Advisers back directories after 'cash cow' comments

VouchedFor and Unbiased retain strong user base

Victoria McKeever
clock • 3 min read

Advisers have backed directories as useful sources of business after they came under criticism for referring leads to multiple advisers in exchange for money.

Sense Network development manager Phillip Bray said some advisers had alleged directories such as Unbiased and VouchedFor were trying to increase their turnover by referring consumers to multiple advisers. The advisers, who pay for client referrals by the directories, felt they were being treated as "cash cows" with little prospects of securing quality business, he said. However, after conducting a mystery shopping exercise at both Unbiased and VouchedFor, Bray concluded in a recent blog post for Professional Adviser that there was no evidence either directory encouraged consumers to ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Baillie Gifford rolls out Sharia-compliant fund amid 'strong' demand

Baillie Gifford rolls out Sharia-compliant fund amid 'strong' demand

Follows engagement with Islamic finance scholars

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 June 2026 • 2 min read
Charging deceased clients accidentally 'more common' than advice profession would like

Charging deceased clients accidentally 'more common' than advice profession would like

‘The fee outlives the service because the records do not talk to each other’

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 June 2026 • 4 min read
Reform for modern times: A fairer future for families

Reform for modern times: A fairer future for families

'Could reshape the legal and financial consequences of relationship breakdown'

Julia Peake
clock 17 June 2026 • 4 min read