Online wrap Nucleus has hired Stuart Geard, one of the group's non-executive directors and currently finance director at Sanlam UK, as its managing director.
More than a quarter of advisers cite cost as the most important consideration for platform implementation, according to research.
AXA Elevate topped the Platforum's leaderboard for Q2 2012, with assets under administration (AUA) up 7% from £4bn to £4.3bn.
Wrap platform Nucleus has updated its discretionary fund management (DFM) proposition, offering its adviser users more options when managing client investments.
Axa Wealth has appointed Nucleus' Andrew Smith as chief operating officer (COO) of its platform proposition, Elevate.
Nucleus has improved its technology in order to provide faster and easier administration, following consultation with users.
A significant proportion of advisers are to adopt a "second platform" strategy following the Financial Services Authority's (FSA's) finalised guidance on independent and restricted advice, according to the Platforum's adviser platform guide.