Welcome to AKG

AKG is pleased to announce the publication of its latest research paper, MiFID II Implementation – A Work in Progress, which is now available to download here, free of charge.

This AKG research paper seeks to analyse the initial impact and effectiveness of MiFID II since its recent introduction as a key component within the regulatory structure in the UK. AKG wanted to appraise this impact and effectiveness from a range of perspectives across the retail wealth management value chain. The delivery of this project has therefore been underpinned by market research exercises designed to gather feedback and thoughts from intermediary businesses, platform operators and DFMs.

The paper is designed to be educational, practical and constructive in its content and to broadly seek to address the following overarching areas:

• Experience of MiFID II implementation
• Impact of MiFID II on businesses since January 2018
• Looking ahead at matters arising, further developments and any issues to be resolved.

This paper therefore follows this structure, with the addition of sub-sections looking at the specific issues for intermediary businesses, platform operators and DFMs as well as looking at findings from the quantitative and qualitative market research exercises in the round.

The paper is sponsored by Netwealth.

Webinar

Following the publication of the MiFID II research paper AKG will also be participating in a webinar for advisers to discuss some of the key findings and themes from the paper.

The webinar - MiFID II Review - the journey so far and the road ahead - is being hosted and produced by Netwealth and will take place on Thursday 4th July at 12 to 12.45pm.

Interested parties can register for access to the webinar here.

27 June 2019

AKG is pleased to announce the publication of its latest With Profits Market Briefing which is now available to download here, free of charge.

This Market Briefing reflects back on some of the key statistics, developments and trends observed in our 2018 UK Life Office With Profits Reports, published on 19 December 2018.

AKG has been analysing and assessing the with profits funds managed by UK life offices for over 20 years and, each year, our work in this area culminates in the publication of AKG’s well known and respected UK Life Office With Profits Reports. As a result, AKG is well positioned to reflect on the with profits market and in particular to continue to highlight pertinent aspects for intermediaries.

The briefing is designed to provide intermediaries with an easily accessible overview of pertinent developments and factors in the with profits market. However it is not a substitute for the full UK Life Office With Profits Reports and so those intermediary businesses who need to get under the bonnet of specific with profits funds/companies from an analysis and assessment perspective should still consider purchasing the main AKG output (available here).

8 March 2019

AKG is delighted to announce the launch of its 2018 UK Life Office With Profits Reports.

Who are the reports designed for and why?

These reports are designed to assist advisers and providers in assessing the relative merits of specific with profits funds. The aim is to provide comprehensive, structured and consistent information, accompanied by AKG's key analytical assessments of with profits financial strength, future performance and transparency.

What is the size of the with profits market?

The amount of with profits business in-force remains considerable (with profits technical provisions totalling over £274bn at the end of 2017).

What funds and firms are covered?

The reports contain analysis and assessments of 187 sub-funds within 73 funds from 26 firms that will be active in the UK market at the end of December 2018 (from 24 different groups). The reports cover providers whose with profits funds exceed £110m, supplemented by smaller companies and friendly societies operating in the intermediary market.

What is included in the reports?

Each individual report provides information on the structure and operation of a provider's with profits fund(s). It concludes with AKG's long established Ratings for With Profits Financial Strength, With Profits Future Performance, and With Profits Transparency. A number of comparative industry-wide tables are also included, covering a range of key metrics. This year, the tables feature the second year's set of industry-wide data from the Solvency and Financial Condition Reports that were introduced under the Solvency II regulatory regime.

Can I see the table of contents?

Of course you can, please click here to get a copy of the table of contents.

How much do the reports cost?

£2,250 plus VAT.

How can I purchase a copy of the reports?

The reports can be purchased and downloaded directly from here.

Alternatively you can purchase by email to akg@akg.co.uk and payment can be settled by invoice.

And if you have any questions…

…please get in touch with us.

21 December 2018