Users of the App can keep abreast of up to date Charles Stanley news and City commentary either by their Apple iPhone™ or on their Apple Watch™ device - the latter offers a snapshot précis of breaking news before handing over to the user’s Apple iPhone™ to read the full story.

The new Charles Stanley Direct News App is available to download free from the Apple™ App Store and allows free access to the daily content, which is also available on Charles Stanley’s Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) platform, Charles Stanley Direct.

Speaking at the launch, Magnus Wheatley, Managing Director of Charles Stanley Direct, commented: “The phone and watch Apps are an additional added service for our D2C clients and it is our first foray into the Apple™ ecosystem, which we believe has huge ramifications and potential for the wealth management industry. We already see well over 60% of our mobile clients accessing Charles Stanley Direct through Apple™ devices, and it’s a growing trend over time. Already, we can envision multiple enhancements to the Apple Watch™ App including client account summaries and potentially trading in the not-too-distant future.

“By working closely with Apple™ and its network of preferred suppliers, we have delivered this App on time and on budget, but crucially we now have a platform to enhance and work with to deliver additional services through Apple™ technology. Today marks the first step of an exciting journey for both Charles Stanley as a Group and for Charles Stanley Direct, as its digital division, delivering fantastic innovation and exciting products to our clients.”

Paul Abberley, Chief Executive of Charles Stanley Group PLC, added: “We recognise that digital client behaviour and expectation in financial services is continually evolving and we aim to be at the forefront of this digital evolution as a growing business. How clients choose to interact with Charles Stanley and access our D2C platform - at whatever level - is something that we are extremely mindful of and we have to ensure that all channels are open as digital processes and delivery permeates all levels of the wealth management sector.”