Only 20% engage with advisers about stranded investors The investment platform sector is experiencing a significant increase in the number of customers that remain invested after no longer having a financial adviser – also known as ‘orphan clients’. Research by wealth management consultant Alpha FMC revealed that the number of orphans has grown by nearly a quarter (23%) last year and by a staggering 185% compared with 2017. The survey was based on a poll of six small and large UK adviser platform, with combined assets under administration (AuA) of over £260bn ($360bn, €302bn). The portion of assets held by orphan clients has increased as well throughout the years. In 2020, 1.7% of total AuA belonged to orphans; this compares to 0.27% in 2017.