---
title: UK investment platforms media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Investment Platforms
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 9
articles_analysed: 558
mentions: 399
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/data.json
summary: AJ Bell had the highest average monthly share of coverage (38.3%) among 9
  platforms in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of
  Hargreaves Lansdown (24.3%) and Fidelity (10.5%).
---

# UK investment platforms media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> AJ Bell had the highest average monthly share of coverage (38.3%) among 9 platforms in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Hargreaves Lansdown (24.3%) and Fidelity (10.5%). Trading 212 had the most favourable net tone (+81). Omniscan analysed 558 articles containing 399 mentions of the platforms tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09

## UK Investment Platforms ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | AJ Bell | 38.3% | 153 | 23% | 76% | 1% | +23 |
| 2 | Hargreaves Lansdown | 24.3% | 97 | 21% | 76% | 3% | +18 |
| 3 | Fidelity | 10.5% | 42 | 43% | 57% | 0% | +43 |
| 4 | Trading 212 | 6.8% | 27 | 85% | 11% | 4% | +81 |
| 5 | interactive investor | 6.0% | 24 | 29% | 63% | 8% | +21 |
| 6 | Vanguard | 5.5% | 22 | 41% | 59% | 0% | +41 |
| 7 | Interactive Brokers | 4.3% | 17 | 47% | 53% | 0% | +47 |
| 8 | Charles Stanley | 2.5% | 10 | 10% | 90% | 0% | +10 |
| 9 | Bestinvest | 1.8% | 7 | 14% | 86% | 0% | +14 |

## Platforms in detail

### AJ Bell

**AJ Bell pairs pension policy push with platform expansion**

AJ Bell ranked 1st of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (38.3%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 153 mentions and a net tone of +23.

AJ Bell’s September agenda was led by its Budget submission urging stable pension tax rules, opposing pension inheritance-tax changes and proposed ISA reforms, and supporting stamp-duty relief for UK shares. It ranked first with 153 mentions, representing 38.3% of tracked-company mentions. Policy and regulation was the largest subject area with 81 mentions, ahead of product and proposition with 21, leadership and governance with 17, and investment views and research with 16. Product developments included adding Standard Life’s International Bond to AJ Bell Investcentre and marking the managed portfolio service’s tenth anniversary with an annual management charge reduction to 0.12% from October. Governance and investment-team activity included appointing Rob Burdett to chair the investment committee, adding Craig Gentle and Steve Langan as non-executive directors, and hiring Hilary Winn, Nellis Kromhout and Guilherme Pampolin. AJ Bell also set out portfolio positioning for rising government bond yields, while Proactive Investors reported Deutsche Bank’s retained buy rating and 700p target price.

Key messages:

- AJ Bell accounted for 38.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Policy & regulation and Product & proposition.
- 153 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- AJ Bell’s Budget submission on pension and ISA policy — IFA Magazine.

Leading themes:

- Policy & regulation: 52.9% of AJ Bell's coverage (theme index 2.77, net tone +6)
- Product & proposition: 13.7% of AJ Bell's coverage (theme index 0.4, net tone +52)
- Leadership & governance: 11.1% of AJ Bell's coverage (theme index 5.47, net tone +53)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, scottishfinancialnews.com: [AJ Bell announces board changes and new investment committee chair](https://www.scottishfinancialnews.com/articles/aj-bell-announces-board-changes-and-new-investment-committee-chair). AJ Bell has announced board succession changes, including two new non-executive directors and three departures. Rob Burdett will also become independent chair of AJ Bell Investments' investment committee.
- 2 September 2026, portfolio-adviser.com: [Rob Burdett takes over AJ Bell investment committee as Sutcliffe retires](https://portfolio-adviser.com/rob-burdett-takes-over-aj-bell-investment-committee-as-sutcliffe-retires/). AJ Bell has appointed Rob Burdett as independent chair of its investment committee, replacing the retiring Jim Sutcliffe. The committee oversees the firm's fund range and managed portfolio service.
- 2 September 2026, trustnet.com: [AJ Bell appoints Rob Burdett as independent investment committee chair](https://www.trustnet.com/news/13483872/aj-bell-appoints-rob-burdett-as-independent-investment-committee-chair). AJ Bell has appointed Rob Burdett as independent chair of its investment committee, replacing retiring chair Jim Sutcliffe. Burdett will oversee governance of AJ Bell's fund range and managed portfolio service.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 September 2026, birminghammail.co.uk: [Three HMRC rules set to contribute to 'triple blow' for savers](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/three-hmrc-rules-set-contribute-34568423). AJ Bell warned that a reduced Cash ISA allowance, frozen personal savings allowance and higher tax rates on savings interest could increase savers' tax bills. Its analysis considered the potential tax cost for people moving cash from ISAs into taxable savings accounts.

