What We Believe
We believe product selection should prioritize objectivity and alignment with client needs — not firm affiliation.
How products are selected within a portfolio is part of governance, not just implementation.
The Background
Wealth management firms operate under different product architectures.
Some institutions emphasize proprietary products manufactured internally. Others use open architecture frameworks, drawing from a broader universe of external managers and strategies.
Neither approach is inherently right or wrong. Each reflects a different business model, incentive structure, and operational philosophy.
However, clients often do not fully understand how product decisions are made within their portfolios — or whether alternatives are evaluated systematically.
Why It Matters
Product choice affects:
• Cost structure
• Liquidity characteristics
• Risk exposure
• Tax efficiency
• Performance consistency
When product selection is influenced primarily by internal affiliation, transparency may diminish.
When product selection is driven by fit — mandate alignment, structure, and long-term objective compatibility — portfolio construction becomes more intentional.
Clients benefit from understanding:
• Whether proprietary products are used
• How they are evaluated
• What alternative options exist
• How incentives are aligned with outcomes
The Bottom Line
Product choice is not simply about brand preference — it is about structure, cost, and alignment with your objectives.
If you are a client or a prospective client of Forseth & Co. Wealth Strategies and would like to review how products are selected within your portfolio and how that structure supports long-term governance, we would welcome that discussion.
We manage your wealth. You focus on living.