Square Mile Investment Consulting & Research confirms the reinstatement of the AXA Distribution fund to the Academy of Funds with an A-rating, following its suspension when manager Richard Marwood left the business in February 2016.

Square Mile's recommended funds, which sit within the Academy of Funds, carry a rating - A, AA, AAA, R or P+ - as reflection of the level of conviction Square Mile's team of analysts has in a fund's ability to deliver on expectations. Square Mile's independent, qualitative research is designed to offer advisers a solid foundation for client investment propositions and recommendations.

Commenting on the AXA Distribution fund, Alex Farlow, Head of Risk Based Solutions Research at Square Mile said:

"The fund has always been run using a fairly simple and straightforward approach and this will continue to be the case under the new management structure. AXA IM has appointed Jamie Forbes-Wilson as co-manager, alongside Head of Distribution Funds, Jim Stride. Mr Forbes-Wilson is also responsible for the UK equity portion of the fund, which represents around half of the overall portfolio. Having met with both managers on a number of occasions since February, we are reassured by the continuity that Mr Stride brings, as well as Mr Forbes-Wilson's understanding of the history of the product and appreciation of the risk profile of the underlying investor base. Mr Forbes-Wilson also currently manages the AXA Framlington Blue Chip Equity Income fund and has established an impressive track record. His experience and approach to managing that fund makes him ideally positioned to manage the equity segment of this strategy."