- [AJ Bell deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=ajbell&view=deep-dive)
- [AJ Bell PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/ajbell.pdf)

### Hargreaves Lansdown

**Crypto access leads Hargreaves Lansdown’s September coverage**

Hargreaves Lansdown ranked 2nd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (24.3%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 97 mentions and a net tone of +18.

Hargreaves Lansdown opened nine Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded notes to eligible clients through Advanced Investing, with appropriateness checks, risk warnings and a cooling-off period. It recorded 97 mentions and ranked second with a 24.3% share of tracked-company mentions. Product and proposition led the subject mix with 47 mentions, followed by policy and regulation with 23; pricing and fees, and industry and market, each accounted for seven. Reporting also examined the crypto products’ platform, dealing and product charges, including a calculated annual round-trip cost of 1.14% to 2.09% on £1,000 before spreads and market movements. Elsewhere, Secure Trust Bank joined the Active Savings marketplace and Jupiter UK Income was added to the Wealth Shortlist. Hargreaves Lansdown also launched an integrated campaign positioning Active Savings as an alternative to leaving cash with established banks.

Key messages:

- Hargreaves Lansdown accounted for 24.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product & proposition and Policy & regulation.
- 97 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Crypto ETN access for eligible clients — FinanceFeeds

Leading themes:

- Product & proposition: 48.5% of Hargreaves Lansdown's coverage (theme index 2.52, net tone +23)
- Policy & regulation: 23.7% of Hargreaves Lansdown's coverage (theme index 0.68, net tone +4)
- Pricing & fees: 7.2% of Hargreaves Lansdown's coverage (theme index 1.45, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 September 2026, trustnet.com: [Jupiter UK Income added to Hargreaves Lansdown's Wealth Shortlist](https://www.trustnet.com/news/13484233/jupiter-uk-income-added-to-hargreaves-lansdowns-wealth-shortlist). Hargreaves Lansdown added Jupiter UK Income to its Wealth Shortlist of recommended funds. HL cited the managers' track record, value-oriented process and differentiated UK-income exposure.
- 14 September 2026, lbbonline.com: [Hargreaves Lansdown and Rob Madin Call Out ‘Inactive Banks’](https://lbbonline.com/news/hargreaves-lansdown-don-t-tolerate-inactive-banks). Hargreaves Lansdown has launched a major integrated campaign promoting its Active Savings product as an alternative to customers leaving cash at established banks. The campaign spans TV, outdoor, print, social, creator and video-on-demand channels.
- 27 September 2026, thefintechtimes.com: [Secure Trust Bank Joins Hargreaves Lansdown Active Savings Platform](https://thefintechtimes.com/secure-trust-bank-joins-hargreaves-lansdown-active-savings-platform/). Secure Trust Bank will offer its Access Account through Hargreaves Lansdown's Active Savings platform, with further savings products planned. The agreement expands HL's cash-savings marketplace and gives Secure Trust Bank an additional deposit-funding channel.

Notable negative coverage:

- 4 September 2026, beincrypto.com: [Biggest UK Investment Platform Lists Bitcoin For 2 Million Users](https://beincrypto.com/hargreaves-lansdown-bitcoin-listing/). Hargreaves Lansdown has launched Bitcoin ETNs for eligible clients, but the article argues the launch came after ISA eligibility was removed and is restricted to wealthier or experienced investors. It highlights product, tax-wrapper and eligibility limitations.

- [Hargreaves Lansdown deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=hargreaveslansdown&view=deep-dive)
- [Hargreaves Lansdown PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/hargreaveslansdown.pdf)

### Fidelity

**Fund launches and research underpin Fidelity’s third-place position**

Fidelity ranked 3rd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (10.5%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 42 mentions and a net tone of +43.

Fidelity expanded its product range with a US large-cap growth ETF and a UK-domiciled Absolute Return Global Equity fund, while WealthBuilder MPS repositioning added further proposition detail. The platform recorded 42 mentions and a 10.5% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking third among the tracked companies. Investment views and research led the subject mix with 12 mentions, followed by product and proposition with ten, policy and regulation with seven, and service and technology with six. Research addressed AI adoption among advice firms, the UK’s support for longer working lives and the savings required for early retirement. Investment coverage also included WealthBuilder’s increased allocation to US large-cap value and Fidelity Special Situations managers’ contrarian UK holdings. Other material developments included a planned management handover at Fidelity European Trust and a SIPP transfer and contribution cashback promotion.

