AJ Bell has reported net inflows of £2.7bn and 50,000 additional customers for the first quarter of 2026.
The record growth in customer numbers took the total to 723,000, a 22% rise in the last year and 7% in the quarter.
Within this, total advised customers climbed 7% over the year to 189,000, while direct customers reached 534,000, a 28% rise.
Assets under administration (AUA) hit £108.7bn at quarter end, up 20% over the last year and 1% in the quarter.
The strong inflows were counterbalanced by market movements, which reduced AUA by 2% in the quarter.
The firm’s investment business saw assets under management rise 3% to £9.8bn, representing a 31% increase over the last year. Net inflows in the quarter were £300m.
See also: Schroders, Barings and Premier Miton funds dropped from AJ Bell favourites list
Chief executive Michael Summersgill (pictured), said: “This performance reflects the early benefits of our previously announced increased investment in our brand and propositions.
“Our D2C platform delivered its strongest quarter to date, achieving record customer growth, over 50% higher than the same quarter last year, alongside record net inflows.
“Our advised platform delivered record‑equalling gross inflows, with strong growth partially offset by anticipated outflows associated with ongoing adviser consolidation.
“We have a proven track record of growing across different market conditions,” he continued. “Whilst recent market volatility impacted asset values at the end of the quarter, customer appetite to invest remained strong in the run‑up to the tax year-end.
“The UK platform market continues to offer significant structural growth opportunities, and our diversified revenue model and highly scalable business model position us well to continue to invest for long‑term, sustainable growth.”
