Maxblue, Deutsche Bank's online investment platform, has expanded its capabilities to include the Anlagefinder robo-adviser, which uses algorithms to build individual portfolios for investors. AnlageFinder provides information about potential investment-related risks (such as sector overexposure), as well as investment alternatives. The tool is free for Maxblue clients and was developed in cooperation with Fincite, a financial technology company.

Anlagefinder provides tutorials and comprehensive financial market information. "With our Anlagefinder robo-advisor, clients can professionally put together their portfolios and optimise their investment outcomes with just a few clicks," said Markus Pertlwieser (pictured), chief operating officer, private & business clients at Deutsche.

The bank believes that robo-advisory will it to address "the needs of investors that have not used structured products or ETFs before, or are invested in low yield products such as deposits, as they will be able to assess their own risk profile and access the information needed to make an investment decision," said Pertlwieser.

The tool profiling investors through questions about investment objectives, terms and risk appetite. Based on the client's personal opportunity/risk profile, Anlagefinder generates a customised asset allocation approach, alongside new investment recommendations including instruments and asset classes.

The unique selling point is not about the embedded algorithm or the technology that enables investors to select a security, but about providing a strategic asset allocation tool and investment solutions, said Pertlwieser. Deutsche's robo-adviser offers a selection of securities in the respective asset class based on criteria selected by the client, such as rating, product costs and performance. Those asset classes may include actively-managed investment funds, as well as passively-managed exchange-traded funds and structured investments.

The bank's goal is to offer fully digitalised discretionary portfolio management, and introduce new capabilities such as portfolio monitoring and rebalancing on a self-directed basis. "The technology will be the same, but the fee model will be different," said Pertlwieser. "We are also hoping to add new functionalities around the life cycle of products, market scenarios, etc for advisors to be able to provide a comprehensive advice on our branches."

Maxblue robo-advisor will be available to German clients in a first stage, although the bank has already received interest from other markets. Anlagefinder will initially be available for use with internet browsers with an app version scheduled for release in early 2016. Additional enhancements, such as peer-to-peer comparisons and risk management, are also slated to appear in the first half of next year.

"We have no plans at this stage to launch Maxblue robo-adviser in other markets, but we will assess new opportunities as they arise," said Pertlwieser. "One of the advantages of the maxblue robo-advisor is that it is fully embedded with the banks online platform and existing digital ecosystem of the bank."

Maxblue includes a new native app geared towards experienced investors. With their personal access data for Deutsche's online banking service, clients can use the app to check their accounts and portfolios and make securities trades. "The Maxblue app allows our clients to react flexibly to the latest developments on capital markets any time," said Pertlwieser. "As a result, our clients can keep a constant eye on their portfolios and access them whenever they want. This makes trading from on the road just as easy, safe and convenient. The free app offers a complete overview of all stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets, enabling clients to directly compare the prices of various trading partners."

Deutsche's online investment platform Maxblue was launched in 2001 to enable private investors trading securities "directly and independently".

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