SMArtX Expands Select List Criteria to Include Smaller Managers
Event summary
- SMArtX Advisory Solutions released its Q1 2026 Select List on March 2, 2026.
- The firm lowered the AUM threshold for eligibility from $500M to $250M.
- Introduced a new x-score cap of 1.10 to exclude top-performing strategies.
- 48 Gold and 57 Silver strategies were selected across 33 categories.
The big picture
SMArtX's adjustments to its Select List criteria reflect a strategic shift toward broader market participation while maintaining performance standards. This move aligns with industry trends favoring accessibility and quantitative rigor in managed account platforms, potentially influencing how advisors evaluate investment strategies. The changes could also impact smaller asset managers' visibility and growth opportunities within the SMArtX ecosystem.
What we're watching
- Strategy Inclusion
- Whether the expanded eligibility criteria will lead to meaningful diversification of top-performing strategies.
- Performance Impact
- How the new x-score cap affects the composition and perceived value of the Select List.
- Advisor Adoption
- The pace at which advisors incorporate these changes into their selection processes.