Oxford Risk, a spinout of the University of Oxford, has developed an online risk profiling service that gives investors and advisers access to professional risk assessments.
Advisers solely recommending risk-rated funds are opening themselves up to "danger", Skandia has warned.
Axa, Allianz and Aviva groups are among 15 insurers that Standard & Poors (S&P) have warned face a downgrade in their credit rating.
Advisers rate the ability to keep a tight grip on risk above maximising returns when recommending funds to clients, Skandia research suggests.
Solicitors Independent Financial Advice, SIFA, the association of solicitor and accountant-led financial advice businesses, has launched an online funds selection services it says improves on blunt information from ratings agencies.