Advice buy-side models have 'clear conflict of interest'

SBG’s Cherrington on common pitfalls and a valuations ‘peak’

Isabel Baxter
clock • 5 min read

Advice buy-side models exist to support the acquirer, not the seller, which in turn creates a “clear” conflict of interest, Sesame Bankhall Group’s (SBG) Claire Cherrington tells Professional Adviser.

SBG's PMS and Bankhall distribution director Cherrington was appointed in March 2025 to lead its new exit pathway proposition for financial advisers which was launched later that year. The sell-side consultancy aims to help advisers maximise business value, address compliance gaps, and ensure cultural fit. "One of the things we've observed with some buy-side models is a clear conflict of interest," Cherrington says. "Buy-side models exist to support the acquirer, not the seller - and that can create tension when advice is presented as being in the seller's best interests." "That co...

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

Advice buy-side models have 'clear conflict of interest'

Advice buy-side models have 'clear conflict of interest'

SBG’s Cherrington on common pitfalls and a valuations ‘peak’

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 February 2026 • 5 min read
One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

Almost a fifth of people are newly considering getting financial advice to help them feel more confident amid a less predictable, more uncertain world, according to research.

clock 03 February 2026 • 3 min read
Firm owners 'facing pressure' to make technology decisions

Firm owners 'facing pressure' to make technology decisions

‘AI is framed as something that will change everything’

Sahar Nazir
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read