Old Broad Street Research (OBSR) has many years of experience in fund panelling and constructing guided fund ranges for a wide variety of clients. We use our knowledge of fund and fund groups, combined with our experience and understanding of the needs of advisers and their clients, to compile carefully constructed fund lists that are tailored to their needs. 
Establishing the Cofunds Wealthmaster Guided Range
The aim of the Cofunds Guided Range is to provide Cockburn Lucas with an actively advised and carefully selected range of 100-120 funds that is equipped to satisfy a broad spectrum of investment needs. There are four guiding principles that provide the broad framework for selection:
Independence – OBSR is an independently owned and independently spirited company. Our primary aim is, and always has been, to provide objective and high quality advice to our clients. OBSR Fund Ratings are awarded on merit – OBSR is not paid to award Ratings (although we charge a licence fee to fund companies wishing to publicise our Ratings). This enables us to be completely independent and impartial in our recommendations, and to be focused upon investment quality.
Investment Quality is the most important criteria for the Cofunds Wealthmaster Range. This key objective is aligned with OBSR’s own research process, which seeks to identify the most compelling investment funds in each sector / category. The vast majority of the funds on the list enjoy OBSR Fund ratings*.
Diversity and coverage are also key requirements for the Cofunds Wealthmaster Guided Range. In compiling the list, we have ensured representation from all major IMA sectors, and considered the need to feature funds that have a range of risk profiles and styles.
IFA Service and Support is also a consideration. We understand that ongoing service and support from fund companies is extremely important in order to help Cockburn Lucas to provide a first class level of service to their clients.
Bearing these criteria in mind, we have helped establish a high quality, investment led and wide-ranging fund list that we believe will satisfy the majority of investment needs.
*OBSR does not currently award Ratings to tracker funds, cash funds and direct property funds
Indication of our conviction in our managers’ abilities to meet or exceed a fund’s objectives compares to other funds of a similar type.
OBSR currently rates about 300 funds out of a universe of 2500 funds. We do not work to a ‘quota’, nor are we paid to rate funds. The number of funds rated is simply the result of our due diligence process. Any fund which receives an OBSR rating is exceptional of its type and can be considered in relation to appropriate clients.
We have a review programme for every fund to assess whether its investment process is still in line with our understanding and is appropriate for its objectives. Following these review meetings, we consider whether the OBSR Fund Rating is still appropriate. The OBSR Fund Rating may then be adjusted, suspended or removed.
