Barclays Stockbrokers is re-launching its service offering to include ETFs, ETCs, and UK stocks and bonds, following growing demand from IFAs for access to a broader range of investments.

The offering - available via a single online account - also provides insight and analysis, such as equity news and market data, and fixed income research.

Will Burge, head of corporate sales, said in a statement that the execution-only retail broker is seeing an “increased demand from intermediaries for execution-only services.” As well as increase in demand, the firm also points to the “changing regulatory landscape for intermediaries.”

To put this into perspective, recent data from BlackRock has shown that investment in ETFs through wrap platforms is increasing; iShares reported assets held on wrap platforms increasing by over a third in 2011 and by 175 per cent on a cumulative basis since Q1 2010.  

Moreover, since 2008, the number of Barclays Stockbrokers client accounts holding ETFs has increased by 159 per cent, and by 77 per cent from April 2009 and April 2012.

Intermediaries will also have access to Barclays’ enhanced funds market offering, which features an expanded range of over 2,500 funds, with no initial charges, dealing commissions or account charges.

“The Barclays Stockbrokers offering is aimed at intermediaries looking to manage a portion of their clients existing portfolios through a cost-effective online service, as part of a multi-platform strategy,” the firm said. “It offers intermediaries the ability to manage their clients’ portfolios 24 hours a day with the option to download statements and valuations.”

The range of products accessible through the service include: UK stocks and shares, UK investment trusts, UK ETFs, UK ETCs, new issues and UK gilts and bonds. The offering supports the following accounts: investment ISA, general investment account, and a trading account which links to most UK SIPP or SSAS providers.