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.
AUTHOR
Mike Taylor
Recommended for you
Infrastructure assets are well-positioned to hedge against global uncertainty and can enhance the diversification of traditional portfolios with their evergreen characteristics, an investment chief believes.
Volatility in US markets means currency is becoming a critical decision factor in Australian investors’ ETF selection this year.
Clime Investment Management is overhauling the selection process for its APLs, with managing director Michael Baragwanath describing the threat of a product failure affecting clients as “pure nightmare fuel”.
Global X will expand its ETF range of exchange-traded funds next month with a low-cost Australian equity product as it chases ambitions of becoming a top issuer of ETFs in Australia.
