Count onboard new Skandia platform
CountWealth Accountantshas signed withAustralian Skandiato make use of the group’s new platform, which it plans to formally launch in mid-February.
The platform deal is the third for Count, with its advisers now being able to chose from the Wealth-e-account, which is a badged version of the BT Wrap,Colonial’s First Choice platform and the yet-to-be named Skandia master trust vehicle.
Australian Skandia chief executive Ross Laidlaw says the platform is already in use in the general market by about 250 advisers across 100 dealer groups. However, the product to be used by Count will offer an upgraded range of superannuation and managed investments options.
Laidlaw says the full details, including pricing, would be announced in February ahead of a rollout in March and April to Count advisers.
The deal with Count also marks a move for the platform from the boutique to the mid- and large-scale advisory groups.
“We have focused on boutique players with the platform, but the deal with Count indicates that we are also looking at mid to large players to make use of the platform,” Laidlaw says.
Count Wealth Accountants managing director Barry Lambert says the group made the decision to add the third platform because it gave its advisers access to managed fund products not currently available through the two existing platforms.
Lambert says the Skandia platform is not expected to impact on existing wealth-e-account balances, and that Count still retains good relationships with BT and its parent, Westpac.
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Jason Spits
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