Fundment tops Defaqto 2026 Platform Service Ratings as challengers outperform on delivery

24 March 2026

Fundment has topped a new survey of advisers that informs Defaqto’s 2026 Platform Service Ratings, outperforming more established providers on adviser service despite not being among the most widely used platforms.

The findings highlight a growing divergence in the platform market, with adviser usage still concentrated among established brands, but service leadership shifting towards smaller and specialist providers.

Aviva, and AJ Bell Investcentre remain among the most nominated platforms based on adviser usage, but the latest research shows that firms such as Fundment, Parmenion, and Wealthtime are challenging them when it comes to delivering the best service outcomes across key disciplines.

Fundment ranked first overall for service, followed by Quilter and Parmenion, with Transact and Wealthtime completing the top five.

The results suggest that while scale and brand recognition continue to influence adviser platform choice, consistent service delivery is emerging as a key differentiator, particularly for providers outside the traditional market leaders.

The top 10 platforms for service in the past 12 months were:

1. Fundment
2. Quilter
3. Parmenion
4. Transact
5. Wealthtime
6. Morningstar Wealth Platform
7. Fidelity Adviser Solutions
8. 7IM
9. AJ Bell Investcentre
10. True Potential Investments

Andrew Duthie, production manager for star and service ratings at Defaqto, said:

“Fundment has had an incredible year, coming from nowhere to be considered top of all but one of the service disciplines we have surveyed on. Parmenion and Wealthtime also come in the top five despite not appearing in the most nominated providers. Both showing they clearly have a devoted adviser following.

“It is interesting that advisers continue to nominate the well-known names in the survey – ranking many of them in the top 10 recommendations over the last 12 months. Quilter and Transact are well nominated and highly performing in service, justifying the faith advisers put in them.”

The most nominated providers over the past 12 months were:

1. Quilter
2. Aviva
3. AJ Bell Investcentre
4. Transact
5. Fidelity Adviser Solutions
6. Aberdeen
7. Scottish Widows Platform
8. Aegon Platform
9. Aegon Retirement Choices (ARC)
10. True Potential Investments

Encouragingly, most platforms are performing in line with, or slightly above, adviser expectations across key service areas.

New business administration remains the most important discipline for advisers and is also the area where platforms perform most strongly.

Andrew Duthie said:

“This year’s survey should act as a reminder to the traditional platforms not to let their service standards drop, particularly after new business has been placed, as others who are aware of the ongoing need for quality service will always be there waiting to take their place – and as word spreads could look to make inroads into their numbers.

“Advisers should also be thinking about the importance of the service they receive, and how it impacts their clients, alongside their other typical considerations when carrying out platform due diligence and research.”

Providers awarded a Defaqto Gold Service Rating for 2026 include:

7IM, Aberdeen, Aegon Platform, Aegon Retirement Choices (ARC), AJ Bell Investcentre, Aviva, Fidelity Adviser Solutions, Fundment, Morningstar Wealth Platform, P1 Investment Management, Parmenion, Quilter, Scottish Widows Platform, Transact, True Potential Investments, and Wealthtime.

The Defaqto Service Ratings are based on adviser feedback collected via independent research conducted by Savanta, supplemented by Defaqto Engage users and provider-distributed surveys.

A total of 384 advisers participated in the research, rating providers across key service disciplines including transition and implementation, new business administration, existing business administration, online facilities, reporting, administration staff and technical assistance.

Scores are weighted by the importance advisers place on each discipline to produce an overall service rating.