No Major Shift in Adviser Platform Priorities Despite Consumer Duty

28 May 2025

New analysis from Defaqto reveals that the core factors financial advisers prioritise when selecting platforms have remained largely unchanged since 2022 – despite the introduction of the Consumer Duty regulation in 2023.

Analysis of Defaqto Engage, the leading financial planning tool used by over 30% of UK advisers, shows that the top 20 research filters used by advisers in 2025 are almost identical to previous years.

Darren Winfield, Insight Manager at Defaqto, said:

“The features advisers prioritise when evaluating platforms have remained remarkably consistent. This demonstrates that advisers were already focused on client outcomes and value well before Consumer Duty came into force. The regulation has reinforced, rather than changed, adviser behaviour.”

Of the 228 available platform filters, the most frequently selected remain:

AKG Platform Financial Strength
ISA Availability
Online Client Valuations
Personal Pension Plan or SIPP Availability
Online Illustrations
General Investment Account
Product Availability through Advisers
Online Transaction History
Flexi Access Drawdown (FAD)
Platform Access for Advisers
ISA Transfer Capability
Platform Access for Clients
Unit Trusts/OEICs Availability
Online Contribution History Availability
PROD Products Target Client Type
Ongoing Adviser Charging
Initial Adviser Charging Type
Number of Funds Offered
Consolidated Tax Voucher Provision
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Reporting

Only three filters - Flexi Access Drawdown, General Investment Account, and ISA Transfer Capability - have shifted in ranking since 2022, each by no more than two places

The findings also highlight the increasing use of sophisticated research tools, with annual recommendation volumes through Defaqto Engage rising from £49bn in 2024 to a projected £57bn in 2025. This growth signals not only the tool’s growing influence but also the industry’s commitment to enhanced due diligence and client-centric service.

Darren added: “In today’s digital environment, the adviser’s research process increasingly mirrors consumer experiences on platforms such as Amazon, where filters and personalised options are expected and drive decision making. Advisers are using Engage’s capabilities in much the same way, ensuring platform recommendations are aligned to clients’ specific needs and personal preferences.”