embedded in many advice businesses, but its role is set to grow. Six in ten advisers say between 26% and 50% of their clients’ investable assets are currently in model portfolios, and nearly half expect that proportion to rise to more than 50% in the next three years.
Advisers also expect more from MPS solutions. Nine in ten said they plan to increase their use of actively managed portfolios, citing economic uncertainty, market volatility and the need for greater portfolio resilience as the main reasons. The same proportion said they would make greater use of MPS if more services offered high-conviction, outcomes-led solutions at fair and competitive prices.
Saving time remains a top priority when selecting investment solutions, followed closely by risk management, client suitability and access to research. Advisers also want MPS providers that make compliance easier, not harder.
Meeting adviser needs with a smarter approach
The message is clear: advisers want more time for planning, less friction in portfolio management and stronger support in meeting their regulatory obligations. Model portfolio services that can deliver on those needs, without adding complexity or cost, are increasingly seen as essential to the future of advice.
Advisers also want MPS solutions that fit neatly into their existing platform infrastructure. In the survey, 74% said integration with their current tech framework is essential, making ease of use and compatibility key factors when selecting a provider.
