The need for adviser firms to successfully manage regulatory risk will be at the heart of the Group’s strategy, with comprehensive guidance for advisers regarding the use of platforms. Client value sits at the core of the proposition, with very competitive portfolio charges and no platform entry charge.

Sesame Bankhall Group selected AXA Elevate following a robust due diligence process, which included expert independent input. The two firms will work closely together to develop a range of valuable services that enable advisers to maximise the benefits of platforms in terms of their future business model, client service and revenue.

AXA Elevate has also guaranteed that it will actively push for platform-to-platform re-registration to be implemented across the industry at the earliest opportunity, and well ahead of the RDR imposed deadline.

Ivan Martin, Sesame Bankhall Group’s Executive Chairman, says:

We firmly believe that the successful adoption of platforms can help IFAs to take advantage of the new RDR world and build greater embedded value in their firms. The challenge for firms is to ensure they use platforms appropriately, as regulation of this sector becomes ever more intense and demanding. With our regulatory expertise we are ideally placed to add real value to this process for advisers, whether they are reviewing their current platform or adopting this approach for the first time.

Business transition will be key to our platform strategy and we will be providing comprehensive support in areas such as fee charging and client segmentation. AXA Elevate is an ideal partner to work with given their strength, expertise and established track record as both a platform provider and also in business consultancy support. There is a lot of hard work ahead on business transition and platform adoption and we are looking forward to working closely together to help adviser firms.

David Thompson, Managing Director, AXA Wealth UK Distributors, comments:

The partnership with Sesame Bankhall Group reflects our strategy to run an innovative and entrepreneurial business that is focused on delivering the products and solutions that distributors and consumers in the wealth management market need. Elevate’s capabilities will help Sesame Bankhall Group’s vast network of IFAs to take advantage of the new RDR world and build greater embedded value in their firms.