Schroders Personal Wealth has announced the creation of its own platform, which is due to launch this summer.
The new platform, supported by renewed partnerships with SEI and Benchmark, will allow SPW to offer integrated advice, investment and platform services to clients.
The firm said this allows SPW to bring the control and oversight of client money and investments in-house.
As part of the move, SPW will, subject to regulatory approval, become the regulated platform operator and custodian and as such will be responsible for holding and safeguarding client’s investments.
Graham Bastin, chief technology officer at SPW, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Schroders Personal Wealth and the first of many new developments that we’ll be looking to make, starting with the launch of our mobile app later this year.
“Improving client experience was central to our decision making and we have listened to feedback from our clients and incorporated these insights whilst developing our new platform alongside our partners.
“Going forward, clients will only hear from one brand, instead of three, and will have an enhanced experience through better integrated technology."
Additionally, SPW will also become the Isa plan manager, responsible for administrating clients’ Isa accounts.
This is different to the current model, whereby Benchmark’s Fusion Wealth platform provides the accounts in which clients investments are held and acts as Isa plan manager and SEI Investments currently act as custodian.
SPW said it has worked closely with Benchmark and SEI over the past five years to bring technology solutions to clients and they will continue to do so as strategic partners.
Bastin said: When it came to selecting suppliers to work with us, we wanted to ensure they were as invested in delivering the best client and colleague experience as we are.
“We look forward to continuing to build on the strong, long-term relationship we have with both partners.”
SPW will retain the expertise, business process outsourcing and technology of SEI while Benchmark will continue to provide administrative services and technology for the platform.
In addition to the new platform, SPW will also be launching an app for clients in Q2 this year allowing them to view their investments on a mobile device.
sonia.rach@ft.com
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