Chartered IFA quits as industry still 'sales based'

Nicola Brittain
clock

A Chartered financial planner who has spent more than two decades advising clients has quit the industry as he believes many parts of it are still geared towards selling products.

WR Financial Management director Tony Slimmings said that, despite the Retail Distribution Review's (RDR) supposed drive to ensure the industry puts clients' interests first, he believes many advisers continue to operate charging structures that depend on a product sale. "I have been approached by two companies looking to buy [my] business. Both purported to be independent but talked about how they would help us to sell more products," he said. "The vast majority of new clients believe that, because I am an IFA, I am going to sell them a product. And, though we are paid via adviser ...

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 Regulation

FOS award limits increase for next financial year

FOS award limits increase for next financial year

One type of complaint sees a £10,000 rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 April 2026 • 1 min read
FOS increases fees for the first time in two years

FOS increases fees for the first time in two years

New fees effective from 1 April

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 April 2026 • 2 min read
FOS ten-year limit sparks adviser concerns over complaint exceptions

FOS ten-year limit sparks adviser concerns over complaint exceptions

Parliamentary scrutiny predicted

Sophia Panayi
clock 31 March 2026 • 4 min read