Advisors are increasingly adopting outsourced model portfolios as a way to streamline investment management and redirect their time toward deeper client relationships and higher-value planning work. 

Research from Cerulli shows that model users spend just over 10% of their time on investment oversight, enabling them to devote more than 60% of their time to client-facing activity and business development. The trend is especially pronounced among younger advisors running leaner practices, many of whom lack in-house investment staff and rely on models to achieve greater efficiency. 

These advisors view outsourced portfolios as a strategic tool, using the time savings to focus on complex planning, attract wealthier households, and sharpen their competitive positioning. High demand for product education, best practices, and access to portfolio managers underscores the need for model providers to keep advisors well-informed. 

Finsum: While some advisors avoid models due to concerns about customization or added fees, the overall shift highlights how outsourcing has become central to scaling a modern advisory practice.