Quilter has partnered with Standard Life Investments to launch a range of smoothed funds, which will be made available through its Collective Retirement Account (CRA) platform.
Designed for investors approaching, or already in retirement, the range comprises three funds, each aligned to a different risk profile.
The Quilter Smoothed Conservative fund (Standard Life) is designed for investors seeking low-risk investments, for those wanting low-to-medium risk is the Quilter Smoothed Balanced fund (Standard Life), while the Quilter Smoothed Moderate fund (Standard Life) is for those wanting medium-risk.
In each of the funds Quilter will manage the underlying investments, while Standard Life will operate the funds and apply the smoothing methodology.
See also: The PA Adviser Guide to Smoothing
Each fund will invest across a diversified mix of assets, including equities, bonds, alternatives, and money market instruments such as cash, typically through third-party funds. The funds are actively managed to maintain a defined level of investment risk and are priced at 0.99%.
According to Quilter, a ‘unique’ feature of these funds is the regular withdrawal allowance which allows customers to withdraw up to 7.5% each year without any downward price adjustment.
“The Quilter Smoothed funds are designed to deliver a smoother investment experience, giving clients the confidence to invest and the composure to stay invested for the long term,” said Marcus Brookes, chief investment officer and managing director at Quilter.
“Our partnership with Standard Life has enabled us to create a genuinely differentiated offering, with unique features that enhance the overall investor experience,” he added. “We’re excited about this launch and the broader suite of accumulation and decumulation multi-asset products we now provide to advisers and their clients.”
See also: Quilter says £682,000 pension pot needed for a comfortable retirement
“This strategic partnership brings together Standard Life’s smoothing technology and expertise with Quilter’s highly regarded investment platform,” added Claire Altman, managing director, BPA and individual retirement at Standard Life. “It expands the ‘smooth’ investment category, giving advisers more tools to help clients feel confident and secure as they approach retirement.
“At a time when many people are seeking both growth and stability in their pension planning, smoothed funds offer a balanced approach. They help individuals navigate uncertainty and feel more in control of their financial future, which is exactly what advisers are there to support.”
