Fund researcher Rayner Spencer Mills Research (RSMR) has launched two rating services - one for multi asset fund ranges and one for socially responsible investment (SRI) funds.

The new rating service for multi asset fund ranges looks at 'families' of funds that have a commonality of investment strategy and fund process and cover a range of risk profiles. RSMR says that the service has been created due to the growing popularity of multi-asset investments which can create difficulty for advisers in selecting the right option.

RSMR determines whether a fund range warrants its stamp of approval through examination of a number of criteria including the fund management team, investment process, risk controls, resources and performance.

RSMR's new SRI fund rating service has been developed in response to the growing SRI market and investors' increasing desire to invest responsibly as well as wanting to achieve a positive return. The SRI fund rating provides advisers with an independent view of an SRI fund's investment strategy, management style and dominant SRI characteristics (such as a focus on environmental factors, sustainability, clean technology and so on) to enable advisers to shortlist SRI funds in an effective and efficient manner.
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Both new services are supported by a guide providing background information and details of the research and rating methodology together with fund factsheets providing specific information on how the funds are managed with RSMR's opinion of them.

Geoff Mills, director of RSMR said: "The development of our new fund rating services to include SRI funds and fund ranges is a natural progression for RSMR as we adapt to the changing market and investor needs.

"The new rated fund range rating has been created following adviser demand for additional clarity in the selection and use of the numerous multi-asset fund ranges which are now available. Our support in this area will provide analysis and guidance from a more practical perspective as advisers seek to evidence suitability and provide better outcomes for their clients."