Custom portfolio

Overview

Custom Portfolio allows you to create tailored investment portfolios for clients whose needs don't match your standard model portfolios. The feature works differently depending on whether you're using Portfolio Actions (with account data) or building portfolios without existing holdings.

Prefer video? Watch how Custom Portfolio works in different scenarios:

• Custom Portfolio without Portfolio Actions (X min) - Building portfolios from without using accounts
• Custom Portfolio with Portfolio Actions (X min) - Building portfolios when using accounts

Before you start

Important to know

• Separate allocations: You can create different portfolio allocations for initial deposits versus monthly savings plans
• Amount-based allocation: All allocations use currency amounts rather than percentages
• Customizable interface: You can configure which information and analysis tools appear in your workspace (see Configuration options below)
• Advisor notes: Enable this feature to add internal notes about portfolio decisions

Configuration options

You can customize Custom Portfolio to match your workflow. Configure these settings once, and they'll apply across all your custom portfolio work.

Available configurations:

Advanced search fields

Control which fund information appears when searching for investments. Choose from data points like fund size, historical performance, ESG ratings, cost ratios, or risk metrics. Display only the information relevant to your selection process to reduce clutter and speed up fund selection.

Example use case: If your firm prioritizes cost-conscious investing, prominently display expense ratios and transaction costs in search results.

Portfolio table columns

Select which data fields display in the main portfolio workspace where you build allocations. Available columns include fund names, ISIN codes, amounts, percentages, asset classes, risk levels, and more. Arrange columns in the order that matches your workflow.

Example use case: ESG-focused advisors might display sustainability ratings alongside allocation amounts, while tax-focused advisors might prioritize showing fund domicile and tax treatment.

Analysis tools

Enable or disable specific analysis features in your portfolio view. Options may include asset class distribution charts, risk/return scatter plots, cost analysis, ESG scores, geographic exposure, or sector concentration. Show only the analysis tools you regularly use to keep your workspace focused.

Example use case: Advisors focused on diversification might enable asset class and geographic distribution charts while hiding tools they don't need.

Advisor notes

Turn on internal note-taking to document portfolio decisions and rationale. Notes are visible to advisors but not included in client-facing proposals. Useful for compliance documentation, handoff between team members, or recording client-specific considerations.

Example use case: Document why you deviated from a model portfolio or note specific client preferences that influenced fund selection.

How to create a custom portfolio

Step 1: Search and add funds

Use the advanced search to find funds that match your client's needs:

• Enter search criteria (fund name or ISIN)
• Review search results with your configured data fields
• Click to include funds in the portfolio

[Screenshot: Search interface with add function]

Step 2: Allocate initial deposit

Specify how the initial deposit should be invested:

• Enter the amount for each fund
• Review the total allocation
• Check asset class distribution using the analysis tools

[Screenshot: Initial deposit allocation interface]

Step 3: Allocate monthly savings (optional)

If the client has a monthly savings plan, set the allocation:

• Enter monthly amounts for each fund
• This can differ from your initial deposit allocation
• Useful when building positions gradually or managing cash flow

[Screenshot: Monthly deposit allocation interface]

Step 4: Review and finalize

• Use the available analysis tools to verify the portfolio meets client objectives
• Check asset class allocation
• Add advisor notes if enabled
• Verify the total sum allocated in cash transaction summary

Tips and best practices

• Start with models when possible: Use model portfolios for standard scenarios and reserve custom portfolios for genuine customization needs
• Use analysis tools: Regularly check asset class allocation and risk metrics to ensure the portfolio stays within appropriate boundaries
• Document your reasoning: If advisor notes are enabled, document why you deviated from model portfolios—helpful for compliance and future reference
• Different allocations for different purposes: Take advantage of separate initial and monthly allocations when it makes sense for the client's situation (e.g., aggressive initial allocation, conservative monthly additions)

Common questions

Q: Can we configure the information displayed in the advanced search?

A: Yes. You can customize which fund data appears in search results. See the Configuration options section above or contact support for setup assistance.

Q: How can I ensure advisors aren't creating portfolios that deviate too much from appropriate risk levels?

A: Currently, the best way to ensure consistency is using model portfolios. Custom Portfolio offers flexibility, which requires advisor judgment and responsibility. However, built-in analysis tools (asset class allocation, risk metrics) help advisors understand when deviations become significant. We don't currently have rules that block advisors from creating off-target portfolios, but this is on our roadmap. Interested in shaping this feature? Contact us to share your requirements.

Q: Can I save partially completed portfolios?

A: Portfolios are saved on the session for later reference. However, they are reset if you switch portfolio mode (jump from model to custom portfolio)

Q: What happens if I don't set a monthly savings allocation?

A: The system operates with a portfolio per initial deposit and recurring deposit (monthly), and will not be affected if you leave monthly saving allocation empty.

Related resources

• Portfolio Actions guide - Using Custom Portfolio with existing accounts

Need help? Contact support

Updated on: 04/10/2025