In an article published last week, I explored the process of selecting investment managers based on clients’ unique needs. However, manager selection is only the first step in the broader investment management process.
Once a manager is chosen, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure they remain aligned with the investor’s objectives and perform as expected.
This article will focus on the ongoing evaluation of investment managers, key portfolio considerations, and the importance of robust due diligence in safeguarding the investor’s interests.
The importance of continuous monitoring
Hiring an investment manager is not a once-off task; it is the beginning of an ongoing relationship that requires regular review and scrutiny. As financial markets and economic conditions evolve, so too must the strategies employed by investment managers. Regular monitoring of these strategies helps ensure that the manager continues to deliver on the investor’s objectives.
One common issue that arises over time is return dilution. This occurs when a manager, particularly one with a strong track record, experiences significant growth in their assets under management (AuM).
As the fund grows, it can become more difficult for the manager to invest additional capital effectively without diluting the potential returns.
To address this, managers often shift focus to larger, more liquid securities or increase the number of holdings. While this can help manage risk, it may also result in performance that closely tracks the market index, reducing the possibility of generating excess returns, often referred to as “alpha”.
When monitoring a manager, it is important to assess whether they are still following their stated investment philosophy and whether their strategy remains appropriate for the investor’s goals.
A significant deviation from their original strategy may indicate that the manager is responding to short-term market movements, which could be detrimental to long-term performance.
Performance reviews: Balancing quantitative and qualitative factors
The decision to retain or replace an investment manager should be informed by both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Quantitative measures such as performance metrics, alpha generation, risk-adjusted returns, and tracking errors relative to the benchmark are essential components of this review. However, over-reliance on short-term performance figures can be misleading.
Markets are cyclical, and even the best managers may underperform for short periods.
For this reason, qualitative factors are equally important. These include an assessment of the manager’s investment philosophy, the consistency of their decision-making process, and their ability to manage risks effectively. A key question to ask is whether the manager’s investment philosophy and strategy have remained consistent or if there have been significant changes in response to recent market trends.
Managers who frequently alter their strategies in reaction to short-term performance may lack the discipline needed to deliver long-term results.
Additionally, qualitative analysis should include an evaluation of the operational health of the investment firm. Even if a manager has a solid track record, operational issues such as weak governance, inadequate resources, or compliance failures can undermine their ability to continue delivering positive results. Investors should ensure that the firm behind the manager is well-structured, properly resourced, and capable of supporting the manager’s long-term performance.
The role of due diligence in manager evaluation
Due diligence is the cornerstone of sound investment decision-making and should be performed not only before hiring a manager but also throughout the investment relationship.
Investment due diligence focuses on understanding whether the manager’s investment process is repeatable and consistently implemented. This includes examining the underlying assumptions that drive the manager’s strategy and how they have performed under different market conditions.
A well-structured due diligence process helps to ensure that the manager’s historical performance is an accurate reflection of their abilities and not simply a result of favourable market environments that may not repeat.
Operational due diligence is equally important in assessing the structural integrity of the investment firm. This includes evaluating the firm’s policies, procedures, governance structures, and the adequacy of its personnel. A strong operational foundation reduces the likelihood of operational risks such as fraud, compliance failures, or business disruptions.
Behavioural biases in manager selection and monitoring
Investors are not immune to behavioural biases, and these can significantly influence the process of selecting, monitoring, and replacing investment managers. One common bias is the tendency to favour managers with strong recent performance, known as “recency bias”.
Investors may be tempted to replace managers who have underperformed in the short term, even if their long-term outlook remains solid. Conversely, investors may hold onto managers who have performed well recently, even if there are signs that their performance may not be sustainable over the long term.
Another bias is the “representativeness bias”, where investors make decisions based on stereotypes or overly simplistic evaluations. For instance, a manager’s charisma, presentation skills, or past reputation may lead an investor to overlook potential weaknesses in their strategy or process. This bias can result in poor decision-making if investors fail to properly assess a manager’s actual ability to generate returns.
