In a frankly horrible volatile week, we confirm that at least good old platforms keep on plodding upwards as we announce £164bn in adviser platforms as at Q211, growth of 5.34% for the quarter. Quite telling is that – this time a year ago, we reported that 10 platforms had more than £1bn AUA. This quarter’s Form Guide to be published next week identifies 12 platforms with more than £2bn. Go girl! (For platforms are female, you know. Practical, multi-taskers who are happy to sit in the background, doing all the hard work but not hogging the limelight x).

New platform launches and continued growth amongst smaller players has seen the top 3 platforms’ market share reduced consistently each quarter. As at 31 December 2009, the top three platforms held 78% of platform AUA, in Q4 10 this was 72%. In Q1 11 this fell to 69% and continues to fall this quarter to 67%. With continued new entrants this trend will likely continue.

Most advisers still use 3 platforms in total although for new business, 53% are using a single platform. We suspect this will change in light of the recent FSA Policy Statement ...... but 70% of advisers tell us they are unlikely to change platform. Hmm. Invesco remains the fund manager of choice in terms of future intentions although the trend to use DFM, model portfolios or multi-manager marches on. Future bond use is on the wane and opinion on SIPP adoption over personal pensions remains divided.

Right, that’s enough free stuff ;0) If you’re interested in our research please contact us –our subscribers tell us it’s useful, a ‘must-have’ and good value. IFAs – there’s an adviser-focussed version too aimed at helping with due dil. And that’s even better value!

Have a good weekend all – especially the other two people out there in the office as well this week, woe is me etc repeat to fade...

Holly