J.P. Morgan Cazenove is under no pressure as it remains the only Financial Adviser with more than 100 clients, while Cenkos in second place and Seymour Pierce with the bronze medal have been unable to make progress over the past three months.

Instead, Cenkos and Seymour are themselves coming under attack from Numis, which has gained ground in each of the past three quarters. The latest surge, bringing in five more clients, is the best so far in its current run.

Another strong contender for future honours is finnCap, which also scores a high five as it resumes its upward march, an achievement that brings a share of fifth place. Panmure Gordon does equally well to edge into the top half of the table after marking time for the past two quarters.

Gains and losses pretty well balance out overall in the top 20, with Grant Thornton and Singer on the credit side with three extra clients each. Canaccord has two additions and Daniel Stewart one. Northland Capital Partners returns to the list with a higher score after missing just one quarter.

When we use the alternative criteria for our rankings, UBS stays out in front on both counts.

Figures as at 4th November 2011 and information in brackets from 3rd August 2011.