abrdn’s adviser solutions achieve an ‘A’ rating from AKG

abrdn Wrap and Elevate have earned an A rating from AKG again, officially recognising their ‘superior financial strength’.

As in previous years, abrdn is the only platform service provider to meet the high standards required to merit AKG’s A rating for its adviser solutions, as at 8 November 2021.

AKG, an independent organisation offering assessments, information and support to the financial services industry, provides ratings and reports to help advisers meet their due diligence requirements. Its main focus is on assessing financial strength.

AKG’s ratings aim to be accessible and allow direct comparisons between providers and these ratings are also widely used by third-party consultancies and selection systems, such as Defaqto and the lang cat.

Of course, as part of adviser firms’ annual due diligence checks, firms need to be confident their selected provider has the financial resilience and resources to weather all storms, so clients can be sure of consistent, reliable service.

Moreover, the FCA specifically request detailed evidence of robust platform selection that includes annual appraisal of financial strength.

The factors AKG considers in its ratings

AKG assesses the sustainability of a company’s operations and its ability to meet the evolving needs of advisers and their clients. It uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative criteria to appraise a provider’s financial strength, including:

• strategic direction and drivers
• profitability, revenue growth and liquidity position
• operational, IT and administrative capability
• risk and governance processes.

 

The factors that secured the A rating for Wrap and Elevate

• Scale
  Our size gives us a big advantage when it comes to economies of scale, from both an operational and governance standpoint.
  
  
• Access to capital
  At abrdn, we’ve made a clear commitment to invest in our adviser solutions, and have the financial resource to do so.
  
  
• Maturity
  We’ve a long-standing record of delivering service and support to advisers and their clients.
  
  
• Strategic logic
  Our adviser solutions are at the centre of our long-term strategic growth plans.
  
  
• Resilience
  We’ve shown ourselves to be a resilient company, able to adapt to changing market conditions and unforeseen challenges.

 

If you’d like to see AKG’s independent reports, please view our due diligence pages for Wrap and Elevate or speak to your usual abrdn contact.