Allan Gray entered the retail investment arena in 1998 with the launch of a focused suite of unit trusts. Thereafter, it developed product wrappers including a retirement annuity, living annuity, an endowment policy and preservation funds, with the Allan Gray unit trusts as the underlying investment options.

In June 2005 Allan Gray announced the launch of a platform offering a range of unit trusts to investors. Such platforms are commonly known as LISPs (linked investment services providers) in South Africa. The platform provides Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) and their clients with access to Allan Gray's funds as well as to a focused range of funds from other selected fund providers. It offers consolidated reporting on total portfolios and the ability to buy, sell and switch between the funds offered.

The decision to launch the venture was the result of extensive research into the retail investment market and was a strategic long-term decision to entrench and expand Allan Gray's position in the retail market. Allan Gray believes that platforms will increasingly dominate distribution as investors want choice of funds and managers and the flexibility to adjust portfolios. They also require consolidated reporting across a portfolio of funds. The platform gives them the means with which to implement this.

In line with Allan Gray's approach to the retail market to date, Allan Gray Investor Services has set new standards in terms of transparency, service and fees.