The Investment Research Department (IRD) realizes that there are a number of ways to effectively manage an investment portfolio. Historically, portfolio managers have used a variety of techniques to assist their clients in reaching their objectives. This understanding led to C-PAS being constructed in a way that allows advisors to create and manage their own models on the platform. Thus, in addition to being able to invest in the models created and managed by the IRD, advisors have the ability to create and manage their own models.

Custom models created by advisors receive all of the same treatment as the models that are managed by the IRD. They are automatically rebalanced by Parametric. Parametric also provides overlay tax management. The most noteworthy benefits that advisors receive from the ability to create custom models are the flexibility to employ their own investment management programs and the opportunity to leverage Parametric for pro-active tax management. The flexibility afforded by the open architecture of the platform allows independent advisors to remain just that, independent.