Capital Platform launch new proposition for intermediaries

Alongside in-depth research and due diligence into the alternatives market and bringing together products and distribution in one place, the platform provides the back office and compliance support, as well as specialist PI cover, that is crucial for intermediaries to operate in today’s markets.   

Darren Beddard, director Capital Platform, says:

“Capital Platform has been designed as a trusted source to give independent financial advisers and wealth managers everything they need to best serve clients in their alternative investment strategies. It offers a unique proposition designed to make life easier for product providers and IFAs/wealth managers by delivering a range of products and services where we do the hard work for them.”

Core to the service is the in-depth research and due diligence Capital Platform undertakes into both the product providers and their investments prior to their acceptance on the platform.

Beddard says:

“Capital Platform currently offers over 20 products from a range of providers on which we conduct extensive due diligence. Whether UCIS, EIS or VCTs, we ensure the products on the platform conform to FSA and FSMA rules.

“This not only saves IFAs time and money it allows them to concentrate on their own core services, providing investment, financial planning and tax advice. We also work with the providers to ensure their products are best presented and promoted, including efficient delivery of product literature, application forms and educational resources and, importantly, that they conform to today’s stringent regulatory requirements.”

Registration on the platform is free for intermediaries and users get access to a technical assistance resource available online and by telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As well as bringing a range of quality alternative providers into one easily accessible space, the platform provides compliance services (including audit file checks, FSMA section 166 advice, continuous regulation monitoring and documentation download); network support services from JCS a longstanding (25 years) provider in the market; specialist PI cover developed for Capital Platform by Liberty International; and a range of other tools and resources to facilitate the intermediary advice process.

Beddard says:

“The ongoing economic and stock market challenges are prompting investors to review their investments and to seek out alternatives to traditional products. Alternative investments can provide a valuable addition and diversifier in a HNW or professional investor’s portfolio. However, keener focus on this area of the market from the FSA has meant intermediaries wanting to advise on these investments need a solid support mechanism and to know they have covered all the regulatory bases.

"What we have done with Capital Platform is look at the problem and come up with a solution that brings together everything intermediaries need to efficiently and compliantly deliver that value to their client base. We have made their job as easy as possible and in an efficient and compliant manner.”