Originally published: PA Adviser, 16 April 2025
Financial advice clients increasingly want access to direct investments in ETFs, investment trusts, equities, bonds and AIM shares, according to research from Rathbones Group.
The wealth manager said growing demand for bespoke investment services is being fuelled by clients of financial advisers seeking a greater choice of investments for their portfolios.
Rathbones commissioned agency Pureprofile to interview 100 UK IFAs and financial planners, including 75 who currently offer bespoke services.
All advisers questioned pointed to access to ETFs as a major reason behind the growth, 91% of advisers pointed to investment trusts, 95% agreed access to direct equities and bonds is a key reason for clients moving to bespoke services, while 97% agreed that access to AIM shares and their potential tax benefits is fuelling this growth.