FCA focuses on 'potential to distort competition' in £500bn platform market

Wide-ranging Investment Platforms Market Study

Julian Marr
clock • 3 min read

"The potential to distort competition" in the platform market is a key focus of the Investment Platforms Market Study, wide-ranging terms of reference for which the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published today.

The regulator said it would also explore which factors advisers prioritise when choosing, reviewing and deciding whether to switch platform, and whether platforms consider the end-investor when competing to win business from advisers In its Investment Platforms Market Study Terms of Reference (MS17/1.1), the FCA said the platform market, which has grown from £108bn in 2008 to £500bn in 2016, was becoming "increasingly vertically integrated", with commercial relationships existing between platforms, asset managers, discretionary investment managers and financial advisers. It added: "Th...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Appointed representatives: Are you really in control of the risks?

Appointed representatives: Are you really in control of the risks?

'The FCA doesn't just want oversight, it wants evidence'

Paul Bruns
clock 06 October 2026 • 7 min read
Manchester City charges: Treasury Committee chair raises tax questions with HMRC

Manchester City charges: Treasury Committee chair raises tax questions with HMRC

As Tax Policy Associates points to potential £12m in unpaid tax

Jen Frost
clock 02 October 2026 • 2 min read
'Waiting for certainty can itself create the breach': When must a firm notify the FCA?

'Waiting for certainty can itself create the breach': When must a firm notify the FCA?

'A voicemail is unlikely to suffice'

Gareth Fatchett
clock 02 October 2026 • 5 min read