FundMonitors.com is provided by Australian Fund Monitors Pty Ltd, A.C.N. 122 226 724, AFSL 324476.

The primary users of FundMonitors.com are self-directed investors and financial advisors. 

FundMonitors.com does not allow advertising. The website does not make recommendations, and the description of the fund or its performance is designed to be objective and based on verifiable data and facts. FundMonitors.com is an information source, and does not contain personal advice.

FundMonitors.com provides one page FACT Sheets on over 900 funds, with performance charts, key performance metrics, and information on the fund manager and the fund's investment strategy. The website is designed to allow users to compare and research each of the funds using a standard template. Providing the user has registered and accepted the terms and conditions, there is no cost for access to the one page FACT sheets. Registered users also have access to the new and information pages, including fund managers' monthly reports, video interviews and Insights articles.

While FundMonitors.com provides access to one page FACT sheets and news information to investors and their advisors at no cost, users can subscribe for more detailed information, and a range of analytical tools such as Advanced Analytics, Charting, Portfolios, or Custom Reports.

Fund Managers

There is no cost for a fund manager to have their fund's Profile and details listed on the website, provided we can be satisfied regarding aspects such as their Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) status, and the accuracy and ongoing provision of performance data and other information. We gather this information either directly from the fund manager themselves, from their website, or from other reliable and verifiable sources. Provided we can verify the information, and it is publicly available, we will include information on any fund that meets our quality, compliance and selection criteria. 

However, although we list any qualifying fund at no cost, if a fund manager wants to ensure their fund's full details can be viewed by ALL users, and it meets the above standards, then they can elect to pay an annual subscription to do so. This subscription can enable the manager to include insights articles to assist them to raise their profile on the FundMonitors.com website.

Hence our business model is best described as "Beneficiary Pays".

FACTORS RESEARCH and RATINGS

FundMonitors.com also produces "FACTORS" Research Reports. These provide detailed analysis and information gathered during extensive interviews and analysis on those funds which meet what we perceive to be acceptable, and appropriate, business structures and operations. 

Although we focus strongly on hard facts and figures, at the end of the day experience and intuition come into play when we ask ourselves the question "does this manager consider managing other people's money an opportunity, or a responsibility?" 

FACTORS Research involves a series of processes to ensure a thorough understanding of the manager, fund, and its operations:

Firstly, each manager is required to complete an extensive Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ).

Following the due diligence, fact gathering and analysis process, a face to face meeting is conducted between at least two members of AFM's Investment Committee with the management and key staff of the fund.

A draft report is then prepared covering five major categories:

• Management Company and Key Staff;
• Investment Strategy;
• Risk Management;
• Operations, and;
• Fees, Terms and Conditions.

The draft report is considered by AFM's five person Investment Committee, and a further interview is held with the manager prior to a QUALITATIVE assessment being made of the fund.

Finally an overall "APPROVED" rating is allocated if applicable, along with suggested use of the fund. 

Each qualitative category description is also supported by a series of "Flags" and comments to draw the reader's attention to specific aspects of the manager's and fund's operations.

FACTORS reports include extensive QUANTITATIVE performance and risk analysis, with rankings against an appropriate market index, as well as each fund's Peer Group. Importantly, these are updated monthly from AFM's database, ensuring that each research report is always up to date

FACTORS Research Reports only contain general advice as we do not know the individual circumstances of the investor. They are designed for use by AFSL holders such as financial advisors, and Wholesale or sophisticated Investors. They may be commissioned and paid for by the fund manager concerned, or by specific investors or advisor groups.