LV= and Embark Group (Embark) are at advanced stages in the development of launching a new LV= branded service that will enable advisers to trade the LV= Smoothed Managed Investment Fund (SMF)* range on Embark’s award-winning platform technology.
Expected to be ready for launch in the second half of 2022, this new service option from LV= will be accessible through an upgraded online adviser portal, integrated into one service alongside LV=’s current SIPP. It will also support direct access for advisers’ customers available through LV=’s new digital ‘My LV=’ portal.
As an LV= branded service, advisers will benefit from Embark’s full investment transactional functionality with a choice of SIPP, ISA and General Investment Account wrappers, enabling easy access to investing into the Smoothed Managed Funds range alongside their full range of fund options.
“In 2021 LV= saw a doubling of inflows to our range of Smoothed Managed Funds (SMF). Advisers and customers are attracted by their defence against market volatility coupled with attractive investment returns – especially appreciated by advisers’ cautious mass affluent clients. To further enhance the appeal of SMF, we recognise that many advisers would prefer to be able to access them using full platform and digital trading technology.
“Our partnership with Embark will make that a reality later this year, which will include a wider range of SMF funds, launching later this year. The partnership will also enable us to develop modelled portfolio options, focussed on customer transition to retirement and drawdown for adviser consideration and adoption.
“This is one of a number of investment initiatives we have been developing the last 12 months. We’re on a mission to demonstrate how strongly-performing Smoothed Managed Funds, available in a modernised trading environment can have increasing relevancy and appeal for advisers and their clients. And we expect to build further on these initiatives to make our SMF range a compelling part of an advisers’ repertoire and value add to clients."
“We’re excited to partner with LV= to provide straight-forward access to their Smooth Managed Funds on our platform. It’s made possible through our capability to seamlessly integrate with LV=, enabling bespoke access to our market-leading technology. This is a resounding endorsement of our position as a trusted partner for major providers in the investment and retirement space where we have strong momentum and growth in the B2B market.”