In this episode of the Fund Selectors Podcast, host Lucy Walker interviews Hannah Evans, Head of Manager Research at Omnis Investments.

The conversation centres around fund idea generation, manager selection, and the processes Hannah’s team undertakes when overseeing £11 billion of assets across various mandates. Key themes include the meticulous approach to filtering managers, adapting processes to each search, and the importance of transparency from asset managers.

The episode highlights the challenges of balancing fund and manager oversight, navigating manager transitions, and Hannah’s focus on building long-term, sustainable relationships with managers.

Timestamps:

0:04 - Introduction by Lucy Walker

0:23 - Guest introduction: Hannah Evans

3:04 - Hannah’s journey into fund research

5:00 - Meeting with fund managers

7:00 - Managing Omnis’ funds

10:07 - The unpredictability of manager changes

12:24 - Conducting a recent manager search at Omnis

16:30 - Filtering down over 300 fund candidates

19:00 - The “RFP light” process for narrowing down managers

23:39 - Importance of consistent process and long-term conviction

30:06 - Identifying key person risk in fund managers

37:00 - Feedback to asset managers: honesty is key

49:05 - Closing remarks on fund selection

In this episode of Fund Selectors, host Lucy Walker interviews Ryan Hughes, Investments Director at AJ Bell.

The discussion covers Ryan’s 25-year career, from his early days in financial advice to building AJ Bell’s investment business from scratch.

Ryan shares insights into understanding liquidity, team dynamics in fund selection, and the role of culture in investment performance.

They also discuss the evolution of asset management and how firms must adapt to growing pressure on fees.

0:03 - Introduction by Lucy Walker
0:22 - Guest introduction: Ryan Hughes
1:10 - Ryan’s career journey: from financial advice to fund research
2:58 - Early lessons in financial advice and pensions
4:16 - The tech bubble and crash’s impact on Ryan’s career
5:53 - Continuous learning in the investment world
6:53 - Building AJ Bell’s investment business from scratch
10:14 - The challenge of starting with a blank slate at AJ Bell
13:03 - Importance of using passive investments with active only when there’s a strong case
14:45 - AJ Bell’s focus on passive and active allocations
15:56 - How AJ Bell works with both DIY investors and advisors
22:06 - Experience and track record as a key factor in selecting active managers
25:05 - The evolving importance of liquidity in fund selection
30:18 - Deep understanding of managers’ philosophy and processes
34:03 - How team dynamics affect investment decisions
37:00 - Red flags in fund management: cultural and organizational issues
44:46 - How active management can remain competitive
49:04 - The success of investment trusts in lowering fees
53:03 - Ryan’s recommended book: The Hour Between Dog and Wolf by John Coates

In this episode of Fund Selectors, host Lucy Walker interviews Carly Moorhouse, an award-winning fund research analyst at Quilter Cheviot.

The conversation explores Carly's approach to fund selection, highlighting her emphasis on trust, passion, and investment philosophy. Carly shares insights into the importance of meeting managers face-to-face, the unique strengths of boutique managers, and her experiences from global research trips.

They also discuss the value of personal instincts in fund selection and Carly's sociology background's influence on her career.

0:03 - Introduction by Lucy Walker

0:21 - Guest introduction: Carly Moorhouse

0:57 - Importance of trust in fund management

1:48 - Carly’s human approach to fund research

2:15 - Carly’s principles in fund selection

4:21 - Sticking to a philosophy in tough times

5:05 - Building and destroying trust

6:40 - Importance of face-to-face meetings

10:00 - Carly’s sociology background

13:21 - Attraction to boutique managers

15:27 - Insights from research trips

17:04 - Macro versus micro focus in different regions

20:57 - Recent trips to the US and Asia

26:00 - Growing up in Asia and its impact on her career

31:08 - Carly’s book recommendation

32:06 - Trusting gut instincts in fund selection

34:05 - Final question to next guest

In this episode of Fund Selectors, host Lucy Walker interviews Simon Evan-Cook, an experienced fund manager at Downing. The discussion delves into Simon’s investment philosophy, the challenges and opportunities in fund management, and traits that distinguish great fund managers from average ones. Simon discusses the importance of active management, the role of boutiques, and the significance of being true to your investment philosophy. They also touch on industry trends, career risks, and founder fee structures. Timestamps: 0:03 - Introduction by Lucy Walker 0:34 - Guest introduction: Simon Evan-Cook 2:16 - Simon’s investment philosophy 3:08 - Belief in active fund management 4:09 - Starting with a blank sheet at Downing 5:03 - Challenges and opportunities in fund management 6:21 - Identifying passionate fund managers 7:49 - Traits of exceptional fund managers: “Belicious” 10:54 - The importance of being true to one’s investment philosophy 13:00 - Evaluating fund managers’ flexibility and decision-making 17:03 - The impact of career risk on fund management decisions 19:38 - Advice for asset managers on handling career risk 23:30 - Simon’s approach to portfolio construction 24:57 - The role of diversification in Downing Fox portfolios 28:01 - The “Whiskey and Water” model 30:45 - Time in the market vs. timing the market 32:27 - Blending different investment styles 34:30 - Importance of bottom-up stock picking 36:09 - Understanding fund managers’ processes 38:00 - Team dynamics in fund management 41:03 - Curiosity in fund manager meetings 42:25 - Advice for asset managers presenting to fund selectors 44:50 - Fee structures and their impact 48:27 - Founders fees and long-term incentives 53:08 - Simon’s recommended book 55:30 - Importance of systems thinking 57:30 - Final question for the next guest