IMAP announces regular managed accounts ‘census’

The first IMAP study of FUM invested through managed accounts on 30 June 2016 found the sector equated to $31 billion.

In a statement released yesterday, IMAP announced it would make the ‘census’ twice-yearly – with the 31 December 2016 figures set to be released in March 2017.

IMAP chair Toby Potter said he was confident the census would record a significant increase in FUM in the six months from 30 June 2016.

"The current level of FUM and the growth, if it eventuates, will prove how significant this service is for the advice profession," Mr Potter said.

The 30 June 2016 study found one-third of managed accounts were managed discretionary accounts (MDAs), one-third were separately managed accounts (SMA)/managed investment schemes, and the remaining third were legal structures such as investor directed portfolio services.

"Recent product launches have been principally in the SMA style so it will be interesting to see how the relative usage has evolved," Mr Potter said.

The managed account FUM census will be completed in February for release in March 2017.

"In the last study we were thorough in our coverage of institutions and companies which offered managed account services to IFAs," Mr Potter said.

"In this study, we are extending the survey to the 190 licensees whose AFSL authorises them to be an MDA provider in their own right. Their participation will be a valuable extension of the study."