Aequitas Technology Services Inc., the Fintech arm of Canada-based Aequitas Innovations Inc, today announced that Invesco Canada (Invesco) has got on board with its new Platform Traded Funds (PTF) platform, according to an official press release.
Aequitas new PTF platform was initially launched last November and was on track to operate during early Q1 2016, as per its original release. The platform is described as a fintech solution that provides investors with lower-cost actively-managed mutual funds, boasting up to 35% savings when compared to traditional mutual funds, and with no minimum investment required as mutual funds typically require upwards of $1000 per investment, for example.
As part of adding Invesco onto the platform, after the company completed live testing with all participating service providers, Invesco’s full range of PTFs are now available for trading on the Aequitas PTF platform. Trends towards micro-finance and robo-advisory products are increasing demand for more flexible products - especially for retail traders who are cost-sensitive on fees and/or who want to invest micro-amounts per each investment cycle.
Settles like an ETF
The new solution from Aequitas is described as an industry-shared service which enables mutual fund companies and dealers to have their mutual fund products settle like exchange traded funds (ETFs), thus potentially appealing to ETF investors. The company said it is further onboarding other providers, in addition to Invesco. The ETF market is helping fuel growth for a number of companies, including recent product releases and additions, as well as acquisitions.
“With this announcement we celebrate another important milestone in our efforts to meet the needs of Canada’s capital markets. PTFs are a real game changer for the Canadian mutual fund industry, providing an agile solution to adapt to industry trends,” stated Karl Ottywill, Chief Operating Officer, Aequitas Technology Services Inc., commenting in the press release.
Mr. Ottywill added: “With our innovative technology in place, Aequitas Connect is extremely proud to work with fund companies and dealers leading the way in making actively-managed mutual funds available to all investment advisors and their clients in a low cost, highly efficient manner.”
