The $927bn firm, first founded in the US, confirmed on Monday that it will pay for third-party research used by its UK-based investment managers out of its own pocket, rather than pass the cost on to clients via fund charges.
It follows a similar announcement from passive giant Vanguard who have also confirmed it will cover the cost of external research used in house.
Rathbones, Jupiter, M&G and Standard Aberdeen have all also made similar promises to ease investors fears over higher charges as a result of the Mifid II changes.
Under Mifid, managers must choose to either pay for research obtained from a third-party themselves, or pass the charge onto clients as a separate payment.
The changes do not come into effect until 3 January, 2018.
Rob Sharps, co-head of global equity and group CIO, said: “In recent years, we have continued to invest in our alpha-generating capabilities around the globe by adding analysts focused on fundamental research, quantitative research, corporate governance, socially responsible investing, and corporate access.
“The supplemental third-party research we receive complements our own proprietary research.
“With this decision, we have ensured that our clients’ best interests are protected while preserving our globally collaborative investment process and our access to important third-party research.”
In January, one year ahead of the Mifid implementation deadline, three-quarters of asset managers said they thought they would have to cut reliance on investment bank research as a result of the changes.
