Boutique Investment Management

Patronus Partners is a leading boutique investment management firm with offices in London and Berkshire.

A Leading Boutique Investment Management Firm

Patronus was founded in 2015 on the realisation that large investment management firms are often sub-optimal for clients.

Patronus is an increasingly rare example of a genuinely independent, unconflicted, staff owned boutique investment management firm.

Our clients benefit from our team’s experience working for large banks, hedge funds and investment firms but prefer a more intimate, friendly and client focused boutique investment management firm.

We prefer to stay small, independent and optimal for a limited number of clients. 

 

What we do

  • We structure our client’s investment portfolios as tax efficiently as possible.

    We monitor changes in government legislation to make sure that our clients remain as tax efficient as possible and give ongoing advice on this.

    We do not charge initial fees for financial advice.

  • A changing investment environment requires adaptation, innovation, and focus. As a boutique investment management firm, we are able to offer a flexible investment style, in order to capitalise on the ever changing macroeconomic environment.

    We can actively position portfolios, whatever the evolving investment landscape, and, as we are an independent boutique investment management firm, we are entirely free to invest in an unconflicted way, with no “in-house” products. You can read some of our latest research here.

  • Some of our clients also use our execution only trading and custody service, enabling them to have all of their investments under one roof.

    Our traders work on behalf of various, hedge funds and family offices. Our private clients are able to benefit from institutional quality trading, settlement and custody.

“We are all escapees from large investment firms and feel that clients no longer want the bland industry stereotype but prefer a smaller firm whose interests are aligned with theirs. The industry is ever- homogenising and unfortunately seems to focus more on shareholders than on clients".

— James Barton, Spear’s magazine.

The Unspoken Truth…

is that large investment management firms are often sub-optimal for their clients.

As an independent boutique investment management firm we are not constrained by being tied to our own in-house funds, looking after too many clients and nor are we under relentless shareholder pressure for revenue growth – all of which are detrimental to clients.

Our clients receive truly independent advice in an unconflicted unbiased way,  with no “in-house” products.

We invest only what we believe to be best in class in order to deliver the best outcome for our clients.

"Patronus’ from the original Latin, is a person who stood as a protector to another, who was called his ‘client’. It struck a chord with us.”

— Paul Kavanagh CEO

Why invest with a boutique Investment management Firm?

Independence

We are employee owned with no shareholder pressure to deliver ever increasing revenue targets, which are often to the detriment of the client.

Freedom

We are not constrained or conflicted by the issues many investment management firms face such as being tied to their own ’in-house’ funds and static portfolios. We are free to invest in what we believe will give the best outcome.

Performance

Whilst we cannot guarantee that past performance will be repeated, since inception, our portfolios have performed better than the industry benchmark. 

Experience

Most members of our team have over 20 years’ experience looking after the investments for private clients and working in senior positions of larger firms.

Close Relationships

We deliberately have fewer clients so that they can benefit from an intimate relationship with the firm and have direct access to our whole team in Berkshire and London.

Fees

We do not charge initial fees for our advice just a clear annual fee, only payable once you start to invest with us.

London

3 Fitzhardinge Street, London. W1H 6EF

 

Berkshire

1650 Arlington Business Park, Waterside Drive, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4SA

 

“One of the top 10 Wealth Managers in the UK. Barton is a dichotomy... An affable bonhomie, but with a sharp, disruptive, forward-thinking mind. His preference for questioning the rules, combined with his friendly nature, is why clients seek his insightful advice and why he is regarded as one of the top practitioners in the industry"

— James Barton Investment Director Review in Spear’s

  • Boutique Investment Management: A Personalised and Specialised Approach.

    Boutique investment management is a specialised approach to managing investment portfolios that offers high net worth individuals and institutions a personalised and tailored investment strategy. Boutique investment management firms typically have smaller client rosters than larger firms, which allows them to focus more on each individual client's investment objectives and goals.

    Advantages of Boutique Investment Management.

    Personalized Attention: Boutique investment managers often have more time to spend with each individual client, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation. This can result in a more customized investment strategy that is tailored to the specific needs of each individual client.

    Independence and Flexibility:

    Boutique investment management firms are typically characterized by their independence and flexibility, allowing them to seek out unique investment opportunities that may not be available to larger firms.

    Expertise in Specialized Areas:

    Boutique investment management firms often have a high level of expertise in certain areas, such as alternative investments or socially responsible investing. This expertise can provide clients with access to unique investment opportunities that may not be available through larger firms.

    More Transparent and Lower-Cost Fees:

    Boutique investment managers may also offer more transparent and lower-cost fee structures than larger firms. This can provide clients with greater transparency into the fees they are paying for investment management services, as well as potentially lower overall fees.

    The advantages of a boutique investment manager are detailed in this article There is a guide to understanding boutique investment management firms here.

