Stewart Smith
Leeds,West Yorkshire
Summary
Head of the Managed Portfolio Services investment team, with over a decade of experience managing discretionary multi-asset, multi-manager portfolios across public markets. A key contributor to growth in assets under management to just over £1.5bn with a strong track record in asset allocation, portfolio construction, and fund manager selection leading to strong medium to long-term performance. Extensive experience in fund/manager selection and portfolio construction, conducting rigorous due diligence across multiple asset classes, and ensuring portfolios deliver consistent, risk-managed outcomes aligned to specific investment mandates.
Proven ability to lead portfolio strategy, contribute to investment governance, and collaborate across internal teams and external partners to develop client-focused investment solutions. Experienced in building client relationships, including evolving portfolio ranges to meet long-term investor needs within a regulated environment.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head of Managed Portfolio Services
Rayner Spencer Mills Research
Silsden, West Yorkshire
2022.01 - 2026.06
- Co-ordinate and oversee the full range of portfolio solutions managed by RSMR Portfolio Services, reporting to the CEO and MPS Management Board.
- Responsible for the Managed Portfolio Services investment team that manages over £1.5bn of assets, helping to significantly build the firm's AUM over the last couple of years.
- Have overall responsibility for adviser client relationships (typically bespoke client portfolios) and specific portfolios.
- Being ultimately responsible for all portfolio decisions following discussions within the wider MPS Investment team and within the context of investment mandate(s), including leading the asset allocation process.
- Attending fund manager meetings and reporting relevant information to the MPS team.
- Co-ordinating support from other teams in the business (Operations, Business Development, Marketing) and from external third parties
- Performance and risk analysis and any associated internal reporting, including information for presentation within internal committee meetings and external presentation to clients.
- Ultimate responsibility for portfolio trading for any relevant solutions, including providing relevant information to the wider team so that proper procedures can be followed.
- Perform many of the same tasks from my previous Investment Research Manager role, including fund/manager research
Investment Research Manager
Rayner Spencer Mills Research
Silsden, West Yorkshire
2011.08 - 2022.01
- Maintain and update a specified fund list including providing detailed fund research notes and fund factsheets
- Provide input to the wider fund ratings process, mainly through monthly sector meetings
- Responsibility for specific adviser client relationships, including providing portfolios, fund lists and other bespoke requirements
- Chair the quarterly RSMR asset allocation committee meeting
- Complete fund profiles and fund videos to a high standard for use by external investment managers
- Support the marketing team in delivering broadcasts / podcasts and videos
- Ensure that research output is delivered to a high standard to all RSMR clients
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Financial Services
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield 1993.09 - 1996.06
Skills
- Portfolio management
- Investment fund/fund manager research
- Asset allocation
- Analytical skills
- Leadership
- Team player
Certification
Investment Management Certificate
Completed in 2022
Affiliations
- Playing member of local cricket club, having recently re-started after several years hiatus.
- Occasional golfer, usually on social occasions with friends
- Attending horse racing events
Accomplishments
- Industry recognition through inclusion on the Investment Week Leaders List for 2025 and 2026, which recognises the contribution of senior fund selection investment leaders
- The Rfolio Defensive portfolio was short-listed within Defaqto's 2026 MPS Comparator awards 'Defensive - Active' category
Timeline
Head of Managed Portfolio Services
Rayner Spencer Mills Research
2022.01 - 2026.06
Investment Research Manager
Rayner Spencer Mills Research
2011.08 - 2022.01
Bachelor of Arts - Financial Services
Sheffield Hallam University
1993.09 - 1996.06