A Smarter Approach To Staying Invested
Outcome‑Based Investing for Real‑World Behaviour
Market volatility, emotional decision‑making and unclear expectations derail long‑term outcomes far more often than poor asset allocation.
Through Ascend and Future Focus, advisers can now design accumulation portfolios with clear downside limits, defined outcomes and smoother client experiences – helping clients stay invested and keep contributing through all market conditions.
What Are Laddered Buffer ETFs?
Innovator Laddered Buffer ETFs, managed by Innovator (part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management), are defined outcome ETFs that use options-based strategies to seek:
Defined downside protection over each outcome period
Participation in equity growth up to a stated cap
Clear, predefined outcomes established at the start of each outcome period
By combining multiple outcome periods in a laddered structure, these ETFs are designed to:
• Reduce reliance on a single market entry point
• Smooth performance across market cycles
• Reduce timing and reinvestment risks commonly associated with structured notes
The laddered approach means different portions of the portfolio reset at different times, helping smooth outcomes over time rather than relying on a single start date.
Clients do not need to be “right” about when markets recover – they progress through them.
As with all investments, outcomes are not guaranteed and returns depend on market conditions and the timing of investment.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Clearer Conversations. Stronger Suitability. Better Retention.
Defined outcomes make it easier to:
• Explain risk in straightforward language
• Evidence client understanding and suitability
• Set expectations before markets become volatile
In practice, this can lead to:
• Fewer panic-driven calls during drawdowns
• Reduced reactive portfolio changes
• Simpler and more consistent suitability reviews
When clients understand what they own, they are far more likely to stay invested.
Additional resources
By providing access to Innovator Laddered Buffer ETFs, part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, through new Hansard Unit-Linked Funds, advisers can:
• Deliver outcome-oriented investing within Ascend and Future Focus
• Better align investment behaviour with saving behaviour
• Build portfolios around how clients actually invest, not how theory assumes they do
We have developed a comprehensive guide to Laddered Buffer ETFs, alongside a focussed adviser presentation, which can be found via the link below.
Award-winning
Ascend was recognised as Best International Savings Plan at the International Adviser Global Financial Services Awards 2025, providing advisers with independent validation of the proposition.
Future Focus complements this award-winning platform by extending the same philosophy to flexible lump-sum investing, delivered by the same award-winning provider.
