Managed accounts investment firm Aleda Capital has launched a direct-to-client automated investment platform, suitable for SMSFs, as a deliberate shift away from the traditional investment model via greater transparency and simplicity.
According to ATO data, the number of SMSFs in Australia has grown by 31 per cent in the past five years and thus the demand for investment has never been greater, however, the steps to achieve this are not clearly laid out or accessible, Aleda Capital director Jason Holdsworth said.
“The platform is an offering to direct clients to make it simple for them to invest,” Holdsworth told selfmanagedsuper.
“We are currently working with financial planning practices who want to offer a model exchange-traded fund portfolio, plus alternative investments to create balance in their current portfolios – this is currently done manually.
“The big task is to make sure that we provide simplicity and transparency for our clients and make sure they are fully aware of what they are investing in.”
He said the firm’s commitment to transparency and simplicity means there are no hidden fees or charges.
“We offer no-fee statements of advice and only charge a client when they start investing, based on a management and performance fee,” he noted.
“This means there are no establishment, administration and ongoing service fees, contribution fees or exit fees.
“It is extremely difficult to compare with other investment opportunities as fees are generally charged on three levels – the planner/adviser, the wrap platform and the fund.
“We are changing this by making fees transparent to clients that come directly to Aleda Capital.”
The Aleda platform also provides a resource centre, which was created to educate SMSFs on managed accounts and the processes and options that may best suit each individual.
“We think it’s important that even if people don’t end up investing with us, that they can leave our platform a little wiser about managed accounts and be more confident that they are choosing the best option going forward,” Holdsworth said.
“At the moment, we are purely focused on making the platform a success for our current clients and new clients coming on board.
“After last year’s soft launch, we’re already profitable so we’re very confident that the new platform can enjoy even further success.”
