Richard Downs and Richard Romer-Lee established OBSR in 1999 when they undertook a management buy-out of the research business within Buck Consultants, which was originally set-up in 1994. 

From those beginnings they have built a large, independent business that is synonymous with high-quality fund and product research and staffed by respected individuals from all areas of financial services.

In 2002 OBSR launched what is now the OBSR UK Fund Ratings service.

In 2007 Nigel Whittingham joined the board, bringing the combined experience of OBSR’s three Executive Directors to over 75 years.

In 2008 OBSR acquired the global research business from Crosby.  This was the foundation for the OBSR Global Fund Ratings service launched in 2009.