Skandia: advisers in conflict over single platform use

Just under half of advisers (48%) believe they can retain independence and use one main platform, with 40% disagreeing and 12% unsure. In its platforms factsheet, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) states: "We expect it to be very rare, if possible at all, that a firm could use a single platform for all of the investment business of all of its clients and meet the standard for independent advice." However, a number of advisers are insistent using one platform does not endanger independent status. "For IFAs, it's a business risk issue: am I prepared to take the chance that the F...