To combat these biases, investors should implement a systematic process for evaluating managers. This process should include a combination of quantitative analysis, such as performance metrics and risk-adjusted returns, and qualitative assessments, such as the manager’s philosophy and operational structure. By taking an integrated approach, investors can avoid the pitfalls of over-relying on recent performance or making decisions based on subjective impressions.
Portfolio considerations: Risk budgeting and diversification
As part of the ongoing evaluation of investment managers, investors should regularly review the overall structure of their portfolio. When employing multiple managers, it is essential to ensure that the portfolio remains well-diversified, and that risk is distributed appropriately across asset classes and strategies. This process is known as risk budgeting.
Risk budgeting involves allocating risk where it is most likely to be rewarded.
For example, an investor may decide to take on more risk in equities or alternative investments, while maintaining a more conservative approach in fixed-income or cash holdings. Each manager or strategy within the portfolio should contribute to the overall risk-return profile in a manner that aligns with the investor’s goals.
However, investors must be cautious not to over-diversify by employing too many managers or strategies with overlapping exposures.
While diversification helps to manage risk, excessive diversification can dilute potential returns.
The costs of replacing managers
There will be situations where it becomes necessary to terminate a manager and replace them with a new one. However, this decision should not be taken lightly, as it involves both direct and indirect costs.
Direct costs may include transaction fees, taxes on realised gains, and potentially higher fees charged by the new manager. Indirect costs include the time and effort required to find and evaluate a new manager, as well as the potential for portfolio disruption during the transition period.
The net expected benefits of replacing a manager must outweigh these costs. While the costs are immediate and quantifiable, the benefits, such as improved performance, are often uncertain and may not be realised for some time.
Investors must weigh the certainty of these costs against the potential long-term benefits of hiring a new manager. In some cases, it may be more prudent to retain an underperforming manager if the costs of replacement are expected to exceed the potential gains.
Conclusion: Aligning interests and ensuring transparency
The ongoing relationship between an investor and an investment manager relies on trust and transparency. Managers must be able to clearly communicate their strategies, the risks involved, and the factors driving their performance. If a manager cannot explain their investment decisions in a clear and consistent manner, it may raise red flags about their ability to deliver on their promises.
Ultimately, successful investment management involves finding the right balance between risk and reward, cost and benefit, and diversification and concentration. By employing a systematic approach to evaluating and monitoring managers, investors can make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives. Robust due diligence and the careful management of behavioural biases are essential tools in this process, ensuring that investors protect their interests and optimise their portfolios over time.
Megan joined the Brenthurst Wealth team in March 2026 as an Administrative and Fiduciary Services Assistant at our Val de Vie Office in the Western Cape. Prior to joining Brenthurst, Megan gained three years of experience in the retail sector, where she developed management and client service skills.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Esmarelda Isaacs-Andreas joined the Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch office in October 2025, taking on the dual role of Receptionist and Fiduciary Administrator.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Michelle Heystek has built a career in the financial services over the last two decades, after obtaining her B.Com degree in Financial Management in 2005. Once she joined Brenthurst in 2006, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Certificate in Wealth Management from INSETA in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. In 2008, she earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Anelle joined Brenthurst Wealth as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Brian Butchart in the Cape Town office in December 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a liaison between Financial Advisers and clients at TMA and Absa Investment Management Services (Aims) since 1998. She obtained her B. com degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in 1997.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
Sanet was appointed in April 2020, joining our Cape Town team as an Executive Administration Assistant to Renee Eagar. She has been in the financial services industry since 1990. Her previous experience includes positions at Sanlam, BJM and ABSA. She spent her last 12 years working at Alexander Forbes Private Client Wealth as a Senior Wealth Management Assistant. She has received numerous accolades over the years which include but not limited to, Alexander Forbes Client Service Excellence – Silver award in 2014,2015 and 2017. Sanet has also obtained her Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) in 2012 and achieved “Best Student of the Year” from Moonstone.
Maria Smit is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry.
