As a wealthy individual, have you ever wondered about the differences between an independent wealth manager and a private bank? While both offer financial services in the area of portfolio management, there are significant differences that investors should be aware of.
Independent wealth managers, unlike private banks, focus solely on wealth management services and operate independently of a bank. This independence gives independent wealth managers more flexibility in designing investment strategies, as they are not tied to specific internal products. Independent wealth managers are also more cost-efficient than private banks, as they do not have additional banking services and substantial infrastructure costs. Furthermore, independent wealth managers often have a more personal and holistic relationship with their clients, leading to better client service and advice.
On the other hand, private banks offer their clients a more comprehensive range of financial services, such as mortgages. These additional services can be advantageous for clients who need a broader range of services, but they can also come with higher costs and potentially less personalised service and advice. After all, an independent wealth manager can organise these services for their clients through the chosen custodian bank but usually won’t impact their revenue stream.
The choice between an independent wealth manager and a private bank depends on the investor’s needs and preferences. If you like being served personalised and not limited to one product shelf or seeking consolidated portfolio reporting, you might be better off with an independent wealth manager.
Source: LinkedIn