As well as showcasing the platform comparison system, which is called Comparator, the briefings will also offer advisors broader technical and regulatory guidance on platform due diligence and the use of wrap and fund platforms in the run up to the regulator’s Retail Distribution Review. In particular, interactive sessions will focus on helping advisors to better understand how platforms can be aligned to client segmentation and comply with the Financial Services Authority’s CP10/2 Platform Thematic Review, the firms said.

As part of its RDR, a package of reforms aimed at improving standards of financial advice, the FSA has decreed that advisors will have to demonstrate that they have taken a “whole-of-market” approach to financial products and prove that they have considered a selection of the best-of-breed offerings for clients if they are to be considered truly independent in their advice. This is accelerating the growth in platform use among IFAs, and it can be anticipated that this trend will continue to gather pace up the end of 2012, when the RDR comes into force.

“The last decade has seen a major change in the IFA investment market and now with the wider investment choices introduced by platforms, along with the transparency of the RDR changes, improving both client servicing and due diligence has never been more important,” said William Watling, business development director of Capita Financial Software.

“We feel confident that these free sessions will ensure all attendees leave with a better understanding of how platform comparison technology can offer a very real and valuable service that will not only help to streamline the business process, but importantly significantly reduce time and cost burdens.”

The briefings, which are to be hosted by platform providers and IFA distributors, will take place throughout the UK regions on the following dates: Edinburgh (Standard Life) 22 June; Southampton (Skandia) 25 June; London (Seven IM) 6th July; Manchester (ThreeSixty) 13 July; Leeds (Tenet) 14 July; Bristol (AXA) 16 July; London (Cofunds) 20 July, and Birmingham (Fidelity Funds Network) 22 July.