Defaqto launches In Focus: Adviser Platforms report as assets under administration reach five-year high

03 June 2026

The UK adviser platform market has reached a new stage of maturity, with assets under administration now at their highest level in five years and 32 platforms from 27 providers operating in the market.

Against a backdrop of Consumer Duty, consolidation, digital servicing and rising due diligence expectations, Defaqto has launched its first In Focus: Adviser Platforms report, examining how advisers are assessing platforms and what could shape selection in the years ahead.

Drawing on data from Defaqto Engage, the leading financial planning tool used by more than 30% of UK advisers, market analysis, adviser research and service assessments, the report examines the growth of adviser platforms over the past two decades, the impact of regulation and technological change, and the increasing importance of due diligence, functionality and client outcomes in platform selection.

The report shows adviser platform assets under administration are now at their highest level in five years, despite a dip in 2023 - 2024, due to renewed confidence in investment markets and the solutions they offer. It also highlights how the market has seemingly begun to stabilise following years of expansion and consolidation, with 32 platforms from 27 providers currently operating in the UK adviser market.

Analysis of recommendations made through Defaqto Engage during 2025 found Quilter and Aviva accounted for 46% of adviser platform inflows, while financial strength, online functionality and target market suitability were among the most frequently used adviser selection criteria.

The report also explores how developments including Consumer Duty, AI-enabled functionality, Targeted Support and Simplified Advice could shape the future direction of the adviser platform market.

Andrew Duthie, Insight Manager Wealth & Protection at Defaqto, said:

"Adviser platforms have evolved significantly over the past two decades and are now central to the way advice firms operate and deliver client outcomes.

"As the market continues to develop, advisers are balancing increasing expectations around due diligence, service, functionality and Consumer Duty with the opportunities created by technology, automation and digital servicing.

"This report brings together the key trends, developments and considerations shaping the adviser platform market today and provides advisers with a valuable overview of an increasingly important and fast-evolving sector."

The report includes market analysis, Service Ratings, Star Rating criteria, financial strength assessments and detailed platform profiles covering functionality, charging, cash treatment, re-registration, CGT tools and key due diligence data.

Defaqto In Focus: Adviser Platforms is available to download now.