Saxo Bank Launches the First Large-Scale, Truly Digital, Investment Solution for Retail Investors in Partnership With BlackRock

COPENHAGEN, January 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

SaxoSelect investment portfolios consisting of BlackRock exchange traded funds (ETFs) to launch in selected European markets, starting with Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Netherlands and Sweden in Q1 2016. 

Saxo Bank today announces the launch of the first large-scale, truly digital, investment solution for retail investors built with iShares® ETFs by BlackRock. The new SaxoSelect is a fully digital and automated portfolio management service that enables clients of Saxo Bank to invest in pre-selected strategies in a real-time, fully transparent environment directly on their Saxo platform.

The SaxoSelect service for long term investors consists of three portfolios with different levels of risk - Defensive, Moderate, Aggressive. These portfolios are managed by Saxo Bank, using research data developed by BlackRock, and will invest in iShares® ETFs. They are available in selected currencies - initially euro and sterling - with a simple all-inclusive service fee at the portfolio level of 0.9% per annum.

The launch of SaxoSelect marks an important step in Saxo Bank's commitment to expanding access to investment opportunities. Since establishment in 1992, Saxo Bank has focused on providing innovative technology and, in yet another significant disruption, is collaborating with BlackRock, a global leader in asset management, to leverage the true potential of financial technology.

Commenting on the collaboration, Kim Fournais, Saxo Bank's Chief Executive Officer, said:

"This initiative is underpinned by the belief that technology will profoundly change the asset management industry. Access to technology, demand for transparency, and focus on performance will change the way individuals manage their savings. By combining our leadership in trading technology with BlackRock's investment tools, we are shaping the future of how people invest."

Michael Gruener, Co-Head of iShares EMEA Sales at BlackRock commented:

"It is exciting to see continued demand for integrated ETF-based portfolios that provide investors with a low cost, transparent, and flexible way to invest. The growth of the European ETF market shows no sign of abating, but it is paramount that these tools are delivered to investors in a way that complements their digital habits. We remain focused on ensuring service providers like Saxo have the relevant building blocks at their fingertips to construct diversified investment solutions for investors."

About SaxoSelect 

Saxo Bank, the world's most experienced online trading and investment facilitator brings the first large-scale investment solutions to retail investors. SaxoSelect investment portfolios are a truly digital platform exclusively made up of BlackRock's iShares ETFs.

Who is Saxo Bank? 

The Saxo Bank Group (Saxo) is an online multi-asset trading and investment specialist, offering a complete set of trading and investment technologies, tools and strategies. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Saxo employs 1450 people in 26 offices across the five continents.

About BlackRock  

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients. At December 31, 2015, BlackRock's AUM was $4.645 trillion. BlackRock helps clients around the world meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. As of December 31, 2015, the firm had approximately 13,000 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.blackrock.com

About iShares 

iShares is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with more than a decade of expertise and commitment to individual and institutional investors of all sizes. With over 700 funds globally across multiple asset classes and strategies and more than $1 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2015, iShares helps clients around the world build the core of their portfolios, meet specific investment goals and implement market views. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to manage more money than any other investment firm. ^[1]

^[1] Based on $4.645 trillion in AUM as of 12/31/15.