Chris Read looks at the rapidly expanding platform market and asks how it need to evolve to more fully service the retirement market.
Retail banks are the most likely driver of consolidation in the platform market, according to a leading back-office provider.
Zurich is still undecided about the launch date of its long-awaited adviser platform.
More than a quarter of advisers cite cost as the most important consideration for platform implementation, according to research.
Cofunds is to provide its adviser users with access to a range of discretionary fund managers (DFMs) via the wrap for the first time.
Profits at Royal London fell by 25% in the first half of the year as a slow market hit new sales and low interest rates affected revenues from customers' policies.
AXA Elevate topped the Platforum's leaderboard for Q2 2012, with assets under administration (AUA) up 7% from £4bn to £4.3bn.
Insurer Zurich has reported a 7% increase in profits or the first half of the year.