Ex-Norwich execs launch platform
FormerNavigatormanaging director Mat Walker has flagged his return to the platform market with the launch of a new online integrated portfolio management system.
The platform, called Investment Exchange, has been developed over the past three years by Melbourne-based Investment Diversity, which is staffed by a number of former Norwich Union executives, and will cover both superannuation and non-superannuation investing.
The system is currently in the testing phase, with seven national dealer groups involved in the process, and will be pitched mainly to small to medium-sized independent advisers.
Walker, who is executive director of Investment Diversity, says the company started from scratch, but the platform will useAvanteosto provide some core technology and transacting software.
The platform will consist of a non-superannuation service linked electronically to about 400 managed funds, as well as all ASX-listed stocks and a retirement service for superannuation investors. This will offer more than 200 wholesale funds, which will be accessed electronically with straight-through processing.
Research will be provided byMorningstarand there is a directASXfeed for shares.
Other portfolio management tools on the platform cover alternative investments, which can range from direct property through to art and other personal assets of the client.
Walker says the pricing for the platform is competitive, aimed at the bottom quartile, and the group would be selling itself on price.
AUTHOR
Jason Spits
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