The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published updated guides on investment companies for financial advisers and other investment professionals.

Its new Knowledge base is a free resource comprising of six guides, which cover topics including discounts and premiums, gearing, income, regulation, tax, platform availability and costs, REITs and VCTs.

The guides can be accessed by financial advisers who are registered on the AIC’s website.

The AIC’s resource forms part of its financial adviser centre, which also houses educational courses for investment professionals.

A total of six guides are available, ranging from why investment companies should be used, to their structural features, and practical considerations when using investment companies.

“The free training and educational materials we offer financial advisers are an important part of our vision that investment companies should be understood and considered by every investor,” commented AIC research director, Nick Britton.

“More than 1,500 advice firms use investment companies for their clients and we are always happy to help advisers who want to learn more.”

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