Forsyth Partners Limited has been appointed as investment consultants to Jardine Lloyd Thompson for analysis, rating and recommendation of UK mutual funds used in conjunction with their pension products.
“Pension fund management requires a consistent approach to fund selection and performance surprises are not welcomed by trustees or actuaries as they indicate that an increase in risk may have been taken,” says Peter Toogood, Chief Investment Officer of Forsyth Partners. “Forsyth Partners will favour those funds that exhibit consistent performance returns against the benchmark, where the investment policy is in line with the house approach and stated investment objectives. Asset classes covered will include UK and International Equities as well as Fixed Interest.”
The methodology for research undertaken will be similar to Forsyth’s other fund research services. The analysis will be a blend of qualitative and quantitative fund research. “We strive to ensure that recommendations are predictive in nature and not based solely on what has happened in the past. The most important part of our research process is the face to face meetings with fund managers. These enable us to understand more fully how the manager operates and if the manager is managing the fund in accordance with the investment policies set,” adds Peter Toogood.
This new assignment will be led by Henry Freemen, who will be responsible for analysing, reviewing and recommending investment managers to Jardine Lloyd Thompson for their pensions consultancy work.
Freeman has 6 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Forsyth partners, he was acting in consultancy role within the insurance and credit industries. He spent 2 years as a Senior Investment Manager at Goy Harris Cartwright. He also launched a socially responsible investment fund service and a managed fund of funds service. Before then, he was with RJ Temple and Lloyds TSB.
“Henry is a high calibre individual and we are very pleased that he will be taking on what is a new position within Forsyth Partners,” says Peter Toogood. “The pension fund industry is evolving and becoming ever more important as concerns over future state pension provision continue. There has also been extensive media coverage on funds unable to pay out defined returns and these issues can only highlight the importance of picking the right investment manager. Forsyth has already built expertise in identifying excellence in the retail funds arena so it is a natural progression to move into the institutional pooled pension fund space.”