Key messages:

- Fidelity accounted for 10.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Investment views & research and Product & proposition.
- 42 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- US large-cap growth ETF launch — ETF Express

Leading themes:

- Investment views & research: 28.6% of Fidelity's coverage (theme index 2.68, net tone +8)
- Product & proposition: 23.8% of Fidelity's coverage (theme index 0.89, net tone +90)
- Policy & regulation: 16.7% of Fidelity's coverage (theme index 0.49, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, ifamagazine.com: [AI adoption accelerates across advice firms, research from Fidelity Adviser Solutions finds](https://ifamagazine.com/ai-adoption-accelerates-across-advice-firms/). Fidelity Adviser Solutions research finds rapid growth in AI adoption among financial-advice firms, particularly for meeting notes, report personalisation and suitability support. Advisers expect AI to increase client-facing capacity but cite trust, compliance and data-security concerns.
- 10 September 2026, trustnet.com: [How Fidelity's new MPS range is navigating bottom-dwelling European markets](https://www.trustnet.com/news/13484146/how-fidelitys-new-mps-range-is-navigating-bottom-dwelling-european-markets). Fidelity manager Caroline Shaw explains how the firm's newly launched WealthBuilder managed portfolio service is positioned and how its portfolios have been adjusted. The service has shifted European exposure into an iShares Euro Stoxx 50 tracker, reduced US mid-cap exposure and rebuilt gold holdings.
- 14 September 2026, fundselectorasia.com: [Fidelity fund manager Sam Morse to retire](https://fundselectorasia.com/fidelity-fund-manager-sam-morse-to-retire/). Fidelity European Trust co-manager Sam Morse will retire in October 2027, with Alexander Laing joining the management team ahead of a planned handover. The trust board and AJ Bell research said the extended transition and existing team supported confidence in continuity.

- [Fidelity deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=fidelity&view=deep-dive)
- [Fidelity PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/fidelity.pdf)

### Trading 212

**Cash ISA pricing anchors Trading 212’s September profile**

Trading 212 ranked 4th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (6.8%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 27 mentions and a net tone of +81.

The Independent reported that Trading 212 raised its flexible Cash ISA rate to 5.01%, while This is Money described the offer as market-leading amid competition from Plum. Independent and Yahoo Finance coverage also examined its SIPP proposition, including low fees, pension transfers, tax relief and management alongside ISA investments. Finance Magnates reported the appointment of former Revolut regulatory-affairs manager Ricardo Soares to lead Portuguese operations as the platform expanded locally under tighter EU regulation. An Unbiased review assessed Trading 212’s wider investing, ISA, SIPP and CFD range, praising commission-free dealing and automation while identifying limited research, no phone support and reported transfer-service issues. Trading 212 recorded 27 mentions and a 6.8% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking fourth, with product and proposition coverage accounting for 13 mentions and pricing and fees for seven, ahead of industry and market coverage on three and policy and regulation on two. Which? questioned Trading 212’s CFD appropriateness checks, while broader savings-platform and diversification articles cited its Cash ISA rates and ETF-based Pies without reporting developments at the company.

Key messages:

- Trading 212 accounted for 6.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product & proposition and Pricing & fees.
- 27 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Trading 212 raised its flexible Cash ISA rate to 5.01% — The Independent.

Leading themes:

- Product & proposition: 48.1% of Trading 212's coverage (theme index 1.95, net tone +85)
- Pricing & fees: 25.9% of Trading 212's coverage (theme index 6.43, net tone +100)
- Industry & market: 11.1% of Trading 212's coverage (theme index 2.18, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 25 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [Boost for savers as cash ISA rates hit key milestone and 15-month high](https://www.independent.co.uk/money/best-savings-rates-cash-isa-interest-b3056277.html). Trading 212 raised the rate on its flexible Cash ISA to 5.01%, alongside Plum's 5% offer, marking the first variable cash ISA rates of 5% or more in 15 months. Hargreaves Lansdown was cited among providers offering rates around 4.5%.
- 9 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [Best cash ISAs and savings accounts offering 5% on your money in September](https://www.independent.co.uk/money/best-cash-isas-savings-accounts-september-2026-b3047053.html). Trading 212 is listed among the highest-paying cash ISA providers, offering a 4.61% flexible cash ISA rate including an exclusive-reader bonus lasting 12 months. The article compares this offering with cash ISA products and savings accounts from other providers.
- 28 September 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [Cash Isa battle sees top rate pushed to 5.01%](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-16160197/top-easy-access-cash-isa-rates-soar.html). Trading 212 raised its easy-access Cash ISA rate to 5.01%, retaining a market-leading position amid competition from Plum. The article also compares Hargreaves Lansdown's Cash ISA transfer rate and account restrictions.

