Disruptor or unwelcome complexity? Industry responds to Fidelity fee shake-up

Comments from buyers and industry peers

Market commentators have praised Fidelity's attempt to bring more choice and innovation to the UK funds market with the introduction of a new variable charging structure on its equity range, but they say further details are needed to determine value for end investors.

In a bid to disrupt the status quo in the investment management market and respond to some of the concerns raised in the FCA's recent Asset Management Market Study, Fidelity has announced plans to introduce an option for variable investment fees on its equity products, which would be linked to the performance of the managers.  The new charge, also called the 'fulcrum fee', will operate on a sliding scale based on performance relative to the fund's benchmark, and will be available to investors through a separate share class. At the same time, the firm has also opted to continue chargin...