Platform choice is under more scrutiny than ever
Adviser platforms are central to how firms manage client assets, evidence suitability and deliver ongoing service. But the market is changing quickly.
Consolidation, Consumer Duty, cash treatment, CGT tools, service expectations and technology all influence how advisers assess platform suitability.
Defaqto In Focus: Adviser Platforms brings these trends together in one practical report, helping firms understand what is changing, why it matters and where to focus their research.
What you’ll learn in Section A: Overview
Section A: Overview gives you the market overview, data and context behind adviser platform selection.
Inside, you’ll find insight to help you:
- See how the platform market has evolved, including consolidation and AUA trends
- Understand which platforms advisers are using, based on Defaqto Engage data
- Identify the due diligence factors shaping platform reviews
- Assess key issues around transfers, re-registration, cash treatment and CGT tools
- Understand how Star Ratings, Service Ratings and AKG financial strength support platform research
Need the platform-level detail?
Section B: Platform Profiles gives you a deeper view of individual adviser platforms, with detailed data to support research, comparison and ongoing reviews.
Use it to:
- Compare functionality, charges and investment access across platforms
- Review cash treatment, re-registration and CGT tool availability
- See ratings and service information alongside key platform data
- Support client segmentation, platform panels and due diligence reviews
Section B is also free and available on request.
Download Section A: Overview free
Get a practical view of the UK adviser platform market, with data and insight to support platform research and due diligence.
- Platform usage trends from Defaqto Engage
- Due diligence and Consumer Duty considerations
- Transfer, re-registration, cash and CGT insight
- Star Rating criteria, Service Ratings and AKG financial strength insight
…and more.
Want the Platform Profiles too?
Section B is free on request and gives you platform-level data across functionality, charges, ratings, cash treatment and key due diligence information.
Get Section B: Platform Profiles
For advisers, ask for your free copy from our team at sales@defaqto.com
For firms, ask for your free copy from our team at firms@defaqto.com
How to use this report
Advisers
Make platform research easier to evidence.
Use the report to:
- Understand the trends shaping the platform market before your next review
- See how adviser platform usage is changing across Defaqto Engage
- Identify the factors to consider when assessing platform suitability
- Support due diligence with independent data, ratings and service insight
Investment distribution teams
Understand how platform trends affect access to advisers and their clients.
Use the report to:
- See which platforms are gaining traction with advisers — and what may be driving it
- Understand the functionality, service and due diligence factors influencing platform selection
- Identify how platform infrastructure could affect distribution and client access
- Spot where adviser behaviour may shape future demand for investment solutions
Platforms
See the market through adviser eyes.
Use the report to:
- Understand what advisers are prioritising when reviewing platform suitability
- See how service, functionality, financial strength and due diligence data influence platform choice
- Compare your proposition against the wider market
- Identify areas where your platform story may need to be clearer, stronger or better evidenced
The data behind In Focus: Adviser Platforms
See how advisers can use Defaqto Engage to compare platforms, evidence research and make more confident recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
It's an independent review of the UK adviser platform market — covering market trends, platform usage data, due diligence considerations and the factors shaping platform selection. It draws on Defaqto Engage data, adviser research and service assessments.
Section A is a free market overview. It covers platform usage trends, Consumer Duty considerations, transfer and CGT insight, and a look at Star Ratings, Service Ratings and financial strength data.
Section B — Platform Profiles — is also free, just available on request. It covers 32 platforms from 27 providers in detail: functionality, charging, cash treatment, re-registration, CGT tools and key due diligence data. Advisers can request a copy at sales@defaqto.com.
Yes — Section A is free to download straight from this page. Section B is free too, just ask us for a copy.
Mainly financial advisers supporting platform research and due diligence. It's also useful for platform providers and investment distribution teams — DFMs, fund managers and wealth managers.
We assess platforms across functionality, service, financial strength and value. Ratings include Star Ratings, Service Ratings and financial strength assessments — all based on independent research.
What can we do for you?
Call us today on 01844 295 546 or email sales@defaqto.com and let's start a conversation.