Notable negative coverage:

- 25 September 2026, which.co.uk: [Why was I allowed to trade high-risk investments?](https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/why-was-i-allowed-to-trade-high-risk-investments-alujd8J1QKfX). Which? tested CFD appropriateness checks at five trading apps and found it was granted CFD access by Trading 212 despite not passing its test. The article examines FCA rules, high customer losses and engagement practices that may encourage high-risk trading.

- [Trading 212 deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=trading212&view=deep-dive)
- [Trading 212 PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/trading212.pdf)

### interactive investor

**Retirement research anchors interactive investor’s September profile**

interactive investor ranked 5th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (6.0%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 24 mentions and a net tone of +21.

Independent reporting led with interactive investor calculations showing that a five-year career break followed by part-time work could reduce women’s retirement wealth by almost £244,000, or more than £422,000 for higher earners. Its Great British Retirement Survey separately found that 19% of people aged over 66 remained in work and highlighted uncertainty about whether savings would last. The Herald also reported record first-half net inflows and a 14% rise in customer numbers to 525,000. Overall, interactive investor ranked fifth with 24 mentions and a 6.0% share of tracked-company mentions. Product and proposition coverage and investment views and research were the leading subjects, with seven mentions each, while pricing and fees and customers and marketing recorded two apiece. Its flat-fee pricing appeared in four articles, and commercial affiliate coverage from This is Money compared its SIPP cashback offer of up to £3,000 with Fidelity and Aviva. MoneyWeek added independent editorial exposure through Richard Hunter’s guidance on when investors should sell shares.

Key messages:

- interactive investor accounted for 6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product & proposition and Investment views & research.
- 24 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Retirement-wealth calculations on the cost of motherhood — iNews

Leading themes:

- Product & proposition: 29.2% of interactive investor's coverage (theme index 1.12, net tone −29)
- Investment views & research: 29.2% of interactive investor's coverage (theme index 2.54, net tone 0)
- Financial & analyst: 12.5% of interactive investor's coverage (theme index 2.47, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 24 September 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [Bag up to £3,000 cashback when opening a pension: Is it worth it and what should you watch out for?](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/diyinvesting/article-16157069/bag-cashback-opening-sipp-pension-aviva-fidelity-interactive-investor.html). Interactive Investor, Fidelity and Aviva offer SIPP transfer or contribution cashback incentives, with Interactive Investor offering up to £3,000. The article compares their eligibility thresholds, account and dealing fees, and cautions investors to assess overall suitability rather than incentives alone.
- 9 September 2026, heraldscotland.com: [Scottish investment giant hires Scandinavian to lead recovery drive](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26536321.edinburgh-finance-jobs-focus-amid-aberdeen-group-shake-up/). Aberdeen appointed Torbjörn Magnusson as chair-designate as part of its management reshaping and recovery efforts. Its interactive investor platform reported record first-half net inflows and a 14% increase in customer numbers to 525,000.

- [interactive investor deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=interactiveinvestor&view=deep-dive)
- [interactive investor PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/interactiveinvestor.pdf)

### Vanguard

**ETF launches and adviser research define Vanguard’s September profile**

Vanguard ranked 6th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (5.5%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 22 mentions and a net tone of +41.

September commentary by The Twelfth Magpie, carried by Yahoo Finance UK, examined three Vanguard UCITS ETFs launched on 20 August, including a global all-cap fund priced at 0.07%. Portfolio Adviser also reported Vanguard’s survey finding that 57% of more than 200 UK advisers used AI beyond administrative tasks. The Express covered Vanguard analysis suggesting that reducing annual pension investment charges from 1% to 0.5% could add around £47,000 to a retirement pot over a working life. Vanguard recorded 22 mentions, representing 5.5% of tracked-company mentions and sixth place among the cohort. Product and proposition was the largest subject area with six mentions, followed by service and technology and policy and regulation with four each, and pricing and fees with three. Wider sector articles cited Vanguard in coverage of platform transfers, pension and ISA investing, Junior ISAs and the long-term effect of fees.

