FSA probes firm over 'time is against us' commission letter

clock

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is understood to be examining the contents of a letter sent out by an IFA suggesting clients wanting to switch pension provider do so ahead of the upcoming commission ban, because it would be cheaper for them.

The letter, sent to members of a group scheme by Rowanbank Financial Consultants, stated commission paid by the new provider would cover its costs, whereas, from next year, fees must be paid by clients directly, possibly leading to "an immediate reduction of your pension fund". "Time is against us," the letter, seen by IFAonline, reads. "We only have until the end of this year to complete the transfer as the costs of doing so will rise considerably after December 2012". The advisory group had suggested the members may want to switch provider because a change in legislation meant their...

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 RDR

RDR ten years on: An advice industry changed for the better
RDR

RDR ten years on: An advice industry changed for the better

'The end of the advice industry as we know it'

Kevin Silvester
clock 08 February 2023 • 2 min read
RDR

Deja vu: Are we heading back to the future on commission?

Marty, fire up the DeLorean

Tim Sargisson
clock 13 January 2016 • 3 min read
RDR

Blog: How can we shrink the advice gap?

The advice gap has been a popular topic since the Retail Distribution Review, but hasn't this gap always existed?

clock 02 November 2015 •