Asset Manager Search & Research

How the Platform Works

GFS broadcasts customized data requests to over 6,800 asset managers globally, delivering relevant long lists within two weeks in the format you want. The platform manages Q&A anonymously, sorts and cleans data, and provides built-in functionality to interrogate, analyze, score, and filter responses. Reverse solicitation ensures full regulatory compliance, with transparent audit trails and data export capabilities.

 

My Role as Head of UK

I lead UK market development and client relationships, supporting institutional investors and consultants in designing and executing asset manager search projects. This includes working with LGPS pools, UK DB schemes, DC master trusts, and consultants to leverage the platform's unique capabilities for manager selection in complex regulatory and governance environments.

 

Unique Value Proposition

Distribution of work and costs

• We broadcast a customised data request out to >7,000asset managers globally. Two weeks later you have your own relevant long list in the format you want. 

• GFS manage the Q&A so you remain anonymous throughout. 

• Free for investors to post mandates, and free for managers to see all the mandates posted. Only managers who submit a response to the RFP pay a nominal data management fee. There are no further hidden costs, charges or commissions

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Built-in functionality

• Full Customisation of the platform adapts to existing research processes rather than requiring methodology changes.

• Quantitatively and qualitatively interrogate the data and assess the responses within the platform.

• "Turn the table" to review the questions by question, or the managers by manager.

• All tabular data can be analysed through a single pivot table.

• Collaboration tools enable you to create a customised weighted scorecard, take notes, view colleagues' notes, and remove "show-stoppers" managers from review.

• At the end, you have a transparent audit trail for compliance

 

Active Search Management

• We actively promote the search to a Target List of managers defined by the investor.

• We further compile an Active List of managers who have previously submitted to similar mandates, as well as new managers identified through human and AI/ML market research.

• Managers submit questions online, and GFS acts as an interface between the manager and consultant/investor to maintain anonymity

• Platform retains records of all Q&A for audit and compliance

• We “sense-check” the data for obvious mistakes & errors

• Any missing managers you expected/wanted to submit are followed up with to secure a submission or report on why they passed on the opportunity.

• All manager feedback managed by GFS.

 

Market Intelligence

My role provides real-time visibility into how over 6,800 global managers position themselves against live investor mandates. This unique perspective on allocator requirements and manager responses across public and private markets informs broader strategic thinking about institutional investment trends, regulatory impacts, and implementation challenges.

 

Why This Partnership Matters

The Global Fund Search model fundamentally changes the economics and efficiency of institutional manager research. Rather than accepting traditional constraints of internal research teams, it creates a market-driven solution that benefits all participants while improving decision-making quality and regulatory compliance.