Being local
One size does not fit all, and the adviser should have a solution that can be tailored around their evolving business model and does not dictate to it.
Advisers want a solution that reinforces the brand, puts them at the centre of their client relationship and supports their preferred fee structures, model portfolios and their way of managing their business and their clients. The emphasis is very much on their clients.
Platforms should seek to offer local wrappers and services – pension, trust, DFM and in particular life bonds – with the ability to link these multiple portfolios into a holistic client view.
The brands and distribution reach of the life bond providers mean they will remain key to advisers but, when combined with a platform inside the bond wrapper, will deliver an optimum solution for many advisers.
The platform challenge
Platforms exist to enable advisers to increase revenue, efficiency and business value.
The challenge for the platform is to deliver a reputable global architecture, yet provide a local service – and they need to make money to ensure they can continually invest.
It should be a win-win scenario.
