Latest from Media Centre

The majority of financial advisers (52%) think platform rebates should be passed back to customers in the form of additional units into their investments, rather than cash into their cash account.  The figures from Skandia’s latest Adviser Confidence Barometer* show that only 25% of advisers opted for cash rebates with 21% saying they do not mind how platform rebates are paid.  The advisers surveyed were not necessarily users of the Skandia platform.

Skandia has created a new share class for its innovative, risk targeted protected fund, Skandia Shield, to enable customers to invest in the product via an ISA.

Wealthy Britons use independent financial advisers more than any other form of third party advice about money, according to research commissioned by Skandia for its Millionaire Monitor report.

Skandia Ireland, the Dublin-based hub of Skandia International – the offshore business of Old Mutual, today announces the launch of a Discounted Gift Trust (DGT) and Loan Trust solutions following demand from financial advisers.

66% of advisers believe that they will be ready for the Retail Distribution Review by end of this year, according to the latest Adviser Confidence Barometer from Skandia*. These findings provide clear evidence that there is no need to delay the RDR implementation date and that calls for a delay are largely driven, not by  financial advisers, but by providers keen to maintain their commission system for as long as possible.

Investment specialist Skandia has today released a university millionaire league table, following research with over 500 UK-based millionaires. The organisation is warning that the increase in university fees from 2012 and the level of misunderstanding around the new university loan structure could result in fewer bright students opting to attend university, reducing Britain’s ability to create wealth in future.

Skandia has launched a new version of its market leading portfolio analysis tool - U-Skan 2.0. The new tool, which was developed in conjunction with FE, has some powerful enhancements which enable financial advisers to measure and demonstrate the value of the investment advice they are giving to their clients.

Falling share prices mean the protected price for the Skandia Shield fund has risen to 86% for any new investments made at today’s share price.

Skandia UK, part of Old Mutual Wealth Management, today announces Net Client Cash Flow (net sales) of £1.3 billion for the first six months of 2011.  The positive net inflows were driven by strong gross sales, primarily via the Skandia Investment Solutions platform, and an increased focus on the persistency of in-force business.

Skandia International, the offshore business of Old Mutual, today announces positive Net Client Cash Flow (net sales) of £0.3 billion for the first six months of 2011.  With global markets remaining broadly flat over the period this positive net client cash flow meant funds under management as at 30 June 2011 stood at £17 billion.  IFRS adjusted operating profit increased by 56% to £42 million for the first half of 2011 (£27 million in H1 2010).