12 January 2026
Quilter has today announced the launch of the Quilter Smoothed Funds in partnership with Standard Life, designed to meet the growing need for stability and confidence among investors approaching or already in retirement.
The funds will be available through the Collective Retirement Account (CRA) on Quilter’s platform, sees Quilter manage the underlying investments, while Standard Life operates the funds and applies the smoothing methodology.
The funds are designed for investors approaching or already in retirement. Advisers can choose from three funds, each aligned to a different risk profile:
- Quilter Smoothed Conservative Fund (Standard Life) – for investors seeking low-risk investments.
- Quilter Smoothed Balanced Fund (Standard Life) – for investors seeking low-to-medium-risk investments.
- Quilter Smoothed Moderate Fund (Standard Life) – for investors seeking medium-risk investments.
Each fund invests across a diversified mix of assets, including equities, bonds, alternatives, and money market instruments such as cash, typically through third-party funds. The funds are actively managed to maintain a defined level of investment risk and are priced at 0.99%.
The funds use a smoothing mechanism based on actual market returns. Investment values are calculated daily using a rolling-average smoothing process, which helps reduce the impact of short-term market fluctuations on customers’ fund values, and ensures a smooth return for customers from the first day of their investment.
A unique feature of these funds is the regular withdrawal allowance which allows customers to withdraw up to 7.5% each year without any downward price adjustment. Combined with the flexible and tax-efficient withdrawal options through the CRA, this feature can help to provide regular income for customers in retirement.
Marcus Brookes, chief investment officer and managing director at Quilter, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer advisers a suite of smoothed funds to help their clients navigate the uncertainty that often accompanies retirement. The Quilter Smoothed Funds are designed to deliver a smoother investment experience, giving clients the confidence to invest and the composure to stay invested for the long-term.
“Our partnership with Standard Life has enabled us to create a genuinely differentiated offering, with unique features that enhance the overall investor experience. We’re excited about this launch and the broader suite of accumulation and decumulation multi-asset products we now provide to advisers and their clients.”
Claire Altman, managing director – BPA and individual retirement at Standard Life added: “This strategic partnership brings together Standard Life’s smoothing technology and expertise with Quilter’s highly regarded investment platform. It expands the ‘smooth’ investment category, giving advisers more tools to help clients feel confident and secure as they approach retirement.
“At a time when many people are seeking both growth and stability in their pension planning, smoothed funds offer a balanced approach. They help individuals navigate uncertainty and feel more in control of their financial future, which is exactly what advisers are there to support.”
