Platforms

Wealth manager Ashcourt Rowan has appointed Cofunds to power its adviser platform proposition.

Four major fund houses have joined forces with technology provider IFDS to white-label enhanced online propositions for their existing direct customers ahead of RDR.

Standard Life will roll out RDR-friendly charging structures across its key retail product lines this year, in a move which will see the provider pass fund manager rebates back to new clients on its fund supermarket, FundZone.

Adviser firm Dennehy Weller & Co has launched a research-based fund platform for self-directed investors.

Fidelity FundsNetwork has become the first supermarket to launch an unbundled pricing model.

Skandia UK has revealed plans to offer advisers the chance to co-brand the platform, as well as expand the range of services customers can directly access on its platform, amid a fall in profits.

M&G Investments is considering launching both a 0.75% and a 1% AMC share class as it positions its fund range ahead of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

Barclays Stockbrokers has partnered with Fidelity FundsNetwork to launch an enhanced version of its platform.

Terry Smith, the City veteran and founder of low cost fund management group Fundsmith, has attacked platforms in the UK for adding to the overall cost of investing in funds.

Axa Wealth has seen assets under management climb to almost £19bn in 2011 despite the turbulent market.