The latest news in investment offerings, financial products and other services relevant to wealth advisors and their clients.

Ascot Lloyd Investment Management, BlackRock
Ascot Lloyd, a private equity-backed UK financial advice firm, this week signed a deal with investment giant BlackRock that will see its £2.8 billion ($3.8 billion) investment arm only use the asset manager's strategies. 

Under the new arrangement, Ascot Lloyd Investment Management (ALIM) will transition from a multi-manager model to a single investment management structure with BlackRock. This will provide ALIM clients with access to BlackRock’s investment solutions across a range of asset classes, brought together by the ALIM investment team. Changing to a single investment provider is expected to deliver cost efficiencies. By bringing assets together under one manager, ALIM said it will be able to manage the total cost of investment for clients, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that clients receive access to a diverse range of strategies to meet their needs at a fair price.

BlackRock, which has about $15.3 trillion in assets under management, has investment expertise across active, index and alternative strategies, underpinned by its risk analytics and technology capabilities through the BlackRock Aladdin(®) platform. The proposition will become effective by the end of the year.

Since its inception in 2014, Ascot Lloyd IM has grown to manage over £2.8 billion ($3.8 billion) in assets, collaborating with financial advisors to deliver risk-targeted managed investment solutions. Its product range includes multi-asset and multi-manager funds, a model portfolio service, and a private wealth solution for more customised client needs.