Aviva adds 13 funds to wrap and Sipp platforms

Aviva is adding 13 funds from leading asset managers to its wrap and Self-invested personal pension (Sipp). It is also removing initial charges from the Aviva wrap. From 15 February until the end of 2010, there will be no initial charge on any new contributions invested in any Aviva wrap portfolios.

The additional funds give advisers and investors more choice when building an investment portfolio. The Aviva wrap offers nearly 1,500 funds and there are plans to have 2,000 on the platform by the end of 2010.

The funds added include two funds from Cazenove, four from Aviva Investors and four from Investec, including the Investec Multi-Asset Protector fund.

Anthony Rafferty, head of investments marketing at Aviva, said:  "By removing initial charges and extending the range of funds available to advisers and their clients, we are making it easier for them to build a diversified portfolio from a wide range of asset classes managed by an extensive list of fund managers. Our aim is to have 2,000 funds on Aviva wrap and Sipp by the end of 2010.

"The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) and the move to adviser charging in 2012 will be a huge challenge and opportunity for advisers, and the Aviva wrap and Sipp will help advisers demonstrate their professionalism and the value of independent advice.

"Both platforms have an important role to play in providing financial solutions, particularly to customers who are likely to demand a wide range of investment options and the ability to switch easily their holdings and rebalance portfolios."                                         

David Aird, managing director, UK Distribution at Investec Asset Management, said: "We are delighted that Aviva wrap has added further Investec funds to its platform, especially the award-winning Multi-Asset Protector Fund.  Many advisers are looking for a fund that has the ability to deliver upside potential with downside protection, a valuable proposition at the moment, and its performance since launch has contributed to its success. Advisers also like the fact that the fund is a truly multi-asset offering, with the flexibility to invest in equities, including exchange traded funds, bonds, alternatives and cash, and that both returns and protection are actively managed."