Platforms

Launched in a blaze of publicity last February, Old Mutual Wealth (OMW) set out its WealthSelect proposition as a rival to traditional discretionary fund management services.

Aviva head of platform Tim Orton says a D2C self-service proposition is "still on the cards" for the firm but ongoing regulatory guidance is delaying advisers' potential use of the offering.

Capacity crunch for platforms?

The Financial Conduct Authority has ruled out conducting a study into competition in the platform market - despite industry concerns - but is planning closer scrutiny of fund groups.

Assets under administration at Standard Life's wrap platform rose by 26% last year to move above £20bn for the first time, the firm has said.

Hargreaves Lansdown is planning a push into the asset management arena which could see it hire external fund teams and market its services to advisory businesses in future.

Tinder, Match, or speed dating: The DFM/platform relationship

After several years of strong growth, Hargreaves Lansdown has reported a drop in pre-tax profits for the last six months of 2014 as the impact of clean pricing offset a further rise in assets.

Novia Global is to launch an offshore version of its platform to allow expats greater access to DFMs and offshore funds.

Standard Life Wrap has partnered with eight discretionary firms in a bid to enhance the service it offers advisers facing up to pension freedom challenges.