Saxo Bank launches large-scale, truly digital, investment solution for retail investors in partnership with BlackRock

SaxoSelect investment portfolios consisting of BlackRock exchange traded funds (ETFs) to launch in selected European markets, starting with Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Netherlands and Sweden in Q1 2016.

Saxo Bank has today announced the launch of the first large-scale, truly digital, investment solution for retail investors built with iShares ETFs by BlackRock.

This launch follows an exclusive interview with Saxo Bank CEO Kim Fournais in which he detailed to FinanceFeeds the full ethos behind the company’s new developments, including the full extent of the company’s multi-asset capabilities.

The new SaxoSelect is a fully digital and automated portfolio management service that enables clients of Saxo Bank to invest in pre-selected strategies in a real-time, fully transparent environment directly on their Saxo platform.

The SaxoSelect service for long term investors consists of three portfolios with different levels of risk – Defensive, Moderate, Aggressive. These portfolios are managed by Saxo Bank, using research data developed by BlackRock, and will invest in iShares® ETFs.

They are available in selected currencies which will initially be euro and sterling, and an all-inclusive service fee at the portfolio level of 0.9% per annum.

The launch of SaxoSelect marks an important step in Saxo Bank’s commitment to expanding access to investment opportunities. Since establishment in 1992, Saxo Bank has focused on providing innovative technology and, in yet another significant disruption, is collaborating with BlackRock, a global leader in asset management, to leverage the true potential of financial technology.

Commenting on the collaboration, Kim Fournais, Saxo Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

“This initiative is underpinned by the belief that technology will profoundly change the asset management industry. Access to technology, demand for transparency, and focus on performance will change the way individuals manage their savings. By combining our leadership in trading technology with BlackRock’s investment tools, we are shaping the future of how people invest.”

Michael Gruener, Co-Head of iShares EMEA Sales at BlackRock commented:

“It is exciting to see continued demand for integrated ETF-based portfolios that provide investors with a low cost, transparent, and flexible way to invest. The growth of the European ETF market shows no sign of abating, but it is paramount that these tools are delivered to investors in a way that complements their digital habits. We remain focused on ensuring service providers like Saxo have the relevant building blocks at their fingertips to construct diversified investment solutions for investors.”

Photograph: Saxo Bank’s trading desks provide a full multi-asset environment. Copyright Andrew Saks-McLeod