As conviction based investors, we construct and manage diversified portfolios taking a long-term view. We aim to generate strong, risk-adjusted returns that outperform benchmarks, creating the right strategies across our range of portfolios.
A disciplined approach
The FAS Investment Committee has a disciplined approach to investment fund selection and uses Collective Investments exclusively. They feel that investing in collective funds offers the best prospects for outperformance, whilst keeping investment risk and volatility in check, and avoiding stock specific risk.
Identifying best prospects
Using a range of quantitative and qualitative filters, the FAS Investment Committee narrows the universe of investment options available to UK investors by identifying opportunities that offer the best prospects for outperformance. The committee also keeps in regular contact with UK fund managers, and schedules frequent meetings with fund management teams, allowing committee members to question the individuals managing the fund about their objectives, strategy and portfolio positioning.
Data driven performance
All of the analysis obtained is then carefully considered by FAS Investment Committee members before being approved for inclusion within their investment portfolios. Some of the many factors considered during the process include consistency of performance, management style and a comprehensive analysis of investment risk.
Using their analysis and findings the committee then constructs investment portfolios using the filtered investment selection. Portfolio asset allocation is determined by consideration of economic and geopolitical factors that they believe will affect markets in the medium and longer term.
For portfolios where additional ethical investment considerations are necessary, the FAS Investment Committee carries out further research and applies a secondary review of the fund list. This involves assessing whether each fund follows clearly defined investment guidelines or has processes in place for considering business practices, sector exposures, and environmental, social, and governance–related risks as part of its overall investment approach. Funds that meet these additional criteria form the basis of our two risk-rated portfolios, Balanced and Progressive. Both portfolios aim to provide capital growth while following a disciplined and transparent investment process.
Portfolio review
Each of the portfolios is reviewed every 12 weeks, to ensure they continue to hold investments that perform well. Where the FAS Investment Committee feels changes are merited, careful consideration is given as to the impact of the proposed change on the balance, risk and volatility of the portfolio.
Portfolio changes
Any changes to the portfolio happen automatically, without any action being taken by the client. This provides a proactive service that can rapidly adapt to changes in market conditions affected by economic factors. Portfolios are also rebalanced at each review stage, ensuring the integrity of the portfolio remains intact, by adjusting the various allocations so that they match the model portfolio.