    Considerations When Working with a Boutique Investment Manager

    Operational Challenges: Boutique investment managers may face greater operational challenges than larger firms, as they may have less access to resources and support services.

    Vulnerability to Market Downturns: Boutique investment managers may be more vulnerable to market downturns or other economic challenges, as they may have a smaller client base and less diversification than larger firms.

    Overall, boutique investment management offers high net worth individuals and institutions a personalized and specialized approach to managing their investment portfolios. However, it's important to do your research and choose a firm that aligns with your investment objectives and goals. You may want to consider factors such as the firm's investment philosophy, track record, and experience in your specific area of interest. Additionally, it's important to carefully review the firm's fee structure and any potential conflicts of interest.

    Sources:

    1. The Financial Times - "Boutique investment managers take on the giants"

    Feeling dwarfed by Wall Street behemoths? Take heart! This Financial Times article delves deep into the burgeoning world of boutique investment managers, those nimble Davids challenging the Goliaths of finance. Discover how their specialized expertise, agile strategies, and laser focus on client needs are shaking up the industry and delivering impressive returns.

    Read more: https://www.ft.com/content/da561eeb-838d-48b6-891a-a87c2dc089e0

    2. Forbes - "What Is Boutique Investment Management, And Is It Right For You?"

    Confused by the buzz around boutique investment management? Forbes demystifies it all! This article unpacks the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this personalized approach to wealth creation. Decide if your investment journey thrives in the intimate, custom-tailored environment of a boutique firm or craves the vast resources of a Wall Street giant.

    Read more: https://moiglobal.com/six-reasons-why-boutique-investment-managers-outperform-202110/

    3. The Wall Street Journal - "Boutique Asset Managers: Investing for the Affluent"

    The Wall Street Journal whispers secrets to the ears of the affluent. This article unveils the exclusive world of boutique asset managers, catering to high-net-worth individuals seeking bespoke investment strategies. Explore the advantages of their nimbleness, personalized attention, and access to niche opportunities, and determine if joining this elite club aligns with your financial aspirations.

    Read more:

    4. Investopedia - "What Is a Boutique Investment Bank?"

    Investopedia, the investment oracle, unravels the mystery of boutique investment banks. This article deciphers their unique niche within the financial landscape, contrasting them with their larger counterparts. Learn how their laser focus on specific industries, nimble deal-making expertise, and personalized client service can benefit both entrepreneurs and investors.

    Read more: https://mergersandinquisitions.com/boutique-investment-banks/

    5. Barron's - "The Appeal of Boutique Investment Managers"

    Barron's paints a compelling portrait of the alluring realm of boutique investment managers. This article delves into the reasons why discerning investors are choosing these smaller, nimbler firms over established giants. Discover the draw of personalized attention, tailored strategies, and access to niche opportunities, and see if a boutique manager fits your unique financial puzzle.

    Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-boutique-investment-firms-closer-look-advantages-raj-sukkersudha

    6. "What is Boutique Investment Management?" by Investopedia:

    Investopedia, the financial compass, guides you through the intricacies of boutique investment management. This article unpacks its core principles, operational structure, and advantages over traditional firms. Gain clarity on whether this personalized approach aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

    Read more: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/boutique.asp

    7. "The Rise of Boutique Investment Managers" by The Economist:

    The Economist, the oracle of global markets, predicts the ascendance of boutique investment managers. This article explores the forces driving their growth, highlighting their agility, specialization, and commitment to client needs. Uncover their potential to reshape the financial landscape and learn how these nimble Davids might dethrone the Wall Street Goliaths.

    Read more: https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/04/27/asset-managers-control-a-growing-share-of-societys-essentials

    8. "The Advantages of Boutique Investment Management" by The Financial Times:

    The Financial Times, the voice of financial reason, unveils the hidden gems of boutique investment management. This article delves into the advantages these smaller firms offer, from personalized attention and nimble strategies to access to niche opportunities. Consider if their tailor-made approach might unlock superior returns for your portfolio.

    Read more: https://channels.ft.com/en/duediligence/rise-of-the-boutique-banks/

    9. "The Benefits and Drawbacks of Boutique Investment Firms" by Forbes:

    Forbes, the ultimate financial confidante, whispers both the positives and negatives of boutique investment firms. This article provides a balanced perspective, highlighting their personalized service, fee structures, and potential limitations. Make an informed decision about whether their advantages outweigh the drawbacks for your unique financial situation.

    Read more: https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/2018/06/pros-cons-working-boutique-investment-bank

    10. "Boutique Investment Managers See Opportunity in Volatile Markets" by Barron's:

    Barron's, the market maven, reveals the secrets behind boutique investment managers' resilience in volatile times. This article explores how their agility, niche expertise, and focus on risk management allow them to navigate turbulence and potentially outperform larger firms. Discover if their nimbleness might weather the next financial storm and safeguard your investments.

    Read more: https://entrepreneurship.babson.edu/vying-for-first-volatile-market/

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