SMArtX Launches Manager-Traded Sleeves in UMA Framework to Expand Portfolio Flexibility - DEV

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SMArtX Advisory Solutions has introduced manager-traded sleeves within its Multi-Strategy Multi-Asset Unified Managed Account (UMA) framework, enhancing its support for the complex portfolio construction and operational needs of RIAs, broker-dealers, asset managers, FinTech firms, TAMPs, and custodians.

With this enhancement, firms can now integrate manager-traded strategies, such as fixed income, into UMA portfolios. These strategies can be combined with model-traded sleeves, including interval funds, long-only, and long-short positions, alongside rep-directed, protected, and cash management sleeves. All sleeve types can be managed within a single custodial account, eliminating the need for multiple accounts and reducing administrative overhead.

“Enabling manager-traded sleeves within the UMA makes it easier for our clients to build and scale complex investment strategies for their customers,” said Jonathan Pincus, CEO of SMArtX Advisory Solutions. “This enhancement expands the investment flexibility within a UMA and allows firms to bring personalized, yet scalable, managed account solutions to market faster.”

Key Benefits:

Consolidated Account Management – Combine manager-traded and model-traded sleeves within a single custodial account to simplify administration and reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple accounts.
Greater Portfolio Flexibility – Manage rep-directed positions, third-party models, manager-traded strategies, and protected assets within one UMA structure.
Integrated Platform Tools – Leverage SMArtX features—such as rebalancing and cash management—seamlessly across portfolios that include manager-traded strategies.

“From day one, our view has been simple,” said Alex Thompson, CPO of SMArtX Advisory Solutions. “Whatever the investment solution—model-based, advisor-directed, or manager-traded—it should plug into a single UMA structure. That way, firms don’t have to spin up new tech stacks every time they want to innovate. Adding manager-traded sleeves is just the next step in giving managed account providers the flexibility they need to scale smarter, not harder, all on one platform.”

With manager-traded sleeves now part of the UMA framework, SMArtX streamlines portfolio construction by uniting rep-directed, model-traded, and manager-traded strategies in a single account. This enhancement simplifies operations and reinforces SMArtX’s commitment to smarter, more scalable portfolio solutions—all on one platform.

About SMArtX

SMArtX Advisory Solutions is an award-winning provider of unified managed accounts (UMA) technology. With its API-first architecture and modular web components, SMArtX offers firms the flexibility to easily integrate managed account functionality into their existing tech stack, whether as a standalone solution or a point solution. Serving a broad range of financial institutions, including RIAs, broker-dealers, asset managers, FinTech firms, TAMPs, and custodians, the platform enables real-time, sleeve-level portfolio management and trading, improving operational transparency.

SMArtX features over 1,500 strategies from more than 325 asset managers and supports a diverse array of investment vehicles within a unified UMA structure. The platform also provides a configurable enterprise-grade billing solution, tax-aware portfolio management, and white-labeled user interfaces, offering scalable solutions for financial firms.

SOURCE SMArtX Advisory Solutions

Benefits of Manager-Traded Sleeves

Manager-traded sleeves within the UMA framework provide significant advantages for investment firms, allowing for a more customized and dynamic approach to portfolio management. By integrating these sleeves, financial professionals can leverage specialized strategies that align with their clients' unique investment goals.

For instance, incorporating fixed income strategies alongside model-traded sleeves enables a more robust portfolio construction, accommodating various risk profiles and market conditions. This flexibility not only enhances the potential for returns but also improves overall risk management for investment advisors.

How Manager-Traded Sleeves Enhance Portfolio Construction

The integration of manager-traded sleeves into the UMA framework revolutionizes traditional portfolio construction methods. This innovative approach allows for a seamless combination of various investment strategies, enabling firms to tailor portfolios more effectively to meet client needs.

By uniting rep-directed, model-traded, and manager-traded strategies, financial professionals can create diverse portfolios that respond swiftly to market changes. This capability is particularly valuable in today's fast-paced financial environment, where adaptability can significantly impact investment outcomes.

Operational Efficiency with Unified Managed Accounts

Unified Managed Accounts (UMAs) streamline operational processes for investment firms, making it easier to manage multiple strategies within a single account structure. This efficiency reduces administrative burdens and enhances the overall client experience.

With real-time, sleeve-level portfolio management, advisors can quickly adjust positions and strategies as market conditions evolve. This operational transparency not only saves time but also empowers financial professionals to make informed decisions that align with their clients' objectives.

Target Audience for Manager-Traded Sleeves

The introduction of manager-traded sleeves is designed to meet the diverse needs of various financial institutions, including registered investment advisors (RIAs), broker-dealers, asset managers, and custodians. Each of these groups can benefit from the enhanced flexibility and operational capabilities that these sleeves provide.

For example, RIAs can utilize manager-traded sleeves to offer clients more customized investment solutions, while asset managers can enhance their product offerings by integrating these strategies into their existing portfolios. This broad applicability underscores the versatility of the UMA framework in addressing the complexities of modern investment management.