Jupiter headlines OBSR Researched Funds Panel on Cofunds

Jupiter has the most funds on Cofunds’ eagerly-awaited OBSR Researched Funds Panel with 10 vehicles making the grade.

Also featuring prominently on the independently-rated list of 120 were M&G with nine funds, alongside Schroders and Invesco Perpetual on eight apiece.

The solution covers all key IMA sectors, including property and cash, and will also provide four model portfolios using risk profiles four to seven. These aim to give advisers with a ready-made investment solution throughout the market cycle.

The portfolios, which will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, will be shown on the platform from 21 December, however they will not be fully automated into the proposition until September 2010.   

Russell Lancaster, Cofunds fund manager relations director, says advisers will also be able to create their own model portfolios and research fund panels.

“While the OBSR model portfolios are designed to add value for advisers who need the investment expertise, they are also adding value for more investment-focused IFAs who can compare and contrast their own investment decisions with the independent panel.”

Cofunds believes up to a third of advisers on the platform may use either their own model portfolios or the OBSR solutions by the end of next year.

Commenting on Jupiter’s strong showing in the Panel, Gordon Davidson, managing director of Jupiter, says: “OBSR is a very highly-regarded, independent fund research group and the establishment of the Cofunds Researched Funds Panel will bring the ratings to a wider audience, assisting advisers in the appropriate construction of portfolios. We are delighted that Jupiter has featured so prominently on the panel.”

Nigel Whittingham, OBSR business development director, adds: “This Panel taps into what OBSR has always done. Our qualitative approach considers investment philosophy and objectives, process, research resources, risk management as well as group personnel and stability.”