An exchange-traded fund platform service has been launched into the UK and European market to help IFAs and wealth managers ensure best execution when recommending clients invest in ETFs.
Laurie Pinto, chief executive of London-based securities research firm NSBO, said the service is being offered through a joint venture between NSBO and WallachBeth, a US inter-market broker.
Mr Pinto said the service, already popular in America, was important for the post-retail distribution review world as it aims to get the best price for ETFs.
He said: “In America each tranche of an ETF has to be put on an exchange, so you can track the price more easily. This does not happen in Europe.
“This puts the end investor at a major disadvantage. This service will aim to educate investors on getting the right price. The service of best execution is a big part of managing money.”
IFAs and wealth managers who sign up to the service will have access to a telephone line or online service where they can give details of the market and assets they want to target and the ETF desk of NSBO will contact trading desks at ETF providers to see who can come up with a relevant product at the best price within minutes.
Michael Wallach, chief executive of WallachBeth, said: “It is hard for an adviser to know if a bank or single ETF provider is giving the best price.
“We are there for the end client instead of just to make money for one ETF provider.”