Data and culture, underpinned by governance and controls, have become more important than buying for scale for consolidators, according to NextWealth’s Consolidation of Advice Report (CAR) 2026.

Data and software provider Defaqto has revealed its adviser users' top 10, most recommended platform-sourced Managed Portfolio Solutions (MPS) by value for Q1.

Three in 10 business owners do not have a pension independent of their business, according to new research.

AJ Bell has extended its technology partnership with GBST for another decade in a move the two firms say sets out “a clear roadmap for the continued evolution of AJ Bell’s advised and direct to consumer (D2C) platform.”

Under the agreement, GBST’s Composer wealth administration platform will continue to support AJ Bell’s advised and D2C channels.

AJ Bell has seen strong growth in recent years. Last week it revealed the number of advised customers rose 7% year-on-year to 189,000 in the first quarter of the year.

The quarter saw a record growth in customer numbers, increasing by 50,000 in the quarter across both b2c and consumer to close at 723,000. a rise of 22% in the last year. Total d2c customers rose 28% year-on-year to 534,000.

Assets under administration also rose 1% over the quarter, and 20% year-on-year, to £108.7bn as at 31 March.

GBST’s Composer platform underpins key operational capabilities across AJ Bell’s advised and D2C channels.Michael Summersgill, CEO of AJ Bell, said: “GBST has been a key technology partner for many years, supporting the development of both our advised and D2C propositions. This long-term partnership reflects the strength of our relationship and our confidence in GBST’s ability to help us scale and innovate, enabling our business to continue to grow.”

Rob DeDominicis, CEO of GBST, said: “Investment platforms play a central role in the UK wealth market and the technology that underpins them must adapt as adviser and investor expectations change.

“Our continued investment in the Composer platform, cloud-based delivery, and emerging AI‑enabled capabilities allows firms like AJ Bell to benefit from modern, scalable technology that enables long-term growth, operational resilience, and improved decision-making while maintaining the reliability advisers and investors expect.”

AJ Bell will announce its full interim results for the six months ended 31 March on 31 May.

Titan Asset Management has claimed a Court of Appeal victory after judges ruled that a counterclaim submitted by Tavistock in the two firms’ long-running legal battle should not have been allowed.

Financial Planning and wealth management group Shackleton has signed a deal to acquire the Hurst Point Group and jointly create a Financial Planning and investment company with £17.5bn in assets under advice and management.

One of the main talking points this week has been the FCA’s Adviser Survey which seems to point to both positive and negative factors, as far as the professional advice sector is concerned.

The Financial Conduct Authority is leading a global campaign of action to tackle illegal finfluencers who are scamming and conning consumers. 

Wealth manager and platform provider Quilter says that the FCA’s Adviser Survey, released yesterday, shows signs that the advice profession is “starting to renew itself.”

The normal minimum pension age rules from HMRC have created a potential confusing gap for those born between 6 April 1971 and 5 April 1973.