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​This Month’s Fund in Focus 

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Brooks Macdonald Retirement Strategies

For April, QuantQual highlights a retirement proposition rather than a traditional fund. The Brooks Macdonald Retirement Strategies framework is designed specifically for decumulation, addressing the practical challenges of delivering sustainable income in retirement.

The investment case

This is not an adapted accumulation portfolio. It is built for drawdown, where sequencing risk and withdrawal timing materially impact outcomes.

The framework uses a two-component structure:

• A short-term allocation designed to meet c. seven years of withdrawals

• A long-term growth component to support future purchasing power

By separating these, the approach aims to reduce the need to sell growth assets during market downturns.

Why it stands out

• Retirement-specific design: Built for decumulation, not retrofitted

• Structured income planning: Short-term assets are invested (not cash) using fixed-maturity instruments

• Scalable implementation: Available via Bespoke, Tailored and Modelled routes

• Strong governance: Robust oversight and risk controls aligned with Consumer Duty

How it works

Near-term income needs are ring-fenced, while long-term capital remains invested. This shifts the focus from volatility metrics to time horizon management—arguably the more relevant lens in retirement.

Adviser and client relevance

For advisers, the proposition supports a consistent Centralised Retirement Proposition across client segments, with practical benefits such as platform compatibility and structured reporting.

For clients, it provides a balance between income certainty in the short term and growth potential over the long term.

Client fit

Best suited to:

• Clients in or near drawdown seeking flexible income

• Firms building scalable retirement propositions

Less suitable for:

• Very high withdrawal needs

• Very low risk tolerance

• Preference for guaranteed income solutions

QuantQual view

Brooks Macdonald offers a well-structured decumulation framework combining clear design intent, strong governance and scalable delivery. It stands out as a practical and defensible solution for modern retirement planning.

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