PA Awards 2026: This year's winners revealed

Individual category winners

Administrator of the Year

Winner

Joanne Barber, GSI Wealth Management

The judges were impressed by Joanne's commitment to "quietly living out the firm's values".

They felt that Joanne is someone who has contributed to an "inclusive team culture" and gives back. They were impressed with her achievements across working on three integrations.

"It is clear what Joanne has delivered," one judge said.

Highly Commended

Annie Aston, Strategic Solutions Financial Services

Champion of Advice

Winner

Abigail Banks, The Private Office

Abigail was described by one judge as "a genuine industry leader combining technical skill, advocacy, and purpose-driven leadership".

In addition to delivering "tangible outcomes for clients", Abigail was praised for her advocacy on diversity and inclusion across the profession, as well as for her "best practice" leadership.

Abigail's influence "is recognised through media features in The Sunday Times and Telegraph, reinforcing her as a credible, forward-thinking voice in financial advice", one judge said.

Highly Commended

Hayley Rabbets, for work at The Verve Foundation

Newcomer Adviser of the Year

Winner

Henry Anderson, Parallel Wealth Management

The judges were impressed by Henry's academic successes, including achieving Level 7 Certified Financial Planner in two years, and "clear commitment to personal development".

"It's clear to see that Henry has made some great personal sacrifices to achieve a future that he enjoys today," one judge said. "This is no mean feat as going against the societal grain is something that many don't have the courage to do."

Judges agreed it is "clear" that Henry gained many transferable skills from his military service that he is now applying to his financial planning career, "to the benefit of many, colleagues and clients alike".

Paraplanner of the Year

Winner

Rachael Martin, Strategic Solutions Financial Services

"This is the standout submission for me," one judge said of Rachael's entry.

Rachael was praised for having qualified quickly and having built expertise in "many fields", as well as on team building.

She "shares her time and is involved in giving back not just in financial services but also in the wider community, having also actively worked to bring more people into the profession," one judge said.

Highly Commended

Alison Neale, Principle Paraplanning

Young Achiever

Winner

Curtis Anderson, MHW

"Many sportspeople would benefit from independent financial advice and it's great to see Curtis making such positive strides to help them solve a problem they might not yet know that they have," one judge said of Curtis.

Judges were impressed by his pro bono financial educational workshops for professional sports clubs, as well as his rapid progression to head of sports financial planning.

"He has excelled at this and built such a highly regarded reputation that he has been invited into St George's Park to speak to the England squads about managing sudden wealth," one judge noted.

Highly Commended

Lawrence Bearman, Westminster Wealth Management

Bronwyn Pettitt, AAG Wealth Management

Outstanding Contribution to the Advice Industry

Winner

Keith Richards, Consumer Duty Alliance

Consumer Duty Alliance CEO Keith Richards was named a "standout winner" by the judges.

Keith's leadership and pro bono contributions have "transformed the culture of financial advice", one judge said. "His ability to unite regulators, firms, and consumers around higher standards defines true industry service."

Keith was praised as a "national policy shaper", whose impact has been most recently felt through his work as the CEO of the Consumer Duty Alliance but also over a decades long career in financial services, both at major businesses and in professional body roles.

 

Provider category winners

Best Bespoke MPS Provider

Winner

AJ Bell Investments

AJ Bell was praised for its "excellent proposition" with a client focus, including "very good and practical support material for advisers and end clients".

"The tailored communication plan is a great example of the added benefit of this partnership," one judge said.

Best Client Engagement (Provider)

Winner

Fidelity Adviser Solutions

The judges were impressed by the "quality and breadth" of the support and engagement on offer by Fidelity.

One judge commented that Fidelity's "range of technical content, research, and event programmes demonstrates a high understanding of adviser needs and a strong commitment to supporting professional development".

Best D&I Initiative

Winner

SM Advice

Judges were impressed by SM Advice's "engaging" entry and its "novel approach" to improving accessibility in financial services through dual language and British Sign Language social media content.

"What a great example of bridging the advice and financial education gap and from a relatively small firm with a clear passion," one judge commented.

Highly Commended

SENDA

Best Discretionary Fund Manager

Winner

RBC Brewin Dolphin

Judges described RBC Brewin Dolphin's entry as a "standout submission".

"A broad range of DFM offerings support different client needs, with good performance, good use of innovation, and good service to clients that appears to be embedded in the culture," one judge said.

Highly commended

Portfoliometrix

Best ESG Solution for Advisers

Winner

Royal London Asset Management

Royal London's entry was "very good all round from a sector leader", one judge commented.

"This was a really strong submission, with the proposition supported by a strong team, a wide offering of options for investors, and taking into account elements like SDR and evolving markets," another judge said.

Highly commended

Parmenion

Best MPS Provider

Winner

Tatton Investment Management

Tatton was described a "phenomenal entity" in the space that is held in "the highest regard".

Tatton is "extremely slick and very well-rounded, everything is thought through well throughout the process", one judge said.

