From humble beginnings in a Bristol bedroom in 1981, to FTSE 100 stalwart, investment platform provider Hargreaves Lansdown is undoubtedly one of the corporate success stories of recent times. Last week it delivered another great set of results, with profits and dividends both up by 31%. Rising stock markets have resulted in more trading by its customers, and have also boosted the amount of money it has under management.
The Retail Distribution Review has also been good to the company so far. These regulatory changes have driven lots of new business to the firm, as many financial advisers have left the industry now that commission on new fund products has been banned, and advisers have to be better qualified. This has seen many investors take charge of their own money, whether by choice or necessity, which has boosted Hargreaves' user numbers. But is this as good as it gets?
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
8 of the best riverside properties for saleThe best riverside properties for sale – from a Grade II-listed former mill house with views over the River Chelmer in Essex, to a townhouse on a Georgian terrace overlooking the Avon Gorge in Clifton, Bristol
-
Will “Liberation Day” strike again?Donald Trump’s 90-day tariff pause comes to an end on 9 July. Can we expect further market turmoil?
-
Hargreaves Lansdown takeover: what it means for your moneyBritain’s biggest investment platform has agreed a £5.4 billion takeover. What does it mean for shareholders and customers?
-
Neil Woodford, fund managers, and the systemic risk to the financial systemFeatures The consequences from the Neil Woodford debacle aren't limited to his fund's investors. He and his ilk could pose a systemic risk to the financial system, says Merryn Somerset Webb.
-
After the Woodford fallout, is it time to buy Hargreaves Lansdown and Patient Capital?Features Two of the biggest casualties from Neil Woodford’s fall from grace are his investment trust - Woodford Patient Capital - and broker Hargreaves Lansdown. John Stepek looks at whether you should snap them up or leave them well alone.
-
What Neil Woodford’s woes mean for your moneyFeatures With the suspension of dealing in Neil Woodford's Equity Income fund, John Stepek looks at where it all went wrong for the “star” fund manager, and what it means for you.
-
If you'd invested in: Hargreaves Lansdown and Alfa Financial SoftwareFeatures Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s biggest investment platform, has seen profits rise, while Alfa Financial Software has suffered two profit warnings and share-price slump.
-
Investment platforms are great, but they need to up their gameFeatures Investment platforms have opened up investing for many people. But their pricing structures are obscure and switching between them is expensive and slow.
-
‘Don’t buy our sector’ says Aberdeen boss – but he’s wrongFeatures The chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management believes fund managers’ share prices are too high. But there are some good stocks in the sector, says Ed Bowsher.
-
Hargreaves Lansdown share price jumps as annuity companies slideFeatures The Budget announcement on annuities has triggered some major share price carnage. Ed Bowsher looks at the winners and losers.
