Work 'on' your business, not 'in' it - Rory Percival

Former FCA technical specialist goes independent

Victoria McKeever
clock • 3 min read

Fresh from leaving the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on Friday and launching his own consultancy on Tuesday, Rory Percival shares his thoughts on innovation and raising industry standards.

Advisory firms need to do more to challenge their existing proposition, says the regulator's former technical specialist, who argues this is particularly the case for smaller firms that are serving local clients and are possibly more inclined to maintain the status quo. "There is a minority of firms - and I think it is a minority - that, while exceptionally good and trying to do the right thing, have not spent enough time working 'on' the business rather than 'in' it," he says. "This could stem from a possible reluctance to innovate or perhaps not knowing whether - or where - it's approp...

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 People

Tribunal upholds FCA ban on pension advice pair

Tribunal upholds FCA ban on pension advice pair

Slashes fines levied on Richard Fenech and Heather Dunne

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 August 2026 • 2 min read
People Moves: Shackleton expands pension on divorce team

People Moves: Shackleton expands pension on divorce team

Hires Simon Ricca

Professional Adviser
clock 03 August 2026 • 1 min read
Tributes paid to 'energetic and deeply inspiring' M&G veteran Jim Leaviss

Tributes paid to 'energetic and deeply inspiring' M&G veteran Jim Leaviss

Inspirational figure in fixed income

Cristian Angeloni
clock 29 July 2026 • 4 min read