Demand for bespoke investment services is rising as investors want a wider choice for their savings, according to a new study.

Financial advisers said clients wanted better access to ETFs, investment trusts, equities, bonds and AIM shares.

Access to ETFs was the main reason identified by the study from wealth group Rathbones, with all advisers questioned agreeing that it was a major reason behind the growth.

Almost all, 97%, agreed that access to AIM shares and their potential tax benefits is fuelling growth in bespoke services, with just 3% disagreeing or not having a view.

Around 95% agreed access to direct equities and bonds was a key reason for clients moving to bespoke services, with just 5% disagreeing.

More than nine out of 10, 91%, advisers agreed access to investment trusts was a key reason for the growth of bespoke services, with just 5% disagreeing.

Advisers also saw opportunities in the increasing availability of long-term asset funds and private market investments for high-net-worth clients, with around 93% agreeing bespoke investment services were becoming more relevant to clients as a result.

Simon Taylor, head of strategic partnerships at Rathbones, said: “Bespoke investment services enable advisers and their clients to access a wider range of investment vehicles, and there is growing demand from clients to be able to invest in ETFs and investment trusts as well as directly in equities, bonds and AIM shares.

“Advisers need to be careful, however, when they select providers of third-party services. Providers need to have the research capabilities and scale to be able to respond to calls for more choices.”

• Rathbones commissioned independent research agency PureProfile to interview 100 UK IFAs and Financial Planners including 75 who currently offer bespoke investment management/discretionary fund management services.