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

HSBC to roll out targeted support later this year

HSBC to roll out targeted support later this year

Bank has applied for its pre-application support service

Sophia Panayi
clock 14 July 2026 • 2 min read
Support for clients with disabilities not 'broad enough' in financial advice

Support for clients with disabilities not 'broad enough' in financial advice

Evidence of ‘massive improvements’ but there’s still more to do

Sophia Panayi
clock 14 July 2026 • 6 min read
Foresters Financial receives targeted support permission

Foresters Financial receives targeted support permission

Proposition to launch in coming weeks

Sophia Panayi
clock 14 July 2026 • 1 min read