IMA 'unfit to classify sectors', says think tank

clock

A paper being reviewed by the House of Lords has launched an attack on the Investment Management Association (IMA), saying it is ill-equipped to decide on sector classifications, and the job should fall to a more impartial body.

Michael Johnson, author of the paper and research fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, criticised the IMA for not being able to categorise funds fairly. "The IMA is an industry body and is paid to represent industry members. It is not impartial in categorising funds because ultimately its interest is attracting more business to the industry," he said. Johnson referred to the recent industry criticism of the Managed sector categories for being unclear and misleading, as an example of the flawed nature of the classifications. The IMA moved to reclassify the sector at the end of last...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

What advisers need to know as SpaceX fuels space investing interest

What advisers need to know as SpaceX fuels space investing interest

WisdomTree’s Mobeen Tahir unpacks the space economy theme

Sophia Panayi
clock 14 August 2026 • 1 min read
How markets have developed in 2026 so far

How markets have developed in 2026 so far

'Active allocation does not mean constant trading or short-term market calls'

James Flintoft
clock 12 August 2026 • 3 min read
How sustainable funds have beaten the index this year

How sustainable funds have beaten the index this year

'ESG funds benefit from access to some of the livelier parts of the market'

Ian Aylward
clock 10 August 2026 • 3 min read