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Understanding Different Types of Portfolio Management Services

Understanding Different Types of Portfolio Management Services

At Right Horizons, we understand that when you’re looking for portfolio management services (PMS), you’ll find several types of portfolio management services available that cater to different investment styles and preferences. Portfolio management services are professional investment solutions designed primarily for high-net-worth individuals who want expert management of their wealth, typically requiring minimum investments of around ₹50 lakh.

Before diving into the types, it’s important to understand how to select the best portfolio management services in India and how to evaluate PMS provider performance. Understanding why PMS is taking the investment world by storm can also help you make informed decisions.

Classification by Investment Decision-Making Authority

The most common way to categorize portfolio management services is by who makes the investment decisions. This classification directly impacts how involved you’ll be in your investment strategy. For investors looking at different risk profiles, you might consider whether you’re a conservative investor, aggressive investor, or risk taker.

Discretionary Portfolio Management Services

With discretionary PMS, your portfolio manager has complete authority to make investment decisions without seeking your approval for each trade. Think of it like hiring a chef who plans the menu, shops for ingredients, and cooks without asking you about every ingredient.

Best suited for:

  • Busy professionals who lack time to monitor markets
  • Investors who prefer a hands-off approach
  • Those who trust their manager’s expertise completely

Non-Discretionary Portfolio Management Services

Non-discretionary PMS operates more like a collaborative partnership. Your manager provides investment recommendations, but you retain the final say before any trades are executed. It’s similar to having a financial advisor who presents options but waits for your approval.

Ideal for:

  • Investors who want to stay actively involved
  • Those with market knowledge who value professional input

People who prefer maintaining control while using expertise

Advisory Portfolio Management Services

With advisory PMS, you’re essentially hiring a consultant. The manager provides advice and recommendations, but you make all final decisions and execute trades yourself. You might wonder – why choose this over doing it alone? The answer lies in accessing professional research and market insights while maintaining complete autonomy.

Perfect for:

  • Experienced investors with strong market knowledge
  • Those who want expert opinions but prefer self-execution
  • Entrepreneurs who enjoy being hands-on with investments

When comparing different service types, you might want to understand the PMS vs mutual funds debate to see which option aligns better with your investment goals.

Management Style Classifications

You’ll also encounter portfolio management services classified by their investment approach:
Portfolio Management: Management Styles vs. Strategy, Risk & Returns
Management Style Strategy Risk Level Typical Returns
Active Management Frequent trading, market timing Higher Potentially higher
Passive Management Index tracking, minimal trading Lower Market-level returns
Active portfolio management focuses on outperforming market benchmarks through research-driven trading strategies. This raises an important question: does active management justify higher fees? The answer depends on your risk tolerance and return expectations. Passive portfolio management aims to replicate benchmark performance with lower costs and reduced risk. This approach works well for investors seeking steady, predictable returns without the volatility of active strategies.

Asset Class-Based Portfolio Management Types

You might also wonder about the types of investments these services focus on:

Equity Portfolio Management Services

  • Focus: Listed and unlisted stocks
  • Goal: Capital appreciation
  • Risk: Higher volatility
  • Suitable for: Growth-oriented investors with higher risk tolerance

Debt Portfolio Management Services

  • Focus: Bonds, debentures, fixed-income securities
  • Goal: Capital preservation and regular income
  • Risk: Lower volatility
  • Suitable for: Conservative investors prioritizing stability

Hybrid Portfolio Management Services

  • Focus: Balanced mix of equity and debt
  • Goal: Risk-adjusted returns
  • Risk: Moderate
  • Suitable for: Investors seeking balanced approach

Learn more about creating a balanced portfolio and investment diversification techniques for optimal results.

Thematic Portfolio Management Services

  • Focus: Sector-focused or investment themes
  • Examples: ESG investing, technology sectors, healthcare
  • Suitable for: Investors with targeted preferences or convictions

For those interested in sector-specific approaches, explore Right Horizons’ focus sectors and understand sector-specific risk analysis.

Modern Portfolio Management Innovations

Technology has introduced robo-advisors as a cost-effective alternative to traditional PMS. These algorithm-driven services automate portfolio construction and rebalancing, making professional management accessible at lower minimum investments.

Custom or personalized PMS represents the premium tier, where every aspect – from asset allocation to ethical filters – is designed to meet your requirements.

Important Considerations When Choosing Portfolio Management Services

Before selecting a PMS type, consider these important factors:

  • Investment minimums: Most services require substantial initial investments
  • Fee structures: Active management typically costs more than passive approaches
  • Reporting frequency: Look for transparent, regular performance updates
  • Tax optimization: Confirm your manager considers tax implications
  • Risk tolerance: Match the service type to your comfort level

Understanding misconceptions about PMS risk and learning about risk management in portfolio management can help you make better decisions. Additionally, consider PMS lock-in periods and exit strategies before committing.

Practical Next Steps

To choose the right portfolio management service:

  1. Assess your involvement preference: Do you want hands-on control or prefer delegating decisions?

  2. Evaluate your risk tolerance: Are you comfortable with market volatility for potentially higher returns?

  3. Determine your investment timeline: Long-term goals might suit passive strategies, while short-term objectives may benefit from active management

  4. Research providers: Compare track records, fees, and service offerings. Learn how to choose a consistent PMS scheme and how to select a top-performing portfolio management service
  5. Consider starting small: Some providers offer lower minimums for new clients

For additional guidance, explore our comprehensive resources on wealth management tips for families and investment strategies for risk mitigation. You can also take advantage of our free portfolio scan to assess your current investments.

Remember, the best portfolio management service aligns with your financial goals, risk appetite, and desired level of involvement. Whether you choose discretionary, non-discretionary, or advisory services, confirm your provider offers transparency, regular communication, and a proven track record in your preferred investment approach.

Ready to take control of your investments?