Choosing the best IFISA provider

ISAs have earned and retained a position of popularity because they offer such attractive tax benefits, but also because the government has adapted them and expanded the offer according to developments in the investment environment. 

One of the latest additions to the ISA family is the Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA).

The IFISA allows you to use some, or all, of your annual ISA allowance to lend funds through the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending market and buy other debt-based securities, getting the usual ISA benefits of tax free interest and tax free capital gains.

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IFISAs will typically pay a higher rate of return than Cash ISAs, but lower than Stocks and Shares ISAs. This can make them a valuable addition to a diversified investment portfolio.  

The projected rates of return from IFISAs range from 3% per year to 15% and vary in terms of risk.

Even though IFISAs are relatively new, there’s already a wide variety of types of provider. 

The main funded IFISAs include;

• Property
• Green energy
• SME lending
• Consumer lending

Rules introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from January 1st 2020 state that only experienced investors classified as sophisticated investors or high-net-worth individuals are eligible to invest into mini-bonds. Everyday (restricted) investors may still be able to invest into other types of IFISA though, but the FCA states that everyday investors new to the sector cannot invest mopre than 10% of their investable assets. If you're unsure about your investor classification and whether you're eligible to invest, you should speak to an independent financial advisor. 

So, how do you go about choosing the best IFISA provider?

First, decide what kind of IFISA you need. You must be clear on how much risk you want to take with your investments - balancing your need for security with your desire for returns.

You also need to weigh up;

• Your investment ambitions and goals
• Whether you need a fixed income
• Whether you need easy access to your funds 
• Whether you want to be actively involved in the management of your investment

Once you have these answers clear in your mind, you should undertake thorough research - and ideally commission an independent financial advisor - to find out which IFISA providers are offering products that most closely match your requirements. 

When researching IFISA providers, ask yourself;

• Do they have an online platform where you can view the progress of individual investments?
• Have they been established long and have they featured in the media?
• Do they have a track record in managing the kind of investment you’re considering?

You should also consider what's affordable for you, as all providers have a minimum investment allowance, as well as what you can afford to lose, because the type of sector where the investments are made could influence the risk or likely returns. 

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that the best IFISA provider for someone else, may not be the best IFISA provider for you. You must understand both the sector you are investing into, and how your capital will be used to generate returns. However, two things remain constant - you must do your research and take (professional) advice.

Originally published 2nd September 2019, updated 16th December 2019.