UK IFAs embracing ETFs


New regulatory obligations imposed on independent financial advisers in the United Kingdom are likely to result in a greater use of exchange traded funds (ETF), according to new research undertaken by specialist ETF provider BlackRock.
The ETF Landscape report, released this week, said assets under management in UK-listed ETFs had doubled since 2008.
It said all types of institutional and retail investors, including IFAs, were embracing ETFs as an asset allocation tool.
The BlackRock report claimed IFAs were likely to increase their use of ETFs because they were particularly well aligned with the UK regulator’s Retail Distribution review proposals.
It said that as at the end of March there were 239 unique ETFs listed on the London Stock Exchange with assets of US$49.8 billion and exposure to equity, index and commodity indices.
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