Institutional-Grade Research & Strategy

Elevate Your Investment Capabilities

Led by Chris Darbyshire, CWD delivers comprehensive research, asset allocation, and strategic consulting tailored for independent financial advisors and boutique investment management firms.

Explore Our Services
25+
Years of Industry Experience
  • Macro-economic research
  • Cross-asset market analysis
  • Strategic asset allocation
  • Client communication support
  • Risk monitoring & governance
Why Partner With Us

A Trusted Extension of Your Team

We bridge the gap between institutional-grade investment research and the practical needs of independent firms. Our flexible service model means you get exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less.

📊

Deep Research Capability

Macro-economic, thematic, and cross-asset research delivered weekly — giving you an information edge without the overhead of an in-house team.

🎯

Actionable Investment Ideas

Tactical suggestions explained from conception to execution, helping you make confident decisions in fast-moving markets.

🤝

Flexible Engagement

From a comprehensive basic package to optional add-ons like MPS asset allocation, risk monitoring, and structured product advice — you choose the level of support.

Our Services

Comprehensive. Modular. Tailored.

All services are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing processes. The Basic Package covers essential research and communications; Optional Add-ons let you extend your capabilities further.

Macro-economic Top-down Briefing

Included
Weekly

Presentation containing comments, charts and data covering the week's main economic, political and trade-related events.

Research

Thematic Updates

Included
Weekly

Focus on key themes affecting markets, e.g. AI, tariffs, geopolitics.

Research

Cross-asset Market Update

Included
Weekly

Market review covering asset classes used in multi-asset portfolios.

Research

Macro & Cross-asset Market Update Webinar

Included
Weekly

All research services can be presented in real-time or via recordings for your convenience.

Research

Tactical Investment Suggestions

Included
Weekly

Investment ideas explained, from conception to execution — actionable and timely.

Custom Research

Client-friendly Market Commentary

Included
Weekly

Non-technical review of key weekly economic, political and market events — ready to share with your clients.

Client Communications

Client Communications for Valuations

Included
Quarterly

"Core" message to clients which can be personalised by the investment manager.

Client Communications

Emergency Client Communications

Included
Ad hoc

Required in extreme market conditions — rapid, reassuring, and professionally crafted messaging.

Client Communications

Participation in Investment Committee

Included
Quarterly

Membership of, and participation in, your firm's investment committee — adding depth to your governance.

Governance

Strategic Asset Allocation

Optional
Annual

High-calibre strategic benchmark informed by external expertise — a cornerstone for long-term portfolio construction.

Asset Allocation

Alternatives

Optional
Ad hoc

Research, due diligence and advice on complex, derivative-based, hedge fund strategies or structured products.

Product

Investment Process Assessment

Optional
Ad hoc

Deep-dive due diligence on your investment process — identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

Governance

Model Portfolio Service (MPS) Asset Allocation

Optional
Continual

Basic MPS service covering a range of passively-invested risk-rated portfolios — efficient and scalable.

Non-standard Asset Allocation

Higher-value MPS+ Asset Allocation

Optional
Continual

Higher value-added model portfolio service, using active managers, more dynamic asset allocation, and more tactical positioning.

Asset Allocation

Structured Products: Detailed Advice & Modelling

Optional
Ad hoc

Portfolio construction and asset allocation including structured products — specialist guidance for complex instruments.

Product

Portfolio Risk Monitoring

Optional
Monthly

Portfolio-level risk, concentration risk, holdings versus model portfolio weights — stay on top of your exposures.

Risk Management
Chris Darbyshire, CEO of CWD
Leadership

Led by a Proven Industry Expert

Chris Darbyshire
CEO & Founder, CWD Consulting

With an outstanding career spanning over two decades in investment management, Chris brings institutional-quality insight to independent firms. His track record includes senior roles at leading asset managers, where he developed a reputation for incisive macro analysis, disciplined asset allocation, and clear strategic thinking.

Chris founded CWD to give smaller investment firms and IFAs access to the kind of deep research and strategic firepower typically reserved for the largest institutions. Every CWD engagement benefits directly from his hands-on expertise and commitment to excellence.

🏆 Proven Track Record
📈 Hands-on Leadership
🔍 Research Excellence
🤝 Trusted Advisor
Developing Your Team

Your Less Experienced Managers Are Your Firm's Future

CWD's weekly research gives them a structured, reliable lens through which to understand markets, build conviction, and develop the professional instincts that only come with exposure to great thinking. It's professional development that pays for itself.

A Weekly Analytical Framework

Each research note models the kind of rigorous, structured thinking your junior managers need to internalise — turning weekly reading into long-term professional growth.

Building Market Conviction

Consistent exposure to well-reasoned market perspectives helps developing managers move beyond surface-level views and begin forming independent, evidence-based convictions.

Institutional Thinking at Every Level

Smaller firms often can't afford senior research talent across the board. CWD bridges that gap — giving every member of your team access to institutional-grade insight, every single week.

"The best investment you can make in your firm is in the people who will run it tomorrow."