FundsNetwork has launched an “initial range” of 50 physically-backed, exchange-traded funds from Credit Suisse, ETF Securities, HSBC and iShares, with additional ETFs to be added throughout the year.

The ETFs will be available from 18 June alongside all other funds on the platform in a “fully integrated way”, carried out via JP Morgan’s execution service, the firm said.

Advisors will be provided with a single view of their clients’ onshore, offshore and ETF holdings.

“Advisors told us that physically-backed ETFs were their preference and so we have selected four leading providers in this space, providing access to a broad range of market indices and commodities,” said David White, head of FundsNetwork.

In March, the firm introduced "unbundled" pricing alongside its existing bundled pricing model. “It's a progressive step to add ETFs to the platform with a separate explicit charge,” said John Chapman, managing director at Torquil Clark.

“The integration of such instruments is an indication of a broadening proposition prior to the introduction of the Retail Distribution Review. Physical replication is also perceived as being less risky than synthetic exposure,” he added.

FundsNetwork is Fidelity Worldwide Investment’s UK investment services platform. It currently administers £37.5 billion (about $58.2 billion) in assets, as at 31 March.