A new fintech product has entered the market, created through a partnership between a Dutch fintech platform and a prominent global asset management firm. This initiative has resulted in the launch of self-managed active exchange-traded funds (ETFs), branded as BUX Prime Investment Plans. The platform aims to make the benefits of active management not only accessible but also affordable, featuring ready-made multi-asset portfolios tailored to various investment objectives.
This innovative product will initially be available to customers across several European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.
The collaboration focuses on democratizing investment opportunities that were previously limited to wealthier clientele typically serviced by private banks or established asset managers. Through these investment plans, customers will benefit from professionally curated portfolios that cater to different risk tolerances and investment goals.
Importantly, while accessing this new service incurs no additional costs, it is restricted to premium subscribers who pay a monthly fee of €7.99. The inclusion of varying risk portfolios will allow users to choose investment options that align with their financial aspirations and risk appetites.
A key advocate for the benefits of active management within the ETF sector has highlighted that such investment vehicles can be instrumental in helping investors navigate the increasingly intricate dynamics of today’s financial markets.
The fintech platform in question was established in 2013 and is headquartered in the Netherlands, providing financial services throughout Europe. In a notable acquisition, it was bought for €68 million last year, yet it operates independently from its parent company, continuing to serve its customer base effectively.
Despite the acquisition, the firm has strategically divested from its UK and Cypriot operations, which specialized in contracts for difference (CFDs). The UK segment was purchased by APM Capital, a UAE-based investment firm, and has since been rebranded to focus specifically on CFD offerings. Meanwhile, a significant development occurred when Coinbase, a well-known American cryptocurrency exchange, acquired the Cypriot entity, a move that allows for the potential offering of derivatives in the European market, although no products have materialized under that license as of yet.
However, the platform has not been without challenges. It recently faced a fine from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) amounting to €1.6 million as a consequence of customer compensation related to practices involving comparison websites and influencers.
This new product launch, with its emphasis on making active investment management more approachable for regular investors, represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between retail investors and sophisticated financial strategies, enabling a wider audience to engage with the financial markets effectively.