Architas UK inflows drop off 70%

Axa-owned multi-manager joins the rank of fund groups hit by volatile markets in H1

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Architas UK saw net new business of £152m in the first six months of the year, a noticeable drop from the £546m in net sales it recorded in the comparative period last year.

Roughly one fifth of the wealth manager’s total new net money came from its UK business.

Total flows across all of its operations were also lower. Globally, Architas took in €797m (£711.4m) over the first half of the year compared with €1.05bn the year before.

Assets under administration and management (AUAM) fell from €43.7bn at the end of December 2017 to €43.1bn at the end of H1 2018.

Axa distribution aids Architas 

Architas CEO Hans Georgeson (pictured) said Axa’s distribution networks in France, Belgium, Italy and Germany have continued to deliver strong inflows for the team as investors pile into investment funds seeking higher returns on their savings.

He said the multi-manager has achieved several milestones in its 10th year of operation, including extending its super clean share classes to all UK platforms.

The move is designed to provide “better value and more consistent pricing” for clients invested in Architas via third party platforms at a time when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is examining the role the platform industry plays in negotiating lower fees for customers.

Georgeson said the group has seen a “positive response” from advisers so far.

Architas also launched its first Dublin-domiciled funds for the Asian market.

Georgeson said: “The Axa Group recognises the need for the highest quality investment provision to be delivered consistently across its global footprint, and Architas’ move to support the Asian insurance businesses is a key part of that initiative.”

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