Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer content

Update on your Financial Advice service

We have now closed our home based Financial Adviser service. But that doesn't mean you're on your own…

If you have recently received a copy of our Update on your Financial Advice service leaflet you can find out more about this change by taking a look at the common enquires below.

Read the leaflet (this will open as a PDF in a new window)

This won't affect any of the policies or investments you already hold, and you can service them in exactly the same way as you did before.

And you can talk to us on 08457 46 46 46 if you have any questions.

Common enquiries about my investment

  • Will this affect any investments I currently hold, or monthly subscriptions I pay-in?

    No. This is because your policy benefits, any direct debits you have set up, and the Terms & Conditions haven't changed.

    If your circumstances have changed, then you may need to seek Financial Advice. Financial Advice includes having a full financial review, where a professional Financial Adviser may recommend taking out a new policy or investment. We can no longer offer you this service in your home.

  • I have an Investment Bond, provided by Aviva. Will the service I receive from Aviva change?

    No. You can continue to contact The Co-operative Investments Team at Aviva on 0845 300 4728 with any questions. Or you can see how the Funds you chose for your Investment Bond are performing by checking the latest Fund Factsheets from Aviva or the daily Fund Prices.

  • How will I know how my investment is doing?

    If you currently receive a regular notification from us, (for example, a Statement or Bonus Certificate) then these will continue to be sent to you when they are due.

    You can also find the latest Fund Factsheets for our Unit Trusts (or ISA) funds and Pension funds, as well as daily Unit Trust Prices and daily Pension prices.

    And of course, you can talk to us on 08457 46 46 46 if you have any questions.

  • Will I still be able to top-up the investments I already have?

    If you have a Unit Trust or stocks & shares ISA you can set up a monthly direct-debit, or just send us a cheque. Find out more about topping-up your Unit Trust or ISA.

    If you have a Platinum Plus ISA or an Endowment investment, talk to us on 08457 46 46 46.

  • Can I make a new investment without receiving Financial Advice?

    Yes. You can invest in a stocks & shares ISA or Unit Trust without receiving advice, either online, or by requesting an Application pack from our Customer Contact Centre. Find out more about how to apply.

    You can also apply for one of our Stakeholder pensions without receiving advice.

  • How will my existing Co-operative investments be managed in the future?

    We will continue to manage your money in exactly the same way as we do now. Find out more about how we manage our Unit Trusts and ISAs or our With-profits Fund (for Platinum Bond or Platinum Plus ISA investments).

  • Should I cancel my investment or policy because of this change?

    There is no need for you to do anything, because the way we administer your policy and the benefits, Terms & Conditions etc. have not changed.

    Any illustration you have received is designed to provide an appropriate indicator of the potential future returns you might get back.

    You can find out more about the features or your investment elsewhere on our website:

  • Who should I contact if I need to make a change to my investment/policy, or I want to make a withdrawal or claim?

    Our Customer Contact Centre on 08457 46 46 46 (or The Co-operative Investments Team at Aviva on 0845 300 4728, if you have an Investment Bond)

    We will continue to provide you with information and service your existing policies, however, we will not be able to offer advice as to the continued suitability of your investments.

Financial advice common enquiries

  • Why have you closed your home-based Financial Adviser service?

    A range of factors has led us to make this change, including increased regulation, rising costs and a challenging economic environment.

    We considered a range of options, but decided that the closure of this Service would deliver the greatest benefit to all our customers, members and colleagues whilst staying true to our Co-operative values.

  • Who is affected by the withdrawal of the Co-operative Financial Adviser Service?

    Customers who wish to receive Financial Advice are affected. Financial Advice includes having a full financial review, where a professional Financial Adviser may recommend taking out a new policy or investment.

    Customers whose investment choices are still appropriate for their needs are not affected. This is because none of your policy benefits, any direct debits, Terms & Conditions etc. have changed.

    You can find out more about the features or your investment or policy elsewhere on our website:

  • Where can I get Financial Advice about my existing Co-operative Investments products?

    If you cannot find the information you need on this website, our Customer Contact Centre can give you information and help you service your existing investments. However, we will not be able to offer advice as to the continued suitability of your investments.

    If you need financial advice on any of your current investments you should seek the advice of an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). If you don’t already have an IFA you can find details of IFAs in your area at SearchIFA.

  • Have some customers already been informed about this change?

    In July last year we issued press statements and placed a notice explaining the planned changes on our website. In August 2011 we also wrote to all customers who had invested with us within the last two years. We’re sorry if this communication did not come to your attention.

  • I’ve heard my Co-operative Investments business will be transferred to Royal London. Is this true?

    As part of the decision we have made about the way we offer Financial Advice, we have also considered the way we manage our Life Insurance and Investments business.

    We are pleased to be in exclusive talks with Royal London about the future management of the business. Royal London is a well established mutual that shares our values and has a strong record in this specialist business area.

    We will provide more information on our discussions with Royal London when we can.