Report

U.S. Intermediary Distribution 2021

Leveraging Data to Navigate Change

Maximize Product Distribution Through Financial Advisors

  • Identify and size the most compelling distribution opportunities in a virtual environment
  • Learn how to balance key accounts and wholesaling resources to meet rising distribution costs and changing advisor portfolio construction behavior
  • Understand how to structure compensation for generalist and specialist wholesalers
  • Examine renewed interest in hybrid wholesalers as firms prepare for the eventual transition to a post-pandemic marketplace
  • Strengthen advisor and distributor relationships

$19,500

Discounts available for bulk purchase

Us intermediary distribution detail

Buy Now

Jeremy Fodaski

Jeremy Fodaski

Senior Account Manager

Summary

A sourcebook for asset managers seeking to maximize product distribution through intermediaries across all channels in the U.S., this annual report focuses on the distribution of investment products through financial advisors. This report includes 10 years of market sizing of advisor-controlled assets by channel, rankings of the industry’s largest distributors, and forward-looking projections of marketshare by channel.

Included with Purchase

Light bulb

Methodology

Each report is lead authored by a senior Cerulli analyst with significant industry experience. The report incorporates qualitative and quantitative inputs, based on Cerulli’s proprietary research process. For more on our research process, click here.

Clipboard

Executive Summaries

Get the most important report findings distilled in an easy-to-understand and highly visual format before you begin your journey through the report or use it as a tool for senior leadership.

Gauge

Interactive Report Dashboards

Access consolidated data from multiple report exhibits in a single comparative view. Flexibly build your view of data with customizable filters and share the results in a format that meets your requirements.

Person headset

Analyst Support

Got a question? Our analysts are available to help you interpret and analyze key findings as well as provide their perspective on industry trends.

Bar chart

Data Behind This Report

Data is the foundation of our reports. Each study contains nearly 100 exhibits, available to buyers in Excel format. Extract and explore Cerulli’s data and analysis your way.

Laptop

Digital Access

Access your reports digitally anytime, anywhere, on any device through our client portal.

A Note from the Author

Harnessing Data for Actionable Insight Is a Differentiator for Distribution Teams

As firms compete for assets in a primarily virtual environment, analyzing the profitability of advisor relationships (45%), identifying the best prospects for wholesaler engagement (42%), and measuring the impact of both wholesaling and digital marketing efforts (30%) have become top priorities for distribution teams. This is easier said than done for many asset management firms challenged by implementing the proper data systems, data inputs, and appropriately deploying resources to harness critical insights and drive distribution.

Most distribution professionals (nearly 75% of wholesalers) feel that prospecting has become more challenging in a digital environment. As a result, distribution teams are striving to develop mechanisms to make it easier to intelligently assess opportunities for growth. More than one-quarter (27%) of distribution executives consider identifying best advisor prospects for digital engagement a top priority; however, many (55%) are faced with overcoming challenges such as insufficient technology infrastructure and data sourcing (35%).

Distribution teams of all sizes encounter hurdles leveraging data because they lack the necessary resources. However, because resource allocation has a direct impact on what firms can do, size has inevitably played a role in the evolution of data efforts—firms with $500 billion or more in AUM were more likely to have advanced capabilities than their peers and they were the only ones to feel they were very effective at an advanced capability.

Distribution teams at asset managers—large and small—must understand the importance of information management as they consume more data, implement proper infrastructure, and form a team dedicated to translating data into actionable insights. A comprehensive look at these challenges and opportunities can be found in our report: U.S. Intermediary Distribution 2021: Leveraging Data to Navigate Change.

Contact Us

Want More Information?

Learn more about this report and related Cerulli research.

Contact Us

You Might Also be Interested in:

  • Annual report
  • The Cerulli Edge
Consulting Page module Rocket 120820

STRATEGIC CONSULTING & CUSTOM RESEARCH

Cerulli Consulting

Understand where to allocate resources to achieve your objectives. We can help you determine which initiatives are likely to be successful and those that may not achieve the desired effect. In an increasingly competitive market, our objectivity and experience can help you to advance your firm’s unique strengths.

Learn More

We use cookies to improve your site experience, distinguish you from other users and support the marketing of our services. These cookies may store your personal information. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. For more information, please visit our Privacy Notice.