D2C platforms lead post-RDR revival for investment trusts

Investors using direct to consumer platforms are now among the largest shareholders in investment trusts, as a post-RDR revival for the sector gets underway.

Three leading investment trust houses have said D2C platforms are becoming an increasingly popular route through which investors can access closed-ended funds. Simon Cordery, head of investor relations at F&C Investments, said the company has seen rapid growth in the proportion of stock held by these platforms. Singling out Hargreaves Lansdown, he said: “Three years ago, Hargreaves Lansdown was a top five shareholder on one trust. But its holding in all our trusts has grown over the past three years, with a notable pick-up in demand during 2013 and 2014 following the implementation of...