Architas today welcomed the stance taken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in relation to risk profiled funds. Speaking at the Defaqto Investment Outsourcing Conference, FCA technical specialist Rory Percival outlined the regulators concern about investment outsourcing and in particular the risk-mapping exercises performed by advisers using risk rated funds.
Commenting Hans Georgeson, managing director, Architas, said: “The FCA’s take on this is absolutely right. Risk profiled solutions can be a great help for both financial advisers and end clients. However, they need to be used with a detailed understanding of both the funds and the risk mapping process and the clients’ circumstances.
“From an Architas perspective we always encourage advisers to carry out due diligence on all the funds they use and understand the alternatives available in the market. It is also clear that using a risk profiling model in isolation is not enough. Advisers have to take into consideration the specific capacity for loss and time horizon of the client. We work in partnership with advisers to help them with this process.
“Advisers also need to ensure a consistent approach between the risk profiling tools they use and the risk profiled funds they may invest client money in. The risk profiling tool on the AXA Wealth Elevate platform is built to match the Architas fund range so advisers can therefore be assured there is a consistent approach across both.
“The trend toward risk profile funds and solutions has increased significantly over the past two years and Architas welcomes anything that helps drive greater clarity in the marketplace.”
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