Swiss private banking business Julius Baer is launching a range of model portfolios targeted at UK financial advisers.

The range is being run by Gareth Johnson, who previously ran the MPS business at Brewin Dolphin for 14 years, with further hires expected.

There are two portfolio ranges, “active” and “passive+” and they will operate within the risk profiles 3-8 mapped against Defaqto, Dynamic Planner and EV.

A dedicated UK-based team will run the models, aided by 600 investment professionals from the Julius Baer offices around the world contributing investment research and ideas.

Julius Baer said the launch is part of a “long-term strategic” investment into the UK wealth management market. 

The opportunity to bring this to the clients of advisers, and to support the IFA market is really exciting

On the decision to enter the UK model portfolio market, the company said: “Demand for outsourced investment solutions continues to rise, driven by evolving client expectations and increasing regulatory complexity – including new requirements under consumer duty.

“At the same time, managing portfolios effectively requires deep resources, continuous monitoring, and access to global insights, all of which can be challenging for many IFA firms to maintain independently.”  

As it attempts to grow in the UK market, the company has hired dedicated investment, sales support, business development and marketing staff for the model portfolio range. 

The range will initially be available on the Fidelity, Morningstar, Aberdeen, Quilter, Transact and Aviva platforms. 

Gareth Johnson, head of MPS at Julius Baer International, added: “What initially drew me to Julius Baer was the not just the size and global scale of the business, but the resource and dedication to positive client outcomes.

“As a pure play wealth manager, all of our efforts are focussed on wealth management.

“The opportunity to bring this to the clients of advisers, and to support the IFA market is really exciting and we’ve been able to attract talent that are as motivated and enthusiastic as I am.

“We are excited to partner, with platforms, risk profilers and other stakeholders in the IFA ecosystem.”

Julius Baer’s entry into the UK model portfolio market mirrors that of another Swiss wealth management outfit, Edmond De Rothschild, which announced in January that it was also entering the UK market.

david.thorpe@ft.com