How does Analytics’ long history influence its investment decision-making, manager research and partnership commitment?
Our track record as one of South Africa’s earliest DFMs informs both our investment philosophy and our culture. Even though Graviton acquired a majority stake in Analytics in October 2025, the intention is still to enable independence, long-term decision-making and alignment with advisors and end-clients rather than with shareholders of a large institution.
Key implications include investment decisions free from corporate product bias, commitment to genuine partnership and we can adjust portfolios, processes or research priorities rapidly without bureaucratic delays.
When it comes to selecting funds, Analytics indicates that a partner advisor can retain funds in their model portfolios “if they pass our evaluation”. Please explain…
The fund manager selection process encompasses both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Funds must demonstrate consistent performance, acceptable risk characteristics, appropriate fees and diversification benefits to the overall model.
What factors determine whether a client is the right fit for Analytics?
We enter into partnerships which support long-term alignment. Ideal partners typically prioritise long-term investing over short-term performance chasing, commit to a detailed governance and fund due diligence process, value robust portfolio design and seek depth of research, transparent reporting and ongoing engagement.
In addition to DFM and investment-specific services, what else does Analytics offer?
Product support through assistance with portfolio mapping and investment framework design, bespoke model creation or branded solutions and ongoing insights, performance analytics and market commentary. Governance support through due-diligence materials for compliance audits, regular investment committee reporting and assistance with regulatory alignment. Operational support through platform onboarding and operational integration and streamlined transitions and implementation processes.
Analytics has previously won the Citywire SA DFM award. What service do you believe distinguish your offering from competitors?
Winning the overall DFM award is driven by a strong focus on people – both clients and teams. Clients benefit from consistent, high-quality service and performance. Internally, specialised teams work together to deliver this experience: the investment team concentrates on performance through macro analysis and manager engagement; business development strengthens and grows relationships; technology enables fast, informed decision-making; and operational and governance teams ensure robust support, compliance and collaboration with LISPs. Collectively, these teams create the performance and service standards expected of a DFM award winner.
Considering the complex global market, what is the size, scope and geographical footprint of your investment research team?
Our investment research team combines local depth with global reach:
- A core South African-based analyst team.
- Access to global research partners and third-party data providers.
- Use of proprietary screening tools and global manager databases.
- Quantitative analytics platforms.
- Collaborations with offshore asset managers for insights into thematic and macro trends.
Describe the criteria used in your manager research process?
Quantitative Assessment
- Long-term relative and absolute performance.
- Style and factor exposures.
- Consistency of alpha through various periods.
- Drawdown magnitude and period of drawdowns.
Qualitative Assessment
- Culture: alignment with stated philosophy, evidence of prudent risk-taking and commitment to client outcomes.
- Team stability: tenure, turnover, experience and succession pathways.
- Alignment of interests: co-investment, ownership structure and incentive design.
- Process robustness: clarity and repeatability.
- Governance and operational integrity:
compliance oversight, risk management and operational resilience.
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Daniel Schoeman is currently CIO of Analytics. He has more than 19 years of investment and portfolio management experience, and has previously worked at three of the largest multi-managers in South Africa, first at Investment Solutions, then Momentum Multi-Managers which later merged with MCubed to form Advantage Asset Managers. His main responsibilities include economic research, tactical asset allocation, investment manager research, portfolio construction, monitoring and risk management, system development and innovative investment research. He is also a member of Investment Committees of some of the largest advisor networks in South Africa, providing investment consulting services to these groups on an ongoing basis. |
