TSC vs FSA: Sants apologises for IFA exit comment

Laura Miller
clock •

FSA chief executive Hector Sants has said he did not mean to cause offence when he said it was acceptable for 20% of IFAs to leave the industry due to the RDR, but maintains the exits will not harm consumers.

Sants told MPs he "always tries to be mild mannered" and did not mean to cause offence with the comment. He said: "It was never my intention to cause advisers offence in the language I used. I always try to be mild mannered." Sants had made the comments at an earlier TSC hearing on financial regulation. However the FSA chief executive stood by his assertion that up to 20% of IFAs leaving the industry would have "no adverse effect" on consumers. However, when quizzed by MPs on how many IFAs leaving the industry it would take to cause harm to consumers, he admitted the FSA did not...

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

Celtic FP founder launches online admin platform for advisers

Celtic FP founder launches online admin platform for advisers

‘Developed by people who understand the industry’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 November 2026 • 2 min read
Budget BADR changes could drive flurry of advice M&A but unlikely to hit valuations

Budget BADR changes could drive flurry of advice M&A but unlikely to hit valuations

Firms urged not to rush sales

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 November 2026 • 4 min read
Verve Foundation launches financial planning career pathfinder

Verve Foundation launches financial planning career pathfinder

Free tool is for all candidates exploring roles and vacancies

Sophia Panayi
clock 09 November 2026 • 1 min read