standard life prepares retail international

Standard Life has unveiled changes to its Retail International Bond product to make it more compatible with the upcoming implementation of the Retail Distribution Review legislation.

standard life prepares retail international

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The company said  it can now facilitate a “comprehensive range of adviser charging options” on the bond from either inside or outside the product, meaning advisers can select the charging method which best fits with their clients’ circumstances and chosen business model.

Ian Searle, Standard Life International business development manager, said: “The type, timing and source of funding adviser charges all have a potential impact on tax efficiency and investment performance. Minimising the impact of adviser charges on a client’s portfolio will, therefore, be a key part of the advice process.

“We have developed a flexible range of adviser charging options, including the ability to take an initial charge from outside the Retail

International Bond. If a client decides to pay for advice from within the bond, they should remember that these charges will count towards their 5% annual tax deferred allowance.”

From 10 December, Standard Life said it will begin facilitating charging on the Retail International Bond without an adviser having to provide any additional signatures from existing clients.

Furthermore, the company said it is also introducing a simplified charging structure on the product, ranging from 0.2% to 0.8%, depending on the size of the investment.

The company added that it will pass on the full value of any mutual fund manager rebates directly to customers and will pass on any enhanced rebates it negotiates “using its buying power”.

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