John Parker – a panel moderator viewpoint

Is consolidation killing customer choice, or could it improve the advice clients receive?

That was the question Origo's John Parker put to the panel when he moderated a debate at Money Marketing's MMI event #MMI2026 in October this year.

Joining him were Greg Moss, Louise Jeffreys, Tom Ham and Victoria Hicks, exploring two sides of an important issue for the advice profession.

The case for scale is clear: opportunities to improve efficiency, invest in technology and strengthen the service clients receive.

But there are important questions on the other side. Could fewer, larger firms mean less competition and less choice? And what happens to the personal relationships clients value when their local advice firm becomes part of a bigger business?

John's takeaway: consolidation shouldn't be judged simply by the commercial success of a deal. It should be judged by what happens to the customer.

That means looking beyond the acquisition itself to the practical details that follow:

• Will clients retain the support and relationships they value?
• What will change for their investments, charges and service?
• If they move to a different platform or system, how will that transition be managed?

A smooth transition isn't just an operational consideration. It's part of treating customers fairly. Clients need to understand what is changing, why it is changing and what it means for them, without unnecessary disruption.

Moving client assets in bulk is one part of consolidation. Understanding what that move means for each individual client is another, and it deserves time and careful consideration.

Origo Asset Migration helps streamline the bulk movement of client assets, giving advisers more time to focus on the questions technology alone cannot answer: is this move right for the client? What will change for them? And how can they be supported through it?

Because a smoother process should create space for more personal consideration, not replace it.

Explore how Origo Asset Migration can support your next bulk asset move, so your advisers can focus on what matters most: doing what's right for each client.

#FinancialAdvice #AssetMigration #CustomerOutcomes