Network Consulting Services has published its Q1 2026 Mortgage Network League Table, highlighting continued movement across the UK intermediary market as adviser firms reassess network propositions against an evolving regulatory and commercial backdrop.
The latest figures show that while several of the largest mortgage and financial planning networks continue to maintain significant market share, adviser movement remains active across both established and growing propositions. However, the network model still appears to be the favoured route for most mortgage advice firms.
Best Practice IFA Group parent company, Schroders, agreed a sale to Nuveen, although it is uncertain as to what this spells out for the network at this stage. Julian Harris, appeared to leap up in AR numbers but this was explained by a name change of one brand from Julian Harris Mortgages to Julian Harris Adviser Network, with the simultaneous duel registration of firms within Julian Harris Financial Consultants. The true growth of new firms is reflected in the table below.
Networks including Stonebridge, HL Partnership and ValidPath recorded positive net growth during the quarter, Sesame also after years of appearing to flatline. While larger firms such as Primis, Mortgage Advice Bureau and Openwork have circulated press releases regarding their continued heavy investment in technology, operational infrastructure, and adviser support as competition across the intermediary sector intensifies.
The evolving regulatory landscape also continues to influence strategic decision-making across the intermediary sector. Ongoing FCA focus on Consumer Duty, fair value assessments and distribution oversight has increased attention on operational resilience, servicing standards and remuneration structures across both mortgage and wealth propositions.
Industry commentators also note growing discussion around pricing transparency and product value within protection and insurance distribution, including the treatment of loaded premiums and long-term customer outcomes as firms continue adapting to changing regulatory expectations.
The market has become increasingly sophisticated, with advisers focusing on a far wider range of factors when assessing network propositions.
Historically, advisers may have focused heavily on commercial terms or commission structures when considering a move. Increasingly, firms are placing equal importance on compliance culture, technology capability, operational support, particularly digital/social marketing, contractual exit terms and long-term business alignment.
Network Consulting Services said the research has been produced to provide objective and fact-based market insight for advisers, firms and networks operating within the UK intermediary market.
As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, many firms are taking the opportunity to review whether their current proposition remains the best fit for their long-term objectives!
