Over 250,000 search for IFAs online in 2008

Around 30% of all requests were from consumers seeking advice on retirement planning, while investments and savings remain popular, accounting for 24% of all searches.

As the effects of the credit crunch have set in, 17% of consumers are looking for help with their mortgage, around 50,000 people so far this year.

Meanwhile, equity release requests have increased by more than 18% in the last six months, with almost 4,000 requests for qualified advisers.

“Our latest report demonstrates that when consumers are most worried about their finances, they put their faith in IFAs to guide them,” says David Elms, chief executive of Unbiased.co.uk.

“Consumer needs are constantly changing and whole-of-market IFAs are the best-positioned of all advice types to serve these needs. It is also reassuring that with increased interest in equity release products, consumers are seeking the gold standard of advice in order to decide on whether such products are appropriate to them.”

If you would like to comment on this story, contact:

John Bakie
Tel: 020 7484 9805
e-mail: [email protected]

IFAonline

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