Original Research

Suitability of risk assessment tools used during the portfolio recommendation process

Solani Baloyi, Melany Lotter
Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences | Vol 17, No 1 | a896 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jef.v17i1.896 | © 2024 Solani Baloyi, Melany Lotter | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 08 June 2023 | Published: 11 March 2024

About the author(s)

Solani Baloyi, Department of Finance and Investment Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Melany Lotter, Department of Finance and Investment Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Investors are overwhelmed with Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) portfolio options.

Research purpose: The study set out to assess the emerging themes considered essential and prevalent in establishing a risk profile, establishing a framework for risk assessment tools, and evaluating existing risk assessment tools used in the industry.

Motivation for the study: In 2020, newly amended legislation confirmed the importance of a risk assessment. This legislation made it mandatory and compulsory for financial planners to conduct a risk profile analysis concerning investment products in South Africa. Consequently, CIS have implemented various risk assessment tools to establish the investor risk profile.

Research approach/design and method: Documentary research methodology was employed, where secondary data were analysed qualitatively. Twelve risk assessment tools were collected, and the established framework was used to evaluate existing risk assessment tools.

Main findings: A sound theoretical framework for risk assessment tools, which is comprehensive in nature and include demographic factors, risk categorisation, and regulatory factors, was established. The results indicate that current tools used in the industry are inconsistent and do not address all the factors required to establish an investor risk profile.

Practical/managerial implications: The study is significant in that it guides the financial services industry into the elements of assessment in establishing an investor risk profile.

Contribution/value-add: A risk profile analysis is compulsory for financial planning. Financial planners and policymakers can consider the established framework to implement a standardised, comprehensive, holistic, risk assessment tool.


Keywords

portfolio recommendation; risk assessment tool; risk profile; collective investment scheme; South Africa

JEL Codes

G11: Portfolio Choice • Investment Decisions; G22: Insurance • Insurance Companies • Actuarial Studies; G41: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Metrics

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