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Asset managers are increasingly prioritizing SMAs-60% view model-delivered separate accounts as a large opportunity and CITs (56%). At least 30% of firms plan to replicate strategies in an SMA or ETF with tweaks that will take advantage of the attributes specific to the vehicle type, thereby improving the investor experience, typically from a standpoint of alpha, tax optimization, and/or customization.

According to asset managers, drivers for replication using SMAs are focused on the structural benefits of the vehicle (75%), and the opportunity that it presents to asset managers to fit into platform offerings (88%). "Overall, SMAs fit better into partner firms' platforms, which call for added customization and personalization, capabilities available to tailor investment strategies to individuals and households," says Matt Apkarian, associate director.

At least 83% of asset managers are choosing to replicate strategies using CITs due to requests from plan advisors, consultants, or plan sponsors, signaling that the proliferation of the structure is heavily demand-driven. 78% of managers cite fee negotiation and relationship pricing as secondary demand drivers. "Asset managers can do well to cement relationships with large retirement plans by offering lower fees, which will often be needed as the plan fiduciaries fight to keep retirement assets for their participants," says Apkarian.

Overall, Cerulli expects replications and conversions to accelerate as asset managers look to expand their vehicle capabilities and offer strategies in a vehicle-agnostic manner that can meet the needs of investor clients with varying objectives. "Asset managers should be careful not to recklessly replicate strategies across as many vehicle types as possible in hopes of gaining adoption but should carefully consider how each strategy is being used as a building block for portfolio construction," states Apkarian. "Successful managers will find that they can safeguard against a declining mutual fund business, and also ultimately lead investors to find more value in financial services and better long-term investment options through customization and tax optimization," he concludes.