Methodology & independence
A documented due diligence framework with a clear separation between research judgment and commercial relationships.
WS Partners provides investment research and consulting services for professional users in Switzerland. The methodology is designed to support fund-selection documentation and decision processes: it brings investment evidence, operational evidence, selection status and monitoring points into a reviewable record. It also defines how commercial relationships are kept apart from merit-based research conclusions.
Two due diligence lenses
Investment due diligence (IDD) examines the strategy, team, investment process, portfolio, risk drivers and performance context. It asks how the investment approach is intended to work, what is present in the portfolio, which risks matter and which observations require monitoring.
Operational due diligence (ODD) examines operational risks, controls, counterparties and governance. The operational review provides a separate view of how the fund is organised and controlled rather than assuming that an investment case is sufficient on its own.
In a client due diligence mandate, the two lenses are recorded separately and brought together for the agreed decision. Their emphasis depends on the question and the actual evidence examined. A marketing description or a single performance measure cannot stand in for either review.
Selection statuses and monitoring
- Selected: after the required examination, the fund meets the criteria for a defined selection scope.
- Watchlist: an examined fund merits continued observation or has stated open points. Missing evidence alone is recorded as pending, not a favourable selection.
- Not selected: an examined fund does not meet the criteria for that defined scope. A fund outside scope is not assessed.
A status is a dated conclusion for a defined scope, not a permanent label. Unexamined and insufficient-evidence cases remain explicit. Selection is distinct from an assessment opinion, and neither is a certification. Certification requires stated requirements, adequate actual examination, a named reviewer, date, scope, limits and a current status. Monitoring records changes and reasons to revisit a conclusion.
Client mandates use the examination specified for that decision. The public OpenList has a separate selection policy by vertical: Long Only uses investment and operational due diligence; ranking-selected verticals use systematic ranking with committee review. Each published list should state its own method and the limits of available assessment.
How independence works
Our research team applies the published method and records the evidence behind its conclusions. Client and manager service agreements are managed separately. Payment cannot buy selection, change a due diligence finding or determine a fund’s status.
The selection rationale is documented, and conflicts are identified, disclosed and managed. Wealth managers can review the available research and advisory services on Solutions.
For professional use
These outputs support professional documentation and decision processes. They do not constitute an offer or solicitation, and implementation decisions remain with the client. Access and use are intended for qualified investors and professional users in Switzerland.