Trustnet Direct, which will be live and ready for use early in 2014, will offer clear and concise guides to assist investors in reaching their financial goals, as well as a platform to manage their ISA, pension and general investment account.
The service will charge investors 0.25 per cent per year, capped at £200 for high net worth individuals. Transactions are £10, though there are significant discounts for those who trade frequently.
Trustnet Direct will promote a full range of investments – managed funds, ETFs, investment trusts and individual equities. Only clean share classes for funds will be offered, ensuring that clients are getting good investments and great value.
John Blowers (pictured), head of Trustnet Direct, says the platform’s dedication to giving investors full support when making their investment decisions gives it an edge over its rivals. “Trustnet Direct cuts through the jargon, making the concept of DIY investing accessible to all, not just the diligent investor who sees this more as a hobby than a chore,” he explained.
“The massive oversubscription of the recent Royal Mail IPO – and especially the fact around half the applications came from those who don’t have investment accounts already – underlines the fact that many investors simply don’t know where to put un-invested cash.”
“They’re well aware that it shouldn’t be on deposit at the bank, but the fact that such a huge swathe of the population has been disenfranchised from investment advice in the wake of RDR shows there’s a big, untapped market here.”
“The FCA has taken a firm stance on who can and cannot be seen to be offering advice to consumers. While this is broadly justified, in an era where we’re increasingly being encouraged by the State to prepare for old age, we believe more needs to be done to help consumers chart their course through the complex investment landscape.”
Features on the new platform will include a guide to help investors achieve their goals. It will signpost a range of common investment goals – such as retirement, paying off a mortgage early or saving for a child’s education.
“We’re open to all investors – you don’t have to be trading every week or an avid reader of the financial pages to benefit from the services we provide. What’s more, we’re backed by FE – an entity that has been at the heart of financial advice for the last two decades,” Blowers added.
Trustnet Direct will be supported by a dedicated client support team, and has high standards of customer service as one of its fundamental principles.
If you have any questions regarding Trustnet Direct, leave a comment below or email us at editorial@trustnet.com.
