Zac Leman

The newly launched Schroder Concentrated Australian Equity Portfolio has been added to the BT Managed Portfolios available through the BT Panorama platform, in response to adviser demand for a separately managed account (SMA) with an objective to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Total Return Index over the medium to long term.

Head of Client Group at Schroders Australia, Ray Macken, said: “Advisers can confidently recommend to their clients a professionally managed and benchmark-aware portfolio of select Australian equities.”

The portfolio offers an actively managed concentrated portfolio of between 18-26 investments in Australian shares, and is co-managed by Adam Alexander and Ben Chan, two experienced and proven investment professionals. They have established a seven-year track record in running Australian equities SMAs, with top quartile performance*, since co-managing a similarly structured SMA from 2016.  They are part of the stable, award-winning and highly-rated Schroders Australian equities team, headed by industry stalwart Martin Conlon.

Mr Alexander said: “Schroders’ 11-strong Australian equity team is one of the largest and most experienced in the Australian market. The size and scale of the team allows for waterfront stock coverage across the ASX 200 and into the ASX 300 without having to compromise on breadth or depth.”

“Stocks are valued using the Schroders investment process, which helps to avoid confirmation bias. The team of portfolio managers also have the advantage of being able to draw on the insights of Schroders’ worldwide investment team, as well as a collection of proprietary investment tools that provide us with a competitive edge,” Mr Chan said.

Mr Macken said advisers are increasingly recognising the benefits of SMAs for themselves and their clients.

Mr Macken said: “Investors receive the benefits of direct share ownership, but with the important added advantage that the stocks are selected by an investment process that has been honed over 25 years’ experience of managing Australian equities.

“The result is transparency and flexibility for clients, who can see what selected stocks they hold, but with none of the administrative and compliance burdens associated with managing direct shares for advisers.”

Zac Leman, Head of Managed Accounts, BT, said demand for managed accounts remains strong.

Mr Leman said: “Funds under administration (FUA) in managed portfolios on BT Panorama increased by 18 per cent in the year to 31 August 2023, with managed portfolios now comprising over 13 per cent of total platform FUA.

“Schroders’ new SMA is a welcome addition to the platform. It will appeal to a broad range of advisers and their clients who are seeking an Australian equities solution that offers transparent portfolio management, efficient rebalancing, and swift execution of transactions.”

The Schroder Concentrated Australian Equity Portfolio has a Recommended rating from Lonsec**.

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[1] Top quartile performance as measured by Zenith Investment Partners in the Performance Update Report dated 30 June 2023 for the portfolio managers managing the Evans & Partners Australian Equities Growth Separately Managed Account. Performance is measured against the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index. Inception is April 2011.
[2] The rating issued October 2023, is published by Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561 AFSL 421 445 (Lonsec). Ratings are general advice only, and have been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider your personal circumstances, read the product disclosure statement and seek independent financial advice before investing. The rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product. Past performance information is not indicative of future performance. Ratings are subject to change without notice and Lonsec assumes no obligation to update. Lonsec uses objective criteria and receives a fee from the Fund Manager. Visit lonsec.com.au for ratings information and to access the full report.

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