- Delivered competitive returns despite challenging market conditions over the last five years.
- Active, value-focused approach to asset allocation is well suited to the current period of change.
- Aegon’s first widely available Open-Ended Investment Company (OEIC) funds1, the Risk-Managed Portfolios are committed to achieving long-term returns through considered asset allocation and risk mitigation.
- Streamlined approach supports advisers in meeting Consumer Duty requirements.
Aegon recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of its Risk-Managed Portfolios, a collection of six multi-asset funds designed to cater to various investor risk profiles, from conservative to adventurous.
Launched in July 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, these portfolios were developed to meet the increasing demand for transparent and diversified investment options. Combined, the funds manage over £1 billion in assets and serve around 17,000 investors2.
The funds have performed in line with benchmarks3, while offering robust protection during market downturns. The valuation-sensitive approach, including an underweight stance in bonds in 2022, can help the fund navigate periods of market turmoil by avoiding overexposure to expensive market segments.
Since launch, the funds have successfully navigated a challenging global landscape marked by geopolitical conflicts, inflation spikes in the UK and US, interest rate changes, and global political shifts. More recently, significant US tariffs have further added to these challenges.
Aegon’s Risk-Managed Portfolios serve as efficient tools for advisers working within the Consumer Duty regulatory framework by offering competitive pricing4, simplifying the investment selection and fund governance, and prioritising positive investor outcomes, enabling advisers to effectively meet regulatory requirements while delivering value for clients
Anthony McDonald, Head of Portfolio Management at Aegon UK, said:
“Our Risk-Managed Portfolios were created to help manage risk and volatility, while simplifying the advice process, with funds at different risk levels to suit individual needs.
“Since launch, we've maintained our commitment to combining active asset allocation with passive building blocks in a manner that aims to maximise growth potential for a given risk appetite. This balanced approach is vital in helping advisers address the diverse needs of their clients while adhering to evolving regulatory standards.
“As we navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape, our focus remains steadfast on delivering attractive long-term returns. Our investment philosophy5 is based on a valuation-led approach, which we believe will serve investors well at a time of significant change. This strategy has proven effective – even when faced with challenging market conditions, and it continues to guide our decisions into the future.
“We are proud of what these funds have achieved over the past five years, and the trust advisers and our investors have placed in us. As we continue on this path, our portfolios remain an integral part of our commitment to supporting advisers in achieving their clients’ long-term financial objectives.”
For more information on the portfolios, advisers can visit the Risk-Managed Portfolios hub on Aegon UK’s website.
The value of investments may go down as well as up, and investors may get back less than they invest.
References
Reference 1: Aegon has a long history of managing multi-asset funds, with over £20 billion in assets under management and more than 2 million customers (as at 31/1/25). The Risk-Managed Portfolios are built on this heritage, as Aegon’s first widely available Open-Ended Investment Company (OEIC) funds, meaning the same multi-asset capabilities are available within a pension, independent savings account (ISA) or general investment account (GIA) wrapper.
Reference 2: Data as at end June 2025.
Reference 3: Returns over last five years (from funds' inception to end July 2025):
| Fund | Return | Benchmark |
| WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolio 1 | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolio 2 | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolio 3 | 4.9% | 5.0% |
| WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolio 4 | 7.3% | 7.2% |
| WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolio 5 | 9.5% | 9.6% |
| WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolio 6 | 11.9% | 12.1% |
WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolios launched 7 July 2020.
Source: Morningstar produced by Aegon. Performance for periods over a year is annualised (% per year). Inception date 7 July 2020. Past performance isn't a reliable guide to future performance.
Reference 4: The WS Aegon Risk-Managed Portfolios all have a fixed OCF charge of 0.25% (as at 31/7/25). Please note that other charges may apply and Aegon may vary charges in future. For full details including fund specific risks please refer to the fund factsheets.
Reference 5: Aegon's investment philosophy is based on four key principles:
- Markets aren't fully efficient.
- A long-term view is crucial to successful investing.
- Starting valuations are a key determinant of long-term returns for equities and bonds.
- Asset allocation is an important driver of portfolio risk and return.
About Aegon
In the UK, Aegon offers pension and investment solutions to over 3.5 million customers, supported by over 3,000 employees. Figures are correct as of 31/12/2024. Learn more at aegon.co.uk/about-us
Aegon UK is part of the wider Aegon Group, an international financial services holding company. Aegon’s ambition is to build leading businesses that offer their customers investment, protection, and retirement solutions. Aegon’s portfolio of businesses includes fully owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom, and a global asset manager. Aegon also creates value by combining its international expertise with strong local partners via insurance joint-ventures in Spain & Portugal, China, and Brazil, and via asset management partnerships in France and China. In addition, Aegon owns a Bermuda-based life insurer and generates value via a strategic shareholding in a market leading Dutch insurance and pensions company.
Aegon's purpose of helping people live their best lives runs through all its activities. As a leading global investor and employer, Aegon seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion & diversity. Aegon is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. More information can be found at aegon.com/about
The information in this press release is intended solely for journalists and shouldn’t be relied upon by any other persons to make financial decisions.