Are you
overpaying for underperformance?
New data shows that many of us are
New Y TREE analysis shows 94.1% of UK wealth managers underperformed in 2023-24.
A staggering
94.1%
of UK wealth managers underperformed in 2023-24 according to new Y TREE analysis
Do you really know how your wealth performed last year? It should be simple. Reports arrive with reassuring regularity, professionally presented and full of detail. But, let’s be honest, how many of us truly understand what they really mean for our wealth?
Our first Plugged into Wealth Management industry report 2025 sets out to help you answer that question. We’ve leveraged our experience of institutional investment practices, technology and data to evaluate the sector as few others can. And bring clarity to the complexity.
Why should you care? Well, our analysis found that 94.1% of UK wealth managers underperformed in 2023 and 2024. And, in the long-term, even a small percentage of underperformance could cost you millions.
We also uncovered stark asymmetry between the levels of outperformance and underperformance, among the global wealth managers analysed. There was a difference of 22.2% between the best and worst performing portfolios. With some underperformance levels as large as 17.7%. It begs the question: what value are you paying for?
Key learnings from this report:
1.
Many top wealth managers underperformed over the past two years
Our objective analysis of more than 200 client portfolios against the investible Y TREE Benchmark of comparable risk unearthed consistent underperformance over 2023-24. UK wealth managers fared worse than their international peers.
2.
Wealth management underperformance could quietly cost you millions
Even a small percentage of underperformance can compound into millions over time, impacting your wealth and life goals. This has a meaningful effect on your career flexibility, retirement, what you can give to society and what you might pass on to your children.
3.
You’re not alone. The wealth management industry doesn't give clients the tools to properly measure performance like an institutional investor.
Wealth managers pitch their main value as their ability to beat the market. But without the tools of institutional investors, like sovereign wealth and pension funds, how can they properly analyse value or performance?
4.
Five reasons why your wealth manager might be underperforming
Mistiming the market, poor asset allocation choices, overdiversification, currency hedging and multiple fee layers all contribute to underperformance.
5.
Transparency can help you assess the true value provided (or not) by your wealth management set up
We created Y TREE to bring clarity and insight to personal financial services. Our experience, knowledge of institutional investment practices, technology and data gives us a unique ability to evaluate the sector. This gives our clients the knowledge and confidence to make the best decisions for their money and life.
Do you really know how your wealth manager performed last year?
Get exclusive access to the complete Plugged into Wealth Management industry report 2025.
As consumers, we tend to be interested in the value of everything from the hotels we stay in to the restaurants we dine at. Yet wealth management operates in a fog of complexity. A set up potentially worth millions escapes the same rigour applied to the things we purchase and consume in everyday life.
Having transparency over the costs, risks and performance of your investments should be the standard service. Wealth managers are your financial stewards, but you still need clear visibility. Being plugged into your portfolio’s true performance helps you answer a simple question: “am I getting value from my wealth management?”
Our inaugural Plugged into Wealth Management industry report 2025 allows you to interrogate and understand the value you’re getting.
The report is an objective analysis of more than 200 client portfolios managed by wealth managers. Each measured against Y TREE’s investible benchmark of comparable risk.
The insights we have unearthed highlight the need for greater transparency. But they also underscore the need for tools to evaluate wealth management as you would any other service. Empowering you to make the best decisions for your money and your life.