International Investment

As well as judging the Money Marketing Awards and the Gold Standard Awards, I have just finished judging the International Investment Awards. Lots of new entrants and categories. I think I judged about thirty! Most were Private Portfolio Bonds and platforms aimed at UK investors. Plus some savings plans. I didn’t see a great deal of innovation but some players seem to be improving the support they are giving to advisers.

Back in the dim and distant past I was Executive Chairman of Canada Life International and enjoyed going over to the Isle of Man once a week. My recollection is that it was very much easier to get things done over there rather than in the Head Office. it was “Discuss, decide, do” Much less procrastination. Big isn’t always beautiful. But maybe things have changed as some of the players are now pretty substantial. And if Labour ever gets elected I bet these players will be even bigger.