One in two independent financial advisers (IFAs) plan to boost the amount of assets they place with multi-managers during 2008, according to research from Resolution Asset Management.

The survey, undertaken in conjunction with registered members of Simply Biz, reveals that 50% of advisers plan to invest more of their clients’ assets in multi-manager funds during the year. Around 46% expect no change in the level of business they conduct with multi-managers, while just 4% anticipate a fall.

Of the IFAs who plan to boost their multi-manager business, almost half – 48% – expect it to rise by 10 to 20%, while18% anticipate a rise of 21 to 30%. Almost one in 10 expect an increase of more than 50%.

Jonathan Polin, director of Resolution Asset Management, said: “Diversification of fund managers is clearly a huge concern for advisers, which was a central consideration for Resolution when we launched our multi-manager boutique, Maia, last year.

“Multi-manager funds are forming an increasingly important part of IFAs’ client portfolios and there is no doubt that this trend is set to continue. With alternative assets poised to play a growing role in multi-manager funds, I believe this form of investment will only grow in popularity and continue to demonstrate its importance to IFAs seeking diversification.”