Square Mile Investment Research announces first client win – Zurich UK Life

Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research (Square Mile), the newly formed research and consulting company, has won its first client; Zurich UK Life (Zurich).

Square Mile has been appointed by Zurich to provide investment consulting and guided architecture to support the development, launch and ongoing management of a new proposition for Zurich’s intermediary platform, leading into the 2014 ISA season and beyond.

Further information will be announced by Zurich in Q1 2014. Square Mile was appointed as it demonstrated a fresh approach and proposition to differentiate Zurich in the market and provide intermediaries with investment solutions that meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Recent market research conducted by Square Mile looking into the challenges facing investors and the changing needs of the retail investment market, has provided a clear understanding of the challenges facing both advisers and investors. Clients want more personalised benchmarks, or clear outcome driven investment solutions, and advisers are adapting their offering to reflect the change in client needs.

Richard Romer-Lee, managing director, Square Mile Investment Research, says:
“We will provide support and service for a new Zurich ISA investment proposition that differentiates them in the intermediary market and supports the development and launch of investment solutions focused on the evolving needs of investors.

“We are so pleased to be able to announce our first client win so soon after launching. Zurich recognised the fresh approach and strategic focus that Square Mile will provide and this is a very exciting opportunity for us.”

David White, head of retail, UK Life at Zurich, says: “Richard and the team demonstrated a real understanding of the post RDR world for advisers and their clients, which was key for us when choosing a partner. Working with Square Mile, we will be launching an exclusive and new investment fund proposition to support advisers using our Retail platform. Our offering will be outcome based, whole of market, use clean share classes only, and importantly will be fully independent".

Nigel Whittingham, director and founder Square Mile Investment Research, says:
“The world is changing and clients are seeking more outcome driven investment solutions. Our research has provided clarity around how the market has moved on significantly post RDR, and our business reflects those changes. For Zurich we will jointly develop a proposition built around the evolving client needs and provide Zurich’s intermediary platform with the solutions to fulfill these objectives.”

Richard Romer-Lee and Nigel Whittingham announced their plans to launch the investment research and consultancy business back in September of this year. Square Mile Investment Consultancy and Research provide investment services, including fund research, consultancy and model portfolios.

For further information, please contact:

Nigel Whittingham, Square Mile Investment Research

Tel: 07909 886091

Richard Romer-Lee, Square Mile Investment Research
Tel: 07747 626019