16 October 2008
Today, AXA Winterthur Wealth Management (“AXA Winterthur”) announces its new business model, which is designed to maximise the strengths that both AXA and Winterthur offer advisers.
AXA Winterthur Wealth Management will offer advisers an innovative, leading approach to investment and retirement solutions. The business has combined its distribution structure, so now the full range of products and investment services from Winterthur, AXA Wealth Management and AXA Isle of Man can be accessed through a single point of contact within the distribution team.
Customer service is being put at the heart of this new proposition. Therefore central to this improved customer service proposition is the new Adviser Support Unit, built to deliver value, service and performance. Based on an award-winning model, the new unit was piloted earlier this year, which has helped us understand how we can better meet adviser needs.
David Thompson, managing director, sales and marketing, AXA Winterthur Wealth Management, says: “Our aim is to provide the best possible value, service and performance, and a unique and powerful product proposition. I’m certain that advisers will soon be experiencing the benefits of harnessing the capabilities and skills of the two companies.”
Key features
New Adviser Support Unit
AXA Winterthur is introducing a new centralised Adviser Support Unit (ASU.) Based on the Winterthur service model it has been designed to deliver streamlined processes and offer dedicated adviser business support.
Single ‘named’ point of contact
The most important element of the service centre is that every adviser will have a single named point of contact who will take ownership of all queries, whether new or existing business.
Single sales force
The new combined sales team has brought together some of the best individuals in the business, whose talents will help advisers shape and grow their business. These business development managers will be able to distribute both AXA and Winterthur branded products to IFAs.
Extensive online tools and e-services
AXA Winterthur has developed a comprehensive range of online tools, offering flexibility and choice. The tools, which are available on the AXA and Winterthur websites, can help with client portfolio planning, day to day business and calculations for income and tax.
Creativity and innovation
The new business model will benefit from AXA’s technical excellence, financial strength and global dominance and Winterthur’s specialised and tailored operation. The complementing strengths will enable AXA Winterthur to offer an innovative and leading approach to investment and retirement solutions.
Superior brand strength
Both the AXA and Winterthur brands will be harnessed in the new business model, and the products will continue to be branded AXA or Winterthur to meet the needs of the customers.
Continuous innovation and development
The AXA Winterthur product range will evolve over time to provide powerful propositions to meet the changing needs of customers. Advisers will also have access to the benefits of the AXA Distribution Services' Elevate wrap platform.
Global capability and strength
The AXA Life business currently holds a Standard & Poors rating of AA Stable, and an AKG rating of B+. AXA is also the 15th largest company in the world by revenue.
-End-
For further information:
Paul Riddell, Press Office, +44 (0)1256 798099
Nicola Wraight, Press Office, +44 (0)1256 852041
Notes to Editors
AXA & Winterthur Wealth Management
AXA Winterthur Wealth Management aims to capture the global capabilities and financial strength of AXA Group, together with both the technical and product capability of AXA Wealth Management and the creativity and specialism of Winterthur. The integrity and ‘DNA’ of these companies will remain the same, but by bringing them together we believe we are creating greater value for IFAs and their clients. We are bringing together the best people, skills and resources, to maximise the strengths that both businesses have to offer.
The AXA Winterthur Wealth Management proposition is offered by companies within the AXA UK group of companies. AXA Sun Life Services plc distributes financial products and services for these companies and is issuing this item on their behalf. Details of the companies offering specific products are contained within the related material. AXA Sun Life Services plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a company limited by shares, registered in England No. 3429490, registered office: 5 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AD. As part of our commitment to quality service, telephone calls will be recorded.
