Advisers welcome FSA u-turn on 'independent' definition

clock

Financial advisers have largely welcomed the FSA's apparent u-turn on linking the term ‘independent' to an adviser's remuneration methods, research by Unbiased.co.uk suggests.

A survey of 250 advisers, commissioned to canvas opinion on proposals in the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), also suggests a quarter of IFAs believe the generic advice model will lead to a decline in the take-up of savings products. Overall, 75% of respondents believe the FSA’s original proposal - to link the ‘independent’ label with fee-based remuneration rather than whole of market advice - would harm consumer understanding of the term in the context of independent financial advice. Advisers also felt the generic advice model would have little effect on the uptake of savings product...

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

What's haunting financial advisers this Halloween?

What's haunting financial advisers this Halloween?

Six experts share their spooky thoughts

Professional Adviser
clock 31 October 2025 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: Walbrook Institute London hosts graduation for financial advice and banking students

Feel Good Friday: Walbrook Institute London hosts graduation for financial advice and banking students

Celebrating higher education students and advanced LIBF qualification holders

Professional Adviser
clock 31 October 2025 • 1 min read
Protection did not make the targeted support cut and rightly so

Protection did not make the targeted support cut and rightly so

Tony Mudd on saving for tomorrow and protecting today

Tony Müdd
clock 30 October 2025 • 3 min read