Data and research provider Defaqto has strengthened its DFM data for financial advisers via a new partnership with financial strength ratings provider AKG. 

Defaqto’s adviser software platforms Engage and Centra now include AKG’s DFM Financial Strength ratings.

Defaqto says the boost will give more data to users and support advisers better in their due diligence assessments.

Defaqto holds information on 235 DFM propositions from 122 DFM firms. It also has details on more than 2,600 individual MPS portfolios and publishes performance figures on about 90% of those.

Defaqto’s adviser software already displays AKG’s Financial Strength ratings for platforms, as well as for protection, pension and bond providers, and Defaqto says that AKG’s ratings are already one of the most widely used filters by advisers. 

John Milliken, Defaqto CEO, said: “We research and analyse product feature benefits in-depth within the DFM market and AKG assesses the financial strength of companies at an operational level. By combining our intelligence, advisers using Engage or Centra can easily and efficiently access extensive information on DFM propositions and be confident they are providing the best solution for clients.” 

Matt Ward, communications director at AKG, said: “Our DFM Financial Strength ratings were launched seven years ago and we are delighted to see them added into Defaqto’s tools for advisers. Consistent with all our ratings across sectors, these are designed to support advisers with their research and due diligence exercises.

“By being housed in Engage, it offers easy access to company-level information that will save advisers time while also improving customer service.”

Currently, the five most recommended Discretionary Fund Manager propositions in Engage are RBC Brewin Dolphin, Brooks Macdonald, Rathbone Investment Management, Quilter Cheviot and Investec Wealth & Investment, all of whom receive a rating from AKG.

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