FSA warns on suitability mismatch between DFMs and advisers

FSA technical specialist Rory Percival said advisers failing to check whether their classification of a client having, for example, a 'cautious' attitude to risk matches that of the DFM risks "systemic mis-selling". "As an industry, we are very bad at jargon", said Percival, who was speaking at the Defaqto DFM conference in London this week. "One party may be referring to fixed interest, and another to bonds, even though they are synonymous. The DFM and adviser both have suitability obligations to the client." Percival also cautioned advisers about being "aspirational" when segment...