FASA 2025
Back Office Support

Back Office Support

There is always a lot to consider for back office support, and 2025 was no exception to the priorities back office suppliers had to make.

As usual, FT Adviser reported on a lot of red tape in the industry, which has been both checking for safety and blocking advisers, causing them delays.

Advisers want to see automation of routine compliance tasks, along with improvement in fee flexibility

Research from Unbiased in October 2025 showed that advisers cited consumer duty as the most challenging area of regulation. Overall, advisers said regulation topped the list when interviewed on this topic.

Despite regulation and compliance debates battling on, advisers want to see automation of routine compliance tasks, along with improvement in fee flexibility as positive outcomes of these debates.

Compliance and Training Solutions, which topped the FASAs 2025 Back Office list, sees itself as a “compliance companion”, according to Martyn Holman, managing director at the firm.

Holman said: “2025 has been a challenging year from a back-office perspective. It is becoming more important for businesses to focus on management information and data to support the decision-making processes for business strategy.

"We are continuing to evolve our processes to enable better data and therefore consistent improvements in key decision-making.

He mentioned that regulation is an ongoing challenge that was having a “demonstrably positive impact” on the sector, adding that adviser age demographics put succession planning in the limelight for new advisers working in the industry.

“Technology is also evolving quickly, and it is key to stay at the forefront of innovation, especially around the emergence of AI.”

Debates surrounding artificial intelligence and its integration have been ongoing for some time now, with some providers erring on the side of caution due to fears AI could lead to suboptimal decisions for clients and businesses, according to a poll by FT Adviser.

Holman said: “One of the year’s biggest challenges has been navigating the rise of AI. While some clients express concern about its impact on roles like paraplanners and compliance officers, we see AI as a tool — not a threat.

"By adopting it thoughtfully, we aim to become more agile and responsive and help our firms navigate their way into using such systems in their processes.

True Potential came second in the back office category this year with a five-star win, and chief executive officer Gregg Lang explained that the organisation is very positive on the use of AI.

He said: “True Potential’s back-office software leverages advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency for financial advisers and their clients.

"Through full integration, the platform streamlines administrative and compliance processes, enabling advisers to dedicate more time to supporting clients in achieving their financial objectives.

“Through our own internal programme, artificial intelligence is embedded within the system to minimise manual workloads, offering real-time meeting transcription and robust fact-checking capabilities.

"We recognise that reliable technology is essential, but equally we are committed to providing comprehensive support for advisers.

"At the core of our approach is a strong focus on consumer duty — ensuring that every client receives the highest standard of care.”

Simplybiz, which came third this year in the Back Office Support category, with four stars, is also pro the technological advancements the industry is making.

Tom Hegarty, chief executive officer of Simplybiz, said: “Simplybiz is continuing to focus on delivering market-leading regulatory, business and technology services to our members.

"In 2026, we’ll be strengthening the support we provide as we explore further development of our in-house digital compliance platform, review exit strategies for advisers planning to retire, and help firms recruit new talent into their businesses.

“2025 has been a challenging year from a back-office perspective. It is becoming more important for businesses to focus on management information and data to support the decision-making processes for business strategy.

"We are continuing to evolve our processes to enable better data and therefore consistent improvements in key decision-making.”