Instinet Europe has launched an independent research consultancy (IRC) division in response to recent evidence of conflicts of interest in traditional research.
The IRC will offer insitutional investors and hedge funds an initial consultation with the aim of delivering a tailored list of independent research providers both suited to the client's requirements and complementary to the research they might already receive.
Instinet is touting its new BrokerShare commission-sharing arrangement as a payment option, enabling clients to trade with Instinet and direct commissions to independent research providers.
Julien Hammerson, head of equities, Instinet Europe says: "There is a clear demand for independent research as an alternative or complement to the sell-side brokerage research they currently receive. As European regulators increase their scrutiny of conflicts of interest, our clients are anticipating potential regulatory changes by investigating independent research and we are seeing a growth in this area right across Europe."