Press Releases

21 November 2006

Something “New” in Wealth Management: a Quantitative, Model Based Approach Designed for Outperformance.

Prospect Wealth Management has recently been launched to bring the highest standards of investment management to private clients, charities and trusts.  The business is headed up by Matthew Hunt, previously chief investment officer at Coutts & Co and founder of Close Wealth Management. 

Hunt seeks to deliver outperformance for investors by employing a quantitative model developed by Hunt over the last 15 years called “ValueHUNT”.  “The model provides an objective, disciplined means of making investment decisions.”  Hunt says this approach has delivered robust returns over the last 10 years by removing emotion from decisions and leading to a focus on undervalued stocks and markets that are temporarily out of favour. This process is applied to alternative investments as well as to traditional bonds and equities.

The concept is well supported by a unique yet straightforward risk profiling process for individual clients. “Transparency is a key part of our philosophy. We want to be certain that each client has a portfolio asset mix that accurately reflects their return objectives and risk tolerance.”

Hunt pioneered the use of straightforward risk profiling tools that not only ensure each portfolio matches the client’s needs but also ensure the client understands what to expect from their investments. 

Unlike many private client managers, Hunt is not afraid to compare his results against meaningful market benchmarks, so clients know how well Prospect is performing. This is particularly reassuring for professional trustees who can be held accountable for the actions of the investment managers that they select on behalf of their clients.  Prospect has also introduced the concept of “Active Benchmarking”, advising clients when to change their benchmark in anticipation of changes in market trends.

Hunt notes, “Our modern approach does not preclude old-fashioned standards of client service”. Key to delivering a high standard of service is Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS), the UK private client arm of US-based Raymond James Financial, that provides the administration, processing, compliance and FSA registration for Prospect. Raymond James Financial has assets of approximately $150bn and since entering the UK market in 2001, RJIS has grown to 36 locations in the UK. Clients can also take advantage of all the major tax breaks through a Prospect portfolio, whether it is an ISA, a Self Invested Pension Plan or an offshore bond. 

“We believe our quantitative model is key to allowing us to deliver institutional standards of investment management to the private individual.”  For a copy of our brochure, which demystifies the world of investment, call 020 7413 2790 or email matthew.hunt@prospectwealth.co.uk. Prospect’s minimum investment level is £100,000.

For further information, please contact:

Matthew Hunt, Investment Manager and Branch Principal
Prospect Wealth Management
Tel 020 7413 2790 or matthew.hunt@prospectwealth.co.uk

or

Cynthia Poole, Director of Relationship Management and Business Support
Raymond James Investment Services
Tel 020 7337 0712 or Cynthia.Poole@RaymondJames.com

Notes to editors
Online information

http://rjis.co.uk/home.htm
http://www.adviserchoice.co.uk/
http://www.prospectwealth.co.uk/

About Raymond James Investment Services Limited (RJIS)
RJIS is the UK private client investment management arm of Raymond James Financial, Inc., a US based diversified financial services company.  The firm commenced operation in 2001 and has 36 locations across the UK. RJIS offers private client investment managers and advisers a platform of choice, providing alternative methods of affiliation through three business models: Independent Contracting, Professional Partners and the Wrap Platform. Its goal is to provide investment professionals in the UK with the freedom to deliver to clients a complete integrated wealth management solution whilst retaining their independence.

RJIS is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  Registered Office 77 Cornhill, London EC3V 3QQ.

About Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF)
Established in 1962, Raymond James Financial has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1983 and has a current market capitalization of approximately $3.7B (as of November 2006). RJF offers a comprehensive range of wealth management products and services to over one million accounts, representing total client assets of approximately $150 billion. RJF currently has 4800 advisers located in 2,200 office locations throughout the US, Canada and the UK.

Having pioneered the independent contractor concept in the early 1970’s in the US, Raymond James Financial today enjoys an enviable reputation amongst investment managers and advisers for client service and investment in new technologies.