Standard Life increases platform fund range

Standard Life today announced that it has further expanded its mutual funds platform, FundZone, by adding another 52 funds.

The new funds come from six investment houses across a range of asset classes.

The fund managers are MandG, New Star, Norwich Union, Rensburg, Royal London and Standard Life Investments.

Both Norwich Union and Royal London are new to FundZone.

Graham Dow, Head of Investment Development at Standard Life said, "We are committed to continually improving and expanding the investment choice we offer our customers".

"The inclusion of this latest range of funds demonstrates this".

"One particular highlight is the recently launched New Star International Property Fund".

"We expect this to be of great interest to our advisers and their clients, as it will provide them with the opportunity to invest in the UK's first authorised open-ended international direct commercial property fund".

Graham continued, "The six funds from Royal London provide further diversity for our customers, resulting in a very broad selection of funds now available on FundZone".

"And of course, we are delighted to be joining forces with Norwich Union in providing access to no fewer than 37 of their funds and their award winning fund managers".

Neil Davies, Director of Norwich Union Collective Investments added, "We are pleased to announce that 37 Norwich Union funds will now be available on FundZone, enabling a wider range of customers to take advantage of our investment offering".

"The availability of these Norwich Union funds demonstrates Standard Life's aim to provide their customers with choice from a wide mix of the best funds available." The funds are spread across the following range of sectors: Property, Specialist, Bonds, UK Equities, Overseas Equities, Managed.

The full list of funds is contained in the notes to editors.

Launched in February of this year, FundZone has been designed specifically to help advisers manage their clients' funds with efficiency and ease.

Graham Dow continued, "Not all fund platforms are the same".

"There are variations in service levels, prices, technology and commitment to advisers".

"For example, advisers using our platform benefit from greater choice in terms of the charging structures and commission options on offer".

"Added to the fact that advisers are also supported by Standard Life's extensive, experienced sales force, we believe this sets FundZone apart from the competition.".

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