Vanguard has launched the Advisory Research Centre which will provide UK advisers with research into best practice on client relationships and practice management.
It will also provide investors with insights and thought leadership on investing, portfolio management, and financial planning.
Robyn Laidlaw, head of European distribution at Vanguard, said: "The launch of Arc is the latest step in our efforts to support investors across Europe. The team’s purpose is twofold; to provide practicable insights, and to act as an advocate for investors and investment professionals alike.
"The team’s work will complement Vanguard’s existing research and resources, including the cutting edge thinking of Vanguard’s Investment Strategy Group and Investment and Product Analytics teams, as well as programmes such as Vanguard 365 in the UK, aimed at helping advisers best serve their clients."
Arc is led by Scott Johnston, who has previously worked at Oliver Wyman and Barclays before becoming Vanguard's head of product strategy for global Ucits.
He will be joined by chartered financial planner Warwick Bloore and new hires Sebastian Lewis and Fabrizio Zumbo.
The former has joined Vanguard from Sanford Bernstein where he was director of European Research, while the latter has joined from Cerulli, where he led the European asset and wealth management research business.
Arc will also draw on Vanguard’s global reach and resources, to localise Vanguard’s international research, insights, and information for European audiences.
Its first piece of research examines how advisers can build their practice and help their clients through the UK’s ‘Great Wealth Transfer’, which will see approximately £7tn pass to the next generation of investors over the next 30 years.
damian.fantato@ft.com
