Sequoia adds SQM to its APL construction process

Sequoia has agreed to incorporate the funds and portfolios rated by SQM into its approved product list (APL) construction process, across all asset classes.

Garry Crole, chief executive of Sequoia noted: “SQM Research are now providing quality research on well over 400 strategies across all the asset classes and are the only major research house covering the growing range of multi-asset SMA solutions”.

“This has made them a natural provider to help us meet the needs of our advisers.”

Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM, commented: “We are very excited to broaden our relationship with Sequoia given their position in the market. It’s great to see our research being utilised by another of the major advice providers in the market.

“Our research is now accepted by most of the largest advice firms and platforms. As a pure research and data provider, we will continue to focus on providing the best research to our clients, without being distracted by conflicting interests.”

Speaking to ifa, Mr Christopher added that SQM has the capability to offer ratings on SMA multi-strategy models that are not available from other sources.

“Advisers get, firstly, access to all our SMA multi strategy model ratings, which is something that we've really taken the lead on in the industry,” he said.

“That’s something that our peers cannot offer because they have a conflict there. Advisers, especially those who are looking to get research or models, will have access via our portal to all that research.”

He added that while Lonsec also provides research for Sequoia, SQM is the only firm providing SMA multi-strategy research.

“It’s not an exclusive relationship, but when it comes to multi-strategy SMAs, by virtue it is on that particular asset class,” he said.

For Sequoia’s advisers, Mr Christopher said this partnership means they will have a greater depth of information.

“It’s not just the research, it’s the data that goes behind those models as well, which Sequoia advisers will have access to,” he said.

“Now of course, Sequoia advisers will have access to all the asset classes that we cover, and also our research will be used at the head office to enable APL calls to be made.”