IFAs should be trained before advising on Reits

In its March newsletter for financial advisers the FSA warns: “As with other new offerings reaching the retail investment market, we expect advisers to have undertaken appropriate training before offering advice on Reits.” It says this is “in order to ensure the suitability of advice given to consumers”, and adds “if concerns emerge over the way in which Reits are being sold, the FSA will consider undertaking thematic work in this area”. In addition, the newsletter provides links to a set of guidelines for advisers, published by the FSA earlier this month, which clarifies the regulator...