2009 press releases

Skandia today announces the two senior roles within its sales team. Andy Davies takes up the role as director of adviser sales; while Steve Powell takes the role of director of corporate partners.

Over half (51%) of financial advisers expect the use of online risk profiling and asset allocation tools to increase during 2010, according to research conducted by Skandia.

Skandia announces today that is has launched six BlackRock tracker funds on its Skandia Investment Solutions platform.

Capital gains tax (CGT), income tax for people with high incomes and pension tax relief are likely to be some of the areas under the microscope in next month’s Pre-Budget Report, according to Skandia. Following the Queen’s speech, the Government is clearly committed to halving the deficit. This is likely to lead to some significant tax changes as the Government aims to demonstrate that its plans to ensure national debt is reduced to a sustainable level are clear and realistic.

Skandia today launches a new guide to help advisers streamline their due diligence process for choosing a platform provider. The due diligence guide is designed to help advisers compare up to three platforms against each other, using questions based on the FSA’s recommendations for platform due diligence.

Skandia today announces the launch of a new service for advisers writing high value protection cases.

The majority of advisers recognise the importance of rebalancing with more than half reviewing and rebalancing portfolios annually for most of their clients, according to new research.

Emerging markets are set to deliver the best investment returns over the next six months, according to 41% of financial advisers.

In general, overseas equities are where the best investment opportunities lie according to advisers, with a total of 82% believing overseas equity sectors will deliver the best returns over the short term.

Skandia today announces the outcome of a review to ensure the range of support services that it provides to financial advisers matches the evolving needs of the sector. The changes have been designed to ensure Skandia continues to provide outstanding support to advisers, in the manner that best suits their choice of business model.

Sales of risk rated funds are set to rise with nearly a third of advisers saying they expect to increase their use of these investment solutions over the coming year, according to new research by Skandia. In a move likely to be driven by volatile markets, 29% of advisers surveyed will recommend risk rated funds to a growing number of clients.