Questions remain over scrapping of 'doomed to fail' MAS

Underlying statutory framework made MAS ineffective

Carmen Reichman
clock • 5 min read

The government has admitted the Money Advice Service (MAS) was never given the chance to succeed as badly defined underlying objectives meant it was always trying to "deliver on too many fronts" and making it difficult to excel in any.

Statutory objectives handed to the MAS at its formation were too broad, pushing it to replicate services already available elsewhere and effectively wasting taxpayer's and industry's money, the government admitted in a call for input published on 17 March, in which it heralded the abolition of the service. But an adviser warned scrapping MAS, alongside its pensions equivalent The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) and the government's at-retirement guidance service Pension Wise, was a step too far and was "wrecking what was already there". The government's damning conclusion on MAS' per...

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

FCA warns on 'poor' advice consolidation practices

FCA warns on 'poor' advice consolidation practices

Including on debt and incentives

Sahar Nazir
clock 31 October 2025 • 3 min read
FCA urged to 'think again' on targeted support annuity rules

FCA urged to 'think again' on targeted support annuity rules

Regulator’s MoneyHelper signpost criticised as a ‘real limit’

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 September 2025 • 2 min read
FCA continues data reporting cuts

FCA continues data reporting cuts

Regulator removes more data returns

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 August 2025 • 1 min read