Barclays launches model portfolios on Ascentric

Barclays wealth and investment management business has launched a range of five risk-rated model portfolios as it looks to further align itself with the IFA community.

Initially available on the Ascentric wrap, the portfolios aim to provide intermediaries with an RDR-ready, outsourced investment solution.

The portflios invest in a combination of active and passive funds, accessing nine asset classes including short maturity bonds, alternatives, property and commodities.

Minimum investment amount is £25,000 and the portfolio charge is 40bps plus VAT. The Ascentric platform charge is 25bps.

Barclays is currently holding talks with other platforms with a view to a wider roll-out of the proposition.

The five risk profiles have corresponding levels of volatility, allowing intermediaries to select the model portfolio most appropriate for a client in terms of risk profile and investment objective, said Barclays.

A profile 3 ‘moderate risk' portfolio has a one-third exposure to developed market equities, with roughly 10% invested in short maturity bonds and 10% in government bonds. The remainder is split across the other six asset classes.

Barclays director Bryan Parkinson said: "The launch of our enhanced discretionary service is a further step in our ongoing commitment to provide intermediaries with a range of RDR ready investment solutions."

Barclays' latest proposition follows launch its Global Markets range which offers a fund of fund structure investing exclusively in passive strategies.