News - Press Release

May 2009

Dunstan Thomas launches Wrap Platforms business guide

Dunstan Thomas published this week a 24-page A-5 sized business guide entitled ‘Wrap platforms – Transforming the way advisers do business’, following extensive research of the wrap platform market, the adviser community and product providers.

The guide is targeted at existing or aspiring New Model Advisers and the wrap platform community. It offers practical tips for building a successful wrap platform and reports on some of the key benefits that early wrap adopters are realising.

There is also some evidence that large product providers have struggled to respond effectively to the wrap phenomenon – some seem content with taking a financial stake in existing platforms, some have built their own platforms, while others are ensuring that as many of their products are available on as many platforms as possible. There is also clarity on what a deep and shallow wrap offering is and what functionality advisers should be demanding when they are looking to select a platform.

Chris Read, chairman, Dunstan Thomas explained:
“The weight of evidence in this guide shows that wrap platforms, particularly deep wraps, are acting as catalysts for change, enabling New Model Advisers to accelerate their transformation away from commission-dependency and into holistic financial planning and wealth management advice. The move to transparent unbundled charging, greater diversification across asset classes and tax wrappers as well as more dynamic reporting and rebalancing of portfolios are some of the key benefits for advisers. The upside for product providers seems less clear however.”

To download the guide or sign up to receive a hard copy - click here