They don’t figure in the lists of top collectors, yet they spend millions every year at auction and at dealers. They get first dibs on the most sought-after works of art at the top fairs, yet outside the art world their names are unknown – and they like to keep it that way. They work in a profession that hardly existed 10 years ago, which is expanding rapidly, and for which there are no recognised qualifications. Yet their taste can mould what collectors buy and have a far-reaching influence on setting trends for other collectors – as well as having a major impact on the market itself.

Nota completa: Hidden persuaders – FT.com.