BLUECHIP2025 DFM GUIDE -
BLUECHIP2025 DFM GUIDE - PROFILEINN8 InvestINN8 Invest is an independentdiscretionary fund manager (DFM) thatplaces global, best-in-class expertise atyour fingertips. INN8 Invest has rootsgoing back more than 20 years and is thecentre of excellence of multi-managedsolutions and services within the StandardBank Group; with R500-billion+ understewardship. For the Standard Bank Groupto better entrench itself as a leading DFMsolution provider, the STANLIB Multi-Manager model portfolio proposition forthird-party IFAs was repositioned in 2022under a new brand, INN8 Invest.Investment philosophyOur objective is to deliver superior netinvestment returns more consistentlythan through a single asset manager ormandate by exploiting various sourcesof return, while diversifying multiplesources of risk. We begin with a focusedand uncompromising commitment toexploiting the highest quality data,systems, processes and people, sincethese are the factors that can becontrolled in an otherwise uncertaininvestment environment.We believe that when values andbeliefs are followed with great care andresponsibility, the result is an emergenceof successful portfolios. Therefore, we donot begin with investment ideologies, butrather apply curiosity and critical thinking.We value collective decision-making andWhen values andbeliefs are followedwith great careand responsibility,the result is anemergence ofsuccessful portfolios24Millectas nem ab iurehenissequiaspicat rerias aut.consider all sources of risk and return. Weinvest in learning and development andfocus on high-quality inputs.Developing investment solutionsWe apply a disciplined, research-drivenapproach that allows financial plannersand investors to benefit from moreconsistent, long-term performanceat lower levels of risk. Investment riskmanagement is a fundamental andintegral component of our investmentphilosophy and process. It is thereforeapproached holistically, permeatingthrough every step of our investmentprocess, rather than as a distinctcomponent or an after-thought. Ourprocess consists of six steps:• Portfolio specification: Clarifies objectivesand constraints.• Asset allocation: Explores strategic andtactical sources of risk and return.• Manager research: Identifies skilfulmanagers and their performanceexpectations.• Portfolio construction: Maximiseprobability of delivering on expectations.• Portfolio management: Includingmonitoring, manager exists andtransitions; and• Portfolio reviews: To assess whether theportfolio is delivering to expectations.Our power comeswith the comfortand security of alarge balance sheetthanks to our sizeand scale that allowfor competitive feesThe benefitsThrough our partnership with IFAs, theservice we provide enables IFAs to focuseven more on holistic financial planning.As an appointed DFM, we take care ofthe day-to-day investment managementusing our pedigree of access to best-inclassdiscretionary fund management;established track record; and reputableand consistent performance outcomesover time.Our power comes with the comfort andsecurity of a large balance sheet thanks toour size and scale that allow for competitivefees. In terms of partnerships, we drivegreater efficiency in IFA practices, mitigateIFA investment/advice risk and empowerinvestors with the necessary informationand insights.Performance consistency is key to ourDFM value proposition. A better and moreconsistent outcome for investors promoteslonger relationships and contributes toperforming in line with client expectationsand aligns better with a goals-basedadvisory approach.Contact information:For more information, contact:• Telephone: 0860 004 668• Email: inn8invest@inn8.co.za• Website: www.inn8.co.zaINN8 Invest is a division of STANLIB Wealth Management (Pty) Ltd, an authorised Financial Services Provider,with licence number 590 under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS).
2025 DFM GUIDE - INTERVIEWBLUECHIPAward-winning pedigreeLeigh Kohler, head of DFM at INN8 Invest, explains why the companyhas an award-winning performance track record.What makes your business distinctive?Our sizable investment team of morethan 20 investment professionals basedin Johannesburg, Cape Town, London andJersey has more than 300 cumulative yearsof investment experience. We have beenentrusted with more than R560-billion ofassets under stewardship and more thanR120-billion under direct management fromour clients. INN8 Invest has won the biggestDFM Awards in the industry over the last threeyears: Citywire DFM Awards 2022: Best OverallPerformance; Citywire DFM Awards 2023: BestOverall DFM and Citywire DFM Awards 2024:Best Overall Performance.Our value proposition to our clients isarticulated as the three Ps: Pedigree, Powerand Partnerships. Investment Pedigreespeaks to our demonstrative track record ofoutperformance over the long term. Powerspeaks to our ability to harness our sizableassets to access best-in-class fees from assetmanagers that benefit our clients directly.Partnership is arguably our most importantprinciple as it speaks to our commitment tofinancial advisors and their clients.Who is your ideal client?Financial advisors looking to grow their clientbase, increase efficiencies and profitability andprofessionalise their practices. For INN8 Invest,it doesn’t matter how large or small the advisorpractice is, as long as their aim is to improvetheir business, improve advice, reduce riskand are keen to partner with an independent,specialist investment business who has anactual track record of delivering investmentalpha for clients.Who are not your clients?Our size, scale, business philosophy and clientvalue proposition allow us to partner withfinancial advisors and wealth managers indifferent phases of their business life-cycle. Itdoesn’t matter whether the advisor is in theirstart-up phase, growth phase or thinkingabout succession options; we’re able to workwith them. We completely respect that thereare some advisors who want to be part of theinvestment process and others who don’t. Wedon’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” solution.We’re able to cater for the needs of mostadvisors. So, we don’t really have financialadvisors who are not our clients.What role do you believe DFMs play inimproving client outcomes?DFMs play a crucial role in improving clientoutcomes. In fact, one could argue that atits very core, improving client outcomes iswhy DFMs exist. The truth, however, is thatnot all DFMs can do so. Therefore, selectingthe correct DFM partner is a crucial step foradvisors who are looking to improve clientoutcomes. DFMs should have an actual trackrecord of outperformance; something anadvisor and client can compare against otheroptions out there.Some argue DFMs are just another layer ofcosts for clients. Your response?DFMs charge for their services, which is right.If anyone is offering a specialised professionalservice, they should charge for it. The questionis, can the DFM add value to the client? Canthey generate an outperformance net offees charged? If the DFM can outperform itsbenchmark or meet the client’s expectations interms of performance net of fees, then they’vedone their job.Some have the view that DFMs shouldhave performance tables like fundmanagers. Your perspective?Yes, we should be able to easily compare DFMperformance relative to each other, like the CISindustry does. This is unfortunately not the case.There are some DFMs not willing to disclosetheir performances, which is unfortunate. INN8Invest has been at the forefront of openingthe transparency of performance debate.Fortunately, we run CIS funds as well as modelportfolios. The performance of our fund andmodel portfolios are available for anyone tosee on our website. The advent of the DFMAwards has also helped. It’s now a lot clearerto see who the DFMs are who have performedwell over many years.Leigh Kohler, head of DFM,Inn8 InvestBIOGRAPHYLeigh joined INN8 Invest in 2020as head of DFM. He started in theindustry in 2003 at Glacier. Leighheld several roles at Glacierincluding Head: InvestmentAdministration; Head: Research;Head: Investment Solutions – aportfolio that included GlacierResearch, Glacier Mancoand Glacier Invest (DFM). Hethen joined Sanlam Multi-Manager in 2019 as Head:Business Solutions, continuinghis role within the DFM, butincluded a broader mandateincluding product, distribution,proposition and institutionalbusiness. Leigh holds a BCom(Hons) and an MBA.25
