Our regular round-up of the latest insights on investment distribution

We are often asked how we see the financial advisory market taking shape in the coming years.  We expect to see continued consolidation and automation bringing efficiencies to improve adviser productivity. Demand will continue and we believe a human element will...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...