Our regular round-up of the latest insights on investment distribution
The era of ‘smart’ consolidation, not ‘size’ consolidation
It was a huge week for platforms. Standard Life announced its intent to acquire AXA Portfolio Services (including the Elevate platform) and Aegon announced that it would acquire BlackRock’s DC book of business. Some believe it is the start of a massive wave of...
Heather Hopkins 06 May 2016
Platforum provides the following comment on Standard Life’s acquisition of AXA Elevate
The acquisition of AXA Elevate makes Standard Life the third largest adviser platform based on retail assets with a combined AUA as at 31st December 2015 of £37.06. The acquisition puts Standard Life ahead of Old Mutual Wealth and behind Cofunds and FundsNetwork....
Heather Hopkins 04 May 2016
Platforum comment on Aegon’s acquisition of BlackRock’s defined contribution platform
The acquisition of Blackrock’s defined contribution platform would make Aegon the 4th largest by AUM in UK DC pensions with £30.2 billion in assets, as at 31st December 2015 according to Platforum Blackrock’s ‘bundled’ DC business provides pensions for some 125...
Miranda Seath 03 May 2016
European Influence
The key to penetrating foreign fund markets is taking the time to build relationships and a locally established brand. Apparently it’s all about drinking coffee; which conjures up charming images of cafes around Munich’s Marienplatz or the old town of Salzburg. The...
Jeremy Fawcett 29 April 2016
Miranda Seath 25 April 2016
Restricted or independent advice– does it matter to the end-investor?
We work in a sector that is particularly fond of labels. At the ABI’s Long-term savings conference this week, Joanne Segars visibly flinched when broadcaster Sarah Montague referred to the Money Advice Service as providing ‘advice’. She quickly put her straight –...
Miranda Seath 22 April 2016