Mercer designs workshops to challenge investment theories

Industry conferences, while informative, do not dedicate the time required for balanced debates or interactive learning, according to Mercer principal, Rashmi Mehrotra.

Conferences provide insufficient time to allow for proper explanation and in-depth discussion, Mehrotra said.

This has prompted Mercer to develop the Master Class Investment workshops, which are designed to challenge and move beyond traditional investment theories.

Mehrotra said the workshops would show that there are different ways to deal with investment.

“There’s no right way to do it. It’s not a science,” Mehrotra said.

She added that advisers needed to take responsibility for the advice they give.

“It’s not good enough to blame the research houses,” she said.

Dealer groups also need to recognise that they have a responsibility to ensure advisers are trained, Mehrotra said.

The workshops will begin in July and cover one topic per day. They are aimed at wealth management professionals, investment researchers and analysts, family offices and trustees.

The Master Class Investment Workshop was piloted in November last year.