Nil-entry-fee option for Colonial

Colonial First State Investmentshas introduced a nil-entry-fee pricing structure for its investment products, giving investors the option to pay no up-front application fees for its managed investment, rollover and superannuation funds.

The new pricing structure will leave investors with a choice between the traditional pricing arrangements, which typically carry an entry fee, and the nil-entry-fee option, where an additional ongoing management fee of 0.4 per cent will apply.

“Our local investment landscape has rapidly developed over the last few years. As a result, we are providing our investors with greater choice in the pricing structure on our products,” Colonial First State general manager of marketing and distribution Michael Cant says.

“We’ve found that many investors prefer the flexibility of having the nil-entry fee option available to them.”

The new pricing configuration will also leave advisers with a deal of flexibility over their own remuneration.

On the Colonial First State rollover and superannuation funds, the nil-entry-fee option will allow advisers to choose between an up-front commission of 3 per cent and a trail commission of 0.44 per cent, or no up-front commission and a trail of 0.88 per cent.

The nil-entry-fee option on Colonial’s managed investment fund will pay no up-front commission, but a standard 0.88 per cent trail.

“Our research indicated different needs among investors and advisers who both wanted the added flexibility and choice that our new offering provides,” Cant says.