Skandia: Advisers must consider platform exit strategies

It says acquisitions, consolidation, closures and stock market listings are all likely to affect smaller platform operators over the next few years, and recommends advisers consider the impact this may have on customers. Skandia says although the market is dominated by the top four operators, there are now more than 15 smaller outfits in existence and it is unlikely all of these will survive as independent entities. Life companies lacking a foothold in the platform market could acquire a platform in order to gain immediate market traction, while smaller operators may look to merge wit...