With over 35 years’ experience in distribution leadership across asset management in the UK and Europe, including roles at F&C/BMO, Cazenove, and J.P. Morgan - Rob specialises in building sustainable revenue growth models focusing on distribution and product strategy. He has served on ACD and AIFM boards. In 2021, he was nominated for Mentor of the Year (IW Women in Investment Awards).
Better
Distribution
Outcomes
The Specialist In Enhancing Distribution Success.
Welcome to Distribution Alpha
We provide distribution-focused management consulting, project management and research within financial services and other industries. Our resources and connections bring together deep industry knowledge on all aspects of distribution. This includes sales, marketing, product 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.
Our purpose is simple. We help our clients achieve,
Better Distribution Outcomes.
Client examples
Testimonials
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. This includes designing strategic distribution plans and recommendation reports. We also provide end-to-end product management support, including project management of fund launches, mergers and closures.
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 and identify any strategic 'blind-spots'.
Who we help
We work in the financial services sector on single projects and in a retained advisory role, supporting:
About Us
Rob Thorpe
Founder I Managing Director
Mark Bain
Management Consultant
Mark has spent over 30 years in financial services, building and leading distribution and support teams, and has deep expertise in marketing across the UK retail and wholesale channels. With experience in all asset classes, Mark is a specialist in Multi-Asset and responsible investments and has a broad network across the industry.
Robert Corbally
Associate Consultant
Rob is a specialist in product development and business strategy having held senior management product leadership roles within Financial services for over 20 years at firms including Old Mutual, Aviva and ManuLife. Rob is an expert in fund structures covering most regulatory environments across Europe. He has launched and managed numerous products and related projects.
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 and products. Our deep knowledge and understanding of the market is based on first hand experience gained from many decades in senior positions in asset management. Further, our client base provides us with a unique perspective of the distribution dynamics at play in today's 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, end-to-end project oversight, to a single days workshop.
Rob's Articles
Contact
Email: rob@distributionalpha.com
Phone: +44 07834254227
Phone: +44 07834254227
F.A.Q
Is Distribution Alpha regulated?
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.
Is there a minimum size project you will work on?
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.
Are you a third party sales team?
No. However we can assist in establishing proprietary teams or make recommendations and connections to third party distributers.
How else can we access your services?
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.
Is Distribution Alpha associated with any other consultancy business?
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.