Key messages:

- Vanguard accounted for 5.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product & proposition and Service & technology.
- 22 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Commentary on Vanguard’s August ETF launches, including a 0.07% global all-cap fund — The Twelfth Magpie, via Yahoo Finance UK

Leading themes:

- Product & proposition: 27.3% of Vanguard's coverage (theme index 1.04, net tone +50)
- Investment views & research: 18.2% of Vanguard's coverage (theme index 1.49, net tone +50)
- Policy & regulation: 18.2% of Vanguard's coverage (theme index 0.55, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 26 September 2026, express.co.uk: [I'm an investment expert - one easy swap could boost your pension pot by £47,00](https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2251952/investment-expert-pensions-savings-vanguard). Vanguard analysis says reducing annual pension investment charges from 1% to 0.5% could increase a saver’s retirement pot by around £47,000 over a working life. The firm urges UK savers to review pension charges and assess whether consolidating old pots is appropriate.
- 1 September 2026, uk.finance.yahoo.com: [Vanguard’s new UK ETFs have fees as low as 0.07%. Should I buy them for my ISA and SIPP?](https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/vanguard-uk-etfs-fees-low-070500910.html). Vanguard launched three UK UCITS ETFs, including a global all-cap ETF priced at 0.07%, alongside global small-cap and ex-US options. The article assesses their potential use in ISA and SIPP portfolios.

- [Vanguard deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=vanguard&view=deep-dive)
- [Vanguard PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/vanguard.pdf)

### Interactive Brokers

**Client cash and equity defined Interactive Brokers’ September coverage**

Interactive Brokers ranked 7th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (4.3%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 17 mentions and a net tone of +47.

Finance Magnates reported that Interactive Brokers’ August client equity reached $962.8 billion, up 35% year on year, while accounts rose 35% to 5.46 million, alongside lower daily average revenue trades and a brief APAC access issue. Motley Fool analysis carried by Yahoo Finance and separate Crypto Briefing commentary examined the interest income generated by $182 billion of idle client cash and the potential implications of an Anthropic IPO. Interactive Brokers ranked seventh with 17 mentions, representing 4.3% of tracked-company mentions. Financial and analyst coverage led with eight mentions, followed by service and technology with four; product and proposition and policy and regulation each accounted for one. Finance Magnates cited the platform’s overnight access to around 10,000 US stocks and ETFs in reporting on CMC Invest’s fractional-share expansion, and noted that Tickmill UK used Interactive Brokers’ infrastructure. The outlet also reported that Interactive Brokers connects with several AI tools but requires customers to approve AI-drafted orders.

Key messages:

- Interactive Brokers accounted for 4.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Financial & analyst and Service & technology.
- 17 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Interactive Brokers Client Equity Nears $1 Trillion in August Despite DARTs Slip — Finance Magnates

Leading themes:

- Financial & analyst: 47.1% of Interactive Brokers's coverage (theme index 12.84, net tone +50)
- Service & technology: 23.5% of Interactive Brokers's coverage (theme index 6.91, net tone +75)
- Industry & market: 11.8% of Interactive Brokers's coverage (theme index 2.25, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 11 September 2026, fxnewsgroup.com: [Interactive Brokers adds ChartTrading buttons, Futures Trading Layout to IBKR Desktop platform](https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/platforms/interactive-brokers-adds-charttrading-buttons-futures-trading-layout-to-ibkr-desktop-platform/). Interactive Brokers has added ChartTrading buttons and a Futures Trading Layout to its IBKR Desktop platform. The update concerns trading-platform functionality.
- 14 September 2026, theglobeandmail.com: [Prediction: Interactive Brokers Ends 2026 With More Than 6 Million Customer Accounts](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/NVDA-Q/pressreleases/4600280/prediction-interactive-brokers-ends-2026-with-more-than-6-million-customer-accounts/). The article predicts Interactive Brokers will exceed 6 million customer accounts by the end of 2026, following 35% year-on-year account growth to 5.46 million in August. It cites rising commission and net-interest income, alongside strong profitability.
- 2 September 2026, fool.com: [Is Interactive Brokers Quietly Becoming an AI Stock?](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/09/02/is-interactive-brokers-becoming-an-ai-stock/). Interactive Brokers is developing integrations with AI tools including ChatGPT, Claude and Grok, aiming to make its global trading infrastructure easier for investors to use. The article notes that AI is not yet a material earnings driver but could support long-term growth.

