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Journal of Finance Vol. 66 No. 3 2011

Intermediated Investment Management

Neal M. Stoughton1; Youchang Wu2; Josef Zechner1,3,4

1 Vienna University of Economics and Business · 2 University of Oregon · 3 University of Hong Kong · 4 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

open access

Abstract

Intermediaries such as financial advisers serve as an interface between portfolio managers and investors. A large fraction of their compensation is often provided through kickbacks from the portfolio manager. We provide an explanation for the widespread use of intermediaries and kickbacks. Depending on the degree of investor sophistication, kickbacks are used either for price discrimination or aggressive marketing. We explore the effects of these arrangements on fund size, flows, performance, and investor welfare. Kickbacks allow higher management fees to be charged, thereby lowering net returns. Competition among active portfolio managers reduces kickbacks and increases the independence of advisory services.

DOI
10.1111/j.1540-6261.2011.01656.x
Volume
66
Issue
3
Pages
947-980
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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