Our investment approach

We invest with the end in mind

At Human Financial, we partner with investors and their advisers to offer a curated suite of model portfolios.

Our model portfolios are designed to address a range of investment objectives and to provide a number of different investment styles, for example:

  • Market exposure at low cost: The Enhanced Index models aim to deliver diversified market returns efficiently.

  • Dynamic risk management: The Dynamic models are designed to adjust allocations to help reduce the downside risk during market downturns and increase growth exposure when opportunities arise.

  • Strategic balance of growth and stability: The Strategic models combine active insights with disciplined risk management to seek improved return outcomes over time.

Each model can be combined flexibly with other elements of an investor’s portfolio to support personalised investment strategies.

A multi-dimensional approach to active management

Traditional active management has often meant stock picking, but research suggests this approach offers limited long-term benefits, particularly in efficient markets such as large-cap equities.

At Human Financial, we take a broader view of active management. Our approach encompasses dynamic asset allocation, risk-premia harvesting and structured risk management overlays.

We allocate to external active managers selectively, in areas such as small caps, credit and emerging markets, where research indicates greater potential for skilled managers to add value.

Our philosophy seeks to balance the strengths of active and passive management through:

Strategic index exposures for long-term cost efficiency.

Dynamic asset allocation to navigate changing macroeconomic conditions.

Selective active risk in markets where it is most likely to be rewarded.

Physical and swap-based beta exposures for effective capital deployment.

None of our models are designed to strictly replicate a single index, nor do we rely entirely on high-cost active strategies. We believe a balanced, evidence-based approach is better suited to navigating today’s complex and evolving markets.

Over nearly 15 years, this diversified approach has been tested across varying market environments, demonstrating consistency and adaptability.

We believe in being:

  • Cost-effective, not just the cheapest – because effective investing balances cost and outcome.

  • Simple, not simplistic – because even passive strategies require thoughtful design and oversight.

Intelligent investing requires structure, discipline, and adaptability, not just tracking an index or paying for hope of outperformance.

Disciplined, evidence-based, transparent

Strategic asset allocation is the core driver of portfolio outcomes. We complement this foundation with tactical tilts when our analysis indicates markets may be mispricing risk premia or offering asymmetric opportunities.

Our process is transparent: each position and portfolio decision is explainable, cost-conscious, and free from conflicts of interest.

When changes are made, we communicate clearly, by sharing our rationale, objectives, and how each decision fits within our long-term framework. We don’t chase fads or react to headlines. We invest with discipline, not hype.

We won’t capture every hot investment: that’s by design. Instead, our focus is on reducing downside risk in challenging markets, knowing that doing so helps create the flexibility to invest when others may not. In tougher conditions, that discipline helps position our portfolios to identify and act on opportunities: calmly, confidently, and on our own terms.^

^ Investments are subject to market risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and may rise or fall.

Closing the circle: Matching outcomes to objectives

We recognise that individual investors are human, not spreadsheets.

That’s why support advisers in promoting behavioural discipline that helps investors stay focused on the long term rather than reacting to short-term market noise.

Investing may be technical, but communication shouldn’t be. At Human Financial, we believe clarity builds confidence, and confident investors are better equipped to make sound long-term decisions.

Advisers who work with us know that we don’t hide behind jargon. We’re committed to delivering clear, timely, and relevant insights, cutting through complexity to support the advice process when it matters most.

A team with global institutional experience

The Human Financial team has been selected to apply the best in global institutional expertise to our portfolios and bespoke OCIO partnerships. Having worked in the major international markets, our team also has access to diverse insights and expert perspectives, to help anticipate global trends, navigate risk and stay ahead of market shifts. This deep institutional insight and global network means we can support advisers and their clients with investment strategies that are as informed and rigorous as they are practical and scalable.

What sets us apart

  • Multi-dimensional active management

    We go beyond stock picking to include dynamic allocation, risk premia harvesting and selective alpha seeking. We’re anchored by evidence, not ego.

  • Solutions built around financial advice

    Our managed models, funds and OCIO structures are designed to enhance the financial advice process. We understand that good advice is priceless.

  • Efficient, flexible implementation

    We use physical and swap-based beta exposures to ensure capital is deployed in the most effective way possible.

  • Extensive investment experience

    Many decades of combined global investment experience with leading global asset managers brings a deep understanding of market structure, portfolio design and risk.