Standard Life's Dow: The winners and losers of the 'super clean' world

Graham Dow (pictured), Standard Life's head of investment group relationships who has been spearheading negotiations with fund groups over 'super clean' share classes, looks at the possible outcomes of the discounted deal debate.

What a surprising week we have had. Just when I thought things might quieten down, I seem to be hearing even more about Standard Life and our ongoing negotiations with fund groups for 'super clean' or, as we prefer to call them, 'discounted share classes'. Of course, it is inevitable there will be commentary on our stance, but I am surprised at some of the comments. Therefore, I felt compelled to write this piece to try to contextualise the discussions and add some balance. My starting position for everything is the old economic theory that 'everyone's prime motivation is self-interes...