Highly commended

Portfoliometrix

Quilter

Best Platform for Advisers

Winner

Aviva Platform

Aviva Platform was praised for its many enhancements and for being "at the top of the table in terms of flows and feedback".

This was a "gold-standard submission including on exceptional data, client outcomes, and transparency," one judge said.

Highly commended

Quilter

Best Research and Ratings Provider

Winner

Defaqto

Defaqto was praised for its "strong proposition and recent enhancements".

One judge commented that Defaqto is "clearly a market leader" with an impressive leadership team.

Another felt that Defaqto's submission demonstrated "clear alignment with adviser needs".

Best Retirement Initiative

Winner

Aegon UK for Mylo

This was a "strong and forward-thinking submission that clearly demonstrates Aegon's innovative approach to improving retirement outcomes through Mylo," one judge commented.

Another felt that its initiative "clearly addresses the advice gap", adding that they "liked the way that it had considered more than one way for people to access it".

Judges were impressed that this "standout submission" was "on track to reach a significant milestone of workplace members".

Best Specialist Support Service

Winner

Melo Advisory Services

One judge noted that the "hands on nature of support offered by Melo is clear to see".

Another judge highlighted that they were impressed by: "A combination of the rapid rise and promotion of the brand, the ubiquity of the brand through lots of different places in the marketplace, and the stats that Melo can show as a consequence."

Highly Commended

In Accord

In Accord was recognised as a firm with a "continuous subscriber base and a lot of daily engagement". Judges were impressed by its push to add a multimedia support service.

One judge praised its focus on Consumer Duty, specifically through its ‘Ask an expert' videos.

In Accord's work with the LIBF was seen as "going the extra mile" on training and development.

Best Specialist Technology Provider

Winner

Aveni

Aveni impressed on its sector leadership in "responsible AI innovation" and for its continuation of this over the past year.

"Aveni's blend of deep technical expertise, measurable performance, and ethical governance sets a new benchmark for financial services technology," one judge said.

Highly commended

PlannerPal

Best Support Service for Advisers

Winner

Threesixty Services

Judges praised Threesixty's "strong, comprehensive offering" and the resource and reputation behind the business.

"An excellent entry from an excellent firm," one judge commented. "They would take some beating."

Best Technology Provider

Winner

Iress

Iress has "come back into flavour and achieved a turnaround", one judge commented.

Another praised its top team's "tremendous job" in winning advisers over.

Judges praised Iress' submission's focus on data quality and control, as well as its "strong case studies".

 

Adviser category and firm of the year winners
Best Advice Network

Winner

Benchmark
Judges were impressed by Benchmark's comprehensive submission, which one judge said showcased an "innovative network with strong technological infrastructure, regulatory excellence, and deep commitment to adviser development".

The network demonstrated that it understood and had sought to tackle "real adviser challenges", one judge said.

Best Adviser Firm for Client Care

Winner

The Private Office

TPO's implementation of "tell us once" principles resonated with the judges, as well as its focus on expertise and vulnerability training not just for advisers but for all staff to ensure "consistency" across the organisation.

Its use of technology for segmentation and tailoring was praised, as was its clear evidence of innovation on client care over the past year.

Highly Commended

St James's Place

Best Adviser Firm for ESG

Winner

Castlefield

Castlefield was highly praised by the judging panel for exemplifying "authentic, measurable ESG integration across advice, culture, and governance."

Best Adviser Website

Winner

Hoxton Wealth

Hoxton Wealth's website was praised for "easy and intuitive" navigation and for being "full to the brim" with a wide range of easy to access content and information.

It offered a "powerful use of digital and tech for those who want to engage that way," one judge said.

One judge highlighted that it was "tailored for clients and clearly global and professional."

Highly Commended

Financial Life Planning

Best Client Engagement (Adviser)

Winner

Berry & Oak

Berry & Oak bowled the judges over with its "unique approach".

"That is some level of client engagement," one judge said.

Judges were impressed that Berry & Oak offered "so many extras" through its personalised approach, including its family trees initiative and 50-day check ins.

Berry & Oak is "meeting the client where that client is" rather than talking at clients, one judges said.

This is a firm that "continues to evolve and grow" its client engagement efforts, judges agreed.

Highly Commended

MKC Wealth

Adviser Firm of the Year – Large (50 or more advisers)

Winner

Continuum

Continuum was celebrated by the judges for having strong "cultural leadership from board level".

Its consistently high NPS scores were a source of praise, as were its strong Google reviews.

Judges were impressed by its long-running focus on embedding standards within the business, as well as its leadership team's work on championing financial advice and on its education programme.

Highly Commended

The Private Office

Adviser firm of the year – East of England

Winner

Matthew Douglas

Judges were impressed by Matthew Douglas' cultural values and its ‘Thrive by 35' initiative, which offers free advice to under 35s who have yet to buy their first home.

The firm's "strong values, cultural cohesion, and genuine long-term commitment to clients and staff" were particularly impressive, judges agreed.

