Lonsec has highlighted the importance of one-on-ones in manager selection for multi-manager funds in its recent assessment of Russell Investments funds.
Russell's 18 multi-manager funds were 'highly commended' by the ratings house, which said the scale of its research was "well in excess of other multi-managers assessed by Lonsec".
Russell monitors approximately 8,500 funds in its manager selection process and conducted 1600 one-on-one meetings with fund managers over the year to June 2012.
It is the seventh consecutive year the investment manager has received the highest commendation from Lonsec.
"Russell has competitive advantages in its long heritage in multi-manager investing, extensive global resources and the size and experience of its research team," Lonsec said.
Russell Investments managing director for individual customers Geoff Peck said although its multi-manager approach was successful, it was one factor in Russell's overall strategy.
"Russell's multi-manager approach is a critical and core component of our offering.
"However the success of Russell's strategies is strongly under-pinned by our core capabilities in providing a whole of portfolio approach to investing; we believe this is our key differentiator," he said.
Lonsec also praised the investment manager for its product evolution and innovation, citing the company's expanded product range including the move into exchange traded funds (ETFs) and improved implementation methods, including its tracker funds.
