Simply EQ launches to plug affordable advice gap

EQ Investors (EQ) the boutique wealth manager led by John Spiers, the founder of Bestinvest, today unveils Simply EQ, a new online and telephone-based investment advice service. Designed for private investors seeking portfolio management at affordable rates, Simply EQ offers regulated advice and access to a range of investment solutions managed by EQ’s highly experienced investment team.

In a step towards filling the advice gap in the wealth management industry, clients will have 24/7 online access to their portfolios in addition to a team of fully qualified financial advisers at the end of the phone. This extended service offers investors the all-important peace of mind needed to invest and manage ISAs, general investment accounts (GIAs) or pension pots in an ever increasing complex investment universe.

Simply EQ uses best-in-class technology whilst simultaneously keeping the human interaction that people value so highly when making investment decisions. A client can either complete an online or telephone based risk questionnaire on their circumstances and financial goals, deposit money for a one-off amount, or set up a regular monthly payment.

As well as tailoring a clients’ investment portfolio to match their appetite for risk, the Simply EQ service includes an affordability assessment to measure the suitability of investing. The service also includes the ability to transfer a range of existing pension schemes including personal and stakeholder pensions.

The service will provide access to EQ’s range of discretionary managed portfolios which includes low cost and impact investing options, each with a wide spectrum of risk profiles, underpinned by the rigorous due diligence carried out by EQ’s experienced investment team.

Recognising that charges have a direct impact on returns, the cost of the service are completely transparent. An investor with a Simply EQ Low Cost Portfolio of £10,000 will be paying less than £10 per month in total charges. EQ is also introducing the ability to invest individually as part of a group, with discounted rates dependant on the number of members, starting from groups of ten. The launch comes as a new report from Citizens Advice suggests that 5.4 million people would consider paying for advice if it cost less.

John Spiers, CEO at EQ Investors, commented: “As revealed by the recent Citizens Advice report, there are multiple gaps where affordable advice is not available for people to plan their finances.

“We believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change an industry and build something new that will deliver a first rate investing experience. I’m also extremely excited by the group discount scheme – it’s time to reintroduce the concept of community back into the world of business.”

Sally Collins, Head of Simply EQ, added: “Simply EQ is available for anyone with at least £10,000 (or £500 per month) to invest or transfer. We believe that offering an efficient, affordable and accessible service will help people invest for their futures.”

For further information, visit: www.simplyeq.com.