Platforms provide consumers with a simple and cost-effective way to manage their wealth and thanks to the booming social and digital media revolution the market is expanding fast.

In fact, next year new rules will apply to D2C platforms making pricing clearer. Importantly, platforms will not be allowed to receive payments for their services from anyone other than consumers. So, hidden rebates from fund groups will be banned creating a level playing field.

Platforms will play an increasingly important role in the world of investing. But which provider offers consumers the best experience?

At this year’s Aberdeen UK Platform Awards, the best consumer prize will be judged by a combination of Your Money readers and financial experts.

To take part all you need to do is look at the four short-listed websites below and award marks out of 5 (1 = very poor, 5 = excellent) on:

Navigation – how easy is it to find your way around the site?
Information – how easy is it to find out what you want to know?
Range – how broad is the range of investments available?
Buying and selling – how easy is it to make a transaction?
Plain English – please rate the clarity of the language
Clarity of charging – how easy is it to find out the total cost of using the site?
Comparative cost – how does this site compare with alternatives on cost?
Help function – how readily available is help if you need it?

The short-listed firms are:

Alliance Trust
Charles Stanley Direct
Hargreaves Lansdown
Interactive Investor

Please send your responses to: joanna.faith@incisivemedia.com by Friday 6th September 2013

All entrants will be put into a draw to win three bottle of Bollinger Champagne.