Affiliated Managers (MGR) 10-K 2011 FY Annual report

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Forms S-3 (No. 333-168627) and S-8 (No. 333-175912, No. 333-135416, No. 333-129748, No. 333-100628, No. 333-84485, and No. 333-72967) of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated February 23, 2012 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
February 23, 2012

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1