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Rathbones Group study reveals growing demand for bespoke investment services
New research from wealth-management firm, Rathbones Group, has revealed an increasing demand for bespoke investment services.
The study, based on responses from 100 financial advisers and financial planners across the UK, found that demand from clients for a wider range of investment vehicles and increased flexibility is fuelling growth in bespoke services.
All advisers said that access to ETFs was the main reason for the interest in bespoke services, but access to investment trusts, direct equities, bonds and AIM shares were referenced too.
More than nine out of 10 (91 per cent) advisers agreed that access to investment trusts is a key reason for the growth of bespoke services, with just five per cent disagreeing. Around 95 per cent agreed that access to direct equities and bonds is a key reason for clients moving to bespoke services, with just five per cent disagreeing.
Almost all respondents (97 per cent) agreed that access to AIM shares and their potential tax benefits is generating growth in bespoke services, with just three per cent either disagreeing or not having a view.
Advisers see opportunities in the increasing availability of long-term asset funds and private-market investments for high-net-worth clients. Around 93 per cent agreed that bespoke investment services are becoming more relevant to clients as a result.
Simon Taylor, head of strategic partnerships said: “Bespoke investment services enable advisers and their clients to access a wider range of investment vehicles, and there is growing demand from clients to be able to invest in ETFs and investment trusts as well as directly in equities, bonds and AIM shares.
“Advisers need to be careful, however, when they select providers of third-party services. Providers clearly need to have the research capabilities and scale to be able to respond to calls for more choices, which is a key driver of demand for bespoke investment services.”
Image: Simon Taylor
