Unbiased? What's behind the latest adviser concerns?

Advisers question transparency

Victoria McKeever
clock • 4 min read

Questions have been raised about the fairness of some of adviser directory Unbiased's latest features, including its 'response rating' tool. What's behind the unrest?

'Unbiased' - the clue is in the name. Yet advisers and a consultant have doubts the company is living up to its promises. One feature in particular is seen as a sting in its tail. As The Yardstick Agency founder Phil Bray - a former marketing director at adviser network Sense - found in his recent research, the directory's 'response rating' tool may be awarding higher scores to some firms irrespective of their actual responses to enquiries. For instance, accepted enquiries seemed to rate higher than declined ones. The response rating feature was launched in February as a consumer g...

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

Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Over half who acted on social media financial advice regretted it

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 3 min read
New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

'Employers will be expected to take all reasonable steps'

Emily Bradshaw
clock 19 August 2026 • 4 min read
FCA: Top ten wealth management firms hold nearly 90% of all UK clients

FCA: Top ten wealth management firms hold nearly 90% of all UK clients

FCA Wealth Management Survey

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 18 August 2026 • 3 min read