Highly commended

Kingsfleet

Smith and Wardle

Adviser Firm of the Year – London

Winner

Emery Little

Judges praised Emery Little's focus on team development and role initiatives, as well as its "real commitment to diversity and inclusion".

The firm had strong supporting evidence on client retention and reaction, with one judge commenting that Emery Little is "very client focused and looking to do the best for the clients they work with".

This is a business that has "given back to the profession", one judge noted.

Adviser Firm of the Year – Midlands

Winner

Henwood Court Financial Planning

Judges praised Henwood Court's "very high" NPS score.

This is a business that has "set very high standards" with a focus on the role of the adviser being about more than just wealth, one judge said.

"Henwood is clearly a customer focused business determined to deliver a great experience," another judge said.

Highly commended

Britannic Place Financial Management

Adviser Firm of the Year – North East

Winner

Berry & Oak

Berry & Oak was praised for its "focus on clients, on qualifications and going above and beyond with its graduate programme".

"They couldn't have packed any more into their submission," one judge said.

Adviser firm of the year – North West

Winner

Becketts

Becketts was praised as an "excellent company which has a professional ethos and is focused on putting clients first."

Judges highlighted its "good" accreditations, "highly qualified advisers", "robust process" and its support of the industry.

They were further impressed by its growth to 18 people and its strong Google reviews.

Highly commended

Hartey Wealth Management

Adviser Firm of the Year – Scotland & Northern Ireland
Winner

Winner

Mearns & Company

Mearns & Company "demonstrates outstanding alignment between culture, process, and client outcomes, underpinned by Platinum Investors in People status and exceptional client satisfaction metrics", one judge said. "Their clear governance, people development, and commitment to continuous improvement are impressive."

Judges further praised Mearns & Co's "exceptional" client NPS score and were impressed by the firm's work on talent development, inclusive leadership and external engagement.

Adviser firm of the year – South East

Winner

Citrus Financial Management

Judges praised Citrus Financial Management's work in encouraging client recognition of wider team members rather than just advisers. Judges were also impressed by a significant increase in client referrals and its "genuine regional presence".

"This sounds like a cool place to work," one judge commented on culture.

The judges further applauded MD David Braithwaite's work as BBC Radio Kent Money Mentor, with one judge commenting that it sounds like he is "helping many listeners".

Highly commended

Futureproof Insurance

Adviser Firm of the Year – South West

Winner

Hartsfield Financial Services

Hartsfield was praised for its "strong operational structure", focus on personal development and efforts to invest in younger talent.

The firm's "openness about turning away unsuitable clients, proactive communication, and VouchedFor rating show authenticity and trust," one judge noted. "Their blend of empathy and transparency feels modern and genuine, with clear evidence that clients feel valued and understood, not just advised."

Highly Commended

The Aspire Partnership

Adviser Firm of the Year – Wales

Winner

HCI Chartered Financial Planners

HCI was praised as a "client focused business that also focuses on the qualification levels of its advisers and other employees".

One judge commented that it showed "some really good use of technology and great work in the local community".

Adviser Firm of the Year – Overall winner

Winner

Matthew Douglas

Overall winner Matthew Douglas came out top in the incredibly competitive Adviser Firm of the Year - East category, impressing the judges with its cultural cohesion, further evidenced by its obtaining of Best Financial Advisers to Work For status and strong staff retention.

Judges noted Matthew Douglas' clear commitment to nurturing the next generation of advisers and clients.

Its Thrive By 35 initiative, through which it offers free advice to under 35s yet to buy a home, was viewed as laudable and has led to tangible business benefits.

Matthew Douglas further impressed on client engagement and willingness to learn from feedback, driving an exceptional annual client retention rate.

Multi-asset winners

Best Cautious Fund

Orbis Global Cautious Standard

Best Balanced Fund

Orbis Global Balanced Standard

Best Adventurous Fund

CT Universal MAP Adventurous

Best High Income Fund

Artemis Monthly Distribution

Best Rising Income Fund

Premier Miton Cautious Monthly Income

Best Sustainable Fund

Royal London Sustainable World Trust

Best Risk Managed Range

Schroder Blended Portfolios

 

Best Financial Advisers to Work For

Balance: Wealth Planning; Becketts; Bespoke-Advice Limited; Boolers; BRI Wealth Management; Castlefield; Castlegate Financial Management; Connor Broadley; Crowe Financial Planning UK; David James Wealth; Depledge Strategic Wealth Management Limited; Financial Management Bureau; Hartsfield Financial Services; Hoxton Wealth; Humboldt Financial; Informed Financial Planning; J Edward Sellars & Partners; Landmark IFA; Matthew Douglas; MKC Wealth; Pareto Financial Planning; Phil Anderson Financial Services; Radcliffe & Co; Saltus Partners; SG Wealth Management; The Aspire Partnership; Thomson Tyndall; Verve; Wise Investment

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