MetLife in guarantee link-up with BlackRock

26 January 2012 2:30 pm | By Tom Selby

MetLife UK is linking with BlackRock to launch a range of unit linked guarantee retirement products that will allow customers to manage investments according to their market volatility preferences.

The managed wealth portfolio fund range, which will be unveiled on February 13, builds on the provider’s existing unit-linked guarantee products.

There will be three new funds which will allow investors to gain exposure to the stock-market according to their market volatility preferences. All the funds are supported by a guarantee from the provider that the customer’s initial premium will not fall.

MetLife UK chief executive Dominic Grinstead (pictured) says the firm’s continued focus on guaranteed products follows extensive research of customers’ and IFAs’ attitudes to risk. He says: “These products allow investors to manage market downturns more effectively.”

MetLife refused to disclose the charging structure at this stage.

Bestinvest senior investment adviser Adrian Lowcock says: “The investment industry as a whole is coming to terms with managing volatility. It seems sensible for MetLife to try to reflect that although the dem-and for the products from customers and IFAs will depend on the charges they levy.”

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