Fe Launches Retail Investment Platform Trustnet Direct

Clear charging structure, price guarantee and easy-to-use platform helps bridge the advice gap

FE (Financial Express) has launched Trustnet Direct (www.trustnetdirect.com), a direct to consumer investment guide and transactional platform that helps retail investors achieve their financial goals.

With the investment platform space becoming increasingly congested, Trustnet Direct will offer a simple pricing structure, along with a guarantee that platform fees will be fixed for at least three years. Furthermore, as one of the most trusted names in the Financial Services Industry, FE has designed the new service to allow all investors to benefit from their extensive financial planning and research tools, via an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

John Blowers, Head of Trustnet Direct, commented:

“DIY investing can be a daunting task and many investors who would have historically sought advice from an IFA in their local bank branch now find themselves on their own in the so-called advice gap. As a trusted provider of information to the financial services community for almost two decades, we’ve worked hard to order this information into format that is readily accessible by any retail investor.

“We’re using FE’s respected ratings and analytical data to help clients understand what they may wish to invest in, whilst keeping costs low.”

By clearly signposting a range of common investment goals – such as retirement, paying off a mortgage early or saving for a child’s education – investors can be guided towards the products that may best meet their needs. 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.

John Blowers, added:

“It’s clear investors are increasingly aware that low interest rates and a resurgent equity market means that their savings shouldn’t simply be left on deposit. However, 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 industry is evolving to meet that need and we have seen a number of price changes in recent weeks as a consequence. We are providing the most transparent fee structure possible and underline our commitment to maintaining this; we will guarantee the platform fee until at least 2017.”

Trustnet Direct offers a wide range of instruments to clients, with over 8,000 equities, funds, ETFs and investment trusts listed. Clients are able to select the products best suited to their needs, rather than being steered towards a pre-defined shortlist. Trustnet Direct also provides unparalleled clarity on fees, with a platform fee of 0.25% that is guaranteed not to rise, and a fixed charge of £10 per trade. Regular investors pay just £2 per trade.

The Platform fee is charged at a minimum of £5 per quarter and is capped at £50 per quarter. Trustnet Direct has guaranteed that the platform fee will not rise and may fall before 2017.

Trustnet Direct only offers clean share classes of funds (commission-free) and will convert investors’ holdings to these lower cost funds if they choose to transfer in from another provider.