- [Interactive Brokers deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=interactivebrokers&view=deep-dive)
- [Interactive Brokers PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/interactivebrokers.pdf)

### Charles Stanley

**Pension guidance and leadership changes shape Charles Stanley’s September coverage**

Charles Stanley ranked 8th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (2.5%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 10 mentions and a net tone of +10.

Coverage centred on Charles Stanley Direct experts outlining pension investment approaches for people aiming to retire within 15 years in MoneyWeek. Money Marketing also reported Anna Pollins’s appointment as Raymond James chief commercial officer, with responsibility for its platform business, financial planning, Charles Stanley Direct and marketing. Charles Stanley recorded 10 mentions and a 2.5% share of tracked-company mentions in September, ranking eighth. The subject mix comprised seven policy and regulation mentions, two investment views and research mentions, and one leadership and governance mention. Most policy articles concerned planned cash ISA reforms, with Rob Morgan explaining the proposed allowances for different age groups, but mentioned Charles Stanley within wider reporting rather than reporting a development at the company. The two articles reporting developments involving Charles Stanley focused on consumer investment expertise and Charles Stanley Direct’s place within Raymond James’s combined commercial remit, while wider policy coverage accounted for most of the measured volume.

Key messages:

- Charles Stanley accounted for 2.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Policy & regulation and Investment views & research.
- 10 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- MoneyWeek: Charles Stanley Direct experts recommended retaining growth exposure and identified active funds, investment trusts and passive global-equity options for pension savers.

Leading themes:

- Policy & regulation: 70.0% of Charles Stanley's coverage (theme index 2.25, net tone 0)
- Investment views & research: 20.0% of Charles Stanley's coverage (theme index 1.62, net tone +50)
- Leadership & governance: 10.0% of Charles Stanley's coverage (theme index 1.85, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 September 2026, moneyweek.com: [Planning to retire by 2041? How to grow and protect your pension pot](https://moneyweek.com/personal-finance/pensions/how-to-grow-protect-pension-pot-plan-retire-15-years). The article outlines pension-saving and investment approaches for people aiming to retire in around 15 years. Charles Stanley Direct experts recommend retaining growth exposure and identify selected active funds, investment trusts and passive global-equity options.

- [Charles Stanley deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=charlesstanley&view=deep-dive)
- [Charles Stanley PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/charlesstanley.pdf)

### Bestinvest

**Bestinvest backs JPMorgan trust amid ISA reform coverage**

Bestinvest ranked 9th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (1.8%) in the UK Investment Platforms benchmark for September 2026, with 7 mentions and a net tone of +14.

Trustnet reported that Bestinvest retained JPMorgan Global Growth & Income on its Best Funds list and saw no need for immediate investor action ahead of manager Helge Skibeli’s planned retirement. Bestinvest recorded seven mentions in September, representing 1.8% of tracked-company mentions and ninth place among the cohort. Its subject mix comprised three policy and regulation mentions, three investment views and research mentions, and one industry and market mention. Wider policy coverage addressed planned ISA reforms, including lower cash ISA allowances and the proposed replacement of Lifetime ISAs. Other investment reporting included Bestinvest commentary on VCT suitability and the asset allocations of major pension funds. The JPMorgan trust assessment was the only available article centred on Bestinvest, while the remaining visibility came from its inclusion in broader financial coverage.

Key messages:

- Bestinvest accounted for 1.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Policy & regulation and Investment views & research.
- 7 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Bestinvest retained JPMorgan Global Growth & Income on its Best Funds list — Trustnet.

Leading themes:

- Policy & regulation: 42.9% of Bestinvest's coverage (theme index 1.34, net tone 0)
- Investment views & research: 42.9% of Bestinvest's coverage (theme index 3.57, net tone +33)
- Industry & market: 14.3% of Bestinvest's coverage (theme index 2.67, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 September 2026, trustnet.com: [Should you buy, hold or fold JPMorgan Global Growth & Income trust?](https://www.trustnet.com/news/13484060/should-you-buy-hold-or-fold-jpmorgan-global-growth-income-trust). Fund selectors assessed whether investors should retain JPMorgan Global Growth & Income trust following manager Helge Skibeli's planned 2028 retirement. Bestinvest continues to include the trust on its Best Funds list and says an orderly handover means investors need take no immediate action.

- [Bestinvest deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09?entity=bestinvest&view=deep-dive)
- [Bestinvest PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09/reports/bestinvest.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Investment Platforms editions

- [UK investment platforms media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK investment platforms media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-h1.md)
- [UK investment platforms media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-07.md)
- [UK investment platforms media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK investment platforms media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-investment-platforms-2026-09