IMA CEO sceptical on primary advice model

clock •

Dick Saunders, IMA CEO, says he is not convinced an "advice-lite" regime will necessarily solve problems highlighted in the recent Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

Although he welcomes some parts of the review such as improving standards and removing commission bias at the top end of the market, he has serious reservations on primary advice. He says: “I am more sceptical about primary advice as the concept of simple advice for simple products has never really had legs. The problem is what is a simple product? “I challenged someone at the FSA about it and they said a simple product could include something like an index tracking fund. However, such a product exposes investors to the same set of risks as an actively managed fund. It is possible to ...

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

Wealth M&A deals triple in six years as PE buyers dominate market

Wealth M&A deals triple in six years as PE buyers dominate market

PE buyers account for nearly three-quarters of deals

Isabel Baxter
clock 14 October 2026 • 2 min read
Dyer Baade & Company's Daniel Baade: £500m-£2bn AUA firms key battleground in wealth M&A's next phase

Dyer Baade & Company's Daniel Baade: £500m-£2bn AUA firms key battleground in wealth M&A's next phase

Fewer but better buyers

Daniel Baade
clock 13 October 2026 • 3 min read
Advice fintech on partnering with providers to target mass market

Advice fintech on partnering with providers to target mass market

Whistle looks at closing advice gap

Sophia Panayi
clock 13 October 2026 • 3 min read