Left Behind

clock

The financial services market has changed beyond recognition in the last 10 years, with the advent of platforms and supermarkets together with the total overhaul of pensions legislation. As a result, there isn't really a place in this new world for the traditional products, especially with-profits.

With-profits bonds and endowments have totally alienated their traditional client base through inflexibility, poor returns, high charges and MVRs. My opposition to with-profits investments is a matter of record, that since the turn of the century these products have been shown for what they truly are. Large amounts of money are moving towards platforms and multi-fund offerings because of their efficiency, fund choice and ease of management. Indeed, once money is within a platform or a multi manager offering it is highly unlikely it will move again to an alternative provider. All this ha...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Why portfolios need to evolve, not revolve when it comes to client outcomes

Why portfolios need to evolve, not revolve when it comes to client outcomes

'As market structures evolve, so must portfolio construction'

Ed Senior
clock 11 September 2026 • 4 min read
What does 'quality' investing actually mean?

What does 'quality' investing actually mean?

Why persistence is the real test

Joseph Stephens and Laura Neill
clock 11 September 2026 • 4 min read
Gabriel Sacks: Confronting concentration risk in Asia

Gabriel Sacks: Confronting concentration risk in Asia

'Asia's smaller companies merit much more attention than they routinely receive'

Gabriel Sacks
clock 10 September 2026 • 4 min read