Equiniti, one of the UK's leading providers of financial service solutions to businesses and individuals, has appointed Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research as the provider of funds due diligence for its online execution-only guidance service.

The service will give Equiniti access to a guided panel of funds, as well as offering ongoing fund selection, due diligence and quarterly reporting. From the 350 rated funds available in the Square Mile Academy of Funds, ten have been carefully selected to fulfill Equiniti's specifications on Cautious, Balanced and Growth mandates.

As part of developing the service, Square Mile worked with Equiniti to refine the customer user journey, from the first point of contact, a process that includes defining desired investment outcomes, incorporating risk profiles and timeframes, and refining the fund recommendation process.

Mark Taylor, Chief Customer Officer at Equiniti said: "At Equiniti the customer is always at the heart of what we do, so when forming new partnerships, it is vital that we find suppliers with similar values. Square Mile has demonstrated a keen understanding of our desire to make the user journey more efficient and, most importantly, enjoyable. We have been very impressed with the standard of work they've delivered so far. Square Mile's reputation in the industry is unparalleled, and we hope this will create a solid foundation for our online platform, ultimately helping our clients meet their investment goals."

Richard Romer-Lee, Square Mile's Managing Director commented: "We are thrilled to be working with Equiniti on its exciting new online service. The direct-to-consumer space is growing apace with greater demand for guidance, as more people find themselves in the 'advice gap'. At the centre of our offering is an absolute focus on investor outcomes. Square Mile's in-depth research capability and strong due diligence processes will complement Equiniti's efforts to provide flexible investment choices to fit peoples' circumstances, experience and financial position."

Square Mile offers consultancy to a range of financial intermediaries and wholesalers assisting in the design, maintenance, and review of recommended fund panels, guided architecture, and sample portfolios.