The idea of a fund supermarket arrived in the UK at the end of 1999. There are now a number of these services, with different names and services. Originally the term supermarket is given to these businesses because of the way in which they operate. Today, the term ‘Platform’ or ‘Wrap ’is often used as well. They offer a very wide choice by allowing investors to invest in funds, which are normally Unit Trusts, Investment Trusts or OEICSs, of many different investment management groups. Some platforms are now offering access to certain pension products as well as onshore and offshore investment bonds.

There are a range of Fund Supermarkets and Platforms some of which are only available via the Internet. There are differences between them in terms of charges, the number of investment management groups on offer, services and functionality.

Fund Supermarkets, or Platforms, were developed to offer a more convenient way for people to invest in collective investment funds, which here in the United Kingdom mainly means Unit Trusts, Investment Trusts or Open Ended Investment Companies (OEICs).

Most of the fund supermarkets allow you to hold these investment funds with tax efficient wrappers such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).

By investing through a fund supermarket you can often purchase your investments on-line and once the plan is up and running receive consolidated statements that show the value of your total investment, even if it is spread across a number of different investment management groups. An important feature is the ability to mix funds from several different investment management groups within one product such as your ISA plan.

Platform charges vary considerably between the different providers. Some have flat-fee charges, some express their charge as a percentage of the money you have with them. Some have a monthly or annual charge, irrespective of the amount you hold. Some platforms apply different charges depending on whether you have existing funds with them.

Some platforms add to the existing charges made by the investment companies, some platforms don't.

Some platforms, (especially the larger, more established ones), have negotiated discounted charges with some of the investment companies. This means that you might be able to invest into a particular fund more cheaply than going direct to the investment company.

Great care should be taken to ensure that the platform is chosen carefully, as the effect of charges can be considerable. Some platforms set their charges to be very competitive for certain investment types, but they may be less competitive for others.

It is quite unlikely therefore that a single platform is suitable for everybody.

If you have any doubt seek professional advice by asking us – we will be happy to help.

Each of the various fund supermarkets has their own arrangements with Investment Management Groups. It is normal for a fund supermarket to offer a wide range of investment funds from various Investment Management Groups. This means that although some Management Groups will appear across a number of different supermarkets or platforms it is unlikely that all will offer exactly the same investment choices.

Normally they greatly reduce the number of application forms, contract notes and valuation statements you will need to retain. Fund supermarkets allow you to consolidate fund investments into just one plan therefore you only need to complete one application form, instead of having to submit individual forms to each separate Investment Management Group you wish to invest with.

Ongoing paperwork is also reduced. You will receive one consolidated investment statement that provides details and valuations of all your investment holdings. Once again this saves you from having to retain many different statements from the various Management Groups in respect of the investment funds you hold.

The short answer is yes.

The taxation position of your investment in collective funds is no different if you decide to purchase through a funds supermarket or not. ISAs are not necessarily free of income tax -it depends what they are invested in. Since 6 April 2004, any dividend income from shares or share-based unit trusts within an ISA is paid with tax at 10% already deducted and this cannot be reclaimed. But there is no tax on any other type of income - for example, interest from gilts or corporate bonds - held within the ISA.

All types of ISA are free of capital gains tax. So, if your ISA increases in value, you make a 'capital gain', but you do not have to pay capital gains tax on this increase. If you hold collective investment funds outside of a tax efficient wrapper such as an ISA then any income you receive may be treated as taxable income for Income Tax purposes. It may well be that you have no further liability as the tax deducted at source has satisfied your total liability. If you are subject to Income Tax at the Higher Rate or Additional Rate (currently 40% and 50% respectively) then some additional tax may be due.

As regards the taxation of any gains you make on investments held outside an ISA, the sale of any investment funds would be treated as a disposal for Capital Gains Tax purposes. If the sale of your investment funds, when added to any other disposals made during the same tax year, and after taking account of normal relief and allowances, exceeds the annual exemption for Capital Gains Tax (£10,100 for the tax year 2010/2011) then you may be subject to taxation on the gains you have made.

The taxation of individuals varies in accordance with their personal circumstances and therefore is beyond the scope of this guide. If you wish to know more about the taxation position of any investment you are considering, seek advice from a tax specialist or ask us. We will be happy to assist.