Portfolio Construction

Five Myths About Model Portfolios

June 3, 2026 | 3 minute read
five-myths-about-model-portfolios_16-9_1360x765.png
Portfolio Construction

Five Myths About Model Portfolios

June 3, 2026 | 3 minute read
five-myths-about-model-portfolios_21-9_1840x788.png
Portfolio Construction

Five Myths About Model Portfolios

June 3, 2026 | 3 minute read
five-myths-about-model-portfolios_3-1_2480x827.png
Author(s)
Avatar
Michael Day
Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset Solutions
Avatar
Chris Milliken
Head of Model Portfolio Strategy, Third Party Wealth
Over the last three decades, we’ve seen model portfolios evolve. We believe that certain misperceptions about models have also developed as the market has grown. We debunk five common myths and reveal the realities we observe.

1. Myth: Model portfolios are only for RIAs that do not have a CIO.

Reality: We believe models empower RIA CIOs, enabling a greater focus on specialized alpha generation.

By outsourcing the mechanics of core portfolio construction, RIA CIOs have more opportunities to focus on high-conviction satellite strategies, such as bespoke SMAs and alternatives. Studies suggest advisors who outsource management of at least 90% of their assets can save around 9 hours per week.1 This highlights that models are not a replacement for their expertise, but a foundation that allows them to focus on specialized alpha generation. Asset managers delivering model portfolios become an extension of an RIA CIO’s team.

2. Myth: Models are only useful for mass affluent clients, not high-net-worth clients.

Reality: Models can be customized to meet the unique investment philosophies and objectives of high-net-worth clients.

Many advisors believe model portfolios are too simple for high-net-worth clients, assuming they only contain ETFs and mutual funds. In reality, modern model portfolios can integrate direct indexing, tailored fixed income SMAs, and alternative investments. This ability enables RIAs to provide a bespoke, more personalized experience for high-net-worth clients, designed to meet their unique investment philosophies and objectives.

3. Myth: Model portfolios are rigid, "one-size-fits-all" structures. 

Reality: Modern technology platforms enable RIAs to provide personalization.

The evolution of Unified Managed Account (UMA) platforms has fundamentally changed the game, giving high-net-worth clients what they want and RIA CIOs the benefits of scale. Advisors can combine multiple asset classes within a single managed account with the intent to enhance diversification, customization, and allocation efficiency for their end clients. An RIA can also personalize for each investor's tax situation, preference, and objectives, with consolidated reporting and streamlined paperwork.

4. Myth: Clients in a model have identical investment outcomes.

Reality: Under the hood, design choices can drive vastly different outcomes to meet client needs.

Not all model portfolios are created equal. In some cases, RIA CIOs can have a direct say in the underlying mechanics that drive client outcomes. By adjusting variables such as rebalancing frequency, the degree of open architecture, and the strategic blend of active versus index strategies, RIAs can provide a sophisticated and signature investment experience for their clients that remains scalable.

5. Myth: Tax awareness in models is as simple as swapping the "Agg" for Municipal bonds.

Reality: True tax-aware investing requires a holistic approach to strategic asset allocation (SAA).

We believe simply swapping taxable bonds using the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (known as the Agg) for municipal bonds is an outdated approach to tax awareness. In our view, strategic after-tax asset allocation is crucial when seeking to increase returns. By utilizing tax-aware vehicles like active ETFs, implementing systematic tax-loss harvesting, and dynamically managing asset location, investors may be able to mitigate "tax drag" and potentially increase their compounded wealth over time.

Changing myths into reality requires an asset manager with depth of experience and the ability to customize solutions for RIAs so they can scale these solutions for their clients. If you haven’t considered models for high-net-worth clients before, our team is ready to explore them with you.

 

1 AssetMark. The Impact of Outsourcing. As of 2019.

Author(s)
Avatar
Michael Day
Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset Solutions
Avatar
Chris Milliken
Head of Model Portfolio Strategy, Third Party Wealth
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