'Rigorous and time-consuming': Has the FCA made it harder for advisers to become DA?

Professional Adviser gathers views about the process

Isabel Baxter
clock • 8 min read

With regulatory scrutiny ever increasing, Isabel Baxter explores if it has become more difficult for advice firms to become directly authorised…

Generally, there have been arguments in the industry that there are a lot of advisers who want to become directly authorised (DA) but due to the difficulty of doing so, they opt for the appointed representative (AR) route. Professional Adviser speaks to advisers who have done both to gather views on each process and if the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has ramped up the pressure. David Kneale Financial Management IFA Alex Lane recently went through the process of becoming DA. "I'd say the process was more rigorous and time-consuming than I initially anticipated," he shares with...

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

Financial planning 'badly' needed PFS £1m talent pledge – what next?

Financial planning 'badly' needed PFS £1m talent pledge – what next?

Considerations include representation, showing not telling, and small business support

Jen Frost
clock 29 July 2025 • 6 min read
FNZ hit with $4.6bn class action from employee shareholders

FNZ hit with $4.6bn class action from employee shareholders

Claimants argue institutional investors received new shares and warrants on more favourable terms

Sahar Nazir
clock 28 July 2025 • 1 min read
FCA drops cases against two LIBOR scandal traders amid Supreme Court judgement

FCA drops cases against two LIBOR scandal traders amid Supreme Court judgement

Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo

Linus Uhlig
clock 28 July 2025 • 1 min read