BT launches new retail share platform

The product is intended to provide investors with "the control and benefits that flow from owning shares and exchange-traded funds, combined with the advantage of holding these assets in a portfolio that is optimised by a team of experts", said BT Go-invest spokesperson, Anthony Potts.

With a minimum investment of $10,000 and fees from 0.5 per cent plus brokerage, BT Go-invest is accessible and affordable for a broad range of investors, Mr Potts said.

The product has been launched after a survey by BT's Australian Financial Health Index found that 45 per cent of those surveyed would like some control – but not full control – of their investments.

The survey also found the proportion of survey participants owning shares had grown from 25 per cent in 2013 to 29 per cent in 2014, BT said in a statement.

"In an environment of low interest rates and increasing property prices, shares are increasingly becoming a popular choice for many investors. At the same time, people are demanding greater control and visibility over their investments, but many people feel they don't have the knowledge or the time to manage a portfolio themselves," Mr Potts said.

"We wanted to make investing simple and easy for our customers. Online access to BT Go-invest is fully optimised for mobile and tablet devices, giving investors uninterrupted access to their portfolio 24/7, with the ability to make changes and track the performance of their investments even if they are on the move."