Wrap platforms see retail ETF uptake double

Assets in iShares ETFs held on wrap platforms have more than doubled in 2010 to reach £557.9m.

The ETF issuer's overall growth of 106% across six wrap platforms includes a 373% asset growth on Ascentric and 301% on Novia.

ETFs now account for 26% of all dealing volume on Ascentric, and CEO Hugo Thorman says he expects ETF assets to continue their dramatic growth. "Advisers and discretionary fund managers are becoming increasingly interested in using ETFs in client portfolios, and regulatory changes like the RDR are accelerating interest."

At a recent iShares event, 83% of IFAs indicated that they expected to employ ETFs to a greater extent this year. iShares EMEA head of marketing David Bower says that the UK market has considerable room to grow, pointing to the US, where retail investors account for around 50% of ETF assets.

As the Retail Distribution Review catalyses ETF adoption, Bower says it is a part of the company's strategy to ensure the easy accessibility of iShares funds. "We have been working extensively with platforms and will continue to support them in determining how to best incorporate ETFs into their product range."

iShares' figures show retail demand focused on fixed income products, with over half of the issuer's ETF assets on wrap platforms held in government and corporate bonds. Property ETFs make up 21% of total assets, while developed market equity funds such as the iShares S&P 500 account for 15%.

Bower adds: "The product choices advisers are making suggest they are using ETFs to invest in hard-to-access markets as well as for core allocations to US and UK equities."