We suspended trading in our Aegon BlackRock Global Developed Fundamental Weighted Index (BLK) fund on 7 July 2025.
Why we’ve suspended trading
On 7 July 2025, BlackRock told us of the immediate suspension of their underlying fund and their decision to wind down this fund on 22 July 2025, except for a portion (6.65%) which will remain suspended. As a result, we immediately suspended our fund on 7 July 2025.
What this means for investors
On 22 July 2025, we plan to move the majority (93.35%) of their investment into an alternative fund – the Aegon BlackRock MSCI World Index (BLK) fund. This will allow them to continue to invest and trade on this part as normal.
Blackrock have advised that a portion of their fund (6.65%) will remain suspended due to the fund’s level of exposure to tax reclaims.
This means from 22 July 2025 investments in our fund will be split into two parts:
1. Alternative fund:
93.35% will be moved into the Aegon BlackRock MSCI World Index (BLK) fund.
Investors will be able to invest and trade in this part as normal.
2. Suspended fund:
6.65% will continue to be held in the Aegon BlackRock Global Developed Fundamental Weighted Index (BLK) fund which will remain suspended until further notice.
Investors won’t be able to access this portion of their investment at this time. If investors do request to trade or take money out of the suspended fund, the request will be put on hold. This is called deferment and means we can delay the request for up to 12 months. Please contact us if you’re planning to make a request.
We’ll continue to monitor the Aegon BlackRock Global Developed Fundamental Weighted Index (BLK) fund and will contact investors again when we have more information. In the meantime, BlackRock have confirmed they’re going to stop charging us for our holding in the suspended fund and we’ll also reduce our charge to reflect this.
Any regular monthly contributions into the Aegon BlackRock Global Developed Fundamental Weighted Index (BLK) fund will be redirected to invest in the Aegon BlackRock MSCI World Index (BLK) fund.
More about the Aegon BlackRock MSCI World Index (BLK) fund
We’ve chosen this fund because we believe it’s the most broadly similar fund in our fund range in terms of where it invests and what it aims to do. The fund also has lower charges than investors are currently paying. It aims to achieve a return consistent with the MSCI World Index.
There’s no guarantee the fund will meet its objective. The value of an investment can fall as well as rise and isn’t guaranteed. Investors could get back less than they invest.
For more information investors can view the fund factsheet on the ‘Fund prices and performance’ page by selecting ‘TargetPlan funds’ then searching for the fund name.
What current investors need to do
If investors want to choose a different fund from the Aegon BlackRock MSCI World Index (BLK) fund for the part that's been moved, they can switch their investment and any future investment by logging into their TargetPlan account and choosing ‘Fund Information’ from the Dashboard.
We’re writing to all affected investors in the fund. If you’re uncertain about how this affects your investments, you should speak to a financial adviser in the first instance if you need advice about your investments. There’s likely to be a charge for this. If you don’t have a financial adviser, you can find one in your area by visiting moneyhelper.org.uk/choosing-a-financial-adviser or find out more about advice services supported by Aegon by visiting Origen Financial Services.
Origen Financial Services Ltd is wholly owned by Aegon UK plc but operates independently to us.
If your personal circumstances mean you need any additional support or you’re concerned about the impact of this fund suspension, please do not hesitate to contact us.