Warwick Managing Director, Marc Wiese, highlights the true value of discretionary fund management in uncertain markets

Warwick Managing Director, Marc Wiese, highlights the true value of discretionary fund management in uncertain markets

Dear Warwick Clients, Partners and Stakeholders

As we begin to navigate 2025, market volatility remains a key concern for investors. Recent global and local events have added further uncertainty, reinforcing the need for a proactive and dynamic approach to investment management. 

The return of Donald Trump to the White House and his flurry of executive orders, notably a raft of trade tariffs and the suspension of financial aid to South Africa, has ‘set the cat amongst the pigeons’ for global and local regulators and markets. Additionally, President Trump’s administration's move to investigate potential refugee status for Afrikaner farmers has sparked political and economic debates that may impact investor confidence and could significantly influence markets and exchange rates.

In this environment, the ability to swiftly adapt investment portfolios is critical. This is where Discretionary Fund Management (DFM) and the use of a Category 2 Investment Mandate add immense value. Unlike traditional financial advisors who must seek client approval before rebalancing portfolios, which often requires cumbersome paperwork, DFM managers can make necessary adjustments much more efficiently. This agility ensures that portfolios are optimally positioned to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities as market conditions evolve.

At Warwick Wealth, we partner with Accorn Investment Management, through Orion Investment Managers, as our trusted DFM. This collaboration allows us to deliver efficient portfolio and asset allocation strategies that are responsive to market movements. A Category 2 licensed manager has the expertise and regulatory authority to make informed asset allocation decisions swiftly, ensuring that client investments are professionally managed without unnecessary delays.

Moreover, a DFM brings a depth of specialist market knowledge that is difficult for individual financial advisors to match. While advisors excel in client risk profiling, estate planning, and holistic wealth management, a dedicated and experienced asset management team continuously monitors global and local financial trends, economic indicators, and asset performance. This focused approach ensures that investment decisions are based on rigorous analysis and real-time market insights, providing clients with the confidence that their wealth is being managed with precision and expertise.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, having a structured and responsive investment strategy is more important than ever. The combination of expert analysis, strategic asset allocation and the ability to act decisively in uncertain times, provides our clients with the assurance that their investments are in good hands.

At Warwick, we are here to assist. Whether you require guidance on your investment portfolio, estate planning, or wealth management, our dedicated team is always available to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns, we look forward to continuing to build a strong and prosperous financial future with you.

Kind Regards

Marc Wiese

Managing Director – Warwick Wealth

Disclaimer: The information, opinions and recommendations contained herein are and must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact. No warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose of any such recommendation or information is given or made by Warwick Wealth (Pty) Ltd in any form or manner whatsoever. Each recommendation or opinion must be weighed solely as one factor in any investment or other decision made by or on behalf of any user of the information contained herein and such user must accordingly make its own study and evaluation of each strategy/security that it may consider purchasing, holding or selling and should approach its own financial advisers to assist the user in reaching any decision. This document is for information only and do not constitute advice or a solicitation for funds. Investors should note that the value of an investment is dependent on numerous factors which may include, but not limited to, share price fluctuations, interest and exchange rates and other economic factors. Performance is further affected by uncertainties such as changes in government policy, taxation and other legal or regulatory developments. Past performance provides no guarantee of future performance.

 Warwick Wealth (Pty) Ltd (Registration number 2012/223370/07). An authorised financial services provider (FSP 44731)