By Mark Keogh, Head of Asset Management
For many financial advisers and firm owners, reviewing their Centralised Investment Proposition (CIP) is a task that sits at the bottom of the to-do list. It's understandable—like moving house, it's a big commitment that demands time, due diligence, and a lot of effort. But just as staying in an outdated or unsuitable home can hold you back, so too can an outdated CIP.
Let’s explore the benefits of reviewing your CIP by comparing it to something we all understand: buying a new home.
1. Understanding What You’ve Outgrown
You wouldn’t stay in a house that no longer meets your family’s needs—perhaps you’ve added more clients, or your service proposition has evolved. Similarly, your CIP must reflect the current shape of your business. If it was built for a simpler time, or doesn’t support your service model or client demographics, it might be time to consider moving.
Ask yourself: is your current CIP still fit for purpose? Does it provide the flexibility, scalability, and sophistication your clients now expect?
2. Doing the Due Diligence
Buying a house requires surveys, legal checks, and long hours scrolling through listings. Reviewing your CIP takes just as much care. You need to research platforms, investment providers, fee structures, and governance models to understand whether a change will truly add value.
Yes, it's time-consuming. But getting it right is crucial. A rushed or poorly informed move could see you trading one set of problems for another. Due diligence ensures you’re choosing a proposition that aligns with your firm's strategic goals—and provides real benefits to your clients.
3. Checking the Neighbourhood
When moving house, the location matters. Will your new surroundings offer a better quality of life, lower crime rates, or access to better schools?
Likewise, a new CIP provider isn’t just about better performance or cheaper costs. It’s about the ecosystem: the service levels, technology integrations, compliance support, and long-term partnership. Will you get the support you need? Will your clients feel the benefits of improved communication and transparency?
A new CIP should enhance your firm's efficiency and the quality of client outcomes—not just shuffle investments around.
4. Calculating the True Value
Just as a new home comes with upfront costs (and maybe even higher monthly outgoings), so too does a CIP overhaul. But long-term, is it better value?
An effective CIP review helps you strip out inefficiencies, align pricing with client needs, and potentially improve investment outcomes. Better governance, greater transparency, and clearer documentation can strengthen your client proposition and reduce risk—bringing peace of mind to you and your clients.
Final Thoughts
Staying put can feel comfortable—but that comfort might be costing you. Just as you wouldn’t ignore signs that it’s time to move house, don’t ignore the signs that your CIP might need an upgrade. By reviewing your proposition with the same care and logic you’d apply to buying a home, you ensure your business and your clients have the foundations to grow and thrive.
Speak to Blackfinch Asset Management
If you're thinking it might be time for a move, we're here to help. At Blackfinch Asset Management, we work closely with financial advice firms to guide them through the CIP review process—from initial assessment through to implementation. We’ll help you weigh up your options, evaluate the value, and ensure your clients benefit from a solution that truly fits.
Get in touch with our team today to start the conversation.
