Better 
Distribution 
Outcomes.

We believe that distribution is the nexus of sales, marketing and product. Their successful coalesence results in 'Distribution Alpha'. 

How we help
Welcome to Distribution Alpha

We provide distribution focused management consulting, project management and research within financial services. Our resources and connections bring together deep industry knowledge on all aspects of distribution. This includes sales, marketing, products and data use, to help our clients develop more successful distribution strategies in response to market dynamics today and in the future.
 
Our purpose is simple. We help our clients achieve,

Better Distribution Outcomes.

Testimonials

 Any business considering their distribution strategy should not hesitate engaging with Distribution Alpha. The report they produced for us was exceptional. 

Matt Timmins: Co-CEO, Fintel PLC

 Working with Distribution Alpha has been invaluable in helping Marlborough's senior management team determine aspects of our funds business requiring greater strategic focus. It has been a pleasure to work with Rob. 

Richard Goodall: CEO, Marlborough Group
  

Our services

Consultancy | Project Management | Research

Consultancy and advisory

We provide independent advice to senior leadership on challenges impacting the successful distribution of their products and services. This may involve one-off, consultations or comprehensive evaluations of distribution strategies, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, resource allocation, products and budgeting. Our approach includes a detailed analysis of key metrics, offering a holistic understanding of a company's distribution framework and actionable recommendations to achieve greater distribution outcomes.

Project Management

We work on comprehensive projects and single-element initiatives. Our services include curating resource planning to ensure businesses are 'implementation ready' and providing execution oversight to drive success. As specialists in distribution, we also collaborate with other expert teams and consultants on broader, multidisciplinary projects.

Research

We deliver tailored and industry-wide research aimed at enhancing business distribution success. Our client-driven research addresses specific needs, such as insights into products, brand positioning, or other key aspects of their business. Additionally, our proprietary industry-wide research is designed to support senior leaders and boards in understanding broader industry dynamics that are impacting distribution.

Who we help

We work in the financial services sector on single projects and in a retained advisory role, supporting:

Asset Managers

Analysing distribution effectiveness and go to market product strategies. Risk, governance and ACD support.

Wealth Managers

Distribution and go to market strategies into non-proprietary channels. Governance and proposition development.

Financial Advisers

Developing proprietary product solutions and forming the required regulatory and governance framework.

Investment Trust Boards

Providing greater insight into the distribution effectiveness provided by fund managers, be it for incumbents or during tender process.

Platforms, FinTechs and Life Companies

Life companies, platforms, fintechs, data vendors, marketing consultants and recruitment firms. Institutions seeking to access the wholesale channel.

Resourcing

Targeted resourcing projects for specific requirements, such as fund management capabilities, sales and distribution, marketing, product development, brokerage or technology.

Our connections

Marketing

Financial services specialists providing full or partial outsourced marketing solutions.

Technology

Platforms, business operations, data capture and analysis.

Sales

We can connect to non-proprietary sales teams covering the UK and Europe.

Corporate Banking/M&A

Capital raising and financial event strategy advisers.

Fund/Proposition Development

Third party ACD services, OCIOs, compliance, fund vehicle management sponsors, prime brokers etc

Others

Financial Services specialist legal and compliance advisers. Fund managers, specialist HR consultants, leadership coaching, market data and research. PR agencies and media.

What makes us different?

Specialists

Unlike many other larger consultancy businesses, we are specialists in distribution. Our deep knowledge and understanding of the market is based on first hand experience gained from many decades in senior positions in distribution. Further, our client base provides us with a unique perspective of the distribution dynamics at play in todays markets.

Connections Matter

We have connections across the market, from buyers, to competitors, technology providers to data vendors. Our network is broad and deep and we utilise this where it is of benefit to our clients,

Flexibility

We operate differently to larger consultancies where we tailor our services to your budget and requirements, rather than set minimum fee thresholds. Our services range from multi-month projects, resulting in detailed reports and board presentations, to a single days workshop.

About

Rob Thorpe

Founder I Managing Director

Rob founded Distribution Alpha in 2023, following a 35-year career leading asset management companies to industry leading positions. Prior to then he spent 10 years as Managing Director of F&C/BMO and a board director of it's funds and investment trust businesses. He held senior roles at Cazenove, BNY Mellon and J.P Morgan. A specialist in the multi-asset and solutions market, Rob founded the Multi-Manager Forum, a collaboration of leading fund of funds providers. He helped design some of the industry's most successful multi-asset products and writes on this subject as a columnist in PA Adviser.

Rob's Articles

PA Adviser, 8th July 2024. Data is important but relationships matter

  •  11/07/2024 12:00 AM

You can also change the title listed above and add new blog articles as well.

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PA Adviser, 2nd May 2024. What is behind the dominance of MPS?

  •  02/04/2024 12:00 AM

This is a generic blog article you can use for adding blog content / subjects on your website.

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PA Adviser, 11th March 2024, What does the industry mean by 'consistently' in active management?

  •  11/03/2024 12:00 AM

You can edit all of this text and replace it with anything you have to say on your blog.

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Contact
Email: rob@distributionalpha.com

Phone: +44 07834254227

F.A.Q

Distribution Alpha is not regulated by the FCA. However our services are only provided to regulated professional firms. Our services are backed by indemnity insurance.
No. Unlike much larger consultancies, we do not have a minimum fee requirement or timescale. Our work has ranged from half a days consultancy/advice, to several months project work.
No. However we can assist in establishing proprietary teams or make recommendations and connections to third party distributers.
We are happy to work in conjunction with other consultancy businesses. In addition, Rob Thorpe is available as a retained adviser or non-executive director. 
No.  While we may collaborate and work with other consultancy businesses, we are an independent specialist focusing primarily on Distribution.
Disclaimer
Distribution Alpha is a trading name of Distribution Alpha Limited, a company registered in England and Wales number:14638188 (The company). Registered address, 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR. The company is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. None of the services it provides constitutes financial advice. The company is not able to provide any guarantees on the outcome in relation to the advice or services it provides, whether this is executed upon or otherwise. Any services provided by the company are subject to a signed agreement. Further information relating to the company's services are available upon request.