The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has completed the replatforming of the CAF Investment Account – the UK’s first and only secure digital trading platform designed specifically for charities – in partnership with Winterflood Business Services (WBS).
WBS’ platform will provide charities with access to 1,200 funds, at just the click of a button. CAF’s Investment Account originally launched last year, and gives charities the ability to research, manage and trade investments in one place, building on the existing investment services provided by CAF. There’s no minimum investment amount and there are a number of industry heavyweights offering their charity funds on the platform, including CAF’s own fund range, M&G Investments, Edentree Investments and Rathbones. More charity funds will be available soon.
Key features for the charities involved include access to charity specific funds, including Common Investment Funds (CIFs) and share classes of funds not usually open to small and medium charities, and not available on any other platforms. This exclusive feature means charities can enjoy the benefits of time-saving and easier investment through the platform, as well as access to funds designed by top fund managers especially for charities. They also have the option of investing directly in equities and bonds listed on the London Stock Exchange, as well as other global markets.
The flexibility and features of the WBS platform will enable CAF to accelerate delivery of new and exciting options, such as the creation of sub-accounts to separate restricted and unrestricted funds and the potential for managed investment services.
Sir John Low, Chief Executive of Charities Aid Foundation, says: “Over the past few years, and with interest rates at record lows, charities have found it tough to maximise the return on investment from money donated by their supporters.”
“The CAF Investment Account is well-placed to assist charities by capitalising on the untapped potential of investments to support their vital work. We’re confident that it can help charities make their giving go further. As a charity itself, CAF understands the specific requirements charities have when investing.”
“Winterflood Business Services are an experienced and highly trusted platform provider. By partnering with them, we’re giving our charity clients access to a vast range of charity-focused investment funds that’s simply unavailable elsewhere.”
Alex Kerry, Head of Winterflood Business Services, adds: “By partnering with WBS and adopting a best-in-breed approach, CAF has positioned its business at the forefront of platform innovation. With this collaboration, together, WBS and CAF are bringing institutional-level, cutting-edge technology to the charity investment audience.”
“The partnership will allow CAF users unprecedented access to a wide range of asset classes on the only secure digital trading platform designed specifically for charities. The flexibility of the technology also unlocks a universe of separate restricted solutions and managed investment services. We believe the partnership’s synergy will drive greater efficiencies, and ultimately, deliver a more cost-effective, diverse range of solutions to CAF clients and their underlying investors.”
