BT Reaches $43.8 Billion in Managed Accounts
Managed accounts are increasingly becoming a core feature of how wealth solutions are delivered, reflecting a broader shift in investor expectations and technological capabilities across the industry.
The combination of rising investor demands, advances in technology and growing need for scalable investment solutions is reshaping portfolio management and implementation. Once viewed primarily as a specialist tool, managed accounts have evolved into a mainstream investment solution that delivers consistency, transparency and access to professionally managed portfolios at scale.
BT’s recent milestone of $43.8 billion in managed account funds under administration as of 31 July 2026 highlights the growing role these accounts play within Australia’s wealth management sector. While that figure reflects current market size, net flows show continued expansion, with a 41% increase compared to the previous 12 months. This growth trajectory indicates sustained demand for managed account solutions.
According to Tim Furlan, head of managed accounts at BT, the strong asset growth and inflow momentum point to an evolving market. “Reaching over $43 billion in managed account FUA is an important milestone, the continued strength of new flows is an even stronger indication of the value advisers and their clients see in managed account solutions,” Furlan said.
Drivers of Managed Account Demand
The sector’s expansion reflects several converging trends in wealth management. Advances in technology and platform capabilities have made sophisticated investment solutions more efficient and scalable to deliver.
“Investors are looking for professional portfolio management, governance and a seamless investment experience,” Furlan explained. “Managed accounts provide a framework that can combine investment expertise, risk management processes and structured implementation, while helping investors access a broad range of opportunities.”
Growing demand for flexibility and customization is also shaping the market. While traditional model portfolios remain the largest segment of BT’s managed accounts offering, the business now administers more than $5 billion in tailored portfolio solutions under an MDA license and over $10 billion in Adviser Portfolios.
“One of the most interesting developments we’re seeing is the increasing sophistication of the managed accounts market,” Furlan noted. “The focus is no longer solely on scale. Investors are looking for solutions that can reflect different objectives, risk profiles and preferences, while still benefiting from the efficiency and governance that managed accounts provide.”
The market’s maturation is already demonstrating that managed accounts are becoming more than an investment structure—they are establishing themselves as a foundation for future wealth solution delivery.
Expansion Through Innovation and Personalization
For Furlan, the next phase of growth will be driven by continued innovation, greater personalisation and the expanding range of solutions available through managed accounts. He emphasized that investor needs are becoming increasingly diverse, pushing the industry to adapt and evolve.
“We expect managed accounts to continue evolving as investor needs become more diverse and expectations continue to rise,” he stated. The opportunity, Furlan noted, extends beyond mere market expansion. It involves refining how wealth solutions are delivered and broadening the array of options accessible to investors.
BT’s strategy aligns with this vision, focusing on enhancing platform capabilities to support tailored approaches. This trend highlights the platform’s adaptability to investor demands.
Market Maturity and Future Foundations
As the market matures, managed accounts are transitioning from a standalone investment structure to a foundational element of wealth delivery. BT’s performance reflects this shift, with its managed accounts business surpassing $43.8 billion in FUA while maintaining strong growth momentum.
The sector’s evolution is marked by increasing sophistication. Investors now seek solutions that balance personalization with the efficiency and governance inherent in managed accounts. This dual demand is reshaping product development and operational strategies across the industry.
