Standard Life has confirmed that it will retain Elevate, the investment platform it acquired from AXA Wealth, despite also operating its own platform.

Standard Life says that following consultation with advisers Elevate will continue as a distinct platform proposition alongside Standard Life Wrap.

The adviser consultation programme included a large number of direct conversations with advisers as well as over 500 responses to a comprehensive survey into the key priorities and requirements of Elevate advisers. Findings demonstrated a very high degree of consensus in what they are looking for from their chosen platform which include ease of use and automation, competitive pricing and whole of market fund range.

Some 86% of survey respondents selected usability enhancements and process automation as the top development priority; other priorities included the share class conversion, tax and client reporting and a reduction in paper outputs.

Standard Life said the survey confirmed that Elevate was “highly regarded” among its users with 75% of respondents rating it as the best, or above average, when compared with competitors, and 77% expect to place the same, or higher, levels of business in the next six months.

David Tiller, Standard Life’s head of adviser and wealth manager propositions, said: “There has been speculation around bringing the Elevate and (Standard Life) Wrap propositions together, but research with advisers has confirmed that the award winning Elevate platform should remain as a distinct proposition.

“This means both Elevate and Wrap can move forward with clear purpose and their own development agendas while, at the same time, benefiting from a shared infrastructure that enables the easy sharing of capabilities where this is appropriate. Advisers working with Standard Life will be able to select the most appropriate platform proposition based on their clients’ individual needs.”

Work is progressing to finalise development plans for both platforms with development roadmaps for both expected to be available in the New Year.