As part of our continued investment in delivering a modern, flexible advisory experience, ESI is pleased to share an updated ESI Illuminations Strategist & SMA Overview, reflecting our upcoming transition to the FMAX platform later this month.
This refreshed guide provides a clear, comprehensive view of the current investment lineup and updated pricing within Illuminations—giving advisors greater transparency as they evaluate portfolio construction options and advisory solutions for their clients.
Updated “Meet the Strategists and Managers” Overview
The newly refreshed flyer consolidates key platform information into a single, easy-to-reference resource, including:
- An expanded lineup of strategists and managers across strategic, tactical, and dynamic investment approaches
- Updated pricing and platform fees aligned with the FMAX transition
- Clear visibility into investment minimums, styles, and portfolio types, including ETF, mutual fund, income-focused, and tax-sensitive strategies
- Separately Managed Account (SMA) offerings across equity, fixed income, and custom mandates
This guide is designed to help advisors quickly understand what’s available within Illuminations and how solutions may be combined to support different client needs.
Why the Move to FMAX Matters
Built for How Advisors Actually Work
The transition to FMAX represents more than a platform change—it reflects a strategic evolution in how ESI supports advisory practices.
ESI Illuminations continues to accommodate a range of engagement styles, from model-driven approaches to more customized advisory relationships. Advisors may use strategists and SMAs as standalone solutions or combine them within a Unified Managed Account (UMA) structure to support household-level portfolio design.
The Strategist & SMA Overview reflects this philosophy by offering clear comparisons, transparency, and a more intuitive way to navigate the platform’s depth.
What Advisors Can Expect with FMAX
With FMAX, ESI Illuminations will offer enhancements designed to support advisor efficiency and flexibility, including:
- Updated Platform Economics
Lower platform fees on most new and recently opened accounts, supporting advisor economics without increasing client advisory fees. - More Competitive Client Pricing
A pricing structure designed to enhance advisor value propositions in fee-sensitive environments. - Expanded Support and Resources
Access to Fidelity’s FMAX field resources, Model Design & Consultation services, streamlined workflows, and support from Paul Ma and the Portfolio Solutions team. - Enhanced Customization Capabilities
Greater flexibility through UMA structures, including Guided Choice UMA and tax overlay functionality on UMAs and FSPs.
What to Do Next
- Review the updated ESI Illuminations Strategist & SMA Overview to familiarize yourself with the current lineup and pricing
- Register for the “What’s New and Different with FMAX” webinar on January 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Register here - Watch for additional communications, including conversion timelines, updated marketing materials, and training resources
We’re excited about what’s ahead and confident that this next evolution of ESI Illuminations will continue to support advisors in delivering value to clients with clarity and confidence.
