Sharesies will expand into KiwiSaver allowing investors to have their shares, exchange-traded funds and KiwiSaver account all in one place. Photo: 123RF
Online investment platform Sharesies is expanding into KiwiSaver with a launch of its own scheme next year.
The company has started a waiting list for anyone over 18 interested in joining.
Co-founder Leighton Roberts said KiwiSaver was a natural next step in Sharesies' development.
"It's always been our intention to broaden our offering to include a range of money opportunities so everyone can grow their long-term wealth, whether they have $5 or $5 million," Roberts said.
"KiwiSaver is an amazing initiative and we'd like to see people become more engaged with theirs. It's where most New Zealanders are regularly investing."
The scheme has partnered with several fund managers to provide a range of active and passive managed funds covering conservative, balanced and growth styles plus an ethical focus.
Investors would be able to have their local, US and Australian shares, exchange-traded funds and KiwiSaver account all in one place.
Roberts said many investors had told them they did not feel connected to their KiwiSaver scheme or provider.
"Sharesies' KiwiSaver scheme aims to be as transparent as possible. That includes letting members look under the bonnet of their KiwiSaver account to see how it ticks. People engage more with things they understand."
The Sharesies scheme will be managed by an associated licensed company, Sharesies Investment Management.
Sharesies has about 500,000 customers using its platform, with about $2 billion invested through its platform.
More than three million people belong to KiwiSaver with about $90 billion invested through the 37 approved providers.
