Fundment has topped Defaqto’s 2026 platform service ratings, outperforming more established providers on adviser service.
Defaqto said the findings point to a growing divide in the platform market, with adviser usage still concentrated among established brands but service leadership shifting towards smaller and specialist providers.
While Aviva and AJ Bell Investcentre remain among the most nominated platforms based on adviser usage, firms such as Fundment, Parmenion and Wealthtime are challenging them in terms of service outcomes.
Fundment ranked first overall for service, followed by Quilter and Parmenion, with Transact and Wealthtime completing the top five.
Andrew Duthie, production manager 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 top five most nominated providers over the past 12 months were Quilter, Aviva, AJ Bell Investcentre, Transact and Fidelity Adviser Solutions.
Across the market, Defaqto said 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.
Duthie added: “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.”
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