IFAs spend a day a week chasing providers

clock

One in five IFA firms spends the equivalent of more than one full working day a week chasing the progress of life and pensions cases, research suggests.

In addition, in 70% of the cases it is the IFA, and not an administrator, that is carrying out this task. According to Sesame’s Provider Service Index, 18% of firms have to spend at least 10 hours every week checking cases. The research also reveals 28% or respondents say their company sets aside between five and 10 hours for this task. The overall average was 5.4 hours per adviser or administrator each week, a marginal improvement on the 5.9 hours identified in a similar study in 2005. Sesame’s Provider Service Index found that 30% of adviser firms employ at least one person wh...

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

News editor's view: Let's give it up for the small advice firms

News editor's view: Let's give it up for the small advice firms

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 22 May

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 May 2026 • 4 min read
Women more likely to seek professional financial advice – research

Women more likely to seek professional financial advice – research

Twenty percent of women likely to seek advice

Sophia Panayi
clock 22 May 2026 • 2 min read
The expectation gap: Why suitable advice can still fail the client

The expectation gap: Why suitable advice can still fail the client

'The industry is moving from suitability, to understanding and now to expectation management'

Elly Dowding and Lee Coates
clock 22 May 2026 • 4 min read